1
00:00:00,780 --> 00:00:21,060
The time is 7.38. This is a special or this is a regular meeting of the city of Emoryville as successor agency to the Emoryville redevelopment agency. Madam Clerk, I'd like to note that all members are still seated from the previous meeting. Now is the time to approve the final agenda. Do we have a motion?

2
00:00:21,060 --> 00:00:23,120
I'll agenda.

3
00:00:24,100 --> 00:00:25,840
Madam Clerk the roll.

4
00:00:26,020 --> 00:00:26,660
Councilmember.

5
00:00:27,740 --> 00:00:28,680
Councilmember Solomon.

6
00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:30,420
Councilmember Welch.

7
00:00:31,120 --> 00:00:31,880
Vice Mayor Car.

8
00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:32,560
Hi.

9
00:00:32,960 --> 00:00:33,760
And Mayor Mora.

10
00:00:34,120 --> 00:00:34,360
Hi.

11
00:00:34,600 --> 00:00:35,080
Motion carries.

12
00:00:35,460 --> 00:00:37,580
Now is the time for X-partate communications.

13
00:00:37,580 --> 00:00:40,920
Members, do you have any X-partate communications to report?

14
00:00:41,620 --> 00:00:42,640
Seeing and hearing none.

15
00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:48,260
Now is the time for public comment for the consent agenda or items not on the agenda.

16
00:00:48,260 --> 00:00:54,340
If there are any members of the public who'd like to comment on the consent agenda or items on the agenda,

17
00:00:54,460 --> 00:00:57,540
you can come to the podium. You'll have two minutes. Welcome.

18
00:01:00,470 --> 00:01:04,310
And this is for the regular meeting or not the successor.

19
00:01:05,310 --> 00:01:07,630
This is for the successor agency.

20
00:01:07,690 --> 00:01:10,830
Okay, so then we're going to adjourn and then have a regular meeting.

21
00:01:11,190 --> 00:01:11,990
That's correct.

22
00:01:12,090 --> 00:01:16,230
Okay, so I would just recommend that those who would like their comments heard,

23
00:01:16,230 --> 00:01:20,210
wait until we're done with this and then the regular meeting.

24
00:01:21,410 --> 00:01:24,170
You're also afraid to comment now proceed.

25
00:01:24,610 --> 00:01:26,430
Good evening Mayor and Council.

26
00:01:26,630 --> 00:01:30,030
My name is Impress, a lifelong Emoryville native.

27
00:01:30,530 --> 00:01:34,870
A proud alum of Annie Yates and Emoryville Child Development Center,

28
00:01:35,290 --> 00:01:37,410
with some are spent at the Emoryville Pool.

29
00:01:37,950 --> 00:01:41,710
I hold a BFA from Patient University and a Master's from NYU,

30
00:01:42,230 --> 00:01:45,390
bringing that same creativity and discipline into my work

31
00:01:45,390 --> 00:01:47,950
as an artist and baker and community mentor.

32
00:01:48,630 --> 00:01:52,470
Today, I am the owner of Chocolate Mama Cookie Co at the Emory.

33
00:01:53,070 --> 00:01:56,830
A creative community driven space where I sell pre-packaged cookies

34
00:01:57,330 --> 00:02:00,450
that are all produced in a licensed commercial kitchen in San Francisco,

35
00:02:00,970 --> 00:02:05,290
as well as art and retail gifts produced by Bay Area locals.

36
00:02:05,830 --> 00:02:07,630
It is not a restaurant.

37
00:02:08,030 --> 00:02:12,390
It is a small local business built with love, integrity, and deep respect

38
00:02:12,390 --> 00:02:13,930
for the community I serve.

39
00:02:13,930 --> 00:02:21,910
Recently, false statements were made about me, claiming I run a restaurant and host parties that is simply untrue.

40
00:02:22,550 --> 00:02:31,070
The photo used to support those claims was actually taken at the city's own harvest festival, a public celebration meant to bring us together.

41
00:02:31,670 --> 00:02:42,030
As someone who has grown up in Emoryville, and now operates at local business, I believe deeply in its vision of being a vibrant, sustainable, and healthy community for all.

42
00:02:42,030 --> 00:02:48,170
As a long time resident and entrepreneur, I want to contribute to that vision for all generations.

