From: MAREL GRUNT
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter in Support of DOER Marine
Date: Monday, September 2, 2024 11:22:50 AM
Dear Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Alameda City Council Members, I am writing to you to share my sentiments regarding the issue of DOER Marine's wish to continue their lease arrangement in the building 41 property. I know each person to whom I am addressing this message has their own story of how you become deeply connected to Alameda Island. My husband and I moved here 30 years ago, purchasing a run down duplex with our cousins. The four of us were Alameda transplants and we proceeded to fall in love with this City and raise our kids here and restore that same Victorian home.
Over the years we have witnessed and have been a part of many changes here.
There has been growth, development and a continuous influx of businesses which have added to the vibrant community here. We are happy to welcome the big businesses that have come onto the island which have added options for local residents. At the same time, we go out of our way to frequent the homegrown medium and small sized businesses that are foundational to our culture here on Alameda. I myself am a small business owner here in town, having an office down in Ballena Bay. Because of this experience, I really appreciate the passion and energy small business owners put into their own growth and contribution to the community.
DOER Marine is a family run business with local talent that has enriched this town.
We have known the Griffith family for a decade and have seen their passionate commitment to science and the environment. My husband and I have a bias because our daughter has worked as a computer engineer at DOER for a number of years.
The company works hand in hand with educational and research institutions making exciting new discoveries possible. Along these lines, we are forever impressed with how much of a positive impact Dr. Sylvia Earl continues to make through her Mission Blue work. I feel an abundance of civic pride knowing that Dr. Earl and DOER Marine call Alameda home base and are right here in our backyard.
The Alameda Point is an area that represents a similar microcosm of what has been evolving throughout this City. It has a vibrant, dynamic feel that comes from the synergy of mixed use. There are the working buildings where things are dreamed up, researched and manufactured. Also, there are the many restaurants, breweries, museums, performing arts and other tourist destinations that are serving the public in a different kind of way way. The braiding together of the different component elements gives our island character and connects us to our Island's history of manufacturing at the base. I am hopeful that the City will work with DOER to find creative solutions and make it possible for them to remain here in our backyard.
Thank you,
Marel Grunt
Marel Grunt, LMFT
www.marelgruntmft.com
[email protected]
510.703.9415
From: Rose Bie
To: CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of support for DOER for the September 3, 2024 Alameda City Council Meeting Date: Monday, September 2, 2024 9:56:04 AM
Attachments: DOER Letter of Support Alameda City Council 3 Sept 2024 by J Myers.pdf Hello:
Please find attached a letter of support for DOER for the September 3, 2024 Alameda City Council Meeting.
Thank you
Jim Myers & Rose Bie
1 DOER Letter of Support for the September 3, 2024, Alameda City Council Meeting
August 31, 2024
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and
Members of the Alameda City Council
Alameda City Hall
2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
RE: Letter of Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) & Deep Ocean Explore Store
Mayor Ashcraft and Alameda City Council Members:
As a long time Alameda resident, scuba diver, environmental conservationist, and strong supporter of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER) and their Deep Ocean Explore Store, I am writing to request that you extend their lease at 650 West Tower Avenue and recommend that you fully support DOER’s ongoing eƯorts to further invest in their business at this location - essential to facilitate their expanding business, better serve their clients, support their employees and the well- paying jobs they oƯer, and further their partnerships and collaborations with other businesses, community organizations, and schools. Hanger 41 is a building whose size and design meets the needs of this unique design and manufacturing company and is a perfect reuse of this former Alameda Naval Air Station facility as envisioned in the Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act of 1994.
Why Extend Lease & Support DOER?
Because doing so is in Alameda’s/our community’s interest, for DOER is a sought-after world- renowned business! But because they are top science and engineering professionals, quietly confident in their abilities, and the nicest, most down-to-earth people you will meet, you would not know that DOER are global superstars supporting the world’s top marine scientists and ocean explorers as well as local businesses, organizations and universities.
Alameda benefits not only from the tax revenue, high paying jobs (roughly 30-50), partnerships with local businesses, community organizations and schools, but also the positive global publicity of having DOER Marine located in this Island City, rich in marine history and businesses. Having DOER Marine in Alameda making a real diƯerence in protecting the oceans and all the life dependent upon them – including humanity, is something to support and celebrate. Given climate change, supporting companies like DOER that work to explore and protect the oceans has become more critical than ever.
