To
Whom
It
May
Concern,
I am writing in support of keeping Corica Park and to share my experience attending the Alameda
City
Council
meeting
at
Town
Hall
regarding
this
issue.
I attended the meeting because Corica Park is deeply important to me and to many members of our
community.
I
came
prepared
to
speak
during
public
comment
and
share
why
spaces
like
Corica
matter.
Unfortunately,
by
the
time
I
arrived,
I
was
informed
that
the
topic
had
already
passed
and
that
I
would
not
be
allowed
to
speak.
I
stayed
for
the
remainder
of
the
meeting,
but
at
no
point
was
additional
space
or
opportunity
offered
for
community
members
like
myself
who
still
wanted
to
be
heard.
That experience was disappointing because decisions about community spaces should include the
voices
of
the
people
who
actively
use
and
care
about
them.
Corica
Park
is
more
than
just
a
golf
course
or
recreational
space.
It
is
a
place
where
people
from
different
backgrounds
gather,
build
relationships,
exercise,
mentor
youth,
and
create
community.
It
provides
accessible
outdoor
space,
opportunities
for
young
people
to
be
introduced
to
the
game,
and
a
safe
environment
that
promotes
wellness,
connection,
and
belonging.
As someone who works closely with youth and community development, I understand how important
spaces
like
Corica
are.
They
give
young
people
exposure
to
new
opportunities,
positive
environments,
and
meaningful
connections
with
others.
These
kinds
of
community
spaces
are
becoming
harder
to
find,
especially
in
the
Bay
Area,
and
losing
them
would
impact
far
more
than
recreation
alone.
I hope future discussions around Corica Park create more meaningful opportunities for community
voices
to
be
heard
and
included
in
the
process.
I
strongly
encourage
the
City
Council
to
consider
the
long-term
value
that
Corica
Park
brings
to
Alameda
and
the
surrounding
communities.
Best, YeHtet
Written Comments for May 5, 2026 City of Alameda City Council Meeting Addressed to: City of Alameda Council Members and City Staff As someone familiar with Corica Park and the golf industry as a whole, I have strong feelings about the ongoing conflict between Greenway and the City of Alameda.
In the interest of full disclosure, I am currently employed at the course. I work five days a week, often play the North Course on my days off, and spend a significant amount of time interacting with our patrons. I’ve always welcomed feedback, as I believe anyone who takes the time to comment on their experience has something valuable to contribute. However, shortly after starting with Greenway, I noticed a pattern among a small group of patrons—stories alleging targeted, bad-faith practices by ownership. As a new employee, this concerned me. I was frankly nervous when I spotted the Patels, wondering if I would see evidence of these claims. Instead, my experience led me to a very different conclusion.
In the roughly eight months I’ve been here, I’ve seen a system that prioritizes access and availability for all golfers. Alameda residents enjoy the lowest costs I’ve encountered for a course of this quality. Depending on the time of year, multiple associations and groups, largely based in Alameda, play here weekly. What I’m most proud of, however, is Greenway’s youth outreach program—it’s the strongest effort I’ve ever seen by a course to get young players access to golf. In the Bay Area, only Harding Park, with the corporate backing of the TPC network (Tournament Players Club) and volunteers from the First Tee of San Francisco, comes close. Greenway, by contrast, provides these opportunities independently, providing free golf at their own expense, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the community. Junior golfers benefit from a multitude of opportunities I would have been beyond thankful for while I was growing up. The claim that Greenway and the Patels are unqualified outsiders intent on excluding the community simply doesn’t align with the reality I’ve observed.
On a weekly basis, our sta ff receives more positive feedback than I’ve experienced at any other course. The notion that there is community-wide opposition to this facility is utterly fanciful. Staff members are well aware of the small group of consistent critics, many of whom return week after week to play.
In fact, the only aspect of my experience here that has been deeply frustrating is the city’s apparent misallocation of time and public resources in pursuing what seem to be unsubstantiated claims against Greenway Golf. Like many of my coworkers, I live on this island, and it is difficult to reconcile the actions of the city with their responsibility to serve the community’s best interests. Directing taxpayer dollars toward a prolonged dispute of this nature raises serious questions about priorities and accountability. At a minimum, the public deserves a more transparent, evidence-based approach and a stronger commitment to acting with integrity.
- Anthony Schatz
From: Tamara Sabella
To: City Clerk; CITYCOUNCIL-List; Manager Manager; Amy Wooldridge; Justin Long; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Michele Pryor; Greg Boller; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Written Comments for May 19, 2026 City of Alameda City Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:27:31 AM
Attachments: Letters to Alameda City (2).pdf
May 19, 2026 - Letter to the City of Alameda (3).pdf
Good morning,
Please include my letter (attached) to be posted for today's meeting. In addition, please include the letters others have written and sent to you (attached). Perhaps you are still posting some, but I did not see them posted yet. I appreciate you taking the time to read through these. I speak from my heart and I hope the city leaders take care.
In community,
Tamara Sabella
Director, Community Engagement
Greenway Golf/Corica Park
(she, her)
Visit our Website
Connect with Corica Park on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
City of Alameda 2263 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 To everyone it should concern, My understanding is that it's not permissible to turn down public comment. I filled out the appropriate
slip,
submitted
to
the
clerk
on
Tuesday
May
5th,
to
be
told
that
I
could
not
make
public
comments
regarding
the
golf
course
because
I
missed
my
opportunity.
So
the
following
are
the
comments
I
intended
to
make….
My name is Brandy Graham. My family and I have been residents of Alameda for the past 11 years,
9 of
which
I
have
owned
and
operated
a
business
and
put
my
kids
through
Alameda
School
District.
I’ve been asked and am here tonight speaking on behalf of important and emerging contributors to
our
community,
including
Corica
Park
Golf
Course
and
Park
Station
Tap
House,
but
more
broadly
in
support
of
the
businesses,
organizations,
and
programs
that
actively
create
community
in
Alameda.
