"Here’s a number that always meant something to me:
4,007.
Four-thousand seven is the maximum number of cars that
the Posey Tube can handle during morning peak
commute hours. At 4,007, cars barely move as they slowly
leave the island through the tube for somewhere else.
Four-thousand seven.
Right now, the tube is probably operating somewhere
between 65 percent and 75 percent capacity.
Now, think about that for a moment.
A tube that’s operating at 65 to 75 percent means that what
transit and traffic solutions we contemplate for Alameda
Point really need to be solutions for all of Alameda.
That’s why I like the Eco-Pass – that’s something that
everyone should be able to choose buy into, not just future
Alameda Point residents.
That’s why I encourage you to still seriously consider a
quiet light rail that connects Alameda Point with the
Fruitvale BART. People in the mid-island could use this as
well – maybe even bring back the old street-car oriented
neighborhoods we used to have.
There’s no doubt that the Alameda Point, in and of itself,
will generate traffic impacts. But when it comes to traffic,
we’ve got to be honest with ourselves – we’ve got to admit
that morning impacts stemming from the future Alameda
Point are on top of what congestion is already there – that
65 to 75 percent congestion through the tube that I earlier
mentioned.
4,007.
Four-thousand seven is the maximum number of cars that
the Posey Tube can handle during morning peak
commute hours. At 4,007, cars barely move as they slowly
leave the island through the tube for somewhere else.
Four-thousand seven.
Right now, the tube is probably operating somewhere
between 65 percent and 75 percent capacity.
Now, think about that for a moment.
A tube that’s operating at 65 to 75 percent means that what
transit and traffic solutions we contemplate for Alameda
Point really need to be solutions for all of Alameda.
That’s why I like the Eco-Pass – that’s something that
everyone should be able to choose buy into, not just future
Alameda Point residents.
That’s why I encourage you to still seriously consider a
quiet light rail that connects Alameda Point with the
Fruitvale BART. People in the mid-island could use this as
well – maybe even bring back the old street-car oriented
neighborhoods we used to have.
There’s no doubt that the Alameda Point, in and of itself,
will generate traffic impacts. But when it comes to traffic,
we’ve got to be honest with ourselves – we’ve got to admit
that morning impacts stemming from the future Alameda
Point are on top of what congestion is already there – that
65 to 75 percent congestion through the tube that I earlier
mentioned.
So, what do we do? Do we do nothing and still suffer
through the 65 to 75 percent – sometimes 80 percent –
congestion?
Or do we plan Alameda Point in a way that includes
residents living in historic Alameda and residents who will
live at the Point?
We have a unique opportunity to leverage the development
out at Alameda Point to change for the better the way we
plan our city – so that everyone does their bit in the effort
against global warming.
Let me end by saying the work that you – our Mayor and
City Council and staff – the work that all of you do is highly
appreciated by many, including myself.
You are doing great work, and tonight is a critical juncture
in that effort – a critical juncture in the history of our city.
So, continue to ask the tough questions that you do. I
know you will make the best decision in moving all of us
forward.
Whether it's 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 homes at Alameda
Point in the future, tonight is a critical first step in moving
and planning all of Alameda. Thank you."
through the 65 to 75 percent – sometimes 80 percent –
congestion?
Or do we plan Alameda Point in a way that includes
residents living in historic Alameda and residents who will
live at the Point?
We have a unique opportunity to leverage the development
out at Alameda Point to change for the better the way we
plan our city – so that everyone does their bit in the effort
against global warming.
Let me end by saying the work that you – our Mayor and
City Council and staff – the work that all of you do is highly
appreciated by many, including myself.
You are doing great work, and tonight is a critical juncture
in that effort – a critical juncture in the history of our city.
So, continue to ask the tough questions that you do. I
know you will make the best decision in moving all of us
forward.
Whether it's 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 homes at Alameda
Point in the future, tonight is a critical first step in moving
and planning all of Alameda. Thank you."
