Dis Caucus Members Dig Deeper into Newsom’s Black California Pauses to Promote Racial Healing and 2024 - 2025 Budget ... see page 2 Justice ... see page 2
Legacy: “A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine” ... see page 4
State has Implemented More Than 200 Master Plan for Aging Initiatives ... see page 4
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
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Weekly Edition. Edition. January 24 - 30, 2024
61st Year, No. 4
Parents and Teachers Upset Over School District’s New ‘Reckless COVID-19 Guidelines
Families of loved ones killed by law enforcement hold press conference at Attorney General Rob Bonta’s downtown Oakland office. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.
Photo: iStock photo image.
By Magaly Muñoz
Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) notified parents and staff on Jan. 22 about updated COVID-19 protocols, including discontinuing the 5-day isolation requirement for individuals who test positive. “OUSD will no longer issue COVID-19 isolation notifications that provide the first possible date staff or students can return to school after testing positive for COVID-19,” OUSD’s COVID-19 Response Team said in an email. The district announced that it will continue to follow California’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines for isolation and testing, which instruct people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms
Families Demand Justice from Atty Gen. Bonta for Relatives Killed by Cops
Photo caption: Families of loved ones killed by law enforcement hold press conference at Attorney General Rob Bonta’s downtown Oakland office. Photo by Magaly Muñoz. Families who have lost loved ones due to police violence held a press conference in front of Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Oakland office on Jan. 22 demanding justice for their deceased relatives. The families who spoke at the conference are a part of a coalition called Anti-Terror Police Project (APTP), a Black-led, multi-racial organization that seeks to eradicate police terror in communities of color by documenting abuses and connecting impacted families and community members with resources, legal referrals and opportunities for
healing. The APTP claims that Bonta has been negligent in holding police accountable for crimes they commit. They also accuse the Attorney General of not appropriately supporing those who have been affected by their violations. “Rob Bonta, stop the lies,” the group chanted while holding signs with pictures of their loved ones. The families say they are demanding answers for families seeking closure for injustices perpetrated by law enforcement. They want an oversight committee based in the Attorney General’s office to improve transparency and accountability in cases involving police violence; citizen oversight for cases involving police-related terror to guarantee Continued on page 8
By Magaly Muñoz
to stay home until they’ve gone 24 hours without using medication to reduce symptoms. However, if a student or staff members tests positive but does not experience any symptoms or fever, they are allowed to return to school, as long as they avoid contact with people at higher-risk for severe COVID-19 and wear a mask for 10 days. The district is also recommending that staff and families continue to report positive COVID-19 cases and related absences by following standard school protocols. When the news reached inboxes across Oakland, some parents and teachers were outraged. They began to question the district’s decision and voice their concerns. “It’s reckless given that so many Continued on page 8
By Ken Epstein
D.A. Pamela Price Seeks to Halt Real Estate Scams Targeting Older Homeowners
By Post Staff
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has announced a new program to counter real estate fraud, seeking to stop illegal transfers of home ownership, especially those targeting older homeowners. Under the program, whenever transfer of ownership of an Alameda County home or other property is recorded, the DA’s office will send a letter to the person who has been paying taxes on the property to ensure they know the transfer has occurred. Those who think something may be wrong with the property transfer are urged to contact the DA’s office. “The goal of this program is to protect the most valuable asset a person in Alameda County can have, and that’s their home,” said DA Price in a press release. “All too often, white-collar thieves target the equity earned by seniors in our community who purchased their homes many years
ago,” she said. The DA’s office will investigate and prosecute these cases. A recent law allows a judge to order home transfer to be voided if found to be illegal, the DA’s office said. Sometimes, signatures of homeowners are forged on documents. In other cases, older homeowners may be manipulated by someone who knows them. Recently, a handyman convinced a homeowner with memory loss to transfer ownership of her home and an undeveloped property that her family had owned for years, according to a report in Oaklandside. “A phony grant deed could be filed against someone’s house, and nobody’s going to notice that for five, six years, until Grandma dies, and it goes to probate,” McCormick told Oaklandside. “The targets more often than not are older people, because they have equity.” The program is funded for two years, the DA’s office said.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ushered into Oakland Area, 1,300 to Plan Fight for Racial and Gender Equality
By Kimberly M. Usher, Farwest Regional Director
Feds Investigate Oakland Schools For over a century, Delta Sigma for Civil Rights ‘Discrimination’ Theta Sorority, Inc. has stood as of excellence. Our foundas Teachers and Students Speak aers’pillar bold vision for public service Out Against Gaza War and women’s advancement is a
Students attend an Oakland Board of Education meeting, calling on board to back a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Ken Epstein
René C. Davidson Court House. Courtesy of Wikipedia.
Kimberly M. Usher. Courtesy photo.