What I’m seeing across multiple situations is a consistent and concerning pattern: the city is increasingly
responsive
to
a
narrow
set
of
complaints,
while
the
broader
community—the
patrons,
families,
business
owners,
and
visitors
who
actively
invest
in
this
city—is
left
without
meaningful
support.
Local business owners, community-minded organizations, and recreational spaces are not separate
from
the
identity
of
a
small
town—they
are
the
fabric
of
it.
They
create
gathering
points,
support
local
economies,
and
offer
spaces
where
people
connect
in
meaningful,
lasting
ways.
At the Tap House, we have bands operating within established decibel limits, consistently monitored
by
staff
during
appropriate
permitted
hours,
yet
still
facing
pushback
that
threatens
a
new
and
already
covered,
vibrant
gathering
space.
At Corica Park, we NOW have a nationally recognized public golf course that has redefined what
the
connection
of
golf,
community
recreation
and
accessibility
can
look
like—offering
outreach,
inclusivity,
and
economic
vitality.
It
also
hosts
tournaments
that
bring
people
together
in
support
of
local
nonprofits
and
charitable
causes—events
that
often
carry
on
into
the
evening,
where
participants
gather
and
continue
that
sense
of
connection
at
places
like
Park
Station.
This is what a healthy local ecosystem looks like: recreation, philanthropy, and small business working
in
tandem.
And this extends beyond these businesses. At Little John Park, Alameda Little League (one of Alameda's longest standing sports program) is facing growing difficulty simply hosting games. A public park that has served families for decades is becoming harder to use, as the concerns of a small group are outweighing access for a much larger community.
These are not isolated incidents. They point to a larger question:
Who is the city choosing to support?
Because right now, it feels as though the people and places doing the most to bring life, connection, and shared experience to Alameda are being asked to shrink, quiet down, or step aside.
A thriving city requires balance. It requires protecting quality of life, yes—but also actively supporting the spaces that make life here meaningful.
I urge the city to take a broader view. To recognize and stand behind the businesses, programs, and public spaces that are not just operating here—but building something here.
Thank you.
With sincerity and concern,
Brandy Graham
Dear City Council Members, We are writing to express our strong support for Greenway Golf, which we feel is an Alameda gem that truly embodies what we aspire for in this city. My son discovered and developed his love of golf thanks to the community youth initiatives at Greenway, beginning with the Middle School Golf Program. Most importantly, it was because of volunteering at Greenway programs that my son learned that he could give back to others through the sport that he loves. Over the past four years he has volunteered in multiple Veteran’s Day tournaments and a tournament to benefit the victims of the LA fires. He and his friends were on the course for 10 hours playing over 70 holes of golf in order to raise money for other youth who had lost their golf equipment and facilities in the fires. He came home inspired to do more and I could not have been prouder of that group of young people. My son also volunteers at Corica summer camps and during his days on the course encounters many youngsters just starting out, frequently stopping to lend them a hand. He talks about wanting
to
coach
as
part
of
his
future
plans.
This
is
the
spirit
of
community,
access,
generosity
and
civic
engagement
that
we
want
our
public
golf
course
to
embrace
and
promote.
I understand that change is hard. That new leadership and an opening of access under a new philosophy
and
vision
may
have
resulted
in
a
different
experience
for
those
that
became
used
to
things
a
certain
way.
However,
there
is
a
bigger,
bolder
objective
here
and
that
is
to
spread
the
joy
of
golf;
share
its
lessons
about
respect,
discipline
and
patience;
and
bring
a
sense
of
community
togetherness
to
multiple
generations
from
diverse
backgrounds.
This
is
how
we
create
vibrant
recreational
centers
that
encourage
our
youth
to
get
outside
and
how
we
ensure
a
better,
thriving
city.
I have read up on the lease allegations and Greenway’s response. Additionally, as a longtime public
servant,
I
am
very
familiar
with
government
requirements
and
processes.
I
know
there
is
always
a
choice
in
how
lease
and
contract
disputes
are
handled
if
we
place
priority
on
ensuring
the
longevity
of
contractors
who
live
up
to
the
values
we
espouse
as
public
servants.
So,
it
seems
it
is
time
for
the
City
of
Alameda
to
demonstrate
what
it
values.
Do
you
value
exclusivity,
contention,
litigiousness,
antiquated
ideas,
and
restricted
access?
Or
do
you
value
youth
leadership,
civic
engagement,
collaboration,
openness,
inclusivity,
and
forward-thinking?
As a resident of this city, I value the latter and would hope my elected officials do as well. Very pointedly,
I
will
close
by
saying
that
it
is
my
understanding
the
Alameda
City
Council
allocated
$800,000
to
enter
into
this
needless
litigation
with
Greenway
Golf.
As
a
tax
payer
I
am
adamantly
opposed
to
this
wasteful
and
unnecessary
use
of
city
funds,
and
I
implore
you
to
cease
and
desist
this
action.
Sincerely, Theresa Zighera To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding the events that took place during the Alameda City Council meeting on May 5, 2026. I attended the meeting as a resident of Alameda to listen to the topics being discussed that evening. Shortly after entering the meeting room, I noticed that City Clerk Lara Weisiger informed not only me and my friend, who were sitting nearby and there to listen, but also two other individuals who wished to speak about Greenway that the time designated for public comment on that topic had
already
passed
and
that
they
would
no
longer
be
able
to
speak
on
it.
As additional Alameda residents, families, and youth entered the room wearing “Stand With Corica Park” shirts, I also observed the clerk informing them that the opportunity to speak had already
ended.
From
what
I
witnessed,
several
individuals
and
families
chose
to
leave
after
learning
they
would
not
have
the
opportunity
to
share
their
experiences
or
comments.
