Dear District 5 Residents,

It is an honor to represent you on the Oakland City Council. My staff and I look forward to serving you over the next several years. We want to hear from you. Our contact information is listed at the top of the sidebar on the right.

Here are my priorities for our City:

1. Improve Public Safety
2. Increase Economic Development
3. Support Successful Schools
4. Implement Responsive Government
5. Build Volunteer Power

Recently, Oakland has received national news coverage because of our high crime rates. Never has the public at large been more outraged by and fearful of our lack of Public Safety. It is time to put a stop to the rampant lawlessness in our neighborhoods, and create a safe community for all of our citizens. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, my number one priority is to implement tough anti-crime measures to create a safer Oakland. Learn more…

My second priority is Economic Development. We must create an environment where current businesses can continue to operate and grow while also attracting new industries and companies that will create local jobs and generate revenues for the City. Learn more… 

Third is Responsive Government which demands accountability and transparency at every level— no excuses, no exceptions. We need your help, both to recognize outstanding City employees, and to report workers who are not doing their jobs. Which city services are working? What changes are needed? Your eyes and ears are critical to improving performance in all sectors of public service. Don’t just complain – report to us! Learn more…

Fourth is the importance of Successful Schools that benefit everyone. As a former Board member of the Oakland Unified School District for 20 years, I understand the challenges we face firsthand. I take pride in having helped eliminate huge budget deficits, improve academic achievement and renovate every school in District 5. But there is still so much work to be done. Recently approved Measure J funding will be instrumental in forging effective partnerships with businesses and civic groups, creating better measurement criteria to assess achievement, maintain facilities and update curricula. Learn more…

Finally, there is the power of volunteers that never fails to amaze me. I saw it in action as our campaign volunteers went door-to-door reaching out to almost every constituent in District 5. I witness its power on Earth Day, Creek to Bay Day, and other citywide volunteer events. I applaud the hundreds of citizens who volunteer every day to keep their neighborhoods clean and beautify their surroundings. To honor volunteer power, I am instituting a new volunteer program called Service Days. Learn more…

We are exploring how to establish a District 5 Foundation where donations could be sent to support local improvement efforts: Here is a partial list.

1. Scholarships for high-achieving students
2. Merchant watch groups
3. Beautification projects
4. Public Art
5. Sponsoring sports teams

Let’s rise to the challenges ahead by working together to make not just our District, but ALL of Oakland, a liveable, loveable model city for its diverse residents.