Farrah Hussein
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER NOEL GALLO
RESOLUTION COMMEMORATIVELY RENAMING 66TH AVENUE AND
COLISEUM WAY AS ‘GODFATHER GRIZ JONES WAY’ PURSUANT TO
THE POLICY AND CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY OAKLAND CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 77967 C.M.S.
WHEREAS, an application has been submitted by the Office of Councilmember Noel Gallo requesting the commemorative street naming of 66th Avenue and Coliseum Way as “Godfather Griz Jones Way”; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code section 34091.1 allows a jurisdiction by resolution to name a new public street or to rename an existing public street; and
WHEREAS, the naming of a new public street or the renaming of an existing public street is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970; and
WHEREAS, the City Council will occasionally honor the contributions of an outstanding individual with commemorative street names or by the renaming of a public street such as with Joe Morgan Way, Herbert Guice Way, Peter Van Kleef Way, Dr. Huey P. Newton Way, Deontae Bush Way, Dorothy King Way, and Too Short Way; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Oakland City Council Resolution No. 77967 C.M.S. (passed July 15, 2003), the City Council may, on its own motion, consider the renaming of a public street as a tribute to an individual, or as a result of a significant event or activity if one of the following criteria is met:
1. The individual has positively impacted the lives of a nation or the world; or
2. The name change is related to an economic development or redevelopment activity; or
3. The renaming commemorates a significant historical event; and
WHEREAS, the City Council may commemorate a nominee either by: (a) retaining the existing street name and installing commemorative plaques or signs; or (b) renaming the existing street for the individual and installing new street signs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Gregory Jones “Godfather Griz”, an acclaimed community member, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, has positively impacted many lives in the City of Oakland and merits commemoration;
Gregory Jones aka Godfather Griz committed his life to enriching the health and welfare of the community through his humanitarian work for the people and City of Oakland California and with his non-profit Forever Oakland Inc / the 66th MOB (“Making Oakland Better) organization”. He was a humanitarian who did monthly neighborhood cleanups within every district and fed and clothed the less fortunate to see that the children of Oakland were served.
Godfather Griz hosted many charity events over the years to raise awareness of the needs in Oakland.
You could always find Godfather Griz on 66th Ave across from the Coliseum in what became widely known as Mob Ally providing hot dogs and chips to the community. If you wanted to donate money or supplies, they were always accepted . Godfather Griz would repay this kindness with a hearty handshake and even heartier bear hug. Godfather Griz was known for his love of Oakland sports teams such as the Raiders and the A’s. Both teams were a part of the foundation that founded the 66th Mob and Forever Oakland Organization.
Godfather Griz was a talented athlete and played football in state championship for Oak Grove High School in San Jose , California, as well as college football at San Jose City College and Cal State Hayward. Godfather Griz loved to garden and had a deep love for flowers, as well as the animals he cared for over the years. Godfather Griz touched the hearts of so many and will be missed deeply.
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to honor Gregory Jones’ “Godfather Griz” contribution to the Oakland community and the world by retaining the existing street name, adding an additional honorary street name, and installing commemorative street signs or plaques; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends that the costs associated with such a commemorative act will be borne by Councilmember Noel Gallo’s office; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council hereby approves the commemorative renaming of 66th Avenue and Coliseum Way as “Godfather Griz Jones Way” and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council directs the City Administrator to proceed with the commemorative designation of ‘Godfather Griz Jones Way’ and placement of street sign(s) or plaque(s) to that effect on 66th Avenue and Coliseum Way.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES – FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California