43
00:02:49,030 --> 00:02:54,330
I'm asking for partnership for the opportunity to share my story, clear the record,

44
00:02:54,670 --> 00:02:59,430
and work with the city to ensure that creative ethical small businesses can thrive

45
00:02:59,430 --> 00:03:02,370
without fear or misrepresentation.

46
00:03:03,070 --> 00:03:06,950
Thank you for listening and for your service and for giving me the space to speak.

47
00:03:07,790 --> 00:03:08,970
Thank you for your comment.

48
00:03:10,350 --> 00:03:17,650
Are there any other members of the public who would like to comment, you can come to the podium, you'll have two minutes.

49
00:03:21,600 --> 00:03:23,800
Julie, there's a high requirement for this podium.

50
00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:27,400
Mr. Mayor, Ms. Vice Mayor and members of the City Council.

51
00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:29,920
I appreciate the opportunity to speak here today.

52
00:03:30,020 --> 00:03:31,000
My name is Charles Orlando.

53
00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:38,260
I'm a resident of Emoryville, and I reside in the building directly next door to chocolate mama cooking company.

54
00:03:38,260 --> 00:03:47,920
There are over 33 million small businesses in the United States, which constitute over 90% of all U.S. businesses, employing nearly half the private workforce.

55
00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:59,760
California has over 4.2 small businesses, the 4.2 million small businesses, representing upwards of 95% of all companies in the state, employing more than 7 million workers.

56
00:03:59,760 --> 00:04:05,320
Chocolate Mama Cooking Cafe is one of those economically critical businesses.

57
00:04:06,220 --> 00:04:11,220
These same California small businesses create a community through local engagement, through

58
00:04:11,220 --> 00:04:16,560
economic support, and by providing spaces for connection that create and foster a welcoming

59
00:04:16,560 --> 00:04:20,320
personalized atmosphere that go beyond typical commercial interactions.

60
00:04:21,320 --> 00:04:23,340
In the short time, the cafe has been there.

61
00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:26,860
The cafe and its owners and staff have provided all this and much more.

62
00:04:26,860 --> 00:04:32,980
They are not only representative of a destination of diversity, but also embody the first

63
00:04:32,980 --> 00:04:37,840
business within the Hubbard Street area that not only provide a service, but also connection.

64
00:04:38,260 --> 00:04:43,960
A connection that in my humble opinion is vitally needed, not only in this area, but also during this

65
00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:49,920
time of global disconnection and uncertainty. Further, the outdoor seating area has been a pleasure

66
00:04:49,920 --> 00:04:55,340
for me and my family personally, but I would strongly emphasize that it is not an aesthetic upgrade.

67
00:04:55,340 --> 00:04:58,800
It's an investment in community life and local economic resilience.

68
00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:26,560
Or, how most importantly, it aligns with Emreville's own general plan. When it calls for an unparasing slightly here, vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and gather in shared spaces. This cafe directly fulfills that goal. It's located in a live work zone, designed to encourage small businesses, creative enterprises, and local gathering spots that knit together residential and commercial life.

69
00:05:27,140 --> 00:05:28,460
Thank you for your comment.

70
00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:34,260
are there any other members of the public?

71
00:05:36,710 --> 00:05:38,010
Welcome, you have two minutes.

72
00:05:38,270 --> 00:05:41,070
Would you be in Mayo and in the council member?

73
00:05:41,430 --> 00:05:46,050
I'm defied out when I'm press. And press was raised on

74
00:05:46,050 --> 00:05:49,410
groom in every wheel here. When we have shouting

75
00:05:49,410 --> 00:05:53,190
Williams, when there are a lot of companies, yes,

76
00:05:53,290 --> 00:05:59,230
pre-nout most smoke in the seat of every wheel. Every wheel has come in long way.

77
00:05:59,230 --> 00:06:04,470
They have Tony Jabra, they are now a community of vibrant businesses, small businesses.

78
00:06:04,990 --> 00:06:10,950
I'm appealing to the mayor and the customer to look deeply into the allegations,

79
00:06:11,250 --> 00:06:14,830
brought it against a press cop shockulet mammocopy.

80
00:06:16,250 --> 00:06:19,810
And now we are peels, solidly, and stand behind a press.

81
00:06:20,170 --> 00:06:26,770
Choculet coffee that is a vibrant community enterprise that brings people together.

82
00:06:27,030 --> 00:06:27,950
Thank you very much.

