Highlights and Events

Mayor Ron Dellums and Assemblymember Hayashi
Promote Fitness Standards in Schools
Leaders stress importance of health and
physical activity in school curriculum

Oakland – May 9, 2008 - Mayor Ron Dellums and State Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) joined forces today in a pledge to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity in Oakland and California schools. Assemblymember Hayashi introduced AB 2072 - sponsored by a collaboration including Mayor Dellums, the city of Oakland, and the Oakland Unified School District – which will launch the Physical Education Award Program (PEAP) designed to encourage the practice of good physical fitness among students.

"This bill is rooted in our collective commitment to see that the young people of our community learn the value of a healthy and active lifestyle at an early age," said Mayor Dellums, who initially proposed the legislation to Hayashi. "A strong relationship between state and local government and our partners in education is vital to improving this looming public health issue, which is compromising the health and academic potential of our students."

Mayor Dellums and the Assemblywoman agree that this is an important step towards remedying our state’s childhood obesity epidemic and will encourage students to establish lifetime habits of good health and physical activity. The legislation requires the State Board of Education to establish an award program for schools that conduct their physical education courses pursuant to the State’s existing standards and demonstrate increasing numbers of pupils enrolled in that school meet minimum standards on the physical performance test.

Mayor Attends 12th Annual Fallen Officers Memorial

Oakland-CA - May 6, 2008 – Mayor Dellums today joined representatives from the Oakland Police Department and families of fallen officers to honor the names and memories of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives while performing the duties of an Oakland Police Officer. This is Mayor Dellums second time participating in the annual event.

"It is important that we recognize the immense contributions Oakland Police Officers make every day," said Mayor Dellums, who was participating in the event for the second time. "This event is an opportunity to reinforce our city’s commitment to honoring the memory and sacrifice of the officers who have died serving our city in a very intimate way."

The 12th Annual Police Officer Memorial took place in the lobby of the Oakland Police Administration Building. Immediate family members of the fallen officers were escorted in a procession from the Oakland Police Officers Association to the Police Department where Master of Ceremony, Deputy Chief Jeff Loman conducted the ceremony in front of the memorial wall.

The names and memories of 47 Oakland officers are engraved on the wall which serves as a constant reminder to the dangers officers face daily, while paying tribute to the courageous Oakland Officers who have given their lives.

$15 Million Grant to Bolster Success of Oakland Middle-Schools
 Mayor makes good on campaign pledge to support wrap-around services

Oakland – May 5, 2008 – Fulfilling a goal from his 2006 mayoral campaign, Mayor Ron Dellums today joined representatives from the Atlantic Philanthropies to announce a major grant to increase the success of middle-school students in Oakland and bolster their chances of graduating high school.

"Oakland’s young people are our most precious resource and any investment in them is an investment in our future," said Mayor Dellums. "This project is another example of how we continue to embrace our children and are working to improve their lives. Oakland is grateful for the opportunity to work with Atlantic Philanthropies on the Integrated Services in Schools Initiative."

The Atlantic Philanthropies, an international foundation with a focus on children and youth, hosted the press conference at Calvin Simmons Middle School – one of the sites that will benefit from this grant. Oakland was selected as one of several sites nationwide to implement this ambitious local initiative.

The new initiative, Integrated Services in Schools (ISS), is designed to ensure that middle school students succeed in school by providing them with multiple supports, including comprehensive on-site school-based health services and before- and after-school and summer learning opportunities.

Oakland was chosen for this four-year initiative because of its demonstrated success in both school reform and community development. The local initiative will be led by Safe Passages and Youth Ventures JPA on behalf of the multi-jurisdictional partnership it represents: Alameda County, The City of Oakland, Oakland Unified School District and the East Bay Community Foundation.

