Housing crisis is dominating year-end East Bay council meetings
Alameda moves to acknowledgement of Ohlone land
CITY NEWS
HAYWARD
—DENSITY BONUS REFRESH—One good way to fight housing scarcity is to build more housing, especially affordable housing (some disagree). Hayward has done a good job in recent years for approving a large number of new units and it hopes proposed new density bonus rules will help entice developers to build more.
—Hayward has not updated its density bonus regulations since 2005. Much has changed on the issue at the state level. So much so that it has rendered Hayward’s density bonus ordinance non-compliant with state law.
—Hayward began a “complete refresh” starting four years ago. Hayward’s proposed density bonus rules would exceed state law on several fronts. They include:
5% above state law for projects that include on-site affordable housing.
10% above state law for projects that target specifics populations.
Increases incentives and concessions in order to entice more development of affordable housing units.
—City staff added that Hayward needs a greater supply of large rental units (3+ bedrooms), home designs that take into account older renters; units for students, seniors, foster youth, and disabled vets.
—Also on the table: The city is looking at deferring typically high-cost utility connection fees, possibly focusing on the on-site affordable housing component of a proposed project.
SAN LEANDRO
—RENT REFORM AFOOT—During the city’s mayoral campaign, San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo often hinted that significant rental housing legislation is coming sometime in the new year. Azevedo didn’t win the mayor’s race, but he’s still on the council, and last November’s results yielded a clear pro-renter majority on the San Leandro City Council.
—While rent stabilization may be on the table in 2023, some councilmembers and members of the public took aim at the city’s Rent Review Board. For one, it’s a group that almost never meets because of a lack of business. It’s been that way for years. I wrote about it for the East Bay Express in 2019.
—Opponents of rent control, and its close cousin, rent stabilization, contend the lack of appeals mean rents are not out of control like in other East Bay cities.
—Calls for reforming the Rent Board or dismantling it were heard on Monday night, including a plea from former San Leandro Councilmember Jim Prola. The complaints are familiar. They focus on the Rent Board’s lack of teeth. The board’s decisions, for example, are non-binding.
—Others point to how Rent Board members are selected. East Bay developer Tom Silva, often a divisive figure in the city’s politics, chairs the Rent Board and was appointed by the mayor.
—When it comes to rental housing legislation in San Leandro, the expectation is the majority in favor consists of Councilmembers Victor Aguilar, Jr., Fred Simon, Azevedo, and Councilmember-elect Celina Reynes. In addition, these four are believed to be quite bullish on reforms.
ALAMEDA
—RECONCILIATION BEGINS— Alameda officials continued a dialogue with local native tribes that could lead to a formal acknowledgement of the Ohlone people as the original inhabitants of the region, a permanent easement, similar to what Oakland did recently, where tribes could hold cultural activities and events.
—In some ways the city is already making the specific acknowledgement. There are several references in the city staff report to the land being once held by the Lisjan and Muweka tribes, among others. Alameda Assistant City Manager Amy Wooldridge referenced the “land now known as Alameda” during Tuesday’s meeting
—Tuesday evening’s work session highlighted some of the work the city has already done when it comes recognizing the injustices that natives people’s endured after the introduction of white settlers. Alameda has paid a “Shuumi Land Tax” to the Sogorea Te Land Trust, actually an annual $11,000 donation, for the past two years. Shuumi is the Chochenyo word for gift.
—Two years ago, the Alameda City Council voted to change the name of Jackson Park, named after President Andrew Jackson, Chochenyo Park.
—Alameda Councilmember John Knox White, a strong supporter for acknowledging the area’s tribal groups and a proponent of park’s name-change, said he prefers approval of a formal land acknowledgement that could be made before every council meeting. He hopes the effort for further reconciliation is only just starting. Knox White is leaving the council this month.
—The decision was opposed by one councilmember—Trish Herrera Spencer—who believes the plight of native peoples is similar to her own as a Mexican-American.
—Spencer said all residents should be helped, not just one group. “The story is not unique to indigenous people in regards to people who have come to the United States and have lost property and have been denied rights that others have. Sadly there are similar stories from multiple groups of people.”
ELECTION 2022
—MIDDLING TURNOUT—Voter turnout in the Nov. 8 General Election topped out at 53.28 percent, according to a results update released Tuesday by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.
—Turnout in Santa Clara County was a bit better with 54.55 percent. Contra Costa County, which did not affect any big races in Alameda County, reported 56.15 percent turnout.
—The latest results did nothing to change the San Leandro City Council race in District 5—the closest race in Alameda County. Xouhoa Bowen leads Monique Tate by 32 votes.
—HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW?—It didn’t take long for Hayward officials to take a grab at the spoils of now-former councilmember Aisha Wahab’s big win in the state senate. One of Wahab’s last acts as an Hayward councilmember was a referral she and Councilmember Angela Andrews put forth on Tuesday night for funding of a family resource center.
—Andrews asked the city to write their new state senator in hopes of procuring additional funding for the center. Wahab’s predecessor, Bob Wieckowski, had previously identified funds for the overarching project that includes specific services for those in need.
—In another instance of elections having consequences, Andrews energetic ask last Tuesday, later backed by the council, is notable for this reason. Other than Andrews, nobody on the Hayward City Council endorsed Wahab’s campaign this year, a fact that was routinely trumpeted by her opponent, Lily Mei. Retiring Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday even went so far to endorse Mei over Wahab.