Planning Alameda Point: January 2009 Speech
February 4, 2010
Below is a speech I delivered on January 7,
2009 to the Alameda City Council/ARRA, on
the night that SunCal officially presented its
Redevelopment Master Plan for Alameda
Point.
Sorry about the video . . . it's a bit grainy and
it sounds like I'm speaking out of a 1920s era
Victrola talking machine. You might want to
adjust the volume upward : ) Hopefully I'll
find a better copy.
/s/ Tony Daysog
February 4, 2010
Below is a speech I delivered on January 7,
2009 to the Alameda City Council/ARRA, on
the night that SunCal officially presented its
Redevelopment Master Plan for Alameda
Point.
Sorry about the video . . . it's a bit grainy and
it sounds like I'm speaking out of a 1920s era
Victrola talking machine. You might want to
adjust the volume upward : ) Hopefully I'll
find a better copy.
/s/ Tony Daysog
S.O.S.: Save Our Neighborhood Schools (Part I)
March 3, 2010
I was fortunate to have gone through our public school system here in Alameda -- from second grade
in 1974 to graduating from EHS in 1984. I know I owe so much to my teachers and counselors from
Encinal, Chipman, and Paden.
Our public school system needs our help. I wrote about how cash-strapped the AUSD was back in
2008, when I was supporting Measure H. That's still the case -- we must get behind the upcoming
parcel measure for our schools.
/s/ Tony Daysog
March 3, 2010
I was fortunate to have gone through our public school system here in Alameda -- from second grade
in 1974 to graduating from EHS in 1984. I know I owe so much to my teachers and counselors from
Encinal, Chipman, and Paden.
Our public school system needs our help. I wrote about how cash-strapped the AUSD was back in
2008, when I was supporting Measure H. That's still the case -- we must get behind the upcoming
parcel measure for our schools.
/s/ Tony Daysog
S.O.S.: Save Our Schools (Part II)
March 20, 2010
The local blog called Action Alameda recently
asked mayoral candidates whether we
support the upcoming parcel measure for
our schools. Here's the response I sent to
Action Alameda:
"Yes, I endorse the upcoming parcel tax
measure wholeheartedly. Our schools need
the funding because of the dramatic cuts
made by Sacramento legislators.
"The fact of the matter is that when
prospective residents and/or businesses
look for places to locate, the first question
on their mind is, 'How good are the schools?'
So, we need the best possible school
district if we hope to be the progressive,
world-class city we are striving to be."
/s/ Tony Daysog
March 20, 2010
The local blog called Action Alameda recently
asked mayoral candidates whether we
support the upcoming parcel measure for
our schools. Here's the response I sent to
Action Alameda:
"Yes, I endorse the upcoming parcel tax
measure wholeheartedly. Our schools need
the funding because of the dramatic cuts
made by Sacramento legislators.
"The fact of the matter is that when
prospective residents and/or businesses
look for places to locate, the first question
on their mind is, 'How good are the schools?'
So, we need the best possible school
district if we hope to be the progressive,
world-class city we are striving to be."
/s/ Tony Daysog
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| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
Mayoral candidate, Tony Daysog, speaks in favor of upcoming June 2010
parcel tax for Alameda's public schools, which the Alameda School
Board discussed on the night of February 23, 2010.
Prior to Mr. Daysog, a number of speakers spoke against District efforts to
educate students about Alameda's diversity, particularly about families
headed by gay / lesbian/ bisexual/ transgender parents. Daysog
encouraged the District to continue broadening horizons of students.
parcel tax for Alameda's public schools, which the Alameda School
Board discussed on the night of February 23, 2010.
Prior to Mr. Daysog, a number of speakers spoke against District efforts to
educate students about Alameda's diversity, particularly about families
headed by gay / lesbian/ bisexual/ transgender parents. Daysog
encouraged the District to continue broadening horizons of students.
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet me in the Park!" (Part 1)
April 6, 2010
I held my first "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Franklin Park. I met a good number of
residents living around the park who happened to be going for a morning walk.