Mayor Convenes 2nd Annual Economic Summit
 Mayor, Oakland Partnership Present Economic Development Strategies

Oakland – On May 2nd, Mayor Ron Dellums convened the second annual Economic Summit at the Oakland Marriott. The mayor engaged over 500 business and community leaders exploring the best ways to collaborate and move Oakland’s economy forward. The mayor joined representatives from the Oakland Partnership to unveil strategic recommendations coming out of the Oakland Partnership with the goal of improving the lives for all who live, work and play in the city.

Since Mayor Dellums launched the Oakland Partnership in May 2007, hundreds of individuals from different sectors have worked together to compile focused economic development plans. Two over-arching objectives have emerged during the course of the Partnership’s work and therefore drive efforts in the strategy:

  • Increase investment in Oakland in a way that contributes to the prosperity of businesses, the city, and all its residents;
  • and Enhance and expand Oakland’s workforce development programs and policies to increase the ability of Oakland residents to access employment opportunities.

Ready, Set, Health!
Smiles, Speed, and Sun = A Great Day in Oakland

On April 12th, 2008 Mayor Ron Dellums joined the Office of Parks and Recreation, 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc. and Tommie Smith Youth Athletics, for the 2nd Annual Mayor Ronald V. Dellums Invitational Youth Track Meet.

Following the Opening Ceremonies, which included Mayor Dellums leading participants ages 4 – 14 in the Athletes Oath, the young people competed in various track and field activities and spent the bulk of the day supporting their friends, family and teammates in the respective events.

Mayor Dellums said, "In our goal of creating a Model City, it is paramount that we promote the value of health, fitness, wellness and positive development through athletics and good nutritional habits."

Seated in the stands above the Laney College track during the races, Mayor Dellums extended his sincere gratitude to the sponsors, city staff, Laney College, and the families and coaches who took time out of their busy weekends in support of our city's children.

Mayor Dellums: "Thank You for Accepting this Challenge"
Dellums Welcomes Oakland's Newest Officers

April 10, 2008 - On Friday morning Mayor Dellums joined Oakland Police Chief Wayne Tucker, Assistant Chief Howard Jordan, and distinguished members of the Oakland Police Department for the badge-pinning ceremony of 28 new officers, all of which will join the ranks of the Oakland Police Department.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of 26- week, 969- hour academy course designed to teach trainees about the policies and procedures of the Oakland Police Department and includes instruction on community policing, tactical communication, report writing, ethics, defensive tactics, patrol procedures, firearms and vehicle pursuits among others.

With the addition of the 28 person academy class, the Oakland Police Department will be at a staffing total of 757 sworn officers, keeping the city on track toward its goal of reaching 803 officers by years end.

For more information about the OPD Basic Academy please contact Sgt. Mary Guttormsan at (510) 238-3552.

Mayor Attends Milestone Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
for New Bay Bridge Approach

April 10, 2008 - On Friday, Mayor Dellums joined California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and California Business, Transportation, and Housing Secretary Dale Bonner for the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the new western approach of the Bay Bridge.

"Today is an incredible example of our regional commitment to restoring and investing in our infrastructure," said Mayor Dellums. "I applaud the governor for his leadership, and the people of the Bay Area who have made great sacrifices to reach this joyous day. The completion of this vital seismic safety project reinforces the fact that our two cities are interconnected, interrelated, and mutually vulnerable."

The seismic safety work on the western approach to the bridge involved the complete removal and replacement of a one-mile stretch of Interstate-80 connecting San Francisco to the bridge’s west span, a stretch of road used by over 280,000 vehicles each day.

Beginning in 2003, this monumental effort is a part of a series of ongoing Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Projects.

For more details, visit http://www.baybridgeinfo.org/

Mayor Ron Dellums Delivers Keynote Address at 36th Inmate Service Graduation Ceremony at Santa Rita Jail

Dublin, CA - March 19, 2008 - On Wednesday, Mayor Ron Dellums delivered the keynote address at the 36th Inmate Service Graduation Ceremony at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. The event was be hosted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, Inmate Services Unit.

