Letters to the Editor for February 14, 2025

Support for Pacific Fusion and the Corica Park Golf Team

Pacific Fusion

To the Editor:

I strongly support Pacific Fusion’s proposal to develop a renewable energy and clean tech R&D facility on Site B at Alameda Point. As head of strategy & partnerships for Rain.aero, operating at Alameda Point, I would welcome Pacific Fusion to the growing ecosystem of clean technology and sustainability-minded businesses in Alameda.

By transitioning to diverse, reliable, clean energy sources, we reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, lower electricity costs, and ensure a clean energy future for the next generation. Pacific Fusion’s mission to develop commercially viable fusion power, combines established science, practical engineering, and affordable manufacturing. Its mission aligns with Alameda’s long-term climate action and resiliency objectives, as well as the city’s economic development goals.

Pacific Fusion’s project represents a billion-dollar capital investment in Alameda Point, revitalizing largely vacant land designated for commercial and light industrial development. It will directly create 250 jobs in Alameda and bring hundreds more jobs to the region, including engineering, science, manufacturing, and research and development.

I hope the City Council will enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Pacific Fusion to allow time for both parties to explore creating a catalytic investment at the Alameda Point Enterprise Zone.

Daniel Wholey
Head of Strategy & Partnerships, Rain.aero

To the Editor:

I am excited about Pacific Fusion’s proposal to develop a renewable energy and cleantech R&D facility at Alameda Point. Power Engineering was one of the first businesses to locate at the former Naval Base. As a neighbor, Pacific Fusion would join a now expanding network of sustainability-focused and resource-efficient businesses in Alameda.

Pacific Fusion’s mission to power the world with clean, reliable energy aligns with Alameda’s climate objectives, and its plan to create 250 green jobs also supports the city’s economic development goals. The company’s planned billion-dollar investment in foundational infrastructure at the Point would revitalize largely vacant land designated for commercial and light industrial development. The project would lower the barrier to entry for new businesses, and, in turn, increase professional and educational opportunities for local residents, including our young people.

By entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Pacific Fusion, the City can take time to consider how the green energy company could serve as an accelerator of innovation at Alameda Point.

Sincerely,
David Mik
President, Power Engineering Construction Co.

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Corica Park Golf Team

To the Editor:

I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the Corica Park Golf Team. This group of dedicated and eclectic athletes were brought together five years ago to compete in the NCGA Team Match Program, formerly known as the 12 “Man” Team (women have also competed on the team). The squad is 24 deep and every few weeks fields a team of 12 players ranked according to handicap against an opposing team within the bracket. In the group stages there is a Thursday bracket and a Saturday bracket, which have a home and an away match against the other three teams in the bracket. The competition runs from May through October and culminates with finals down at the NCGA flagship course of Poppy Hills at Pebble Beach.

The Team was launched by Chris Hyland back in 2020, a few years after the Greenway company, which oversees the course, reopened the South course. Chris also launched the Stonetree Golf Club Saturday team back in 2012, which went on to win the overall title in 2016. The Corica Park team consists of players from many nationalities, age groups, and a range of handicaps, and represents a snapshot of the diversity that is Alameda itself.

Last year (2024) the team achieved their best results, reaching the quarterfinals, only to lose to the eventual winners from Fountaingrove Golf Club. Greenway, headed by Umesh and Avani Patel, have been instrumental in the success of the team. They have supported the team by providing prime tee times at a subsidized rate. Avani Patel has introduced some exciting clothing lines into the golf shop and they have helped the team with a budget towards designing new team shirts. Corica’s Superintendent, “Vinny,” has also helped with tough pin placements during playoff matches.

Greenway is set to debut the newly redesigned North Course next month (March 2025), which means that Corica Park will be back to having two 18-hole courses and will be able to host two teams from each course, as does Olympic Club and Silverado Golf Club.

The matches are played in the Matchplay format, demonstrating skill, sportsmanship, and perseverance, and making them a source of pride for our community. Golf is often seen as an individual sport, but the Corica Park Golf Team exemplifies the power of teamwork. Their success is not just about individual talent but also about camaraderie, discipline, and mutual support. Beyond their accomplishments in tournaments, the team also serves as a great example for young golfers in Alameda.

I encourage everyone in Alameda to support these athletes. Whether by attending their matches, celebrating their achievements, or simply recognizing their hard work, our community has an opportunity to uplift a team that represents us with integrity. Let’s continue to cheer them on and support them in their quest to bring home the silverware in 2025!

Sincerely,
Chris Hyland (Alameda) and the Corica Park Team