DOER a Unique Marine Company & Global Leader
There are only a handful of companies in the world that have the capability to support deep ocean research and exploration. DOER consults, designs and manufactures on site the machines, equipment and underwater vehicles (the “tools”) that enable the world’s best marine scientists and ocean explorers to conduct their research and exploration of the ocean – much of which are yet to be explored or understood. DOER is unique, as they are the only company of these select few to do it all - that is, to design and manufacture remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and human operated vehicles (HOVs, aka submersibles). These are 2 DOER Letter of Support for the September 3, 2024, Alameda City Council Meeting innovatively designed and engineered with high-tech materials and components to the highest engineering and safety standards, and then tested and independently inspected, to ensure they can withstand the ocean's immense pressures and harsh conditions and perform as required for the research projects or expeditions for which they are built. https://www.doermarine.com/about
DOER founded in 1992 by Dr. Sylvia Earle
DOER was founded in 1992 by Dr. Sylvia Earle, and she is still a part of the DOER team. When Dr.
Earle became the Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society in 1995, her daughter, Liz Taylor (President / CEO) took the lead with her partner Ian GriƯith (Director of Marine Operations) and Tony Lawson (Director of Engineering) to continue this important work and have successfully grown the company with exciting projects underway.
If you don’t know Dr. Sylvia Earle, she is a pioneer in Marine Science, Oceanography and Ocean Conservation. She has been named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress, and "Her Deepness" by the New Yorker.
To give you a sense of how significant Dr. Earle and her work and leadership are, she “has authored more than 200 publications, lectured in more than 80 countries, and led more than 100 marine expeditions (totaling over 7,000 hours under water). She has received 27 honorary degrees and more than 100 honors from around the world. Some of the most notable awards include Time magazine’s Cover and first Hero for the Planet (1998), the United Nations Champion of the Earth (2014), and the 2009 TED Prize.” (See https://www.ted.com/speakers/sylvia_earle)
In “1970, Dr. Earle led an all-female team to an underwater habitat Tektite II Project, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the Department of the Interior, and NASA near the U.S. Virgin Islands. … where, for two weeks, she and her team … upon surfacing they were honored at the White House and received a parade in Chicago.” “Dr. Sylvia Earle holds the record for deepest walk on the sea floor.” In 1980 she walked “untethered on the sea floor at a lower depth than any person before or since…to a depth of 1,250 feet, where she detached from the submersible and explored the sea floor for two and a half hours”. “In 1990, Earle was appointed the Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the first woman to hold the position.” “In 1995, she published Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans, a call to action to preserve the Earth’s oceans.” https://www.womenshistory.org/education- resources/biographies/sylvia-earle Dr. Earle has “dived in all five of the world’s oceans, and had a leading role in establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) as “hope spots” around the world.” https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/real-world-geography-sylvia-earle/ On the West Coast that would include “…15,333 square miles of marine protected areas around Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay and Olympic Coast.” https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/westcoast.html In 2009, after Dr. Earle saw that Google Earth showed no data and blank space for the world’s oceans, “DOER coordinated eƯorts from multiple agencies supplying underwater map data, resulting in the Ocean module of Google Earth, released in version 5.0” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOER_Marine. DOER is continuing Dr. Earle’s pioneering and innovative leadership, to further marine science and engineering, and ocean conservation, in as many ways as possible to make a diƯerence.
3 DOER Letter of Support for the September 3, 2024, Alameda City Council Meeting Scuba Diving Shop
In 2020, DOER opened the Deep Ocean Explore Store, a full-service scuba diving shop to serve the dive community in the East Bay and Bay Area, and to improve understanding of aquatic ecosystems, promote environmental and ocean conservation by allowing more people to learn to scuba dive.
As a full-service scuba diving shop, the Deep Ocean Explore Store rents, sells and services (critical to safety) scuba diving gear and equipment, oƯers PADI and SDI course and certifications from Open Water (Beginner) through Master Diver, Dive Master, and Instructor, with many other specialty courses like navigation, rescue diver or night diving. Course sessions begin with online learning, followed by in person classes with the instructors, then hands on skill development in a pool, and then applying that knowledge and skills in the open water of the ocean in Monterey, CA., the closest National Marine Sanctuary and rich in kelp forests and sea life. In addition to the regular dive trips to Monterey, the Deep Ocean Explore Store oƯers regular dive trips Catalina, CA. and annual dive trips and expeditions to the top dive sites around the world.
