Cellphone video captured a chaotic scene as bystanders tackled a stabbing suspect at the Oakland Coliseum BART station full of Warriors fan heading to the game. OAKLAND (CBS/CBS SF) — Normal service resumed on BART after a stabbing Saturday afternoon at he Coliseum BART station in Oakland.
The Coliseum BART station and the Oakland airport connector were closed for two hours after the stabbing happened at about 3 p.m.
Cellphone video captured a chaotic scene.
“We got in here, were walking from the parking lot, and we hear screams, just bloody murder screens,” said witness Michael Bertilacchi.
Bystanders held down the stabbing suspect on the tile floor near the turnstiles.
“There’s three dudes on top of one guy, they’re kneeling on him and a BART officer that’s in here trying to put cuffs on him.”
Witnesses described the suspect as a tall, white man with a beard.
The stabbing happened close to the fare plaza in the BART station, according to Anna Duckworth, a spokeswoman for BART.
“There’s blood everywhere, as you can see back there and there’s a lady wearing a Warriors jacket and she’s screaming and she’s got blood all over her and they told us two people got stabbed in that amount of time,” said Bertilacchi. “I mean 30 seconds.”
The stabbing happened about an hour before tip-off for the final Warriors game of the regular season.
Trains did not stop while BART police investigated and a bus bridge was set up to get people from other stops back to the Coliseum.
Three victims were involved in the stabbing but only two were taken to the hospital and their condition is unknown. The other victim had superficial wounds, according to Duckworth.
“We had to walk all around and through.. general confusion,” said one couple heading to Oracle. “It’s a little scary for sure we have to be more on our guard as we’re walking around.”
Police have not released the suspect’s name, or any information on a motive.
Warriors fans used to taking BART to the game to avoid traffic on Interstate 880 said despite Saturday’s incident, they feel safe at the station.
“There’s always police officers here from OPD,” said Candace Gee who was heading to the game. “I always feel safe and they have the K-9 unites hers. It’s relatively safe, nothing has ever happened to us all these years.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/04/07/stabbing-shuts-down-bart-stations-full-of-riders-bound-for-warriors-game/feed/ 2 Google Loses Android Battle And Could Owe Oracle Billions Of Dollars http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/03/28/google-loses-copyright-android-battle-with-oracle/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/03/28/google-losescopyright-android-battle-with-oracle/#respond Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:04:58 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech Android Copyright Infringement Google Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=723867
Google just lost a major copyright case that could cost it billions of dollars and change how tech companies approach software development. (CNN Money) — Google just lost a major copyright case that could cost it billions of dollars and change how tech companies approach software development.
An appeals court said on Tuesday that Google violated copyright laws when it used Oracle’s open-source Java software to build the Android platform in 2009.
Tuesday’s ruling is the latest development in a topsy-turvy eight-year battle between Google and Oracle.
Oracle first brought its case against Google in 2010, claiming that Android infringes two patents that Oracle holds on its Java software, a ubiquitous programming language powering everything from phones to websites.
In 2012, a jury determined that Java does not deserve protection under copyright law. Two years later, an appeals court overturned the ruling, raising the question of whether Google’s use of Oracle’s API violated copyright law.
Related: Facebook has lost $80 billion in market value
A jury determined in 2016 that Google’s use of Oracle’s APIs was legal under the copyright law’s fair use doctrine, which allows the free use of copyrighted material under specific circumstances. Oracle appealed the decision, and a judge took its side on Tuesday.
“There is nothing fair about taking a copyrighted work verbatim and using it for the same purpose and function as the original in a competing platform,” a panel of three Federal Circuit judges wrote in Tuesday’s opinion.
Oracle said in a statement on Tuesday that the recent “decision protects creators and consumers.” Google said it is weighing its next steps. It could appeal to the full slate of judges on the court.
“We are disappointed the court reversed the jury finding that Java is open and free for everyone,” a Google spokesman said in a statement. “This type of ruling will make apps and online services more expensive for users. We are considering our options.”
Related: Jury sides with Google in billion dollar Oracle suit
Another court will decide how much Google owes Oracle in damages.
As of 2016, Oracle was seeking about $9 billion from Google. But because APIs have become much more widespread over the years, a court could decide that Oracle deserves more, said Christopher Carani, a partner with McAndrews, Held & Malloy and a professor at Northwestern’s law school.
“The numbers in this case will be staggering,” he added.
The verdict is likely to eclipse the current largest copyright verdict of $1.3 billion, awarded to Oracle when it sued rival SAP in 2010.
Google isn’t the only company that stands to lose from this decision. Many others rely on open-source software to develop their own platforms. Tuesday’s ruling means that some will either have pay to license certain software or develop their own from scratch.
“The decision is going to create a significant shift in how software is developed worldwide,” Carani said. “It really means that copyright in this context has teeth.”
“Sometimes free is not really free,” he added.
© Copyright 2018 CNN. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/03/28/google-loses-copyright-android-battle-with-oracle/feed/ 0 U.S. Government Sues Oracle For Alleged Job Discrimination http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/01/18/u-s-government-sues-oracle-for-alleged-job-discrimination/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/01/18/u-s-government-sues-oracle-for-alleged-job-discrimination/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2017 22:36:33 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business News Tech discrimination lawsuit Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=632650
Oracle America Inc. has been sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for alleged job discrimination against women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and non-Asians. (CBS SF) — Oracle America Inc. has been sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for alleged job discrimination against women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and non-Asians.
One claim in the administrative lawsuit alleges that the Redwood Shores-based computer software giant pays Caucasian male employees more than women, African-Americans and Asian-American employees with the same job title.
In a second claim, the Department of Labor alleges Oracle favors Asian applicants, especially those from India, in hiring for product development positions and thus discriminates against Caucasians, Hispanics and African-Americans seeking those positions.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday with the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges in Washington, D.C.
As a contractor with millions of dollars in federal contracts, Oracle is subject to anti-discrimination laws and rules enforced by the Department of Labor.
The lawsuit asks for an order prohibiting the alleged discrimination and canceling Oracle’s federal contracts until the department has determined it complied with the rules. The suit also seeks compensation to employees for lost pay and benefits.
Oracle, one of the world’s largest business software companies, strenuously disputed the allegations.
“The complaint is politically motivated, based on false allegations, and wholly without merit,” Oracle spokeswoman Deborah Hellinger said in a statement.
“Oracle values diversity and inclusion, and is a responsible equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Our hiring and pay decisions are non-discriminatory and made based on legitimate business factors including experience and merit,” Hellinger said.
Oracle has 45,000 employees in the U.S., including more than 7,000 in Redwood Shores, according to the department.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/01/18/u-s-government-sues-oracle-for-alleged-job-discrimination/feed/ 2 Warriors Invite Family Of Target Christmas Eve Stabbing Victim To Mavs Game http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/31/warriors-invite-family-of-target-christmas-eve-stabbing-victim-to-mavs-game/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/31/warriors-invite-family-of-target-christmas-eve-stabbing-victim-to-mavsgame/#respond Sun, 01 Jan 2017 05:53:49 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Local News Sports Syndicated Local Warriors Game Mavericks Nicole Simmons Oracle Tyrone Griffin http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=628781
The Golden State Warriors invited the family of a man who was stabbed in a Target store on Christmas Eve to Friday night's game against the Mavs. OAKLAND (CBS SF) — The Golden State Warriors invited the family a man who was stabbed in a Target store on Christmas Eve to Friday night’s game against the Mavs.
Nicole Simmons and her four children were seated courtside as guests of the team.
Simmons’ boyfriend Tyrone Griffin was stabbed to death at the Target store after he allegedly asked two men to turn down their music. Griffin, 36, was shopping with 2 of his children for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Police have arrested suspects Frankie and Jessie Archuleta. Both Hayward residents were scheduled to appear in court last week to face murder charges.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/31/warriors-invite-family-of-target-christmas-eve-stabbing-victim-to-mavs-game/feed/ 0 Trump Meeting With Elon Musk, Apple, Google, Facebook, Oracle, Others http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/12/trump-meeting-with-elon-musk-apple-google-facebookoracle-others/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/12/trump-meeting-with-elon-musk-apple-google-facebook-oracle-others/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:32:35 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Autos Business Local News Politics Syndicated Local Tech Amazon Apple Clinton Facebook Google IBM Musk Oracle Silicon Valley tech Thiel Trump http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=624558
Leaders from Silicon Valley's biggest tech-companies are meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday. PALO ALTO (CBS SF) — Leaders from Silicon Valley’s biggest tech-companies are meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Sources told Mashable the discussion inside Trump Tower will be lead by billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Space X is among the attendees, along with execs from Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM and others.
Paypal co-founder Thiel broke ranks with much of Silicon Valley when he came out in support of Trump.
Musk, along with many other tech leaders, was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton and helped raise millions for her campaign. He didn’t think Trump was right for the job of commander-in-chief.
“I feel a bit stronger that he is not the right guy,” he said in an interview with CNBC. “He doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.”
Still, Musk said he didn’t think a Trump win would have much impact on Tesla.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/12/12/trump-meeting-with-elon-musk-apple-google-facebook-oracle-others/feed/ 0 Warriors Official DJ, International Artist DJ D Sharp On Bay Sunday http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/category/spoken-word-kpixtv/3581969-warriors-official-dj-international-artist-dj-d-sharp/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/category/spoken-word-kpixtv/3581969-warriors-official-dj-international-artist-dj-dsharp/#respond Tue, 22 Nov 2016 19:30:25 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Bay Area Focus/Bay Sunday Entertainment Music Sports Warriors Bay Sunday DJ DJ D Sharp Oracle Spinning http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=619871
VIDEO: Bay Sunday welcomes the Golden State Warriors' official DJ, international renowned artist DJ D Sharp. VIDEO: Bay Sunday welcomes the Golden State Warriors' official DJ, international renowned artist DJ D Sharp. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/category/spoken-word-kpixtv/3581969-warriors-official-dj-international-artist-dj-d-sharp/feed/ 0 Bruno Mars Announces World Tour Dates In The Bay Area http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/11/15/bruno-mars-announces-world-tour-dates-in-the-bay-area/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/11/15/bruno-mars-announces-world-tourdates-in-the-bay-area/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2016 15:30:26 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Eat.See.Play Entertainment Music See Arena Bruno Mars Oracle San Jose SAP Center World Tour http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=618012 
The tour, which will cover both Europe and North America, will makes its way to San Jose and Oakland in 2017... By Jon Wiederhorn
(RADIO.COM) – He might not have anything up his sleeve, but that’s hasn’t stopped Bruno Mars from scheduling a 2017 world tour to support his new album 24K Magic.
The tour, which will cover both Europe and North America, will launch March 28 in Antwerp, Belgium and will make its way to the Bay Area on July 20th at the SAP Center in San Jose and circle back to Oakland on November 3rd at the Oracle Arena. Mars’ tour concludes on Nov. 11 in Los Angeles with a four night stand at The Forum.
Tickets for the tour go on sale Monday, November 21. Mars broke the news on his Instagram page shortly after midnight Tuesday night.
