Jan. 2014 Oak Leaf

The Oak Leaf

Volume 15 • Number 1 • January 2014 Pagina 7 en Español The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley The Oak Leaf

Positive Outlook For Oakley

Good things are happening in Oakley!

New projects are on the horizon.

Among them, the façade renovations to the back strip mall within the Oakley Plaza.

This work is being led by the owners of the ACE Hardware store that is relocating to the City’s downtown, becoming neighbor to the recently opened Republic of Cake that celebrated its grand opening last month.

A large home developer has already commenced the mass grading for the development of 567 homes along East Cypress Road, just east of the Cypress Grove subdivsion. Anticipated development includes both housing and commercial projects along the rest of East Cypress.

Across all of Oakley, housing development companies have received approval for the construction of over 5,000 homes, approximately 3,500 of which are within the East Cypress Corridor.

There are also a number of commercial properties entitled for development throughout the City that are anticipated to follow the residential development. At the far east end of East Cypress is the continued residential

Inside this Issue:

construction at the Summer Lakes development. About half of the 625 homes have been constructed in this development, and the City has seen a steady increase in permits over the last 6-8 months.

can contact the City’s Economic Development office at 925-6257006, or fritzler@ci.oakley.ca.us. .

Additionally, we have seen an increase in home-based businesses interested in expanding out of their homes to open shop at commercial properties in the City.

One example, is Guepardo located at 3675 Main Street, which had previously operated an internet home-based business, specializing in comfort and safety footwear.

Just last month, the Council also approved an application for a new specialized machine shop located at 6115 Bridgehead Road.

This business was previously located in Antioch and the construction of the new building will commence in early 2014.

In regards to other commercial development, Oakley’s tots will have their pick of child care facilities. Located along Neroly Road near Empire Ave. are two separate childcare developments that have already submitted applications to the City’s Planning Division. Celebration Preschool has plans to locate at the northeast corner of Neroly Road and Empire Avenue. Along with the preschool, the facility will also have a K through 5th grade after-school program and plans for a future senior day care center. If approved, With regards to the City’s they plan to open in 2014. finances, Oakley saw a modest recovery in revenues this The Seeker Development year. “Tax revenues are finally childcare facility will be located showing a small increase, but north of the Diamond Hills the most encouraging news is Sports Club within the Neroly the continuation of improving Commercial Center. The rest of the discretionary revenues, a trend commercial property at this site is that started last year. While the owned by the City and inquiries revenues are not significantly from developers continues to higher than last year, they are increase. Anyone interested in moving steadily higher, reflecting developing all or a portion of this the City’s improving economic remaining commercial property outlook,”stated Finance Director, Paul Abelson .

Saving Ancient Vineyards.........................................................2 A Little Town History...............................................................3 New Public Works Dir./City Engineer....................................4 Chief Kollo Promoted to Captain............................................4

Oakley Among Safest Cities.....................................................5 Heart of Oakley Festival a Success............................................5 Stay Informed, Stay Connected...............................................5 Veterans Memorial.....................................................................6

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

Saving Ancient Vineyards The landscapes of vineyards are just one feature contributing to Oakley’s charm.

Since the 20th century Oakley’s sandy soil, warm days, and cool nights have proven favorable in producing award winning wine grapes. Some of our very own grapes can be found bottled behind the wine labels such as Cline, Bogel, Bonnie Dunes, Gallo, and Rosenblum Cellars.

Fun Facts • Zinfandel grapes make up foughly 80% of the 500 acres in Oakley • Oakley’s ancient vineyards are between 80-120 years old • Most grapes when crushed create a clear juice, the color in the wine comes from the skin on the grape.

• Oakley’s grape variety includes: • Zinfandel • Mourvèdre • Carignane • Palomino • Sémillon • Grenache • Petite Sirah • Syrah • Barbera • Ancient Bouschet

While development is inevitable and can be seen as an opportunity for needed revenues and increased services, Oakley’s City Council and Staff have begun work to develop an Agricultural Conservation and Viticulture Program (ACVP) in an effort to protect the City’s agricultural land and historic vineyards.

Additionally, having a program in place ensures we have a system to mitigate the loss of “Prime and Local/Statewide Importance” agricultural farmland as defined by the Department of Conservation and dictated by state law through the California Environmental Quality Act, while also ensuring developers have clarity regarding the expectation to help preserve Oakley’s heritage.

The City has contracted with Agricultural Natural Resource Trust for assistance in developing the ACVP.

The ACVP intends to: • develop an “inventory” of agricultural parcels • determine potential receiving areas • identify potential funding mechanisms for conserving agricultural parcels • incentivize land owners to preserve their use or to voluntarily participate as a conservation easement to which crops can be moved.

