Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao delivered her State of the City address at a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, laying out her administration’s accomplishments over the last year and outlining how she intends to continue the progress during the rest of her term.
Thao boasted about where the city has improved in the last year
since her previous city address, saying that the change is “nothing short of inspiring.”
Her 2023 city address was filled with acknowledgments of her administration’s failures, including not securing funding for retail crime prevention, loss of businesses, risk to public welfare and much more, but this year’s speech focused on her accomplishments.
There was also no mention of the recall she is facing in a few short weeks or the FBI raid on her home in June.
Thao dedicated the majority of her 2023 speech talking about her priority on public safety. She had fired the former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong eight months prior. She then became the face of the rising crime the city was struggling to manage.
But at her speech Tuesday night, she celebrated the hiring of current chief Floyd Mitchell, who joined the department this spring, and the reinvestment into the Ceasefire program to prevent violent crimes.
“I can tell you today that crime is down,” Thao said.
Homicides in particular are down nearly 30% from 2023. One hundred and twenty people were
Oakland Post
That’s why I was honored to welcome state and federal leaders to Oakland for the official launch of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), a groundbreaking project that marks a turning point for our city and the greater Bay Area.
The event showcased Oakland’s leadership in hydrogen adoption, demonstrating how Oakland is implementing innovative technologies that have practical benefits for our community.
This includes a hydrogen sea ferry that will reduce emissions in our bay, AC Transit hydrogen buses that will improve air quality on our streets, and the NorCAL ZERO First Element Hydrogen Fueling station, the largest in the nation, which will significantly reduce harmful air pollution from our hardest-hit neighborhoods.
By Oakland Post Staff
Music Director Kedrick
By Rebecca Kaplan, Vice Mayor of Oakland
As California accelerates its shift to a clean energy future, the debate around how to best reduce emissions often focuses on the merits of one technology over another.
But the truth is, to meet our ambitious climate goals, we need a comprehensive approach—one that includes both electrification and clean hydrogen solutions. We cannot afford to choose one over the other if we want to ensure a cleaner, more equitable future for all.
Why does this matter for Bay Area residents?
For too long, Black, Latino, and lower-income communities, particularly those in industrial truck corridors along West and East Oakland and near busy highways, have been subjected to a disproportionate share of harmful air pollution caused by emissions, especially diesel particulate emissions, from trucks and other sources.
A recent study authored by researchers at UC Berkeley and the
Magaly Muñoz
Armstrong will make history with his debut performance at the Oakland Symphony’s 2024-25 Season Opening Concert on Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland.
Armstrong, who is from Georgetown, South Carolina, is the ninth music director in the organization’s almost 100-yearhistory. His appointment follows in the footsteps of the late Oakland Symphony Music Director and Conductor Michael Morgan.
Armstrong, 30, is not a new
face to Oakland as he has been an active partner with the Oakland Symphony over the last few years both on and off-the-stage.
From 2022-24, Armstrong led three Oakland Symphony programs and guest-conducted the orchestra, showcasing his broad knowledge of the classical repertoire and enthusiasm for spotlighting diverse voices.
On his Oakland Symphony subscription debut on Feb. 16, Kedrick led the World Premiere of “Here I Stand: Paul Robeson,” an oratorio by Carlos Simon
By Jackson Walker CBS News Austin
As she continues to try to connect with Black male voters, Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday promised to offer 1 million business loans to Black entrepreneurs.
“Vice President Harris is laying out an agenda to give Black men the tools to build wealth and achieve financial freedom, lower costs for themselves and their families, and protect their rights—addressing the issues that Black men across the country have told her are their top concerns,” the campaign wrote. Harris’ economic plan centers
The Harris campaign announced the plan via its website, which notes “Donald Trump is a serious threat to the lives of Black men.” These forgivable loans could reach as high as $20,000 in value, the site reads.
Music Director Kedrick Armstrong. Photo by Scott Chernis.
Oakland City Councilmember atlarge Rebecca Kaplan. File photo.
Mayor Sheng Thao delivered her State of the City address at a City Council meeting Tuesday evening where she celebrated all her accomplishments and improvements since her last city address. Photo courtesy of the mayor’s office.
Oakland Unified School District 1 candidates Rachel Latta and Ben Salop. Photos courtesy of candidates.
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. File photo.
(L-R) Richard “Razor” Johnson, plaintiff and hunger strike survivor; JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey, director and producer, respectively, of the film documentary “The Strike;” and event host Caitlin Henry, Criminology and Justice Studies lecturer at Sonoma State University. Photo by Jonathanfitnessjones.
Dis. Libby Schaaf: Guilty ... see page 16
How Mobihealth Drives a Telemedicine Revolution in Africa ... see page 6
A Life of Inventions: Engineer and Physicist George Alcorn ... see page 9 The Divine 9 Educate Voters at Vote Smart Summit ... see page 10
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, said the state must provide seaports permanent funding for them to run optimally and remain competitive.
“We have yet to see dedicated, ongoing, consistent money allocated to our ports from our state budget,” said Gipson during a news conference held at the State Capitol.
In August, Gipson released an interim report that features California ports’ crucial role in the state and national economy.
The 52-page “Chair’s Interim Report” includes an observation of the most critical issues facing the goods movement sector and lays out a blueprint to keep the state’s 11 ports competitive in a complicated and constantly shifting environment.
Gipson stressed that foremost among priorities is the need for the state to continue investing in docking places for cargo ships.
“We are still happy to make sure these ports are not left behind and not neglected,” Gipson said at the news conference. “We still see today that our ports are fighting to have allocations from our federal partners and federal dollars. This report elevates that we need our fair share,” he added.
Over the past year, the Select
Committee on Ports and Goods Movement toured the state’s 11 public ports and hosted numerous hearings on the state of the ports. Gipson was first appointed chair by former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood).
When Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) replaced Rendon as speaker, he asked Gipson to continue as Chair.
“The final tour stop for the Select Committee was the port of San Diego last spring. The tour highlighted the port’s efforts in green and sustainable operations,” Gipson told California Black Media (CBM). The tour gave select committee members a breakdown of all of the possibilities the port has to create for economic vitality and growth.
“It’s important that California policymakers support efficient, modern, and sustainable maritime operations while we reduce emissions to improve environmental and public health in our communities,” stated Frank Urtasun, chairman of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
In May, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (San Pedro Ports) will receive more than $112 million through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program for critical construction upgrades, operations and maintenance activities.
