Neighbors and artists defend Chocolate Mama Cookie Co. after complaints; council hears repeated public comment

Emeryville — Multiple speakers at Tuesday’s council meeting urged officials to protect Chocolate Mama Cookie Co., a small business and community space operating in a live‑work building at the Emory, and to ensure enforcement and decision‑making rely on fact, not what several commenters described as retaliatory or biased complaints.

The most newsworthy details: Empress, who identified herself as the owner of Chocolate Mama Cookie Co., told the council the business sells prepackaged vegan baked goods produced in a licensed commercial kitchen in San Francisco and is not a restaurant. “I am asking for partnership, for the opportunity to share my story, clear the record, and work with the city to ensure that creative, ethical small businesses can thrive without fear or…