Chair

My name is Veronica and I use she/her pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Chair! Bay Area Native. Born in Berkeley and raised in Oakland. I am a firm believer that it takes inclusion, unity, and teamwork from the neighborhood to thrive! I am confident that as we move forward with the new diverse Melrose 27X NC steering committee different strengths and opinions will be represented. This gives me high hopes to show respect and love for all the neighbors, regardless of color, gender, age, religion, etc. I am fluent in English and Spanish, I am one Hella proud Oaklander who loves all animals, especially dogs, I’m vegetarian, and a proud aunt.

Vice Chair

My name is Teodros and I use he/him pronouns. I'm the Melrose 27X NC Vice-Chair. I've been in Melrose for almost a decade and my goal is to help organize and thereby strengthen our local community. I strongly believe that what we put into Oakland is what we get! My favorite Obama quote is "You get the politicians you deserve!" So next time you have the chance to vote please get out and VOTE! Finally, if I'm not working you can catch me walking my dog, Sticky Rice, hanging out at parks with my family, or joining a neighborhood clean-up. Looking forward to meeting the people of Melrose.

Treasurer

¡Muchísimo gusto! My name is Nidya and I use ella/she/her pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Treasurer. I am happy to be a part of the steering committee to support our Spanish Speakers and youth. I believe in partnering with youth and the community to have a rigorous hands-on academic experience will lead to the elimination of violence in East Oakland. I am proud to serve as the Principal at my alma mater, Fremont High School. Go Tigers!!! 🥳💚🐯

Community Lead

My name is Nichole and I use she/her pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Community Lead. I have been in Melrose since 2019, but my family has owned this home since 1974. I live with my two boys. Being the Community Lead is important to me because I am raising my children in this community. I look forward to working with the committee to create ways for Melrose to engage and grow. I want to know my neighbors and what is going on around us. I love being a mother and traveling with my children when time allows. I also enjoy making reels on Instagram and Tiktok.

Secretary

My name is Jaime and I use she/her pronouns. I'm the Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council Secretary. I've lived in Oakland for 6 years, and in the neighborhood for 3 years. I've been in the Bay Area for almost 14 years. I am excited to be part of the steering committee because it's so important to keep our community members healthy and happy through movement. I believe that fitness can be fun at any age, skill level, or ability. I am excited to find ways for the community to use the new equipment at Courtland Creek Park and to find other opportunities for fitness around the neighborhood. When I am not at work I am hiking with my dog, traveling, wine tasting, or trying a new local restaurant.

Friends of Courtland Creek Lead

My name is Sadie and I use she/her pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Friends of Courtland Creek Lead. I have lived in Oakland for 14 years and in the neighborhood for 7 years. I am excited to be part of the Melrose 27X NC steering committee because Courtland Creek is a lovely, hidden natural area in our neighborhood that has so much potential! Especially, if we can move beyond the twice-yearly cleanups! I am a wildlife biologist and I know how important natural spaces are for ourselves and especially our young people, so I cannot wait to be part of something bigger with our creek corridor. In my precious alone time, I love to garden and hang out with my chickens and bees, watch movies I've seen a million times, and bake sweet treats.

Public Health Advocate

My name is Braunz and I use he/him pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Public Health Advocate. I have worked in Melrose for over 15 years and lived in Havenscourt for about 7 years. I love and appreciate East Oakland, especially our Melrose neighborhood. I am an executive for a public health agency called HEPPAC, physically located in our neighborhood. My goal for Melrose is to work with other neighbors on creating and executing a plan to increase walkability, a safer environment, and progression for businesses to thrive in neighborhoods. I have a passion for Real-Estate, the advancement of Black Indigenous People of Color BIPOC communities living healthier lifestyles and I strive to live with a healthy mind, body, and soul. I have two dogs, love DIY projects, and you can find me cleaning my street once a week!

Neighborhood Services Coordinator

My name is Araina Richards. I use she/her pronouns. I am the Neighborhood Services Coordinator (NSC) for the Melrose Neighborhood Council, Beat 27X. Born and raised in the Town myself, I have been engaging residents in the Melrose neighborhood since 1994. As an NSC, I work closely with the Neighborhood Council chair and residents to ensure that issues of concern and civic requests are recognized, reported, and addressed by the correct City and County agency. I continue to bring enthusiasm and dedication to do my part in growing the City of Oakland to its fullest potential. A City that I love. A City that is home to me and my family. In my spare time, you can find me singing in my church choir on Sunday mornings or just spending time with family.

