City Council Approves Mayor Barbara Lee's Appointment to the Police Commission

Oakland, CA — The Oakland City Council has confirmed Mayor Barbara Lee's appointment of Judge Evelio M. Grillo (Ret.) to the Oakland Police Commission, adding a highly respected jurist and public servant at a pivotal moment for the Oakland Police Department (OPD) and the City's ongoing public safety efforts.

Judge Grillo's confirmation comes as Oakland continues to build on recent progress in public safety. Over the past year, the city has seen meaningful reductions in gun violence, including the lowest homicide total Oakland has recorded in decades.

These gains reflect an all-hands-on-deck approach focused on prevention, accountability, and strong partnerships across city departments, public safety agencies, and community organizations. While this progress is significant, public safety remains an urgent priority, and sustained leadership and oversight are essential to maintaining and accelerating these outcomes.

"Oakland needs steady, experienced, and principled leadership on the Police Commission—especially during a police chief transition and as we redouble our commitment to completing the NSA," said Mayor Barbara Lee. "Judge Evelio Grillo brings an extraordinary depth of legal expertise, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to public service that will strengthen accountability and help move Oakland forward."

Judge Grillo brings more than 20 years of judicial experience and a nationally recognized portfolio in civil, criminal, family, and complex litigation. His career includes presiding over more than 200 jury and court trials, with decisions and assignments contributing to more than 50 published appellate opinions spanning torts, land use, governmental liability, and the California Public Records Act.

Judge Grillo holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and both a Master of Public Policy and a B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley. His judicial service includes work in the Complex Litigation Department, Civil Law & Motion, settlement programs, and the Superior Court Appellate Panel. He is also a respected educator, having taught civil trial practice at Berkeley Law and served as a clinical instructor at Stanford Law School.

"Throughout my judicial career, I have seen firsthand and experienced how transparency and accountability are essential to the public's trust," said Judge Grillo. "Oakland's path out of the NSA will require rigor, fairness, and an unwavering focus on civil rights and public safety, both of which should be viewed as complementary policy goals, and not as being at odds with each other. I am committed to being fair and even handed to all stakeholders and to acting in the best interests of the citizens of the City of Oakland. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Oakland and to contribute to this essential work."

With Judge Evelio M. Grillo joining the Oakland Police Commission, the City gains a deeply experienced and trusted leader whose oversight will help sustain recent public safety gains while advancing accountability, reform, and community trust during a critical period for Oakland.