I personally attended the meeting primarily to hear the City’s discussion on other community matters, including the noise disruption concerns near Park Station. However, it became noticeable that there was a significant number of community members present in support of Corica Park. I am writing this letter simply to ensure that what occurred that evening is accurately documented and understood. My intention is not to criticize any individual, but rather to respectfully share that several Alameda residents and supporters believed they would have the opportunity to speak and later learned they could not because the public comment period for that item had already concluded. Thank you for your time and consideration. Alma G. Addressed to: City of Alameda Council Members and City Staff As someone familiar with Corica Park and the golf industry as a whole, I have strong
feelings
about
the
ongoing
conflict
between
Greenway
and
the
City
of
Alameda.
In
the
interest
of
full
disclosure,
I
am
currently
employed
at
the
course.
I
work
five
days
a
week,
often
play
the
North
Course
on
my
days
off,
and
spend
a
significant
amount
of
time
interacting
with
our
patrons.
I’ve
always
welcomed
feedback,
as
I
believe
anyone
who
takes
the
time
to
comment
on
their
experience
has
something
valuable
to
contribute.
However,
shortly
after
starting
with
Greenway,
I
noticed
a
pattern
among
a
small
group
of
patrons—stories
alleging
targeted,
bad-faith
practices
by
ownership.
As
a
new
employee,
this
concerned
me.
I
was
frankly
nervous
when
I
spotted
the
Patels,
wondering
if
I
would
see
evidence
of
these
claims.
Instead,
my
experience
led
me
to
a
very
different
conclusion.
In the roughly eight months I’ve been here, I’ve seen a system that prioritizes access and
availability
for
all
golfers.
Alameda
residents
enjoy
the
lowest
costs
I’ve
encountered
for
a
course
of
this
quality.
Depending
on
the
time
of
year,
multiple
associations
and
groups,
largely
based
in
Alameda,
play
here
weekly.
What
I’m
most
proud
of,
however,
is
Greenway’s
youth
outreach
program—it’s
the
strongest
effort
I’ve
ever
seen
by
a
course
to
get
young
players
access
to
golf.
In
the
Bay
Area,
only
Harding
Park
,
with
the
corporate
backing
of
the
TPC
network
(Tournament
Players
Club)
and
volunteers
from
the
First
Tee
of
San
Francisco,
comes
close.
Greenway,
by
contrast,
provides
these
opportunities
independently,
providing
free
golf
at
their
own
expense,
demonstrating
a
genuine
commitment
to
the
community.
Junior
golfers
benefit from a multitude of opportunities I would have been beyond thankful for while I was growing up. The claim that Greenway and the Patels are unqualified outsiders intent on excluding the community simply doesn’t align with the reality I’ve observed. On a weekly basis, our staff receives more positive feedback than I’ve experienced at any other course. The notion that there is community-wide opposition to this facility is utterly fanciful. Staff members are well aware of the small group of consistent critics, many of whom return week after week to play. In fact, the only aspect of my experience here that has been deeply frustrating is the city’s apparent misallocation of time and public resources in pursuing what I seem to be unsubstantiated claims against Greenway Golf. Like many of my coworkers, I live on this island, and it is difficult to reconcile the actions of the city with their responsibility to serve the community’s best interests. Directing taxpayer dollars toward a prolonged dispute of this nature raises serious questions about priorities and accountability. At a minimum, the public deserves a more transparent, evidence-based approach and a stronger commitment to acting with integrity. - Anthony Schatz
Mayor Ashcraft and the Alameda City Council 2263 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Urgent: Correcting the Record and Sharing Community Testimony Ahead of the Corica Park Trial To Mayor Ashcraft and the Members of the Alameda City Council, I am writing to you one final time to formally address a deeply concerning narrative before the May 18th trial. It has been suggested that community members who have spoken at City Council meetings, including our youth leaders, are acting as "lobbyists." This is entirely false. We are uncompensated volunteers and leaders of youth, veteran, and other community programs that rely on Corica Park. We have zero financial interest in this litigation. Our only interest is the survival of the programs we lead, such as 4Vets and DRIVE@Corica. To label passionate community members and high school students as "hired voices" is not only a deflection from the real issue but an insult to the civic engagement of Alameda’s youth.
We are not an isolated group. Our grassroots campaign has ignited an outpouring of intense, detailed opposition from the people who actually use this facility. They are not lobbyists; they are parents, golfers, and heroes who see Corica Park as a sanctuary.
As leaders, we urge you to read their raw, unedited words from our public petition before you proceed with a trial that risks destroying what they have built:
● Johnny Chen (Parent): "Greenway Golf’s management of Corica Park is a gold standard... Their focus on building a central community hub—especially for our youth—has been transformative for my family. My two sons, including one who is navigating a disability, have gained a vital new hobby through their many inclusive Youth Programs... These programs provided an instrumental social and physical outlet during my son’s post-surgical recovery, keeping him active and engaged with the community rather than isolated at home." ● Jose Cruz (Veteran): "As a PGA HOPE graduate, this is an important outreach program for Veterans like myself who find camaraderie and a beneficial support system in events hosted at Corica Park. Please reconsider the impact this will have on all of the different communities that thrive and cherish this course." ● Jack Nelson (Golf Professional & Enthusiast): "I've worked at elite private golf clubs and played public courses around the country and each of them would enthusiastically embrace the degree to which Corica Park has become indispensable to Alameda and beyond... Let's move past what looks and feels like a petty food fight that looks backwards and instead focus on the tremendous growth and opportunities." ● Michelle Miller (Community Member): "The interaction with the wonderful veterans that these youth have played with would warm anybody's heart... It is my hope that this will continue as a tradition at this golf course under its current leadership who has built this program and guided it to be what it is today." ● Brian Chow (Parent): "I sign this petition because this is the best run public golf course I’ve ever seen. My kids love coming here because of the great conditions and standards the company maintains." These testimonials represent a clear, growing community consensus. They praise the improvements and renovations, the operational standards, and the life-changing impact on youth and veterans.
We urge the Council to stop dismissing these voices. Please honor the Covenant of Good Faith that your constituents expect. Look past the political optics and act in the best interest of the community.
