Oakland Post, week of May 31 - June 6, 2023

California

Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed... Page 2

Oakland Post

“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18

Weekly Edition. May 31 - June 6, 2023

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Debt Ceiling Bill

City Council OKs Study to Examine Ongoing Harm to Oakland’s Black Community from Past Discriminatory Public Policy

By Office of D3 Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife

The Oakland City Council has authorized a study proposed by Councilmember Carroll Fife to research the ongoing effects of public policy decisions of redlining, displacement through eminent domain, and urban renewal on the Black community in Oakland, and to assess ways to redress the harms caused through a “Black New Deal.”

The Black New Deal (BND) is a framework that seeks to ameliorate the multitude of harms that have directly impacted generations of West Oakland’s Black residents as well as the city at-large. This research, and the data-

focused policies it will inform, are centered in the following seven areas: housing, economics, education, arts and culture, environment, public safety, and health.

The study will be led by Oakland-bred Dr. Brandi Summers of BluSummers, LLC, an associate professor at UC Berkeley’s Department of Geography, with support from the renowned consulting firm Mason Tillman Associate, Ltd.

“We often look at today’s social challenges as urgent crises disconnected from the past; disconnected from history, but we are the cumulative embodiment of

By Sean Ryan

Congresswoman Barbara Lee

(CA-12),

senior member of the House Appropriations and Budget Committees and member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, plans to vote NO on the debt ceiling bill being considered on May 31. She released the following statement:

“…I will stand with other Progressives that are holding the line for the Democratic Party’s core values, which include fighting for low-income people, for the environment, and for the most vulnerable. As an Appropriator, I could not in good conscience enable Kevin McCarthy and the MAGA Republicans to take our economy hostage to enact their extremist agenda.

“I commend President Biden for making the best of a lose-lose situation and negotiating a much better deal than the deal MAGA extremist Republicans originally proposed. There were key Democratic priorities and accomplishments that were protected in the negotiations, including important provisions for veterans’ health care and funding for unsheltered people in our communities, as well as protecting changes to Medicaid, COVID funding, and more.

House Democrats came together to protect the American economy from a Republican-led default, which has been my top concern. This is why I’ve long been advocating for passing a clean debt ceiling bill as opposed

Revivalist Rev. Tellis Chapman Campaigns for NBC, USA, Inc. President in Oakland

By Danielle Jones

Hosted by the Bay Cities Baptist Ministers Union (BCBMU), Rev. Tellis Chapman will visit Oakland on June 9 as part of his campaign for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc.

NBC, USA Inc. is the largest predominantly Black Christian denomination in the United States and the second-largest Baptist denomination in the world.

Chapman, a member of NBC, USA for over 45 years, is the senior pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich., and the founder and president of the Chapel Vision Community Development Corporation, which greatly impacts the community.

Chapman has held numerous positions and currently serves as an NBC, USA Board member and director of the Pastors and Ministers Division.

Not only is Chapman one of the greatest prolific preachers of our day, he also has a noteworthy vision for this 7.5 million-member Baptist organization.

The ‘Up Close & Personal’ gathering, where supporters can learn more about Chapman’s vision for NBC, USA, will take place at Greater St. John’s Baptist church at 1909 Market St., at 5:30 p.m. It will be followed by his presidential campaign rally at 7:00 p.m.

Bay Area sports fan who loves a well written book about Oakland losing all of its professional teams.

Dave Newhouse needs no introduction to sports fans; he’s been a sports editor and written 11 books and counting. He’s an award-winning sportswriter and columnist.

tody charged with one count in the murder of Eric Ford.

For the last 15 years, Chapman has led the daytime annual revival held by Bay Cities Baptist Minsters Union on the third week in August at Good Hope Baptist Church or at Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland. His co-host at the revivals has been Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr. of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn.

Both events are free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary.

Also present will be BCBMU President Joe L. Smith, BCBMU Chairman Charles L. Hopkins, and Greater St. John Baptist Church Pastor Gregory Payton, a senior delegate of NBC, USA. BCBMU is headquartered at New Hope Baptist Church at 5717 Foothill Blvd.

Book Cover. Triumph Books.

By Arif Khatib

Goodbye, Oakland, which is not a warning that I am leaving Oakland...I am not going anywhere. I love Oakland.

“Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival” is the title of a recently released book written by Dave Newhouse and Andy Dolich. This book is a must-read for any

Andy Dolich is no stranger to Bay Area Sports...he’s been an A’s and Warriors executive and has five decades of experience in the sports industry. There’s no one better to write about Oakland losing its professional teams than these two gentlemen.

Like so many Bay Area fans, I was hoping Oakland could save one of its professional teams because Oakland has always loved its teams, but don’t try to figure out why they are all gone or going.