The U.S. Department of Education through its Office of Civil Rights has opened “religious and ethnic discrimination” civil rights investigations against universities and school districts across the country, including the Oakland and San Francisco school districts in the Bay Area, where teachers unions have joined community activists, city councils and other labor groups locally and nationally to demand an end to Israel’s U.S.-funded War on Gaza. While the details of the complaints so far are unavailable, the thrust of these investigations up to now seem designed to pressure educational institutions to equate support for Palestinian rights with antisemitism and to be harsher in their treatment of pro-Palestinian educators and students, who have spoken out or protested genocide and ethnic cleansing. Reporting on the investigations, the Israel Times headline reads, “US Education Department opens new antisemitism probes into universities, schools.” A Palestinian OUSD employee said, “This federal case is a scare tactic designed to make us afraid of standing up against oppression, to make us cower. These are tactics that have been used historically to stop those who are brave enough to
oppose atrocities. “This is deeply impacting our OUSD students, knowing that their school board and school leaders won’t take a position on this humanitarian catastrophe, which further alienates our already underrepresented communities.” Mona Treviño, a parent organizer who is working in solidarity with Palestinian and Arab families, said, “These actions by the federal government are seeking to intimidate and silence calls for an end to genocide. Our students and families are threatened, and we need our leaders to stand up with our community to reject this attack.” The relentless attacks on Gaza and its inhabitants, which began on Oct. 7, were viewed on social media by millions of people worldwide, have claimed the lives over more 26,000 people, including 10,000 children, 300 doctors and other health workers, 83 journalists and 167 humanitarian aid workers. About two-thirds of the homes in the territory have been destroyed along with most hospitals and schools. As the Gaza violence generated more and more opposition, the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights has opened over 50 Title VI “shared ancestry” investigations, according to a published list. Continued on page 8
testament to the scripture’s call for unity and collective empowerment. Their fortitude, as embodied by our first National President, Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, who once said, “I knew well that the only way I could get that door open was to knock it down; because I knocked all of them down,” inspires us to continue knocking down barriers and expanding our
legacy in our communities and across the globe. As we uphold our commitment to this weekend’s theme, “F.I.R.S.T. Things First: Expanding our Legacy in the Farwest,” we continue our steadfast focus on expanding our legacy of social action in the State of California. Our dedication to social action remains crucial as we confront the challenges of our time, including the fight against racial and gender inequality. In this election year, our role as advocates for the voiceless is more important than ever. https://www.dstfarwestregion. com/
As We Honor Our History During the Month of February, Beebe Memorial Cathedral Will Honor Living Legends That Have Impacted Our Community
Top row (from left to right): Paul Cobb, Elaine Brown, Pam Moore, and Dave Clark. Second row: Lenny Williams, Dr. Roy Wilson, Miranda Wilson, Gregory Cole, Kym Thompson ,and John Bliss.
The Beebe Memorial Cathedral Living Legend Award is a testament to the extraordinary individuals who, through their actions, embody the principles of love, compassion and service. Their life and work exemplify these qualities, making them truly deserving candidates for this
prestigious honor. This presti-
gious award stands as a testament to their remarkable contributions, unwavering commitment and exemplary service to our communi-
ty. The awards will be presented during our 10 a.m. service, each Sunday in the month of February.
THE POST, January 24 - 30, 2024, Page 2
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California Becomes First State to Break Down Black Employee Data by Ethnicity
File Photo By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media As of Jan. 1, California became the first state in the nation to disaggregate data for its Black population by ethnic lineage. Thanks to a bill authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena). Holden is a member of the California Legilslative Black Caucus. A California Department of Human Resource (CalHR) questionnaire requests newly or rehired employees to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity and gender for the state to track and evaluate equal employment opportunities and nondiscriminatory employment practices more accurately. “For the first time, the descendants of our ancestors, people in my family and the families of over 2 million Californians, the overwhelming majority of Black California, will
see our community represented and counted among the very important data our state collects, starting among current and future state employees,” said Chris Lodgson, a member of Coalition for Just and Equitable (CJEC). CJEC is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups, and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for descendants of enslaved Black American men and women. Applicants now have the option to check boxes under Black or African American that declare them a descendent of persons who were enslaved in the United States, or not a descendant of persons who were enslaved in the United States, including African Black and Caribbean Black. They can also identify by marking “descendant status is
unknown” or they can choose not to identify. Holden introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1604, the Upward Mobility Act in January 2022. The legislation requires the state to breakdown the data of state employees by ethnic origin. Furthermore, AB 1604, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2022, provides state workers with greater opportunity to move upward within state service through improvements and best practices in processes for hiring, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. The new disaggregation mandate is designed to help spot irregularities such as disparities in income, health care outcomes, career development and state agencies’ leadership. Holden had previously pushed legislation to promote mobility for people of color in California’s civil services system and require diversity on state boards and commissions. Newsom vetoed AB 105 in October 2021, the legislative forerunner to AB 1604, which Holden also introduced. Newsom said in an October 2021 letter that AB 105 had “unintended consequences” and “elements of the bill conflict with existing constitutional requirements, labor agreements, and current data collection efforts.” “This historic change is the result of the hard work of Black Americans, all volunteers, who come from outside of politics and yet were able to make something big happen,” Lodgson said. “This is a testament to what each of us can do. Just as important as anything else, as one of my colleagues recently shared, you can’t fix a problem if you don’t see a problem.”
