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CLARA GARZON-Assistant to Councilmember Chang &
Constituent Liaison to the At-Large Office
Clara Garzon was born in Mexico City, Mexico and was later raised in Oakland, California. Having attended the University of California, Berkeley, she holds a bachelors degree in Psychology and a masters degree in International Relations.
Clara has over 20 years of experience in the field of public relations and customer service. Before working at City Hall, Clara has worked for the airlines, the Port of Oakland, and was the director of a mentorship program for the UC Berkeley Alumni Association.
So far, Clara has worked at City Hall for 3 years; one year with the Mayor's Office as the Community Service Coordinator, and over 2 years under the position as the Assistant to Councilmember Chang, as well as the Constituent Liaison in the At-Large office. At the At-Large Office, she provides assistance and referrals to many constituents. She also plans and organizes the daily activities for the At-Large Council Office. What Clara likes about her occupation is it grants her the opportunity to interact with Oakland's diverse population. She feels being able to assist the people with their city issues is and has been very rewarding.
Clara's favorite pastime is spending valuable time with her children and helping them with their homework. She has three little children, ages five, seven, and nine. Clara values being close to her family and strongly feels that family is her top priority.
WILLIE YEE
Senior Policy Advisor Willie Yee joined Henry's staff in April 2001. Born and raised in Oakland, Willie graduated from Oakland High School and U.C. Berkeley, where he studied architecture and city planning.
Willie began his professional career in Santa Clara County where he worked for several city planning departments. In 1976, he joined the Oakland City's Planning Department as an Assistant Planner. One of the first projects Willie worked on was developing the city's zoning controls for alcoholic beverage sales activities. Adopted in 1977, Oakland's ordinance was the first in California to comprehensively address the location of businesses selling alcoholic beverages and even today still serves as the model ordinance for other cities wishing to regulate these types of use.
Willie worked for Oakland Planning Department for over 25 years, and served in a variety of positions including manager of Comprehensive Planning, Activity Director of City Planning, and Zoning Administrator. In addition to leading the review of numerous development projects, other projects Willie managed were the general plan update, creation of the City's Deemed Approved Program for alcoholic beverage retailers, neighborhood rezoning, and streamlining of the city's permit process.
Because of Willie's long years of service with Oakland's City Planning Department, and his familiarity with all areas of the city, he is able to help Henry address the myriad of citywide issues facing the At-Large Councilmember. Willie's experience in zoning and city government will help in advancing some of Henry's key initiatives including adopting of a new zoning ordinance, streamlining the city's development process to encourage more housing and attract new businesses, and making Oakland's government more user friendly.
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