After introducing myself, almost all stopped and chatted. Judging from what I heard, a good number
are concerned about our local schools and want to see the upcoming measure pass. Alameda Point
was on the minds of others. One expressed concern about our city's fiscal position. My first "Meet
me in the Park" was quite informative.
I'll have another "Meet me in the Park" session at Krusi this Saturday, April 10, from 9:30 am to 11:30.
Again, coffee will be served. I'll be by the tennis courts. See ya!
April 6, 2010
I held my first "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Franklin Park. I met a good number of
residents living around the park who happened to be going for a morning walk.
After introducing myself, almost all stopped and chatted. Judging from what I heard, a good number
are concerned about our local schools and want to see the upcoming measure pass. Alameda Point
was on the minds of others. One expressed concern about our city's fiscal position. My first "Meet
me in the Park" was quite informative.
I'll have another "Meet me in the Park" session at Krusi this Saturday, April 10, from 9:30 am to 11:30.
Again, coffee will be served. I'll be by the tennis courts. See ya!
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet me in the Park!" (Part 2)
April 13, 2010
I held my second "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Krusi Park. Aagin, I met a good
number of residents who took time out of their busy Saturday morning schedules to chat.
One was very concerned about possible changes to how Alameda County staffs our bridges. This is
a local issue, not just a County issue, I said. We are an island -- an unavoidable fact of geography,
so we need our bridges to be staffed by the County. Others expressed concerns for our local
schools, to make sure City Hall works together with the District. I let them know I support the
upcoming parcel measure, and offered my opinion as to how City Hall can really help our schools.
I'll have another "Meet me in the Park" session at Washington Park this Saturday, April 17, from 9:30
am to 11:30. Again, coffee will be served! See ya!
April 13, 2010
I held my second "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Krusi Park. Aagin, I met a good
number of residents who took time out of their busy Saturday morning schedules to chat.
One was very concerned about possible changes to how Alameda County staffs our bridges. This is
a local issue, not just a County issue, I said. We are an island -- an unavoidable fact of geography,
so we need our bridges to be staffed by the County. Others expressed concerns for our local
schools, to make sure City Hall works together with the District. I let them know I support the
upcoming parcel measure, and offered my opinion as to how City Hall can really help our schools.
I'll have another "Meet me in the Park" session at Washington Park this Saturday, April 17, from 9:30
am to 11:30. Again, coffee will be served! See ya!
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet me in the Park!" (Part 3)
April 21, 2010
I held my third "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Washington Park. Earth Day
celebration was going on as well -- so it was great time to wave hello to many as they strolled to the
event, and to chat with a good number as well who happened to stop by. I'll have another "Meet me
in the Park" session at Lincoln Park this Saturday, April 24, from 9:30 am to 11:30. Again, coffee will
be served! I'll be at the High Street entrance to the park. Hope to see ya!
April 21, 2010
I held my third "Meet me in the Park" meeting last Saturday at Washington Park. Earth Day
celebration was going on as well -- so it was great time to wave hello to many as they strolled to the
event, and to chat with a good number as well who happened to stop by. I'll have another "Meet me
in the Park" session at Lincoln Park this Saturday, April 24, from 9:30 am to 11:30. Again, coffee will
be served! I'll be at the High Street entrance to the park. Hope to see ya!
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
West End redevelopment areas pivotal to Park Street revitalization
April 22, 2010
Not many know of the West End's pivotal role in revitalizing Park Street -- particularly the movie
house restoration and new garage. Formerly known as "East Housing," Bayport can take special
pride in the fact that its ordinary property taxes (captured by the RDA) are crucial to servicing debt
issued for downtown's catalyst projects. Now that revitalization there is on its way, it's time to
refocus on Webster Street -- a point that I made in a recent speech and a letter to the editor in the
Alameda Sun. So, slow down the major new redevelopment project City Hall is considering for the
downtown, and instead carefully plan and implement something "big" on Webster Street.