Respectfully, Mani Veluthakkal
Is Alameda Risking a "Bad Faith" Legal Disaster? As the trial regarding Corica Park's management approaches, Alameda residents deserve a clear-eyed look at what this litigation is actually risking.
History warns us. In City of Beverly v. Bass River Golf Management , a city sued its private golf operator over alleged contract breaches and the jury found that the city itself had violated the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This happened even though the operator was also found liable. The lesson isn't that cities always lose. It's that courts will hold a municipality accountable for how it wages its legal battles, and a pyrrhic victory that brands the city as a bad-faith actor helps no one.
Madison, Wisconsin offers an equally instructive example. When the city declined to renew contracts with four municipal golf professionals, citing declining revenues, those operators sued. The jury sided with the golf pros, and Madison ended up paying over $1.2 million in damages, interest, and attorney's fees. One of its own aldermen testified that the city had been "very unfair." The taxpayers wrote the check.
These cases echo what is happening at Corica Park. Greenway has invested millions in private capital to transform a neglected asset into a nationally recognized facility. The South Course was named one of the top 15 municipal courses in the country by Golf Magazine. The North Course, which was at the heart of the City's original complaint about construction delays, fully reopened in March 2025 after an extensive renovation by Robert Trent Jones II architects. It is fair to ask what exactly remains worth litigating.
Greenway's cross-complaint alleges the City violated the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, made false accusations about the company's finances, and interfered with its contractual right to manage the complex. These mirror the exact theories that have burned other cities in court. Beyond the legal risk, Corica Park's community programs, including thousands of hours of free golf and free instruction for youth and underserved residents, do not survive a hostile management transition intact.
The City of Beverly spent a decade cycling through operators and courtrooms. Madison spent over a million dollars learning what good cause means. Alameda still has the chance to choose a different path. A legal victory that costs this community Corica Park's momentum, its programs, and its national reputation is not a victory at all. We urge the Mayor and City Council to resolve this dispute in the spirit of the partnership that built one of the Bay Area's greatest public assets.
Respectfully, Mani Veluthakkal
May 19, 2026
To the Residents of Alameda, City Leadership, and Members of the City Council:
Five days ago, the City of Alameda released a public statement regarding the Chuck Corica Golf
Complex
claiming
its
ongoing
litigation
against
Greenway
Golf
Associates
is
about
“protecting”
a
public
asset
and
preserving
a
space
that
is
“welcoming
to
all
members
of
the
Alameda
community.”
As someone who has worked with Greenway Golf for the last five years, I feel compelled to respond
—
not
as
a
politician,
not
as
an
attorney,
but
as
an
educator,
a
mother,
a
woman,
a
member
of
this
community
who
has
dedicated
years
of
my
life
to
building
exactly
the
kind
of
inclusive
community
space
the
City
now
claims
to
champion.
I was hired by Avani and Umesh Patel to activate their vision, which was simple but powerful:
That over 300 acres of public land should actually function as public land.
Not just for a small circle of golfers who historically controlled the culture and access to the space.
Not
just
for
those
already
comfortable
in
golf
environments.
But
for
everyone.
For golfers and non-golfers.
For
youth.
For
families.
For
schools.
For
nonprofits.
For
communities
historically
excluded
from
golf
and
green
space.
For
people
who
had
never
once
imagined
a
place
like
Corica
Park
could
belong
to
them
too.
That vision became action with Avani and Umesh’s leadership.
We launched free summer camps providing free programming, free meals, and free transportation
for
kids.
We
created
no-cost
“Weekends
on
the
Green”
community
events.
We
built
free
middle
school
golf
clinics
and
leagues.
We
partnered
with
organizations
like
All
Good
Living
Foundation
and
Soccer
Without
Borders
to
create
pathways
for
communities
that
previously
had
little
or
no
access
to
golf,
open
space,
or
these
kinds
of
opportunities.
We opened meeting rooms and public spaces to schools and nonprofit organizations. It is important
to
note
that
these
rooms
were
once
exclusively
used
by
one
longstanding
club,
who
now
still
has
access
to
this
room
and
uses
it
for
their
meetings
and
celebrations
contrary
to
what
has
been
said.
They
in
fact
were
never
kicked
out
of
the
space;
simply
they
have
to
share.
Greenway
offers
these
spaces
at
no
cost
because
we
believe
public
land
should
serve
the
public
in
meaningful
ways.
And while this work is happening, Corica Park itself is thriving.
The City’s own statement acknowledges Greenway was selected in 2012 because of its vision and
golf
expertise.
What
the
City
fails
to
fully
acknowledge
is
what
that
vision
ultimately
became.
In the last five fears, under Greenway’s stewardship, Corica Park evolved into a nationally recognized
golf
destination
featuring
world-class
facilities,
award-winning
courses,
and
a
redesign
led
by
internationally
respected
architect
Robert
Trent
Jones
Jr.
The
North
Course
—
which
the
City
still
references
in
its
statement
as
though
its
delays
define
the
story
—
was
completed
years
ago
and
has
since
become
one
of
the
most
celebrated
municipal
golf
experiences
in
the
country.
That matters.
Because the City’s statement relies heavily on language frozen in 2022 while ignoring the reality standing
in
front
of
everyone
in
2026.
The work got done.
And then some.
The golf facilities improved dramatically.
The
public
programming
expanded
dramatically.
The
community
impact
expanded
dramatically.
The publicly available Greenway Impact Report documents:
● More than 124,000 individual hours of shared community space use between 2021 and 2025.
● Hundreds of days of free public programming and activation. ● Partnerships with dozens of nonprofits and schools. ● Thousands of community participants annually. ● Youth golf participation that overwhelmingly included first-time golfers, girls, and young people
from
historically
underrepresented
communities.
This is not abstract rhetoric about inclusion.
This is measurable inclusion.
This is what “a place for all” actually looks like in practice.
And that is why the City’s statement feels so deeply dishonest to many of us who have lived this work
firsthand.