It’s NFL team, The Raiders, left Oakland not once, but twice—first to L.A. and recently to Las Vegas.

After crossing the Bay in 1971 for a better home in Oakland, the Gold-

By Traci Grant

On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the District Attorney’s office moved to dismiss two murder charges against Delonzo Logwood which were filed against him in 2015.

Judge Mark McCannon considered and granted the District Attorney’s motion in the interests of justice. Logwood remains in cus-

In 2015, Logwood had been charged with the murders of Richard Carter, Eric Ford, and Zaire Washington. The evidence against him in the cases involving the murders of Carter and Washington came exclusively from a cooperating witness, who had nearly 12 years slashed from his 31-year sentence, in exchange for his testimony against Logwood at the preliminary hearing in 2018.

That witness completed his sentence and was released from prison in February 2023. The witness now refuses to cooperate and testify, and he is not obligated to testify because of the deal given to him by former Deputy District Attorney Stacie Pettigrew.

“We learned back in January that this witness was not guaranteed to testify,” said Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. “Additionally, his testimony

Candidates Vie for Barbara Lee’s Congressional Seat

By Ken Epstein

Five candidates, all Democrats, are running for the Congressional seat that will be vacated by veteran East Bay Democrat Barbara Lee, who is running for U.S. Senate to replace Dianne Feinstein, who is retiring after three decades.

Lee has held her position for the past 25 years as representative of one of the most progressive and anti-war districts in the country.

Many pundits view BART Board member Lateefah Simon as

Lee’s heir apparent, based on her significant fundraising advantage and early endorsements of powerful East Bay and state political leaders.

Other candidates, whose campaigns are just gearing up, include Cal State East Bay professor of ethnic studies Jennifer Tran; Alameda Vice Mayor Tony Daysog; Denard Ingram, chair of Oakland’s Housing, Residential Rent and Relocation Board; and small

Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

Marin County District Attorney Lori E. Frugoli

District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. Courtesy of Beth LaBerge, KQED.

Alamed County District Attorney

Cannabis and Kids: California Assembly Advances Bill to Address Pediatric Poisonings

Prop. 64 was a voter-led initiative in 2016 that legalized cannabis in California. The law made possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis or cannabis products legal for those over 21 years of age.

Supporters of AB 1207 claim the bill upholds the promise and intent of Prop 64 by introducing measures to protect children and youth. The bill more clearly defines and prohibits products, packaging, and marketing that appeal to children and teenagers, and prohibits flavored cannabis products known to hook kids.

Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber speaks at the Sisters on the Frontline Reception. She is standing with Assemblymember Mia Bonta( D-Oakland), Assemblymember Tina MicKinnor (D- Los Angeles) and State Controller Malia Cohen The event was hosted by State Controller Malia Cohen, BWOPA TILE, and sponsored by T-Mobile. The event was hosted on the eve of the California Democratic Convention but was not a part of the convention. (Courtesy photo)

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 1207, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), passed the Assembly with a 61-0 vote on May 25.

The bill aims to tackle the recent surge in pediatric poisonings and hospitalizations caused by the consumption of cannabis products.

AB 1207 — focused on the packaging and advertising of cannabis products — was introduced on the Senate floor for the first time on May 26, a day after it cleared the Assembly.

“When Prop 16 was passed in 2016, there was a distinct promise to California voters that legalization of recreational cannabis would not come at the expense of our children,” said Irwin on the Assembly floor before members voted on the bill last week.

“But in reality, the very oppo-

site has occurred. Poison Control Center calls due to pediatric exposures have skyrocketed since 2016, and they will only continue to increase as time passes,” Irwin continued her statement to her colleagues. “In 2021, California had 793 cannabis exposure calls to Poison Control Centers for children five years of age and under.”

According to Irwin, both illegal and illicit cannabis products are contributing to the rise in poisoning among children.

Since the passage of Proposition (Prop) 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, companies have marketed hundreds of legal cannabis products in California that resemble candies and foods. These products are known to appeal to children and youth, proponents of the legislation claim. For example, a fruit-flavored, high-potency cannabis e-joint that mimics the nowbanned JUUL nicotine e-cigarettes is known to attract teenagers.

“We must protect our children from the reckless labeling and marketing of cannabis products that are designed to be attractive to them,” Irvin posted to her Twitter account on May 22.

Irwin’s legislation aligns with other California laws that have made it illegal to sell flavored and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21.

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Tanu Henry, Edward Henderson and Lila Brown California Black Media

Your roundup of stories you might have missed last week.

“Sisters on The Frontline:” California Black Women Democrats Host Meet-Up at California Democratic Party Convention in Los Angeles California State Controller, Malia Cohen hosted members of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) during the California Democratic Party state convention in Los Angeles this past weekend.

