Councilmember Desley Brooks represents District 6 on Oakland's City Council. Her innovative approach to serving such a diverse and evolving constituency partners sustainable employment, safety, and housing initiatives with cultural sensitivity and all inclusive programming to enrich the lives of the people of Oakland. On your behalf: -Authored Oakland's Prompt Payment Ordinance; secured funding for and implementation of the City's one stop contracting software; and advocated for the establishment of the City's Debarment program. -Strong advocate for Oakland contractors and Hire Oakland. -Authored the groundbreaking Oakland Army Base $10 Million Remediation program which specifically provides Oakland contractors the ability to serve as the Prime Contractor on those remediation. - Chairperson of City Council's Life Enrichment Committee -Member of the Council’s Finance and Budget Committee. -Assistant California State District Director of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials -Executive Board member of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG): member, Airport Planning Committee - Former Board Member of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority. Background: Councilmember Brooks holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University. She was formerly the Chief of Staff to Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson; a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration & Naturalization Service; Assistant District Council with the Department of Housing & Urban Development; Staff Attorney with the Washington State Legislature; and a Public Defender with Northwest Defenders. *Council Member Brooks is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a transplant to Oakland from Seattle,WA. Council Member Brooks moved to Oakland in 1989.
I constantly meet people in District 6 with great business ideas as well as ideas to make our neighborhoods safer. I created the District 6 Empowerment Committee to offer a network and hub for exchanging resources and ideas pertaining to the development of our district and supporting the personal growth of our residents and families.
Please join us!
District 6 Empowerment Committee Meetings Will Be Held Each Month ON:
1ST Saturday – Economic Development – 10:00 am. to Noon
Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship
7272 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA
2nd Monday – Public Safety – 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Faith Baptist Church
2680 – 64th Avenue
Oakland, CA
3rd Saturday – Community Development/Public Works – 10:00 am to Noon
Councilmember Brooks' project to bring a new playground to District 6 in just one day is in full swing! In collaboration with the KABOOM! agency we held "Design Day" at David Glover Technology Center where young people came together to have a conversation about what they would like to have in a new play structure.
About 40 kids participated in the process. They said they wanted slides, swings, climbing walls, hiding places, game squares, and most of all they wanted a fun and exciting structure! They also drew designs of their ideal park. All of this information was forwarded to the playground design specialists at KaBoom and three designs were developed.
The three designs were narrowed to one. Below is a 3D rendition of the new structure the community will build on June 20th!
TO HELP US WITH THE BUILDING OF THE PLAYGROUND ON JUNE 20THCALL 510-238-3971 OR EMAIL [email protected]
Do you know about Friday nights @ The Oakland Museum? I'm always encouraging my District 6 family and residents across the city to get out and experience the dynamic events our city has to offer. I want to share this article about the special weekly event at OMCA. Check it out!
As City Councilmember to District 6 working to stop violence in East Oakland has always been a part of my charge. Being faced with the reality of homicides that plague our streets is probably the hardest part of my job. It reaches me beyond a professional matter and pulls on me spiritually and emotionally. Law enforcement and city government do have a major responsibility and obligation to curb and end violence in Oakland, but a large part of the solution will also rests on us as citizens of Oakland to be mindful of our actions and the messages we give (and don't give) our young people. We should on every level reinforce ideas and behavior exhibited by our youth and young adults that reflect love, intelligence, and a care for the happiness and safety of others. Inversely, we should challenge and dis-encourage poisonous ideas and behavior that plant and cultivate seeds of violence in our communities- far too often at the hands of misguided and misinformed young people.
Contrary to popular belief, violence is on the decline in Oakland. I attribute that to all of the people in our city working hard to find tangible solutions to the issues at the root of the violence in Oakland. My approach of investing resources and strategy in economic empowerment and education have proven to be key factors in curbing the violence.
But we still have to do more. As summer approaches I encourage us to all strive to keep our communities safe and free of senseless violence.
I encourage all of my constituency in District 6 and residents throughout Oakland to get out of the house as much as possible and take in all of the cultural events our city has to offer. Here's a great dance festival happening at Laney College! Click here for more info: http://web.peralta.edu/blog/2014/04/10/1st-annual-african-diaspora-dance-festival-at-laney-college-may-12-17/
BIKE TO WORK DAY IS THIS THURSDAY! There's a convening happening the morning of Thursday May 8th at City Hall. Click here to get more information: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Events/index.htm?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D109952850%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D
Empowerment is a word that is often thrown around loosely in our community. In it's truest form, empowerment is achieved when a person or people are equipped with what they need to sustain a healthy and thriving life; where one can independently provide for themselves and their families with dignity and pride.