April 22, 2010
Not many know of the West End's pivotal role in revitalizing Park Street -- particularly the movie
house restoration and new garage. Formerly known as "East Housing," Bayport can take special
pride in the fact that its ordinary property taxes (captured by the RDA) are crucial to servicing debt
issued for downtown's catalyst projects. Now that revitalization there is on its way, it's time to
refocus on Webster Street -- a point that I made in a recent speech and a letter to the editor in the
Alameda Sun. So, slow down the major new redevelopment project City Hall is considering for the
downtown, and instead carefully plan and implement something "big" on Webster Street.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet me in the Park!" (Parts 4 and 5)
May 4, 2010
Had two "Meet me in the Parks", one at Lincoln Park on April 24 and the most recent at the Farmers'
Market on May 1. Attendees really probed me as to traffic stemming from development at Alameda
Point -- rightfully so, I might add. I discussed several plans that I will put forward to deal with traffic.
We talked about alternatives -- do nothing new at Alameda Point (no), plan Alameda Point (yes), or
develop the Point willy-nilly helter-skelter (no). Questions were raised on a number of ocassions if
the City should even be dealing with the developer, SunCal, to which I responded that what matters
the most is identifying what We, the People of Alameda, want at Alameda Point and finding a partner
who can help us get there in a deal that's fair to all. If we can strike such a deal with SunCal, great.
If not, move forward. Alameda Point is about us and our vision.
On a side note, I want to add that I especially enjoyed the Farmers' Market "Meet me in the Park"
because my home is right there. I'd get a good-natured chuckle every time I mentioned that, "Yes,
that's my house, right there, with the very friendly Islamic mosque as an immediate neighbor on one
side, Webster Street two buildings down (and Wes Cafe around the corner), and a Farmers' Market
in front of me on Tuesdays and Saturdays." Maybe its because my professional background and
personal inclination is in urban planning, but, to me, there's a certain liveliness about all of this that I
enjoy very much. And I have bus stops around the corner, the use of which is greatly enhanced by
tools like NextBus. Perhaps this is what Jane Jacobs meant in referring to the importance of
diversity in our urban and built environments with respect to a fully functioning street- and city- life.
So, the long and short of it is, Webster Street needs to get better -- but there are things in place
already that we can build off of as we improve this local-serving retail area.
May 4, 2010
Had two "Meet me in the Parks", one at Lincoln Park on April 24 and the most recent at the Farmers'
Market on May 1. Attendees really probed me as to traffic stemming from development at Alameda
Point -- rightfully so, I might add. I discussed several plans that I will put forward to deal with traffic.
We talked about alternatives -- do nothing new at Alameda Point (no), plan Alameda Point (yes), or
develop the Point willy-nilly helter-skelter (no). Questions were raised on a number of ocassions if
the City should even be dealing with the developer, SunCal, to which I responded that what matters
the most is identifying what We, the People of Alameda, want at Alameda Point and finding a partner
who can help us get there in a deal that's fair to all. If we can strike such a deal with SunCal, great.
If not, move forward. Alameda Point is about us and our vision.
On a side note, I want to add that I especially enjoyed the Farmers' Market "Meet me in the Park"
because my home is right there. I'd get a good-natured chuckle every time I mentioned that, "Yes,
that's my house, right there, with the very friendly Islamic mosque as an immediate neighbor on one
side, Webster Street two buildings down (and Wes Cafe around the corner), and a Farmers' Market
in front of me on Tuesdays and Saturdays." Maybe its because my professional background and
personal inclination is in urban planning, but, to me, there's a certain liveliness about all of this that I
enjoy very much. And I have bus stops around the corner, the use of which is greatly enhanced by
tools like NextBus. Perhaps this is what Jane Jacobs meant in referring to the importance of
diversity in our urban and built environments with respect to a fully functioning street- and city- life.