“The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach move 40% of the nation’s container imports, transporting the goods that power our
By Joe W. Bowers California Black Media
A new study from Harvard Kennedy School and the University of California, San Francisco, says that California’s $20-perhour minimum wage for fast food workers has led to significant pay increases without causing reductions in jobs, work hours, or benefits. The findings, based on data collected since the wage law took effect in April 2024, show that fast food workers across the state experienced hourly wage increases of at least $2.50, with the number of workers earning less than $20 per hour dropping by 60 percentage points.
“We find no evidence that wage increases had unintended consequences on staffing, scheduling, or wage theft,” the study reports. The researchers found that
work hours were stable on a weekto-week basis, and there was no reduction in employee benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off. Instead, the fast-food industry added 11,000 jobs between April and July 2024, bringing the total number of fast-food jobs in the state to 750,500 — the highest level on record.
Assembly Bill 1228, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), not only raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour but also established the FastFood Council to oversee wages, working conditions, and health and safety standards for fast food workers. During the signing of AB 1228, Holden stated, “We did not just raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour for fast food workers. We helped a father or mother feed their children, we helped
a student put gas in their car, and helped a grandparent get their grandchild a birthday gift”
The study contradicts claims from the fast-food industry, which had expressed concerns that the wage increase would mean layoffs, a cut in service hours, and an increase in menu prices. However, the study found no significant changes in employment levels, work schedules, or benefits. According to the report some challenges, like underemployment and unpredictable scheduling, remain but existed prior to the wage hike.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has previously voiced strong support for the wage increase, saying, “We’re ensuring that workers in fast food — the backbone of many families — can actually afford to live
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). Official photo.
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Several Black Californians Are Playing Key Roles in LA 28 Olympics Planning
By Lila Brown California Black Media
From politicians and businesspeople to athletes and community leaders, a number of Black Californians are contributing to the thought leadership that is shaping the planning of LA28, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
At the forefront is Los Angeles’ first Black woman mayor, Karen Bass, who has, in many ways, become the face of the Games in the City of Angels.
“The 2028 Games present an incredible opportunity to unite our city and lift up every corner of Los Angeles,” said Bass during a historic event at Los Angeles City Hall on Sept. 13, when the Olympic and Paralympic flags were unveiled and installed.
The event marked the return
of the Olympic flag to L.A. since 1984, when the city hosted the Olympics for the second time. It was the first time the Paralympic flag was raised in California’s largest city.
“From creating jobs to supporting small businesses, we are committed to ensuring that these Games benefit all Angelenos — not just for the summer of 2028, but for decades to come,” Bass added.
Nearly two months after the Olympic flag handover from Paris to Los Angeles, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited Los Angeles.
Bach toured several of the city’s newest world-class sporting venues, including the SoFi Stadium and the recently opened Intuit
Dome, both located in Inglewood.
the stadiums, he was joined by two other Los Angeles County
Black mayors, whose cities will be key to hosting LA28
From left to right: IOC Member Hong Zhang, IOC Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz, Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach, LA28 President Casey Wasserman, James T. Butts, Mayor of Inglewood, IOC President Thomas Bach, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, the President of the Los Angeles City Council (IOC/Greg Martin).
Makes Urgent Repairs In Our Local Public Schools
Updates Technology in Classrooms
Invests in Career & Vocational Tech Programs
All funds go to local schools without raising taxes
Photos from a California School
A Life of Inventions: Engineer and Physicist George Alcorn
By Tamara Shiloh
George Edward Alcorn Jr. was born on March 22, 1940, in Indianapolis.
Growing up in a family that valued education, Alcorn developed an early love for science and mathematics. He excelled in school, and attended Occidental College in California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1962. He received a master’s degree in nuclear physics in 1963 and a Ph.D. in atomic and molecular physics in 1967 at Howard University.
Alcorn began his career in developing scientific technology in private industries, starting a career as a physicist for IBM. His career took off when he joined several prestigious companies and research institutions, such as the Aerospace Corporation, where he developed important technolo-
gies for spacecraft. In 1978, he accepted a position at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where he worked for the remainder of his career. There, he developed technologies for space stations and private institutions across the nation, becoming a key figure in the field of physics and space exploration.
Alcorn is well known for his groundbreaking work on X-ray spectrometers. An X-ray spectrometer is a device used to identify different elements in materials by analyzing the X-ray wavelengths they emit. His improvements allowed the instrument to detect X-rays with greater accuracy and efficiency. This invention has been critical for NASA’s space missions, aiding in the analysis of planetary atmospheres and surfaces, including Mars and other planets in our solar system.
He also contributed to the development of plasma etching, a process used in manufacturing microchips for computers and electronics. His work in this area advanced semiconductor technology, which powers everything from smartphones to satellites.
Another accomplishment was the development of new technologies used in the Freedom space station in partnership with space agencies in Japan, Canada and Europe, though their projects never made it to space.
Throughout his career, Alcorn received several awards and honors, including NASA’s Inventor of the Year Award in 1984. In 2010, he received the highest honor from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. In 2015, Alcorn was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his invention of the imaging X-ray spectrometer.
In addition to his work in the lab, Alcorn dedicated much of his time to teaching and mentoring young scientists. As one of the few African American scientists working in advanced fields like physics and space exploration, he has been an inspiration to young people, especially those from underrepresented groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). He taught at Howard University and worked to encourage more African Americans to pursue careers in science and engineering.
George is quoted as stating, “The big thing about being in science and engineering is that if you have a good, interesting project going, work is not coming to work, it’s coming to an adventure.”
George Edward Alcorn passed away June 19, 2024.
Soaring Birds and Towering Waves Greet Attendees at 29th Annual Maafa Commemoration at Ocean Beach
By Wanda Sabir Special to The Post
The 29th Annual MAAFA
Commemoration San Francisco Bay Area was held at Ocean Beach, Sunday, Oct. 13. Warm and cloudy with waves as high as tall buildings, we gathered to honor African ancestors who died by the millions over the centuries of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
The 50 or so children and adults attending Maafa, Kiswahili word meaning ‘great disaster,’ came from as far as Monterey and
Sacramento to just up the block. We all felt the ancestors’ ethereal embrace as Min. Imhotep and Min. Alicia of Wo’Se Community Church poured libations and invited us to call their names with our mouths, feet, and hands.
Birds on the beach lifted their wings in flight moving towards us and flying overhead the way legends say African ancestors flew away from plantation fields. Their collective Aṣé!
The theme for the 29th Maafa event was accountability and as
ADAM SCHIFF
A RECORD OF RESULTS
“Probably the most prepared Senate candidate that Californians have considered in decades.”
