Polk's Oakland (California) city directory, 1930, Part 5

Author: R.L. Polk & Co
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : R.L. Polk & Co.
Number of Pages: 1624

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

introduced and rigidly followed, can continue to give good service at a cost of not more than $600,000 per annum.

During the past year the sum of $1,800,000 was paid by the citizens of Oakland for street paving. The largest lineal mileage was laid in sidewalks and sanitary sewers- though the actual square footage of streets was much greater. Asphaltic concrete pave- ment was apparently the type of pavement favored by the department. I am happy to state that of the total mileage, only an approximate mile and a half of oil macadam was laid. I am convinced that none of this type of temporary pavement should be laid except in such sections of the city wherein the taxpayers themselves need immediate improvement of a nature that will give service for the years in which they are gaining such financial status and their property such importance as will warrant permanent paving.

In the City of Oakland at the present time there are some 400 miles of macadam streets. As the property owners arrive in such financial status as will allow them-with the increased value of their front footage-to put in permanent paving, this should be done. The paving of the city laid out in 1929 came under the following classifications, with the cost as indicated:

10.868 miles

$1,066,966.94

Asphaltic concrete

3.178

271,274.55

Concrete

1.487

82,735.84

Oil macadam

11.189

147,018.95

Sanitary sewers.

4.968

159,042.37

Storm sewers.

17.2

89,956.26

Sidewalks

Total cost of year.

$1,816,994.91

Open Specifications for Street Work

For years I have most emphatically stood for open specifications for all street work and materials. I have advocated such in past annual messages, in public utterances, and through the press. With hut one vote on the Council, however, my hands have been tied, and the work of laying patent paving under closed specifications in regard to type and materials has kept on.

Here again I just as emphatically reiterate my opposition to anything hut open specifications for all street work.

I am convinced that so-called closed specifications lend themselves too readily to administrative practices that may be open to question. During the past year practically every street improvement anticipated or completed under closed specifications has heen the subject of attack by the public concerned. Repeated affirmations of false statements on the part of street paving solicitors have been made. The situation has come to such a climax that I am convinced that every petition submitted is viewed with suspicion by the public, and that the people concerned in each street proceeding brought into coun- cil look with distrust upon the entire situation.

A policy of open specifications, and open specifications only, and such a policy rigidly and unflinchingly adhered to, will meet and dissipate this growing distrust. It is not for me here to state whether or not I believe there is a basis for this growing concern regarding street work on the part of Oakland taxpayers-but the concern is there, it is growing, and definite action on open specifications will prove to the people that the Street Department and the City Council are doing their best in the people's hehalf.

Gravel Should be on Par With Crushed Rock

I am thoroughly convinced that such open specifications should allow on a par gravel and crushed rock, both having been proven equally valuable in street work.

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

No Patent Pavement

I am further convinced that black top pavement is unnecessary, and that its laying constitutes a waste of taxpayers' funds. The Federal government and the State High- way Commission both follow the general policy of laying plain concrete pavement-it is non-skid in any kind of weather, pedestrians crossing at night are shown more clearly, by reason of the concrete's light color, it does not "roll" in hot weather, its initial cost is far less, and its upkeep is practically nothing. When the public under- stands that non-patent coucrete pavement is as good, if not better, than patented pave- ment, and in some cases is even cheaper by as much as 27 cents per square yard, the demand for this type of street will become strong.

With Oakland's streets all of concrete they will be permanent, inexpensive, and the public will be satisfied with them; with all street improvement done under open speci- fications, the people's possibly well-based suspicions will be cleared; and with an open forum held by street authorities for the purpose of hearing, previous to its introduc- tion to Council, any matter connected with anticipated street work, the public's under- standing of just what it is to get and what it will approximately cost will be compre- hensive and complete.

Corporation Yard

After many years of urging the City Council to construct a new corporation yard, I am glad to state that $75,000 has at last been appropriated for this badly needed facility and that construction is now under way. The new Corporation Yard will be on the east side of the filled area south of the Auditorium between Seventh and Eighth Streets. Plans call for an adequate building, very attractive to the eye, with such modern appointments as will give the maximum efficiency in the service of city-owned vehicles. This new construction will have many beneficial results.

