Dana King moved to Oakland after leaving KPIX-TV in 2012. When she is not working on her sculptures, she teaches journalism at Dominican University in San Rafael and volunteers at the Alameda County Probation Department.

King, who lives in the San Antonio district, says District 2’s top concerns are public safety and quality of life issues that are related to it. She says solutions must focus not only on hiring more police but also on more lighting, getting rid of illegal dumping, graffiti and the blight that undermines the morale of people in the community.

These are the issues that “make people unsafe in their communities, make people feel that nobody cares about their communities,” she said.

In addition, she addressed gentrification, which has become a major issue in Oakland.

“Gentrification is real, and it disrupts lives. It is driven by economic forces that once begun, can erode entire communities. In order to offset widespread dislocation, I believe we can redirect the negative aspects of gentrification by respecting the finely woven social fabric of Oakland while encouraging the inclusion of affordable and workforce housing.”

King is in favor of a collaborative approach to governing that brings people together to create solutions. “I’m looking forward to bringing people to the table who have a vested interest in this city,” she said.

“Oakland is a vibrant city with a rich diversity of people coming from all walks of life,” she said.

“Those of us who call Oakland and District 2 home know the media’s portrayal of our city isn’t entirely accurate,” she said. “ Yes, Oakland has serious problems, but I believe with strong leadership, focus, hard work and effective communication, those problems and our city can be improved.

King’s community involvement includes serving as a volunteer in the Maximum Security Units at Alameda County Probation, Rites of Passage Program He has worked as Sunny Hills Services Honorary Board Member. Sunny Hills Services creates programs for developmentally disabled children and young adults

She has also participated as an Oakland Museum of California Trustee and Audience Development Committee member, and she has worked on a committee to plan an Oakland Conference to End Mass Incarceration and Deportation.

King’s list of endorsements includes the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Asian Americans for Political Advancement (AAPA) and Black Women Organizing for Political Action (BWOPA).

District 2’s current representative is Patricia Kernighan, who is retiring after nine years on the council.

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