The staƯ, including student interns from Alameda High Schools, led by Instructor and Manager Jim Dell’Ara, are outstanding and committed to education, service, safety and conservation. Under Liz Taylor’s and Jim Dell’Ara’ s leadership, the Deep Ocean Explore Store has grown significantly and are serving more and more new and experienced scuba divers, making Alameda a destination for scuba divers from all over the Bay Area.
This includes my family. I took a refresher course and get back into scuba diving. Our son and daughter both AHS graduates became certified scuba divers while in middle school and both have worked as interns at the Deep Ocean Explore Store. Our son pursued scuba diving with a passion and became a Master Diver at age 15 and is working on his Dive Master Certification. He was hired as an employee when the dive shop opened in 2020 and is now also part of the engineering team while he completes his community college coursework and applies to Cal Maritime to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, so he can add more value to the engineering team at DOER. Our daughter has also been inspired by DOER and will be pursuing a marine science education at UC Irvine, starting this September. DOER and the Deep Ocean Explore Store’s commitment to marine science, technology and engineering education, and to students and our local schools, is making a diƯerence not only in our lives, but for many others in the community.
DOER also promotes taking ferries and transit to DOER and Alameda Point as part of their focus on environmental conservation. DOER and the Deep Ocean Explore Store also assist CASA and Mission Blue with the monthly Coastal Clean-up. https://deepoceanexplorestore.com/
Base Closure and Redevelopment
When I began my career in federal service, I was fortunate enough to visit the Alameda Naval Air Base in 1994 when the Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act was passed, and the base closures were just getting underway with much excitement and many ambitious goals. Including economic redevelopment through business growth, job creation and housing.
I have watched this community, and others, take on that challenge without additional resources, and am impressed with the progress our City of Alameda is making in meeting those goals at Alameda Point.
4 DOER Letter of Support for the September 3, 2024, Alameda City Council Meeting Therefore, not in my oƯicial capacity, but as an informed resident of Alameda, I know that DOER is precisely the kind of high-tech, high paying, world changing, design and engineering manufacturing business that the Base Closure and Redevelopment envisioned to move into, invest in and repurpose the former Alameda Naval Air Station buildings and facilities. As noted earlier, Hanger 41 is a building whose size and design meets the needs of this unique design and manufacturing company and is a perfect reuse as envisioned in the Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act of 1994.
DOER moved into Hangar 41 at 650 West Tower Avenue in 2003, after it was displaced from their previous location oƯ Clement Avenue in Alameda. Moving locations for design, engineering and manufacturing companies like DOER is expensive and can be fatal. Supporting high-tech, marine manufacturing like DOER in Alameda, so that they can invest in and expand their company at a permanent location, creating high paying jobs, supporting other businesses, our schools and our community, should be an easy decision for the City of Alameda, and one that the Mayor, Alameda City Council, the City of Alameda City Manager and City staƯ can all agree on.
Thank you for consideration, your service, and all the work you do for our community.
Sincerely,
Jim Myers & family
37 Garden Road
Alameda, CA 94502
(415)999-9865
From: Edward Owens <[email protected]>
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER Marine) Date: Friday, August 30, 2024 3:27:17 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and City Council Members,
My wife (Carrie Ericson) and I (Edward Owens) have lived in Alameda since April 1st, 1999.
We have three children, Lewie, Richie, and Sophia who all attended Alameda schools and graduated from Encinal High School. We've owned and operated our business SpeedPro East Bay in Alameda since 2015.
We have known Liz and Ian, the owners of DOER Marine for almost 20 years. Our children attended preschool together, and I have coached both of their boys, Morgan and Taylor, in Alameda Little League. DOER was always our sponsor.
Over the years we've seen DOER Marine grow and prosper in Alameda, offering high-paying engineering jobs to local workers, and providing marine research, design, and field support.
They build state-of-the-art submersibles and remote-operated subsea vehicles, right here in Alameda. DOER is active locally with coastal cleanup (CASA). They make a point of shopping locally and have reached out to us at SpeedPro East Bay on many occasions to help them with their facility signage and other branding they might need on their equipment and products. They are a great local business partner and have helped us out in a pinch with more than one of our clients when we needed their unique expertise.
My wife and I urge you to vote YES for them at your meeting on September 3rd.
