APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID
HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE DISTRICT 7 NEIGHBORHOOD
COUNCIL CHAIRS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND
COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING RESIDENTS, IMPROVING PUBLIC
SAFETY, AND FOSTERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN OAKLAND.
WHEREAS, each Neighborhood Council (NC) established and maintained at every District 7 Oakland Police Department (OPD) police beat serves as a vital component of community-based policing programs, cultivating meaningful rapport between constituents, OPD, the Neighborhood Services Division and other departments within Oakland City Hall;
WHEREAS, through regular public and democratically -run meetings, these Neighborhood Councils strive to include the voices of foundational and grassroots organizations, community groups, and youth programs when identifying and addressing local concerns, establishing enforcement strategies, prioritizing collaborative methods, and engaging in community activities; and
WHEREAS, the resilient and collective efforts of these Neighborhood Councils have resulted in inclusive meetings that empower and bring diverse District 7 residents together, concentrating efforts to improve the quality of life for Deep East Oakland residents; and
WHEREAS, within District 7, there are seven Neighborhood Councils:
1. Beat 31X: Coliseum Business Alert Neighborhood Council
2. Beat 31Y/31Z: Sobrante Park/Brookfield Village/Columbia Gardens/South Stonehurst Neighborhood Council
3. Beat 32X: North Stonehurst Neighborhood Council
4. Beat 32Y: MacArthur Corridor Neighborhood Council
5. Beat 33X/34X: Elmhurst Neighborhood Council
6. Beat 35X: Castlemont/Lower Golf Links Neighborhood Council
7. Beat 35Y: South Hills Neighborhood Council; and
2 WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of trust -building initiatives between law enforcement officers and constituents, each n eighborhood’s Council Chair person has tirelessly worked to foster community trust, advance overall public safety, and strengthen positive relationships between OPD, city departments and their District 7 neighborhood; and WHEREAS, the Beat 31X Coliseum Business Alert Neighborhood Council , when it was active, dedicated its time to overseeing and advocating for the neighborhood adjacent to both the Oakland Coliseum and the Oakland International Airport; and WHEREAS, for the Beat 31Y/31Z Sobrante Park/Brookfield Village/Columbia Gardens/South Stonehurst Neighborhood Council, we honor Felisha West. A lifelong Oakland resident for over 60 years, Felisha served as NC Chairperson for the approximately 6 years. Under her leadership, the 31Y/31Z Council has focused on organizing community health fairs, clean-ups, and town hall meetings, engaging with school leadership and local businesses, and addressing community concerns to create a safer and stronger neighborhood; and WHEREAS, for the Beat 32X North Stonehurst Neighborhood Council , we honor Otha McCain, who has been NC Chairperson since 2005 and an Oakland resident since 1966.
Otha describes their tenure as both enjoyable and a tremendous learning experience. The 32X Council has been a vital stakeholder group supporting the design and remodel of Holly Mini Park, which officially reopened in the summer of 2024; and
WHEREAS, for the Beat 32Y MacArthur Corridor Neighborhood Council, we honor Noris Sheppard who has served as NC Chairperson for several years. The 32Y Council has played a crucial role in fostering community cohesion, advocating for infrastructure improvements, supporting local businesses, and preserving the distinctive character of the Foothill Square, Bancroft and Las Palmas areas; and
WHEREAS, for the Beat 33X/34X Elmhurst Neighborhood Council , we honor Ansel Troy, who has served as NC Chairperson for 19 months. Ansel, who has lived in Oakland for 40 years, is a dedicated advocate for equitable treatment and opportunities for all community members, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness in local governance; and WHEREAS, for the Beat 35X Castlemont/Lower Golf Links Neighborhood Council , we honor NC Chairperson, Billy Jene Carter , and NC Co-Chairperson, Mary Forte, for their many years of service . Additionally, Billy has served for 10 years, and Mary for 15 years , in various board positions. Both are lifelong Oakland residents whose dedication has greatly benefited their community; and
WHEREAS, for the Beat 35Y South Hills Neighborhood Council , we honor Brenda Yamashita and Jacqueline Long, who serve as NC Co -Chairs. Brenda, from the Chabot Park Estates neighborhood, has served the Council for 20 years and has been an Oakland resident for 3387333/jb
3 28 years ; Jacqueline, from the Grass Valley neighborhood, has contributed over 30 years of Oakland residency experience and has served the Council for two years. Together, they bring deep community knowledge and leadership; and
WHEREAS, each of the District 7 Neighborhood Council Chairpersons ha s played an instrumental role in improving the quality of life for District 7 residents. They have dedicated countless hours to addressing local issues, fostering effective communication between residents and City Hall, and organizing events that promote ci vic engagement. Their advocacy has led to significant improvements in public safety, infrastructure, and public amenities, ensuring that constituent voices remain at the center of local government decisions; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council hereby honors and recognizes each of the District 7 Neighborhood Council Chair persons for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the community. Their dedication has made a profound and lasting impact on the quality of life for District 7 residents. The Oakland City Council collectively commemorates their hard work, resilient service, and passion for excellence.
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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