Zochi led us through Mu-i (pronounced moo-ee, a movement meditation) we embraced our power from our roots through our crown chakras. Dr. Uzo Nwankpa, a healer in residence at Freedom Community Clinic, taught us the Igbo war chant —“Eyinmba” which was also an embodied movement.
Our ancestral poet this year was Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825-1911), born in Baltimore to free parents. She was a poet, ab-
Continued on page 14
“Capable, experienced and politically ‘battle tested
“He knows the problems facing California, and unlike his opponent, he has viable solutions.”
Portrait of George Edward Alcorn Jr. Debbie McCallum, Public domain.
Ayikwei H. Scott (drummer standing), Dr. Uzo Nwankpa (seated), Iya Nefertina Abrams (in background). Next frame: co-founder, Sister Wanda Sabir at mic. MAAFA winged chorus (center frame). We are singing the MAAFA song Brotha Clint composed. Chorus: Sister Wanda and Antwuanette Queen-Pope, Brother Desmond Iman, Baba Darinxoso Oyamasela. Minister Alisha Teasley (Lower right). Photo montage by Zochi.
The Divine 9 Educate Voters at Vote Smart Summit
By Brigitte Cook
Special to The Post
Oakland, CA – Recognizing
that the upcoming election will be one of the most crucial of our lifetime, the San Francisco Bay Area National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), in collaboration with Oakland District 7 Councilmember Treva Reid, 100 Black Men of Oakland, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), Krisspi and Soulbeat hosted The Vote Smart Summit on Sept. 21 at Oakland City Hall.
The information provided at the Summit is intended to educate voters about proposed measures and voting options in an accessible way so that they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. SF Bay Area
NPHC President Erika Albury said, “From ranked-choice voting to local and state ballot measures, we wanted voters to feel confident that they understand the impact of their selections.”
Residents from Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco coun-
ties heard the presentation from Champagne Brown on behalf of BWOPA, explaining the various state measures.
Student leaders from the Oakland Youth Commission educated attendees on the historic upcoming Youth Vote and how to engage young voters.
A panel discussion featuring past and current leaders like former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris, Dr. Joe Marshall, founder of Street Soldiers Radio - Alive and Free, Solano County Supervisor Wanda Williams, former Oakland City Councilmember Lynette McElhaney, and UC Berkeley ASUC Senator Owen Knapper Jr. focused on the importance of this election cycle and the ramifications of not exercising your vote.
Breakout sessions for each county were held to discuss local measures and the ranked-choice voting process.
A replay of the Summit will be shown on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. on the City of Oakland television channel, KTOP Cable Channel 10 or it can be viewed online at https://
The San Francisco Bay Area NPHC joins thousands of Divine 9 chapters and members across the country in an unprecedented voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve.
This nonpartisan, coordinated effort builds on our shared legacies and service to our communities. The Divine 9 stands in unity to Get Out the Vote!
NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is currently comprised of nine historically Black national sororities and fraternities – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
Kids Books on Voting by Various Authors
Photo by Terri Schlichenmeyer
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
So, who will you vote for?
That’s easy: nobody yet, because you’re still a kid — but you have your opinions. Even so, how much do you know about this important grown-up job? Learn more by reading these three great books on voting...
It was a cold and rainy early November day when Mama said they had to go out. They had a job to do “that, by definition, no one can do for us...” In “Show Up and Vote” by Ani Di Franco, illustrations by Rachelle Baker (Penguin Workshop), the job is done in a big, official building that’s staffed by friendly people. Mama knew a lot of folks there because a lot of people come to vote, and “no matter the weather we do this together...” Step by step, this book takes little readers from beginning to end of the voting process, showing them how important the “job” is and the many people involved. Adults will love the pride that oozes from these words; kids ages
three to five will love the artwork
Once was a time when the right to vote was shaky, at best. If your child needs to know that history, then “The Day Madear Voted” by Wade Hudson, illustrated by Don Tate (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin) is the book to find.
It’s 1969, and Charlie and Ralph’s Madear has been looking forward to this day for most of her life. Up until then, Black people had been turned away from the voting booth, but on this day, the boys’ mom dresses up and heads out, taking them along. This is important!
It was “just like being at church” because people were dressed nicely, and they were very excited! Most of them never thought they’d see the day they’d be allowed to vote. When it was over, Madear came out of the booth with the biggest smile on her face! Ralph and Charlie asked her what it felt like, and her words peek into the future.
This look at a chapter in American history is perfect for kids who
are trying to grasp the realities and processes of voting, and the act’s importance. Your five-to-sevenyear-old will love it.
Here’s another story of a big milestone: “Leo’s First Vote!” by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas (Knopf).
Leo’s dad just became an American citizen and this fall, he’ll be able to cast a vote for the President! Leo knows how great this is, and he’s very excited – but there are a lot of things he doesn’t understand. His teacher holds a mock election, which helps. Leo’s father helps, too, as he tries to learn all about the issues that are important. Leo listens as the adults debate politics and oops! his dad almost didn’t get registered, which is essential.
For parents of kids ages 5-to-7 who want to understand the process, so is this book.
If these aren’t enough to satisfy your young reader, check with your librarian or bookseller for more. In this election year, these books should get your vote!
Panelists at the San Francisco Bay NPHC Vote Smart Summit, from left to right : Dr. Joseph Marshall, Owen Knapper Jr., Solano County Supervisor Wanda Williams, Hon. Elihu Harris and Hon. Lynette McElhaney. Soulbeat photo.
California’s $20/Hour Fast Food Wage Raises Pay ...
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in the communities where they work.”
The study’s findings align with earlier research from UC Berkeley’s Institute for Research on
Telemedicine Revolution in Africa ...
Continued from page 6
temporary fix; it represents the future of healthcare in Africa.
“This is about creating a resilient, sustainable and inclusive system, where people, no matter where they are, can access the care they need,” she says.
“Telemedicine brings doctors to people, wherever they may be. By integrating AI and remote monitoring, we are improving the speed and accuracy of care, saving lives in the process,” she adds.
A number of African companies provide telemedicine services, but researchers have pointed out that there are obstacles that could hinder the growth of telemedicine in the continent.
Rural areas can have an unreliable electricity supply and poor
Labor and Employment, which showed no significant reduction in employment and only a modest increase in menu prices.
The study’s results highlight that California’s approach to raising the minimum wage has delivered higher pay for workers without the negative effects some had predicted, providing economic stability for thousands of fast-
internet connectivity, and there is often a lack of government policies and funding around virtual healthcare.
