Oakland Post
By Magaly Muñoz
By Ken Epstein
Veteran Congressman Bennie Thompson, representing the second district of Mississippi, spoke this week at the opening of the 116th NAACP National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, calling for massive, united opposition to Pres. Donald Trump and a strategic response to the political and social crisis facing African Americans.
“We have to create a thorough, definitive opposition if we are to
survive as a nation,” he said, speaking Monday on a panel conference discussion, “Crisis Point: Defending Democracy and Civil Rights in a Volatile Political Climate.”
“What (Trump) is promoting through the office of the presidency is not what we’ve come to know as a demcracy,” Rep. Thompson said. “If we are not vigilant, history will bring Jim Crow back.”
Now in his 17th term in the House of Representatives, Congressman Thompson is the longest-
Oakland and East Bay Community Foundation Announce $600,000 Fund to Support 24 Oakland Arts and Culture Organizations This Summer Nine Local Funders Contribute to Joint Effort Addressing Unplanned Funding Reductions
Special to The Post
The City of Oakland and East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) are pleased to announce the creation of a $600,000 emergency pooled fund to support arts and culture in Oakland this summer. The public-philanthropic partnership will channel contributions from nine foundations to 24 local arts and culture organizations. The goal of this one-time grantmaking initiative is to support the ongoing stability of Oakland-based arts and culture organizations that were impacted by unforeseen, mid-year budget cuts to the City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Division.
The emergency pooled fund will provide one-time grants of up to $28,500, collectively supporting over 600 Oakland-based artists and 10,000 arts and cultural activities. The funded organizations offer
performances, exhibitions, classes, and workshops citywide in parks, libraries, and schools as well as theaters and galleries, building community and uplifting Oakland’s diverse stories.
Grant recipients initially received funds from the City of Oakland’s Organizational Assistance Program in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and were recommended to receive a second year of funding in Fiscal Year 2024-25. The emergency pooled fund will fill the secondyear funding gap. All grants will go to organizations that are deeply rooted in Oakland with skilled artists and culture bearers, robust community engagement, and an ongoing commitment to addressing racial and economic disparities.
“EBCF understands the unique role that artists and culturemakers
A recent report by the Bay Area
Council Economic Institute provides potential suggestions and ideas for how the city of Oakland could address public safety through the local police department.
Authors of the report acknowledged the deep financial and political struggles the city has faced in recent years, particularly with the budget and rise in crime.
It’s no secret that public safety is one of the top concerns for residents in Oakland. The lack of feeling secure in people’s homes and their communities has been the focal point and downfall of many political leaders’ trajectories, including
the ousted former mayor Sheng Thao and the Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, in the last year.
The study analyzes crime and financial data over the last 40 years, pinpointing moments in Oakland’s history where the city has seen the biggest drops and increases.
Little progress has been made in lowering violent crimes, such as homicides, assault and robbery, though it is slowly decreasing, while property crime saw its highest rates in recent years since the late 1980s, data shows.
At the time of publication, overall crime is down 32% from 2024,
Special to The Post
Today, Mayor Barbara Lee announced a settlement agreement that will result in an historic investment into the City’s pedestrian rights of way during the next 25 years, in order to ensure Oakland’s pedestrian rights of ways are accessible to people with mobility disabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, the City will commit to:
• Construction or retrofit of approximately 11,000 curb ramps within the next 15 years and improving all remaining curb ramp locations to meet current access standards within 25 years
• Ensure remediation of 78,000 known locations of sidewalk damage within 25 years
• Continuation of the City’s Access Request Program, prioritizing requests for curb ramp and sidewalk repairs from persons with disabilities
• Prioritization of construction consistent with equity considerations to ensure the accessibility work benefits the City’s underserved populations
The City has already taken multiple steps to begin implementation of this agreement. This week, Oakland City Council approved an expansion of the existing Sidewalk Assistance Program
which supports low-income property owners in making sidewalk repairs. The adopted FY25-27 Capital Improvement Program increases investment for the Curb Ramp and Sidewalks capital programs. Additional staff positions included in the adopted FY25-27 budget will be necessary to implement the construction milestones and inspection requirements for the improved program. Finally, Oakland’s Buy-Sell-Repair program will undergo major improvements in the next two years to deepen enforcement and bring about greater citywide compliance. Improvements will include an enforcement database and noncompliance notification system and later, the anticipated introduction of fines for non-compliance.
“Oakland is strengthening our efforts to ensure people with disabilities, seniors, and parents with strollers have equal access to our transportation network. This work will take time, but we’re committed to making our sidewalks accessible to everyone in our community,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
“Sidewalks are one of the most important pieces of Oakland’s transportation network, and it’s essential that they’re kept wellmaintained and accessible for everyone,” said OakDOT Director, Josh Rowan. “OakDOT looks forward to delivering on our commitments to people with mobility disabilities and everyone who uses our sidewalks.”
To measure progress, the City of Oakland will produce annual reports including construction milestones. The settlement will be subject to court approval. A final approval hearing is scheduled for early December. Learn more about sidewalk programs here: https://www. oaklandca.gov/Public-SafetyStreets/Streets/Sidewalks
By Magaly Muñoz
California Attorney General
Rob Bonta today co-led with the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New Jersey, a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging an unlawful final rule promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would create significant barriers to obtaining healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Trump Administration’s final rule would make numerous amendments to rules governing federal and state health insurance marketplaces which the administration estimates will cause up to 1.8
million people to lose their health insurance, while causing millions more to pay increased insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. The final rule also excludes coverage of gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit (EHB) under the ACA. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the HHS and CMS rule is arbitrary and capricious, contrary to law, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The coalition is also seeking preliminary relief, and a stay, to prevent the challenged portions of the final rule from taking effect in the Plaintiff States before the August 25 effec-
Burgum who also were at the Alcatraz Prison to announce rehabilitation plans
Mayor Barbara Lee. File photo.