First and foremost of these will be the clearing away of the most unsightly yard that for so many years stood just south of the Auditorium on Fallon Street. With the eyesore gone from it this land will thus be available for the construction of a new livestock exhibit building for long time so badly needed by such annual exhibits as the Pacific Slope Dairy Show and the National Horse Show. The proper housing of city owned vehicles, too, will result in longer life, in so far as appearance and operation are concerned, of city automobiles and trucks. I am sure the entire city will appre- ciate the building of the new corporation yard and the wiping out of the old one which for so many years brought disgrace on our city.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

Police Activities

I wish particularly to compliment this department upon its activities in the direc- tion of traffic control and accident prevention.

During the year the following traffic arterials were provided with button type safety zones for the protection of pedestrians boarding and alighting from street cars. The latter was the principal source during previous years of injury to pedestrians by autos.

East Fourteenth Street, between First Avenue and eastern city limits. Grand Avenue, between Montecito and Mandana Boulevard.

Broadway, between Twentieth Street and College Avenue.

Telegraph Avenue, between Twentieth Street and Berkeley city limits. San Pablo Avenue, between Twentieth Street and Berkeley city limits.

For further facilitating traffic 17 intersections in the downtown business districts were added in the traffic signal section. By ordinance, a system of main highways was provided throughout the entire city. This project will include the installing of 761 "Boulevard Stop" signs at a cost of Thirty-five Hundred Dollars. In the matter of auto parking, a system of loading zones was established in the central husiness districts, effective only during the business hours. This system was adopted to give greater assistance and protection to the merchants located in said districts. After

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

C SUNDERLAND STUDIOS

Berthing space at the Outer Harbor Terminal totals 1535 feet. Immediately in rear of the transit sheds are the processing and shipping depots of Libby, McNeill & Libby and Rosenberg Brothers & Company.

trying the system out for several months, however, a re-survey was made aud the yellow zones are being reduced. In my estimation this reduction providing for the parking of hundreds of additional cars was very wise. It must always be remem- hered by our merchants and auto public that modern traffic conditions are a com- paratively new municipal problem and a problem daily increasing in importance and complexity. The Traffic Division of the Police Department is composed of one lieutenant, one sergeant, thirty-four traffic men, eleven motorcycle men and two filing clerks. Its chief, Lieutenant C. L. Hemphill, is in continual touch with the Oakland Safety Council and other organizations having to do with traffic accident prevention. Incidentally during 1929 there were a total of 26,704 arrests for traffic violation while thousands, many of them visitors to the city, were warned or informed of specific rules.

Junior Traffic Reserve

I am happy to report that the Junior Traffic Reserve, composed of 900 odd boys in the elementary and high schools of this city, is proving of inestimable value to the city. The boys have regular instruction by competent traffic officers and the automobile traveling public has sent in many commendations of their efficiency. The value of this traffic aid is three-fold: In the first case, use of the Junior Traffic Corps replaces regular officers who may thereby be placed in the regular protective service of the city. This saves many thousands annually that otherwise must be spent in additional salaried traffic officers. Second, is the protection afforded school children and others at such crossings as are guarded by members of the Junior Traffic Corps and the facilitating of automobile traffic through such protection. Thirdly, and pos- sibly most important, not only are the 900 members of the Junior Corps themselves trained to safeguard others, but our entire 60,000 school child population becomes daily more imbued with the idea of traffic safety. I wish to compliment those authori- ties who have charge of this good work and also the boys themselves who almost without exception handle school traffic situations with alertness and efficiency.

