From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., hundreds of Oakland residents, business
owners, police officers active and retired, poured into the Rotunda
to talk, and eat and mix.

For many, myself included, it was the first reunion with police
officer friends and partners in community policing in years. and many
had moved up in rank from Officer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and
Captain. Retired OPD officers and off duty police in their civilian
clothing mixed with those in uniform, some just finishing their
shifts. The mood was festive and there was a celebratory spirit in
the air.

The setting was spectacular and the food equally satisfying. Phil
Tagami, who made the Rotunda available for the event, also arranged
for the catering crew that kept the tables cleared and the food
plentiful and warm for the guests who came in in waves. Local
restaurants such as Picant, and other food vendors provided finger
food, while a catering chef cooked pasta in the kitchen. The event
was seamless.

Talking to Phil later in the event, he said that he felt that this
sort of gathering was long overdue and should be an annual
occurrence. If I gauged the situation correctly, I think he was
correct. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the interaction and the
chance to meet informally in a beautiful, comforting setting.

There were no speeches, no formal presentations, no program other
than providing an inviting setting where people could meet and talk
and eat and drink comfortably. Everything was good, everyone was
smiling and visibly enjoying the evening. There were children
scurrying around and people of all ages mingling and talking and
enjoying themselves and each other.

Oakland did itself proud last night and can feel hope for the city's
future based on the character and motivations of its citizens,
businesses, and police.