Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf is encouraging Oaklanders to apply for a seat on the city's first police commission.
The panel was established after voters last fall approved Measure LL with 83 percent in favor of it.
"The city of Oakland and our residents demand the highest ethical standard from our officers, whether they are in uniform or off-duty," Schaaf said in a news release. "As an organization that is committed to constant self-examination and improvement, the creation of our first police commission is an important step in the process of moving our department forward and restoring public trust."
Last week, city officials were criticized in a scathing report about Oakland Police officers who were allegedly involved in a sex scandal involving a teenage girl. Some city watchdogs have been critical of the department since the report's release, noting that many of the officers accused of misconduct remain on the force. (Former Chief Sean Whent resigned under pressure last year; new police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said she was not given an advance copy of the report and is now reviewing it.)
The new police commission, once it is up and running, will oversee OPD policies and procedures.
Measure LL also created a separate community police review agency to investigate police misconduct and recommend discipline.
Those interested in applying for a seat on the commission need to be Oakland residents and at least 18 years old. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 30.
For more information, and to apply, visit http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca1/groups/cityadministrator/documents/form/oak064106.pdf.
Dunlop reappointed to TIDA
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee recently reappointed gay longtime city resident Mark Dunlop to the board of the agency responsible for overseeing development on Treasure Island.
Dunlop's reappointment as a director for the Treasure Island Development Authority was approved by the Board of Supervisors June 6 and he was sworn in prior to the TIDA meeting June 14, according to the mayor's office.
Dunlop has long been involved with the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. On the TIDA board he serves as secretary, according to its website. The board makes policy decisions "critical to the future of the former naval station," the website noted.
Oakland Zoo's free senior days
The Oakland Zoo and City Council President Larry Reid have announced a series of free admission days for seniors (age 65 or older) who currently live in the city.
The dates for the summer program �" all Mondays �" are July 17, August 21, and September 18.
The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors should bring Oakland resident identification. Parking is free for seniors (AC Transit line 46 serves the zoo), and all other guests pay regular admission.
For more information about the zoo, visit http://www.oaklandzoo.org.
Butch Voices confab coming to Oakland
Butch Voices, a group for women and trans people who identify as masculine-of-center, will hold its national conference August 17-20 in Oakland and tickets are now available.
The theme is "Reconnect. Recharge. Resist." Organizers said that the keynote speakers will be Gabby Rivera and Koja Adeyoha.
Rivera is a queer Latinx writer who penned Marvel's latest series, "America Chavez" and is the author of "Juliet Takes a Breath."
Adeyoha is a longtime two-spirit activist, educator, and community leader.
Other workshops, presenters, and performers are expected to be announced soon.
The conference will be held at Oakstop, 1721 Broadway, near the 19th Street BART station.
Until July 15, registration is $175 for a four-day pass, and $100 for a one-day pass. Organizers also offer financial aid, including scholarships, and help connect attendees with community housing.
For more information on the conference, visit http://www.butchvoices.com/. For financial aid and scholarship information, click on http://www.butchvoices.com/financial-aid/. For community housing information, visit http://www.butchvoices.com/community-housing/.