Photo: iStock photo image, California Black Media.
Black Caucus Members Dig Deeper into Newsom’s 2024-25 Budget
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Since Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his 2024-25 budget to the State Legislature on Jan. 10, lawmakers — including members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) — have been sharing their initial reactions to potential cuts. Those stakeholders have also been examining the Governor’s $291 billion spending plan to get a clearer sense of how funding adjustments may impact families as the state faces a deficit estimated at tens of billions of dollars. At the top of the list of concerns for some lawmakers are cuts the governor is proposing to balance the budget, as required by California’s constitution. A day after Newsom announced his budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), reacted with a post on his Facebook page. “Yesterday’s budget proposal for human services programs causes me to be alarmed for our most vulnerable populations particularly in our CalWorks, Development Disability, and Foster Care programs,” wrote Jackson, who is a
member of the CLBC. “I will be using the next few months to review its impact from a social work lens. My priority is to ensure that this budget promotes stability,” promised Jackson. Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), also a member CLBC hosted a 60-minute Budget Townhall Webinar on Jan. 17 to discuss the budget and the forecasted deficit. The webinar was presented to give the public an idea of budget cuts, budget proposals, and potential tax increases. “This is really the beginning of conversations in the legislature and our conversation with the governor,” Weber said. “Once the May revision comes out after taxes have been done, we’ll have a better sense of where we are and what the budget will be.” Webinar participants submitted a variety of questions concerning the budget such as how education funding will be impacted, strategies to address the budget shortfall, and will the deficit lead to tax increases and undermine progress made in housing the homeless and other social services programs. During the webinar, Christian Griffith, Chief Consultant of
the Assembly Budget Committee – responsible for directing the Assembly’s state budget process – said Newsom’s proposal involves spending reduction, spending delays, usage of reserves borrowing, and usage of the “special fund.” “Reduction usually gets the most attention,” Griffith said. The LAO – a nonpartisan government agency that provides fiscal and policy advice to the California Legislature – said the state budget estimates based on tax revenue are imprecise due to the IRS delaying tax filings in California until Nov. 16, 2023, because of natural disasters the state faced last year. Griffith said the “budget problem” could create a financial burden on the state for a few more years. “The main thing, a really big problem here, is not only do we have this problem right now, but we also project for the next three or four years that every year we are going to be spending $30 billion more than we take in revenue. We have a structural problem,” Griffith said. “The easy thing is trying to find one-time money to plug a hole. The hard thing is when you have that structural thing where you’re always paying on that credit card every year.”
Fearlessness. This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. It’s not easy to accept that memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Or that nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed are women, including Black women.
Attorney General Rob Bonta pictured at CLBC’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast January 11. (CBM Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)
California Pauses to Promote Racial Healing and Justice
By California Black Media
On Jan. 16, a day after America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta hosted a conversation with a diverse group of state leaders to commemorate the National Day of Racial Healing. “The National Day of Racial Healing is typically observed each year in January, and it is intended to be a time to reflect on our shared values – what brings us together and what unites us,” said Bonta. “It is also an opportunity to discuss the real lasting and present harms of racism in our society,” continued Bonta. “But more importantly, it is about healing. That takes acknowledgement of the pain and harm. It takes accountability, and it takes justice-oriented solutions.” The panel’s participants were Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell; California reparations task force members Don
Tamaki and Cheryl Grills; Orange County Human Relations Commission Chair Jo-Anne Matsuba; and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center Executive Director Jennifer Wang. Mitchell thanked Bonta for not shying away from difficult conversations on anti-racism initiatives, especially as “we acknowledge the role government has played and will continue to play – unless we stand in the gap – in promoting racially biased policies,” she said. Mitchell, who served in the State Legislature as an Assemblymember and Senator from 2010 to 2020, is also the founder of the created the Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange. Grills and Tamaki shared their experiences serving on the on the California Task Force to Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. “The number of those taking up the cause of reparations is grow-
ing, and I believe our efforts in California has contributed to that. While this has been a painful and necessary journey, I appreciate the allies who have stepped up from various racial and ethnic groups, standing up in solidarity, rolling up their sleeves to educate their communities,” said Grills. Bonta thanked the Department of Justice and its Racial Justice Bureau for the work it does to confront hate that affects all Californians. “Whether it is tackling the ongoing effects of systemic discrimination and the legacy of slavery or confronting our state and nation’s history of prosecution of Native Americans — the destruction of their homes or confronting the recent rises of pandemic-fueled hate and bias, we all have work to do,” said Bonta. “There’s no single solution, but what I do know is we can solve these challenges together.”
But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, like monitoring Type 2 diabetes and lowering blood pressure. Because you have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. Talk to your health care provider about signs, screening and early detection.