Attorney General Rob Bonta. File photo.
Bennie Thompson has served in the House of Representatives for more than 30 years. Courtesy photo.
‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Blows
Hole in California’s Budget, Threatens State’s Health and Climate Plans
By Joe W. Bowers Jr.
California Black Media
Pres. Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law on July 4, is already reshaping California’s 2025–26 state budget.
With $1.6 to $2 trillion in projected federal spending cuts over the next decade, the law slashes Medicaid, food assistance, housing, transportation, education, and clean energy programs — centerpieces of California’s social safety net programs and the state’s equity goals.
Gov. Gavin Newsom called the bill “a betrayal of Americans by the Trump administration,” warning that it “decimates middleclass opportunities.
Medi-Cal and Health Services
The law’s most immediate impact falls on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which covers about 15 million residents — nearly one-third of all state residents. Black Californians are especially at risk, relying on Medi-Cal more often than other groups due to chronic health disparities and economic
inequality. Currently, over 3 in 5 (61%) Black children and youth and almost half of all Black residents — rely on Medi-Cal.
The new law replaces Medicaid’s open-ended federal match with capped block grants.
Since the federal government funds about 60% of Medi-Cal, analysts estimate California could conservatively lose $2.8 billion per year in federal funding over 10 years.
Anticipating federal cuts, California’s enacted 2025–26 budget increases General Fund spending on Medi-Cal to $39 billion — about $1.2 billion higher than the previous year.
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D–San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), warned: “It will force low-income seniors to choose between medicine and rent, leave children with chronic illnesses without consistent care, and strip people with disabilities of daily support.”
The Groundwork Collaborative, an economic think tank, estimates 3.5 million
California Allocates $11 Million to Support Job Training for People Left Out of Workforce
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
California is awarding nearly $11 million in grants to six organizations aimed at improving job training and employment opportunities for adults facing barriers to the workforce. The funding, provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD), targets groups such as veterans, people with disabilities, English-language learners, older workers, and at-risk young adults.
“Every Californian deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This investment expands access to career pathways for those who’ve historically faced systemic barriers.”
Because of Proposition 209, California is prohibited from using public funds to create programs or policies that give preference based on race, limiting the state’s ability to target funding to race-specific categories.
The grants are part of the Employment Social Enterprise program, which supports businesses that offer transitional jobs combined with supportive services like housing assistance, childcare, and job coaching. The program is designed to help participants gain
California Is Fighting Back: State Leaders and Community Activists Resist Stepped-Up Immigration Raids
work experience and move toward stable employment.
Among the recipients are Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, and Stanislaus Equity Partners. Each will use the funds to expand job training efforts in their respective regions.
“This program focuses on populations often excluded from traditional job markets,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.
“By funding social enterprises, the state aims to bridge gaps in workforce participation.”
The grants come amid ongoing challenges for Californians who face poverty, long-term unemployment, or disabilities that limit access to stable jobs. A recent Georgetown University study estimated that 27 to 35 million people nationally want to work but encounter significant employment barriers.
The program’s funding is fully supported by federal dollars under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor. An additional $1 million was awarded to REDF, a nonprofit that will provide technical assistance and facilitate coordination among the six grantees.
By Charlene Muhammad, California Black Media
Elected officials and grassroots organization leaders are speaking out against federal immigration raids they are calling “immoral,” and pledging their support for immigrants impacted by the intensified enforcement efforts across California.
On July 7, approximately 90 armed federal agents, National Guard troops and Border Patrol officers swarmed MacArthur Park — regarded by many as the heart of L.A.’s immigrant community.
Mayor Karen Bass was on the scene.
“The Administration is treating Los Angeles as a test case for how far it can go in driving its political agenda forward while pushing the Constitution aside,” said Bass.
“The City of Los Angeles, along with the County, cities, organizations and Angelenos across L.A., is taking the Administration to court to stop its clear violation of the United States
Constitution and federal law,” the mayor continued. “We will not be intimidated.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom also spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent actions in L.A.
“What a disgrace, what’s happening in MacArthur Park. What theatre,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, in response.
“I want folks to know we have your back, and we’ll continue to come back and do what we can to protect our diverse communities,” said Newsom, speaking at a press conference on July 7. California is home to over 11 million immigrants; Almost half of all Californian children have at least one immigrant parent; Immigrants comprise one-third of the state's workforce and account for 40.3% of entrepreneurs; and immigrant households contributed $61.8 billion in state and local taxes in 2023, according to Newsom’s office.
White House Facebook photo.
MacArthur Fellow Dorothy Roberts’ Advocates Restructure of Child Welfare System
erts is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez
Publisher: Various Publishers,
Copyright: c.2025, Price: $28.00 - $34.00, Page Count: Various
Sometimes you just don’t want to know any more.
You’ve had it with bad news, up to your eyebrows and no more.
So maybe it’s time for some good news. Maybe it’s time for some memoirs, biographies, and the goodness you’ll find inside these great books.
What goes better with a warm summer evening than a few tunes?