24K Magic, the follow-up to Mars’ chart-topping 2012 second album Unorthodox Jukebox, comes out Friday (Nov. 18). Mars performed the title track from the new album last week at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour North American Tour:
7/15, 2017 Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena
7/18, 2017 Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
7/20, 2017 San Jose, CA @ SAP Center
7/23, 2017 Portland, OR @ Moda Center
7/24, 2017 Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
7/26, 2017 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
7/30, 2017 Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
8/2, 2017 Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
8/4, 2017 Fargo, ND @ Fargo Dome
8/5, 2017 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
8/7, 2017 Lincoln, NE @ Pinacle Bank Arena
8/9, 2017 Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
8/12, 2017 Detroit, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
8/13, 2017 Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
8/15, 2017 Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
8/16, 2017 Chicago, IL @ United Center
8/18, 2017 Chicago, IL @ United Center
8/22, 2017 Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
8/24, 2017 Quebec City, QC@ Centre Videotron
8/26, 2017 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
8/27, 2017 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
8/29, 2017 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
9/14, 2017 Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
9/17, 2017 Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
9/19, 2017 Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
9/20, 2017 Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
9/22, 2017 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
9/26, 2017 Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
9/27, 2017 Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
9/29, 2017 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
10/04, 2017 Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
10/5, 2017 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
10/7, 2017 Boston, MA @ TD Garden
10/10, 2017 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
10/12, 2017 Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
10/14, 2017 Orlando, FL @ Amway Center
10/15, 2017 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T Center
10/18, 2017 Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
10/19, 2017 Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
10/21, 2017 New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
10/22, 2017 Little Rock, AR @ Verizon Arena
10/24, 2017 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
10/25, 2017 San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
10/27, 2017 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
10/30, 2017 Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
11/2, 2017 Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
11/3, 2017 Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
11/05, 2017 Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
11/07, 2017 Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
11/08, 2017 Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
11/10, 2017 Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
11/11, 2017 Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/11/15/bruno-mars-announces-world-tour-dates-in-the-bay-area/feed/ 1 Oracle Buys Cloud Software Provider NetSuite For $9 Billion http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/28/oracle-buys-cloud-software-provider-netsuite/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/28/oracle-buys-cloud-software-provider-netsuite/#respond Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:12:20 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech Cloud Computing Larry Ellison NetSuite Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=590750
NetSuite is just the latest cloud acquisition by Oracle, and its biggest splurge in more than a decade. It paid $11.1 billion for PeopleSoft in 2005. REDWOOD CITY (CBS / AP) — Software mogul Larry Ellison once famously mocked cloud computing as a fad. Now his company, Oracle, will spend $9.3 billion to acquire cloud upstart NetSuite.
NetSuite is just the latest cloud acquisition by Oracle, and its biggest splurge in more than a decade. It paid $11.1 billion for PeopleSoft in 2005.
More businesses are switching to the cloud model because it provides flexibility and saves on the cost of running their own computers. Oracle and its leading competitors, including Microsoft and IBM, are increasingly trying to beef up their cloud offerings.
NetSuite, which was founded by a former Oracle executive, makes business software that runs in NetSuite’s “cloud,” or its own data centers, rather than on its customers’ computers. Oracle is a commercial tech giant that has traditionally sold software programs to customers who installed them in their own data centers.
Oracle CEO Mark Hurd said in a company release Thursday that the two companies’ cloud tools fit well together and that Oracle will continue to invest in them.
Despite public jibes about cloud computing, once aimed at rivals like NetSuite and Salesforce.com, the colorful and combative Ellison eventually recognized the potential and became an early backer of both.
NetSuite was started in 1998 by Evan Goldberg, a former Oracle executive. Ellison, Oracle’s chairman (he stepped down as CEO in 2014), is NetSuite’s largest shareholder. NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson also worked for Oracle in the 1990s.
Investors of NetSuite Inc. will receive $109 per share, a 62 percent premium to the company’s Wednesday closing price of $67.42.
Shares of the San Mateo, company popped 18 percent higher to $107.98 in midday trading.
Shares of Oracle Corp., based in Redwood Shores, slipped 19 cents to $40.74.
The transaction is expected to close this year.
© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/28/oracle-buys-cloud-software-providernetsuite/feed/ 0 Google, Oracle Lawsuit Reveals Use Of Public Facebook Posts In Jury Selection http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/18/google-oracle-lawsuit-reveals-use-of-public-facebook-posts-in-jury-selection/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/18/google-oracle-lawsuit-reveals-use-of-public-facebook-posts-in-jury-selection/#respond Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:01:09 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Crime From The KCBS Radio Newsroom Local News Politics Syndicated Local Tech Facebook Facebook Post Google Jury Oracle Public Selection http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=588400
Social media accounts are coming under increasing scrutiny from attorneys looking for a legal edge in their respective cases, but a jury expert says that sleuthing could be restricted in the future. SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Social media accounts are coming under increasing scrutiny from attorneys looking for a legal edge in their respective cases, but a jury expert says that sleuthing could be restricted in the future.
“Attorneys are allowed to go online and look at accounts, but they’re not allowed to ‘friend,’ somebody, or pose as somebody else in order to get access,” Dr. Joseph Rice, President of the Jury Research Institute in Alamo, told KCBS.
He says this whole issue stems from a recent court ruling involving a copyright case between Google and Oracle.
“The whole idea of jury selection is to try to predict behavior, and specifically, is someone likely to favor the plaintiff, or the defendant, or in a criminal case, the prosecutor versus the defendant,” Rice said.
In the ruling, attorneys would have to inform potential jurors in advance of the scope of online sleuthing so they would have a chance to change online private settings once they’ve been notified.
“So what the judge is doing is basically putting everyone on notice, we recognize the attorneys are doing this – we aren’t going to restrict this, but we want the jurors to know that their public postings are available, and could be considered by attorneys,” Rice said.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/07/18/googleoracle-lawsuit-reveals-use-of-public-facebook-posts-in-jury-selection/feed/ 0 Ex-Oracle Employee Accuses Company Of Accounting Chicanery http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/06/02/ex-oracle-employee-whistleblowing-lawsuit-accounting/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/06/02/ex-oracle-employee-whistleblowing-lawsuit-accounting/#respond Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:20:23 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech Accounting Finances Lawsuit Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=577396
A former employee in Oracle's finance department is accusing the business software maker of trying to pressure her into cooking the books in an effort to boost the company's stock price. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) — A former employee in Oracle’s finance department is accusing the business software maker of trying to pressure her into cooking the books in an effort to boost the company’s stock price.
Svetlana Blackburn, a former senior finance manager at Oracle, made the allegations in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court. The complaint seeks damages for wrongful termination and violations of laws protecting workers blowing the whistle on misconduct by their employers.
Oracle Corp. stood behind its accounting practices in a company statement Thursday that derided Blackburn’s lawsuit as “malicious prosecution.” The Redwood Shores, California, company said it fired Blackburn for poor performance.
Blackburn painted a much different picture in her lawsuit, alleging Oracle tried “to fit square data into round holes” to inflate its financial results.
© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/06/02/ex-oracle-employee-whistleblowing-lawsuit-accounting/feed/ 0 Google Beats Oracle In Copyright Lawsuit Over Android http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/26/google-beats-oracle-copyright-lawsuit-android/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/26/google-beats-oraclecopyright-lawsuit-android/#respond Thu, 26 May 2016 20:52:47 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech Android Copyright Infringement Google Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=575951
A federal jury has sided with Google in a long-running legal battle with tech industry rival Oracle in a complex copyright case that was closely watched in Silicon Valley. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) — A federal jury has sided with Google in a long-running legal battle with tech industry rival Oracle in a complex copyright case that was closely watched in Silicon Valley.
Oracle had said Google stole some of its software to create Android, the world’s most popular smartphone operating system.
Some tech industry groups said Oracle’s claim would undercut practices that are widely used to create all kinds of software.
The jury’s verdict on Thursday marks Google’s second victory in the case. A federal judge sided with Google in 2012, but an appellate court sent the case back for a second trial.
© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/26/google-beats-oracle-copyrightlawsuit-android/feed/ 0 Oracle’s Larry Ellison Pledges $200 Million For Cancer Center At USC http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/12/oracle-larry-ellison-cancer-center-usc/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/12/oracle-larry-ellison-cancer-center-usc/#respond Thu, 12 May 2016 22:15:29 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Health Local News Cancer Research Larry Ellison Oracle USC http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=572627
Oracle founder Larry Ellison has donated $200 million to the University of Southern California to fund a cancer research center. LOS ANGELES (CBS / AP) — Oracle founder Larry Ellison has donated $200 million to the University of Southern California to fund a cancer research center, matching the largest single donation ever received by the school.
The Los Angeles Times reports the university announced Ellison’s gift Wednesday. The money will fund the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, which will be built off campus in west Los Angeles.
The institute will be led by professor of engineering and medicine David Agus and will focus on preventing, detecting and treating cancer.
USC President C. L. Max Nikias says Ellison’s donation and plans to invest in cancer research have been discussed for over a year.
The university’s previous $200 million donation was from the chairman of a large steel fabricating company, David Dornsife, in 2011.
© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/12/oracle-larry-ellison-cancer-center-usc/feed/ 0 Google, Oracle Face Off In Court Again Over Software Copyrights http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/09/google-oracle-face-off-in-court-again-over-software-copyrights/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/09/google-oracle-face-off-in-court-again-over-software-copyrights/#comments Mon, 09 May 2016 21:51:32 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business From The KCBS Radio Newsroom Local News Syndicated Local Tech Copyright Court Google Lawsuit Oracle Software http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=571905
Google and Oracle were set to appear in a Bay Area courtroom Monday to face off on a copyright dispute that’s dragged on for six years. 
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Google and Oracle were set to appear in a Bay Area courtroom Monday to face off on a copyright dispute that’s dragged on for six years.
Billions of dollars are at stake – as well as the very foundation of software development.
This is the second trial for Oracle’s complaint that Google used parts of its Java software without permission.
In 2012, a jury had found that Google did infringe on Oracle’s copyrights, but the judge later ruled the software couldn’t be copyrighted.
In the years since, the case has gone back and forth through the appeals courts, and even made a brief stop at the U.S. Supreme Court before making this return to a jury trial.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/05/09/google-oracle-face-off-in-court-again-over-software-copyrights/feed/ 2 Prince: Music In His Blood, Basketball In His Heart http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/04/22/prince-music-in-his-blood-basketball-in-his-heart/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/04/22/prince-music-in-his-blood-basketball-in-his-heart/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2016 19:25:32 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Entertainment Local NBA News Sports Warriors Basketball Oracle Prince http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=567936
Prince received a royal welcome sitting courtside at Oracle for a highly anticipated game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Warriors on March 3. MINNEAPOLIS (CBS/AP) — Prince had music in his blood. Basketball was in his heart.
“I really believe that was his first love,” said Al Nuness, his coach at Minneapolis Central High School.
When news of the death of one of modern music’s most influential performers reached Nuness on Thursday through a call from his wife, his thoughts went straight to 1973. That’s when Prince and his precocious ninth-grade friends were promoted to the sophomore team by Nuness.
“He was very small,” Nuness said. “But he was quick. He could handle the ball and he could penetrate and he could dish.”
And one of the best in the NBA was a fan.