Learn more at TakeOnALZ.com
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postnewsgroup.com THE POST, March Aug. 10-16, 2022, Page 66 THE POST, 16-22,, 2022, Page THE POST, January 24 - 30, 2024, Page 4
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Representatives Lee,Month: García Introduce BillGroup Prohibiting Rental The Monkeypox Health Crisis: How California Is Responding Women’s History California Honors Leaders, Discusses Priorities Book Review
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Evictions During Physician COVID-19 Public Health Emergency “Legacy: A Black Reckons Latter-day Saints President Russell M.Place NelsonAwarded Speaks at NAACP’s Convention in Detroit Safe $180,000 Grant from with Racism inAC Medicine” by Uché Broadway Hustlers, Mob’s A PILGRIM CHURCH HAYWARD Blackstock, 5th Annual Family Reunion MDThe Blue Shield of California Foundation
the county’s response is that Among Black Californians, By Tanu Henry, THE POST, Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2015, Page 55 government also declared postnewsgroup.com POST, 2019, Page www.postnewsgroup.com By Charlene Muhammad, to July Black24-30, women in California “fireside chat” to take THE a broadretired California Assemblythere have been 129 cases re- we did not have enough cases California Black Media monkeypox a national public California Black Media er look at aging and elder care and today the topic is ‘Black member and a commissioner ported so far, accounting for at that time. I want them to health emergency. Courtesy of Women Aging With Dignity the Black community. on the California Commission causes unless the tenant per- in about 11% of all confirmed know that that response will As the monkeypox virus “We are prepared to take Rep. Lee’s Office History on Aging said 23% of Black To mark Women’s Whether they were ex- and Respect.’” petrates a serious criminal act cases in the state. African not work this time. There is outbreak spreads around the our response to the next level During their remarks, Month, The California Black women live in poverty, which the justice joys offorcaring equality and all,” never that would endanger the health, pressing In too December 2016,panelthe few of cases.” Americans make upEllis, about globe, Gov. Gavin Newsom in addressing this virus and Dr.one Larry Senior Pastor Representatives Barbara Lee is the second-highest percentists outlined resources Black Women’s Collective (CBWC) for loved orW.exposing saida NAACP President and Church gave an indexed datalife, and safety of other tenants. At the state level, the CDPH 6.5% of the state’s total popusays California will need to we urge every American to (CA-13), Jesústhan “Chuy” women need to make sure that honored more 100 García Black age in the U.S. — only behind the range of We challenges Black CEO Derrick Johnson. “We base of the historic Freedmen’s · Self-terminate six months Invite You to Join Our Family! hasChurch begun to disaggregate the lation. galvanize across core- take monkeypox seriously,” (IL-04),leaders andforces 39from additional must recognize and accept their needs are met while elwomen across the Native American women. women face as they age, the Bureau Records to the Smithafter FEMA terminates the Worship Christian Life5, Class BibleitStudy Monkeypox data is collectAs of Aug. CDPH reports gions and relax some state said U.S. Health and Human The Broadway Hustlers and sponsors the Rental importance of creating amity sonian National Museum evating some concerning stastate fromintroduced different professionpanelists shared useful insights Brown pointed out that Gov. Sunday 10am Sunday 9am 6:15pm of emergency declared by the that there ing by race, Tuesday city, hospitalizahave been 1,310 conregulations and statutes to Services Secretary and former AC Mob will be holding their Eviction Moratorium Act on with those that are raising the African American History of A Safe Place since 1984, of subjective counselA Safe Place will launch a delivery tistics. al backgrounds, including methat could shape public health Gavin Newsom set aside $2 President. localgender, and state level. Asand a tions, age and D.C. sexual firmed cases ofofmonkeypox in the Temporary Worship Location: Mission Paradise Hall combat aMarch disease that poses 5th Annual Family Reunion on California Attorney General two-year faith and domestic ing consciousness this nation — Monday, 23, to prohibit Culture in Washington, designed and implemented and guidance. “Blackadvocate women for in California dia executives, public health billion for the Master Plan on policy or improve ways Afri- longtime Congresswoman Lee is the battered 31113 Mission Hayward, CA 94544 Saturday, Sept. 19, 2 p.m. tillau6 orientation. the Church state with the most conalandlords threat greater than local Xavier Becerra. the is committed to dofromactivists, evicting rental The database contains geneservices and Boulevard, preThe iStock project will foster part-& intervention have many barriers in their evprofessionals, politican American caregivers at- women Aging, a 10-year project, but violence project, “Speaking of Photo: their children, she Co-Chair ofphoto theimage. Steering p.m., at deFremery Park, 18th Theatand age group with the firmed cases being reported in thorities may be able to reCDPH Director and State To learn more about Pilgrim, visit our website www.pilgrimbcsm.org ing just that.” alogical information of freed vention activities for victims nerships between domestic Faith,” thanks to an $180,000 tenants during the COVID-19 eryday life. As we get older, the cians and more. tend to the needs of aging famshe questioned, how would the most recently employed proPolicy Committee, a senior at Adeline in Oakland, called highest number of reported Los Angeles (431) followed spond to effectively. Public