A book about a musician, that’s what, and “From the Shadow of the Blues: My Story of Music, Addiction and Redemption” by John Lee Hooker Jr. with Julia Simon (Rowman & Littlefield, $34) is a great summertime read. It’s the story of a born singer, the son of a sharecropper who struggled and
the series highlighting the Black awardees.
got through it to become a Grammy Award winning bluesman. Inspirational and lively, this memoir is as entertaining as are its author’s performances. No doubt, you’ve read some of Toni Morrison’s work and you might be eager to learn more about her long career. In “Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship” by Dana A. Williams (Amistad, $29.99), you’ll understand about the great author’s somewhat-hidden career, work that many of her fans don’t know much about. Working at the publisher Random House gave Morrison a chance to nourish the careers of many Black authors and, in doing so, she helped change the entire publishing world, making it more open to diversity for readers, both Black and White. With its insight to Toni Morrison’s career and the behind-the-scenes of pub-
lishing past, this is truly a reader’s book.
A graduate of Yale University with a law degree from Harvard, Dorothy Roberts is a legal scholar and public policy researcher exposing racial inequities embedded within health and social service systems.
Sine 2012, she has been a professor of Law and Sociology, and on the faculty in the department of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Roberts’s work encompasses reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare. She sheds light on systemic inequities, amplifies the voices of those directly affected, and boldly calls for wholesale transformation of existing systems.
Roberts’s early work focused on Black women’s reproductive rights and their fight for reproductive justice. In “Killing the Black
If you can’t help yourself, you have to watch politics, you’ll want to read “Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics” by former Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (Hanover Square Press, $32.99). Here, readers are taken back to Braun’s childhood, to see what launched her to success. There were many barriers that Braun smashed through: she made history as the first Black woman elected to the Senate — the first woman representing Illinois in Washington. The first senator to be appointed as an ambassador (to New Zealand). And even if you’re not particularly a politics-watcher, this book is inspiring and empowering.
And, finally, if you haven’t exhausted your examination of racism yet, “The Science of Racism: Everything You Need to Know but Probably Don’t –—Yet” by Keon West (Abrams Press, $28.00) offers a very different way of looking at the subject. West, who has “always been Black,” argues that we’ve left science out of the topic of racism for far too long. By adding scientific measures to the realities of racism, we can understand the issue a little better, he says, and we might be able to have a different conversation about it. Go into this book with an open mind; it’s full of examples, thought-provokers, smart words, and ideas. Look closely, and you’ll also find a bit of humor to get you through…
If you need additional books on Black history or you want another memoir by a Black author, then head to your favorite bookstore or library. Ask the friendly face there, and you’ll find lots more.
their families after CPS referral.
system.
After nearly two decades of research and advocacy work alongside parents, social workers, family defense lawyers, and organizations, Roberts has concluded that the current child welfare system is in fact a system of family policing with alarmingly unequal practices and outcomes. Her 2001 book, “Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare,” details the outsized role that race and class play in determining who is subject to
Saddles, Spurs, and Stories: The Black Rodeo Trail
By Tamara Shiloh
In “Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World (2022),” Roberts traces the historical, cultural, and political forces driving the racial and class imbalance in child welfare interventions.
These include stereotypes about Black parents as negligent, devaluation of Black family bonds, and stigmatization of parenting prac-
Special to The Post
Oct. 1, it was noted that eight of the 22 MacArthur fellows were African American. Among the re cipients of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, histo rian, and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over
a five-year period to spend as they
min, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes,
olds, and Dorothy Roberts. This is the eighth and last in
Dorothy Roberts. Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. Ma cArthur Foundation.
The book covers. Photo by Terri Schlichenmeyer.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
‘One
Big Beautiful Bill’ Blows Hole in California’s Budget
... Continued from page 2
Californians could lose Medi-Cal coverage.
Another 250,000 may lose Covered California plans if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies expire in 2025.
The state has already frozen MediCal enrollment for undocumented adults and plans to impose $30 monthly premiums for enrollees aged 19–59 starting in 2027.
Groundwork also warns that more than 25 hospitals and 15 nursing homes — mostly in rural and other underserved areas — are at risk of closing.
Food, Education, and Work Requirements
The One Big Beautiful Bill expands work requirements for CalFresh (SNAP). Beginning in 2026, adults under 65 must work, volunteer, or attend training 80 hours per month to keep benefits — extending requirements that previously applied only to adults under 50.
Medi-Cal expansion enrollees face similar conditions unless exempt. These changes pose barriers for low-income Californians who struggle
California Is Fighting Back ...
Continued from page 2
However, Bass denounced the MacArthur Park raid as “outrageous and un-American.”
Last week, she issued an executive directive to support immigrant communities.
Executive Directive No. 12 bolsters protocols that prohibit use of City resources for immigration enforcement, expands access to resources for impacted families and seeks records from federal agencies, including reasons for detained individuals’ arrests during allegedly unlawful raids.” according to the document.
Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Santa Monica) called the MacArthur Park incident “federally sponsored fear.”
“Deploying armed agents into a neighborhood park where children play is indefensible and outrageous.”
According to activists with the Community Self-Defense Coalition and others, a boycott of Home Depot looms, as well as a general strike planned for Aug. 12. The activists are calling out
to find consistent work. Climate and Transportation Cuts California had received federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding for clean energy and transit projects in underserved communities like South L.A., Richmond, and Oakland — including an $8 million urban forestry grant for Oakland. The repeal of these provisions threatens weatherization efforts, zero-emission bus deployment, and airquality improvements.
The Center for American Progress warned the rollback could raise energy costs and worsen air quality in low-income neighborhoods.
State Response and Political Divide “We must preserve essential services while keeping the state on solid footing. That will require difficult tradeoffs,” Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D–Healdsburg) said.
While California’s Congressional Democrats opposed the bill, Republicans supported it. Rep. VinceFong (R–Bakersfield) said the bill “delivers immediate and meaningful results for the Central Valley, provides much-needed tax relief for working families and small businesses.”
Home Depot for its alleged silence as federal agents arrest suspected illegal immigrants on its properties.
