Oakland A's fans and Oakland residents alike have divergent opinions on the future of the organization; specifically, whether owner John Fisher should be able to proceed with a proposed Howard Terminal development or whether Oakland City Council — in conjunction with Alameda County — should instead reject the development proposal. This summer, SFGATE will be publishing guest columnists on each side of the debate, allowing them to lay out the merits of their arguments.
This week's guest column is from Jeff August, an Alameda County resident. August has previously written for Vox Media’s Athletics Nation and the independent website newballpark.