“A Healthcare System for the Future”
Adewara envisions scaling her company’s model to reach millions more across Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.
“Our work is just beginning,” she says. “We are building a healthcare system for the future — one that is resilient, inclusive and capable of meeting Africa’s growing population’s needs.”
However, partnerships are crucial to achieving this vision. “We can’t do this alone. Our collaborations with the African diaspora, hospitals, governments, and international organizations allow us to reach more people and ensure that healthcare is affordable, efficient and accessible,” Adewara adds.
Bay Area’s Fijian Community Celebrates Island’s Independence in Richmond
By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard
On Thursday, Oct. 10, Fijian Americans and their neighbors throughout the Bay Area celebrated Fiji Independence Day, including in Richmond.
Bula Auto Sales at 4201 Macdonald Ave., owned by Fijian American Aminesh Rohit, hosted a community gathering to commemorate the end of British colonial rule on Oct. 10, 1970.
“This marked the end of nearly a century of British control, dating back to the establishment of the
Calif. Ports Need Dedicated Funding ...
Colony of Fiji in 1874,” said Pastor Mesake Joji of the Patterson Federated Church.
The Republic of Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific about 1300 miles northeast of New Zealand, with just under 1 million inhabitants. Many Fijians have immigrated to the Bay Area for better economic opportunities and to flee political instability in their homeland.
Of the 70,000 to 80,000 Fijians living in the United States in 2010, some 30,000 have settled in the Bay Area, largely in South San Francisco and, increasingly, Hay-
dar year.
ward, Newark, Fremont, San Leandro, and surrounding cities, U.S. Census sources say.
“The Fijian diaspora in California maintains strong cultural ties to their homeland, preserving Fijian traditions while contributing to the multicultural fabric of the Bay Area,” Joji said.
Retired Fijian Army Major Mitieli Mocehe served as guest speaker at the event. Moce’s Fijian Army Unit was part of the United Nation’s International Peacekeeping Force when the U.S. Embassy and Marine Barracks were bombed by terrorists in Beirut, Lebanon, on
Oct. 23, 1983.
“On that tragic day, 220 Marines lost their lives,” he recalled. Moce says celebrating Fijian Independence Day helps to encourage a future of democratic self-rule.
“The importance of Fijian Independence Day was getting out of the bondage of British rule,” he said, “It shows that the Republic of Fiji can have a democratic government and our own national sovereignty.”
LA 28 Olympics Planning ...
Continued from page 2 Continued from page 4
economy,” said Padilla.
The report outlines the importance of ports up and down the state, Gipson said. They all serve a function whether they are located on the coast or inland.
Gipson says he learned that the Port of Oakland uploads and discharges more than 99% of the containerized goods moving through Northern California. Oakland’s cargo capacity was the ninth busiest container port in the country based on the 2023 calen-
The inland ports cities of West Sacramento and Stockton have “unique” harbor facilities that relieve congestions and facilitate distribution to inland destinations in the Sacramento and Central Valley regions, Gipson told CBM at the State Capitol.
“Each and every port in California plays a vital role and contributes to our supply chain. Not one port in California is more important than the next,” Gipson said. “Each and every port is essential to moving forward and essential to making sure California is the 5th largest economy in the world.”
leading backers of PlayLA, a parks development program that promises to provide sports programming to “young Angelenos of all abilities.” The initiative is funded by a $160 million investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the International Olympic Committee.
Black Californians serving on the LA28 Board include Businesswoman Mellody Hobson; decorated Paralympian Lex Gillette; former Netflix Executive Dana Smith; President of the LA Coun-
son.
Rosalyn Brant Clark, a 1976 Olympic silver medalist and mother of three-time Paralympian Breanna Clark, said while the “Games for All” theme is promising, she is looking for more concrete action that impacts the lives of ordinary people, including Black Californians.
“They are going to need to show me more on that one before it gets my stamp of approval,” she added, challenging organizers to ensure genuine inclusivity.
ty Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
Yvonne Wheeler; and television host, retired sprinter and four-time Olympic champion Michael John-
A young mother and child using a Mobihealth telemedicine service in rural area in Nigeria. Mobihealth International photo.
Attendees share a communal meal at celebration of Fiji’s independence in Richmond. Photo by Mike Kinney.
Community portrait at Bula Auto Sales celebration of Fiji’s independence. Photo by Mike Kinney.
Ohemaa Nyanin Named GM of Valkyries WNBA Team
By Y’Anad Burrell
The Bay Area is filled with excitement, and much of the conversation is about the Bay Area’s newest WNBA team — the VALKYRIES! The Golden State Warriors were awarded the 13th team in the WNBA last October, and just four months ago, the team’s General Manager was announced — Ohemaa Nyanin.
Nyanin’s parents are from Ghana, and she was born in Maryland. Nyanin’s experience in this industry precedes her both as a former college player and on the business side. Nyanin is an American University alumna who played on the Eagles’ women’s basketball team. In 2019, Nyanain joined the WNBA team, The New York Liberty, initially serving as the director of basketball operations before she became assistant general manager.
“No excuses,” Nyanin said.
“We are here, first and foremost, as humans, and secondly to win basketball games. So how do we do
that, and how do we do that in the most inclusive way?”
From viewing interviews that Nyanin has done since her arrival in the Bay Area, a constant theme in her conversations is talking about taking a “people first” approach. Nyanin talks about how she will be focused on the players, staff, and fans as she navigates and executes her role as general manager. Health, both mentally and physically, is important to Nyanin, as I’ve seen in her many interviews.
Just days ago, The Golden State Warriors announced the head coach for the Valkyries — Natalie Nakase.
Nakase has been the assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces for the past three seasons, where she was a part of the Aces’ back-toback championship run in 2022 and 2023. Before joining the Aces’ coaching staff, Nakase spent ten seasons with her hometown team, the Los Angeles Clippers, and their G League. Continued on page 14
ESSAY:
A Survivor Relives ‘The Strike,’ a Moving Film Capturing Injustices at Pelican Bay State Prison
By Richard “Razor” Johnson
It was a privilege to be invited to be part of the panel for the Oct. 9th screening of the documentary “The Strike” at Sonoma State University.
Students from Caitlin Henry’s Criminology and Justice Studies class attended, and their engagement during the event was inspiring.