Community Resource Officer (CRO)

Hi, I'm Officer Sumpter. I use he/him pronouns. I am the Melrose 27X NC Community Resource Officer (CRO). I am an Oakland Police Officer because I wanted to become the Officer I would've liked to have met when I was growing up. I am a CRO because I feel the CRO's role is important in building the community's trust with the department. I've been with the Oakland Police department for 9 years. I am happy to work in the community with Melrose 27X Neighborhood because I believe this neighborhood has the promise to become the pillar of change in the City of Oakland. When I am off of work I like to enjoy my time with family, friends, and plenty of ESPN Sportcenter!

Youth Council Chair

My name is Nico and I use he/him pronouns. You probably have seen me around because I attend most clean-ups and community events with my mother, Nichole. Nolan is my baby brother. I am 10 years old and I like legos and Fortnite.

Youth Council

My name is Nolan and I use he/him pronouns. You probably have seen me around because I attend most clean-ups and community events with my mother, Nichole. Nico is my big brother. I am 4 years old and I enjoy playing with cars and watching cartoons.

Youth Council

My name is Angel and I use he/him pronouns. I’ve lived in Melrose my entire life! Math is my favorite subject in school. I love going hiking and exploring the outdoors. I live next door to the Melrose Community Garden and it makes me happy when I get invited to attend. It makes me feel supported and it keeps me busy especially when I have nothing to do. I really like how the Melrose Community Garden is changing and I look forward to making it nicer.

Youth Council

¡Hola! My name is Ellis and I use she/her pronouns. I am 6 years old and going into the 1st grade. My favorite things to do are going in a pool, playing with reusable water balloons, and going to golf camp. I am happy to be a part of the Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council because it helps the neighborhood by cleaning it up and making sure no one litters. Together we can take care of Earth because we only have one.

Youth Council

Hi! My name is Payton and I use she/her pronouns. I am 9 years old (almost 10!) and going into the 5th grade. My favorite things to do are reading chapter books, cooking and baking, and listening to music. I am excited to be a part of the Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council because I am able to help my neighborhood grow and stay healthy.

Youth Council

My name is Alvaro and I use he/him pronouns. I speak Mum, Spanish, and some English. I am excited to be part of the Youth Council because I enjoy helping people, staying busy, and doing things in the best possible way; learning is my passion. For fun, I love sports, especially track and soccer. I also enjoy hiking, and the outdoors. I love reading. I am excited to join the community clean-ups and meet people from our community.

Top Pet

Hello, my name is Rosie and I am the Melrose 27X NC Top Pet! I'm a 3 year-old German Shepherd. I was abandoned as a pup in Benicia, then saved by CalPaws K9 Rescue, then adopted by Chuck and Therese. I really love the Courtland Creek community clean-ups because I get to run around and sniff everybody with my large snout. I'm good at everything except being left alone. My favorite things are tennis balls, going running, and chasing that annoying cat O.J. I am very grateful to be chosen as Top Pet and hope that I can live up to this honor.

Top Pet

Hello, my name is Oroborus. I'm a Jungle Carpet Python and I’ll be 18 years old next month on June 17th. I was born in captivity here in Oakland and lived with my parents and a local stop-motion animator, Ri Crawford before I came to live with Caitlin and her partner. I really love the Melrose Community Garden gatherings, because I get to meet new people and bask in the sunshine. I'm nearly 7 feet long and super strong. My favorite things are climbing, sunbathing, taking naps, and eating rats.

Top Pet

Howdy neighbors! Our names are Amber, Bunny & Larry. We are heritage Delaware hens and we turned 2 years old on May 20th, 2023! We’ve lived our whole lives here in Oakland, in the backyard of a crazy house full of fun and rambunctious animals. We love getting to meet new people and getting gentle pets or a comfy lap to rest in. Our favorite things are dirt baths and snacks. Our favorite snacks are fresh fruit, mealworms, and crickets. We are so excited to be part of the Melrose 27X NC Top-Pet board because we really enjoy the Melrose Community Garden and we can't wait to meet more neighbors!