Themed “Sisters on The Frontline,” the social gathering held at Fixin’s Soul Kitchen in Los Angeles, brought together Black women who are shifting the balance of power across the state such as U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12); Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber; California State

Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) and Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne); and Los Angeles

Mayor Karen Bass.

Other allies who attended to show their support included Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).

During the event, Lee spoke about her candidacy for U.S. Senate and Weber shared some details about the proceedings of the state’s Reparations task force.

Weber said she expects the Legislature will approve the task force’s recommendations.

Bill Aims to “Clean Up Wild, Wild West” of Ballot Initiative Campaigns

On May 21, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) hosted a virtual rally to discuss Assembly Bill (AB) 421. The bill, which he authored, aims to tackle problems with California’s ballot

initiative process.

The goal of the bill is to help voters know who is behind a measure and identify paid signature collection campaigns, Bryan said. AB 421 would expand oversight of signature collection and referendum campaign funding by the Secretary of State’s Office. It would also require that unpaid volunteers collect at least 10% of a campaign’s signatures.

In California, paid signature collectors, sometimes from other states, are often contracted to interact with the public and canvas for referendums. AB 421 would require that those signature collectors register with the Secretary of State’s office.

“There are 40 million people who are counting on their Legislature and their governor and their voice to be heard in the democratic process,” Bryan said the following

Continued on page 9

Continued on page 9

California Controller Malia Cohen led the movement to elimi-

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousands Oaks)

California State Controller Malia Cohen

“Strong Like Bamboo” Gathering Lays Foundation for Community Building

my unfancy duds.

When school let out for the summer, I’d go back to my own neighborhood and pals where we sold firecrackers for the lead up to July 4th.

One day, we got jumped by a group of guys that wanted our firecrackers. We all started running and I went up some steps of a Victorian home and hid behind a big potted fern.

share an experience. Like naked moments dressing and undressing for gym class.

I just didn’t know George liked firecrackers like my friends and me.

I told other stories but that was one that gets to the core of how to end the violence. Knowing each other is the beginning of the answer.

By Emil Guillermo

The “Strong Like Bamboo” gathering at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center was a free event last Sunday, the last weekend of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

More than 100 Asian Americans from different Asian ethnicities around the Bay Area were there to share their stories of resilience in an era of anti-AAPI hate.

The event was gratifying. As one of the six Asian American storytellers I got to tell a story about how I was bullied growing up while attending San Francisco’s Everett Jr. High School.

In my “Three Bullies and Gun,” the answer to ending violence may have been in the part of the story about my gym locker mate, George.

This is a pre-teen intimacy I’ve rarely shared, athletic nudity before P.E. being what it is.

It begins with the smallish locker that barely accommodated George’s leather jacket, let alone

I balled up and shielded my head and face. I could hear the footsteps of someone climbing up the steps. He stopped at the fern that clearly didn’t work as an impregnable barrier, because I started to feel the punches reign down on me hard.

I was getting my butt kicked. And when I peeked through my fingers shielding my face, I saw my attacker.

It was George.

I saw him wailing away, and as he was throwing his next punch, he pulled it back.

He saw me.

Then he went down the stairs.

“Anyone up there?” one of his buddies asked from the sidewalk.

“Nothing up there,” George said, as they went down the block.

What a guy. He only kicked half my ass. But took all of my firecrackers.

That’s a friend.

But maybe that’s how you stop the violence, when you realize we have something in common, and

Other tellers had stories like being breathed on during the pandemic, or being called names and slurs.

And then in the panel discussion, we all talked about how stories were a way to make sense of our lived experiences. Stories enable us to find meaning and solutions to problems together.

That’s why we tell stories to each other.

But first we get over the shame.

It’s no fun to tell stories about getting your butt kicked. But stories help us get over our shame so that we can share and find out we have more in common than we think.

Like a story from more than 50 years ago that I still remember so clearly.

But I also heard a sentiment repeated throughout the three-hour event-- a regret that more allies were not there with us. Blacks, Latinos, Whites. Where were the non-Asians? They should have been there in Oakland’s China-

CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR LEGAL SERVICES:

Commission Attorneys for the Oakland Police Commission

Contract Amount: Negotiable Terms: 2 Years

Project Description: The City of Oakland, Police Commission wishes to retain legal counsel (“Commission Attorneys”) to advise the Commission on matters within the scope of its powers and duties as enumerated in Section 604 and in Oakland Municipal Code Chapters 2.45 and 2.46; provide periodic training on Brown Act compliance, serve as the Commission’s parliamentarian, represent the Commission as contemplated in Section 604(i)2, and advise on other matters as assigned..