Health Officer Dr. In addition to its joint pur- grams African Americans after the Among Black thereviolence have been 129Appropriations cases violence. programs andreportfaith ofilydomestic from The Californians, Blue Shield of public organization health emergency. The people the money is intend- grant issues don’t change. The issues also held members. and services for male member of the “AThe Day of NoisViolence/All monkeypox cases (482) are 25 by San Francisco (398) and “California working urTomás J. Aragón says he suits with the NAACP, the Civil War. These programs include the leaders. California Foundation. ed so far, accounting for about 11% of all confirmed cases in the bill will ofbepanel part of the third ed to help access the money. violence. aLives series discussions just getof domestic more complicated,” “This is our third event as victims Committee, former Chair of Matter.” 34 year-olds, who make up Alamedaseeks County There to “Only gently acrossstimulus all levelspackage of gov- welcomes the federal health Top Delane Sims, Cheryl A Brown; L-Ralso ShavonChurch to (83). strengthen theinformation comprehension Program, Safe Bottom Place will join Emergency In L-R: partnership with theHon. InstiCBM image. 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Congressional Black CauThe up Broadway Hustlersof Brown about 36.8% of all confirmed have been 7,509 confirmed ernment to slow the spread emergency because it opens da Webber-Christmas, Sylvia Drew African American individuals the true fatherhood of God can Teen Dating Violence Preventhe Blue Shield Against Viotute on Domestic Violence in introduced the House of not effective systems in place the Blue Shield Projectandand of thethe event exand highlighted several policy Empowerment secus, Chair Emeritus of the Pro-to Women were knownby for its GQ style, “In the years sincecommunity releasing the moderator tions infull the report, commission By California Black Media tecovirimat (Tpoxx) used infections in California. be extremely painful in some cases in the United States and monkeypox, leveraging our up channels for California to and families through genealbring appreciation of the tion Program, and lence (BSAV) Foundation’s the African American CommuBarbara Lee other events, contact Carolyn Representatives, the Take ReJesús “Chuy” García ecutive director of California priorities, including aging and ries,” said Yvonne Wheeler, a to inform people about getting “That’s why it’s critical to funnel down through the Caligressive Caucus, Co-Chair of Master and business leadership in Plan, an enormous amount urged the state to enhance legislatreat monkeypox is limited, “We’ll continue to work cases as well. 28,220 around the world. ogy. robust testing, contact tracget more access to resources true brotherhood of men and education and outreach proCulturally Responsive Domesnity (IDVAAC), the “SpeakLast week, on thethose Little levels,” Hoover member of the strategy team Russell at (510) 986-8600 x sponsibility for They Workers elder care. Media. help they need. involved fornia Department of Aging get theViolence Pro-Choice Caucus, and be a gram. gang activities. wereand a the of work is well underway through Black tive oversight; create government clearer goals; The Church helps African but the treatment can which now withtrue thesisterhood federal 99% of people who tic Shortly after the governor ing and community partnerto slow the spread of the dis- ing “Over the of women,” Network, of Faith” project will raise Commission, an independent Cali315. Families Act. “Before COVID-19, we The gang Hon. of Cheryl Brown, a Rep. of the CBWC. Thetheir eventinitiawas place TheChuy funds, she“Last said,week willI down Brown to county agencies. García. street moreduring than 75 riumthis Act Would: Senior17emphasized. Democratic Whip. She hundreds of implementing higher priority on delivering Americans trace roots Nelson said during a 2018 administered at more than 30 to secure more vaccines, raise get form of the disease are Through A Safe Place, Rusdeclared a State of Emerlinks statewide domestic ships strengthened the awareness and educate the ease. fornia Stateof Government oversight Rep. “As authored a letter that 77 Memwere already experiencing fiorganized in partnership with Ahead Women’s History men andBarbara women Lee that said, roamed · Prohibit landlords from also serves as Chair of the Matives,” a as letter from as far reads back possible. The faster; increase accountabilcelebration of diversity and has also governed domesagencies the on best violence facilities and across awareness about reducing likely to community survive. However, gency, Shane Harris ofPedro the results pandemic to ensure that those “We hope today’s action in- faith-based body created in providers 1962,across released an sell more workers nancial hardship, poor health Black Women Organized for Broadway fromare 2ndlosing Streettheir to Month, a group of influenbers of Congress signed, callevicting rental tenants due jority Leader’s Task Force on Church donated million Nava, Little Hoover$2Commission andand pooling data oneness instand theexisting church. violence programs onJustice bothin ity; and models to apply the state,” a press is- tic risk, with state the“That LGpeople with weakened im- state. Peoples Association of most risk aretheir our focuslimfor jects additional federal fund- practices analysis of Gov. Gavinrelease jobsMacArthur orat having W Blvd.hours in Oakoutcomes, and when the panPolitical Action (BWOPA). tial California BlackNewsom’s women ing on mortgage lenders to stop to failure to pay rent or other Poverty and Opportunity. February to the International understanding inspires us Chair, in the report released on Jan. A Safe Place seeks to break when working with families to inform decisions. sued by office Activists, a San Diego-based BTQ community fighting stigvaccines, andrisk outand into our mune systems, children under “Master Plan Newsom’s for Aging.” The reRev.resources Ron Linzie ited, in families putand at of ing land the treatment lateare 70’s early “Our goal is to talk about with brought their perspectives toforeclosures during this public African American Museum passionate desire to build the cycle of domestic and famexperiencing violence in the 17. “The Little Hoover report conContinued on page states. Newsom added.8 advocacy group, called on matization,” reach,” said Aug. response efforts. 8 years of age, people with a port was submitted to the Governor missing the rentgovernor or forgoing food on collective 80’s. Brother the issuesCommission that are important gether last month in a virtual health crisis. But nearly a third (IAAM), which is set to open bridges of cooperation instead ily violence by providing bathome. T o place a Legal Ad “The applauds that we echoed are on target reach of Aug. 2, the had San Diego County officials to firms Aragón the to gover1theThe astable. he declared a state The state remainsorfocused on history of eczema, and people andAs members of the Statestate LegislaACWe Mob a people gangof (510) can’twas allow 541-9650 Rev. Dr. of U.S. residents are renters -in 2021 on the former Gadsof walls of segregation.” tered women and their children Domestic violence is the these earlydemographic efforts by the Newsom By Sean Ryan lion jobs and nearly doubled contact T onya Peacock: the five goals of the Master Plan, distributed nearly 1,713 treatnor’s statement. who are pregnant or breastrelease data on emergency in California. slowing the spread of the virus ture. that thestreets AC Transit Lowery at (510) 766- leading cause of injury to with safe shelter and resourcto berode on the in thebuses. middle Jasper in the communities I represent den’s Wharfcases indrive Charleston, Administration to progress, Phone: (510) 272-4747 GDP growth—and without it, which, together, provide a bluement courses and 168 IV “Our team is also commitfeeding may be more likely Jackson monkeypox there. The California Department The Commission credited the in impacted communities, adUché Blackstock, MD . Photo: © Diane Zhao / Random House They were also friends as- 5404 or Michelle Murray aka of a public health crisisand – that’s Southrecognizing Carolina. that achieving print in Chicago the ratio is much and totecovirimat prevent violence between of Brother Fax: (510) 743-4178 Congresswoman Barbara we would have neared aages doubleforreducing improving the health and doses to health stigma among to get seriously illthe or die,” the es, “The governor has declared ted to state for,ofso far, implementing 227 while of Public Health (CDPH) has “Niecey” ministering the limited num- women Presents sociates with the Broadway at (510) 472-5255. why I worked with Rep. Garcia at an appointment. You’ll come mission. Early in the last century, By Terri Schlichenmeyer higher. Working-class people, through outreach and educa15-44. More than one million Email: tonya_peaLee, Chair of the House Approthe Master Plan’s vision will redigit recession. Compared to overall wellbeing of aging Califorof the initiatives in the master plan, centers in various locations CDC reports. a state of emergency as of last begun to collect and report ber of vaccine doses we have, Hustlers. Former AC Mob For thoseBaptist who wish to suffer con- San Amos Brown (left), pastor of Third Church, Francisco and president the NAACP, San Francisco toRev. introduce the Rental Evicimmigrants, andwere renters children each year the oftion. prepared, and so willwitness your physiBlack midwives forbidden cock@dailyjournal.com priations Subcommittee on State quire focus and commitprevious economic recoveries, on page 8 but it also made across the state. said Cheryl Brown, Chair According to the governightsustained and constituents deserve nians,” Continued Ugh, suddenly, just now, you racial and other demographic and raising awareness about members hold top social sertribute food or funds to support President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Russell M. Nelson at therecommendations 110th annual branch greets tion Moratorium Act. This im- from Since 1976, A Safe Place brutal victimization of a you’ll pardisproportionately from ecoBrother cian; bring “Legacy,” and practicing because of a testAll other classifieds conand Foreign Operations, issued this past year’s has also been far ment,” Nava continued. for strengthening the operations So far, CDPH has received nor’s office, CDPH has taken People to know the truth about this vi- of the Executive Committee of the data, tracking how the disease prevention measures acvice positions today. don’t feel well. Not at ensures all. efforts ofAssociation their streetand minisnational convention ofthat the the National theent Advancement of Colored (NAACP) Sunday portant legislation Brandon offered aBy 24-hour crisisin George Henry White in 1900. attact the hands ofterms an intimate nomic recessions likecalled theforone the POST: the following statement on groups March come with stats that are alarming, ing matter. A document the more equitable in ofexpand prog- has eight recommendaand impactover ofPhone the work being done. a little 109,000 mona number of steps to rusAmong in who our represented region,” said Harris on page 6 is impacting various cess to treatment,” Aragón The Family Reunion will tries, send donations to Urojas Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune. It might help to lie down somerenters in the Bay Area and the this country will likely be fac- partner. (510) 287-8200 Patterson White, North Carline, emergency 20-bed shelJesusContinued isPresents the Rooms forWay Rent Fax 11, marking one year since the ress against child