Because while the City publicly declares its commitment to diversity and belonging, many of us experienced
resistance
the
moment
Corica
Park
truly
began
opening
itself
to
broader
communities.
I remember being told dismissively by a former operator, “Some people are out here working,” as
if
the
community
programming
we
were
building
somehow
did
not
count
as
real
work
because
it
centered
youth,
access,
and
inclusion
rather
than
preserving
old
traditions.
I remember proposing that youth introduced to golf through our programs could continue their development
through
existing
local
golf
organizations,
only
to
hear
resistance
that
made
little
sense
if
the
true
goal
was
growing
the
game.
One
comment
in
particular
made
by
a
Golf
Commissioner
has
stayed
with
me
for
years:
“It’s not like your kids will end up on the golf course.” Your kids.
That statement revealed more truth than perhaps was intended.
Because beneath all the branding language about diversity and belonging, many of us encountered
a
culture
that
still
viewed
certain
communities
as
outsiders
within
golf
spaces.
That is why this moment matters so much.
The City now publicly maligns Umesh Patel while simultaneously presenting itself as a champion
of
inclusion.
But
I
have
watched
firsthand
a
brown
man
invest
enormous
resources,
energy,
and
vision
into
transforming
Corica
Park
into
a
more
accessible
and
community-centered
public
space
than
it
had
ever
been
before.
You may disagree with some of his decisions.
You
may
dislike
aspects
of
his
leadership
style.
That
is
fair.
But to erase or distort the scale of what has been accomplished — both physically and socially —
is
wrong.
And it raises difficult questions.
Would this level of hostility have unfolded the same way if the operator looked more familiar to existing
power
structures?
Would
the
relentless
scrutiny,
shifting
criticisms,
and
years-long
attacks
have
escalated
this
far
if
the
transformation
of
the
space
had
been
led
by
someone
else?
These are uncomfortable questions. But they are legitimate ones.
Because from the outside, it increasingly appears that every time Greenway addressed one concern,
another
emerged.
Every
completed
milestone
simply
produced
a
new
target.
The
North
Course
was
completed.
The
facilities
improved.
The
programming
expanded.
National
recognition
followed.
Community
impact
became
measurable
and
undeniable.
Yet the attacks continued.
So people naturally ask:
What
is
this
really
about?
And recent events have only deepened those concerns.
Two weeks ago, many members of the public arrived at a City meeting intending to speak in support
of
Greenway
during
public
forum.
Multiple
attendees
left
with
the
understanding
that
they
would
not
be
permitted
to
speak
and
felt
effectively
turned
away
from
participating
meaningfully
in
the
discussion.
What followed publicly was equally troubling.
Community members who experienced that meeting firsthand later watched official characterizations portray the gathering as disruptive protest behavior rather than what many believe
it
actually
was:
a
visible
response
to
feeling
excluded
from
a
public
process
they
came
to
engage
in
respectfully.
People stood because they felt unheard.
They left because they believed they were being denied a voice.
That distinction matters.
Especially from a City that repeatedly invokes transparency, inclusion, civic participation, and belonging.
When residents consistently feel dismissed, reframed, or publicly minimized after attempting to participate
in
good
faith,
trust
in
public
institutions
erodes
quickly.
If the City truly cares about transparency, inclusion, community partnership, and public benefit, then
I
invite
every
City
official
to
come
spend
real
time
at
Corica
Park
—
not
during
litigation,
not
through
press
releases,
not
through
political
talking
points,
but
in
reality.
Come watch the youth clinics.
Come
meet
the
families.
Come
talk
to
the
nonprofit
partners.
Come
see
the
students.
Come
walk
the
grounds.
Come
witness
how
public
land
is
being
shared
with
the
public.
Read the impact report honestly and then ask yourselves:
Why
are
we
attacking
this?
Why are we undermining a movement that embodies the very values we publicly campaign on? Especially when Alameda has publicly taken courageous stances against oppression, exclusion, authoritarianism,
and
injustice
in
other
contexts.
Do not become hypocrites here.
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching.
But people are watching now.
One of my students once defined integrity as “doing the right thing when nobody is watching.” I have
carried
those
words
with
me
ever
since.
History remembers people not for how aggressively they protected their power, but for their honesty,
courage,
fairness,
and
willingness
to
do
what
is
right
even
when
it
is
uncomfortable.
The City still has an opportunity to choose partnership over ego, truth over narrative, and community
over
control.
I hope it does.
In community,
Tamara Sabella - Director of Community Engagement From: Mani
To: Lara Weisiger; CITYCOUNCIL-List
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Public Comment re. City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:18:19 AM
Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the Alameda City Council, Following the formal statement I submitted to you on Friday, the youth-led grassroots community petition has just surged past 300 verified signatures ahead of tonight’s City Council meeting.
As the trial progresses, this rapid wave of support from local parents, military veterans, and neighbors demonstrates that our defense of Corica Park’s youth and veteran programs reflects a true community consensus, not the work of "lobbyists."
We urge the Council to review the deeply personal testimonials attached to this movement and prioritize the best interests of the constituents who actually use this sanctuary.
Respectfully,
Mani Veluthakkal
https://www.change.org/Protect_Corica-Stand_With_Greenway On Mon, May 18, 2026 at 9:47 AM Lara Weisiger <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Mani,
Your correspondence will be included in the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting record for the Closed Session.
Respectfully,
Lara
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
City of Alameda
From: Mani <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 12:36 PM
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]>; Michele Pryor <[email protected]>; Greg Boller <[email protected]>; Tony Daysog <[email protected]>; Tracy Jensen <[email protected]> Cc: Manager Manager <[email protected]>; City Attorney <[email protected]>; CITYCOUNCIL-List <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Public Comment re. City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.
To Mayor Ashcraft and the Members of the Alameda City Council,
I am attaching a formal statement on behalf of concerned citizens regarding the upcoming Corica Park trial on May 18th.