Councilmember Brooks has developed a workshop series in District 6 designed to empower residents with both information and opportunities to reinforce a great quality of life in our community.
The Empowerment Series will be hosting two special sessions in the month of May.
We will have guest speakers at both meetings:
Captain Tull, Oakland Police Dept and Paul Hora, Alameda County District Attorney's Office will be speaking to the community on what to look for when reporting illegal dumping activities. Also, the sessions will inform residents on what to look for, how to properly document information, and how or what should be submitted to the District Attorney's office for further prosecution.
Public Safety and Justice
Monday, May 12, 2014
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Faith Baptist Church
2680 - 64th Avenue
Oakland, CA
Guest Speakers:
Captain Tull, Oakland Police Dept.
Paul Hora, Alameda County District Attorney's Office
Arts & Culture/Public Works
Saturday, May 17, 2014
10am to 12:00noon
Last Day Revival Church
2001 73rd Ave.
Guest Speaker:
Captain Tull, Oakland Police Dept.
Our regular Empowerment meeting schedules are below:
District 6 Empowerment Committee Meeting Schedule
Where You Learn Information to Improve Your Community
District 6 Empowerment Committee Meetings Will Be Held Each Month ON:
Wanting to start a new business in Oakland? Need help figuring out where to start? Visit the City of Oakland business page by clicking here: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Business/index.htm
There are clear and helpful resources on this page to help you nurture your business idea into a successful and thriving endeavor!
Councilmember Brooks highly encourages Oakland residents to be informed on the issues being discussed on your behalf at City Hall. You can always visit the city's website and view upcoming agenda items. Click here to visit site and review upcoming agendas. Below are some of the important issues before your city government.
'ShotSpotter' program hangs in the balance in Oakland.
ShotSpotter technology is a program that through high tech sensory systems alerts law enforcement instantly when a gun is fired in a particular area and pinpoints the location of the shots. This is a major tool in helping police officers hone in on where firearms are discharged in our city, versus the common and often challenging process of having to guess or speculate where gunshots are coming from. Recently there has been talks of discontinuing the ShotSpotter program in Oakland because of it's cost, an estimated $250,000 annually according to an SF Chronicle report last year.
This same report found that both residents and city council members do not want to see the program vanquish. Councilmember Brooks:
"In the past I've played a role in getting Shotspotter
reactivated and funded. It has been a program that I have long supported. I believe that it is a useful tool in helping our police department address gun violence in our community."
It's no secret that gun violence in Oakland is an issue. The enormity of it all may not be as known though. For example, in February of this year alone the ShotSpotter system documented 258 reports of gunfire across East and West Oakland.
This is definitely an issue to not only know about but add your voice and opinion to. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday May 6, 2014 at 5:30PM in City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor- City Hall.
Again, to see the full agenda for this meeting and upcoming meetings be sure to visit Oaklandnet.com
Council Member Desley Brooks is building a new playground in your neighborhood in JUST ONE DAY!
Your help is needed to prepare for this exciting day in District 6.
Councilmember Brooks wrote and was awarded a grant to build a new play structure at Burkhalter Park. In partnership with KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most- Councilmember Brooks, community volunteers, City of Oakland, and OCCUR will build a great new place for kids to play in ONE day.
DATE: Friday, June 20, 2014
How it works/How to get involved:
The play structure will be designed by kids from the community. A KaBoom build is like an old-fashion barn raising where the community comes out and builds the structure in one day! We need you to help us build this play structure on June 20th. To volunteer to be a part of our play structure team please call Councilperson Brooks' office 510.238.3971, email us [email protected] Help create positive change in your neighborhood.
Why build a playground?:
Councilmember Brooks aligns and identifies with KaBoom!'s assessment that there is a "play deficit" in America. More and more of our children trade in play time for staring at TV and Ipad screens for hours. However, studies show that not only does playing increase a child's physical health, it is a major factor in developing social skills and reinforcing confidence and self esteem in young people. The more we encourage our children to be active and see having a safe place to play as a right, not a luxury, the more character and strength we build in our youth and future society.
About KaBoom!:
KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America's children. Their mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. Ultimately, KaBoom envisions a place to play within walking distance of every child in America.
To learn more about KaBoom visit www.Kaboom.org
If you haven't heard already, a young man from East Oakland is graduating from Oakland Tech with a 5.0 GPA and an impressive SAT score. He's been accepted to several top universities but announced on the Ellen show yesterday to the whole world where he's going to attend! Click here to find out where and share this positive and motivating story!