A successful example of the Program was accomplished in March of 2011, as Councilmember Romick shares on his blog: “2,200 ancient vines were transplanted from the DuPont property along Bridgehead Road to the property often referred to as the “Legless Lizard” Parcels located between the BNSF rail line and Walnut Meadows Drive.Using a backhoe, the vines were uprooted and then replanted in holes dug by hand on the 5.7 acres of land the City leased to Alan Lucessi of Mulehead Growers, Inc. The Program details are still being evaluated; however, the City Council is likely to make a formal adoption this summer.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

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The Oak Leaf

A Little Town History...

ou might have noticed that railroad tracks run through town. While today we are accustomed to seeing the trains come through without giving it any additional thought, the trains were a prominent early contributor to Oakley’s economy.

In 1897, James O’Hara, Andrew Walker, B.F. Porter, and Randolph Marsh deeded a rightof-way to the railroad with the understanding that they would erect a depot where the proposed town of Oakley would be.

According to accounts from R.C. Marsh, the Santa Fe

Railroad intended to have only one station between Antioch and the San Joaquin River with no consensus regarding the location of that one station.

shelter while awaiting for trains, and build us a station whenever the business will justify.”

It wasn’t until July 1, 1900 that Oakley saw the first Santa Were it up to the company, Fe Railroad train and depot.

Oakley would have remained a pit stop along the way, but The presence of the depot and Oakley’s leading sand-lappers train stop put Oakley on the had their mind towards a map. Farmers from all over the different vision stating, “No, region would come to town to gentlemen, we will not sell you a sell their goods and ship them right of way across the northwest out on the refrigerator train cars. quarter of section 25, but we will give you the land desired if you Today Burlington Northern will sign an agreement to put Santa Fe trains pass through down at least a half-mile of side- Oakley moving goods from track, put up a small room for Richmond, California east throughout North America.

Oakley Trivia What were Oakley’s early residents derogatorily nicknamed?

Oakley residents were originally known as “Sandlappers” by outsiders. The name was considered derogatory, because it poked fun at those who were attempting to farm in Oakley’s sandy soil.

While grapes are our most visible agricultural crop in town today, any guess what other crop Oakley was once known for?

Almonds are correct. In 1899 Edward Bryner planted the area’s first almond orchard. It was planted where O’Hara Park Middle School is today- approximately 30 acres. During the 1950′s, Oakley was one of the leading almond producing areas in California.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

New Public Works/City Engineer to the valuable service he will render to Oakley,” stated City Manager Bryan Montgomery.

In addition to having worked with a private engineering firm in the Bay area, Kevin Rohani has worked in the municipalities of Los Gatos and Portolla Valley and earlier in his career also served as a Project Engineer for a municipality in Louisana. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisana Tech University.

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he City is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Rohani as its new Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Mr. Rohani is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in both California and Texas and has served for the last 12 years as the Town Engineer of the Town of Los Gatos, California.

“Kevin is strong, qualified and brings high energy to his work, and we look forward

During his successful tenure in Los Gatos, Kevin directed and managed all engineering and public works operations.

In addition to the municipal government experience, Kevin also comes to Team Oakley with years of private consulting experience in engineering design and construction management in the Bay Area. Rohani’s leadership was instrumental in building a cohesive team of

engineers and public works professionals that together sustained and improved the quality of infrastructure for the Los Gatos community through the design and construction of a wide range of projects.

“I am thrilled to join Team Oakley and to work with the Council, staff, and the community to continue to build upon their successes in making Oakley a wonderful place to call home.”

”My career has been focused in providing public works services and I look forward to continuing that tradition by providing exemplary service to Oakley and be a part of its future.”

Chief Kollo Promoted to Captain As a new member joins the City Staff, another departs.

Bittersweet news was received regarding Chief Bani Kollo, who has served as Oakley’s Police Chief for the last 3 ½ years.

The City contracts with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office for police services and as Oakley’s Police Chief, Bani Kollo was also at the rank of Lieutenant within the Sheriff’s Office. He has now been promoted to the rank of Captain and will return to other duties in Martinez.

“Chief Kollo brought a one-of-a-

kind intensity to the work and has been a valuable leader in the aggressive law enforcement that we requested for Oakley -- he will be missed.” stated City Manager Montgomery.

Captain Kollo said, “I have enjoyed the various opportunities I have had to serve within the Sheriff’s Office and especially my time as Police Chief in Oakley. Oakley is blessed with a great team of officers and other City officials that are helping to make Oakley an even better place to live.”

The City and the Sheriff’s Office will be working through potential applicants to serve as Oakley’s next Police Chief and the selection process should be complete by mid to late January.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

Oakley Among Safest California Cities

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his past November Oakley was ranked number 41 in the Safewise 50 Safest Cities in California report.