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Friday, June 16, 2023, by 2:00 P.M. via iSupplier.

NOTE: (1) Proposals not received at the above location by the stated deadline will be returned unopened; (2) If using a courier service, please secure guaranteed delivery to the required location and time as noted above.

Reminders:

Jan Matzeliger’s 1880s Invention Revolutionizes the Shoe Industry

By Tamara Shiloh

In the late 19th century, a mechanical genius by the name of Jan Matzeliger revolutionized the shoe manufacturing industry with his groundbreaking invention—the shoe lasting machine.

Born on Sept. 15, 1852, in Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana (now Suriname), Matzeliger’s innovation played a crucial role in the mass production of footwear, changing the landscape of the shoe industry forever.

Though Matzeliger’s early life was marked by hardship and perseverance, he showed an early propensity for machinery and mechanics. At the age of 19, he left his homeland and embarked on a journey to the United States, seeking better opportunities.

As a dark-skinned man, his professional options were limited, and he struggled to make a living

in Philadelphia. Despite facing numerous challenges as an immigrant, his passion for machinery and mechanics fueled his determination to succeed.

He moved to Massachusetts to work in the shoe industry and after five years of hard work Matzeliger’s breakthrough came in the late 1870s when he invented the shoe lasting machine.

Before Matzeliger’s invention, the process of attaching the upper part of a shoe to the sole, known as lasting, was a time-consuming and labor-intensive task performed manually by skilled craftsmen.

It could take several hours to produce just a single pair of shoes. This labor-intensive process limited the shoe industry’s ability to meet the rising demand for affordable footwear.

Matzeliger’s machine automated the lasting process and significantly increased production ef

ficiency. His invention, patented in 1883, used a combination of gears, levers, and molds to hold the shoe in place while stretching and attaching the upper to the sole.

The impact of Matzeliger’s invention was immense, especially for the economy of New England.

This innovative device not only sped up the production process but also reduced costs, making shoes more accessible to the general population.

The shoe lasting machine enabled the production of up to 700 pairs of shoes per day, an astonishing feat at the time. This increase in efficiency not only revolutionized the industry but also led to a significant drop in shoe prices.

Footwear that was once considered a luxury item became affordable for people from all walks of life.

Matzeliger’s invention not only transformed the shoe industry but also played a significant role in shaping society. The availability of affordable shoes had a profound impact on people’s lives. It provided comfortable and durable footwear for workers, enabling them to perform their jobs more efficiently.

It also facilitated the growth of industries such as sports and fashion, as people could now afford specialized footwear for various activities.

Sadly, Matzeliger’s life was cut short when he died of tuberculosis on Aug. 24, 1889. He was just 37. However, his contributions to the world of manufacturing and his impact on the shoe industry cannot be overstated.

His invention revolutionized the manufacturing process, paved the way for mass production, and made shoes accessible to the masses.

Matzeliger’s innovative spirit and determination to overcome adversity continue to inspire generations of inventors and engineers. Today, his legacy lives on in the efficient and automated shoe production processes that are used worldwide, all thanks to his groundbreaking invention.

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits • 20% L/SLBE • Living Wage

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• Prompt Payment

• Arizona Boycott

• Dispute Disclosure

• Border Wall Prohibition • Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance.

• Did not receive and invitation? Start Early with iSupplier registration. Upon completion of registration, send an email to iSupplier@oaklandca. gov listing “RFQ for Legal Services: Commission Attorneys for the Oakland Police Commission” as the subject and advise of an invitation to the RFQ. DWES will add your business to the RFQ invitation.

• All who wish to participate in this RFQ 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).

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2. For Isupplier related question after registration contact the Administrative Analyst II Marina De La Torre at mdelatorre@oaklandca.gov, 510 2386419.

Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, (Friday, June 02, 2023) The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

Jan Matzeliger. Wikipedia image

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Dr. Nathan P. Whittom Sr., Pastor

Pastor Nathan P. Whittom Sr.& Sis Barbara Whittom 10th Year Anniversary Celebration

Theme “Keep Trusting in The Lord Proverbs 3: 5-7

The dates and Guest Speakers are:

June 4th 11:00 a.m. – Dr. Maurice A. Bates Cornerstone MBC Oakland, CA

June 9th 7:00 p.m. – Dr. Lovelle A. McMichael Sr Greater New Hope BC High Point, NC

June 11th 11:00 a.m. – Dr. Rickey B. Harvey Sr. Mount Olivet BC Rochester NY

Love offerings may be sent by: CASHAPP - $BIBLEWAY1077 Or

Checks mailed to BibleWay MBC, 1077 13th St., Richmond, CA 94801

Did you know that living donors, including those who donate a kidney or a portion of their liver, are likely to continue living a vibrant and full life with likely no e ect on their overall health? Or that within California, 65% of those waiting for transplants are people of color?2

Stanford Health Care helps educate people about living organ donation because saving lives starts with understanding what is at stake.

