Neighborhood Revitalization and City Services

By Ignacio De La Fuente

Working families deserve a City Government that works for them.

Sometimes by doing the small things big things are accomplished. It is not just the big projects that can help neighborhoods rebound. I believe that in every neighborhood there are projects and proposals that will improve the community that need funding and encouragement. In Glenview District we have helped residents who wanted to make it safer for walking. We also helped residents landscape and beautify Park Boulevard. We have also supported small businesses on Park Boulevard by putting up banners that highlight historic architecture in the neighborhood.

For years Glenview residents had been told that there was no money for improving medians and landscaping in their community. I secured $150,000 of street improvement money to install irrigation. By working with neighborhood volunteers to plant and maintain beautiful new landscaping, the area has rebounded. Thanks to the good work of many residents, the Glenview District, is becoming one of Oakland's treasures.

We now have streetscape improvement projects underway for Fruitvale Avenue Foothill Boulevard, 23rd Avenue, and High Street. Fixing problem properties and stores that attract nuisances is another powerful way to change neighborhoods. Over the years I have led the charge against dozens of problem properties from liquor stores to blighted apartments.

Turning corner liquor stores into community markets has had a major impact on neighborhood revitalization. I have also forced irresponsible landlords to improve their properties such as at Oak Park Apartments where we turned a blighted apartment complex into a beautiful building. Forcing absentee landlords to maintain their properties and encouraging them to become involved in the community has proven successful in revitalizing neighborhoods.

Maintaining peaceful neighborhoods is also very important. Speeding cars, cars parked on sidewalks, boom boxes, loud motorcycles, and fireworks should be controlled in our neighborhoods. I have worked with the City Council to enact laws to protect our quality of life, such as implementing noise ordinances, fireworks ordinances, and nuisance ordinances. We must ensure that the police department and other city departments use and enforce all available tools to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

City Services I believe that government exists to help people. I also believe city employees, from those in the planning department, to park and street maintenance, to police and fire fighters, to parking control officers + everyone who receives a check from the city + works for YOU.

As the leader of a major labor union, I have negotiated with large, well-run companies like Owens- Illinois or Gallo. I realized that I couldn't get more benefits for my workers unless the company was making money. It's simple: employees need to do their jobs effectively and responsibly.

I believe that the City must hire the best employees possible, property train and equip them, and enable them to make correct decisions on their own. I also believe that as a public agency, we are highly accountable to all City residents, businesses and taxpayers. In years that require tough budget decisions, I would first prioritize the delivery of direct services to Oaklanders in the City's budget. This means prioritizing public safety, streets and park maintenance, Keep Oakland Beautiful, trees, lighting, etc. To grow our revenue, I would attract private investment to increase tax revenue.

I hold myself and staff to the highest standards of accountability and service to everyone in District 5. I am available through my Council office and have many meetings with constituents and stakeholders at their request. I also live in the heart of the Fruitvale and District 5 and am frequently in public and local businesses. I generally take the time to speak with those who approach me about their concerns and ideas. Moreover, I regularly attend community meetings including Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meetings, and school and park meetings. Lastly, I am available at all City Council meetings and Committee meetings and members of the public regularly come to these meetings to hold me accountable.