Recently, the non-profit Black Women for Wellness and partner organizations held a press conference to deliver a united Black response to the recent ICE raids and escalating military presence in Los Angeles. It featured Black leaders, advocates, and organizers making it clear why they say: “This is our fight, too.”
According to statistics cited in the coalition’s press release, data shows that Black people are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement regardless of their citizenship status. Black migrants also face deportation at higher rates per capita.
On July 3, activists, lawmakers and other supporters joined members of the California Legislative Latino Caucus (CLLC) for a press conference at the Capitol in Sacramento.
“On the eve of this Independence Day, when we all say the Pledge of Allegiance inside the Capitol, and we say, ‘Liberty and Justice for All,’ we can’t help but to think ‘Liberty and Justice for who?’” said CLLC chair Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).
Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Pasadena on Monday, July 7, 2025, to mark the six month anniversary of the catastrophic January wildfires — specifically the Eaton and Palisades fires that began Jan. 7 and devastated Los Angeles-area communities including Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena.
Newsom Honors Lives Lost in Fires; Presents Plan
By Solomon O. Smith California Black Media
On the six-month anniversary of the devastating fires, Gov. Gavin Newsom, alongside local leaders and elected officials, announced a recovery plan and commemorated those lost during the tragedies.
“Altadena in particular is a special community. In Altadena the average life lost was 77 years old — great grandparents, not just grandparents,” said New-
California Lawmakers to Vote on Bill Requiring Black Demographic Data Be Broken Down by Ethnic Groups
Sen. Laura Richardson (D–San Pedro), right, and Asm. LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), left, delivered the welcome remarks at the California Legislative Black Caucus MLK Breakfast in January. Sen. Richardson is currently advancing a bill that would require local governments to collect more detailed demographic data on Black or African American populations. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
By Antonio Ray Harvey
California Black Media
Legislation introduced by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) that would require local governments to disaggregate demograph-
The Black Rodeo Trail ...
Continued from page 4
were super talented, as rodeo became more popular in the early 1900s, they were often not allowed to compete with White cowboys because of unfair segregation laws.
Instead of giving up, Black cowboys did something incredible: they started their own rodeos! The first official Black rodeo happened in 1957 in Harlem, New York. Yes, a rodeo right in the middle of the big city! This event was organized by Alvin Ailey Sr. and brought together Black cowboys and cowgirls from all over America.
The rodeo was such a hit that it inspired more Black rodeo events across the country. In 1965, the American Black Cowboys Association was created to help organize
ic data for Black or African American populations is up for a key vote this week.
Richardson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
these competitions and give Black rodeo stars a place to shine.
The 1960s through 1980s were the best times for Black rodeo.
During this period, when African Americans were fighting for equal rights, Black rodeo became a source of pride and community.
Some amazing athletes emerged during this time:
Myrtis Dightman became the first Black cowboy to compete in the National Finals Rodeo in 1964. He was a bull rider, which is one of the most dangerous rodeo events!
Charlie Sampson made history in 1982 by becoming the first Black cowboy to win a world championship in professional rodeo. He won the bull riding title, proving that Black cowboys could compete with anyone.
Cleo Hearn competed in over 3,000 rodeos during his career and earned the nickname “The Black
Senate Bill (SB) 515 — titled “Local Government: Collection of Demographic Data” — will be heard by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The bill passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on July 2 by a vote of 8-2.
CLBC members Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and Lori Wilson, members of the Local Government Committee, (D-Suisun City) voted to advance the measure.
“SB 515 addresses a critical gap by improving how local governments in California collect and report demographic data,” Richardson told the committee. “This bill recognizes that without accurate, consistent, and complete information about the unique needs of historically marginalized communities, particularly those impacted by injustices, they remain invisible in our decision-making process.” If enacted, the bill would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027, requiring cities and counties to collect more de-
Cowboy.”
Continued
Black rodeos were about more than just competition. They were like big family reunions where people came together to eat barbecue, listen to music, and celebrate their culture. Kids could see positive role models and learn about the important history of Black cowboys that most people didn’t know about.
These events helped keep the traditions alive and taught young people that Black cowboys were a big part of building the American West.While Black rodeo became less popular in the 1990s, people are working hard to keep this important history alive. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, started in 1984, still travels around the country today. There’s also a National Black Rodeo Hall of Fame that honors the great cowboys and cowgirls from the past.
CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM BEHAVIOR & MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION SERVICES
Contract Amount: TBD Terms: 2 Years
Project Description: The City of Oakland, Fire Department, seeks a qualified firm to provide clinical assistance and referral for Fire Department personnel with behavioral healthcare concerns. This contractor will connect personnel to clinical resources equipped to respond to the special needs of Fire and Emergency Medical First Responders. The Contractor will be available to assist when Department personnel are in need of urgent psychological assistance from a mental health professional. The Contractor will advise and direct supervisory and management staff on identifying personnel issues suspected to be related to an employee’s personal, medical, or behavioral factors.
Pre-Proposal Meeting (Voluntary): Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - 2:00 PM (Pacific) Via Microsoft Teams at: https://shorturl.at/KunIM
Meeting ID: 220 663 363 036 8
Passcode: f5ZS9yp7
Proposal Submittal Deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025, by 2:00 P.M. via iSupplier. Reminders:
• All who wish to participate in this RFP must register (at least 5 days prior to submittal due date) through iSupplier at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/ register-with-isupplier) to avoid last minute submittal complications and receive addenda/updates on this RFP. For additional help registering and submitting your proposal to iSupplier please watch the user guide videos at (https://www. oaklandca.gov/documents/isupplier-user-guides). Receipt of a confirmation email indicates that a proposal was successfully submitted.