“Like so many people I am shocked at the news that Prince has died,” Michael Jordan said in a statement. “His songs inspired me throughout my career and remind me of so many moments from my life. His greatness will live on through his music, but this is a sad day for his fans — me included.”
LeBron James said “Purple Rain” was among his favorite movies, and he dressed up in a Prince costume and performed the song at a Halloween bash last year.
“We’re just losing a lot of our heroes a lot earlier than expected,” James said Friday before Cleveland’s game in Detroit. “As an artist and what he did for music, what he did for people’s lives, like my mother and people who grew up around that era, it was just special.”
Prince Rogers Nelson and his half-brother, Duane Nelson, had a pal named Paul Mitchell. The inseparable trio, while attending nearby Bryant Junior High, wanted to play hoops so badly they used to sneak into the Central gym with their dog and their bikes for some after-school practice.
Nuness had an office right around the corner and kept kicking them out, he fondly recalled in a phone interview Thursday with The Associated Press.
Prince didn’t cause Nuness much trouble, though.
In fact, his senior class in 1976 produced one of the best teams in state history. Central, which closed soon after, finished 25-1 and sent several players to NCAA Division I programs.
Prince’s career ended after his sophomore season, with the guitar and the microphone beckoning, but he stayed in occasional contact with Nuness as he rose to fame and became a reclusive celebrity. Prince supported some of the city’s AAU teams, Nuness said, after he reached stardom.
“He was a great young man,” Nuness said. “He did a lot of things charitable that people didn’t know, because he didn’t want people to know he was doing it.”
Here are some notable connections between Prince, who died at 57, and the world of sports:
ROARACLE GUEST
Prince received a royal welcome while sitting courtside at Oracle Arena for a highly anticipated game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the record-chasing Golden State Warriors on March 3. Looking as cool as ever wearing sunglasses, Prince smiled as he received a standing ovation from the crowd. He was in Oakland for a concert at the Oracle the following night, which was attended by Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green.
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 3: Model Damaris Lewis and Singer Prince takes in the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2016 at ORACLE Arena. ((Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
“RIP Prince! Had the pleasure of seeing him in concert last month in Oakland,” Green tweeted. “One of the best shows I’ve ever seen!!! Rest up legend!! WOW!!”
CLIPPERS FANS
The Los Angeles Clippers had Prince’s music blasting during practice Thursday. Coach Doc Rivers saw Prince perform a few times.
“Him and Michael (Jackson) were my two guys,” Rivers said. “To lose them both this early is just crazy to me.”
SUPER SHOW
The Super Bowl in Miami nine years ago was a soggy mess. While Chicago and Indianapolis took a break from the wind and rain at halftime, Prince put on one of the big game’s most memorable music performances. Jamming on his electric guitars on a slippery stage, a teal-and-orange-clad Prince paid no mind to the elements.
Bruce Rodgers, the Super Bowl halftime program director that year, recounted the experience in an NFL.com video recap of the event. He recalled a colleague speaking to the performer earlier in the day, warning him about the wet conditions.
“Prince was like, `Can you make it rain harder?”‘ Rodgers said in that interview. “And I was like, `Right on.”‘
PURPLE AND GOLD
When his hometown Vikings were in the NFL playoffs after the 2009 season, Prince attended the victory over Dallas at the Metrodome that sent them to the NFC championship game. He even wrote them a song. Their primary uniform color, after all, is purple. One of his biggest hits, of course, was “Purple Rain.”
Titled “Purple and Gold,” the widely panned tune was sort of a mix of college fight song, the Beatles and ’80s synthesizer pop. But it was the thought that counted, right? “We are the truth if the truth can be told/Long reign the purple and gold,” went some of the lyrics.
“Prince was an incredible representative of Minnesota who helped put Minneapolis-St. Paul on the map. He was a brilliant performer and a better person,” the Vikings said in a statement. “We will forever be proud and grateful that he considered himself a Vikings fan.”
LET’S GO CRAZY!
Whenever the Minnesota Twins hit a home run, the ballpark sound system begins blaring Prince’s hit, “Let’s Go Crazy.” The players adopted “Little Red Corvette” as a theme song of sorts last season, with the veterans old enough to remember Prince’s earlier music making sure the youngsters learned the words.
“One of my favorites gone! This hurts man,” now-retired outfielder Torii Hunter posted on Instagram.
“Good night sweet Prince,” read the big screen at Target Field, which was adorned with purple ribbons. The Twins played Thursday night at Miller Park in Milwaukee, where the Brewers played “Let’s Go Crazy” during the break before the seventh inning.
Said first baseman Joe Mauer after the team’s win: “It’s sad news. Any Minnesotan takes credit for Prince, for sure.”
TOASTING THE CHAMPS
Prince has long been a supporter of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, too, and he attended their championship-clinching victory over Indiana last October. After the game as players popped open champagne, they quickly learned this celebration would be unlike the parties for their previous two titles. Prince invited the players and team employees to his Paisley Park estate for a private concert. He opened the night with “Purple Rain,” then spent the next three hours playing for Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and the rest of the group.
“RIP Prince,” Whalen tweeted. “I’ll never forget the explosion in the locker room when we found out he was performing for us after Game 5 last season. I will always be grateful for his generosity that evening to perform for us. It was truly amazing.”
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/04/22/prince-music-in-his-blood-basketball-in-his-heart/feed/ 1 Palestinian American Lawsuit Targets Philanthropists, Corporations Backing Israel Settlements http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/03/09/palestinian-american-lawsuit-targets-philanthropists-corporations-backing-israel-settlements/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/03/09/palestinian-american-lawsuit-targets-philanthropists-corporations-backing-israel-settlements/#respond Thu, 10 Mar 2016 01:52:08 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Local News Politics Syndicated Local Civil Lawsuit Hewlett-Packard Israel Larry Ellison Oracle Palestine settlements http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=556993
Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are among those named in a $34.5B lawsuit over Israeli West Bank settlements. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison and Palo Alto-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise are among those named in a $34.5 billion civil lawsuit filed this week on behalf of Palestinian Americans against a number of businessmen, philanthropists and corporations helping fund the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The complaint, filed Monday on behalf of activist Bassem Al-Tamimi and other Palestinians in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges the individuals and entities have been “funding violent settlement activities in occupied Palestine,” according to the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
It alleges that violations by the defendants include civil conspiracy, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide as well as aggravated and ongoing trespassing, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and alleges the war crime of pillage in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
The lawsuit filed by Martin F. McMahon & Associates, attorneys representing the plaintiffs also names real estate firm Re/Max and Silicon Valley giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise as a defendants.
A spokesman for Hewlett Packard Enterprise said in a statement: “Hewlett Packard Enterprise is strongly committed to socially responsible business practices, and our work and products in Israel are consistent with our values and standards. It is not our policy to take sides in political disputes between countries or regions, and we believe the claims in this lawsuit are without merit.”
CBS San Francisco requests for comment from Oracle, and Re/Max were not immediately returned.
In 2013, then-U.N. special envoy Richard Folk said that all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem were illegal and European and U.S. investors may in part be responsible.
Folk told members of the U.N. General Assembly that Re/Max, as well as European company Dexia Group, were tied to the settlement activity.
“Financial institutions and real estate companies may be held criminally accountable for their involvement with illegal settlements in occupied Palestine,” Folk said in 2013.
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, philanthropist Irving Moskowitz, and Israeli-American media executive Haim Saban were also among those named in the complaint.
Former California resident Dr. Irving Moskowitz, the complaint alleges “for the last 40 years, openly advocated the violent expulsion of all nonJews from the OPT” and “has been instrumental in transferring large sums of money to settlements in the OPT.”
The suit also states that Moskowitz, a well-known businessman, engaged in money-laundering as a result of transferring about $100 million across international borders to fund arms trafficking and acts of violence against Palestinians.
The complaint also names defendants Motorola, Volvo, and Nordstrom, as well as Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories, an Israeli cosmetics company that manufactures skin care products made of mud and mineral-based compounds from the Dead Sea.
Numerous tax-exempt organizations, such as Friends of the Israeli Army and Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, are also named in the complaint for allegedly providing financial assistance to fund the growth of Israeli settlements.
The plaintiffs allege that the Israeli settlements now house 750,000 permanent residents and have pushed out 400,000 Palestinians in 49,000 homes and led to the destruction of 900,000 olive trees.
They say these settlements are a “direct result of the funding provided by U.S. donors and tax-exempt entities.”
By Hannah Albarazi – Follow her on Twitter: @hannahalbarazi.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/03/09/palestinian-american-lawsuit-targets-philanthropists-corporations-backing-israel-settlements/feed/ 0 Oracle Building High-Tech High School Next To Its Silicon Valley Headquarters http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/oracle-building-high-tech-high-school-next-to-its-silicon-valley-headquarters/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/oracle-building-high-tech-high-school-next-to-its-silicon-valley-headquarters/#respond Tue, 27 Oct 2015 20:54:16 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Education Local News Tech d.tech Design Tech High school Larry Ellison Oracle Silicon Valley http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=525306
Oracle is building a new high school. It isn't going to be called "Oracle High." Instead, it will be known as Design Tech, or "d.tech." The school will be free and open to any student living in California. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Oracle founder Larry Ellison already owns an island in Hawaii. Now, his company is building a high school next to its Silicon Valley headquarters to help fulfill Ellison’s desire to teach students more about technology and problem-solving.
The plan unveiled Tuesday at an Oracle customer conference calls for the business software maker to complete the 64,000-squarefoot school by August 2017.
Although it will be owned by one of the world’s biggest technology companies, the school isn’t going to be called “Oracle High.” Instead, it will be known as Design Tech, or “d.tech,” a public school approved last year.
The campus being built by Oracle will accommodate up to 550 students and 30 teachers in the shadow of Oracle’s towering office in Redwood Shores, California, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. The school will be free and open to any student living in California.
Since starting Oracle Corp. 38 years ago, Ellison has amassed an estimated fortune of $54 billion that has enabled him to buy most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, own elaborate homes around the world and bankroll two victories in sailing’s premier race, the America’s Cup.
But Ellison isn’t financing Design Tech. Oracle is footing the entire bill, though the company isn’t disclosing how much it expects to spend.
Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz stressed the company wouldn’t be getting involved if Ellison hadn’t sketched out a vision to create a school where “students learn to think.”
Although Oracle will own the high school, the company won’t be involved in the curriculum. Design Tech gained Oracle’s financial support because it “reflects Larry’s vision for a unique high school founded on principles we believe in: innovation, creativity, problem-solving and design-thinking,” Catz said.
Oracle’s commitment to Design Tech comes less than a week after Facebook’s billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, announced plans to finance a school for pre-school through eighth-grade students in one of Silicon Valley’s few least affluent communities, East Palo Alto. The Primary School will provide health care services in addition to educational instruction for up to 700 students.