1. "The Organ Transplant Waiting List," Donate Life California, accessed April 3, 2023, https://donatelifecalifornia.org/education/how-donation-works/the-organ-transplant-waiting-list/.

2. "Facts About Organ and Tissue Donation in California," OneLegacy, accessed March 22, 2022, https://www.onelegacy.org/docs/DLC607_FactsAboutDonation_071009.pdf.

News You Might Have Missed ...

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day at a briefing announcing the bill.

“You have communities that have been historically boxed out of this process who have found their voice through different statewide initiative processes,” he added.

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty Announces Bid for Mayor of Sacramento

Last Friday, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), announced he is joining the crowded race to succeed Darrell Steinberg as Mayor of Sacramento. Steinberg is not seeking re-election.

McCarty, who previously served as a city councilmember in Sacramento, stated, “I’ll bring my experience as a neighborhood leader, Housing and Redevelopment Commissioner, City Councilmember and State Assemblymember to build partnerships and deliver results for Sacramento.”

Other candidates in the race are: Flojaune Cofer, a local activist and epidemiologist; Maggy Krell, an attorney who is special advisor to Attorney General Rob Bonta; Jeff Harris, a former councilmember; and Steve Hansen, also a former councilmember.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Signed Her First City Budget

with $1.3 Billion Investment to Combat Homelessness

Last Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed her first budget since taking office in January. During the ceremony, she pledged to make L.A. safer and more equitable for all Angelenos. Bass was joined by City Council President Paul Krekorian, Council President Pro Tempore Curren Price and Councilmember Bob Blumen-

field, Chair of the Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee.

According to Bass, the budget will allow the city to expand its existing strategies to fight homelessness while advancing new ones to improve the city’s infrastructure, address climate change, and enhance city services.

“I am so proud that the City Council has affirmed these priorities and is joining me in building a new Los Angeles with the urgency that Angelenos deserve,” Bass said.

The budget includes $1.3 billion investment to confront the homelessness crisis, including $250 million for Inside Safe — the new citywide program to bring Angelenos inside and shut down street encampments.

The budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 takes effect July 1, 2023.

In Contra Costa County, Gov. Newsom Outlines State’s Clean Energy Plan

Last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new state roadmap called, “Building the Electricity Grid of the Future: California’s Clean Energy Transition Plan.”

According to Newsom’s office, the blueprint details how California will achieve its goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045, while keeping costs affordable and maximizing energy supply through this transition.

Speaking at Moxion Power, a Richmond-based mobile energy storage company, Newsom detailed a plan that includes hundreds of new solar, wind, battery storage, and other clean energy projects across California. He also highlighted the role of technology in creating this modern electricity complex that would allow users to supply power to the grid they have stored in their zero emission car batteries and other appliances.

“California has shown we have a vision, and that vision is achievable,” said Newsom. “This update highlights how we have hit our early targets, some even ahead of schedule, but we are in a race against climate change. We must build more, faster, to ensure California has the clean, reliable and affordable electricity it needs to power our future.”

A week earlier, Governor Newsom announced a new executive order and legislative package to streamline permitting and other regulations to ensure the state can build more clean energy projects faster.

Transitional Kindergarten in California Is Expanding

Last Wednesday, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education announced Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs are expanding in California.

Now, Thurmond says, TK will be free to all four-year-old children, regardless of family income, over the next few years.

Children born between September 2018, and April 2019 are eligible to register now in TK for the coming 2023-24 school year.

The expansion is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $2.7 billion plan to enroll 400,000 4-year-olds in an additional year of public education. It is expected to be the largest universal preschool program in the country. Benefits of the program will include higher achievement in math and reading throughout elementary school, increased likelihood of graduating from high school and increased likelihood of earning a college degree.

Public Health Experts Want Students to Consider Telehealth as Viable Option May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

As high school seniors across the country graduate and prepare

Continued from page 2

nate the sale of vapor products, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars in the city of San Francisco when she was member of the Board of Supervisors there.

The products were eliminated because of the danger they presented to children. Now Irwin is focused on systemic regulatory failures and widespread cannabis commercialization that has led to Cannabis products within reach of the youth.

Irwin shared the data below to support her argument for increased restrictions:

• Annual cannabis exposures reported to California Poison Control increased from below

Cannibus and Kids ... Strong Like Bamboo ...

Continued from page 3

town so that we can hear and share each other’s stories.

Missed opportunity? Maybe.

But there will be a next time, assured Sansei Kawahatsu a minister from a Japantown church in San Francisco. He was there with a group called, “We Are One,” an organization of African American and Asian communities in San

for college, awareness of their mental health is becoming a priority for public health leaders and advocates.

To support students — particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including large numbers of Blacks and other minorities — experts are promoting virtual care as a viable option with numerous benefits to address the problem they are now referring to as a crisis on college campuses.

200 in 2010 to over 1600 by 2020; 50% involved children, with half being under the age 12. There were only 16 total reported gummy exposures between 2010 and 2015 vs. 409 in 2020 alone.

• Cannabis-related emergency department visits in California increased by 75% between 2016 and 2020, mainly involving the consumption of plant material, followed by edibles, concentrates and vaping products, demonstrating that the problem extends beyond just edibles.

At Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, children under age 10 testing positive for THC quadrupled since 2016, mostly from edibles, of which three quarters were from candies or

Francisco, interested in helping communities in Oakland stage public events that “promote intercommunity understanding and solidarity.” The group uses song, but wanted to incorporate the story telling. The words.

And they should. By sharing stories, we show each other our vulnerabilities and build empathy and understanding. And we realize it’s not just about stopping anti-AAPI hate. It’s about stopping all hate and misunderstand-

Telehealth services can help break down stigma related to treatment and serve as a lifeline. It is also especially important because it increases access to more diverse care providers, they say.

In 2019, 25% of California students reported that they had received mental health care services within that school year for mental and psychological issues, according to the California Budget and Policy Center.

gummies. Half led to hospitalization and one in ten to intensive care, costing over $15 million dollars just at one hospital.

Pediatricians, parents, public health, education, and youth advocacy groups joined California Assemblymember Irwin in a virtual press conference in support of AB 1207.

Dr. Natalie Laub, researcher at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego, has conducted research on accidental cannabis ingestion by children. Dr. Laub states that San Diego County accidental ingestions have increased from fewer than 10 cases in 2019 to 100 in 2022.

The issue can be prevented, Dr. Laub said.

“I have seen hundreds of young children become ill, many criti-

ing that might escalate and lead to violence.

Last Sunday felt like a good beginning.

If you missed it don’t worry. It won’t be the only time we’ll get to share stories of resilience that help us build community together.

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He does a reality talk show on www.amok. com , YouTube@emilamok1, and FB.com/emilguillermo.media

“While the numbers are overwhelming, it is critical to applaud America’s youth — and their trusted support systems — for taking the important first step of recognizing their need for professional therapeutic support,” said Bob Booth, MD, Chief Care Officer for TimelyCare, California’s leading provider for telehealth for college students.

“We can expect a tidal wave of

Read

get a Flex Alert, reduce your power use to help ease the grid and avoid statewide outages. The more people that save their energy for later, the more likely we keep the lights on.

Harm from Past Discrimatory Public Policy ...

Continued from page 1

what came before,” said Fife.

“The economic disparities we see today are largely the result of decades of publicly funded social welfare and investment into white communities at the expense and explicit harm to Black residents,” she said.

“As a result, Black Oaklanders had far fewer opportunities to accumulate wealth, and to this day, have lower household incomes, less access to stable housing, and face a myriad of other issues that negatively impact their quality of life in this city,” Fife continued. “My goal is to document this connection and create comprehensive policy solutions that address the harms of the past in order to move the city forward for the greater good.”

In a statementSummers said, “Understanding the enduring impact of public policy decisions and actions on the Black community in Oakland is not just an academic exercise; it is a moral imperative.

“Only by delving further into these issues and assessing the harms caused can we begin to chart a course towards redress and justice,” she said. “We owe it to ourselves and future generations to confront the past, acknowledge the present, and forge a path that uplifts and empowers every member of our community for the future.”

Ahead of state level research on reparations, the Black New Deal is designed to create concrete policy actions

The study follows a series of actions by Fife, the city, and constituents:

• March 2020 - Community organizations presented the Black New Deal (BND) COVID-19 Project to the City Council to address disparate impacts of the pandemic on

Book Review ...

Continued from page 1

en State Warriors returned have to San Francisco. And now, the Oakland A’s are on the verge of following the Raiders to Nevada as well.

Newhouse and Dolich explore how Oakland left a mark on all of its teams, each of them gaining championships in their tenure here.

The book will help you with the problem, and the writers’ genius in this regard is deeply appreciated by many.

“Goodbye Oakland” includes

Lee Oposes Debt Ceilng Bill...

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to letting Republicans pass their budget priorities in a debt ceiling negotiation.

“I had serious issues with this legislation capping spending programs that support families and those most in need in my district, in California, and in communities across the country. They also enacted work requirements for critical food assistance programs that have been proven to be ineffective and punitive, especially for Black and Brown women and older individuals.

