An Oakland Legend Our part will celebrate an Oakland Legend in John Russo. Currently, John is serving as Oakland's first elected City Attorney. In that role he has created the Oakland Neighborhood Law Corps to bring his office closer to the people that it serves, rooting out neglectful landlords, and protecting those who didn't know they could be helped by the City of Oakland.

Russo's also ended long standing legal problems between the City and the Golden State Warriors Basketball Team, and making allies in that organization in the process.

Before his time as City Attorney, John was an Oakland Councilmember in "District 2" -- an area of Oakland that includes Lakeshore and Lake Merritt. John helped to create a district plan that led to the revitalization of Lakeshore's Commericial Avenue, where an eclectic mix of cafes, Yoga studios, and restaurants and shops play host. John also spearheaded the process that caused the redevelopment of the park that now is the place for one of the most successful farmer's markets in the USA.  ¶ 11:38 AM