So, the long and short of it is, Webster Street needs to get better -- but there are things in place
already that we can build off of as we improve this local-serving retail area.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
Coda: unfunded liabilities
May 7, 2010
I also need to mention that in more than one instance residents during several "Meet me in the
Park" meetings have pushed me about "unfunded liabilities" with respect to long-term pension and
post employment medical costs. Like all municipalities, each year we need to set-aside a certain
amount of funds for future retirees. If we do not set-aside enough in a given year, there exists an
"unfunded liability", because, one way or another, retirees are owed what was promised them per
the terms of agreement between the City and labor bargaining groups. The kicker is that each year
we, the City of Alameda, continue to set aside an amount that is less than what's actually needed,
this "unfunded liability" grows even more, if not exponentially, in the near- and long-term.
I was a member of the Alameda's Fiscal Sustainability Committee in 2008-2009, and the lesson I
learned from serving on that is we need to bite the bullet. Now. Make tough decisions now
because delay will only increase our fiscal problems over time. So, as Mayor, I will make sure to "put
everything on the table", as it were. We need to be fair to our city employees -- but we need to be
fair to residents and Alameda tax payers. Thanks, Tom C., for reminding me of this.
May 7, 2010
I also need to mention that in more than one instance residents during several "Meet me in the
Park" meetings have pushed me about "unfunded liabilities" with respect to long-term pension and
post employment medical costs. Like all municipalities, each year we need to set-aside a certain
amount of funds for future retirees. If we do not set-aside enough in a given year, there exists an
"unfunded liability", because, one way or another, retirees are owed what was promised them per
the terms of agreement between the City and labor bargaining groups. The kicker is that each year
we, the City of Alameda, continue to set aside an amount that is less than what's actually needed,
this "unfunded liability" grows even more, if not exponentially, in the near- and long-term.
I was a member of the Alameda's Fiscal Sustainability Committee in 2008-2009, and the lesson I
learned from serving on that is we need to bite the bullet. Now. Make tough decisions now
because delay will only increase our fiscal problems over time. So, as Mayor, I will make sure to "put
everything on the table", as it were. We need to be fair to our city employees -- but we need to be
fair to residents and Alameda tax payers. Thanks, Tom C., for reminding me of this.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet Me in the Park" (Parts 6 and 7)
May 17, 2010
Had two more "Meet me in the Park" sessions, at Longfellow Park on May 8 and Godfrey on May 15.
What these meetings show is that people are excited about Alameda Point, even if they are cautious
about issues such as traffic. As an example, at Longfellow, an attendee suggested a world-class
conference center for the Point. At the same time she was adamant about keeping housing to a
minimum. But the point I made to her and subsequently at a recent Planning Board meeting was that
some amount of housing above what I as a Councilmember voted for in 2004 will be needed, as
housing generates most revenues that pay for hard-costs associated with building public and
recreational amenities. It's a fine balance that we must tackle through good city- and neighborhood-
planning, as we move forward with Alameda Point. Here's my Planning Board speech.
May 17, 2010
Had two more "Meet me in the Park" sessions, at Longfellow Park on May 8 and Godfrey on May 15.
What these meetings show is that people are excited about Alameda Point, even if they are cautious
about issues such as traffic. As an example, at Longfellow, an attendee suggested a world-class
conference center for the Point. At the same time she was adamant about keeping housing to a
minimum. But the point I made to her and subsequently at a recent Planning Board meeting was that
some amount of housing above what I as a Councilmember voted for in 2004 will be needed, as
housing generates most revenues that pay for hard-costs associated with building public and
recreational amenities. It's a fine balance that we must tackle through good city- and neighborhood-
planning, as we move forward with Alameda Point. Here's my Planning Board speech.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet Me in the Park" (Part 8) and More
June 1, 2010
My eighth "Meet me in the Park" session was at Bayport Park. I've never been there before -- and to
be at the corner of Robert Louis Stevenson Avenue and Moseley Avenue, and to look all around:
Wow, what a site to behold: the nice park in the center of the development, the school close by, and,
all around, the wonderfully-designed homes of varying architecture and styles. Honestly, I was
really taken aback and was quite proud: because "Bayport is my baby!" I worked really, really hard
on this starting before there was ever any discussion of Bayport -- as early as 1994. I told the
people I met the history of Bayport -- why it was so important for me to champion new housing at the
site now called Bayport when I was only 28 years old back in 1994.
