I have had the fortune of being able to grow up in THE TOWN!  I have always had a certain pride for the potential of Oakland and also a nostalgic love for what Oakland was growing up.  As a youth I remember that Oakland had at least an active downtown, proud citizens, and strong union oriented/ mom and pop work force which served as the life blood to this urbanized colorized city.  Oakland has had a long history of fighting for the people and for the protection of peoples individual rights, but we need to recognize that we have a part in the rise or demise of Our Home Town.  We need to realize that cop killings and Black on Black crime are a reflection of a greater social issue affecting us all in America and the world currently (remember Paris was Burning Just a little while ago..remember?). We need to acknowledge that Business’s have fled Oakland for a number of reason for decades. While many of us sat passively and watched these business’s disappear and wither away (both big industry and Mom and Pop).  How can this happen under the radar of Oakland city officials?    I an insulted that because of our political PCness we stifle our own progress and censor the voice of this City.  Now I am not previ to the back room conversations that go on concerning the city’s vitalization, but I am concerned that  every time the spot-lite hits Oakland our city officials find a way to squelch the light(The Wayan’s, HBO,etc…)?  Can you tell me why we wouldn’t want the cash infusion that Hollywood brings.  The effect of Hollywood’s presence in the town would do much for the image and economics of Oakland (like the Raiders return).  The exposure alone would boost the self image of Oakland and it’s citizens.  The fact that  a series was an option meant reoccurring work for many support industries (food service , hospitality, transportation, yadda yadda fill in the blanks,) as well as, the artist and technicians who might profit from being able to work locally rather then take our talents elsewhere. Beyond the fact the this is more then a shovel ready project we could expodite this project and be self sufficient prior to what may or may not come our way with the current regime change.  Look the decision makers need to realze that Oakland is beautiful and so are it’s residents. Oakland has alot to show the world and we do it in our own way all the time.  Wouldn’t it be nice to exhibit some control of the perception of the town to the world and take advantage of oppurtunity when it comes knocking, rather then letting the CNN depict what they think we are???

People need money! people need Jobs!people need to be included in the revitalization of the Town, and we as citizens aren’t affraid to show our true colors so why are our officials.  Why does everyone who egarly walk into city hall with a project (excluding the Raiders and loft developer ) wind up disgruntally running away from Frank Igawa Plaza? Why?