Alameda Food Bank Supporters Rally to Oppose CEQA Lawsuit

Alameda Food Bank Faces Lawsuit, Sparks Outpouring of Community Support

The Alameda Food Bank (AFB) has found itself at the center of a legal battle, as two citizens have filed a lawsuit that could potentially delay or derail the organization's previously approved construction plans. Despite the legal challenge, the community has rallied behind the Food Bank, with over 100 supporters turning out for a protest at the City Council meeting to show their unwavering support for the vital organization.

Feeding the Community, Facing Legal Hurdles

Grassroots Protest Fills City Hall

The protest at the City Council meeting on September 17th was a testament to the community's unwavering support for the Alameda Food Bank. Residents, students, business owners, and other supporters gathered outside City Hall, wearing AFB shirts and holding signs that declared their support for the organization. The crowd's energy was palpable as they chanted slogans and honked their horns in solidarity.Among the crowd were current and former AFB executives, as well as members of the community theater troupe, The Foodbank Players, who donate all their proceeds to combat local hunger. The protesters were determined to make their voices heard and show the plaintiffs that the community stands firmly behind the Food Bank.

City Attorney Defends the Food Bank Project

In response to the lawsuit, Alameda City Attorney Yibin Shen issued a strong statement, declaring the lawsuit "entirely without merit." Shen emphasized that the Food Bank project has undergone substantial environmental review and is situated in a location zoned for its purpose. He also highlighted the vital role the Food Bank plays in serving up to 9% of Alameda's most vulnerable population, making the potential delay caused by the lawsuit "extremely regrettable."The City Attorney's Office has vowed to vigorously defend the City's proper approvals for the project, expressing confidence in swiftly dismissing the lawsuit so that the important initiative can move forward.

Plaintiffs' Questionable Motives and Allegations

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Tod Hickman and Shelby Sheehan, have raised concerns about the City's decision to exempt the Food Bank project from full CEQA review. However, their standing in the case is unclear, as neither of them serve on any legislative bodies nor have any role in deciding Alameda Point policy.Hickman, who owns a local winery, has repeatedly referred to the proposed site as a "historic parking lot," but city officials have firmly refuted this claim. According to Alameda Planning Department Director Allen Tai, the property in question was determined to be "non-contributing" to the NAS Alameda Historic District, meaning it has no association with the historical significance of Alameda Point.During the City Council meeting, Hickman attempted to justify the lawsuit, suggesting alternative locations for the Food Bank that he deemed more suitable. However, AFB Executive Director Teale Harden made it clear that the organization already owns the property and has begun the necessary work, making Hickman's proposals unviable.

Community Rallies Behind the Food Bank

The outpouring of support for the Alameda Food Bank was palpable during the City Council meeting. Speakers from the community, including a restaurant owner, a retiree, and the COO of a local energy company, all voiced their unwavering support for the Food Bank and their opposition to the lawsuit.Joann Guitarte, the Alameda Chamber President, became visibly emotional as she shared her own experience with food insecurity as a child, urging the plaintiffs to drop the lawsuit. Vickie, a retiree from the Alameda Unified School District, praised the Food Bank for their invaluable service during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the organization's support was a lifeline for many in the community.The community's passionate defense of the Food Bank was not limited to the City Council meeting. Online, public comments have overwhelmingly favored the Food Bank, with some even leaving critical reviews on the Yelp page of the plaintiff's winery.

Alameda Mayor Calls for Dismissal of Lawsuit

Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft addressed the issue directly, stating that contrary to Hickman's claims, he is not a true supporter of the Food Bank. The mayor emphasized that the litigation being brought forward threatens to curtail the Food Bank's plans to move into their expanded building, and she urged the plaintiffs to dismiss the lawsuit.Ashcraft's remarks underscored the City's unwavering support for the Food Bank and its commitment to ensuring the organization can continue its vital work in the community. The mayor's call for the dismissal of the lawsuit echoed the sentiments of the hundreds of community members who have rallied behind the Alameda Food Bank.As the legal battle continues, the Alameda community remains steadfast in its support for the Food Bank, determined to ensure that this essential organization can continue to serve those in need without the burden of unnecessary delays or obstacles.