Community Safety in Oakland: A Conversation with Chief Holly Joshi, Oakland Department of Violence Prevention

On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Redwood Heights Association hosted an insightful virtual event with Chief Holly Joshi, Director of the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention (DVP). This community conversation focused on violence prevention in Oakland, public safety strategies, and how her team is working to build a safer city.

What We Learned about Violence Prevention from Chief Holly Joshi

Chief Joshi shared her team’s public health approach to reducing violence and creating long-term community wellness. The discussion covered:

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Ballot Measure Pros & Cons with the League of Women Voters

Past Events

We partnered with the League of Women Voters of Oakland to bring you a comprehensive, nonpartisan ballot measure pros and cons for the 2024 Election. We broke down the 10 California propositions and 3 Oakland measures to help you decide. Along with explaining how Ranked-Choice Voting works—a key element of local elections—we also covered an overview of the two recall elections on the ballot.

The featured speaker was Anna Mathai, VP & Co-Chair Voter Service, from the League of Women Voters of Oakland. Her presentation balanced the pros and cons of the ballot measures to provide the community with clear, unbiased information to make informed decisions at the polls. She was incredibly helpful in breaking down the propositions and measures and providing insight into the nuances of why these are on the ballot. Listening to her presentation and making informed decisions when you vote is worth your time.

Ballot Measure Pros & Cons Presentation

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Butterfly Garden

Past Events

Board Members Recognized for Creating the Butterfly Garden

We are thrilled to share some exciting news – our dedicated board members, Mary Pryor and Mary Gregory, have received well-deserved recognition from the City for their outstanding efforts in bringing the Butterfly Garden to life at Redwood Heights Park. This weekend, their hard work was recognized by District 4 Councilmember Janani Ramachandran.

Butterfly Garden and Other Projects

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2023 Year-End Review

Past Events

A Year-End Review of 2023

Reflect on an impactful 2023 with the Redwood Heights Association! This year, from community events to park improvements and neighborhood initiatives, has been filled with moments of connection and positive change. Watch our 2023 Year-End Review to see how your support helped us make a difference in Redwood Heights and beyond. We’ve strengthened our community and laid the foundation for a brighter future! 💡

📌 Key Highlights: Blood Drives, a Little Free Library, Earth Day Enhancements at Redwood Heights Park, a Plant Share, Music in the Park, Movies in the Park, a Maker Challenge, a Roundtable with Mayor Sheng Thao, and an Annual Community Meeting. 🌟

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EBMUD Pipeline Rebuild on Jordan Road and Rettig Avenue

Past Events

After a series of main breaks in the Jordan Road area, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) made some changes to the timeline and scope of pipeline work planned in Oakland. This work will improve water service, reduce water loss, and prevent pipeline breaks in the service area. The work began on September 5, 2023.

In this meeting, the EBMUD staff provided a review of the Pipeline Rebuild program, provided details on the timeline and scope of the work on Jordan Road and Rettig Avenue, and answered questions from residents.

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Creating a Butterfly Garden for Earth Day

Past Events

For Earth Day this year, the association created a butterfly garden At Redwood Heights Park. We are so excited about this enhancement to the park. This garden will help preserve the essential habitat butterflies need to survive and bring more butterflies to the greater community.

And what a beautiful Oakland day to celebrate Earth Day! You couldn’t have asked for a better day, sunny but not too warm.

The project was an amazing collaboration between Jackie Salas (Oakland Public Works), the Pollinator Posse, Hope Salzer (Landscape Designer), Waste Management, Breht Clark (Redwood Heights Recreation Center), and RHA. A special thanks to Ghirardelli Chocolate Company for the grant to make this project a reality, and RHA board members, Mary Pryor and Mary Gregory for pulling it all together!

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