poverty, food keypox vaccines — of which access to vaccinations and the feature music, food, spoken speaking at a press conference. across the state. said, before adding that Calialthough very little of it is new. Flexner Report led to low numbers Community Services’ corponation cannot be evicted from where for a few minutes or maybe olina, was the House’s only Black ter, a children’s program, comThe faith environment can ing, and they need the financial Thea president thestate Church 287-8247 forBlack each other. Wenearly don’t even They customized the Sunday. doses “May have we gobeen forward American Rescue Plan Act of Grace Church of Richmond has several insecurity, and(510) unemployment word, kid zoneof and guest 51,000 dis- lawmaker state has have launched a lately public in- munity “My office led time. this argument office, 1271 The Governor’s of rate fornia isdoctors “well-positioned” to be the news has for Washington a centheir homes during the COVTheto exemplify Senate counseling, support aIndeed, safe and natural place to at the Democrat rooms for rent, including there’s something in a Latter-day drawer in of it’s church. Sanctusecurity this bill would provide, Presents of Jesus Christ of have to agree with each other Church’s self-reliance services doing our best Email: 2021 was signed into law: speakers. for low-income communities and Ave., Suite 452, San Leandro, tributed to local health departformation campaign, mostly during COVID that we needed emergency follows similar actackle the outbreak. been fullfamily of stories of Black pa- groups, community tury. education address violence andtoreID-19 pandemic. WeNelson must enpassed a bi-par- Sen. Cory Booker and Republican ary rents negotiable. Call for more informaSaints Russell M. reimmediately.” the bathroom you could take to to love each other. If we have materials and programs be the two great commandments For taken information, call Rev. CAAlthough of color. and 94577. ments acrossas the state. relying on webinars town and more demographic data, and tion at (510) 499-2838. tions in Sanhas Francisco, monkeypox is communities ads@postnewsgroup.com outreach, well as a crimiTeen issues, including children sure that everyone access to any tisan tients and sub-par care and author Shehope also of knew the statistics: minded those assembled for The Rental Eviction Moratoreclaiming the lated most effective for the initia— to love God andbill love each Senator Tim Scott, both of whom feel better. Need atoday, doctor? Having Ron Linzie “aka” Poison at One year ago President With that said, we still have a hall meetings to get informaNew York City, and Illinois. not considered deadly, the Prevention exposed underscores to violence evin Violence quality housing nonational matter contheir Black nalizing lynching at Program. the federal are Black, introduced the legislatheright 110th annual Jesus is the Way Uché Blackstock patients less likely to get that goodwill andaresense of humantive.are of His children. the skin color might help, as Biden signed the American Reslong way toAs go on all of there these istion about monkeypox out to On July 23, the World Health disease can be fatal for some Carolyn Russell, whothehas the home. a result, is financial situation.” level this week, sending bill tion together this time around. vention of the National Asso- pain ity for which we yearn, it must The two organizations also Arm in arm and shoulder to ery bitToo ofacross that news with personal medications than areaccordWhite sues. cue Plan (ARP) into lawby followmany lack access in the newone bookshould “Legacy” the state. Organization declared monof people, Jesus Rush, is thewho Wayrepas executive director apeople great need tostill strengthen theto served “No lose Uché their categories to President Biden’s desk after “Although no legislation will Rep. Bobby ciation for the Advancement beginCongresswoman with each of us, one percame together on the Temple experiences to support facts, patients. Black mothers are at a ing passage by Congress, catathe health care they need to live a shoulder, may we strive to lift “CDPH is also expanding keypox a “public health emering to public health authoriBlackstock, MD. Barbara Lee home duringPeople the COVID-19 House approved bill reverse the pain and fear felt by resents the Chicago district of Colored (NAACP) son at a time. Square life. last Millions May toof call all the our brothers and sistersthe everypulting a in historic recovery that higher Ameriscattered inside a dualAccess biography risk than white mothers for fulfilling treatment options. to gency.” ties. Symptoms of months, the disease Her career choice seemed like Sunday Detroit that Idifferpandemic which is why introJanuary. The way Emmett Till those victims, their loved ones, and where Emmett Till lived, and Over the past 18 the people, organizations and Oakland, gov- in New Hope Baptist Church, CA where, in every we can. has led need to one ofundermine the strongest are toReaders put food on thedeath, last of 2021. For the prescription drug On Aug. 4, the — lesions andhalf blisters — and can cans of herantiviral andstruggling her will maternal miscarriage, ences not so- during the mostthe natural thing in thefederal world. duced Rental Eviction MorAnti-Lynching Act, named for Black communities, this legislation Los Angeles Rep. Karen Bass First (the executive ernments tomother. work together towho This never be the NewPresidency Hope Baptist Church of Oakland, CAamid seeks a Senior Pastor will world provide Spirit-directed, periods of economic growth in a 10619 McArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA will 510 689-9544 the table rising costs, from thousands of families in our comthegreater stories civility of Blackstock at delivery. Halfchurch) of all enjoy ciety’s administration of the