STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Oakland District #3 is a beautiful, historic, neighborhood, that encompasses all of West Oakland, Adams Point, Lake Merritt, Pill Hill, Jack London Square and Downtown. Although District 3 overall is socio-economically and racially diverse neighborhood that diversity is cordoned off in pockets of economic and racially homogeneous areas. Some areas are virtually destitute, while others are affluent. Similarly, while some areas of District 3 have adequate or even bountiful resources and services there are areas that are under served and with poor schools, bleak services, high crime and urban blight.

West Oakland in particular represents an area that has been historically under-represented politically and has languished for years with "less than" is needed for a vibrant and functioning community. From the mid 19th century, when it was converted from marshland to port area, it soon began to experience an influx of African-Americans from the south, looking for opportunity and economic stability. Many of these families and individuals rented substandard housing from the railroads. While the rest of Oakland was developed, West Oakland languished behind with wooden sidewalks, dirt roads and what would become known as "benign neglect" West Oakland has never fully recovered from it's racially tinged, politically ignored beginnings.

In the current financial crises, West Oakland has been hit especially hard by incarceration, foreclosure, and an over-abundance of family homes being converted to income properties. While schools, jobs and employment has evaporated across the nation, in West Oakland the loss of these already scarce resources has been nothing less than devastating.

West Oakland and Downtown are urban corridors that have changed a great deal in the last decade, yet, these areas still lack the shops, businesses and neighborhood character that excites individuals to move in, and encourages individuals to get out of their homes, meet friends, and parade their beloved children, parents and relatives about. The push to build more housing has ignored the needs of the community. Families need homes, not condo's. There is little in the way of essential services, new schools, parks, community programs, or beautification that went along with the massive creation of developments. These developments are largely rental, geared at students at Berkeley and young urban, childless professionals.. hardly the type of housing or social investment needed to change the demographics of a decimated area. And the types of individuals attracted are largely transient. young, unmarried, and childless. when they do marry and start families, these types of families move. And when a community loses it's children, it quite literally loses its future.

And so there is a drain of talent and youthful energy from these low functioning areas as the very lifeblood of the community moves to better neighborhoods as soon as they are able to go from lower class to the lower echelons of middle class. In short, the loss of a community and the creation of transient communities does not create an invested, politically interested and active base from which real change and community transformation can occur.

Combined with the continual loss of homes, established families and successful indigenous community members, this formula is historically known to be one in which over time, long time residents of West Oakland will be driven out, and gentrification will become exponential. At this point, ironically, yet understandably, the much needed resources, services and positive changes will begin to appear only when the original population is removed.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

District #3 can be transformed in such a way as to integrate the community that is in residence and marrying it with a host of racially and economically diverse peoples who are drawn to opportunities carefully planned and supported by the city council.

The port of Oakland currently has hundreds of acres of land that can be developed. This is the Bay area. One of the most desireable and well serviced areas in the world. San Francisco is 15 minute away. San Jose and silicon valley is an hour away. Some of the best colleges and universities in the nation are within a short drive. There are thousands of individuals in the bay area that would covet West Oakland if it were to be transformed and developed in the right way. In a way that maintains it's rich racial and socio-economic history, and blends new blood, investment in jobs, small businesses, and community supported, community driven, public education. In this way, what was fractured and disenfranchised, can become diverse and vibrant.

High tech jobs could be attracted as anchor tenants in tracts of land now being thought of as potential sports complexes. "Real" investment in people, rather than jock straps could turn the tide. jobs in close proximity to available, updated housing affordable housing (encouraged by micro loans, grants and tax breaks) in close proximity to the BART, Trains, The Bay Bridge and close by highways (80, 580, 980 and 24) would be a healthy solution. These anchor tenants would provide young, educated and skilled workers, who would eye District #3 as a place to start their families with the promise of safe communities and essential services.

A more diverse population base would ease the burden upon the police and help facilitate their transition to a community policing model, whereby the community is not subjected to police over-burdened with low level quality of life and non-violent offenses. rather, the populace feels protected by police they know personally, and who focus on violent crime and issues of safety within the community. Community watches are the most effective means to drive out prostitution, drug trade and gang activity.

The one thing that this vision requires is a political mandate. A mandate by the community that states clearly, that they are willing to support the political moves necessary to bring this about.

Oakland District #3, is more than West Oakland, but the entire district has been held back by the problems of West Oakland, East Oakland and other hot trouble spots in the city. The residents of the stronger areas of the district, can become an invaluable asset and model for the vision of a complete and coherent District #3. And as the problems areas are addressed, the residents of the stronger communities benefit from the creation of new neighborhoods, parks and services to enjoy. There becomes more school choice, a greater amount of professional expertise, and of course, safety and community pride.

The fact that Oakland, The State of California and the Nation is in a financial crisis can be seen as a possible asset in the re-awakening of the American Dream for all Oakland Residents. This financial crisis is a way to refocus municipal governments on their core mission. to provide essential services, educate our young, maintain roads, keep taxes low and provide safety, security and a safety net for citizens. But for that to be the case, politicians need to focus on the needs of the community, rather than their own political careers. Tough choices and careful investments must be made. Putting off tomorrows problems for today's comfort, is no longer an option.

When I first moved to West Oakland, it was the only home our family could afford within 30 miles of San Francisco. It was a blessing that we ended up here. In my life, I'd lived in several urban areas. In all of these areas, I've always loved being around people who are primarily concerned with providing for their families, coming home safe, and waking up to receive the blessings of a new day.

District #3 can not function successfully as a land of different enclaves, some well off, some suffering. District #3 requires a comprehensive vision that can pull it's strengths together to address its weaknesses and solve move forward together for the benefit of all parties.

West Oakland is a microcosm of the American inner city and can become a model community. Oakland is uniquely situated economically, culturally and politically to make use of, the bay area/west coast ethos of social responsibility, valuing diversity, community, environment and providing the services that can meet the needs of families and their children.

The bottom line is, the success of a community is in the success and promise of their children. They are the ultimate and only litmus test.

It is my hope that you share this vision, this dream, and are ready to become of such a mandate to make this vision and dream a reality for West Oakland and Oakland proper.