June 1, 2010
My eighth "Meet me in the Park" session was at Bayport Park. I've never been there before -- and to
be at the corner of Robert Louis Stevenson Avenue and Moseley Avenue, and to look all around:
Wow, what a site to behold: the nice park in the center of the development, the school close by, and,
all around, the wonderfully-designed homes of varying architecture and styles. Honestly, I was
really taken aback and was quite proud: because "Bayport is my baby!" I worked really, really hard
on this starting before there was ever any discussion of Bayport -- as early as 1994. I told the
people I met the history of Bayport -- why it was so important for me to champion new housing at the
site now called Bayport when I was only 28 years old back in 1994.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
"Meet Me in the Park" (Parts 9, 10 and 11)
June 28, 2010
Well, I just had my eleventh (!) "Meet me in the Park" this past weekend in Franklin, and it was pretty
well attended. Prior to that, I had meetups nine and ten at Rittler and Krusi Parks on June 5th and
19th respectively. There's no way around it, but I got to say that what's on everyone's mind these
days is Alameda Point. I get a great exchange out of my discussions -- many good ideas.
June 28, 2010
Well, I just had my eleventh (!) "Meet me in the Park" this past weekend in Franklin, and it was pretty
well attended. Prior to that, I had meetups nine and ten at Rittler and Krusi Parks on June 5th and
19th respectively. There's no way around it, but I got to say that what's on everyone's mind these
days is Alameda Point. I get a great exchange out of my discussions -- many good ideas.
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
July 4th and "Meet Me in the Park" (Parts 12 and 13)
July 12, 2010
Well, what can you say: the July 4th Parade was great. And I mean that. Yes, there was the matter of
whether I or other candidates could per a directive issued by the City Attorney actually say "Tony
Daysog for Mayor of Alameda." But hey, like I said to the Alameda Sun, we figured out a way to get
that message across without having a banner actually saying so. A little small-scale civil
disobedience here and there befits July 4th, don't you think. Besides, as KFOG's Scoop Nisker used
to say, "If you don't like something, go out and change it." Exactly! Thanks to so many for making
this possible, including Ruben and Nichole, Curtis, Katherine and Samantha, Regina and Frank, Tim,
and Peter, Deanna and John. Also Carrie -- can't forget special thanks to Carrie. And Regina and
Frank's dog "Bruiser"! In the mean-time, my weekend "Meet me in the parks" are proceeding, with
decent meet and greet turn-outs at the last two in Lincoln Park and Crown Memorial Beach. Next
one is slated for Doc Harrington Park. Hope to see you!
July 12, 2010
Well, what can you say: the July 4th Parade was great. And I mean that. Yes, there was the matter of
whether I or other candidates could per a directive issued by the City Attorney actually say "Tony
Daysog for Mayor of Alameda." But hey, like I said to the Alameda Sun, we figured out a way to get
that message across without having a banner actually saying so. A little small-scale civil
disobedience here and there befits July 4th, don't you think. Besides, as KFOG's Scoop Nisker used
to say, "If you don't like something, go out and change it." Exactly! Thanks to so many for making
this possible, including Ruben and Nichole, Curtis, Katherine and Samantha, Regina and Frank, Tim,
and Peter, Deanna and John. Also Carrie -- can't forget special thanks to Carrie. And Regina and
Frank's dog "Bruiser"! In the mean-time, my weekend "Meet me in the parks" are proceeding, with
decent meet and greet turn-outs at the last two in Lincoln Park and Crown Memorial Beach. Next
one is slated for Doc Harrington Park. Hope to see you!
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ |