Report: Cops Search Black California Teens Six Times More Than White Peers

there is an indication that a higher rate of those stopped who were perceived as Black were not actually engaged in unlawful activity.

In addition, Black children and adolescents (10 to 14 and 15 to 17 years old) were detained curbside or in a patrol car, searched, or handcuffed during a higher percentage of stops than any other combination of perceived race or ethnicity and age groups.

Call to Protect Geoffrey’s Inner Circle from Threatened High-Rise Development

By Ken Epstein

Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

The California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA Board) released its annual report on policing in December. It revealed that people “perceived as Black were searched at 2.2 times the rate of people” appearing as white.

Additionally, law enforcement officers in the state searched a total of 6,622 more people perceived as Black than those perceived as White, the report states. Also of note, those perceived to be Black adolescents between 15 to 17 years old were searched nearly six times the rate of those perceived as white.

“In addition to providing a detailed analysis of the policing activities of 58 law enforcement agencies, this year’s report provides much-needed context on the negative physical, emotional, and mental health consequences expe- rienced by students and the broader communities that are most often the subject of those activities,” said RIPA board member Melanie Ochoa, Co-Chair of the Board and Director of Police Practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

RIPA Board is a diverse group of 19 members representing the public, law enforcement, and educators. It was formed in 2016 when Assembly Bill (AB) 953, the “Racial and Identity Profiling Act,” was passed. The bill was authored by Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in the greater San Diego area. The board’s charge is to “eliminate racial and identity profiling and improve diversity and racial and identity sensitivity in law enforcement,” according to language included in AB 953.

“California remains at the fore- front of the nation in examining police stop data,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Over the last several years, we’ve collected and analyzed information on nearly 12 million police encounters in our state.”

The current report, sheds light on a study of millions of vehicular and pedestrian stops conducted from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021, by 58 law enforcement agencies in California — a notable expansion from the 18 participating agencies documented in the previous report released by RIPA last July.

At the conclusion of a stop, officers are required to report the outcome such as no action taken, warning or citation given, or arrest. For individuals perceived as Black, the 2023 report stated, officers reported “no action taken” approximately 2.2 times as often as they did for individuals viewed as white. The report concluded that

The report also details that law enforcement officers used force against people perceived as Black at 2.2 times the rate of individuals perceived as white. For those perceived as Latino, officers used force against them at 1.3 times the rate of individuals perceived as white.

Fifty-eight agencies reported over 3.1 million stops during the data collection 12-month study, with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducting the most stops of any single agency (54.9%). In addition, individuals perceived to be Hispanic/Latinos (42.4%), white (30.7%), or Black (15.0%) comprised the majority of stopped individuals.

“Coupled with a strong set of evidence-based recommendations to the Legislature, local jurisdictions, and policing agencies, such as an end to pretext stops and consent searches, our hope is that this year’s report will continue to push California towards building communities that are safer for all,” Ochoa stated.

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PO-

Continued on page 10

Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, a downtown Oakland Cultural Center that has featured live jazz and served music lovers and the Black community for decades, is now under threat from a proposed real estate development that could undermine the stability and future of the facility.

Geoffrey’s, located at 410 14th St., is part of the city’s Black Arts Movement and Business District which was formed in 2016 by resolution of the Oakland City Council to protect Black-owned businesses and enhance a downtown district that would encourage the historic African American legacy and culture of Oakland.

Now, the Oakland Planning Commission is considering a high-rise building proposed by out-of-town developers next to Geoffrey’s, which would jeopardize both the survival of the venue and the Black business district as a whole.

In addition to running a business that has been a crucial institution in the local community and the regional arts scene, Geoffrey Pete, founder, has utilized his business to offer meals for thousands of unsheltered individuals and hosted countless community events.

CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR DIRECT COMMUNITY GRANTS

The following petition is being circulated in defense of Geoffrey’s and the Black Arts district (To add your name to the petition, email info@geoffreyslive.com):

“The African-American community in Oakland has been seriously damaged by developers and public officials who are willing and sometimes eager to see African-Americans disappear from the city. Black people comprised 47% of the population in 1980; now they make up only 20% of said population. In response to this crisis the 14th Street Corridor from Oak to the 880 Frontage Road was established as the Black Arts Movement and Business District by the City Council on Jan. 7, 2016, in Resolution 85958.

Tidewater, an out-of-town developer, is proposing to build a high-rise building at 1431 Franklin, which will damage the Black business district and the businesses in the area including the iconic business of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle at 410 – 14th St.

We demand that the Planning Commission and the City Council reject this predatory building proposal and proceed with plans to fund and enhance the Black Business District.”

Project Description: The City of Oakland, Finance Department is pleased to announce the new Direct Community Grants program. The Direct Community Grants Program aims to provide resources to Oakland’s underserved communities disproportionately affected by social, economic, and environmental challenges by funding support programs and services in these communities. This Request For Proposal (RFP) is being issued to ensure a fair, equitable process, increase grant awarding fairness, and expand the opportunity for any interested organization, especially small, local non-profits to seek grant funding from the City of Oakland to serve Oakland’s residents by those who know Oakland best. Community-based organizations serving Oakland residents impacted by racial disparities identified in the 2018 Equity Indicators Report and the Geographic Equity Toolbox and who serve communities with a history of lack of access to funding opportunities are highly encouraged to reply to this RFP.

Oakland’s Mayor and City Council proudly supports advancing racial equity in Oakland’s underserved communities disproportionately affected by social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Pre-Proposal Meetings (Voluntary):

To provide multiple opportunities for interested parties to learn about the RFP and ask questions.

• Tuesday, January 24, 2023 – 9:00 A.M.(Pacific)

• Friday, January 27, 2023 - 12:00 PM (Pacific) o Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84198340941

Pre-Proposal Workshops (Voluntary):

• Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Pacific)

• Monday, February 13, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Pacific) o 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Classroom #1 Oakland, CA 94612

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 by 5:00 P.M. via iSupplier.

Reminders:

• iSupplier will not allow submission of proposals after 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

• All who wish to participate in this RFP must register through iSupplier at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/register-with-isupplier ) to receive addenda/ updates on this RFP, submit proposals, invoice payments if selected, and direct notification of future bid opportunities.

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits

• Border Wall Prohibition

For Answers to Questions:

• Living Wage

• Campaign Reform Act

• Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance

• For project-related questions, contact o Brittany Hines via email at bhines@oaklandca.gov or o Tiffany Kirkpatrick via email at tkirkpatrick@oaklandca.gov

• Prompt Payment

• Arizona Boycott

• Dispute Disclosure

• For iSupplier registration support, send email to isupplier@oaklandca.gov or call (510) 238 7643 and advise that you need HELP to expedite registration for this RFP.

Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, (January 20, 2023) The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.