APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY DRAFT ________________________ CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S. INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE EAST OAKLAND SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING DEDICATION, SERVICE, AND COMMITMENT TO THE WELL-BEING OF OAKLAND’S SENIOR COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the East Oakland Senior Center (EOSC), located at 9255 Edes Avenue in Oakland’s Brookfield neighborhood, is situated within Ira Jinkins Park and serves as an essential component of a cluster of community centers that collectively contribute to the advancement, enrichment, and overall quality of life of East Oakland residents. The center offers a diverse range of activities and programs—including step exercise, karaoke, line dancing, and pool—as well as food pantry distribution. Additionally, it organizes monthly day trips to various destinations such as eateries, bowling alleys, theaters, and casinos. The facility also provides a versatile space for public and private events, reinforcing its role as a vibrant community hub; and WHEREAS, the EOSC Food Pantry, operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, collaborates with the Alameda County Food Bank to provide nutritious produce, canned goods, protein, and other essential items to center members and the wider community. The food pantry operates every Wednesday, prioritizing center members from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and opening to the broader community thereafter until all food is distributed. This initiative ensures access to nutritious and comprehensive food packages, meeting the needs of seniors and other residents of East Oakland; and WHEREAS, the Food Bank volunteers at the East Oakland Senior Center have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, exceptional dedication, and a noble spirit of community service to the well-being of Oakland’s seniors. Through their collective efforts, they have established and maintained critical weekly food distributions that have been especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite limited funding and resources, these volunteers go beyond food provision by fostering physical health and social engagement for seniors through a variety of enriching activities such as step dancing, line dancing, pool tournaments, karaoke nights, group dinners, theater performances, and bowling tournaments. These activities contribute to a vibrant, supportive community that celebrates the vitality of East Oakland seniors; and WHEREAS, these dedicated volunteers—most notably Antonio Avila, Vincent Boatwright, Maria Campos, Guss Dobbins, Stephanie Hamilton, Hunter Harris, Janet Hill, Rickey Hill, Zhong Hong, Armando Hurtado, Rodney Jackson, Cicero Jones Jr., Olga D. Lee Halsell, Jose Cruz Moilales, Adolphus Morgan, Douglas Moss, Debora Nickelson, Carolyn Paul, Jeanette Pierce, Ray Pryor, Fred Robinson, Adriana Rodriguez, Dolores Rosas, Chip Roth, James Sherrill, 2 Portland Smith, Beatriz Tapia, Brenda Walker, Xin Wang, and Leslie White—have tirelessly worked to combat food insecurity among seniors, providing not only sustenance but also compassion and a sense of community during challenging times. Their efforts have made the EOSC a beacon of hope and a trusted resource for many; and WHEREAS, the outstanding service provided by these volunteers has not only helped alleviate hunger by distributing food packages to 200-250 seniors weekly—representing 500-600 households—but has also fostered community connections, resilience, and support among Oakland’s senior residents; and WHEREAS, the commitment and compassion exhibited by the East Oakland Senior Center Food Pantry volunteers serve as an inspiring example of community service and leadership, encouraging senior centers in Southern California, Virginia, Alabama, and Florida to emulate their innovative food bank model; and WHEREAS, the City of Oakland is deeply grateful for the critical role of these volunteers in enhancing the quality of life for our senior community and acknowledges their invaluable contributions to public health and well-being; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the City of Oakland recognizes and honors the East Oakland Senior Center Food Pantry volunteers for their outstanding dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Oakland’s senior community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland extends its deepest gratitude to these volunteers for their remarkable efforts, which have profoundly enriched the lives of seniors in our community. Their selflessness and enduring kindness exemplify the very best of our city’s spirit and values. 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
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