“This all goes without mentioning provisions that end the Biden administration’s pause on student loan repayments and special provisions for fossil fuel projects that undermine our efforts to curtail the climate crisis. And despite all these cuts, the GOP still managed to increase spending in the bloated Defense budget - the only agency that still has never passed an audit.

“But let’s be clear: this was a manufactured crisis by the GOP. They had a clear chance to avoid

Oakland’s Black population due to pre-existing systemic conditions.

• July 2020 - Before being elected to City Council, Fife expanded the scope of the BND COVID-19 project to address the overall disparities that led to the devastating pandemic outcomes and made it a part of her 2020 campaign platform.

• The Black New Deal (BND) Symposium, February 2022The District 3 office brought together community members, scholars, business-owners, and more to discuss the on-going impacts of structural racism and what opportunities to thrive could look like.

• Informational report requested May 2022 - District 3 asked the City Administrator to present on the social and economic impact of financing relationships, housing, zoning, and related municipal policies that created the Cypress Freeway, the 7th Street Post Office, the West Oakland BART Station, and all redlined areas of Council District 3.

• Report presented June 28, 2022 - The Community and Economic Development Committee staff made clear that there has been an extraordinary level of extraction and dispossession from Black communities in Oakland, with West Oakland as the epicenter of harm.

• Staff recommended that the City contract outside services for additional research and development of impactful policies to address the ongoing impact.

Based on this past work, Fife seeks to move to a significant new stage of research and development that will lead to concrete policy recommendations for the City of Oakland and constituents to organize toward creating greater equity in Oakland, with related benefits of safer and healthier living conditions for all.

fantastic interviews, an array of quotes, incredible stories, and many on a very personal topic.

It’s written with humor, historical facts, thoughtful, and very substantive and very well-conceived.

The book provides the reader the opportunity to understand the evolution of professional sports in Oakland. Certainly “on the mark!”

Did I mention Congresswoman Barbara Lee wrote the foreword?

“Goodbye Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust, and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival” by Dave Newhouse and Andy Dolich, Triumph Books, $24.27

this catastrophe by making the wealthiest top 1% pay their fair share long ago. Instead, they decided to protect their wealthy donors, but take away critical benefits from people in need. Their plan not only defunds the IRS and allows corporations and tax cheats to continue taking advantage of tax loopholes, it slashes away our investments in addressing the climate crisis. It’s shameful.

“My top concern has always been about the catastrophic impact a default would have on my constituents. I’m pleased that it has been avoided, but a bill that undermines programs that also directly impact my constituents, Californians, and communities across the country is not one I can support. As Progressives have been saying, this was never about debt and deficit for Republicans. This deal does not meaningfully reduce the deficit, it enacts their ideological priorities: protecting the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working families, poor people, and the environment.”

Sean Ryan is the communications director in Barbara Lee’s media relations office.

5 Candidates Vie for Lee’s Seat...

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Biden Nominates Air Force General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown to be Next Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

By Conway Jones

General Charles ‘C.Q.’ Brown, chief of staff for the U.S. Air Force, was nominated by President Joe Biden last week to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is the country’s top uniformed officer.

If confirmed by the Senate, Brown will replace the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark Milley, whose term ends in October.

As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brown would be part of a first — the first time the Pentagon’s top two posts were held by African Americans with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as the top civilian leader. Brown would not be the first African American to be chairman, however. That distinction went to the late Army General Colin Powell.

“While General Brown is a proud, butt-kicking American airman first and always, he’s also

been an operational leader in the joint force,” Biden said. “He gained respect across every service of those who have seen him in action and have come to depend on his judgment.”

In June 2020, Brown was just a week from being confirmed by the Senate to serve as chief of staff of the Air Force when he felt the need to speak out on George Floyd’s murder.

It was risky to pull back the curtain on his private thoughts. But he did so anyway. “I’m thinking about how I can make improvements, personally, professionally and institutionally,” so all men could excel. “

His decision to speak out did not cost him. His Senate confirmation vote was 98-0.

Brown’s confirmation could drag on in the U.S. Senate, especially as Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) continues his monthslong hold on hundreds of military nominees.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority Supports Plans for Soccer, WNBA at Coliseum

business owner Tim Sanchez.

Simon, a 25-year veteran organizer, describes herself as an advocate for civil rights and social justice.

“I decided very early on that government wasn’t working for folks with no voice,” she said in a

Building and Construction Trades Council of Alameda County, as well as powerful statewide leaders:

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Rob Bonta and, Assemblymember Mia Bonta

Simon has served as executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area and as program director for the Rosenberg Foundation, which funds leaders seeking a more just society.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Mills College a master’s in public Administration from University of San Francisco.

