Maxwell Park Neighborhood News

by Helen da Silva

As Co-Chair of the Community Building Neighborhood Action Team, I decided to write about Mayor Dellums' visit to our March Neighborhood Council meeting. The purpose of his visit was to see how a cohesive neighborhood functions and to talk about his programs that offer hope for change. In this small, intimate setting, he was inspiring and encouraging and gave me a new perspective about the following issues and topics:'

Mayor Dellums addresses the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council. Photo by Joe Davis.

1. Policing

Mayor Dellums told us the augmented Police Recruitment Program has finally been approved to bring the department to its authorized strength of 803 officers by year's end. The police chief now has more authority, and the city's new policing strategy divides Oakland into three areas—central, east, and northwest—each overseen by a police captain accountable for getting to know residents and neighborhood issues and reducing crime in that district.'

Even though we are still about 70 officers short, car thefts and burglaries in the Maxwell Park area have dropped. He said the city is in its current predicament because past administrations did not adequately plan for the retirement of baby-boomer officers. "I wasn't here...it wasn't on my watch."

2. Economic Development

The Mayor talked about his administration's work on economic development and public health and safety. "Have we achieved it overnight?" he said. "No. We didn't get here in one year. ...it takes time to move." Key steps have been taken to make his "model city" vision of Oakland a reality.'

3. Borrowers in Trouble

One California Foundation established a $1 million bridge-loan fund to help borrowers who don't qualify for federal and state rate-freeze programs. This approach will "lend credence and provide inspiration to other lending institutions to deal with all aspects of the issue."'

4. Children's Health Care'

A Kaiser Permanente health care plan for school-based health for middle and high school students will be funded by $3 million in grant funds to provide comprehensive clinical and social services. Dellums said "…there is a clear link between poor health and poor academic performance."'

5. Economic Growth

City zoning will be updated so developers know what areas are best suited for housing, jobs, and retail. He emphasized the need for rezoning the city so that future industry isn't situated next to residential neighborhoods. Job training will be expanded so residents are prepared when the new employers come to town. Dellums' goal is to bring 10,000 jobs to Oakland in the next five years.'

Recently in Washington, D.C., the Mayor lobbied for resources to address our deep-seated problems, saying that otherwise governing is nothing more than "administering scarcity." Dellums said, "I don't want the next mayor to be in the position of playing catch up."'

Staying long after the meeting was over gave us the opportunity to speak with the Mayor one-on-one. He answered questions openly and shared personal information. I got to know him a little better and found him to be personable, charming, and genuine. He said he'll come back to Maxwell Park whenever we invite him!'

Helen da Silva can be reached at HDS2288\@aol.com