83
00:06:27,950 --> 00:06:30,030
Thank you for your comment.

84
00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:35,200
Welcome, you have two minutes.

85
00:06:35,500 --> 00:06:39,520
Reading, my name is Tracy Biel Borden and I am the owner of

86
00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:43,180
Exotic Links and Body Essentials. I am located at

87
00:06:43,900 --> 00:06:47,400
In, at Empresses location, 43 10 Hubbard.

88
00:06:48,260 --> 00:06:53,600
I myself and my grandson who is 18 months old has a business there.

89
00:06:53,620 --> 00:06:58,900
Leo's tribe has clothing. Stuff that is brought in for the community.

90
00:06:58,900 --> 00:07:03,880
we appreciate the ability to be in this place.

91
00:07:03,900 --> 00:07:05,360
This is Sacred Land.

92
00:07:05,860 --> 00:07:09,780
I am a native in my 50s and this has been

93
00:07:09,780 --> 00:07:12,120
this is Sacred Land, as all I can say.

94
00:07:12,500 --> 00:07:15,920
And as an Afro-Indigenous woman or artist,

95
00:07:16,340 --> 00:07:19,260
a community member, activists in this community,

96
00:07:19,620 --> 00:07:21,900
I can chose to be here with Empress

97
00:07:21,900 --> 00:07:25,040
because I know exactly what it is

98
00:07:25,040 --> 00:07:31,820
that this community has been asking for, I know what it needs, and we just felt like,

99
00:07:31,980 --> 00:07:36,820
if this was the perfect place to be in, I do have to say that because of the accusations,

100
00:07:37,200 --> 00:07:43,560
I have been there recently in midst of some of the problems, and we have had police calls.

101
00:07:43,780 --> 00:07:49,240
I was there at an incident when we had three officers, three guns, and three tasers brought

102
00:07:49,240 --> 00:07:55,740
That's one event where we were doing nothing but other than existing on land that is sacred.

103
00:07:56,320 --> 00:08:01,080
We do have to remember this is only land and we are giving what it is that the community

104
00:08:01,080 --> 00:08:06,520
is asking for and all we are is existing, bringing business to the city and every

105
00:08:06,520 --> 00:08:08,360
view because most of us have been here.

106
00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:12,420
We have lived here and we have existed here and all we want to do is exist.

107
00:08:12,780 --> 00:08:13,460
Thank you.

108
00:08:13,820 --> 00:08:14,260
Thank you.

109
00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:22,580
Welcome.

110
00:08:22,840 --> 00:08:23,420
You have two minutes.

111
00:08:23,420 --> 00:08:28,780
good evening. This is both a professional and a private matter that brings me here tonight.

112
00:08:29,380 --> 00:08:32,540
I've known Empress over 20 years now.

113
00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:37,880
And in the time that I've known her, we were a group

114
00:08:37,880 --> 00:08:44,640
of entrepreneurs. Her style is makeup parties, bakers, actors, all these things. I am a resident

115
00:08:44,640 --> 00:08:48,740
of the area. I've been at the Emirates since they opened up and started leasing apartments.

116
00:08:48,740 --> 00:08:55,240
And I was so happy that Empress and her sister and another barber friend of mine,

117
00:08:55,700 --> 00:08:59,680
they all do the, they all occupied the live work spaces.

118
00:08:59,900 --> 00:09:03,690
That's amazing because 20 years ago, we didn't know that this is where we would be.

119
00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:10,870
We're in happy places, happy space, professionally, and personally, and it's kind of

120
00:09:10,870 --> 00:09:20,470
of in rude that the parties that are complaining about this really has no merit has no

121
00:09:20,470 --> 00:09:21,230
weight.

122
00:09:21,530 --> 00:09:27,950
And if I could add one piece of information or detail, there were very, very hostile

123
00:09:29,050 --> 00:09:33,330
towards what the lady just said before me said, we were just simply existing.

124
00:09:34,450 --> 00:09:38,750
And they called the police and they're very rude and they play loud music and they're hostile

125
00:09:38,750 --> 00:09:43,870
and if you can say, pass up their grasp but they were just aggressive, it was rude and I

126
00:09:43,870 --> 00:09:48,310
just hope that this can just go away and dissolve and let her business and our entrepreneurship

127
00:09:48,810 --> 00:09:49,250
exists.

128
00:09:49,550 --> 00:09:50,510
Thank you.