Police Department Flying Club

I wish here to give another word in commendation of the Oakland Police Depart- ment. As will be noted later, there is also located at the Oakland Airport the Oakland

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Police Flying Club. It is to me a distinct pleasure that members of our law enforce- ment group are taking so serious an interest in aviation. The time will undoubtedly come when air police will be of vital need in the life of this country-not only as specifically applied to local communities but as pertaining to the state and the nation. No one knows when emergencies may arise demanding anthorized police officers at the controls of aircraft. Emergencies may even in time demand use of whatever planes are available in secret investigational work, and at such times if our Oakland Police Department can furnish trained flyers the benefit will be great.

Fire Department Activities

The most excellent service rendered by the Oakland Fire Department is almost too well known for me to commend upon at length in this writing. Fire insurance rates for the City of Oakland being among the lowest in the United States of America, are proof of this. The Fire Prevention Bureau, also, performs high services and is an invaluable adjunct of the main department. The Board of Condemnation, in the year 1929, has continued the active service that has been maintained since its organization in 1923. The board meets monthly and during the past year has acted upon 106 build- ings. Of these, 73 were immediately torn down, 4 were removed, 5 were repaired, and 24 are still pending generally due to the fact that the properties are in process of probate. During the same period 106 buildings were taken down withont action from the board save by letters calling the owners' attention to the condition of the property.

Central Fire Station

It has long been my belief that the central fire station now on the ground floor of the city hall should be moved to a location less congested by traffic and where the sudden and oft sounding screams of the starting fire apparatus would not disturb every office in the city hall. Under present conditions at every alarm the warning sirens on the streets and on the fire apparatus in the heart of our downtown district prac- tically stop business-the din deafens every office on the southern and eastern faces of the city hall, in the streets 10,000 persons halt in their tracks to watch the approach- ing fire engines, traffic is held up and great hazard to pedestrians and automobilists created. I most strongly advocate removing the fire department from the city hall and the conversion of the space now used by it into offices for the conduct of munic- ipal business.

Health and Sanitation

Oakland's remarkably high standard of health was maintained under the direction of Dr. Chas. R. Fancher, former Health Officer, now Commissioner. Under his leader- ship all branches of the Public Health Service have been thoroughly reorganized and all personnel inspired to a larger and more public spirited view of their duties.

Oakland leads the country in the matter of low infant mortality rates. The country average of infant mortality is 68 ont of every 1,000 babies born. Oakland's rate is only 47. Cleanliness and properly directed health and sanitation methods are of great importance in saving infant life. At the same time there is no city whose climatic conditions are more healthful than Oakland's, including small temperature fluctuations and average temperature weather, or have so marked an effect in reducing infant mortality as well as in maintaining high adult health conditions.

Largely responsible for the above situation are the concentrated efforts that were made during 1929 to raise the standard of all food products sold and the sanitation of food handling places. This work demands routine inspection of groceries, delicates- sens, dairies, bakeries, confectioners, restaurants, canneries, food manufacturers, wagons, vehicles, and all other places where food is handled or is sold to the public. Stress was laid upon the general sanitation of the stores and the methods of handling

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

foods which are not washed, peeled or cooked before being consumed. Bakery and delicatessen goods formerly sold from counters exposed to dust and dirt must now be under glass.

Particular emphasis was made to insure the sanitation of the food quality of dairy supplies. Work is now so carefully organized and ordered that regular inspec- tions are even made of the personal health and hygienic condition of milkers. Practi- cally all of Oakland's milk supplies come from outside the city limits, hut none is allowed delivery or sale in Oakland that comes from dairies wherein the above regu- lations and all others pertaining to sanitation and thorough inspection by the Oakland Health Department are not rigidly maintained.

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE

Polling Booth Improvements

An outstanding improvement in election methods was made during the last year by the City Clerk's office, under the leadership of City Clerk Frank C. Merritt. It is one that will he of utmost henefit to voting citizens and will surely be appreciated by all.

For many years approximately 75 per cent of the 450 voting booths used by the city were enclosed in tents rented by the City Clerk for polling places. Due to their insufficient lighting and heating facilities and the fact that when placed next the curh they were a menace to traffic, much complaint was made of them. At the 1929 municipal election, therefore, through the efforts of the City Clerk, the polling places were located by him and his staff in vacant stores, garages, or other buildings rented for the purpose.