Zuckerberg and Chan also have given $100 million to schools in New Jersey and pledged to donate another $120 million to other schools located in low-income communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/oracle-building-high-tech-high-school-next-to-its-silicon-valley-headquarters/feed/ 0 Mesmerizing Time Lapse Shows O.co Coliseum Switch From A’s To Raiders Game In 24 Hours http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/mesmerizing-time-lapse-shows-o-co-coliseum-converting-from-as-to-raiders-game-in-24-hours/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/mesmerizing-time-lapse-shows-o-co-coliseum-converting-from-as-to-raiders-game-in-24-hours/#respond Tue, 27 Oct 2015 19:02:24 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco A's Local News Raiders Syndicated Local Warriors Baseball Football o.Co Coliseum Oracle Roberta Gonzales http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=525258
Watch the O.co Coliseum's amazing transformation between games. KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Hey Roberta! I met you at a recent A’s game and you were asking how difficult is it for us groundkeepers to convert a MLB Field into a NFL Football field especially if there is only 24 hours between events! The A’s are the only Major League Baseball Team who share a field with a Professional Football team. Now we shift over to Oracle and we do Arena conversions for the Warriors and concerts. Enjoy the video and enjoy the Warriors game tonight! Keith Campbell; Oakland
A: Hey Keith…YOU ROCK! Thank you for sharing! See you at the baseball and football field, and Oracle too!
Do you have a question or observation you would like to share with me? I would love to hear from you! Please email [email protected]
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/27/mesmerizing-time-lapse-shows-o-co-coliseum-converting-from-as-to-raiders-game-in-24-hours/feed/ 0 Warriors Fan Outshoots Team Sunday Night At Oracle, Wins New BMW http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/06/08/warriorsfan-outshoots-team-sunday-night-at-oracle-wins-new-bmw/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/06/08/warriors-fan-outshoots-team-sunday-night-at-oracle-wins-new-bmw/#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:36:34 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Sports Syndicated Local Curry NBA NBA Finals Oracle Oracle Arena Stephen Curry http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=494317
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined to shoot 6 for 27 from 3point range, and the Warriors shot only 8 for 35 from deep overall. OAKLAND (CBS SF) – If only Stephen Curry could have shot like Jason Valdes Sunday night.
The NBA’s Most Valuable Player missed 18 of 23 shots in Golden State’s Game 2 loss of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
Valdes, a fan from San Jose who was selected to participate in an on-court promotion for a car dealership, was a little hotter from long range. Check out this shot that won him a new BMW:
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined to shoot 6 for 27 from 3-point range, and the Warriors shot only 8 for 35 from deep overall. Unlike Valdes, there was no splash for the Splash Brothers on Sunday night at Oracle.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/06/08/warriors-fan-outshoots-team-sunday-night-at-oracle-wins-new-bmw/feed/ 1 Floyd Mayweather’s Night At Warriors Game Ends In Chorus Of Boos, Alleged Punching By Companion http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/14/floyd-mayweathers-night-at-warriors-game-ends-in-chorus-of-boos-alleged-punching-by-companion/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/14/floyd-mayweathers-night-at-warriors-game-ends-in-chorus-of-boos-alleged-punching-by-companion/#comments Thu, 14 May 2015 23:09:50 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Boxing NBA NBA Playoffs Sports Syndicated Sports Warriors Basketball Floyd Mayweather Mayweather Oakland Oracle Playoffs http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=488079
Mayweather, who attended the Warriors' Western Conference Semifinal game five victory over Memphis Wednesday with some friends, was nearly booed out of the building when he appeared on the big screen during the second half. OAKLAND (CBS SF) — Floyd Mayweather’s spotless record in the ring apparently hasn’t done much to endear him to Bay Area fans.
Mayweather, who attended the Warriors’ Game 5 victory over Memphis in the Western Conference semifinals at Oracle Arena with some friends, was nearly booed out of the building when he appeared on the big screen during the second half.
Initially, fans were calling on the world’s highest paid athlete to join the crowd and put on the yellow shirt the team left on the seat of each fan at the game. When he either ignored or did not understand what fans wanted, the boos got louder. Here’s just a small piece of the awkward moment that left the boxing champ laughing at the hate:
At some point during the game an alleged associate of Mayweather got into an altercation with a woman in the stands, according to TMZ, which reported that the man was set off when a woman hit him with one of the giveaway “thunder sticks” that fans wave during the game. Oakland police indicate that an incident occurred at 9:45 p.m., but said they could not confirm any connection to Mayweather.
People who said they were sitting nearby report that the man was part of Mayweather’s entourage.
Warriors fan Sarah Coffey felt the incident reflected poorly on Mayweather.
“His connection to his entourage is big for him. The Money Team and all of that. So I think it does reflect very badly on him,” Coffey said.
Tonight I witnessed one of Floyd Mayweather's little thugs punch this girl in the face. This is the before pic: pic.twitter.com/RCLoHfGzhK
— Spencer Bryan (@spencerbryan) May 14, 2015
Other social media posts suggest a “drunk couple” instigated the incident before “the kid punches her in the face and knocks her down. Then they both are kicked out.”
The Oakland Police Department told KPIX 5 that the incident was “mutual combat battery between a man and a woman” which resulted in neither side wanting to press charges.
“Nobody was arrested and no injuries were sustained,” said Johnna Watson of OPD.
No comment yet from the Warriors or the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies provide some of the security at Warriors games.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/14/floyd-mayweathers-night-at-warriors-game-ends-in-chorus-of-boos-alleged-punching-by-companion/feed/ 3 Rumors Of Yelp Or Salesforce Deals Appear To Be Fading http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/12/rumors-of-yelp-or-salesforce-deals-appear-to-be-fading/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/12/rumors-of-yelp-or-salesforce-deals-appear-to-be-fading/#respond Tue, 12 May 2015 16:17:48 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Syndicated Local Tech Alibaba Google IBM Microsoft Oracle Rakuten Salesforce SAP Yahoo Yelp http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=487196
Buyers may not be as plentiful for Yelp aYelp's stock skyrocketed on reports it was considering selling itself, with a host of big-name firms being possible suitors. SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The buzz is wearing off a couple of big rumored deals with San Francisco tech firms.
Yelp’s (YELP) stock skyrocketed on reports it was considering selling itself, with a host of big-name firms being possible suitors.
According to The Street, you can scratch Google and Yahoo off of that list, as Ironfire Capital managing partner Eric Jackson writes that Yelp’s $3.6-billion market valuation is too rich for Yahoo, and he doesn’t think Google is interested as it already tried once to buy Yelp.
Jackson instead thinks there’s a good chance that a foreign company like Chinese eCommerce giant Alibaba or Japanese Internet service provider Rakuten, may snap up Yelp, as each would love to take advantage of Yelp’s local advertising business.
Cloud software leader Salesforce (CRM) has been experiencing something similar, as its stock shot higher on reports it was approached as takeover candidate, but the short list of players – like Oracle and SAP – have one-by-one either said they didn’t approach Salesforce or are now not sure about making a bid like Microsoft, leaving IBM as the most likely candidate if Microsoft doesn’t step up.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/12/rumors-of-yelp-or-salesforce-deals-appear-to-be-fading/feed/ 0 Oracle Emerges As Favorite For Estimated $50B Salesforce Takeover http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/04/29/oracle-emerges-as-favorite-for-estimated-50b-salesforce-takeover/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/04/29/oracle-emerges-as-favorite-forestimated-50b-salesforce-takeover/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:54:24 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech business CEO Larry Ellison Marc Benioff Oracle Sales Salesforce San Francisco Takeover http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=483731
Investors are betting that business software service company Salesforce.com will be sold, with Oracle Corp. emerging as the early favorite to pull off a deal that could cost about $50 billion. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Investors are betting that business software service company Salesforce.com will be sold, with Oracle Corp. emerging as the early favorite to pull off a deal that could cost about $50 billion.
The speculation, spurred by a Bloomberg News report, lifted Salesforce’s stock by $7.76, or more than 11 percent, to close Wednesday at $74.65.
If it were to happen, an Oracle acquisition of Salesforce would likely be the most expensive ever for a software maker and reunite two of Silicon Valley’s most colorful characters.
Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff founded his San Francisco company in 1999 shortly after leaving a post as a top executive at Oracle. There he became so close with Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison that the two used to go on double dates together. The relationship resulted in Ellison putting up $2 million to become one of Salesforce’s initial investors, though he later was ousted from the company’s board when Benioff discovered his former boss had secretly been building a competing product.
Benioff, though, retained the flamboyant Ellison’s flair for showmanship while emerging as an outspoken evangelist for “cloud computing”—the concept of making software applications available on any device with an Internet connection instead of licensing programs to be installed on the disk drives of individual computers.
Ellison originally dismissed cloud computing as a passing fancy, but Oracle is now scrambling to expand in the field as more customers defect to subscription services run by Salesforce and other up-and-coming rivals such as Workday Inc.
Citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg News reported an unnamed company had approached Salesforce about a possible takeover. The inquiry prompted Salesforce to hire advisers to consider other possible offers, according to Bloomberg.
Salesforce declined to comment. Oracle didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Ellison, who stepped down as Oracle’s CEO last year, has engineered dozens of acquisitions during the past decade, including two major deals for companies run by two of his former subordinates. Oracle paid about $11 billion to buy PeopleSoft, whose CEO was former Oracle executive Craig Conway, and about $6 billion for Siebel, whose CEO and founder, Tom Siebel, had also defected from Oracle.
FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel Ives said he believes Oracle is the most logical buyer for Salesforce. “Ultimately, we view this more as Oracle trying to make a bold, decisive move to stake its claim in the cloud before it falls even farther behind,” Ives wrote in a Wednesday research note.
Oracle also could afford the steep price it would take to devour Salesforce. Oracle already has nearly $44 billion in cash and could easily borrow whatever else it needed to pay Salesforce’s asking price, which figures to be above its current market value of $47 billion.
Other potential bidders for Salesforce include IBM Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Microsoft Corp., Ives said.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/04/29/oracle-emerges-as-favorite-for-estimated-50b-salesforce-takeover/feed/ 1 Marshals Seize America’s Cup Boat From Oracle Team USA Over Lien Filed By Sailor http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/03/10/marshals-seize-americas-cup-boat-from-oracle-team-usa-over-lien-filed-by-sailor/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/03/10/marshals-seize-americas-cup-boat-from-oracle-team-usa-over-lien-filed-by-sailor/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:13:44 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Local News Sports America America Cup America's Cup Boat Lien Marshals Oracle San Francisco San Francisco Bay Seized Team USA http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=469563
Federal marshals seized America's Cup champion Oracle Team USA's prototype boat in San Francisco on Monday, before it could be shipped out of the country, in response to a lien filed by a fired sailor. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Federal marshals seized America’s Cup champion Oracle Team USA’s prototype boat in San Francisco on Monday, before it could be shipped out of the country, in response to a lien filed by a fired sailor.
Marshals went to the team’s base at Pier 80 and determined that the souped-up, 45-foot catamaran and its various components and wing sail were in three shipping containers the team was preparing to send to Bermuda.
Marshals Service spokesman Frank Conroy said the containers were stickered and locked.
In maritime law terms, the boat was arrested.
Conroy said marshals believe the confiscated boat is the catamaran known as 4 Oracle Team USA.
He said marshals had a “very pleasant exchange” with syndicate members. “We didn’t get the feeling of anyone trying to hide anything from us,” Conroy said.
In a filing Friday, Oracle attorney David E. Russo said the boat that fired sailor Joe Spooner wants confiscated to satisfy the lien was sold to a French syndicate in December.
