City Government

Dana King, District 2 City Council

Published

10 years ago

October 26, 2014

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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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

6 days ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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City Government

Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Published

6 days ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Beverli Marshall began her first day with the City on April 10. ICMA image.

Special to The Post

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.

Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”

According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.

“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”

When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.

At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”

While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.

“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.

The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.