Today is the day! Come out for the Easter Egg Hunt and Schools Out Resource Fair today at Arroyo Viejo Park. Presented by City Councilmember Desley Brooks.
World Book Night 2014: Free Books For Teens At Six Oakland Public Library Locations
On Wednesday, April 23, the Oakland Public Library will be passing out free books to teens in six library branches from 1:30 to 8:00 p.m.:
Ø Main Library, 125 14th Street
Ø 81st Avenue Branch Library, 1021 81st Avenue
Ø Asian Branch Library, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 190
Ø César E. Chávez Branch Library, 3301 East 12th Street
Ø Eastmont Branch Library, 7200 Bancroft Avenue, Suite 211
Ø Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue
World Book Night is a national celebration that happens at bookstores and libraries across the country one night every year and the entire purpose of this event is to hand out free books to the public. Supplies are limited, so make your way to one of the six TeenZones after 1:30 p.m. on April 23 and receive a copy of a book to take home. For more information, please contact Lana Adlawan, Teen Services Librarian, [email protected] or (510) 238-7613.
Economic Empowerment Tour for LGBT Communities of Color Comes To Oakland –
On Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22, an economic empowerment tour for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities of color entitled “Many Faces. One Dream.” comes to the Oakland Marriott City Center. The event brings a focus on the communities’ economic power, innovation and creativity in the small business sphere. Workshops, one-on-one and small group counseling, and a Business Resources Expo with local community partners are on the agenda, along with seminars on strategic planning, access to capital, social media and more. A partnership between the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Many Faces. One Dream. (MFOD) is an innovative approach to creating sustainable economic opportunities in the LGBT community by spurring entrepreneurial ventures. Participants at MFOD will be grouped into two tracks: “Starting Your Business” and “Taking Your Business to the Next Level.” In the first track, training will be provided on the key elements of a business plan, loans, marketing and SBA’s programs and services. The second track will be geared toward LGBT firms that are currently in business but want to expand and grow. The Business Resource Marketplace will run from Noon to 7:00 p.m. on Monday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and will be a venue for LGBT-owned businesses of color to have access to the resources and tools needed to grow and sustain their enterprise. Counseling organizations that will be on hand include the Procurement Technology Assistance Center, SCORE, Small Business Development Center, U.S. Export Assistance Center, SBA and Women Business Center. To register for the event, please visit www.manyfacesonedream.com/oaklandsan-francisco. To read the media release, please visithttp://www2.oaklandnet.com/w/OAK046634. For more information, please contact Aliza Gallo, Economic Development Manager, at [email protected] or (510) 238-7405.
City To Host Two Public Workshops On Coliseum Area Specific Plan
On Thursday, April 24 & Saturday, April 26, the City of Oakland will host two public workshops on the Coliseum Area Specific Plan. The Coliseum Area Specific Plan (CASP) serves as a roadmap for the transformation of the Coliseum district and surrounding area into a dynamic sports, entertainment, residential and job-generating neighborhood. The Plan will provide a strong vision for the area, linked to a comprehensive public-private development approach to growth and change. The Plan is one of a number of City efforts to retain Oakland’s three sports franchises. Before the City of Oakland begins the formal public hearings associated with the CASP, two information workshops will be held. The two meetings are scheduled for:
Thursday, April 24, 3 - 5 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 150 Hegenberger Road
Saturday, April 26, 3 - 5 p.m., Oakland City Hall, Council Chambers, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
At the workshops, City staff will provide details to the public on the City’s vision for the Coliseum district and surrounding area and solicit feedback and suggestions from the public. The input gathered at the two workshops will be incorporated into a draft Specific Plan and draft Environmental Impact Report. Public hearings at the Planning Commission and Oakland City Council will then be held in the next few months, and a public comment period will begin, to review both the draft Plan and the Draft EIR. The final adoption of the Plan and certification of the EIR is expected in fall/winter 2014. For members of the public who are unable to make either meeting, there are three additional ways to share comments and concerns:
Leave a message on the Strategic Planning division phone line at (510) 238-7299
Mail comments to Devan Reiff, City of Oakland Strategic Planning Division, 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3315, Oakland CA 94612
For Plan documents, meeting schedules and more information on the CASP, please visit www.oaklandnet.com/coliseumcity. For more information on the upcoming workshops, please contact Devan Reiff, Planner III, [email protected] or (510) 238-3550.
The Free dumping project that my office facilitated this past weekend is now over. Please be advised and help spread the word that continuing dumping at any of the sites that were designated this weekend is now prohibited. The containers can only hold so much and they are now full. I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm and participation. Let's finish strong and on a positive memorable note by respecting the neighborhoods and not dumping anymore.