After the screening, many students were deeply moved and had the opportunity to ask questions of the Director and Producer, JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey, as well as myself, Richard Johnson, one of the hunger strike survivors and a panel speaker. I was one of the 10 plaintiffs against the California Department of Corrections, a case that garnered the attention of the United Nations. Some students lingered after
the Q&A, expressing gratitude for raising awareness about the realities faced by those incarcerated. Their emotional responses highlighted the personal connections many have with the prison system, with some sharing experiences of relatives enduring similar conditions. It became clear that there was a significant lack of understanding about the Security Housing Units (SHU) and the stark differences between general population inmates and those confined in Pelican Bay.
On Oct. 23, the Grand Lake Theater will screen “The Strike,” a compelling documentary about Pelican Bay State Prison and the SHU. This film has received numerous accolades, including nominations for “Best Documentary” at the Imagen Awards and the Hot Docs Student Choice Award.
“The Strike” chronicles the harrowing experiences of California men subjected to decades of solitary confinement, culminating in the largest hunger strike in U.S. history. It will also be broadcast nationally on PBS’s Independent Lens in spring 2025.
This documentary is essential viewing, as it critically examines the failures of our judicial system in administering justice and the societal implications of our penal practices. It delves into the psychological torment endured by those held in isolation — many without any rule infractions — and exposes the broader victimization of individuals both inside and outside prison walls.
With over 33,000 inmates participating in the hunger strikes, the film provides an intimate exploration of the power dynamics at play, from the highest levels
of state governance to the guards overseeing the units. It reveals the oppressive policies that perpetuate control and abuse within the prison system, ultimately leading to legal interventions to address these injustices.
Don’t miss this powerful documentary that challenges our perceptions of crime and punishment and highlights the resilience of those who fought for justice.
Join us on Oct. 23 at the Grand Lake Theater at 6:30 p.m. We will have Q&A at 8 p.m. after the screening with myself and some of the survivors. We look forward to your support and Tickets can be purchased online at www.renaissancerialto.com/TheStrike. php. For more information about the film, visit www.thestrikefilm. com.
Toxic stress can lead to permanent brain changes that have a lifelong impact on your child’s health. But your support can keep them safe.
Overcoming toxic stress sets them up for future success.
(L-R) Richard “Razor” Johnson, plaintiff and hunger strike survivor; JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey, director and producer, respectively, of the film documentary “The Strike;” and event host Caitlin Henry, Criminology and Justice Studies lecturer at Sonoma State University. Photo by Jonathanfitnessjones.
Ohemaa Nyanin, the first general manager of the Golden State Warriors’ WNBA expansion team that begins play in 2025, with Warriors co-owner and CEO Joe Lacob. Photo courtesy Golden State Warriors.
NAACP Denounces L.A. City Councilmember
Kevin de León; Cites Racist Rhetoric
Two years after racist comments in a leaked recording of Los Angeles City Council members emerged, members of Los Angeles branches of the National Advancement Association of Color People (NAACP) on Oct. 7 gave councilmember Kevin de León’s a “failing” grade for his performance in office.
The announcement was made on the south lawn of the Los Angeles City Hall by leaders of the NAACP branches of Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Watts, Beverly Hills-Hollywood, Santa Monica-Venice, and San PedroWilmington.
De León was on a conference call with other council members who made racial comments about Indigenous people and one of their colleague’s son, who is Black.
The leaked audio led to Council President Nury Martinez’s resignation on Oct. 12, 2022, former Councilmember Gil Cedillo’s ouster, and Ron Herrera stepping away on Oct. 11, 2022, as president of a powerful Southern California labor organization.
The branches and CA/HI State Conference of the NAACP President Rick Callender first asked all persons involved to resign from their positions in October 2022. The civil rights leader expressed concern that that the disparaging remarks coming from top city officials could impact hiring and other decisions of the City Council.
“We will not sit idly by and allow our elected representatives to engage in these kinds of disgusting and racist behaviors,” stated Latricia Mitchell, President of the Los Angeles Branch of the NAACP.
New Billboards on Impact of Progressive Prosecutors Go Up in East Oakland
The Post
The Alameda County District Attorney Accountability Table (ACDA Accountability Table) is excited to unveil two thoughtprovoking billboards across Oakland this week. The text of the billboards will read “Progressive Prosecutors Are Not the Problem” and will direct readers to visit the coalition’s website, where they can find resources intended to correct common misconceptions about the goals of progressive prosecutors as they pertain to public safety, accountability, and justice.
“Opponents of criminal justice reform are advancing a false narrative that progressive prosecutors increase violent crime,” said Shruti Lakshmanan, Policy and Government Affairs manager at Color Of Change, a core member of the ACDA Accountability Table. “But time and again, studies have shown that there is no such causal link.”
The billboards are strategically placed at E. 12th Street and 23rd Avenue and International Boulevard & 37th Avenue, which experience high foot traffic for heightened visibility and engagement.
These billboards are part of a larger initiative by the ACDA Ac-
By Edward Henderson, California Black Media
California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom has joined forces with the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) in collaboration with the Office of the California Surgeon General to promote the state’s “Strong Start & Beyond” movement.
Launched on Sept. 17, 2024, the effort aims to reduce maternal mortality in California by 50% by December 2026. African American women experience a maternal mortality rate three times higher than the state average, with the most common cause of death being cardiovascular disease.
“California is uniquely positioned to build on proven initiatives that enhance maternal health and reduce disparities,” said Siebel-Newsom, as the state led a coordinated effort to raise awareness of the program and its push to impact Black women.
“We are setting critical goals to improve maternal health outcomes and creating a robust support network for mothers, from preconception through postpartum care, addressing the diverse needs of our population and setting an example for the nation,” added Siebel-Newsom.
The OCPSC manages the state’s priority community engagement and public awareness
Ohemaa Nyanin
Named GM of Valkyries ...
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The Valkyries will practice at downtown Oakland’s Golden State Warrior space and play games at Chase Center in San Francisco. This is an excellent opportunity to experience both sides of the water.
The Valkyries WNBA season opens May 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, and the Valkyries website shows over 18,000 season-ticket deposits. For clarity, if someone is ‘interested’ in purchasing season tickets, a $25 deposit is required. The Chase Center’s capacity is a little over 18,000, so you can imagine how electrifying the stadium will be during all home games.
Ohemaa, welcome to the Bay and The Town!
29th
Annual Maafa Commemoration ...
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olitionist, suffragist, educator, and freedom fighter who lived in Philadelphia.
countability Table to educate Alameda County residents about the power of the District Attorney (colloquially known as “the DA”), mass incarceration, and public safety solutions that prioritize restorative justice and rehabilitation.
In addition to the billboards, the ACDA Accountability Table is running a survey of Alameda County residents that tests their knowledge of the DA and its role within the criminal legal system.
