history of alliance

West Oakland

West Oakland has a history of industry and spirit that against all odds subsists and stands for the disenfranchised. It was built by large industries that thrived with the hard labor of local residents who migrated in large numbers from Europe, and southern states. Not least was the transcontinental railroad, which made Oakland into a transportation node of national importance and a major center of the defense industry during the first and second World Wars. The substantial unemployment that ensued at the end of WWII threatened the welfare of the community, but residents organized in opposition of their looming displacement. This tireless spirit has since seen a resurgence, most famously during the 1970s, and it continues to take new form today. Many of the organizations formed during these eras thrive today and play an important role in the ongoing revitalization of West Oakland’s neighborhoods. Included among them is Alliance Recycling who is member of what has come to be a promising and democratizing “green revolution.”

1978 1992 1997 1998
Allied Metals recycling center was established at 3426 Peralta Street with full neighborhood support. Adjacent neighbors in this mixed use district petitioned for its opening with 100% support. Jay Anast assumes ownership of recycling center and is renamed Alliance Recycling. Upon a public hearing, the recycling center was granted a C.U.P. permit in this M30 industrially zoned property. Alliance Recycling finances new construction of Ephesian Baptist Church to relocate to 34th and Hollis.
  • Alliance Recycling establishes annual scholarship program for local students.
  • Grease traps were installed in the surrounding property to clean storm water.
  • Recycling Center expands to current size after unanimous Planning commission approval and a large outpour of community support.
2000 2001 2002-2007 2003
Alliance Recycling receives Special Recognition award from the city of Oakland for its “longstanding dedication to the West Oakland community.”

Development of Magnolia Street Condominiums.

Helped finance the founding of the Khadafy Foundation in it's fight against community violence.

Throughout these years Alliance continued its support of more than a dozen organizations serving West Oakland's neediest and the fight against violence - including BOSS, Khadafy Foundation, Morning Star Baptist Church, among others.

Alliance Recycling invests nearly $200K in recycling center building and security improvements:

  • Sound baffling equipment to reduce noise
  • Property fencing to discourage loitering
  • Installed video surveillance cameras to enable monitoring of park from police station
  • Financed regular clean up of neighborhood park
 Community donations include computers and networking systems to community churches. This enabled the church to serve more people in the West Oakland community and in a more sound environment.
2004 2006 2009 2010

• Sponsored Stop the Violence local measure R.

• OPD crime stats reveal reduced crime trend around Oakland recycling centers, including Alliance Recycling.

• Sponsored Parks & Rec summer games program.

• Sponsored Save Oakland Trees

• Sponsored Rebuilding Together Oakland

• Sponsored WOMAC

Sponsored City of Oakland Hunger Program

With approval from city planning and zoning departments as well as local city council, the recycling center prepares to move to a more industrial zone. The company extended itself to invest $2.6MM for the purchase of three lots near 24th and San Pablo streets. Relocation plans were halted as a result change of politics in invested area.

 
  • Relocation plans are permanently stalled due to city planning development changes.
  • Alliance sponsors two life-enrichment programs for West Oakland Middle School for entire school year and for all 250 students.
  • Alliance Recycling sponsors first annual Spirit of West Oakland community picnic.
  • Alliance Recycling sponsors Moten Model Car Program which enhances childrens' math, organizational and design skills through experiential learning.
  • Alliance Recycling partners with Khadafy Foundation in its fight against community violence.
    		•

    • Sponsored Mayor Ron Dellum's Peace Conference - bringing local clergy together in its efforts to reduce youth violence.

    • Sponsored MLK celebration at the Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, West Oakland.

    • Sponsored AHC annual fundraiser, and celebration of International Women's month, featuring Marianne Williamson. "The Can-do-ness of Women"

    • Partnered with Attitudinal Healing Connection in a pilot program to raise envrionmental awareness and establish a recycling center in Ghana,
    West Africa.