This letter addresses and corrects the city's narrative, suggesting that community volunteers and youth leaders who have spoken at City Council meetings are acting as "lobbyists." The letter also features critical, raw testimony from parents, military veterans, and a golf professional, detailing exactly how current management has transformed the course into an inclusive community sanctuary.
As the trial date approaches, we urge you to review this attached statement and honor the covenant of good faith that your constituents expect.
Respectfully,
Mani Veluthakkal
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 4:45 PM Mani <[email protected] > wrote:
Dear Councilmember Jensen,
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your commitment to keeping Corica Park a resource for Alameda’s youth and families.
However, it is important to recognize that the culture of mentorship and the world-class standards we see at Corica today are not just "resources" that can be easily transferred. They are the direct result of Greenway’s specific leadership and their vision for Corica Park.
During yesterday's meeting, Mayor Ashcraft noted that Alameda prides itself on running meetings with respect and without the hostility seen in other parts of the country. I am asking the Council to practice what it preaches. While the tone inside the chamber may be respectful, the city’s legal actions against Greenway feel like the exact bullying tactics the Mayor spoke against.
Yesterday's speakers are a small representation of a broader community sentiment that finds it difficult to reconcile the city’s claims of breach with the reality on the ground. To the community, it looks like the city is unnecessarily litigating against a partner that has already delivered more than what they were tasked with.
Should the city lose this case, the Council will be answerable to its constituents for the significant waste of public resources and the potential damage to a site that is currently thriving. I hope the Council takes this opportunity to look at the facts, visit the course, and talk to the community before further taxpayer money is spent on this unnecessary conflict.
Sincerely,
Mani
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 3:39 PM Tracy Jensen <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Mani,
Thank you for sharing your support for Greenway Golf.
Regardless of the outcome of the litigation, my goal is to ensure that Corica Park continues to be a resource for Alameda youth and families.
Tracy Jensen
Alameda City Council
voice/text: 510-912-5556
Get Outlook for Mac
From: Mani <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:56 AM
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment re. City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the City Council,
Please find the attached written public comment regarding the City's ongoing legal actions against Greenway Golf at Corica Park.
As a regular visitor to the facility, I am deeply concerned by the disconnect between the City’s public narrative and the actual results Greenway has delivered on the ground. I am submitting this for the official record to urge the Council to re-evaluate its stance and prioritize preservation of this world-class community asset.
I request this comment to be distributed to all Council members and included in the public record for tonight's meeting.
Sincerely,
Mani Veluthakkal
From: Suri
To: City Clerk; CITYCOUNCIL-List; Manager Manager; Amy Wooldridge; Justin Long; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Michele Pryor; Greg Boller; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Greenway Golf at Corica Park! Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:30:09 AM
Hi city council members,
My name is Suri Lau. I am a 9th grader at James Logan High School in Union City. I really wanted to come and speak at City Hall tonight with everyone else, but I have finals this week so I couldn't make it. I still wanted to send this email because this matters a lot to me.
I’m writing to show support for Tamara and Greenway Golf. Corica Park isn’t just a regular golf course to us, it’s a community. Tearing down years worth of love and hard work there doesn't make sense.
If I was standing in front of you all today, I would ask everyone a question. By a show of hands, how many people play golf? And how many of you have kids or grandkids? If you raised your hand, then we are on the same page and you know why a place like this is so important for kids.
The main reason I’m writing is to support Tamara. She is someone I look up to a lot. She shows leadership, inspiration, and compassion, and I have nothing but respect for her. If you’ve ever been around her, you know how hardworking and passionate she is.
I first met her 4 years ago when I did the On the Green Summer Camp at Corica. I loved how organized and fun it was. On top of that, they provided food and it was completely free to join.
Tamara works extremely hard to include the younger generation in this sport. Her mentoring and support is actually what helped me get a nomination for the Lucious Bateman club and put me on the path to play college golf in the future.
One of the biggest things Tamara taught me is what community means. It inspired me to start volunteering and helping out with future events, like the Sunday clinics for younger kids who want to learn golf. We both share that same focus on giving back.
Last time when we turned down not to speak, my grandmother came with us. Even at 91 years old, she has gone to show support because she loves the events Greenway Golf hosts and has seen the magic Tamara does. Every event motivates her to go to the next one. It just shows that your community will have your back no matter what if you put love and empathy into it.
Tamara managing Greenway Golf is the reason I come all the way out from Union City to Alameda. Her support for the program and the community never ends. I really hope to see her continue to manage this program.
Thank you so much for your time and for reading this.
Sincerely,
Suri Lau
From: Shelby S
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] public comment 05/19/26: Closed Session Item 3-A 2026-5988--another one of the Mayor"s vendettas
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:21:22 PM
Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to formally condemn the litigation against Corica Park Golf Course as an egregious waste of taxpayer money, a direct violation of the public trust, and a pursuit of a personal vendetta that has not been pursued in good faith.
I urge this council to immediately halt its predatory legal campaign and settle this case to put the public interest above personal retaliation by the Mayor.
Greenway successfully broke up legacy group favoritism to create a more diverse, regionally accessible footprint, and the city is punishing them for it. Selectively weaponizing auditing powers to attempt a full lease termination against a minority- owned operator—while handing favorable contract terms to the city's preferred corporate developers—stinks of a targeted crusade.
Ostensibly initially driven by an internal shareholder dispute that caused a temporary pause in work that has been fully resolved, the city still aggressively continues its litigation, using taxpayer money to litigate rather than settle.
In this case, by acting as a commercial landlord for a municipal golf asset, the city is engaged in a proprietary act, not a protected governmental function; therefore there is no sovereign immunity here for bad acts. This leaves our municipality entirely exposed to multi-million-dollar actual and compensatory damages for breaching the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Furthermore, while the city entity itself is shielded from punitive damages, California Government Code Section 825 provides an explicit exception for individual public officials. Public employees and elected leaders such as Yibin Shen and Mayor Ashcraft can be held personally liable for punitive damages if a court determines they acted with malice, oppression, fraud or in retaliation. Its is obvious those conditions are satisfied here. As documented in the court record, the city’s claim that this lawsuit is about a construction pause is a transparent pretext.