However, a photo taken shortly after Team France took possession of that boat shows it has hull No. 5. The boat sought by Spooner has the hull No. 4.
In an earlier filing, Oracle contended boat No. 4 hadn’t been launched during Spooner’s tenure with the team.Oracle argued that the boat was mismarked and although it said 4 on the hull, it was actually boat No. 5. Spooner provided evidence showing him sailing and repairing the vessel in question.
The dispute will return to federal court, where Spooner is seeking at least $725,000 in a wrongful termination suit.
“It is a match race and we have the lead at the first mark,” Spooner’s attorney, Patricia Barlow, said in an email to The Associated Press.
The catamaran was built to foil, or ride up on hydrofoils once it reaches a certain speed. Oracle tested the boat on San Francisco Bay in February as it prepares to build a 62-foot catamaran that will be used to defend the America’s Cup in 2017 in Bermuda. Foiling 72-foot catamarans were used in the America’s Cup in 2013, when Oracle Team USA rallied from an 8-1 deficit to win eight straight races and defeat Emirates Team New Zealand.
Spooner, a New Zealander, sued Oracle Team USA last month, saying his contract for $25,000 a month was terminated without cause in January. He was a grinder with Oracle Team USA during its America’s Cup victories in 2010 and 2013.
Chief Magistrate Joseph Spero denied Spooner’s initial complaint on Feb. 23, but said he could file an amended complaint. Barlow filed an amended complaint Friday and clerk Richard Wieking issued a warrant later that day.
Barlow said Spooner had obtained a visa that required him to be working under a fixed-term contract, and that Oracle argued that the sailor had an atwill contract.
Besides the visa issue, Spooner’s complaint alleges that Oracle Team USA retaliated against him for asking if his monthly salary could be raised to $38,000 to cover the expense of relocating his family from New Zealand to Bermuda. Spooner was offered a $4,000 a month relocation housing allowance, but said it would cost around $7,500 a month for suitable housing for his family, as well as other expenses to live on the island for the America’s Cup cycle.
Oracle Team USA is owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison, who is not named in Spooner’s suit.
Marshals said this was the second time an America’s Cup catamaran was “arrested” in San Francisco. In 2012, marshals seized a French team’s cat during a dispute over a salvage claim after the boat broke free from its mooring.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/03/10/marshals-seize-americas-cup-boat-from-oracle-team-usa-over-lien-filed-by-sailor/feed/ 3 Former Secretary Of Defense Panetta Named As An Oracle Director http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/01/19/former-secretary-of-defense-panetta-named-as-an-oracledirector/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/01/19/former-secretary-of-defense-panetta-named-as-an-oracle-director/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2015 21:41:03 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Politics Tech Leon Panetta Oracle redwood shores U.S. Secretary of Defense http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=455835
Oracle Corp. said Monday it named former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta as one of their directors, effective immediately. REDWOOD SHORES (CBS SF) — Oracle Corp. said Monday it named Leon Panetta a director, effective immediately.
The business software developer says the addition of Panetta, who has served as defense secretary and director of the CIA, will expand its board of directors to 12 members.
Oracle’s board members serve one-year terms. Panetta, who is 76-years-old, will be up for re-election at Oracle’s next annual shareholder meeting in November.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/01/19/former-secretary-of-defense-panetta-named-as-an-oracle-director/feed/ 1 About The Bay: Oracle’s Open World Creates Closed Streets, Traffic Tales Of Horror http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/29/about-the-bay-oracles-open-world-creates-closed-streets-traffic-tales-of-horror/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/29/about-the-bay-oracles-open-world-creates-closed-streets-traffic-tales-of-horror/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:41:20 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Heard On Local News Syndicated Local Tech About The Bay Ed Lee Mike Sugerman Moscone Center Oracle San Francisco http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=425189
You don't need to be an oracle to have the foresight that traffic will be a bigger mess than usual this week in San Francisco, especially near Moscone Center where Oracle Open World is taking place. SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — You don’t need to be an oracle to have the foresight that traffic will be a bigger mess than usual this week in San Francisco, especially near Moscone Center, where Oracle Open World is taking place.
Sixty-thousand people are gathering at Moscone Center this week to discuss things I have no concept of.
“Oceaning: migrating from Oracle CRM on demand value-driven fusion HCM implementation,” our tech guy Larry Magid said, trying to explain it to me as it all just went right over my head.
But here’s what I do know:
They’re closing Howard Street between Third and Fourths streets in front of Moscone Center until Thursday, making city traffic even worse than it already is.
It was just last week when the Folsom Street Bay Bridge off-ramp was closed for the next six months.
“The past two years, going across town, it takes approximately 15 minutes to now, almost an hour,” a truck driver tells me.
He’s in his truck all day and he’s has horror stories as most commuters do.
“I ended up at the top of the Bush Street hill and it took me about 45 minutes to get down the hill,” a woman says.
That’s about two miles.
Howard Street is the way many commuters get to Highway 101 and I-280. And so I ask as I do every year at this time: why are we closing it so a private company can have a convention?
“It’s not like where we kind of had to justify with America’s Cup; we didn’t know what we were doing. It was an event that not everybody relates to but conventions are our business,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee says.
He says tens of millions of dollars will be spent and John Reyes of San Francisco Travel says it’s the biggest convention of the year.
“Oracle has over 23,000 peak rooms per night,” he says.
And if we don’t do it, other cities are dying to have the business.
Yeah, it’s an inconvenience, he says, and you may get stuck in traffic.
“When you’re sitting in traffic what you should think is, you live in a place that is one of the most envious places that people want to live and work. And sometimes that’s the price we pay but we have many other days where we can enjoy San Francisco,” Reyes said.
“The city of San Francisco seems to be getting too small to accommodate all the people,” a San Francisco woman tells me.
She knows we aren’t getting any bigger.
Only the traffic jams are, especially when major streets are closed—as they will next month when we’ll do it all over again for SalesForce.
You can hear Mike Sugerman’s About the Bay reports on Mondays at 6:40am, 7:40am and 8:40am on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/29/about-the-bay-oracles-open-world-creates-closed-streets-traffic-tales-of-horror/feed/ 1 Larry Ellison Stepping Down As CEO Of Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/18/larry-ellison-stepping-down-as-ceo-of-oracle-mark-hurd-safra-catz-chief-executie-officer-chairman/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/18/larry-ellison-stepping-down-as-ceo-of-oracle-markhurd-safra-catz-chief-executie-officer-chairman/#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2014 20:32:06 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Tech CEO Chairman Ellison Larry Ellison Mark Hurd Oracle Resign Resignation http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=422201Oracle says Larry Ellison is stepping aside as CEO of the company he founded. The business software maker promoted Safra Catz and Mark Hurd to replace him as co-CEOs. REDWOOD SHORES (CBS/AP) – Oracle says Larry Ellison is stepping aside as CEO of the company he founded. The business software maker promoted Safra Catz and Mark Hurd to replace him as co-CEOs.
Ellison will reclaim the title of chairman at Oracle and is also taking the role of chief technology officer. Oracle says Ellison wants to focus on product engineering, technology development and strategy. Jeff Henley, Oracle’s chairman since January 2004, is now its vice chairman.
Catz and Hurd were co-presidents of the Redwood Shores, California, company. Catz will be in charge of the company’s manufacturing, finance and legal functions. Hurd will be in charge of sales, service, and other global business units.
Ellison founded Oracle Corp. in 1977 and was its chairman from May 1995 to January 2004.
© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/09/18/larry-ellison-stepping-down-as-ceo-of-oracle-mark-hurd-safra-catz-chief-executie-officer-chairman/feed/ 2 Arnold Schwarzenegger Wraps Up Production On New ‘Terminator’ Film http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/08/06/arnold-schwarzenegger-wraps-up-production-on-new-terminator-film/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/08/06/arnoldschwarzenegger-wraps-up-production-on-new-terminator-film/#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:00:36 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Entertainment Syndicated Local Arnold Schwarzenegger Complete Film Filming Movie Nob Hill Oracle Principle Photography Terminator Terminator Genisys Wrap http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=409649
Former "Governator" Schwarzenegger completes principle photography for "Terminator Genisys" SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed on his Instagram and Facebook page the official title of the next installment of the Terminator series of films, “Terminator Genisys.” As seen on chair, genesis is spelled differently. He also thanked the entire crew as they wrapped up principle photography.
“Hasta la vista, baby. I want to thank the cast and crew of Terminator Genisys for a fantastic shoot,” he wrote. “It was challenging, it was fun, and it was rewarding. From our director to the producers, from the camera team to catering, from visual effects to hair and makeup – we couldn’t have done it without you. I can’t wait to see our finished project and I know we’ll remind the fans why they fell in love with the Terminator. On July 1, 2015, I’ll be back.” Schwarzenegger wrote on his Facebook page.
“Terminator” filming recently closed off traffic around Nob Hill and the Mission District in San Francisco. More notably, overnight filming at Oracle Headquarters in Redwood City rattled some neighbors with sounds of “movie gunfire” and special production vehicles can be seen in the parking lot.
The film co-stars Emilia Clarke of “Game of Thrones,” Jason Clarke from “Dawn of The Planet of The Apes” and is directed by “Thor: The Dark World’s” Alan Taylor. David Ellison son and Megan Ellison, children to Oracle CEO/Co-Founder Larry Ellison produced the film.
Paramount Picture is set to release “Terminator Genisys” July 1, 2015.
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Filming of the upcoming action movie will occur overnight in Redwood City... REDWOOD CITY (CBS SF) – The latest installment of the widely popular “Terminator” series of films, “Terminator: Genesis” will be filming scenes at Oracle Headquarters in Redwood City. According to a notice that was distributed around to businesses and residents around Oracle, the film shoot will run starting Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30. Additional film shoots are scheduled to be filmed in San Francisco.
Primary filming will occur overnight and indoors. However, lighting and special production vehicles are visible on the Oracle grounds. The notice also alerts Oracle neighbors that special effects activity including planned “gunshot” sounds may be heard from the Oracle property, if the Redwood City Police Department approves it.
“Terminator: Genesis” is the first of a stand-alone trilogy, produced by Skydance Productions, the studio behind “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” and the recent “True Grit” reboot. Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s children David Ellison and Megan Ellison are executive producers of the film. Which explains Oracle’s involvement with the film. Megan Ellison also a producer, founded the production company “Annapurna Pictures” while brother David is the CEO of Skydance Productions. Both siblings will also produce the next two films of the stand-alone trilogy.
Nothing has been confirmed as to former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s inclusion in filming at Oracle Headquarters.
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A's lease deal; Richmond refinery ruling; young golfer Lucy Li; Terminator filming in Redwood Shores; 'Best Movie Fest' and Victoria's Secret models come to Union Square SAN FRANCISCO (KBCW) — A’s lease deal. In a dramatic last-minute decision the board that manages the Oakland Coliseum voted to approve the new 10-year-lease with the A’s and the Board of Supes is expected to follow suit. Meanwhile, A’s owner Lew Wolff says he isn’t ruling out a possible rebuild at the Coliseum.
Richmond refinery ruling. The Richmond city council is expected to vote on the conditions for Chevron’s billion-dollar refinery modernization project.
