3/12/2025 - MPNC Meeting & Elections

Resources

• View the presentation

Recap

1. Board Introductions:

   • Board members introduced themselves, including Jose Dorado (Chair) and others.

   • Elections were held

     • Jose Dorado continues as Chair

     • Donald Dalke was elected Treasurer

     • Toni Bird continues as Membership Secretary

     • Shilpa Duvoor was elected Member-at-Large

2. Guest Speaker - Loren Taylor:

   • Former District 6 Councilmember and mayoral candidate Lauren Taylor discussed his experience, priorities, and plans for Oakland, focusing on public safety, economic development, and addressing the city's budget crisis.

   • He emphasized the need for connected leadership and shared specific strategies for improving downtown Oakland and neighborhoods.

3. Council Updates:

   • Updates from Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins' office included:

     • Upcoming special election on April 15th for Oakland Mayor and a sales tax measure.

     • Annual Easter celebration at Arroyo Viejo Park on April 15th.

     • Policy updates like reopening fire stations, protecting immigrant communities, and eviction protection funding.

4. Neighborhood Services and Encampment Management:

   • Discussions on the revised encampment management policy and the importance of reporting blight and abandoned vehicles.

   • Concerns were raised about the elimination of neighborhood services coordinators and funding cuts for neighborhood councils.

5. Northeastern University Updates:

   • Northeastern University representatives discussed a pause in conversations about establishing a campus police department due to upcoming elections and community concerns.

   • The university expressed a commitment to re-engage with the community in the future.

6. Gardening Tips:

   • Tom Vandemark shared gardening advice, focusing on camellias and the best practices for pruning and planting in Maxwell Park.