The #DoYouKnowYourDA survey will help inform outreach and education programs, and runs until Nov. 1.
Survey participants are automatically entered into a giveaway raffle if they also follow @ ACDAATable on Instagram and X.
For more information about the billboards and the ACDA Accountability Table’s work, contact daatalamedacounty@gmail.com.
The ACDA Accountability Table is a coalition of Alameda County-based organizations working together to advance public safety solutions by uplifting community voices, building collective strategy, and holding the Alameda District Attorney’s Office accountable.
efforts. It works in collaboration with state agencies, departments, and other stakeholders to realize more inclusive and effective outcomes in statewide outreach initiatives.
Black mothers continue to experience higher rates of complications during pregnancy and suffer from maternal behavioral health conditions at alarming rates.
Every five days a mother dies due to pregnancy-related complications. Leading causes of maternal deaths are heart disease (23%), Bleeding (14%), Behavioral Health (mental illness/substance overdose) (12%), and Infection (excluding COVID-19 infections) (12%), according to the California Maternal Health Blueprint. About 62% of these deaths occur after the
baby is delivered.
Dr. Diana E. Ramos, California Surgeon General, presented “Strong Start & Beyond,” during a media webinar last week emphasizing the movement’s focus on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes that disproportionately affect communities of color.
“The best investment in a newborn’s health is ensuring the health of the mother,” added Ramos. “By leveraging powerful partnerships and pioneering cutting-edge solutions, together we can help California mothers, pregnant people, and newborns have a strong start and healthy future.”
“Our vision is to put this in the laundromats, put this in the supermarket, wherever people
1111 Broadway, Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 208-7400 • www.alamedactc.org
are already before they’ re pregnant, so that they can then start to think, ‘wow, I didn’ t realize,’ and perhaps ‘my current health could maybe not be so healthy if I became pregnant’,” said Ramos. “We want to educate and empower individuals on their reproductive health. So, before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and then most importantly, afterwards.”
Additionally, the media webinar featured testimonials from mothers who experienced complications during their pregnancies and shared what they wish they knew going into their pregnancies.
Dr. Nzinga Graham is a practicing family medical physician working in Urgent Care in Los Angeles. She is also a mother of three and experienced complications with each of her pregnancies.
“Of course, the number one risk factor for any health complication is having had it before, so going into that second pregnancy, I should have known, I should have been aware that this was a real possibility,” said Graham. “I thought I did what I could to prevent it, but unfortunately, as Kairos mentioned, it really is our system that contributes to a lot of these health complications for women of color.”
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Independent Financial Audit Services (RFP No. R25-0001)
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is seeking proposals for a contract to commence services on May 1, 2025, or as indicated in the RFP and/or appropriate addenda.
Key Dates:
• Optional Online Pre-Proposal Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)
• Proposal due date: Thursday, November 14, 2024, BEFORE 3:00 p.m. PT
Proposals are subject to Alameda CTC’s Local Business Contract Equity Program. The Program goals for professional services are 70% for Local Business Enterprise (LBE) and 30% for Small LBE. For Program requirements and forms, visit Alameda CTC’s website. Any contract resulting from this RFP will be awarded without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.
All RFP documents are available Procurement Portal at https://alamedactc.bonfirehub.com.
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted via the Procurement Portal, no later than 3:00 p.m. PT on October 28, 2024.
Submittals must be made in accordance with the instructions in the RFP. Any contract awarded must be in compliance with the local, state, and/or federal requirements.
“It’s time to be a grown person,” Wanda Sabir, Maafa CEO stated. “Own up, fess up, get righteous. Accountability means we don’t blame others for our poor choices and their consequences. We don’t blame the system, genetic weakness, structural racism, poverty of the soul, families of origin, peer pressure, ignorance....
“We are more than the worse thing we have suffered. We are more than what our ancestors survived.
“Our ancestors do not want us to be functional. Our ancestors want us to be free.”
The drummers were phenomenal, and the section of the program open to reflections was filled with song, poetry, dance and prayers. A special treat was “Amkara Music” by Karamo Susso and Amina Janta, who will perform at Bissap Baobab in San Francisco on Oct. 20.
Join us for a Zoom dialogue on adrienne maree brown’s article, “Murmations: Love Looks Like Accountability” (Yes! Magazine, 7/25/22): Sunday, Nov. 10, 2-4 pm PT. Register in advance: MaafaSFBayArea.com, 510-397-9705. Here is the MAAFA 2024 program (https://qr1.be/CPFI).
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR (Senior One Bedroom ONLY)
Nihonmachi Terrace is an Affordable Low-income housing property located at 1615 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 with access to MUNI.
Nihonmachi Terrace has both Seniors and Families apartments. Building amenities include a laundry facility, community room and lounge located area as well as a Residents Services and Activities for residents who wish to participate.
All potential residents must qualify based on projected annual income, household size, criminal and rental history and one qualified person, either the head of household or spouse must be age 62 years or older. Please refer to the maximum income limits below:
These income limits are adjusted periodically by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. All households will pay 30% of their combined monthly adjusted income for rent.
For more information you may pick up a pre-application for Nihonmachi Terrace, please go to 1615 Sutter Street, San Francisco between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on November -11th -14th , 2024. Deadline for application submission is November 22, 2024.
You may also call (415) 345-4400 to receive a pre-application and instructions between November 11th –14th , 2024.
If you need language assistance or you have a disability that prevents you from fully participating in this process please call (415) 345-4400 by November 14, 2024, to receive a pre-application and instructions by mail.
his Property is an active participant of the Fair Chance Ordinance of San Francisco TDD: (415) 345-4470 / The John Stewart DRE #00654505
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Councilmember Kevin de León. Courtesy photo.
Lateefah Simon is ready to deliver for the East Bay.
As a 25-year veteran organizer and nationally recognized civil rights leader, Lateefah will be a voice for folks in our community who have been ignored for too long.
From working with Kamala Harris on an award-winning antirecidivism program to delivering emergency transit funding during Covid, Lateefah knows how to solve tough challenges.
Now, Lateefah is running for Congress to fight for YOU.
LATEEFAH’S PRIORITIES:
Improving public safety with more federal funding for community policing
Building more affordable housing for low- and middle-income residents
Bringing down the cost of living and supporting job creation so our community can afford to live in the East Bay
Oakland Symphony’s 2024 Season Opening ...
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on a libretto by Dan Harder, commissioned by the Oakland Symphony.
On April 16, 2023, Armstrong conducted the Oakland Symphony’s Family Hype concert, presented in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area.