Worse yet, the lack of transparency surrounding these ongoing discussions raises red flags regarding potential Brown Act violations. Hiding behind the veil of closed sessions to advance a personal crusade is a shameful betrayal of the public trust. Be advised that this waste of taxpayer money leaves the City vulnerable to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 526a for a formal taxpayer lawsuit against individual officials to enjoin and restrain this illegal, useless expenditure of city resources.
Stop risking a catastrophic bad-faith judgment, respect the Brown Act and your fiduciary duties-- and settle this lawsuit immediately.
Sincerely,
Shelby Sheehan-
Shelby
510-435-9263
"The righteousness of the oppressed will not go unheard." From: Jack D. Nelson
To: City Clerk; CITYCOUNCIL-List; Manager Manager; Amy Wooldridge; Justin Long; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Michele Pryor; Greg Boller; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Advocacy for Greenway Golf at Corica Park Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 3:14:58 PM
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I understand there's imminent legal proceedings related to the management of Corica Park Golf Course, so I wanted to pass along my thoughts for your consideration.
Since moving to Northern California earlier this decade, I've spent countless hours over more than 150+ rounds of golf at Corica Park. In that time I've seen it go from a golf complex in transition to a fully engaged community asset for residents throughout the Bay Area. Any rough edges that existed in my early experience have since been smoothed out such that anyone that pays a passing glance at a given day's activities will see not only golfers young and old, new and experienced, but also community meetings, bird watching, and engagement from local businesses. I've made great friends, met interesting people from all walks of life, and experienced many high-level competitions in this time.
Despite my overwhelmingly positive experience, I've studied the complaints made against Greenway Golf with an open mind to understand whether I'm overlooking something about the course, community, and overall management of the property. After doing so, I asked myself a few simple questions:
Are tee times available and affordable when compared to other options? Is the course condition maintained with periodic projects/capital improvements? Is Corica Park providing access and opportunities to the broader community? Quite simply, Corica Park, under the management of Greenway Golf, has taken intentional and incremental steps over the last several years to make it into a premier golf destination and community asset in the Bay Area. I've worked at elite private golf clubs and played public courses around the country and each of them would enthusiastically embrace the degree to which Corica Park has become indispensable to Alameda and beyond. It is open to all, affordable in the marketplace, and provides valuable opportunities to our kids.
Let's move past what looks and feels like a petty food fight that looks backwards and instead focus on the tremendous growth and opportunities that have come about since I hit my first tee shot off the South Course years ago. I'm happy to answer any questions or make myself available to further elaborate on my experience, please just let me know and I'll be there.
Have a nice afternoon,
John (Jack) Nelson
--
[email protected]
From: Mani
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Michele Pryor; Greg Boller; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Attorney; CITYCOUNCIL-List; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Public Comment re. City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 12:36:42 PM
Attachments: Letter to Alameda City Council v2.pdf
To Mayor Ashcraft and the Members of the Alameda City Council, I am attaching a formal statement on behalf of concerned citizens regarding the upcoming Corica Park trial on May 18th.
This letter addresses and corrects the city's narrative, suggesting that community volunteers and youth leaders who have spoken at City Council meetings are acting as "lobbyists." The letter also features critical, raw testimony from parents, military veterans, and a golf professional, detailing exactly how current management has transformed the course into an inclusive community sanctuary.
As the trial date approaches, we urge you to review this attached statement and honor the covenant of good faith that your constituents expect.
Respectfully,
Mani Veluthakkal
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 4:45 PM Mani <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Councilmember Jensen,
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your commitment to keeping Corica Park a resource for Alameda’s youth and families.
However, it is important to recognize that the culture of mentorship and the world-class standards we see at Corica today are not just "resources" that can be easily transferred. They are the direct result of Greenway’s specific leadership and their vision for Corica Park.
During yesterday's meeting, Mayor Ashcraft noted that Alameda prides itself on running meetings with respect and without the hostility seen in other parts of the country. I am asking the Council to practice what it preaches. While the tone inside the chamber may be respectful, the city’s legal actions against Greenway feel like the exact bullying tactics the Mayor spoke against.
Yesterday's speakers are a small representation of a broader community sentiment that finds it difficult to reconcile the city’s claims of breach with the reality on the ground. To the community, it looks like the city is unnecessarily litigating against a partner that has already delivered more than what they were tasked with.
Should the city lose this case, the Council will be answerable to its constituents for the significant waste of public resources and the potential damage to a site that is currently thriving. I hope the Council takes this opportunity to look at the facts, visit the course, and talk to the community before further taxpayer money is spent on this unnecessary conflict.
Sincerely,
Mani
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 3:39 PM Tracy Jensen <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Mani,
Thank you for sharing your support for Greenway Golf.
Regardless of the outcome of the litigation, my goal is to ensure that Corica Park continues to be a resource for Alameda youth and families.
Tracy Jensen
Alameda City Council
voice/text: 510-912-5556
Get Outlook for Mac
From: Mani <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:56 AM
To: CITYCOUNCIL-List <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment re. City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates, Inc.
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and Members of the City Council,
Please find the attached written public comment regarding the City's ongoing legal actions against Greenway Golf at Corica Park.
As a regular visitor to the facility, I am deeply concerned by the disconnect between the City’s public narrative and the actual results Greenway has delivered on the ground. I am submitting this for the official record to urge the Council to re-evaluate its stance and prioritize preservation of this world- class community asset.
I request this comment to be distributed to all Council members and included in the public record for tonight's meeting.
Sincerely,
Mani Veluthakkal
From: Mijini Kim
To: City Clerk; CITYCOUNCIL-List; Manager Manager; Amy Wooldridge; Justin Long; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Michele Pryor; Greg Boller; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Dear City of Alameda Council Members and City Staff, Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 10:46:45 AM
Hi Alameda Council Members,
I am writing again as a local parent to follow up on my previous letter of support for Greenway Golf.
