Glenview Neighborhood Association (GNA) Board Meeting
Date: October 8, 2025
Next Meeting: November 12, 2025
City and Political Updates
Police Department
Police Chief resigned without explanation, possibly due to oversight and political issues.
There is significant police oversight in Oakland, though some feel it is "anti-police."
Concerns raised about officers taking leave and the need to strengthen neighborhood watch programs.
Mayor and City Leadership
Councilmember Janani Ramachandran attended events in Washington, D.C. with the Mayor to seek funding on the Democratic side.
She also attended the California League of Cities meeting.
Reported that crime is up 50% in the hills but down citywide. Data will be shared soon.
She will hold virtual office hours on October 30 (15-minute time slots).
Janani co-chairs the Fire Council; all 25 fire stations are currently open.
Mayor’s State of the City address highlighted crime disparities and the new City Charter Amendment Working Group.
2. Legislative and Policy Updates
City and Political Updates
Encampment Abatement Plan
- Currently in the Public Safety Committee.
- Some view the plan as criminalizing homelessness.
- It will need major amendments before moving forward or risk losing state funding.
- Oakland may lose funding if shelter options are not clearly identified.
- Ramachandran is not on the committee but is letting more impacted districts take the lead.
- Concern that stricter policies in nearby cities push unhoused people (especially RV dwellers) into Oakland.
- San Francisco’s model works partly because it is both a city and county; Oakland’s system is more fragmented.
- Barbara Lee is working to improve coordination between the city and county.
- San Jose’s homelessness response is cited as effective.
City Charter Amendment and Reform
- Goal: clarify Oakland’s government structure, improve financial management, and strengthen ethics protections.
- Led by the Mayor’s working group of experts.
- Focus areas include government structure (uneven council setup), financial oversight, and ethics.
- Could lead to a ballot measure next year.
- Former City Manager Steven Faulk is also developing a separate proposal.
- Charter reform happens rarely and often faces challenges.
Council Updates
- New Councilmember Ken Houston is described as unconventional but positive and proactive.
- Ramachandran reportedly has a good working relationship with the Council President.
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3. Community Events and Outreach
Upcoming Events:
- Oakland Diwali
Date: October 24, 2025
Celebration highlighted as a bright spot.
- Oakmore Stroll
Date: October 19, 2025
Community event.
- Montclair Halloween Festival
Date: October 26, 2025
Family-friendly neighborhood celebration.
- Elston Block Party
Date: October 25, 2025
Opportunity to sell GNA shirts.
- Next GNA Meeting
Date: November 12, 2025
Speaker: Andy (Mary’s husband), topic on geology. Stand-in MC needed.
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4. GNA Operations and Membership
Ice Cream Social Recap
- Positive event with happy attendees and only one complaint about long lines.
- 25 new members joined; $1,400 raised from donations and raffle.
- Need more mint chip, chocolate, and whipped cream for next time.
- Attendees asked, “What is this?” — opportunity to provide “About Us” signage or flyers.
- Many attendees were from Oakmore; clarify Glenview boundaries.
- Follow-up items: create Ice Cream Social Manual, diagram Hollywood Triangle setup, explore Venmo option.
Membership and Communication
- Many members unclear about what GNA membership entails.
- Consider reviving the “Glenview Neighbors” newsletter to promote local businesses, schools, and safety information.
- Address challenges with physical delivery; digital or hybrid options may work better.
- Create a community calendar for key events throughout the year.
Documentation and Organization
- Start a shared Google Drive for long-term materials.
- Include: Ice Cream Social Manual, event diagrams, and draft newsletter templates.
Holiday Giving
- Continue GNA’s tradition of donating to local schools during the holidays.
Branding Ideas
- Discussed “Welcome to Glenview” signs or banners.
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5. Public Safety and Neighborhood Coordination
- Suggest organizing a multi-neighborhood safety meeting before next summer, especially regarding fireworks enforcement.
- Continue coordination with Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils (NCPC).
- Request updated police contact list for neighborhood communication.
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6. Action Items and Next Steps
- Schedule safety outreach with police
Owner: Katy / Council office
- Create GNA Google Drive
Purpose: Share event documents and templates
- Draft Ice Cream Social Manual
Include: Setup diagram and process notes
- Plan Holiday Decoration Contest
Outreach: Send details via GlenFriends
- Develop Trial Version of GNA Newsletter
Task: Determine format and delivery method
- Coordinate Fireworks Enforcement
Follow up with Mimi
- Confirm November Meeting Logistics
Include: Stand-in MC and speaker confirmation (Andy)
- Assign Timekeeper for Meetings
Purpose: Maintain structure and pacing