• Did not receive and invitation? Start Early with iSupplier registration. Upon completion of registration, send an email to iSupplier@oaklandca.gov listing “RFP for Health & Wellness Program Behavior & Mental Health Consultation Services” as the subject and request an invitation to the RFP. The Contract Analyst will add your business to the RFP invitation.
to Move Forward
som. “I hope it puts in perspective how blessed we are.”
The announcement was held at Pasadena City College where officials updated the public on the status of the recovery and gave a blueprint for what happens next.
Newsom commented on the “record breaking” speed of the cleanup, reporting it 96% complete.
Newsom has also issued 23 executive orders to accelerate recovery efforts in fire-affect-
ed communities and approved a $2.5 billion relief package. He also secured additional funds from FEMA and the Small Business Administration totaling $3 billion.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo spoke about the devastation his community endured during the Eaton Fire, which claimed 17 lives. When combined with the Palisades Fire, the total death toll rose to more than 30.
“What we have experienced
• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits • 0% L/SLBE • Living Wage • Campaign Reform Act • Professional Services Local Hire • Prompt Payment • Arizona Boycott • Dispute Disclosure • Border Wall Prohibition • Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance.
Answers to Questions:
1. Contact Information: The following City staffs are available to answer questions regarding this RFP.
a. Contract Admin: contractadmin@oaklandca.gov
b. Department of Workplace and Employment Standards: dwes@oaklandca.gov
2. For iSupplier related questions after registration contact iSupplier@oaklandca.gov
Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, Friday, July 18, 2025
The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.
California Legislature Advances Bill to Raise Pay for Inmate Firefighters
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
The California Legislature is moving forward with a bill to increase wages for incarcerated firefighters who work on the front lines of the state’s wildfire battles.
The Senate Public Safety Committee voted July 8 to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles). The bill would raise hourly pay for inmate firefighters assigned to active fires from roughly $1per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Bryan described the long and difficult shifts these inmates work, especially during the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, some lasting up to 48 hours.
“AB 247 will ensure that incarcerated people on the front line of fire disasters receive fair compensation for their invaluable service during devastating fires,” Bryan said in a bill analysis.
Inmate firefighter Isaiah Nazari, who served in a conservation camp, sent a letter read to the committee noting the disparity in pay compared to professional firefighters. “All lives have value, regardless of incarceration status,” he wrote.
The California State Sheriffs’
Bill Requiring Black Demographic Data Be Broken Down by Ethnic Groups ... Continued from page 6
tailed demographic data on Black communities. This would include distinctions among African Americans, African immigrants, and Afro-Caribbean populations.
Richardson noted that employment applications typically group all Black communities under one category, making it difficult to analyze data for specific subgroups such as African Americans, AfroCaribbeans, or African immigrants.
She contrasted that with how state forms already break down Asian identities into categories like Cambodian, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Laotian, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Other forms list subgroups such as Asian-Pacific Islanders, Guatemalan, Native Hawaiian, and Samoan.
“However, most documents, typically, only reflect Black and African American,” Richardson said. “Without specific data, the contributions of our communities remain overlooked.”
Under SB 515, local governments would be required to collect demographic data for:
• African Americans who are descendants of persons enslaved in the United States.
• Black individuals who are not descendants of U.S. slavery, in-
California Shakes Up State Gov’t to Better Tackle Housing Crisis, Homelessness
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Association opposed the bill, citing concerns about increased costs to counties and noting inmates receive sentence reductions for time served in camps. Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R- Murrieta), a retired firefighter, supported the pay increase but warned that funding will be necessary to maintain program participation.
The bill initially proposed a $19 hourly wage but was lowered during negotiations. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
At the same hearing, the committee also passed Assembly Bill 938, which would expand state law allowing victims of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, or sexual violence to ask courts to vacate certain convictions. The expansion would include some violent crimes and provide additional legal defenses.
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), who authored AB 938, highlighted that several other states have similar laws. Opponents raised concerns about the potential loss of restitution for victims if convictions are vacated.
Both bills now proceed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
cluding African and Caribbean Blacks.
And individuals who either do not know or choose not to identify their ethnicity.
Republican Assemblymembers Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Tri Ta (R-Westminster) voted against the bill in committee. It previously passed the Senate on April 1 with a 28-10 vote, all “no” votes coming from Republicans.
The Carlsbad Citizens for Community Oversight, a nonprofit organization advocating for government transparency and accountability, sent a letter to the Assembly Local Government Committee opposing SB 515 and urging members to oppose the bill.
However, the bill has received support from organizations such as the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), the American Redress Coalition of California — Sacramento and Bay Area chapters, and the California Black Lineage Society.
Chris Lodgson, a member of CJEC, highlighted why SB 515 matters to his organization and others.
“The inclusion of additional demographic categories across all California cities and counties, particularly a category of data collection for descendants of persons enslaved and emancipated from U.S. Chattel Slavery, will provide a clearer understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by this community of over 2 million California residents,” Lodgson stated in support of the bill.
In a major shake-up of state bureaucracy, Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved the creation of two new agencies to address California’s housing crisis and strengthen consumer oversight.
The move, which Newsom announced last week, establishes the California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA) and the Business and Consumer Services Agency (BCSA). The reorganization dissolves the current Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency by July 2026.
State officials say the change is designed to improve accountability and coordination in efforts to reduce homelessness, expand affordable housing, and strengthen consumer protections. According to the governor’s office, the new structure will consolidate housing and civil rights oversight into a single agency, while moving business and consumer regulation into a separate department.
“Housing and homelessness are complex and multifaceted issues, deserving of full and prioritized attention,” said Newsom in a statement on July 11, thanking lawmakers for approving the standalone housing agency.
