Dellums sworn in as Oakland mayor
Christopher Heredia and Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, January 8, 2007
(01-08) 15:33 PST OAKLAND -- Ron Dellums was publicly sworn in today as Oakland's 48th mayor in front of a crowd of 1,900 at Paramount Theatre, pledging in his inaugural address that he will work to develop solutions to the violence that plagues this city, and asking for the public's help in doing so.
Dellums' inauguration was a political homecoming for the Oakland native, former Berkeley city councilman and longtime congressman. In his remarks, which lasted about 15 minutes, Dellums said his past experience in government -- and the friendships that have come out of his long years of service -- will help the city tackle its most vexing issues.
"My heart is very full at this moment," he said, thanking his wife and family for their support. "I will give you my best ... I accept this responsibility with a sense of honor, pride, humility, optimism, idealism, focus and dedication."
Dellums said the results of the last two elections -- including in November, when the Democrats took control of Congress -- signal the electorate's thirst for change. He spoke out against the war in Iraq, calling it wasteful, and compared the war overseas to the war on the streets of Oakland.
The former congressman linked the city's violence to quality of life issues, saying that Oakland residents have a right to be healthy, to have access to healthcare and to send their children to safe schools.
He also pledged tap his powerful allies to help develop solutions, but said in addition to using his connections in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, he would also enlist the help of Oakland's youth.
"Let us bring peace to the streets of Oakland," he said. "Peace is not an abstract idea, peace is about justice and we are going to bring justice to the streets of Oakland."
Dellums' oath of office followed a raucous City Council meeting, in which Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente almost lost his presidency after a challenge by East Oakland Councilman Larry Reid.
The new mayor had to calm down a rowdy crowd, many of whom were cursing and yelling in opposition to De La Fuente's reelection. It will be his fifth term as president of the council, after De La Fuente lost his bid for mayor to Dellums last year.
The homicide rate played a large role in both men's campaign for mayor. In his speech today, Dellums specifically addressed the 148 murders the city saw in 2006, a 57 percent jump from 2005.
"(These) murders do not speak to community, people with a sense of community don't kill each other," he said. "Oakland is one city, and we need to come out of our neighborhoods and embrace the rich tapestry and brilliance of our diversity and wonderful people."
The new mayor also attempted to turn the spotlight away from himself.
"This is not about Ron Dellums," he said. "You just asked an old guy to come out of the comfort zone, suit up and play one more game. Together we can do great things."
E-mail the writers at cheredia@sfchronicle.com and mlagos@sfchronicle.com.
sfgate.com |