Thanks in Advance, Edward and Carrie
Edward Owens SpeedPro East Bay
President
o.510.246.8643
1734 Clement Ave, Alameda CA 94501
[email protected]
http://www.SpeedProEastBay.Com
Community Involved / Community Supporter
Speedpro East Bay is committed to returning 5% of our profits back to the communities we serve.
From: David Mik
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger Subject: [EXTERNAL] Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER Marine): Letter of Support Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024 4:45:13 PM
Attachments: image001.png
image003.png
DOER Marine LOR_PECC_08292024.pdf
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and City Council Members:
I am writing to submit a letter of support on behalf of DOER Marine’s lease application for Building 41 at Alameda Point. We work have worked with DOER Marine on a number of projects and consider them an important part of the growing Blue Tech cluster at Alameda Point.
It is my hope that after thoughtful consideration you approve their request.
Best,
D.
DAVID MIK
PRESIDENT
T 510.337.3800 ext.218 | C 415.559.0097
[email protected]
_______________________________
Power Engineering Construction
1501 Viking Street, Suite 200 • Alameda, CA 94501
Mr. David Mik, President
Power Engineering Construction Co.
1501 Viking St. Ste 200
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 337-3800
August 29, 2024
City Council of Alameda
City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
Alameda, CA 94501
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for Deep Ocean E xploration & Research (DOER Marine) and their request for an 18-month lease with a six month exte nsion option for Building 41 here at Alameda Point.
As a local business owner, I firmly believe that embracing ocean technology solutions and promoting the companies pursuing these solutions is not only esse ntial for mitigating environmental concerns but als o for fostering economic growth and resilience.
DOER Marine presents an innovative approach to harn essing technology for the ocean’s benefit. Their commitment to ocean health aligns perfectly with our community's values of environmental stewardship and forward-thinking development. Further, DOER Ma rine contributes to a growing cluster of marine- facing Blue Tech businesses.
The benefits of our nascent Blue Tech cluster at Al ameda Point are manifold and provide the companies here with opportunities to support each other. As an example, Power Engineering Construction Co. has worked alongside and collaborated with DOER Marine on several projects in recent years – a collaboration spawned by our closer physical proximity and by our convergent interests. Notable projects on which we worked together include the fabrication, assembly, and launch of the Ocean Clean Up prototype system (assembled and launched from Alameda Point) and more recently ABS shallow and deep-water testing of DOER’s latest class of submersibles.
The US Navy has gifted the City of Alameda with a t remendous resource: a former naval air station with large industrial structures and ready access to San Francisco Bay. Our proximity to the greater Bay A rea
W POWERENGCONSTRUCTION.COMT 510-337-3800 E [email protected] 1501 VIKING STREET , SUITE 200, ALAMEDA, CA 94501 – with its technology base and world class educational institutions, positions our city perfectly to expand our Blue Tech presence as an incubator space and a location where young ocean focused companies can grow and expand. DOER Marine provides an excellent anchor tenant in support of this pursuit.
Furthermore, DOER’s business aligns with our town's long-term sustainability goals and environmental objectives.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse DOER’s lease request and urge the City Council to approve thei r request. Thank you for considering my input on this crucial matter.
Sincerely,
Power Engineering Construction Co.
David Mik
President
From: kai fukuda
To: Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; [email protected]; Sarah Henry; City Clerk; [email protected]; [email protected]; CityCouncil-List Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:43:34 PM
To whom it may concern,
This letter is in support of the local dive shop, DOER. Renewing their lease can be highly beneficial for both the business and the community. Here are several reasons:
1. Support for Marine Conservation: DOER plays a large role in marine conservation efforts. Renewing their lease can help them continue supporting and promoting environmental stewardship.
2. Economic Boost: Dive shops attract tourists and locals who spend money on diving gear, trips, and related activities. A renewed lease can help ensure this economic activity continues, benefiting the local economy.
3. Job Creation: DOER provides employment opportunities for residents, including dive instructors, engineers and students.
4. Community Engagement: Dive shops like DOER engage with local communities through events, education, and outreach. Renewing their lease helps sustain these community-building efforts.
5. Specialized Services: Dive shops offer specialized services and equipment that are essential for divers. As one of the few dive shops left in the Bay Area DOER stands as one of the few places left for avid divers.
I hope that you will consider these reasons and support the renewal of DOER's lease, recognizing the positive impact it can have on the local community and the environment.
