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APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION TO (1) COMMEMORATIVELY RENAME MANDELA
PARKWAY BETWEEN 7 TH STREET AND WEST GRAND AVENUE AS
‘ARTHUR B. SHANKS II WAY ’ AND (2) AUTHORIZE THE
INSTALLATION OF PLAQUES HONORING ARTHUR B. SHANKS II,
PURSUANT TO THE POLICY AND CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY
RESOLUTION NO. 77967 C.M.S.
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 renamin g 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 Tupac Shakur Way; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2003 established procedures for commemorative str eet naming through Resolution No. 77967 C.M.S. under which the City Council may, by 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 conditions is met:
The individual has positively impacted the lives of a nation or the world; or The name change is related to an economic development or redevelopment activity; or The renaming commemorates a significant historical event; and
WHEREAS, the City Council may commemorate a nominee either by: 1) retaining the existing street name and installing commemorative plaques or signs; or 2) renaming the existing street for the individual and installing new street signs; and
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WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Arthur B. Shanks II ’s contributions to Oakland and the greater Bay Area community eminently merit commemoration:
Through his visionary leadership and groundbreaking initiatives, Arthur B. Shanks II - known to most in the community as “Art” - demonstrated commitment to the betterment of our city. A distinguished member of the Oakland community, Mr. Shanks II's efforts in pioneering pre -apprenticeship green construction training and workforce development concepts have not only elevated Oakland but have had a profound impact beyond our city's borders, addressing challenges such as violence, poverty and literacy , yielding proven results nationally.
Recognizing the correlation between quality training, access to high -paying careers, and community revitalization, Arthur B. Shanks II's legacy includes the establishment of the Cypress Mandela Training Center, which has provided free pre-apprentice construction training, among other trade-oriented programs, for over 3 decades. In the years since West Oakland’s post-earthquake reconstruction, the Center has facilitated smooth transitions into well-paying construction trades jobs for its participants, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and community resilience.
Mr. Shanks II’s impact on education and workforce development was far -reaching. His collaboration with Peralta Community College District (Laney College) allowed students to receive college credits for their participation in the Cypress Mandela training program .
He served on numerous committees for the Port of Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District, further demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive community growth. During the Clinton Administration, Art's involvement on the advisory board of the Federal Committee on Registered Apprenticeships showcased his dedication to national workforce advancement.
Arthur B. Shanks II's leadership extended to piloting the Environmental Protection Agency's inaugural Brownfields Job Training program, earning him na tional recognition as a visionary in environmental initiatives . In 2016, Mr. Shanks II received a Jefferson Award in recognition of supporting workforce development in Oakland, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in our city's progress.
Mandela Parkway is historically significant as the site of the former Cypress Street and the location where several sections of the Cypress Freeway Viaduct collapsed during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Exemplifying his dedication to the safety and well -being o f Oakland residents, Arthur B. Shanks II was among the neighborhood’s immediate first responders and spearheaded efforts to evacuate victims, symbolizing acts of selflessness and community service.
Renaming Mandela Parkway to Arthur B. Shanks II Way will h onor Arthur B. Shanks II’s exceptional contributions to Oakland . It will also acknowledg e the legacy of his father, Arthur B. Shanks Sr., and his son, Arthur B. Shanks III, who have each left an indelible mark on our community through their service, leader ship, and commitment to excellence in the fields of violence prevention, workforce development, housing 3356103/jb
advocacy, criminal justice reform, opioid overdose advocacy and training, and the innovative concept of “The 8 Dimensions of Wellness”.
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to honor Arthur B. Shanks II’s contribution to Oakland and the Bay Area by retaining the existing street name , adding an additional honorary street name and installing commemorative plaques or signs and intends that the costs asso ciated with such a commemorative act will be borne by BOSS, Sow Civil, and Cypress Mandela Training Center; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the Council of the City of Oakland hereby approves the commemorative renaming of Mandela Parkway between 7th Street and West Grand Avenue as ‘Arthur B. Shanks II Way’; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council directs the City Administrator to proceed with the commemorative designation of ‘ Arthur B. Shanks II Way’ and placement of sign(s) or plaque(s) to that effect on Mandela Parkway between 7th Street and West Grand Avenue.
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