104 inmates were recognized at the afternoon ceremony, for completing courses and programs offered at Santa Rita Jail and Glenn Dyer Detention Facility. Among the accomplishments celebrated during the event was the presentation of certificates for persons who successfully passed the G.E.D. exam.

"The political leadership in Oakland has a significant responsibility to address this issue in a thoughtful and comprehensive way," said Mayor Dellums. "Turning our back on this group of people, who are reentering our cities and neighborhoods, is not an option."

Pictured: Isaac Taggart As a means to address the root causes of crime and violence in Oakland, Mayor Dellums has sought alternative ways to engage with persons reentering Oakland from correctional facilities. During his address, Mayor Dellums made a point of introducing the graduates to Isaac Taggart, pictured to the left, the mayor’s Reentry Employment Specialist, who was brought on to the mayor’s staff in January 2008 to coordinate reentry efforts in the City of Oakland.

As of February 11, 2008, there were 3,962 persons incarcerated at Santa Rita. Of those, 2,102 persons (53 percent) were residents of the City of Oakland.

Alameda County Sherriff Gregory J. Ahern also attended the graduation ceremony and addressed the inmates.

Mayor Dellums Congratulates State Champion Student Athletes
Mack boys earn best in state distinction

OAKLAND, CA — March 18, 2008 - Mayor Ron Dellums joined Councilmember Nancy Nadel, OUSD School Board Member Greg Hodge, and McClymonds High School students, teachers and administrators on Tuesday afternoon to honor the State Champion Varsity Men's Basketball Team of McClymonds High School.

The mayor had the opportunity to share some personal moments with the young men in the school library before heading into a rousing assembly attended by hundreds of proud students, many dressed in the school's colors. Each player received a Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Dellums, which proclaimed March 18, 2008 – "McClymonds Warriors Day" in Oakland.

A special tribute was paid to Head Coach Dwight Nathaniel, who officially retired from coaching following the victorious championship game in Sacramento on March 15. Coach Nathaniel coached the Warriors for 13 years.

The City Council plans to honor the team and their supporters at the March 19 City Council meeting. Also, an additional public event to honor the historic undefeated season is currently being planned by the City.

City Council Approves 2008 Augmented Police Recruitment Plan

Oakland – March 5, 2008 - The 2008 Augmented Police Recruitment Program was unanimously approved by the City Council on Tuesday night. The plan proposed by Mayor Ron Dellums, in collaboration with Police Chief Wayne Tucker, the Oakland Police Department, the City Administrator’s office, the city’s Office of Personnel, and other city departments, aims to bring the department to its authorized strength of 803 officers by year’s end - finally achieving the augmented policing services envisioned by the 2004 voter approved Measure Y.

"This is a critical issue" said Mayor Dellums. "I am optimistic that the City Council and City staff will continue to work together in the best interest of Oakland residents. I appreciate the City Council’s diligence over the years to address the issue of police staffing and I am confident that this plan will allow us to achieve our goal of reaching 803 police officers by the end of the year."

Mayor Dellums and Kaiser Permanente Announce Grant to Expand School Based Health Centers in Oakland Schools
$3 Million to Expand Sites at Middle and High Schools

Oakland, CA - February 29, 2008 – Mayor Ron Dellums and Bernard J. Tyson, executive vice president, health plan and hospital operations for Kaiser Permanente were joined by members of the Oakland City Council, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Oakland School Board, and the Alameda County Health Care Services to announce a $3 million grant to fund school-based health centers in Oakland middle and high schools, which will provide comprehensive clinical and social services to children in the city.

“This is an incredible partnership that highlights what can be done through collaboration in working to improve the quality of life of all residents,” said Mayor Dellums. “There is a clear link between poor health and poor academic performance. Many of the young people in our schools lack health insurance and must rely interchangeably upon school health services and more often emergency room visits for health care. I thank our friends at Kaiser Permanente for providing our students with the health services they need and deserve.”

The mission of school-based health centers is to provide comprehensive clinical and social service programming while simultaneously developing primary prevention programming based on best practices in public health, youth development, and academic enrichment.