I remember when I was in Elementary School, DOER came to my school and made an amazing presentation during the Career Day Assembly and I have been so interested in the Ocean since. I want to be part of a team that can make a difference in our world while exploring. Please let DOER stay so I can be part of their team someday.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kai
From: kenji fukuda
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger; Sarah Henry; City Clerk; Abby Thorne-Lyman
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support of Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:34:39 PM
To whom it may concern
My name is Kenji and I am an intern currently working at DOER and a student at Alameda High School. I am writing in support of DOER having its lease renewed, and allowing it to stay afloat (pun intended). Dive shops like DOER provide a clear mission when it comes to protecting the environment, whether it be by implementing a new eco friendly motor or just recommending eco friendly dive products. This dive shop in particular holds a special place in my heart, as it is my first job and one that has encouraged me to strive as a person, student, ocean caretaker. It is the reason I attended college courses over the summer and inspires me to rise to new heights every day. DOER provides students like me vital working experience and makes the community stronger as a result.
Sylvia Earle is an outstanding role model to young people and older ones alike. Sylvia as the founder and owner of DOER has been on multiple educational documentaries and has forever changed the world of marine biology. Her great successes have convinced me to grow up and become a marine biologist.
I urge you to renew the lease for DOER!
Thank you,
Kenji
From: Eric Fukuda
To: [email protected]; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger; City Clerk; Sarah Henry; Abby Thorne-Lyman
Cc: Lisa Fukuda
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter in Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:26:06 PM
To Whom it May Concern,
This letter is in support of the DOER dive shop and marine submersible company. I am a longitme Alameda resident and avid supporter of DOER. It is extremely rare these days to have a full service dive shop in our island city let alone a full submersible company. The opportunities and service that DOER provides the diving community is second to none, and is truly a dying breed in these days of online e- commerce. Since most of the dive shops have closed in the east bay DOER stands alone as a local shop run by experts who care about their craft and their community.
My daughter was taught to scuba dive by the instructors at DOER right after the pandemic and at the young age of 12. The lead instructor Jim at DOER took the time to teach my daughter to be safe, respectful of nature, and how to be an advocate for our oceans. My daughter has taken her experience back to Alameda High and has convinced her friends and classmates to also become young divers and friends of our oceans.
DOER marine is an asset to our city and a first class business recognized throughout the underwater world. Sylvia Earl one of the founders of DOER, has had numerous lectures and even multiple TED talks regarding protecting our oceans. How many small businesses in Alameda have that type of standing in their field? They provide local jobs, and create an atmosphere of diversity among the many breweries and spirit makers on the former Naval air station. Their doors are open to all and draw ocean enthusiasts and professionals alike into our city on a daily basis. Please ensure their survival by renewing their lease.
Thank you for your time,
Eric
From: Mari
To: Abby Thorne-Lyman; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; City Clerk; Sarah Henry; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 10:12:58 PM
To Whom it May Concern,
My name is Mari Fukuda and I am currently an intern at DOER in Alameda and an AHS student. I am writing to express my support in renewing the lease for DOER.
As a student deeply interested in marine science and engineering, DOER has provided me with hands-on experience and opportunities that I could not find anywhere else. DOER is not just businesses, it is a community where people of all ages can learn, grow, and contribute to our understanding of the marine world. The skills and knowledge I've gained through my internship have been invaluable, not only for my personal development but also for my future college and career aspirations. Losing these resources would be a significant blow to students like myself and the broader community, who benefit from the unique services and educational opportunities DOER offers.
I respectfully ask you to consider renewing the lease for this business. Their impact on the community, especially for young people like me who are passionate about marine studies and engineering, is an experience I cannot duplicate elsewhere. Allowing them to keep this space would continue to provide countless students and community members with the resources and inspiration they need to pursue their underwater goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mariko Fukuda
From: Brock Grunt
To: Lara Weisiger; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Manager Manager Subject: [EXTERNAL] DOER Lease - Building 41, Alameda Point Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 12:14:02 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and Honorable City Council Members, I am writing on behalf of DOER Marine regarding Item 7-C, the lease agreement for Building 41, on the September 3rd City Council Meeting Agenda. I strongly recommend that the Council votes to execute this lease with DOER Marine.
My wife and I have been Alameda residents for over 30 years. We have 4 kids (now adults) all born, raised and educated through high school here in town. Our newly married oldest child has been lucky enough to have also purchased a home here in Alameda, so our family roots continue to grow deep in Alameda soil. We love this town.
