ABOUT DIA

Zandile has been a resident of the Dimond for 26 years and has served on the DIA board for eleven years. She has participated in many efforts and on many committees, including Executive, Finance, Database, Membership, Keep Dimond Clean, Oaktoberfest, Crime & Safety, Dimond Public Art and Art in the Street.

Zandile’s vision is to have the Dimond be clean and safe for all and to maintain the district’s charming characteristics.

Maddie has been a Dimond resident since 2020. She grew up in the Bay Area, and spent time in Chicago, New York and Italy before finally making her way back to California. She works in the food and beverage industry, and is an avid user of Dimond Park’s pool and tennis courts!

Maddie’s vision for the Dimond is a warm and vibrant neighborhood with a thriving commercial district, a place that is well-connected to the rest of Oakland, and a place where Dimond residents of all ages feel safe and welcome. 

David has been a resident of the Dimond since 2006.   Both of his children attended Sequoia Elementary, where he has been active as a volunteer parent for the Dad’s Club and after-school chess classes.   He has also served as a baseball coach in the NOLL / SOLL Little League for the past several years.   Professionally, David is a practicing attorney specializing in commercial real estate transactions in California and throughout the United States.   

David’s vision for the Dimond is to support and grow a thriving business district, maintain clean and safe parks and public spaces, and to encourage the involvement of all residents in making the Dimond a safe and welcoming neighborhood for everyone. 

Chris remembers visiting the Dimond as far back as 1972 when his grandmother lived on Dimond Avenue. In 1986, as a young teacher he made the Dimond his permanent residence, and in subsequent years he married and raised two children. In 1998, Chris joined the faculty of Head-Royce School, where he has taught Physics, Astronomy, and Robotics ever since. Chris served on the DIA board from 2011 to 2015, and rejoined in 2018. Most of that time he has served as Board Chair. Improving the fiscal management within the DIA and transitioning to a new listserv have been two significant achievements for Chris.

Chris’ vision for the Dimond is to further its growth as a community built by involvement. This means facilitating communication between community members, DIA members, merchants, visitors, and the many organizations that have the Dimond as their focus.

Heather is a Northern California native, resident of Oakland for the past 12 years and Dimond resident since 2017. Heather has spent her career as a genetic counselor helping individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. As a Product Manager for Quest Diagnostics, she helps bring genetic testing to those who need it. She loves spending time outdoors hiking East Bay trails with her husband and dog or training for the Oakland Half Marathon. Heather has volunteered with the DIA since 2021, helping to bring community events to life and participating in litter pick-ups. Heather deeply believes that Oakland should be a beautiful place for all.

Charis Jones -Allen, New York native and husband Claude Allen, Oakland native are owners of KANNA dispensary in Oakland’s Diamond District. Claude was raised in the area as a child. They are dedicated to promoting the growth and prosperity of the community and are committed to keeping the area safe and clean for all residents.               

Claude and Charis’ mission statement is to build a vibrant and prosperous community in the Dimond District of Oakland. As business owners and community board members, they are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. They believe by working together, we can build a strong resilient community that thrives economically.

Anoush is an Oakland native and has lived in the Dimond/Oakmore area since 2009. She is an attorney and also helps run Micah Electric Co. with her husband, Micah. Her older kid attends St. Paul’s Episcopal School near Lake Merritt, her middle kiddo is up the hill at Escuelita del Bosque forest school, and her littlest child is 1 month old. Anoush loves living in the Dimond area and can be found at Dimond Park, the library, grabbing coffee or food at one of our many awesome local restaurants, or cruising the neighborhood with her pup. Anoush looks forward to joining the board and further supporting our community.

Julie was born in Oakland and is a 25-year resident of the Dimond, where she raised her two daughters. She loves Oakland and working to benefit our community. A DIA board member for 14 years, she is currently Treasurer, Finance Committee member, and Beautification Committee member. She has also been active on the Economic Development Committee and Oaktoberfest Committee. In the accounting field for 30+ years, Julie works as finance department head at Ray’s Electric. Her hobbies include masters swimming, gardening, hiking, travel, cooking and baking, sewing, decorating, and paper collage.

Julie’s vision for the Dimond is a thriving business district with a variety of cool offerings, including interesting retail and dining experiences. She would love to help usher in more public art and is passionate about retaining some of Dimond’s architectural aspects from the past.

Judy is a recently retired high school teacher and union leader. She has lived in the Dimond for 20 years and is delighted to finally have the time to be actively involved in our neighborhood! What she loves about the Dimond is that it has personality — it has amenities, but isn’t gentrified. As a union president, she has experience with organizing and pushing levers within political systems to create change.  She and her dog, Crumpet, enjoy neighborhood walks and hikes in the woods. Pip, the cat, enjoys whatever he darn well enjoys.

Judy sees an opportunity to figure out, then use City and County systems to help Dimond be even more vibrant.