SafeWise, a home security system provider examined data from the most recent FBI Crime in the U.S. Report in addition to their own thorough research to develop the comprehensive list of the 50 safest cities in California with 20,000 residents or more. Oakley was the only east county city making the cut, however other nearby cities included Danville (9th), San Ramon (10th), Hercules (24th), Lafayette (39th).

The Oak Leaf

Heart of Oakley Festival A Huge Success!!!

During 2013 the Recreation Division provided a variety of programs, classes and community events including past favorites like Science Week, the Cityhood Celebration, the Christmas Tree Lighting and most exciting, the inaguraul Heart of Oakley Festival.

The Heart of Oakley Festival showcased wines made from Oakley grapes, local vendors, an art exhibit as well as a variety of multicultural gourmet food trucks. The event also included a multicultural component hosted by You, Me, We= Oakley which entailed multiple booths that featured different countries and cultures, allowing immigrant residents of our communtiy to share a little bit about their own origins. We anticipate that the 2014 Heart of Oakley will be just as successful, so mark your calendars now for September 13th.

Stay Informed, Stay Connected Did you know Oakley residents can log in to Nextdoor.com and join an online private social network of residents within their own neighborhood for free? In order to join, residents must verify that their address is within defined neighborhood boundaries through one of multiple options.

Thereafter, participating neighbors can share information about topics as varied as garage sales, break-ins, lost pets, make business recommendations or ask questions, etc.

Nextdoor is another tool we utilize to communicate City happenings. Meanwhile, it is also another way for residents to build a sense of community and share information that is relevant to your neighborhood. As of now there are 36 active neighborhoods in Oakley.

If you are interested in learning or joining your neighborhood’s Nextdoor group, please visit www.nextdoor.com to sign up.

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The Oak Leaf

Oakley Veterans Memorial

he corner of Norcross Lane and Main Street has long been designated as the site for a memorial in honor of our Veterans. Although initially the thought was this spot would house a bronze eagle monument established in commemoration of WWI that originally belonged to Oakley, but now stands at the entrance to the Antioch fairgrounds.

The story goes that post WWI, two gentlemen set out to establish monuments along the transcontinental Victory Highway in honor of veterans of the War. The original concept was to establish Bronze Eagle Monuments at each county line along the route; however, only seven came to be erected along the highway system, Oakley being one of them. The monument which is representative of the veterans defending our nation depicts a female bald eagle on her aerie protecting her eaglets.

Oakley’s memorial was dedicated on May 31, 1926 at the intersection of Bridgehead Road and Main Street near the Contra Costa and Sacramento county line. However, in 1976 the construction of a new steel Antioch bridge, off ramp and intersection modifications required the relocation of the monument to Antioch in order to protect the monument from being damaged during construction. Attempts were made to have the monument returned to Oakley, but failed.

In 2012, however, the City in consultation with veterans groups devised a new concept for a memorial to occupy our Civic Center site (Norcross Ln. and Main St.). The Memorial will have five, red granite, squared columns that surround a blue granite base upon which the American Flag will fly. Each of the representative columns will bear the insignias of the five branches of the United States military; Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. At the head of the monument will be a white marble “Victory Eagle” to remind us of the monument that once stood in Oakley.

Fundraising continues through the sale of bricks, benches, and a business sponsorship opportunity.

Every dollar adds up, bringing us closer to our goal of $70,000. Bricks are available for $125 each and allow for the engraving of three lines and fifteen characters total. Benches are also available at the cost of $3,000. Business sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to $3,000.

The City of Oakley invites you to be a part of it! Consider memorializing your Veteran today, before it’s too late and construction begins. For more information call Nancy Marquez-Suarez at 925-625-7007.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

Existe Una Perspectiva Positiva Para Oakley Un desarrollador de casas ha comenzado la construcción inicial de 567 viviendas a lo largo de East Cypress Road, justo al este de la subdivisión de vivienda llamado Cypress Grove. Adicionalmente, se anticipa desarrollo de viviendas y proyectos comerciales a lo largo del resto de East Cypress. A lo largo de todo Oakley, se han aprobado la construcción de más de 5,000 viviendas, aproximadamente 3,500 de los cuales están dentro del corredor de East Cypress.

En lo que respecta a otros desarrollos comerciales, los niños de Oakley tendrán su selección de centros de cuidado infantil. Situado en la carretera de Neroly Road y Empire Ave. dos negocios de cuidado infantil han presentado y tienen pendientes solicitudes en nuestra división de Planificación.