129
00:09:50,670 --> 00:09:51,270
Thank you.

130
00:09:56,550 --> 00:09:56,910
Welcome.

131
00:09:59,610 --> 00:09:59,970
Hi.

132
00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:27,800
My name is Ashley Williams, the owner and head real star of vast amount of coffee. Nicole had real star of red bay coffee. One of the few black women that is real seen in the bay area. I just wanted to say as a frequent collaborator with chocolate momma cookie. This space isn't just about cookies. It's about community, creativity and connection. It serves as a hub for our neighbors and for our young entrepreneurs.

133
00:10:27,800 --> 00:10:34,220
we're all parents, so bringing our children here to see us, grow this business and build this

134
00:10:34,220 --> 00:10:40,200
legacy is very important to us in building the future, which is a main catchphrase of

135
00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:48,840
Chocolate Mama is welcome to the future. Some talk to some of the people who have main accusation

136
00:10:49,480 --> 00:10:55,680
have talked about protecting artists, but real inclusion is welcoming every kind of artist

137
00:10:55,680 --> 00:10:58,000
and give us space to all voices to thrive.

138
00:10:58,560 --> 00:11:02,180
We invite everyone to visit, experience a space,

139
00:11:02,480 --> 00:11:03,500
fill what we're building,

140
00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:06,660
because real community is in build by closing doors,

141
00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:08,280
is built by opening hearts

142
00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:09,960
and pulling more chairs to the table.

143
00:11:10,540 --> 00:11:13,640
So please come down to chocolate mama cookie all of you.

144
00:11:14,140 --> 00:11:17,160
And just so you know, we've also were able to obtain

145
00:11:17,160 --> 00:11:20,620
100 signatures from residents who are saying

146
00:11:20,620 --> 00:11:22,220
that they love what we're doing,

147
00:11:22,360 --> 00:11:24,140
and that they're happy that this year,

148
00:11:24,140 --> 00:11:28,000
more welcome to share that with you if you like. Thank you. Thank you.

149
00:11:30,450 --> 00:11:31,110
Are there any other

150
00:11:31,110 --> 00:11:33,190
members of the public who would like to speak?

151
00:11:35,750 --> 00:11:39,510
Welcome. Good evening Mayor Vice Mayor and council

152
00:11:39,510 --> 00:11:44,430
members. My name is Latrice McNeely. I'm a neuromuscular therapist, medical massage clinician

153
00:11:44,430 --> 00:11:52,490
and my art is healing. I also operate the space that chocolate mama cookie co. And I'm here

154
00:11:52,490 --> 00:11:56,950
today because of false claims that have been made about our space, that right in our ability

155
00:11:56,950 --> 00:12:02,490
to work, serve the community and remain housed. To be clear, chocolate mama cookie co

156
00:12:02,490 --> 00:12:08,630
is not a restaurant. We do not operate a kitchen. She sells prepackaged vegan big goods,

157
00:12:09,270 --> 00:12:20,350
Lisa's coffee. As you heard, our other sister friend owns a retail company that she uses this

158
00:12:20,350 --> 00:12:28,150
for. And Empress is a culinary artist with her vegan cookies. Unfortunately, like I said,

159
00:12:28,210 --> 00:12:33,990
there are false claims made, and all we are are a black women-led, artist-led, and community

160
00:12:33,990 --> 00:12:37,410
care-led, and everything we do. Unfortunately,

161
00:12:40,490 --> 00:12:42,470
there are some people with social and professional

162
00:12:42,470 --> 00:12:50,170
privilege that have submitted misleading and exaggerated complaints, excuse me, in an effort

163
00:12:50,170 --> 00:12:51,050
to push us out.

164
00:12:51,190 --> 00:12:56,390
These claims are not rooted in any type of documented harm or safety concern.

165
00:12:56,830 --> 00:13:02,090
They reflect bias and exclusion, particularly toward black women culturally present to

166
00:13:02,090 --> 00:13:03,250
share a creative space.

167
00:13:03,710 --> 00:13:04,750
We are good neighbors.

168
00:13:05,250 --> 00:13:07,890
We operate legally, respectfully, and transparently.

169
00:13:08,390 --> 00:13:13,270
We contribute to the well-being, identity, and cultural vibrancy of M. Reville.

