The Changing pace of Emeryville Politics

Cecily Burt of Inside Bay Area writes how new money has changed Emeryville politics:

Last Tuesday, council candidate Shilen Patel, a newcomer to the city and a relative unknown in city politics, couldn't unseat Ruth Atkin, Nora Davis or Ken Bukowski, the latter two having served on the council for 20 years.

But he had a very strong showing, thanks to a huge (by Emeryville standards) war chest filled by labor-backed political action committees, including $23,587 contributions the week before the election. And $10,793 in late expenditures for mailers were made on his behalf by the Good Jobs PAC, a sponsored committee of hotel workers union UNITE HERE! Local 2850.

Peet's Reports Profit Jump

Emeryville Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc. reported sales jumped 20 percent to $60.9 million during the third quarter ended Sept. 30 compared with $50.9 million during the same period last year.

Earnings rose to $1.84 million or 13 cents per share, a 24 percent increase compared with $1.48 million or 11 cents per share during the third quarter in 2006.

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