APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE NOEL GALLO
RESOLUTION HONORING RASHIDAH GRINAGE FOR HER HISTORIC
CONTRIBUTIONS TO POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CIVILIAN
OVERSIGHT IN OAKLAND.
WHEREAS, in 1994, Mrs. Grinage joined People United for a Better Life in Oakland (PUEBLO), which had recently launched a campaign focused on Community Safety and Police Accountability. In 2007, she was appointed Executive Director of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Grinage sought accountability and answers, ultimately leading her to the conclusion that Oakland’s existing institutions were incapable of preventing such tragedies and ensuring justice; and
WHEREAS, under PUEBLO’s leadership, advocacy efforts in 1996 resulted in a new City ordinance expanding the authority of the Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB), including granting subpoena power, establishing a policy director role, and securing independent legal counsel; and
WHEREAS, Rashida Grinage subsequently founded the Coalition for Police Accountability (CPA), a broad alliance of individuals and community-based organizations— including labor unions, civil rights advocates, faith-based groups, and good government organizations—representing Oakland’s diverse constituencies; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership, CPA spearheaded the creation of the Oakland Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency, drafting a model City Charter amendment that was largely adopted by the Oakland City Council and approved by voters as Measure LL in 2016 with over 83% support; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the need for further structural improvements, CPA—again under Mrs. Grinage’s leadership—developed a second Charter amendment to create an Office of Inspector General and to clarify the authority of civilian oversight bodies in fulfilling the mandates of the NSA. This became Measure S1, which voters adopted in 2020 with over 80% approval; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Grinage’s passion for effective public safety and police accountability extended beyond organizational leadership, as she mentored and trained countless Oakland residents, cultivating a new generation of informed and engaged community leaders; and
2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , Rashidah Grinage’s legacy in advancing police accountability is distinguished by her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and enduring commitment to justice for Black and Brown communities in the City of Oakland; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland expresses profound gratitude for her years of service, and extends heartfelt best wishes.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, HOUSTON, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, AND
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE GALLO
NOES –
ABSENT – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JENKINS (serving as Mayor pursuant to Charter Section 303) ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
OCA DOCUMENT NUMBER / ATTORNEY INITIALS – Updated 1/6/2025