170
00:13:13,770 --> 00:13:18,950
I'm just asking the council to ensure that decisions are based on facts and not personal

171
00:13:18,950 --> 00:13:24,070
discomfort and that black women that businesses are not displaced through targeted complaints.

172
00:13:24,930 --> 00:13:29,470
We are here to build community, not disrupt it. We are here to heal,

173
00:13:29,990 --> 00:13:35,910
create and support resilience in the city. We are simply asking for the right to continue existing

174
00:13:35,910 --> 00:13:40,890
and contributing to the shared cultural life of the Emory and the City of Emoryville.

175
00:13:40,990 --> 00:13:43,810
Thank you for your consideration. Thank you for your comment.

176
00:13:50,630 --> 00:13:55,850
Because evening council members, my name is Momik Nielian, here today, it's speaking strong

177
00:13:55,850 --> 00:14:01,210
support of Choclamama Kakey, company in American owned business that has become an

178
00:14:01,210 --> 00:14:07,130
invaluable part of the Emoryville community, cafe as a space of culture and joy.

179
00:14:08,010 --> 00:14:13,050
It's exactly the kind of local businesses we should be nurturing and protecting.

180
00:14:14,490 --> 00:14:19,030
Recently a complaint was filed against the cafe centered on amongst other things music being

181
00:14:19,030 --> 00:14:25,290
during normal business hours, the situation escalated when the neighbors took the step of calling the police.

182
00:14:25,990 --> 00:14:33,270
The irony here is I have video evidence showing those same neighbors playing loud music themselves directly in response to the cafe's music.

183
00:14:33,730 --> 00:14:38,270
Further escalating situation and undermining the very noise complaint that they lodged.

184
00:14:38,270 --> 00:14:40,210
This creates a troubling double standard.

185
00:14:40,830 --> 00:14:46,350
The actions of these neighbors not only make the complaint filter tallyatory, but also highlight a broader issue.

186
00:14:46,350 --> 00:14:48,710
When businesses are treated as disturbances,

187
00:14:48,910 --> 00:14:50,690
for simply existing in their own space,

188
00:14:50,990 --> 00:14:52,550
it's a form of cultural erasure.

189
00:14:53,490 --> 00:14:55,770
In addition, it doesn't feel good that photos are being taken

190
00:14:55,770 --> 00:14:58,290
of patrons in the cafe without the consent,

191
00:14:58,830 --> 00:14:59,970
our community is far...

192
00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:05,760
Finally asserting our reasonable expectation of privacy and a right to know the use of the 10 of any images taken.

193
00:15:06,420 --> 00:15:10,260
And how those videos and images are being used, this constitutes harassment.

194
00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:20,760
To fill in your pattern of gentrification, we're communicating cultural expression, our silence in favor of a more homogenous, quieter environment that pushes out diversity.

195
00:15:21,580 --> 00:15:28,480
Chaplain on a cookie co located at 4310 Hubbard provides more than just the service.

196
00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:33,260
It's a vital community hub. I urge discounts to recognize the importance of supporting

197
00:15:33,260 --> 00:15:39,860
businesses like this. This is that bring life and color. The cafe deserves to be protected

198
00:15:39,860 --> 00:15:46,200
and not targeted. I ask that you stand with Kay and Day and her business and make it clear

199
00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,640
that Emeryville will not be tolerating any silence

200
00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:52,800
of culture, or targeting our American own businesses.

201
00:15:53,920 --> 00:15:55,820
You can also support by coming yourselves.

202
00:15:56,680 --> 00:15:57,220
Thank you.

203
00:15:57,340 --> 00:15:58,360
Thank you.

204
00:16:02,940 --> 00:16:05,020
Seeing no additional public comment,

205
00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:07,100
we will now move to the consent calendar.

206
00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:09,700
Members, do we have a motion on the consent calendar?

207
00:16:10,720 --> 00:16:11,500
Motion to approve.

208
00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:12,360
Second.

209
00:16:12,760 --> 00:16:13,880
Madam clerk, the roll.

210
00:16:14,720 --> 00:16:15,780
That's a member of the private force.

211
00:16:16,040 --> 00:16:16,280
Aye.

212
00:16:16,480 --> 00:16:17,180
That's a member of Solomon.

213
00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:18,940
That's a member of Welch, aye.

214
00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:19,920
Vice Mayor Carr.

215
00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:27,220
Hi, and Mayor Moira. Hi, motion carries. The time is 7.54 this meeting is adjourned.