The CHHA will oversee departments involved in housing development, homelessness coordination, and civil rights enforcement, including the Department of Housing and Community Development, the California Housing Finance Agency, and the Civil Rights Department.
The BCSA will take over responsibilities related to occupational licensing, financial regulation, and oversight of industries such as alcohol, cannabis, and real estate. It will include agencies like the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
Tomiquia Moss, head of the soon-to-be-dissolved umbrella agency, said the new structure will help the state meet its housing goals. “This will enable us to better reach our goal of 2.5 million new homes by 2030, with one million of them being affordable housing,” said Moss.
The announcement comes as California continues to face some of the highest homelessness rates in the country. State data shows California limited the increase in homelessness to 3% in 2024, compared to an 18% rise nationwide. Officials also reported declines in veteran and youth homelessness.
Republicans Blast California’s Decision to Reject Mandate on Trans Athletes and Risk Billions in Federal Funds
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
California is defying a federal directive that determined the state violated Title IX by permitting transgender athletes — who are biologically male — to participate in girls’ sports, a move that could jeopardize billions in federal education funding.
The California Department of Education says it will not comply with the directive from the U.S. Department of Education.
Title IX is the federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in schools.
Assembly Republicans sharply criticized the decision.
“California continues to push the dangerous insanity of letting men compete in women’s sports,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher of East Nicolaus. “This is about fairness, safety, and the rule of law.”
Gallagher accused State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tony Thurmond and Gov. Gavin Newsom of prioritizing politics over students, saying they are put-
By Emil Guillermo
Manitoba, Canada has a lot of Filipinos — more Filipinos than Latinos and Blacks.
That’s where I’ll be doing “Emil Amok monologues,” starting July 16-28. If you’re near, or have friends in Canada, tell them to get tickets.
When immigration to the U.S. got hard, Canada became an option.
The year 1924 is significant.
That’s when some very hateful U.S. immigration laws were in force — setting immigrant quotas from all countries.
Except for Asian countries, where the quota was zero.
Filipinos were the exception.
Thanks to President William McKinley, Filipinos were called “nationals.” We weren’t citizens, just “colonized.” Sort of Americans. The term “nationals” branded us. We didn’t need papers. We were legally undocumented.
That’s how my father got here in the 1920s.
My father, Willie, with his younger brother Joe, were the first Guillermos to arrive in America.
On 7-11.
I honor his arrival.
Don’t send ICE – Send the HVAC Guy
It was a hot evening. I didn’t need ICE.
I needed HVAC.
My air conditioner broke at 5:55 p.m. People were gearing up for the weekend.
I was desperate — not destitute.
I made two calls. The first company said no.
They referred me to a bigger, more established company.
An AI bot on the phone took my order.
The next call was to a company called 1st Call Heating and Air.
“We can be there in 30 minutes,” said Alberto Hernandez, the very human owner.
He showed up with his coworker, his 18-year-old son, Kevin, an apprentice in the family-owned business.
Newsom Honors Lives Lost in Fires ...
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ting athletic programs across the state in danger.
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Temecula) called the policy a “shocking civil rights violation.”
“Newsom’s Department of Education is blatantly violating Title IX — and now they’re doubling down,” said Sanchez. “They refuse to protect girls’ sports for biological girls.”
Under Title IX, states that violate federal gender equity rules risk losing federal education funding. California receives billions of dollars in federal aid annually, which supports everything from school lunches to special education programs.
Assembly Republicans are urging Newsom to reverse course and instruct the Department of Education to align with federal law. They warn that if California continues on its current path, student-athletes and public schools could suffer long-term consequences.
The Newsom administration has not yet issued a detailed response to the federal findings or the
in California was a moment in time,” said Gordo. “We’re not finished, and the Governor is here to mark the day our world changed.”
The plan, “L.A. County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding,” was announced by L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. She represents the 5th district which includes Pasadena and Altadena.
The plan aims to speed up and simplify recovery efforts by streamlining the permitting process, strengthening relevant supply chains, repairing infrastructure, moving power lines underground, upgrading water systems, providing tax relief, and enhancing local support services.
Although the Palisades fire burned a larger area — about 36 square miles to the Eaton Fire’s 22 square miles — the Eaton Fire destroyed 9,400 structures compared to the Palisades’ 6,800 structures.
Many of the areas affected by the Eaton fires were unincorporated and under the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors. Barger, who is also the president of the board told residents she intends to make the “neighborhood feel whole” by restoring schools, parks and other needed services.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen
Alberto pinpointed the problem.
In less than 30 minutes, he had fixed my issue.
Things were cool again. And the price was about half what the other established non-immigrant-owned company would have charged.
I was impressed by their fair price, eagerness to provide a good service and their quick but thorough work. Guaranteed for a year.
We were all aware of the news that day: ICE’s overreaction to protesters at a marijuana farm in Camarillo.
Alberto had an opinion. He’s a Mexican immigrant. A naturalized American. His son was born in America. They’re both proud Mexican Americans, but also wary. People get profiled, Alberto implied, pointing to his dark skin.
Alberto’s Tale, Like all People of Color Alberto came to America from Mexico in 1987 and worked in textiles. But something about the HVAC business lured him. He went to school, earned his industry certifications, and began working. In 2019, he started his familyowned business.
He wants to work. That’s the immigrant drive in 2025.
The Trump administration needn’t act unfairly or at times unlawfully to make Americans feel safe.
Like Alberto and his son, hardworking, ambitious immigrants often get caught in the middle. Brown, Asian, Black.
Understand America has been here before.
We know better.