Armstrong first led the orchestra for a free “Summerstage at City Hall” concert at Oakland City Hall on Aug. 4, 2022.
The music program
“Kedrick Armstrong Inaugural Inextinguishable Oakland!” will include commissioned works from master drummer Allison Miller and Bay Area artists - Ethiopian artist Meklit and Latin percussionist John Santos - in celebration of Living Jazz’s 40th anniversary.
Oct. 18 musical program:
Julia Perry: A Short Piece for Orchestra
Celebrate the 40-Year Anniversary of Living Jazz with three jazzrooted compositions.
“Valley of the Giants” (for Eddie Marshall); Allison
Miller, composer; arranged and orchestrated by Todd Sickafoose. Featured artist: Allison Miller, Drum Set; guest artist: Dayna Stephens, Saxophone. Medley: “Ethio Blue, My Gold, Stars in a Wide Field”
Songs and Lyrics by Meklit; arrangement and orchestration by Sam Bevan. Featured artist: Meklit, Vocals; guest artists: Sam Bevan, Bass, Colin Douglas, Drumkit, Marco Peris Coppola, Tupan/Percussion.
“Un Levantamiento (An Uprising)”
Composer, percussion: John Santos; arrangers: Saul Sierra and John Santos. Featured artist: John Santos, güícharo, bongo; guest artists: Pedro Pastrana, Puerto Rican cuatro; Maria Cora, spoken word.
Carl Nielsen: Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable”
Pre-concert talk by John
Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 p.m.
For tickets, go to: https:// oaklandsymphony.my.salesforcesites.com/ticket/#/events/ a0SUu0000001rYXMAY
Alameda County D.A. Price ...
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domestic violence cases has been replicated to clear the backlog of misdemeanor cases discovered in July at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse.
Case filing backlogs have been a longstanding problem within the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Police reports are received from 22 law enforcement agencies, including at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse, which receives as many as 70 to 100 police reports every day for both felony and misdemeanor incidents from the Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Albany, Piedmont and Emeryville police departments, the Oakland Housing Authority, BART, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
“What we learned is that the processing of misdemeanor cases at Wiley Manuel has always been done manually, but the current case management system adopt-
ed by (former) District Attorney O’Malley does not allow the staff to put the date of the alleged incident in the system.
“Without a data box that does not require or even allow the date of the incident to be noted, there is no way for the case management system to track the statute of limitations,” explained Price. “The fix includes reassigning staff to clean up the backlog and working with the County’s IT department to require the date of the incident to be included in the intake process and adding a tickler system to track the time limits for the judicial process.”
Pending the necessary upgrades to the system, the DA’s office will continue manually tracking the incident dates for any new reports reviewed. Price announced that she will deploy a team of additional staff to the Wiley Manuel Courthouse unit to fix this longstanding problem starting on Monday, Oct. 21.
State of the City Address
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killed last year, but OPD data shows that there have only been 66 homicides to date.
Robberies and burglaries are also seeing a significant decrease by 24% and 54% respectively this year. In 2023, robberies were up 38% and burglaries up by 23%, a statistic that many did not let Thao forget.
Now, Thao said that business owners are seeing fewer breakins and “less broken glass on the streets.”
The mayor also mentioned the substantial investments into public safety technology, such as the 290 Flock cameras installed all around the city to catch offenders. According to the Flock Safety portal, there have been over 55,000 hits to date for wanted vehicles.
Thao announced that the city is working with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Oakland Privacy Advisory Commission, and the Police Commission to facilitate a “first-responder droning program” that will allow for faster response time for Priority One calls. The drones would send live feed information to first responders to assist in their aid.
The mayor also mentioned the efforts to clean up the streets by clearing 250 homeless encampments, cleaning illegal dumping
20024 Local Elections: Q&A ...
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parents who are more interested are more likely to work with their students and their educators for early reading partners, which has measurable successes in increasing grade-level reading rates. So, if we can get serious on [community engagement], then it’ll be a lot easier to target the budget. As well as student success, scores, student achievement, college and career readiness, equity, inclusion, all the other issues that require community trust.
Latta: Change is hard, but fundamental change in how our district is structured is needed. I am committed to working to address systemic inequities in our schools by creating a more equitable, student-centered district.
[Solutions include] making difficult and necessary budget choices that center students without reinforcing some of the harmful and inequitable decision-making of the past. We also need to address difficult, but necessary systemic inequities in our enrollment process that contribute to segregation and uneven distribution of attendance.
I will create space for community engagement outside of board meetings by taking the discussions out to the community, with regular office hours, school site listening sessions and direct outreach to families.
Q2: Given the large financial debt OUSD has and the looming threat of school closures, how will you ensure that funding for essential resources remain for students? What ideas do you have that do not include closing down schools?
Salop: The first thing we have to do is to listen to our students on what’s most important. We can’t have a concrete strategy to balance the budget or identify priorities by just saying we’re going to have an open conversation.
ine the scope of work for all central positions in order to understand what is duplicative and whose work is not reaching our sites as successfully as we intend. This includes talking with sites to understand the effectiveness of how these positions directly contribute to the day-to-day operations of our school sites and authentically contribute to student success and well-being.
As a board member, I will create space for community engagement outside of board meetings by taking the discussions out to the community, with regular office hours, school site listening sessions and direct outreach to families.
Q3: Students have reported feeling as though there is not enough inclusivity amongst their peers, often feeling a divide with those of other race and ethnic backgrounds. What do you think is the best way to foster an environment where students are not feeling excluded because of their differences to peers?
Salop: The first thing to do is to look at our curriculum and see how our school sites and what we’re teaching our students is helping to perpetuate this issue.
Libby Schaaf: Guilty
Former mayor agrees to $21,000 fine for serious election violations, avoiding criminal prosecution
By Ken Epstein
Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who is currently running for State Treasurer in 2026, has agreed to pay a $21, 000 fine for serious violations of election rules to defeat political opponents in 2018 and 2020 city elections.
trolled committees go directly to the very purpose of campaign finance law. Candidates for office, and (because) particularly highranking office holders such as the Mayor, have a disproportionate ability to bring in campaign money.”
...
and parked vehicles, and adding new infrastructure to keep streets safe for everyone.
Aside from public safety, Thao celebrated the recent sale of the Oakland Coliseum, which is set to bring in $125 million for the city, $110 million available in this fiscal year.
But this deal is anything but smooth sailing. In recent weeks, questions have risen about the legitimacy of the sale and whether the funds will come in on time so that the city does not have to cut funding to essential public safety departments. The mayor’s team and the buyers have assured the public that all payments will be made when promised and no cuts will be made.