We have also known of DOER Marine and its owners for about 10 years. This relationship began when our second child made her way into the DOER facility (at the time on Clement Ave.) as a high school student along with a handful of other students, where they were allowed to use the manufacturing equipment DOER owned to dream up and make incredible after school and weekend projects. This was the beginning of our child latching on to a love for STEAM and going on to graduate in Computer Engineering, with which she is now employed designing and building research equipment. Over the years, we have known a number of friends that have also had a similar experience with their kids and this opportunity provided by DOER. DOER has been a working STEAM lab that has had an amazing open arms policy and relationship with all of the schools in Alameda. DOER was founded by Dr.
Silvia Earle, who is an absolute star in the marine biology and oceanography world, and having her name associated with this Alameda business, adds a spotlight to good things happening at the Point. As a community, we are blessed with the fact that DOER didn't relocate out of town when they had to vacate their Clement Ave. location and moved instead to Building 41.
I am currently the President of McGuire and Hester, a business based in Alameda. I'm a Board Director on the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance and have also been a participating member of the Mayor's Economic Development Advisory Panel (EDAP) since its inception in 2016. As I'm sure you are all aware, a document called the Alameda Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) was produced in 2018 with the input of EDAP. A key ingredient of the EDSP was to give some direction to the Mayor and Council regarding future growth opportunities in Alameda and the type of businesses the City should be most interested in attracting. In this document, six business sectors for growth were identified, which to varying degrees, DOER Marine hits upon all of them. The following is a list Liz Taylor, the owner of DOER provided to point out their parallels with the EDSP:
1. Life Sciences – We are collaborating with Basecamp Research https://www.basecamp- research.com/ to expand ocean research areas
2. Clean/Green and High Tech – We are working on circular manufacturing and battery technology that requires no metals from the deep sea along with adaptive reuse of battery technology when no longer suitable for primary user.
3. Blue tech and maritime – at our core with ROVs, Submersibles, AUVs, and sampling tools. Growing in areas of climate/coastal resilience with wave attenuation devices, wave/tidal energy, consulting, and restoration work.
4. Retail and restaurants- Retail is growing with our Deep Ocean Explore Store https://deepoceanexplorestore.com/ opened during the pandemic to help people explore closer to home while they could not travel. Restaurant no, but I’d love to work on sustainable shore based aquaculture for algae and high quality oysters for local distribution.
5. Tourism and hospitality – We have partnered with Honu LLC (website coming soon) to build a whole new class of submersible designed for science and tourism. The first two will be based in French Polynesia in alignment with The Brando resort on Tetiaroa and the Gump research lab on Morea. The model, which includes eco-resorts, submersibles, science/research, and community engagement/jobs will be applied to other areas around Mission Blue Hope Spots. This creates tourism and hospitality jobs at home and afar – building alignment with other island communities. Locally, I also continue to advocate for more guest slips, weekend ferry service, an in water boat show (smaller version of FLIBS https://www.flibs.com/en/home.html
) perhaps leveraging fleet week. We might also
attract more yachts to Alameda to provision and take yard periods – work currently being lost to Seattle and San Diego on the west coast.
6. Artists and small manufacturers – DOER is a small manufacturer and was awarded the manufacturer of the year award this past April by the AMBayArea in the small biz category. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/am_bayarea_2024-ambayarea-mfg-awards- video-activity-7189344360491114497-NI9E/
We’ve always supported local and internationally renowned artists too. From our own Shirley Watts https://naturaldiscourse.org/About to Doug Aitken https://www.underwaterpavilions.com/ to hosting local artwork in our store and of course students. Loved having the Plein Air class from St. Joes come though one year. The ocean pioneers collection I curated for years went to Google for a time and now is at the Aquarium of the Bay. They could be a pretty cool addition to an ocean innovation hub at Alameda Point J https://blog.travelmarx.com/2013/08/google-heads-legends-of-sea- sculptures.html
I find this list pretty inspiring and would hate to see such imagination and passion leave our community. I realize the City has the underlying hurdle to figure out funding to build new infrastructure at the Point, and that the sale of buildings and parcels at the Point are the primary means to fund this infrastructure, but approving an 18 month lease with DOER with an extension option seems like a no-brainer. Based on the history at the Point, the current economy and the current PFAS restrictions on the sale of Bldg 41, not approving DOER's lease probably just means another vacant building at the Point, the loss of this lease revenue stream and the invitation for more bad activities to find empty spaces at the Point. In the long run, I strongly encourage the City to find ways to help DOER remain in and a part of our community. They may not bring an obvious bottom line dollar to the equation, but they do bring an intrinsic asset that can be too easily overlooked.