About the Author Emil Guillermo is an awardwinning journalist, news analyst and comic stage performer. He has written a weekly “Amok” column on Asian American issues since 1995. Find him on YouTube, Patreon and Substack. See Emil live in his “Emil Amok, 69,” a storytelling show at the Winnipeg Fringe.
Bass was scheduled to give remarks but was unable due to a mass deployment of federal officers to MacArthur Park as part of the president’s deportation imitative. Instead, Deputy Mayor Rachel Freeman delivered remarks on Bass’ behalf.
U.S Sen. Alex Padilla also spoke, thanking those working in the rebuilding efforts, including federal workers he described as living “under the gun” referring to the Trump administration’s attacks on government workers.
“This is the time to be investing more in FEMA and empowering FEMA, not attacking FEMA or threatening to eliminate FEMA,” said Padilla.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA28), whose district includes Altadena and Pasadena, also criticized Trump’s threats to slash emergency services, saying “Wildfires have no political affiliation.”
Insurance companies were also high on the list of concerns for Newsom. He said that a supplemental package will fill the gaps where insurance coverage falls short.
“Our number one imperative now is to try to restore some hope for those that may have lost it,” said Newsom. “That may have moved on and may have offered their property up for sale to hopefully get them to reconsider and to resubmit their application, their permit to rebuild.”
criticism from GOP lawmakers.
Courtesy of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Facebook page.
The California State Capitol in Sacramento. Shutterstock.
Emil Guillermo. Courtesy of Emil Guillermo.
iStock.
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though residents still report feeling largely unsafe in Oakland.
According to surveys by the Bay Area Council, 43% of total respondents feel less safe in Oakland today than they did a year or two ago. Of those respondents living outside of the city, 48% said they feel less safe, while 36% of Oakland residents said they feel less safe.
Report authors compared Oakland’s data to 13 other mid-sized city jurisdictions, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Detroit, to detail where the city ranked in violent and property crimes.
According to the authors, Oakland ranked sixth in violent crimes with over 1,000 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024. Oakland’s 2024 property crime rate was also 6,519 per 100,000 residents, which is 1.75 times the average of 12 of the other mid-size cities.
The authors also claim that the city’s rise in crime directly affects the economic stability of Oakland.
Due to the large rhetoric around lack of safety in downtown and other major parts of the city, including post-pandemic work from home norms, foot traffic has been particularly low in the last five years.
Additionally, small businesses have often faced the brunt of rising property and robbery crimes.
In a survey administered by the Downtown BID Alliance in 2023 approximately 94% of responding businesses said they were the victim of crime in the last year; 40% said they lost staff due to crime concerns; and approximately 51% of respondents considered moving or closing their business.
In the last two years, some small businesses across Oakland have
participated in one-day closures in protest of the public safety concerns from owners, workers, and community members.
The majority of solutions suggested by residents and outsiders alike have been increased presence of law enforcement in business corridors, which is severely lacking. There’s approximately 1.55 officers per 1,000 people in Oakland.
The report recommends various changes in funding, governance, department operations, and partnerships.
The report authors suggest securing guaranteed funding for more sworn officers, with an increase of at least 200 from the current 678 officers. They also suggest finding funding outside of relying on the General Purpose Fund, which can often shift drastically on a number of factors outside of Oakland’s control.
The study also proposes shifting towards a civilian-run internal review board so that resources and officers are not pulled away from the department and instead focused on investigations and patrolling.
A few of the suggestions, particularly those involving department operations, are already being discussed and invested in within OPD and other law enforcement agencies, including citywide technology investments, expansion of Ceasefire programs, and partnerships with other law enforcement programs.
The suggestions brought forth in the report come with hefty financial and political investments, authors acknowledge, but ones they urge are important in order to move Oakland towards better public safety.
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tive date.
“Far from delivering on their promises to drive down costs and ‘make America healthier’ the Trump Administration’s HHS and CMS are doing their best to make it harder and more expensive for Americans to obtain health insurance and access care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “These sweeping changes would impose onerous verification requirements, junk health insurance premiums for some consumers, shorten enrollment periods in federal and state healthcare exchanges like Covered California, deprive up to 1.8 million Americans of health insurance, drive up outof-pocket healthcare costs and so much more. It’s unlawful and it’s wrong – we’re meeting the Trump Administration in court to defend Americans’ healthcare coverage.”
Congress enacted the ACA in 2010 to increase the number of Americans with health insurance and decrease the cost of healthcare. Fifteen years later, the Act continues to meet its goals, with annual enrollment on the ACA marketplace doubling over the past five years, resulting in over 24 million people signing up for health insurance coverage in plan year 2025 on the ACA exchanges and receiving subsidies to make such coverage affordable, including millions of people in the Plaintiff States. Now, with less than four months until open enrollment for plan year 2026 begins, the Trump Administration’s final rule would abruptly reverse that trend, erecting a series of new barriers to enrollment that will deprive up to 1.8 million people of insurance coverage by the Administration’s own estimates, and significantly drive up the costs incurred by Plaintiff States in providing healthcare, including increasing state expenditures on Medicaid, uncompensated emergency care, and funding other services provided to newly uninsured residents.
California has approximately 2 million ACA plan enrollees, the third-highest of any state. The final rule by HHS would make sub-
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serving African American elected official in Mississippi and the lone Democrat in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation.
In organizing resistance to Trump’s agenda, organizations like the NAACP and the Congressional Black Caucus have an important role to play, he continued.
“We have to help this country (clear up) all these misconceptions that he’s (spreading). That’s why the NAACP is so important because you have the independence of thought and deed to get things on the right track and stick with it. Without your help, we’re in serious trouble.”
Other allies are also crucial, he said. “We also have to have our allies, ACLU, the Brennan Center (and others). We got to (get) everybody in the room because we’re fighting a common enemy.”
