By Liz Hartka
Now that the dust has settled on the Midcycle Budget, Oakland government is gearing up for the November elections. August was a quiet month for the City Council, with most of its committees taking a late summer break. The City’s Boards and Commissions have continued to meet, however, and various controversies continue to swirl around City Hall.
The Public Safety and Services Oversight Committee (SSOC), which will sunset in December 2024, is winding down its activities and focusing on the legacy it will leave for its hoped-for successor oversight commission (which will be appointed by the Mayor pending the renewal of Measure Z, currently on the ballot as Measure NN).
At a recent (7/10/2024) meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC), the Friends of Sausal Creek argued that a proposed improvement of an orienteering area in Joaquin Miller Park should not be supported because it was in an area designated for resource conservation. Nevertheless, the PRAC supported this proposal.
Issues relating to housing and to the unhoused continue to dominate the agenda at the Life Enrichment Committee. At a recent meeting (8/15/2024), the public heard presentations about moving from a passive complaint-based system for Lead Hazard Abatement to a proactive Rental Inspection Program. According to a report cited at the meeting, lead hazards exist in 74 percent of rental housing built before 1979. Thirty-seven members of the public spoke on this concerning issue at the meeting.
On August 4, the Public Ethics Commission (PEC) heard a presentation describing strategies to implement the Democracy Dollars program. Subsequent discussion focused on limited public financing and recruitment to fill vacancies for two seats on the commission.
Public comment at a recent (8/22/2024) Police Commission meeting continued on the need to divert more calls from 911 to MACRO (the Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland), a community response program for non-violent, non-emergency 911 calls. There were also comments on the need to increase coordination between MACRO and the Oakland Police (OPD) and Fire (OFD) Departments. Chief Floyd Mitchell reported a decrease in violent crime statistics, per updated data. The Community Policing Ad Hoc committee is reviewing the OPD’s pursuit policy and will present their recommendations at a special meeting of the Police Commission on September 19.
The Observer Corps (OC) members met face to face on August 24 and were joined by Gail Wallace, past president and Action Committee chair. Gail shared useful feedback on the importance of raising awareness of upcoming meeting issues with the Action Committee and she encouraged OC members to reach out to her with questions. Thank you, Gail, for your continued support and leadership!
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