Thank you for your consideration.
Brock Grunt | President
McGuire and Hester
Office 510-632-7676
Cell 510-715-1093
From: Kevin Haugh
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella Cc: [email protected]; City Clerk; [email protected] Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Protect DOER!
Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 11:36:59 AM
Attachments: DOER August 24 2024.pdf
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in support of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (“DOER”) located in Alameda. I am a scuba instructor, a diver for the Alameda County Sheriff’s office, and a father of two boys. DOER is the leader of ocean conservation and education in the Bay Area, DOER has supported the Alameda County Sheriff’s office dive team, DOER provides top tier scuba instruction and expeditions, and DOER supports local youth through volunteer opportunities. DOER is a valuable and unique institution for the Alameda community and should be protected.
As a scuba instructor at DOER, I observed the highest level of instruction and support of any dive shop I’ve worked with in 30 years of diving. DOER prioritizes student safety and promotes ocean conservation through education. We protect what we love and DOER teaches Bay Area residents to love the ocean through the sport of scuba diving.
As a member of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, DOER has provided valuable support to our team. Our team goal is to bring closure to Bay Area residents who have lost loved ones in our waters. When our team’s compressor was out of operation, DOER filled our tanks enabling us to accomplish our mission. In addition to air fills, DOER shared valuable insight with our team from their extensive independent recovery experience.
As a father, I encouraged both of my sons to volunteer at DOER during their summers. My older son studied the impact of shoreline trash on the bay at DOER. My younger son helped in the shop and learned valuable lessons about work ethic, ocean conservation, and serving the public. Both boys enjoyed their time at DOER and wrote about their DOER experiences on college essays leading to their acceptances to New York University and Tufts University.
DOER benefits the entire community in surprising and immeasurable ways. DOER provides a community for divers and ocean lovers, DOER supports our public agencies like the Alameda Sheriff’s Office, DOER provides youth volunteer opportunities to Bay Area families. Please protect this unique and valuable Alameda institution. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Haugh, Esq.
KevinHaugh3216BurdeckDriveOakland, CA94602(415) [email protected] August 24, 2024
Dear Sir or Madam,
I amwritinginsupport of DeepOceanExplorationandResearch(“DOER”) locatedinAlameda. I amascubainstructor, adiver for theAlamedaCountySheriff’soffice, andafather of twoboys. DOERistheleader of oceanconservationandeducationintheBayArea, DOERhassupportedtheAlamedaCountySheriff’sofficediveteam, DOERprovidestoptier scubainstructionandexpeditions, andDOERsupportslocal youththroughvolunteer opportunities. DOERisavaluableanduniqueinstitutionfor theAlamedacommunityandshouldbeprotected.
Asascubainstructor at DOER, I observedthehighest level of instructionandsupport ofanydiveshopI’veworkedwithin30yearsof diving. DOERprioritizesstudent safetyandpromotesoceanconservationthrougheducation. Weprotect what weloveandDOERteachesBayArearesidentstolovetheoceanthroughthesport of scubadiving.
Asamember of theAlamedaCountySheriff’sOffice, DOERhasprovidedvaluablesupport toour team. Our teamgoal istobringclosuretoBayArearesidentswhohavelost lovedonesinour waters. Whenour team’scompressor wasout of operation, DOERfilledour tanksenablingustoaccomplishour mission. Inadditiontoair fills, DOERsharedvaluableinsight withour teamfromtheir extensiveindependent recoveryexperience.
Asafather, I encouragedbothof mysonstovolunteer at DOERduringtheir summers. Myolder sonstudiedtheimpact of shorelinetrashonthebayat DOER. Myyounger sonhelpedintheshopandlearnedvaluablelessonsabout workethic, oceanconservation,andservingthepublic. Bothboysenjoyedtheir timeat DOERandwroteabout theirDOERexperiencesoncollegeessaysleadingtotheir acceptancestoNewYorkUniversityandTuftsUniversity.
