Renee Sykes

My name is Renee Sykes and I have been a Vallejo resident for approximately forty (40) years. I am married, have two adult children and three grandchildren. My children attended Vallejo schools and my grandchildren currently attend Cave Elementary in Vallejo.

In 1979, I received my bachelor’s degree in labor relations from Cal State Hayward. After obtaining my degree, I worked in the banking industry for eleven (11) years as a bank officer. In 1990, I switched careers and began working for the Oakland Police Department (OPD). I started as a Police Services Technician and in 1992, worked with OPD command staff to establish Community Policing in Oakland. In August 1994, I became a Neighborhood Services Coordinator (NSC). This position was created to be a liaison between the police department and the Oakland community. For twenty-seven (27) years I worked in various Oakland neighborhoods assisting residents, merchants, and others brainstorming, strategizing, addressing, and resolving criminal and quality of life issues. In October 2020 after thirty (30) years with OPD, I retired from the department.

My retirement from OPD did not stop my community activism. I am currently active in Vallejo, at my church, with the organization Common Ground, and as a board member on the non-profit organization Vallejo Together. I am also a part time ticket seller for the Paramount Theater in Oakland and the Chase Center in San Francisco.

My interests are my energetic grandchildren (“Grandma Taxi”), bowling, gardening, and reading.