Our enemies thrive on division, he said. “That common enemy succeeds when he divides us,” Thompson said. “That division has created who we have in the White House right now. But we as a group have to come up with a plan just like he did to get back (in office).”
He said direct action includes delegations meeting face-to-face with elected officials. “You’re going to have to go to some Congress folks’ office and ask them, ‘What the hell are you doing supporting these bad bills? They don’t make sense,’” he said.
Defending democratic rights means continuing working through the courts, he said.
olina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, those states have sizeable majority populations that are underrepresented in every facet of government.”
“We’re going to have to continue to fight, (joining with) our people in the North and East and West.”
“We’re in this together; It will be the one unifier for all of us (because) this administration (is)… taking food from babies … denying health care for seniors and denying opportunity for education.
“We can’t continue this path,” he said. “(This country) should not be great just for the rich and famous. It should be for everybody.”
“If we look at who Donald Trump is, remember Jan. 6, 2021. (He) orchestrated it, he invited people to come. He’s a ‘clear and present danger’ to this country as we’ve known it. The articles that you’ve talked about in our Constitution, they’re absolutely fundamental for who we are.”
“Donald Trump doesn’t give a tinker’s damn about the Constitution. It’s all about him. What we have to do is be very strategic in how we address it,” he said.
“(For Trump), it’s not about the Constitution or the rule of law: It’s what he wants. What we have to do as a people is begin the process of organizing and educating and making sure that... we are clear as to the path forward,” said Thompson.
Trump’s administration is utilizing the Project 2025 agenda, Thompson said (www.aclu.org/ project-2025-explained).
Oakland and East Bay Community Foundation ...
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play in our society,” said Brandi Howard, president and CEO of EBCF. “Arts and culture unlock the human spirit and bring people together. They strengthen our communities, bolster our economy, and power our movements for change. In this moment, when so many things are in disarray, we are proud to support the people that make the East Bay special.”
“Oakland’s cultural organizations are more than businesses — they are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “They are where stories are shared, movements are born, and communities are knit together. As partners, we can support the deep impact of arts and culture on the lives of Oaklanders, and I’m grateful to all who contributed.”
The City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Division worked closely with representatives of the nine foundations to coordinate this effort, led by Acting Cultural Funding Coordinator Pamela Mattera and former Cultural Funding Coordinator Raquel Iglesias. The resulting pooled fund will leverage EBCF’s expertise and ensure efficient deployment of grants to arts organizations previously selected by the City. Grant awards will be made by EBCF to arts organizations in July.
The following foundations have committed funds:
• East Bay Community Foundation
• Akonadi Foundation
Anonymous • Fleishhacker Foundation
• Gerbode Foundation Hellman Foundation Kenneth Rainin Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
• Stupski Family Fund Grant recipients include: API Cultural Center, Inc.
Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc.
• Cantare Con Vivo
• Chapter 510 INK
Creative Growth Art Center, Inc.
• DANCE ELIXIR
• Destiny Arts Center
• Diamano Coura West African Dance Company Dimensions Dance Theater, Incorporated.
• East Bay Performing Arts
• EastSide Arts Alliance, Inc. Friends of Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
• Kitka, Inc.
• Living Jazz
• Museum of Children’s Art
• Music Is Extraordinary, Inc.
• Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Inc.
• Oaktown Jazz Workshops
Prescott Circus Theatre Project Bandaloop Purple Silk Music Education Foundation, Inc.
• Sarah Webster Fabio Center for Social Justice
The Crucible Ubuntu Theater Project, Inc. in vibrant communities.
stantial changes to the operation of the ACA marketplaces, including adding new bureaucratic barriers, imposing an automatic monthly charge on all automatically reenrolled consumers who qualify for $0 premiums, shortening the open enrollment period for signing up for health coverage, and making other changes which will make coverage less affordable for millions of individuals nationwide. The final rule would also exclude gender-affirming care as an EHB on federal exchange plans, leaving states responsible for paying for the portion of insurance premiums attributable to any such coverage (but the availability of such care in California would not be impacted).
In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the HHS and CMS rule is unlawful, arbitrary and capricious, and would cause significant harm to states and their residents. All of the challenged marketplace changes implemented by the final rule will be harmful to individual consumers and state and local governments. The final rule imposes burdensome and costly paperwork requirements, limits the opportunities to sign up for health coverage, substantially increases cost-sharing limits, and forces exchanges and consumers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to prove eligibility for coverage and subsidies. These changes will result in direct and immediate costs to States as well as harms tied to decreased enrollment.
In filing the lawsuit, California Attorney General Bonta, Massachusetts Attorney General Campbell, and New Jersey Attorney General Platkin are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
“We absolutely have to continue the process in the courts,” he said. “A bunch of us wouldn’t (have been) elected had it not been for the Voting Rights Act and the courts and the people who came to help us get where we are.”
Looking at a strategy to achieve electoral victory, he said “(Winning a new) majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate will go through the South. There’s no question about it. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Car-
“They spent four years putting it together,” he said. “They are stacking the courts as best they can, getting rid of any investigative authority that any department has, and putting his loyalists in there, not the best qualified person.”
All that counts is allegiance to Trump.
“The only qualification is the gospel according to Donald Trump,” said Rep. Thompson.
Oaklanders visit Congressman Bennie Thompson at the NAACP convention in Wash., DC. Pictured above: The Oakland NAACP Branch
President Cynthia Adams, retired Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, Patrice and Ron Waugh, Dr. Allie Whitehurst, Kim Shipp, Maleah Flournoy, and Rayland, president of the Oakland Imani Youth Council. Courtesy photo.