I have heard narratives suggesting that those speaking out for the course are paid lobbyists.
I want to state clearly that I am simply a parent whose daughter has benefited immensely from the programs at Corica Park.
My support is entirely personal and based on the inclusive Tamara Sabella and her team have built for our youth.
Sincerely,
Mijini Kim
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 11:27 PM Mijini Kim <[email protected] > wrote:
Dear Members of the Alameda City Council, and City Staff, I am writing on behalf of ParBear, a golf brand built around expanding access to the game for women,
Asian
Americans,
juniors,
and
other
communities
historically
underrepresented
in
golf.
Corica
Park
is
one
of
our
most
beloved
retail
and
community
partners,
and
we
are
submitting
these
comments
in
support
of
Greenway
Golf
Associates
as
the
Council
weighs
the
path
forward
in
City
of
Alameda
v.
Greenway
Golf
Associates,
Inc.
(Case
No.
22CV011964),
with
trial
set
for
May
18,
2026.
We partnered with Corica Park because of what Greenway has built for the community. Our brand
exists
to
make
golf
feel
welcoming
to
people
who
have
not
historically
seen
themselves
in
the
sport,
and
Corica
is
one
of
the
few
municipal
facilities
in
the
country
actively
delivering
on
that
same
mission
at
scale.
Free
youth
clinics,
no-cost
summer
camps
that
feed
kids
breakfast
and
lunch,
free
meeting
and
event
space
for
80+
nonprofits
and
schools,
partnerships
with
Soccer
Without
Borders,
Sistas
on
the
Links,
Youth
on
Course,
PGA
HOPE,
the
NorCal
Adaptive
Golf
Club,
Positive
Coaching
Alliance,
AUSD
(Alameda
Unified
School
District),
and
dozens
of
others.
This
is
what
a
public
asset
is
supposed
to
do.
The
letters
already
in
front
of
the
Council
from
PE
teachers,
parents,
veterans,
college
coaches,
adaptive
golfers,
and
youth
participants
describe
what
we
also
see
firsthand:
a
place
that
has
become
a
third
space
for
kids
who
would
not
otherwise
have
one,
a
launchpad
for
first-generation
college
golfers,
a
refuge
for
seniors
and
people
with
disabilities,
and
a
genuine
community
living
room.
We have also reviewed the public record. The original premise of the City's complaint - that Greenway
failed
to
deliver
the
North
Course
-
has
been
overtaken
by
reality;
the
Robert
Trent
Jones
Jr.
designed
course
is
complete
and
nationally
recognized.
The
Court
has
twice
rejected
the
City's
attempts
to
dispose
of
Greenway's
counterclaims,
on
anti-SLAPP
grounds
in
2022
and
on
summary
judgment
in
2024.
Enforcement
escalated
only
after
the
Patels
—
a
minority-owned
ownership
group
with
written
City
Attorney
consent
on
file
from
April
30,
2020
—
became
majority
owners,
raised
greens
fees
to
market
rates,
and
reduced
preferential
tee
times
for
legacy
clubs
in
order
to
open
access
to
a
wider
public.
Greenway
has
twice
offered
an
independent
third-party
audit;
the
City
has
twice
declined.
And
the
deposition
record
reportedly
includes
admissions
by
former
Recreation
and
Parks
Director
Amy
Wooldridge
that
staff
pursued
violations
they
knew
to
be
untrue,
by
Golf
Commission
Chair
Ed
Downing
acknowledging
the
reputational
harm
of
publicly
questioning
Greenway's
solvency,
and
by
Council
members
that
they
voted
to
litigate
without
meaningfully
investigating
the
facts.
The cost is real. The city of Alameda has spent enormous sums of taxpayer dollars in legal fees on
this
matter.
In
return,
the
City
is
litigating
against
a
tenant
that
pays
rent
to
the
general
fund,
employs
local
Alamedans,
serves
100,000+
golfers
per
year,
80,000+
hours
of
free
public
programming,
partners
with
80+
nonprofits
and
schools,
and
has
built
one
of
the
highest-impact
municipal
golf
operations
in
the
country.
The
math
does
not
work
for
the
residents
the
Council
represents.
What is hardest to quantify, and what concerns us most as a partner, is what gets lost if this operator
is
pushed
out.
The
kids
in
the
no-cost
summer
camp
do
not
have
a
fallback.
The
Lucious
Bateman
Practice
Club
members
chasing
college
scholarships
do
not
have
another
local
door
open
to
them.
The
adaptive
golfers
who
rely
on
Corica's
standup-and-play
cart
(one
of
only
two
in
the
area)
do
not
have
another
course
to
go
to.
The
80+
nonprofits
that
meet
there
for
free
do
not
have
a
comparable
space.
None
of
that
infrastructure
rebuilds
quickly
under
a
new
operator,
and
most
of
it
would
not
rebuild
at
all.
That
is
the
actual
asset
at
risk
in
this
litigation,
and
it
is
not
on
any
City
balance
sheet.
We also recognize the Council faces a real choice. Settling now requires acknowledging that the original
case
has
not
aged
well.
But
continuing
to
trial
risks
a
discrimination
or
bad-faith
finding
against
the
City,
substantial
damages,
and
a
public
record
that
follows
Alameda
for
years.
We
hope
the
council
finds
the
honest
path
forward
by
directing
staff
toward
good-faith
settlement,
accept
an
independent
audit
if
transparency
is
still
the
stated
concern,
and
preserve
the
operating
partnership
that
has
transformed
a
city
asset
into
a
regional
landmark.
As ParBear, we have made commercial commitments because we believe in what Greenway has
built
and
in
who
they
have
built
it
for.
We
respectfully
ask
the
Council
to
protect
that
work
and
the
community
it
serves.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Lauren Kong Founder, ParBear