Jack London District Association formally announces itself
The Jack London District Association was formally announced today with a press release. The Oakland Tribune picked up the story in its online version with a story by Paul Rosynsky. JLDA's press release is available for download as a PDF.

Although similar in name, JLDA is not to be confused with the previous organization JLNA that became defunct several years ago when its founder Wilda White left the area (unfortunately only just after JLDA achieved non-profit status). Since Wilda basically was JLNA it was impossible to keep it going or revive it, leaving the neighborhood without any formal voice for a significant period.

Throughout several major events a few concerned community members struggled to continue defend the interests of the district - often digging deep in their own pockets to fund the efforts. With no coherent voice and no money for legal representation it was easy for the City to write-off those from the district that turned up at meetings as a vocal, but otherwise irrelevant, minority. As is common in politics, those with the most time and money to devote to promoting their cause won the day.

Inspite of some dispirating defeats at City Hall those same people managed to achieve many positive and community building results in the district, such as several very successful Trash Bash neighborhood cleanups and a National Neighborhood Day street party. They also managed to convince the City to hold public meetings with full press coverage to warn the district about the current serial rapist, and have been working quietly behind the scenes to ensure the four development projects currently under way are obiding by the conditions of approval. While the result of the attempt to improve parking in the district in an evenhanded and innovative way has so far yielded a stalemate, it has at least raised the visibility of the problem to the very highest level possible among City staff.

With a new name, heightened visibility in the district and at City Hall, and an opportunity to raise funds for more good work and community outreach we are sure to be hearing more of The Jack London District Association.
Posted 5/26/2005