Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Special Budget Meeting

CITY FACTS USS Potomac – Affectionately dubbed the Floating White House by the press, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht is one of the few floating museums in the country. The restored 165-foot vessel, a national historic landmark, is a memorial to FDR and his accomplishments. Chinatown – Oakland Chinatown dates back to the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the 1850s, making it one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. Oakland’s Chinatown is bustling with activity. The Asian Branch Library is one of many of Oakland Public Library’s branches and is located in Chinatown’s Pacific Renaissance Plaza. George P. Scotlan Convention Center - Offering 64,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space and adjoining the Oakland Marriott City Center, this convention center has an additional 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 483 deluxe guest rooms. Old Oakland – An historic district with beautiful buildings and a thriving commercial strip. A Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday. Oakland Museum of California – This is the state’s only museum devoted to the arts, history and natural sciences of California. The Museum provides unique collections, rotating exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California’s environment, history, art and people. Oakland Zoo – Founded in 1922 by naturalist Henry A. Snow, the Oakland Zoo is an 85 year-old regional treasure. Many of its animals are kept in relatively “natural” habitats, and expanded natural habitats are planned. The Zoo is nationally known for its excellent elephant exhibit and has been praised for allowing its elephants to roam freely. Paramount Theater -This beautiful Art Deco theater opened in 1931 and was authentically restored in 1973. The theater hosts an impressive variety of popular attractions, including the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Broadway shows, R&B concerts, gospel performers, comedy, and special engagements. Oakland’s Western Aerospace Museum - Located at the Airport’s North Field, showcases aviation history through special exhibits, multimedia presentations, hands-on displays incorporating 13 vintage airplanes, photographs, replicas and other artifacts, and classes for students of all ages. Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts - This restored 1920s building is a popular multicultural, multidisciplinary performing-arts complex sponsored by the city. The 400-seat theater and five rehearsal and class spaces showcase drama, ballet, and African and contemporary dance. Several long-standing arts organizations-Axis Dance Company, Bay Area Blues Society, CitiCentre Dance Theater, Dimensions Dance Theater, and Oakland Youth Orchestra-call the center home. The Crucible – Located in West Oakland, this non-profit educational facility fosters a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public. Professional/Amateur Sports - Oakland is a magnet for sports fans of all types. Whatever the season, Oakland pro and amateur games frequently garner large crowds and broad national media coverage. In the last three decades, Oakland’s professional sports teams have won six world championships in three major sports.  Golden State Warriors – The Warriors continue to showcase exciting basket-ball. The most recent season was a season of change with new ownership, coaching and players. The Warriors were one of only seven teams to improve their record from the prior year, making the prospects for a playoff berth highly anticipated for the coming seasons.  Oakland Athletics – The Oakland Athletics have won six American League Championships and four baseball World Series titles.  Oakland Raiders – From dominance in three Super Bowl victories to improbable come-from-behind victories, the Raiders have been involved in some of professional football's most incredible moments. C - 10