La escuela preescolar Celebración tiene planes para localizar en la esquina noreste de Neroly Road y Empire Avenue. Además de ofrecer un programa preescolar, también ofrecerán un programa después de clases para niños mayores y en el futuro una guardería para personas de mayor edad.

La segunda guardería de niños se ubicará al norte de Diamond Hills Sports Club dentro el mismo centro comercial de Neroly Rd. Además, hemos visto un aumento de negocios basados en casa interesados en expandir fuera de sus casas para abrir tienda en propiedades comerciales en la ciudad. Un ejemplo es Guepardo, un negocio de calzado que se ubicó en 3675 Main Street y anteriormente había funcionado como un negocio de Internet. El Consejo también aprobó la solicitud de una tienda de máquina especializada, que se ubicará en 6115 Bridgehead Road. Este negocio se encontraba anteriormente en Antioch y comenzará la construcción de su nuevo edificio a principios de 2014.

Con respecto a las finanzas de la ciudad, Oakley vió una recuperación modesta en los ingresos de este año. “Los ingresos fiscales están finalmente mostrando un aumento pequeño, pero la noticia más alentadora es la consistencia de estos aumentos pequenos, una tendencia que comenzó el año pasado. Mientras que los ingresos no son significativamente más altos que el año pasado, se están moviendo constantemente hacia arriba, reflejando un mejor panorama económico para el futuro de la Ciudad,”dijo Paul Abelson, director de finanzas.

Oakley Una de las Ciudades Mas Seguras

Según un estudio, la ciudad de Oakley quedó entre las 50 ciudades más seguras de California, ocupando el lugar 41.

SafeWise, un proveedor de sistemas de seguridad para el hogar, examinó datos del más reciente informe de crimen del FBI entre otros criterios para desarrollar la lista completa. Las ciudades consideradas todas tenían sobre 20,000 residentes de población. Oakley fue la única ciudad del este del condado, aunque otras ciudades de Contra Costa también hicieron la lista incluyendo a Danville (9), San Ramon (10), Hercules (24), Lafayette (39).

Preservacion de Viñedos Para equilibrar el desarrollo, también esta en planeación un programa de conservación de agricultura y viticultura (ACVP) que hará un esfuerzo por proteger las tierras agrícolas y los viñedos históricos.

El ACVP se propone: • desarrollar un “inventario” de las parcelas agrícolas • determinar áreas a cuales se pueden transferir viñedos para preservarlos • identificar posibles mecanismos de financiamiento para la conservación de las parcelas agrícolas • incentivar a los propietarios de tierras que voluntariamente preserven sus viñedos

January

3231 Main Street Oakley, CA 94561 925.625.7000 council@ci.oakley.ca.us

Calendar

For detailed information on specific events and a current list of all events, visit www. oakleyinfo.com and click on “Community Calendar.”

Local non-profits, service organizations, public clubs, etc. are encouraged to submit their events online for posting on our community calendar.

To do so visit our website and click on “Submit an Event for the Oakley Calendar” under the “About Oakley” heading.

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City Hall Closed City Council Meeting City Hall Closed- RDO City Hall Closed- H City Council Meeting

February 7 11 17 21 25

City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting City Hall Closed-H City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting

March 7 11 21 25

City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting

April

4 City Hall Closed- RDO 5-12 Science Week

City Hall Directory

Building/Code Enforcement City Attorney City Manager City Clerk Economic Development Human Resources Parks Planning Police Non-Emergency Police Dispatch Public Works/Engineering Recreation

Community Services

Services Information

Oakley Chamber of Commerce Oakley Library Animal Control Fire Department(ECCFPD)

Local Utilities

Diablo Water District Ironhouse Sanitary District Oakley Disposal Service

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City Council Meeting City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting

May 2 6 16 20 25 26 31

City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting Memorial Day Event City Hall Closed- H Movie in the Plaza

June 6 10 14 20 24

City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting Movie in the Plaza City Hall Closed- RDO City Council Meeting

*RDO- Regular Day Off due to 9/80 schedule * H- Holiday

City Meetings 625-7002 625-7000 625-7007 625-7013 625-7006 625-7006 625-7037 625-7000 625-8855 625-8060 625-7037 625-7041

All City Council/City Council Acting as a Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency meetings are regularly held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 3231 Main Street.

Meeting agendas are posted online at www.oakleyinfo.com and at the following locations: • City Hall 3231 Main Street • • The “White House” 204 Second Street

211 625-1035 • Freedom High School, Library 625-2400 1050 Neroly Road 335-8300 634-3400 City Council Randy Pope, Mayor Doug Hardcastle, Vice Mayor 625-3798 Carol Rios, Councilmember 625-2279 Diane Burgis, Councilmember 757-7660 Kevin Romick, Councilmember