Elmhurst Neighborhood Council

History of Elmhurst Neighborhood Council - 34X

In January 1995, the Cherry Street Improvement Group (CSIG) was established by a small group of residents who wanted to improve the quality of life for those living on Cherry Street.  When the Oakland Police Department (OPD) began its Community Policing Program in 1998, the group evolved into the Beat 34X  Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).  (34x is the number of the police beat we live in.) 

In February 2009, the NCPC was revitalized and the name changed to the Elmhurst Neighborhood Council - 34X.  New officers were elected, new by-laws were adopted and a budget created and passed.  The organizations structure was put in place and policies and procedures were instituted.  A member recruitment, training and retention program was instituted and a core group of 10 - 15 residents meet every month. 

In April 2010, the Elmhurst Neighborhood Council - 34X was decertified by the City of Oakland but the organization lived on with the name Elmhurst Neighborhood Council.  An independent organization, not funded or managed by the City of Oakland, the members continue the work of transforming the neighborhood into a safe, clean place to live, work and play. 

Ehurst Community Council Activities

Programs have been developed and instituted under the new leadership.  One program, the Elmhurst Community Garden (located in Verdese Carter Park at 96th and Sunnyside), began in spring 2009, and is the linchpin of our organization's community organizing and outreach efforts.  Many community partners including the Jack London Square Farmer's Market Association, Elmhurst Community Prep, OBUGS, Oakland Police Athletic League (PAL), and the Garden Ladies, have worked with our neighborhood council to plant and maintain the garden.  The City of Oakland Park and Recreation Department also provides information and resources to the garden. Currently, funding is being sought through several sources to build the garden and expand the gardening program.