Simon announced her candidacy in February while several of her opponents plan to start their campaigns in June. Her website is https://www.lateefahsimon.com

Denard Ingram’s website is https://www.votedenard.com, and Alameda Vice Mayor Tony Daysog so far has a temporary placeholder webpage online.

Tran, who was born and raised in Oakland, is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees. Her campaign focuses on public safety and homelessness, issues she says require federal solutions. She is also a backer of universal health care.

A graduate of public school in Oakland and Bishop O’Dowd High School, Tran has degrees in Urban Studies and Planning and Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego and a doctorate from University of Southern California.

She is currently president of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

Tran’s campaign organization includes veterans of the presidential campaign of Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s 2020.

“Our communities can’t wait,” Tran said in an interview with Bay City News. “We are in crisis.” Her website is https://www.jennifertranforcongress.com

The Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority’s (OACCA) meeting agenda last week included the Oakland Roots and Soul Soccer request to use the Oakland Coliseum area and discussions regarding the WNBA Oakland franchise.

Oakland City Councilmemberat-Large Rebecca Kaplan, the chair of the Coliseum Authority Board, along with her colleagues, supported the decision for staff to undertake the process to pursue both items.

Kaplan has worked diligently to ensure that the Oakland Coliseum Arena, with its central location and proximity to public transportation, does not go unutilized.

Kaplan continues to take action to ensure taxpayer revenue and to create and preserve jobs for the workforce at the site, as well as the vitality to serve the surrounding community. See Kaplan’s prior piece, Vision for a Future of the Coliseum: (link)

“The Oakland community, including those who work at the Coliseum, deserve a vibrant future for this large, centrally located site,

Judge Grants DA’s Motion

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was very problematic in terms of contradicting objective facts and our ability to secure a conviction in any of the cases was extremely tenuous.

“We concluded that the previous administration had overcharged and mismanaged the case, and that’s why we worked so hard in January and February to arrive at a negotiated settlement. The Court’s rejection of that proposed plea agreement in March created an unexpected barrier to our efforts to resolve the case.

including jobs, revenue, community engagement, and more,” Kaplan said earlier this month when the African American Sports & Entertainment Group (AASEG), which is also working with the WNBA to bring a team to Oakland, and the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club announced their cooperation agreement.

“I am thankful to AASEG and Roots and Soul Soccer for advancing this effort! The Roots and Soul soccer clubs had successful double-header games and have been building and growing in attendance and enthusiasm, as we now also have the women’s soccer team.

“Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and local attendance is growing. It can be a vital component to the future vitality of the Coliseum area as we work to also add housing, restaurants, hotels, offices, and more.”

--From Oakland City Councilmember-at-Large Rebecca Kaplan’s press office.

“Today, the judge has accepted our evaluation of the evidence in the case and dismissed the two murder charges to match the evidence in the case.”

Price acknowledges that “emotions about public safety right now are running high.”

She said her office was doing their “part to make sure that the administration of justice in Alameda County is fair and balanced and ‘done right.’

Attorneys on both sides will return to court Thursday to continue proceedings in this case.

Traci Grant is the communications director in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

statement. “I’ve spent my life fighting for those folks, and I will work to take our shared stories and experiences to the halls of Congress.”

Simon already has raised over $250,000 to fund her campaign and been endorsed by Emily’s List, the influential national Democratic women’s organization and the

Sanchez, 53, who grew up in East Oakland, has already won the endorsement of the political arm of the House Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The owner for several years of a cafe in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood, he identifies himself as someone who is tough on crime and has pledged to advocate for families and small businesses, as well as the unhoused.

With the aid of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign adviser and national Latino vote expert Chuck Rocha, Sanchez is developing a professionally run campaign that focuses on Medicare for All, calls for a national trust account for reparations for Black families and backs expanding the Supreme Court to 13 members. His website is https://www. timsanchezforcongress.com

Congresswoman Lee, a former social worker, has served as a U.S. representative from California since 1998, representing the 12th congressional district, which is based in Oakland and covers much of northern Alameda County.

Lee has degrees from Mills College and UC Berkeley. She served as chief of state of Congressman Ron Dellums, who gained national and international recognition as a human rights, anti-war and antiApartheid leader. Lee also served the California State Assembly from 1990 to 1996 and in the California State Senate from 1996 to 1998.

The congressional district includes Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro and is 33% white, 23% Latino, 21% Asian and 15% Black.

Tim Sanchez

Denard Ingram

Jennifer Tran

General Charles ‘C.Q.’ Brown

Tony Daysog

Lateefah Simon

Ray Bobbit (left) with Rebecca Kaplan.