July 2015 issue
Readers have a lot to say about our opinionated political coverage and the Harbor Bay Club.
Alameda Magazine’s original owners, Robert and Tracy McKean, established the magazine with the premise of promoting the city of Alameda through the publication of articles. This seems to have all changed with the new Oakland-based ownership of Telegraph Media in late 2013. The new ownership appears to be supporting a certain political agenda by publishing articles that are skewed with backing certain special interest groups (unions and developers) who attempt to exert influence over the Alameda City Council and public. These articles are nothing more than opinion pieces.
Case in point, the May 2015 and July 2015 pieces written by Steven Tavares titled “Deer in the Headlights?” and “The Synergy of The Kevins.” Both of these articles are direct examples of attempts to bash duly elected officials of the city of Alameda. In each piece, Mr. Tavares quotes Jeff Del Bono, president of the Alameda firefighters union, as some sort of authority when it comes to city business and protocol. Mr. Tavares also quotes Lauren Do, a blogger, as some sort of expert on city government as well.
In the May issue “Deer in the Headlights?” story, Mr. Tavares states that it appears that Mr. Peterson approached the city council’s dais in an apparent effort to reopen public comment. In fact, I approached the city clerk with a point-of-order question and was instructed to pass a note to the mayor. I chose not to take that step due to the lack of openness this would present in the meeting. The disturbing issue with all of this is that Mr. Tavares never made any attempt to ask my account of what took place.
Mr. Tavares also wrote a June article titled “Dueling Constituencies” where he praises City Councilman Jim Oddie for his ability to separate his job as district director for State Assemblyman Rob Bonta from his duties as councilman. Need I remind your readers that Mr. Bonta and Mr. Oddie have taken considerable contribution monies and gifts from union sources. Maybe this is why there isn’t a conflict? They are both in the same camp.
Kurt Peterson, Alameda
We Like the Club’s Plans
I’m a longtime Bay Farm resident, and I’ve also worked in the health club environment for nearly 30 years and as a chiropractor specializing in sports-related injuries. As a longtime member of the Harbor Bay Club [“To Build or Not to Build,” June], I’ve been frustrated that the needs of the club and its members have been diminished in all of the noise made about the building of 80 new homes. Anyone who thinks that the club hasn’t needed a major makeover for many years, and one that requires it to move, is not aware of the facts.
My family and I are thrilled with the amenities planned for the new club. As a longtime soccer coach, I am excited, as are my girls, about the planned all-purpose play area, and my wife and I are excited about having all new equipment and more space to use it. This club will be a huge addition to the many wonderful things Alameda has to offer its residents.
Steven Adams, D.C., Alameda
People are wonderfully different. The bold, creative ones press forward with visions of greatness. The cautious, detail-oriented ones pull back and warn of potential danger. Either one to the extreme can be detrimental. It’s the balance that keeps progress alive.
That is what is happening with the planning for the new Harbor Bay Club in Alameda. The fears and concerns expressed by the cautious neighbors have been addressed in the plans. Potential environmental impacts including traffic, safety, air quality, and many others have been taken into consideration. Previous studies indicate that the current club generates more traffic than the homes that will go in its place. Based on my observations as an active club member, that seems reasonable to me. For those that need more convincing, an environmental impact report will be coming out soon to address those issues.
There will always be trade-offs in any situation, but the decision to do nothing is almost always a mistake. Please let us have our new Harbor Bay Club.
Cheryl Burnette, Alameda