Mayor Lee Appoints Judge Evelio M. Grillo and Doug Wong to Oakland Police Commission

Oakland, CA — Mayor Barbara Lee this week announced the appointment of two highly respected leaders - Doug Wong, a retired fire engineer and longtime public safety and community leader, and Judge Evelio M. Grillo (Ret.) - to the Oakland Police Commission. Their appointments come at a pivotal moment for the Oakland Police Department (OPD), particularly as the city continues to build on it's recent progress on public safety.

Over the past year, Oakland has seen meaningful reductions in gun violence, including the lowest homicide total the city has recorded in decades. These gains reflect an all-hands-on-deck approach that prioritizes prevention, accountability, and partnership 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, principled leadership on the Police Commission, especially during a police chief transition and as we redouble our commitment to completing the NSA," said Mayor Lee. "Doug Wong and Judge Evelio Grillo are exactly the kind of experienced leaders and public servants we need right now. Together, they bring deep experience in public safety, accountability, and government oversight."

Judge Grillo brings over 20 years of judicial experience and a nationally recognized portfolio in civil, criminal, family, and complex litigation. His experience includes more than 200 jury and court trials, and his decisions and assignments have contributed to more than 50 published appellate opinions across areas such as 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 has included 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."

Doug Wong brings more than five decades of experience in public safety, emergency response, and local government service. A retired Fire Engineer with the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, he spent nearly 30 years on the front lines of emergency response and public safety operations. He has also served in key government roles, including Chief of Staff for Berkeley City Council District 5 and staff to the Oakland Unified School District Board.

Wong has long been a leader in community emergency preparedness, serving with Citizens of Oakland Responding to Emergencies (CORE) since 1992 and currently as a CERT instructor. A certified CPR and First Aid instructor, he has trained residents across Oakland through the American Red Cross and local adult education programs.

A respected community leader, Wong currently serves as President of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Oakland Lodge, is a member of the American Red Cross Leadership Council (East Bay), and has been actively involved with the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council.

"The protection of Oakland's residents is paramount," said Doug Wong. "By serving on the Police Commission, I hope to help strengthen public safety by improving collaboration between the police, the community, and city government."

With Doug Wong and Judge Evelio M. Grillo joining the Oakland Police Commission, the City adds two deeply experienced leaders who will help sustain recent gains while confronting the work that remains. Their leadership will provide stability during the police chief selection process and reinforce Oakland's continued focus on accountability, reform, and community trust.