Golfer Lucy Li talks to kids. 11-year-old golf phenom Lucy Li is going to speak at the Boys and Girls Club at the Half Moon Bay golf links Tuesday. Lucy is the youngest woman to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open and she’ll be talking about her experiences to girls who are about her own age.
‘Terminator’ meets Oracle. If you live or work near Redwood Shores you may come face to face with The Terminator. The fifth Terminator movie is filming scenes on the Oracle campus through Wednesday. No word yet on whether Arnold Schwarzenegger will be there but he is in the movie. The producers of the film are keeping it all in the family — their dad is Oracle CEO Larry Ellison.
Best Movie Fest Ever. It’ll be a blast from the past Tuesday, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Century Theatre complex in San Francisco. That’s when the “Best Movie Fest Ever” will begin showings of Oklahoma, Moulin Rouge and Hello Dolly and one $15 ticket will get you in to all of them.
What is Sexy campaign. Want to meet a real-life angel? Now is your chance. The Victoria Secret Angels will be flying in to the lingerie store in Union Square Tuesday to kick off their “What is Sexy?” celebration. Supermodel Lily Aldridge will be there at 6 p.m. to pose for pictures and sign autographs.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/07/28/jump-on-tomorrow-coliseum-lease-richmond-refinery-ruling-lucy-li-terminator-films-oracle-sexy-models-in-sf/feed/ 2 Mayor Lee Confident San Francisco’s Still An America’s Cup Contender http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/mayor-lee-confident-san-franciscos-still-an-americas-cup-contender/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/mayor-leeconfident-san-franciscos-still-an-americas-cup-contender/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2014 00:23:29 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Local News Politics Sports Syndicated Local America's Cup Barbara Taylor Bay Area Competition Ed Lee Mayor Oracle Oracle Team USA Race Sailing San Francisco http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=393352
Even though America’s Cup officials announced they’ve eliminated one of the four remaining contenders for the 2017 regatta, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee says he’s confident his city is still in the game. SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Even though America’s Cup officials announced they’ve eliminated one of the four remaining contenders for the 2017 regatta, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee says he’s confident his city is still in the game.
San Diego, Bermuda and Chicago were the City by the Bay’s competition; all hoping to host the race, but according to Russell Coutts, CEO of the two-time defending champions, Oracle Team USA, one of those cities is out.
Mayor Lee said as far as he knows San Francisco is still in the running.
“In fact, as of last Friday we had a great breakfast with a bunch of business leaders with Mr. Coutts. We emphasized that we learned lessons from last year’s event and we wanted to do it better,” Lee said.
San Francisco hosted the last America’s Cup, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Reports showed that revenue from the race fell well below projections and that it came at a high cost to taxpayers.
Mayor Lee said that would change if the cup were to return to his city.
“We also have offered what we believe to be something very reasonable very attractive and it gets [America’s Cup] back to a place where history was made right here in the Bay Area,” Lee said.
Coutts said he plans to reduce the number of cities vying for the competition down to two by the end of June.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/mayor-lee-confident-san-franciscos-still-an-americas-cup-contender/feed/ 1 Phil Matier: Height A Factor In Proposed SF Moscone Center Expansion http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/phil-matier-height-a-factor-in-proposed-sf-moscone-center-expansion/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/phil-matier-height-a-factor-in-proposed-sf-moscone-center-expansion/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:48:41 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Heard On News Syndicated Local Development Industry Moscone Center Moscone Center West Oracle Phil Matier Salesforce San Francisco SoMa tech Tourism Unions http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=363579
A proposed expansion of San Francisco’s Moscone Center has some residents in the city's SoMa District upset over height issues, but with tech and tourism driving local industry, the only way to build just might be up. SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— A proposed expansion of San Francisco’s Moscone Center has some residents in the city’s SoMa District upset over height issues, but with tech and tourism driving local industry, the only way to build just might be up.
Former SF Mayor Willie Brown joined in the discussion on why height has always played such a factor in what gets built in the city and why so many people object.
When they first built the Moscone Center (completed in 1981), you have to remember that was pretty much Skid Row with plenty of low-income housing. There were a lot of height fights going on in San Francisco about how tall things could be. Basically they cut a deal where they built it underground and that would leave it short.
The argument for the need to expand is apparent with how convention business exploding.
“They need a bigger place,” Brown said. “When you notice the streets are closed, when Oracle comes to town and the streets are closed when Salesforce comes to town and brings 150,000 people; that’s just part of what San Francisco is about.”
Brown has been a champion of expanding the Moscone Center because a lot of the money comes in from taxes on hotels and stuff like that. If you’re going to be a tourist-based economy, which San Francisco is, what better way to drag it in than convention business?
Let’s not forget, Brown was the one who originally wanted to put Madison Square Garden there. We have the running debate on if we should put up an arena for the Golden State Warriors and if you want a place that’s central, near BART and Muni, as well as close to hotels, look no further than the Moscone Center.
Brown said Moscone West, which is next door to the 5th & Mission St. Garage, would have been the perfect arrangement for an expansion project since the garage is engineered in a way so that it could handle two-more floors. “It could have been converted to an arena on any given day for basketball,” he said.
It was a former SF supervisor who championed the legislation that put the Moscone Center partially underground. In return for that, a children’s park was put on top. That’s why there’s a carousel on top along with a children’s art park, and a bowling alley/ ice-skating rink. This is right in the middle of the city as part of the political payoffs to the Moscone Center. You’d get a lot more if you put an arena.
You’ve got to remember that tech and tourism are the driving industries in the city. Brown said he doesn’t think we’d see the same ‘No Wall on the Waterfront’ protesters against the Moscone expansion. The unions would be behind it because it gives their workers work. Businesses are behind it and the city is changing, so a lot of the protesters have moved on and moved out. It may be a case where the only way for the city to build is up.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/02/21/phil-matier-height-a-factor-in-proposed-sf-moscone-center-expansion/feed/ 0 35th America’s Cup Might Not Sail In San Francisco http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/01/25/35th-americas-cup-might-not-sail-in-sanfrancisco/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/01/25/35th-americas-cup-might-not-sail-in-san-francisco/#comments Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:14:30 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco News Sports 35th America's Cup America's Cup Oracle San Francisco http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=356672
Sailing officials are talking with other venues about hosting the 35th America's Cup in 2017 because San Francisco officials haven't offered the same terms as last year. 35th America’s Cup Might Not Sail In San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — The next America’s Cup could be sailed off a Hawaiian beach, on San Diego Bay or in some other port instead of returning to a San Francisco Bay course bordered by the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Russell Coutts, the CEO of America’s Cup champion Oracle Team USA said that sailing officials were talking with other venues about hosting the 35th America’s Cup in August 2017 because San Francisco officials haven’t offered the same terms as they did for last summer’s regatta, which ended with the American syndicate staging one of the greatest comebacks in sports.
Coutts, a five-time America’s Cup winner, said he’s not prepared to rule out San Francisco as host of the next regatta. “They might have a change of heart. I don’t think they will but they might,” Coutts said by phone from France. He is in Europe talking to potential sponsors.
Hawaii’s chances of hosting the America’s Cup match, a warmup regatta or perhaps an early round of challenger eliminations appear to be on the rise because of the relationship between Larry Ellison, the software billionaire who owns Oracle Team USA, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Coutts said he hasn’t had discussions with Abercrombie. When asked if Ellison had spoken with the governor about the America’s Cup, Coutts said: “Yes, I expect that Larry has had a discussion.”
Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corp., bought 98 percent of Lanai in 2012 and has put millions of dollars into renovating two resorts there. He has plans for further development on what’s also known as Pineapple Island.
Abercrombie spoke glowingly last summer about Ellison’s involvement with Lanai, saying: “I can’t think of anything that I’ve been involved with in decades, on a magnitude of this nature, that has been more pleasant and productive and cooperative than the relationship that at least we in the state have had with Mr. Ellison and his people.”
An email to one of Abercrombie’s press representatives seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned Saturday.
Coutts stressed that no decisions have been made on a venue. He said Oracle Team USA representatives still need to visit prospective venues — including Hawaii — to check out potential racing sites.
After Oracle Team USA defended the America’s Cup on Sept. 25 with its eighth straight win against Emirates Team New Zealand, Ellison joked that the next cup could be sailed around Lanai.
If Hawaii is chosen, a more likely spot would be off Oahu or Maui.
Dennis Conner trained in Hawaii before the 1986-87 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia, where he won back the silver trophy that he had lost four years earlier.
That brought the oldest trophy in international sports to the San Diego Yacht Club, which hosted the America’s Cup in 1988, 1992 and 1995, with racing on the Pacific Ocean off Point Loma.
If San Diego is chosen, racing would be on the bay, Coutts said.
An America’s Cup World Series regatta held in 45-foot catamarans on San Diego Bay in November 2011 was considered a success.
The 2013 America’s Cup was contested in 72-foot catamarans, with a crew of 11, which were expensive and hard to control. Coutts wants the next America’s Cup to be sailed in 60-foot catamarans crewed by eight sailors, which would help reduce costs.
“With all of these venues, we’ve only just started discussions,” Coutts said. “In many of the cases we haven’t gotten to senior politicians and so forth. We’re simply evaluating the venues before we narrow down the target to some real strong potential venues.”
Asked to comment on Ellison’s level of dissatisfaction with San Francisco, Coutts said the billionaire hasn’t been involved with talks.
“It’s safe to say I’m not happy,” Coutts said. “It was a fantastic event in San Francisco. I don’t think anyone disputes that. The TV images were great. But we could go to another venue and have great racing. As we’ve gone into the process, it’s pretty evident there are some really strong venues. They might end up being better than San Francisco. Not by any means am I saying this is a bad result. This actually could turn out to be a good thing for the America’s Cup.”
While last summer’s regatta gave the staid old America’s Cup a remarkable adrenaline rush, it generated less economic impact in the Bay Area than projected and cost city taxpayers more than $5 million.
Coutts declined to be specific about why he finds San Francisco’s offer unacceptable.
In an email to the AP late Friday, Gloria Chan of San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development said: “We continue to have productive discussions with the AC team about the AC35 in SF. Like the City, we know they are taking a thoughtful approach and performing due diligence on potential AC35 and AC World Series event locations.”
Coutts declined to say if Newport, R.I., another former home of the America’s Cup, was in consideration, but did say one non-U.S. port was in the mix. A European venue is not being considered, he said.
Coutts has said that challengers could host warmup regattas as part of the buildup to the 35th America’s Cup. So far, teams are expected from Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and Italy. There could also be teams entered from Britain, France and either China or South Korea.
Oracle Team USA has spoken with Team Australia, the Challenger of Record, about split venues, meaning some early challenger eliminations might not be held in the same venue as the challenger semifinals and finals, and the America’s Cup match.
It’s almost certain that the rules for the next regatta will be issued before a venue is chosen, Coutts said.
© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/01/25/35th-americas-cup-might-not-sail-in-san-francisco/feed/ 2 Obama Gets Help From Oracle, Google To Fix Healthcare Site http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/31/obama-gets-help-fromoracle-google-to-fix-healthcare-site/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/31/obama-gets-help-from-oracle-google-to-fix-healthcare-site/#respond Thu, 31 Oct 2013 23:32:00 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco ACA Information Business Health News Tech Affordable Care Act Google Health Care Reform Healthcare.gov Larry Ellison Obamacare Oracle President Barack Obama Red Hat http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=334988
The Obama administration has recruited engineers from several prominent technology companies to help fix the technological problems preventing people from signing up for government-mandated health insurance. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) — The Obama administration has recruited engineers from several prominent technology companies to help fix the technological problems preventing people from signing up for government-mandated health insurance.
Oracle and Red Hat are pitching in as well as Michael Dickerson, an engineer on leave from Google, according to Thursday blog post by Julie Bataille, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison told shareholders the software maker’s annual meeting Thursday that the Redwood Shores-based company is trying to make Healthcare.gov more reliable and secure.
“Most of us want to see our government operating efficiently and effectively and it is incumbent upon us to help them do that,” Ellison said.
Red Hat Inc. and Google Inc. declined to comment.
Dickerson is a site reliability engineer at Google. He is now working directly with QSSI, the general contractor hired to upgrade Healthcare.gov, Bataille said.
Exasperation with the website’s buggy technology has been compounded by concerns that the service lacks the security measures needed to protect the sensitive information of people looking for insurance.
Besides Dickerson, the government also identified entrepreneur Greg Gershman as one of its new troubleshooters. Gershman currently is director of innovation at mobile app developer Mobomo, according to his profile on professional networking site LinkedIn.
Gershman’s resume says he received a Presidential Innovation Fellowship last year to work with the White House on a project seeking “to re-imagine the relationship between citizens and government around the citizen’s needs.”
The Obama administration has pledged Healthcare.gov will be running smoothly by Nov. 30.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/31/obama-gets-help-from-oracle-google-to-fix-healthcare-site/feed/ 0 Oracle Defends CEO Larry Ellison’s Pay Package Against Shareholder Revolt http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/02/oracle-defends-ceo-larry-ellisons-pay-package-against-shareholder-revolt/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/02/oracle-defends-ceo-larry-ellisons-paypackage-against-shareholder-revolt/#respond Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:42:06 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business News Tech Compensation CtW Investment Group Larry Ellison Oracle Oracle CEO Shareholder Rebellion Shareholders http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=327067Oracle is trying to ward off a shareholder rebellion against policies that have consistently made its billionaire co-founder, Larry Ellison, one of the best-paid CEOs in the world. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Oracle is trying to ward off a shareholder rebellion against policies that have consistently made its billionaire co-founder, Larry Ellison, one of the best-paid CEOs in the world.
The business software maker staunchly defended Ellison’s pay packages in a letter sent to shareholder activist CtW Investment Group in an effort to rally support before Oracle’s annual meeting on Oct. 31.
The letter released in a Wednesday regulatory filing came in response to a scathing attack that CtW launched last week against the compensation that Ellison has been receiving for years.
Oracle Corp. awarded Ellison a pay package valued at $78.4 million in its last fiscal year, down from $96.2 million the previous year.
Ellison could have made more last year if he hadn’t turned down a $1.2 million bonus.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/10/02/oracle-defends-ceo-larry-ellisons-pay-package-against-shareholder-revolt/feed/ 0 Oracle CEO Ellison Skips SF Speech To Watch America’s Cup http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/24/oracle-ceo-ellison-skips-sf-speech-to-watch-americas-cup/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/24/oracle-ceo-ellison-skips-sf-speechto-watch-americas-cup/#comments Tue, 24 Sep 2013 23:35:14 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Sports Tech America's Cup Larry Ellison Oracle Oracle Open World Oracle Team USA San Francisco http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=324709
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is so immersed in his boating team’s stirring comeback in the America’s Cup that he backed out of giving the marquee speech at his software company’s biggest customer conference of the year. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — About 60,000 people have come from all over the world to attend Oracle’s biggest customer conference of the year, but Oracle CEO Larry Ellison left no doubt Tuesday that his boating team’s defense of the America’s Cup is a higher priority.
Ellison, a billionaire renowned for his flamboyance and hubris, delivered that message by snubbing the crowd that had gathered at a San Francisco convention center to see him on stage. The speech is considered to be the marquee event at Oracle OpenWorld, an annual rite of autumn that has grown so large that some San Francisco streets close down to accommodate the masses on hand to learn the about the business software maker’s latest products.
Oracle Corp. Chairman Jeff Henley waited until 45 minutes until after the scheduled start of Ellison’s keynote address to inform the packed audience that Ellison had decided to remain on a chase boat on the San Francisco Bay so he could watch the second of the day’s two America’s Cup races. The battle for the 162-year-old trophy pits Oracle Team USA—a group financed by Ellison’s vast bankroll—against Emirates Team New Zealand
Oracle Team USA won both of Tuesday’s races to even a competition that it seemed destined to lose just a week ago. It increased Team USA’s improbable winning streak to seven straight races to knot the match at 8-8.
A winner-take-all showdown is scheduled Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting. If Team USA prevails, it would mark the second straight time that an Ellison-backed boat has won the America’s Cup and would complete the stirring comeback. This year’s America’s Cup finishes at a pier about two miles away from Oracle OpenWorld because Ellison exercised his right as defending champion to stage the competition in San Francisco, where he owns of one his several homes located around the world.
Ellison’s immersion in yachting has sometimes raised questions among analysts whether he is allowing his outside interests to distract him from running the software company that he co-founded 36 years ago. Ellison, 69, still owns a 25 percent stake in Oracle, accounting for most of a personal fortune currently estimated at $41 billion by Forbes magazine.
Although it remains one of the world’s most profitable software makers, Oracle’s growth has been slowing in the past years amid tougher competition from a cast of smaller rivals that are winning over customers by leasing applications that can be accessed on any device with an Internet connection. That method, known as “cloud computing,” is a departure from Oracle’s traditional approach of licensing software for a one-time fee and then installing the programs on machines typically kept on a customer’s premises.
Oracle’s disappointing performance in its fiscal year that ended in August prompted Ellison to turn down a cash bonus of $1.2 million awarded to him by the Redwood Shores, Calif., company’s board. Ellison still received a compensation package valued at $78.4 million in Oracle’s last fiscal year.
Ellison’s speech Tuesday was supposed to be focused on Oracle’s expansion into cloud computing. Thomas Kurian, an Oracle executive vice president of product development, gave an hour-long presentation on the topic after Henley apologized for Ellison’s absence.
The cost to attend the five-day Oracle OpenWorld conference ranges from $2,650 to $3,450 per person. The fee covers a wide range of seminars, keynotes, meals and a concert Wednesday night featuring the groups Maroon 5 and The Black Keys.
Although he skipped out on Tuesday’s event, Ellison delivered a welcoming speech Sunday night to kick off Oracle OpenWorld. That appearance occurred after Oracle Team USA had already one both of Sunday’s America Cup’s races.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/24/oracle-ceo-ellison-skips-sf-speech-to-watch-americas-cup/feed/ 1 SF Strip Club Suing Oracle After Refusal To Pay Employee’s $33K Bill http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/sf-strip-club-suing-oracle-after-company-refuses-to-pay-employees-33k-bill/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/sf-strip-club-suing-oracle-after-company-refuses-to-pay-employees-33k-bill/#comments Mon, 23 Sep 2013 13:17:17 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business Local News Bill Lawsuit Oracle San Francisco Strip Club Suing http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/? p=324161
A San Francisco strip club is suing Oracle after one of its employees ran up a massive bill on a company credit card - and Oracle refused to pay the bill. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — A San Francisco strip club is suing Oracle after one of its employees ran up a massive bill on a company credit card, and Oracle refused to pay the bill.
KCBS and San Francisco Chronicle Insider Phil Matier reports, the suit was filed in San Francisco Superior Court, just as Oracle OpenWorld’s mega conference rolls into town.
According to the lawsuit, the employee used his Oracle-issued American Express card to charge more than 33-thousand dollars in unspecified “services” at the New Century Theater on Larkin Street during last year’s Oracle OpenWorld fest.
An Oracle spokeswoman declined to comment on the suit.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/sf-strip-club-suing-oracle-after-company-refuses-to-pay-employees-33k-bill/feed/ 2 Oracle CEO Ellison’s Pay Drops 18% To $78.4M http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/oracle-ceo-ellisons-pay-drops-18-to-78-4m/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/oracle-ceo-ellisons-pay-drops-18-to-78-4m/#respond Mon, 23 Sep 2013 07:37:10 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business News Tech Larry Ellison Oracle http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=324421
The value of Oracle Corp. founder and CEO Larry Ellison's pay package dropped 18 percent in fiscal 2013, to $78.4 million, after the business software company missed its internal financial targets and he declined his annual cash bonus. REDWOOD CITY (CBS/AP) — The value of Oracle Corp. founder and CEO Larry Ellison’s pay package dropped 18 percent in fiscal 2013, to $78.4 million, after the business software company missed its internal financial targets and he declined his annual cash bonus.
That’s according to a securities filing made Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press.
Ellison, 69, is one of the highest-paid executives in the country. Forbes magazine ranks him as America’s third-richest person with personal wealth of $41 billion.
The biggest chunk of compensation for the year, which ran through May, came in the form of stock options, valued at $76.9 million when they were issued. Ellison also received about $1.5 million worth of benefits, mostly for security. His annual salary is $1.
He voluntarily declined a cash bonus that would have come to about $1.2 million, given “growth that did not meet Oracle’s internal expectations,” the company said.
Chief Financial Officer and President Safra Catz’s compensation package decreased 16 percent to $43.6 million, as did President Mark Hurd’s pay. Catz and Hurd also voluntarily turned down a cash bonus that would have come to $717,000 apiece.
In the last fiscal year, revenue was nearly unchanged at $37.2 billion, while net income grew 9.5 percent to $10.9 billion. The stock price rose 28 percent over the period to $33.78.
The AP formula calculates an executive’s total compensation during the last fiscal year by adding salary, bonuses, perks, above-market interest that the company pays on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock and stock options awarded during the year. The AP formula does not count changes in the present value of pension benefits. That makes the AP total slightly different in most cases from the total reported by companies to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The value that a company assigned to an executive’s stock and option awards for 2012 was the present value of what the company expected the awards to be worth to the executive over time. Companies use one of several formulas to calculate that value. However, the number is just an estimate, and what an executive ultimately receives will depend on the performance of the company’s stock in the years after the awards are granted. Most stock compensation programs require an executive to wait a specified amount of time to receive shares or exercise options.
(Copyright 2013 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/oracle-ceo-ellisons-pay-drops-18-to-78-4m/feed/ 0 Oracle 1Q Profit Rises 8 Percent, Tops Wall Street View http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/18/oracle-1q-profit-rises-8-percent-tops-wall-street-view/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/18/oracle-1q-profit-rises-8percent-tops-wall-street-view/#respond Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:50:32 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Business News Tech Earnings Net Income Oracle Profit redwood shores Wall Street http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=323022
Higher software revenue helped lift Oracle Corp.'s fiscal first-quarter net income by 8 percent. REDWOOD SHORES (CBS/AP) — Higher software revenue helped lift Oracle Corp.’s fiscal first-quarter net income by 8 percent.