As additional convenience to the public, the City Clerk included in each set of election supplies a red hanner on which were lettered in white the words "POLLING PLACE-VOTE HERE" together with a six-inch galvanized iron rod on which to sus- pend the banner. These were placed at the curb in front of each polling place and were of great assistance to the electors not familiar with the location of their voting booth.

Police and Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund

Another reorganization beneficial to the public was brought about by the City Clerk in his capacity of Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fire- men's Relief and Pension Funds. In previous years when petitions for pensions for retirement were presented to the Board considerable difficulty was experienced through lack of authentic information as to injuries received by policemen and firemen in the performance of duty. In order to remedy this situation the City Clerk now has installed a service record of each member of the two departments showing data of employment, promotion, dependency and injuries received, and so on. A questionnaire was filled out hy each member of the respective departments and from the data thus received a very valuable city record has been compiled and placed in the City Clerk's files. Not only is this record, of benefit to personnel coming hefore the board but to the members of the board itself-the Mayor, Commissioner of Public Health and Safety and Commissioner of Revenue and Finance. The record will be of invaluable assistance in judging specific cases.

PUBLIC WORKS

Auditorium and Exposition Building

Under direction of the Department of Public Works, the varlous public buildings and facilities available for convention, exposition, recreational and theatrical housing were given greatly increased use. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that during the past year 250,000 delegates to conventions visited Oakland and that probably 200,000 of these used our Municipal Auditorium facilities. It is estimated that these delegates spent in Oakland through various trade channels over $7,000,000.

The Department of Public Works, in charge of municipal buildings, is looking toward the future development of a civic center on the shores of Lake Merritt. The

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

present Auditorium, built in 1915, constitutes a first unit. There is vital need, how- ever, for a second exposition building immediately adjacent thereto. In this building can be properly housed the annual Pacific Slope Dairy Show, the National Horse Show, stock exhibits, airplane and automobile expositions, etc. It has been recom- mended by the Department of Public Works that such a new building have a floor area not less than 200x400 with all facilities to care for such big events. With such a new exposition building to be used either separately or in conjunction with the Municipal Auditorium, the $7,000,000 noted above as having been spent in this city by convention and exposition delegates should be far surpassed. It is a facility the city has needed and of which I shall say more later.

Fire houses, despite the fact that many of them are very old, have never been in finer condition. Many new ones are of vital need to replace structures of obsolete type that were built during the time fire appartus was horse-drawn. I wish to take this opportunity of congratulating Commissioner Colbourn on bringing these old housing facilities to such serviceable and sightly condition.

City Hall Attractions

Many alterations inside the city hall were made during the year. The opening of the new school administration building made available the entire eleventh floor for city government purposes. The Park Department has moved to the eleventh floor and its old quarters on the fourth floor are now used by the Plumbing Department, which long has needed office expansion. The Civil Service Department, which for two years was housed on the main floor where the noise of traffic was greatly disturbing during examination periods, has taken up quarters on the fifth floor formerly used by the Electrical Department. The Electrical Department has taken vacant quarters also on the eleventh floor. On the whole, the city hall administration offices are now far better arranged than ever before, each department has sufficient space to care for expansion for years to come and its services have been made more available to the public.

New Exposition Building

In connection with the Municipal Auditorium I have for many years urged a new exposition building on the city owned land between Fallon Street and the Estuary inlet. A large acreage is available and the site for such a new and needed facility would cost the city nothing. Such a building might cost the City of Oakland a quarter of a million dollars-but I have long been convinced, through offers already made the city, that space sold by the city to industrial expositions, to horse shows of a more or less permanent nature, and to other attractions, would in ten years repay the original outlay, and that thereafter the exposition building would be a money paying asset.