DOERbenefitstheentirecommunityinsurprisingandimmeasurableways. DOERprovidesacommunityfor diversandoceanlovers, DOERsupportsour publicagenciesliketheAlamedaSheriff’sOffice, DOERprovidesyouthvolunteer opportunitiestoBayAreafamilies. Pleaseprotect thisuniqueandvaluableAlamedainstitution. Thankyou.
Sincerely,
Kev Ha g , Es .
From: Genevieve Rohe
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] YES on the proposed lease for space DOER Marine"s space in Building 41 at Alameda Point.
Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 7:00:36 AM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and esteemed City Council members,
As a scuba diver, I’ve depended on the Deep Ocean Explore Store at DOER Marine since they opened during the pandemic.
They are an enormous asset to the Bay Area diving community, providing important goods, services, and classes. They support recreational divers like myself and the Alameda Fire Department and Alameda County Sheriff's diving division with essential services, equipment, and repairs.
Over the past three years, I have taken two CPR/First Aid classes at DOER and the quality of instruction was rigorous and comprehensive. I was offered CPR/First Aid classes elsewhere through my employer, however, the quality of instruction was inadequate in comparison to what I received at DOER. I’m immensely grateful that DOER offers lifesaving education to our Bay Area community.
I have participated in DOER’s coastal cleanups at Crown State Beach and in underwater cleanups in Monterey. I commend DOER for taking action to make our waters cleaner and for educating the public about the dangers of litter to wildlife.
They are the only dive shop in the Bay Area that promotes conservation and a sustainable lifestyle by offering zero-waste, plastic-free products.
I urge you to support DOER Marine by voting YES on the proposed lease for space in Building 41 at Alameda Point.
Please support their work by approving the lease proposed by City Staff on September 3rd.
Sincerely,
Gen Rohe
From: Lauren MacKenzie
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; Lara Weisiger Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter of Support for Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER) Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024 7:18:16 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and City Council members,
I've been an Alameda resident for 14 years and a scuba diver for 5 years. I recently became a scuba instructor. DOER Marine and Deep Ocean Explore Store have been pivotal in my scuba journey and the journey of many community members with a passion for the ocean.
It's rare to find a dive shop that is so involved in bettering the ocean globally and locally. Our beach cleanups, dive-with-a-purpose trips, and the decision to not sell any sea hunting (spear fishing) equipment provide a space for like-minded divers and non-divers to participate in creating a better, safer, and cleaner ocean.
Not only does the dive community benefit from DOER in Alameda, the shop itself is an incredible example of the pillars our community should uphold. This woman-owned, for- benefit small business is unique to Alameda and the world. They have worked on some amazing projects over their 32 years in Alameda including:
Building equipment for flooded pipeline, aqueduct, and tunnel inspections up to 8 miles Building advanced subsea cameras for the BBC, NHK and National Geographic Assisting with/building submersibles for James Cameron, Paul Allen and Ray Dalio Assisting the Ocean Clean Up with their prototype system launched from Alameda Multiple Consulting projects around coastal restoration and resiliency Supporting the five-year Sustainable Seas Expeditions with National Geographic Supporting deep water bio pharmaceutical sampling in Palau for the Canadian Cancer Society
Assisting in the recovery of oil from the USS Luckenbach off the San Francisco coast Building specialized equipment to explore below the Antarctic Ice Shelf Developing systems for predictive failure of levees and earthen dams Collaborating with Google and the US Navy to put the Ocean in Google Earth Today DOER is developing and building a whole new class of submersible vehicle, Honu.
Honu is a metaphor for the connections between land, ocean, and people. The first two Honu submersibles are under construction and will be based in Tahiti. Others are planned for at least 7 additional locations.
While these projects are all high profile and make an enormous difference in ocean exploration, DOER is deeply connected to and involved with the local community right here in Alameda. They sponsor a monthly coastal cleanup in collaboration with Alameda CASA, and they actively engage interns from local high schools.
The Deep Ocean Explore Store at DOER is a public-facing shop that not only teaches scuba diving, it also carries products to help people make more sustainable choices. Over a dozen students have interned there, building career skills while learning about the ocean. Please help to keep DOER in Alameda by not only approving the short-term lease before you on September 3, but also supporting their efforts to secure enduring stability via a long termlease/purchase of building 41.
Please vote YES for DOER Marine at your meeting on September 3rd.
Best Regards,
Lauren
Lauren MacKenzie
Alameda Resident
PADI Instructor #541114