Acknowledgements to the various sports investments did not stop at the Coliseum. The Oakland Ballers moving into Raimondi Park and the Oakland Roots playing at the stadium next season were also points of economic progress for Thao.
The Bay Area will also be home to a new WNBA team, the Valkyries, and will see events from NBA All Stars to the 2026 Super Bowl, and the Men’s Fifa World Cup in the next few years. Thao said she will make sure that Oakland is involved in these key events in order to secure revenue from visiting tourists.
OUSD project management skills are awful. We have probably lost a ton of money in the tens of millions of dollars in the last decade, just from poor management skills and poor administration. That is a rough guess by my own “back-of-the-envelope” calculations. If we don’t figure out how we’re going to do that by auditing our dollars and appointing qualified independent project managers, we won’t be able to use our money any more effectively. And resolving that issue is one of the ways to reduce our deficit.
Latta: We need to do everything we can to protect positions that most directly impact students at our school sites. I would like to direct OUSD to thoroughly exam-
on wealth-building and supporting Black entrepreneurship. Her administration would provide 1 million forgivable loans, each up to $20,000, to help Black men and others who have faced significant barriers to starting a business.
By partnering with community banks and mission-driven lenders, Harris aims to make capital accessible to Black entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand businesses in fields ranging from technology to landscaping and beyond.
Additionally, Harris has proposed a significant expansion of the Small Business Startup Tax Deduction, increasing it from $5,000 to $50,000, which would allow Black entrepreneurs to offset startup costs.
She also plans to boost access to venture capital, low-interest loans, and incubators specifically for Black-owned businesses.
Recognizing that Black entrepreneurs are frequently denied credit, Harris’ plan includes reforms to expand affordable banking services and crack down on hidden fees that inhibit wealth accumulation in Black communities.
What I like to do, and what I will continue to do, is to communicate with students and parents and talk to them and let their approaches and ideas drive the policy-making of the district. [I’ve participated] in an OUSD wide advisory body with students from every single school, and that was a way for us to have these conversations and think about the ways in which schools and students were divided, and how that created a culture of intolerance. And I think supporting that measure and expanding it across our schools is really important just getting our students to work more closely.
Latta: We need to prioritize explicit site-based professional development opportunities for teachers and all staff. We also need to create concrete opportunities for students to learn from each other and about each other in the school day, including building the social-emotional tools needed for students to understand what inclusively really looks like in peer relationships.
Finally, schools should focus efforts on finding ways for students to connect through common interests, such as sports or the arts, and use them as a tool for connection for students from different backgrounds.
Other initiatives laid out in the release include launching a “National Health Equity Initiative” specifically targeting Black men. The campaign also touted its support of legalizing marijuana and lowering rent prices.
“Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda doubles down on his mistreatment of Black men and their families,” the campaign wrote of its political opposition. “He will erase four years of financial gains and job growth for Black men and leave their communities worse off for it.”
The proposal is just one of several initiatives Harris has proposed to court those frustrated by the state of the economy. The vice president also suggested in September she would offer $25,000 in federal down payment assistance to all first-time homebuyers.
“I grew up a middle-class kid,” Harris said during a conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists. “It was only by the time I was a teenager that [my mother] could afford to buy her first home.”
NNPA Newswire contributed to this report.
Following a years-long investigation, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission last week concluded scrutiny of political wrongdoing by Schaaf and her political allies, saying she secretly plotted to organize, raise money, and lead campaigns in violation of election laws while she was still in office.
Investigators found that she secretly controlled several political committees that she used to attack elected city leaders who did not agree with her and to promote a ballot measure.
Ethics investigators also found that those who worked with Schaaf in violation of election law included the Oakland Police Officers Association, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, contractors, campaign consultants, along with others who were fined hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Under the proposed settlement agreement issued earlier by the Commission, those who faced the charges waived “all procedural rights” under the law.
“If respondents fail to comply with terms of this stipulation, then the Commission may reopen this matter and prosecute respondents to the full extent permitted by law,” according to the proposed agreement.
The settlement agreement continued:
“The respondents’ violations in this case are serious. The strict rules applying to candidate-con-
California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found that disparities are widening between the communities most exposed to harmful pollutants and those most protected from them.
Reducing truck emissions is one of the most important steps we can take toward climate and environmental equity in terms of human health impact; it causes asthma, cancer, and even premature birth in these disproportionately impacted communities.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a crucial piece of the puzzle in addressing these challenges, offering both environmental and economic advantages that will benefit Oakland and Alameda County for future generations.
Two years ago, I was proud to introduce a resolution asking the state to make the City of Oakland a clean-fuel hydrogen hub for ARCHES, which aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable hydrogen and develop the necessary infrastructure. This initiative is pivotal for several reasons:
• It supports the transition to a zero-carbon economy, aligning with our city and state’s ambitious climate goals.
It prioritizes environmental and energy justice, addressing the needs of communities like
One commissioner said that the terms of the settlement were too weak, insufficient to deter further violations.
“I think the penalties are really inadequate, and I worry that the ends have justified the means here,” said Commissioner Alea Gage, according to Oaklandside.
Several commissioners were concerned that the majority of the penalties are to be paid by two campaign committees, Oaklanders for Responsible Leadership and the Committee for an Affordable East Bay. However, these committees no longer function and have no money, meaning that collecting the fines will be problematic.
Schaaf is no longer mayor and therefore under less potential scrutiny, but many observers say she is still using similar tactics to smear opponents of her pro-real estate developer priorities, which in the current election include District 3 incumbent Councilmember Carroll Fife.
Schaaf’s tactics include finding a staffer or former staffer to run against her target. She raises money from corporate benefactors, finds endorsements, and encourages media attack campaigns that include lies and misrepresentations.
ours that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The focus on equity within ARCHES cannot be overstated. The realization of economic and environmental benefits from hydrogen projects represents a tangible commitment to rectifying historical injustices by addressing environmental disparities rooted in systems of injustice. With zero-emission trucks and improved air quality, we are taking a significant step toward reversing the health impacts suffered by our communities. Beyond the environmental improvements that our region desperately needs, this initiative is poised to create goodpaying jobs and boost our local economy.
For these hydrogen projects to realize their full potential, ongoing support and engagement are crucial. We must continue to advocate for policies that support clean energy, push for further investment in renewable infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of these advancements reach all corners of our community.
As we look ahead, we must prioritize a California with cleaner air and a more robust economy. The hydrogen revolution is here, and with it, an opportunity to transform the Bay Area for a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future.