As far back as 1921 the Horse Show Association of America came to me and urged that Oakland furnish facilities for a permanent stock exhibition. This associa- tion had made a nation-wide investigation and had come to the decision that Oakland furnished, in convenient transportation facilities, equable climate and available land sites, the best location in the country for such a permanent show. I endeavored at that time to gain city-wide support for the construction of an exhibition building and arena capable of housing such an attraction. Council support failed, and I was forced to drop a plan that would have brought Oakland not only national and inter- national advertising but actual money profits in our city treasury.

Again, therefore, let me urge that this City Council and the City of Oakland take immediate steps pointing toward construction of a second exposition building adjacent to the auditorium. I am glad to state that the Department of Public Works likewise now advocates such a new facility. Though its cost may add to the tax rate for one year, I am convinced, as stated above, that the outlay will be repaid within a few years and then will return good interest.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

PORT DEPARTMENT

With the construction of many new harbor facilities completed, with the improve- ment of docks, wharves, warehouses and other appurtenances long in use and with the acquisition of new business and the inauguration of new building programs, the year 1929 witnessed great commercial growth throughout the entire Port of Oakland.

The Port of Oakland, I am happy to state, Is now not only self-sustaining, hut bringing in a large surplus. For the present fiscal year, beginning July 1, 1929, the estimated receipts will total over $650,000. With estimated expenditures for opera- tion, administration and maintenance approximating $500,000 this indicates that for the fiscal year of 1929-1930 the port will bring in a surplus of at least $150,000. This is all the more astonishing when it is recalled that only five years ago the harbor needs demanded direct tax levy upon the people. The following figures tell a story of which the City of Oakland may well be proud:

TAX LEVY REQUIREMENTS OF THE PORT OF OAKLAND

$400,000

1925-1926

200,000

1926-1927

21,000

1927-1928

None

1928-1929

None

Surplus from Port Revenue, $150,000

1929-1930

The reason for the change in status of the Port of Oakland from a tax burden to a paying project is disclosed hy the following comparative record of port business in the years 1928 and 1929:

1928

1929 13,384

56 vessels

Vessels arrived

427,732 tons

Net tonnage of vessels.

1,435,610

1,552,331

116,721 tons

Import tonnage

6,194 tons

Export tonnage

Total cargo handled at Oakland

1,782,673

1,905,588

122,915 tons

terminals

It is significant to note in the above that though in the past year there was a gain of but 56 "vessels arrived," yet in "tonnage of vessels" there was a net increase of

Gain

13,328

6,624,329

7,052,061

347,063

353,257

Harhor

The Dimond Swimming Pool, constructed at the expense of and donated to the city by the Lions Club of Oakland.

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

427,732 tons-clear proof of a fact already known by Oakland port authorities, namely, that the growth of Oakland Harbor is bringing in a more important type of trade and consequently a larger type of vessel.

On the western waterfront in the last year, too, the Port Department located in Warehouses "A" and "B", respectively, the firms of Rosenberg Brothers & Company, the world's largest shipper of dried fruits, and Libby, McNeill & Libby, the world's largest shipper of canned goods. In the contractual agreement in connection with these municipally owned warehouses, these two giant firms agreed to make Oakland their principal shipping point in California, each guaranteeing to ship a minimum of 50,000 tons of cargo annually over Port of Oakland piers. It is fully expected, how- ever, that the combined export shipments of these two firms will be considerably above 200,000 tons per year. In addition to all dockage, tolls and other charges incidental to export shipments, each of these firms pay to the city an annual rental of approxi- mately $35,000.

The result of the placing of these two firms and of other shipping growth in the outer harbor terminal has likewise brought the additional application of 14 foreign, 7 coastwise and 8 intercoastal lines for berthing space. It brings the further result that the Port Department finds it necessary to extend all facilities at this terminal, length- ening the wharfing space, constructing additional warehouses and cargo handling devices.

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Polk's Oakland (California) city directory, 1930, Part 5

Author: R.L. Polk & Co Publication date: 1928 Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : R.L. Polk & Co. Number of Pages: 1624

Author: R.L. Polk & Co
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : R.L. Polk & Co.
Number of Pages: 1624