The business software maker’s adjusted profit beat Wall Street predictions, while its revenue fell short. Oracle shares rose 33 cents, or 1 percent, to $34.20 in aftermarket trading.
For the quarter ended Aug. 31, the Redwood Shores-based company earned $2.19 billion, or 47 cents per share, up from $2.03 billion, or 41 cents per share, in the same quarter last year.
Excluding costs of paying employees in stock and one-time items, the company posted a profit of 59 cent per share for the recent quarter.
Revenue increased 2 percent, to $8.37 billion from $8.18 billion.
Analysts, on average, expected a profit of 56 cents per share on $8.48 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.
Software revenue rose 6 percent to $6.08 billion and included a 5 percent increase in new software licenses and cloud software subscriptions to $1.65 billion.
Oracle President Mark Hurd said new software license sales were particularly strong in the Americas, where they rose 15 percent when excluding the effects of changes in exchange rates.
Hardware systems revenue fell 7 percent to $1.26 billion.
The company also said Wednesday that its board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents. This dividend will be paid on Oct. 29 to shareholders as of Oct. 8.
(Copyright 2013 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/18/oracle-1q-profit-rises-8-percent-tops-wall-street-view/feed/ 0 Oracle Drops Bay Area Native From Crew As America’s Cup Finals Continue http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/12/oracle-drops-bay-area-native-from-crew-as-americas-cup-finals-continue/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/12/oracle-drops-bay-area-native-fromcrew-as-americas-cup-finals-continue/#respond Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:39:56 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Sports America's Cup Ben Ainslie John Kostecki Oracle Sailing San Francisco Bay San Rafael Team Oracle USA http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=321400
Defending champion Oracle Team USA on Thursday dropped a Bay Area native from its sailing crew as the team tries to find a way to come back from a large deficit in the America's Cup Finals, which resumes this afternoon in San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Defending champion Oracle Team USA on Thursday dropped a Bay Area native from its sailing crew as the team tries to find a way to come back from a large deficit in the America’s Cup Finals, which resumes this afternoon in San Francisco.
Tactician John Kostecki, who grew up in San Rafael and has years of experience sailing on the San Francisco Bay, was dropped from Oracle’s racing crew after making perceived tactical errors.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie will replace Kostecki as the sixth race begins Thursday afternoon.
Emirates Team New Zealand is leading Oracle by a score of 4 to negative-1 in the finals.
Oracle was docked two points by the regatta’s International Jury before the racing began for making illegal modifications to its boats during exhibition races in 2012 and earlier this year. It has since won one race in the finals.
The New Zealand team needs to win just five more races to become the new America’s Cup champions, while Oracle needs to win twice that number to retain the Cup.
Oracle used its only “postponement card” to regroup after losing the fifth race of the finals on Tuesday, and was hoping the replacement of Kostecki with Ainslie will help get them back on the winning side.
The team has struggled on the lone upwind leg of the race course, losing an average of 48 seconds to the New Zealand team on that portion.
“We can win these races,” Oracle team skipper Jimmy Spithill said. “We just need to be very, very smart about how we go about it and we have to sail our boat well.”
The two teams are scheduled to race twice on Thursday afternoon, with more races scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
More information about the races can be found online at www.americascup.com.
(Copyrgiht 2013 CBS San Francisco and Bay City News. All rights reserved.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/12/oracle-drops-bay-area-native-from-crew-as-americas-cup-finals-continue/feed/ 0 Oracle Team USA Receives Heaviest Penalty In America’s Cup History http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/03/oracle-team-usa-receives-heaviest-penalty-in-americas-cup-history/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/03/oracle-team-usa-receives-heaviest-penalty-in-americas-cup-history/#comments Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:02:14 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco News Sports America's Cup Oracle Oracle Team USA Sailing San Francisco Bay Social networking Yacht race http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=318798
An international jury has levied the harshest penalties in the 162-year history of the America's Cup, docking defending champion Oracle Team USA two points in the finals against Emirates Team Zealand and expelling a key sailor. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) – Defending champion Oracle Team USA has been docked two points in the America’s Cup match against Emirates Team Zealand and a key sailor was expelled in the harshest penalties levied in the 162-year history of sailing’s marquee regatta.
The penalties were announced Tuesday by an international jury that has spent four weeks investigating illegal modifications of prototype boats used in warm-up regattas last year and earlier this year.
Oracle Team USA, owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison of Oracle Corp., essentially starts the match at minus-2, meaning it must win 11 races to retain the oldest trophy in international sports. Team New Zealand must still win nine races to claim the silver trophy.
The match begins with two races Saturday and two on Sunday on San Francisco Bay.
Dirk de Ridder, who trims the wing sail on the highperformance, 72-foot catamaran, is barred from sailing in the regatta, and two shore crew members also have been expelled. Grinder Matt Mitchell has been barred from the first four races. Kyle Langford, a wing trimmer on the B crew, was given a warning, and another sailor, identified only as Sailor X, had his case dismissed.
Top members of the syndicate, including CEO Russell Coutts, skipper Jimmy Spithill and tactician John Kostecki, were not implicated in the scandal, which involved 45-foot catamarans that were prototypes for the 72-footers being sailed in the America’s Cup regatta.
Coutts, a New Zealander who has won the America’s Cup four times, told The Associated Press it was an “outrageous decision” by the jury.
“It sets an unbelievable precedent ongoing,” Coutts said. “You could think of lots of analogies. Think of Olympic athletes on a team breaking the rules and a whole team getting penalized. It’s completely outrageous.”
Coutts said de Ridder “has been a fantastic team member and a fantastic sailor for many, many years. I think all the decisions are incredibly harsh. I don’t think the evidence supported the jury’s decision.”
Langford will replace de Ridder trimming the 131-foot wing sail, which looks and performs like an airplane wing, helping to power the boat to speeds in excess of 50 mph.
“He’s 22 years old but I’m sure he’s going to do a fine job,” Coutts said. “We have four days to get him ready.”
According to the jury report, Langford became aware last year that weight had been added to two boats, but that he did not consider whether it might be a breach of the rules.
The jury said Langford’s testimony was “honest” and that the panel didn’t doubt his integrity. “However, not knowing the rules relating to a `one-design’ manufacturer’s class’ is not the conduct required of a professional sailor,” the jury said.
Coutts said having to win 11 races to keep the Cup “obviously is going to make it more difficult. The fact that we have to rearrange crew at last moment makes it more difficult. But we’re going to be focused from now on in the remaining four days to get ready for this and get ready for Saturday.”
Coutts reiterated that the rules infractions involved only a few of the syndicate’s 130 team members and were committed without the knowledge of management or the skippers who drove the boats.
Last month, Coutts called the illegal modifications a “ridiculous mistake.” They involved adding about five pounds of ballast on two of the three boats sailed by the syndicate in the America’s Cup World Series.
The jury had harsh words for de Ridder, saying it was “comfortably satisfied” that the Dutch sailor “gave the instruction to add the weight, knew the weight had been added, knew it was a breach of the aC45 class rule and “did not tell the truth in the hearing in this regard.”
Although the infractions were from the America’s Cup World Series, those races were considered to be held under the overall umbrella of the America’s Cup.
Oracle Team USA also was fined $250,000.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/09/03/oracle-team-usa-receives-heaviest-penalty-in-americas-cup-history/feed/ 2 Hearings Begin In America’s Cup Scandal http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/08/26/hearings-begin-in-americas-cup-scandal/ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/08/26/hearings-begin-in-americas-cup-scandal/#comments Tue, 27 Aug 2013 03:10:07 +0000 Oracle – CBS San Francisco Sports America's Cup America's Cup Scandal Oracle Sailing San Francisco Bay Team Oracle USA http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/?p=317835
An international jury on Monday began hearings into what could be one of the biggest scandals in the 162-year history of the America's Cup. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — An international jury on Monday began hearings into what could be one of the biggest scandals in the 162-year history of the America’s Cup.
The panel, meeting in San Francisco, is investigating defending champion Oracle Team USA for illegally modifying two of three prototype boats it sailed in four warmup regattas last year and earlier this year.
The jury held a hearing Monday for Oracle Team USA employees being investigated under Rule 69 of the Racing Rules of Sailing, which deals with gross misconduct. That hearing is expected to continue Tuesday.
The syndicate itself faces a hearing Thursday dealing with Protocol Article 60, which is aimed at protecting the reputation of the America’s Cup.
The jury could decide to punish individual employees or the syndicate itself. If the jury punishes the team, the sanction could be unprecedented, ranging from forfeiture of races in the best-of-17 America’s Cup match against Emirates Team New Zealand beginning Sept. 7 on San Francisco Bay, or disqualification.
While it’s unlikely the jury would give powerhouse Oracle the heave-ho from the regatta, forfeiting any races against the strong Kiwis would be a huge setback. Team New Zealand beat Italy’s Luna Rossa 7-1 in the Louis Vuitton Cup finals to advance to face Oracle. Luna Rossa’s only victory came when Team New Zealand dropped out because the electronics system that controls the hydraulics failed.
Oracle Team USA has been conducting two-boat training, but the Kiwis are race-tested and are credited with being the first team to sail their 72-foot cat on hydrofoils, which reduces drag and increases speed.
The jury could also levy a fine, although it’s unknown how big of a financial penalty the jury would need to impose to punish a syndicate with a budget estimated at $100 million.
Oracle Team USA is owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corp. who has a net worth estimated at $43 billion. Ellison is not believed to be under investigation.
According to a jury document, two members of the panel interviewed 16 members of Oracle Team USA and five employees of America’s Cup Race Management.
The illegal modifications to the 45-foot catamarans came to light late last month when the boats were being prepared for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, which starts Sunday The AC45s, sailed in the America’s Cup World Series, were prototypes for the high performance, 72-foot catamarans being sailed in this summer’s America’s Cup regatta.
Russell Coutts, the CEO of Team Oracle USA, has said that management and the skippers were not involved.
Last week, the measurement committee said that one of the boats previously believed to have been illegally modified was found to be within regulations.
Coincidentally, the boat that was cleared was Oracle Coutts 5, which was skippered by Coutts in some of the regattas in question. The boats that were illegally modified were ones sailed by Jimmy Spithill, Team Oracle USA’s skipper, and Ben Ainslie, an Olympic star who’s sailing with Oracle this summer in hopes of launching a British challenge for the 35th America’s Cup.
Oracle Team USA forfeited its overall championships in the first two seasons of the America’s Cup World Series.
Coutts has called the illegal modifications a “ridiculous” mistake that didn’t affect the boats’ performance.
The scandal has set the tone for what is expected to be one of the great grudge matches in America’s Cup history.
The bosses of Emirates Team New Zealand, managing director Grant Dalton and skipper Dean Barker, both accused Oracle Team USA of cheating, as did Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena.
Coutts, a New Zealander, told The Associated Press last week that Oracle Team USA is motivated because of Dalton’s barbs, which also included criticizing Ellison’s vision for a grand regatta that failed to materialize.
“I don’t have to give a motivational speech. This team is incredibly motivated to win. This has picked it up 10, 20, 30 notches. They can thank Grant Dalton,” Coutts said.
(Copyright 2013 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved.)
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