atorium Act, to humanity. prohibit evicting 14-year-old Chicago boy is a necessary step America must with a photo of Emmett Till achieve and ra- the same.” Uché shared Blackstock and her twin problems visionary leadership forthe ourdifchurch; and possesses excellent in thebyareas of preaching, century. the housing toskills the munity, this money meant “We are allthis connected, and “Acrisis church driven Christ has made its partnership cialongoing harmony. becoming physicians and medical treatment in the U.S.with to- women renters during crisis. Famiwhose brutal Mis- take to heal from the racial- speaking before the House Earlier this murder year, thein Church sister, Oni, practically grew up in ference Many Americans had been recent spike in gas prices to the between having childcare should havecatalyze five plus teaching, counseling and congregational leadership development. Candidates we are have a God-given responthe NAACP a high priority. Last July, Elder Jack N. Gehonored the NAACP’s comlies hurting -they are worsissippi in 1955 helped the ized violence that has perme- passed the bill last month. focused onchildcare. the kingdom” at generational day happens in an ER, and many of you’ll be dismayed a hospital, doing homework in a or left to fend for themselves during ever-growing costtheof not, having healthy food on the years Pastoral experience (preferably Senior Pastor), be licensed and ordained by a recognized sibility to help make life better The groups have met severrard spoke at NAACP’s mitment to advance equality ried about their jobs, health, and those patients are Black, poor, and and historical roadblocks they Civil Rights Movement, allows a ated its history,” Booker said Photo courtesy of Rush press staff while theirus,” physicianone the worst public health and table theM racial andfrom genor not, having secure place forofroom those around NE EaW PeducaROand GAnd R A S convention Ordination Committee have apervasive Bachelor Degree accredited Bible College alLicense times to pursue joint 109th annual inan crime and justice in society. childcare and deserve thePresicer- without to be prosecuted as a lynch- in a statement on March 7. office. overcame. Read these triumphs, a safety net. economic crises in history. The der inequities laid bare by COmother made her rounds. The girls to live or not. Sunday school 9 :00 am dent Russell M. Nelson said tion efforts in Chicago and San San Antonio, Texas. “I’m honored The including seminary. Email a cover biography, resume and ministerial license(s) toto have tainty that they won’t be kicked ing if a victim is killed or injured Our Specialty is: "Noletter, Income Rep. Bobby Rush, who but -don’t lose that sight of the Knowingmy these things, work- VID ARP accessinto to vaccines arepray deeper than ever. Through Covid Commuduring a nine-minute evening To read the full story, go to got a expanded front-row what itif Francisco andQualification employment mayother in-additional Church of of Jesus Christ Lat-a represents part of Chicago, Worship 10:00 am Programs" for to the curb andpeek left homeless nhbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com onSunday or“I before April 2,we 2020. For information please see as the result a hate crimeofwith and testing; provided economic I urge Americans to look at nity Care Act, we also delivered speech. “We don’t have to be postnewsgroup.com important thing here: remember, ing under those facts, took its toll. initiatives in Houston and creasingly call each other dear ter-day Saints stand in unity was like to be a Black female doc- Owner SFR's, 2- 4Family Units, 5+ “pastor”. they can’t make their rent,” said sentence of up to 30 years in prison. where Till lived before he was our website Non nhbcoakland.org under the heading No phone calls pm please. Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 relief keptalike outlove of vital alike or look to have what the American Rescue funding support commuCharlotte. friends,” Nelson concluded withSenate the NAACP advance as Blackstock often urges, thatPlan ad- The When shetowas a young girl, Buildings, Unit Apartment tor andthat because ofmillions their mother’s passed thetobill unaniSenior Pastor Prayer Service Thursday 6:00pm and poverty; prevented a catastrophic nity-based did in just a single year as a tesefforts to hire and moMixed Usemothand Commercial vocating for one’s self or a loved mously, though three with her Republican influence, it never entered their Blackstock played Phyllis Scott L.C.Sunday Fuller Jr. wave of evictions and foreclo- bilize community outreach work- tament to the transformative im- 8:30 am • 0 DOWN VA/USDA/FHA health members of the House — from er’s leather medical bag and the one is key to maintaining minds to choose another career. Broker sures; helped small businesses ers, community health workers, pact governmentOwner/ can have when Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas — surviving. treasuresCA inside510 it. She dreamed it 580 FICO PROGRAMS inspiration lingered: afterOakland, DREPresi10619 McArthur Blvd., 689-9544 and•That schools stay afloat; and made prioritizes people.CA I thank social support specialists, and and about their voted against it. of carrying it to her own patients their mother died young of cancer, #01Democratic 201700 • JUMBO LOANS TOin $5the critical investments expan-driven Biden concerned and my others increase vaccine access dentReaders “AMILLION church bytoChrist The bill’s passage by Congress NMLS#358884 well-being will be glad they read someday, but her job, and meant to help colleagues Blackstock chose work as an for sion of health careto coverage and in Congress for their the hardest-hit highest• Bank Statement Loans/P&L Statement Loans marks the end of hundreds of failed focused on the kingdom” reducing costs for millions. leadershipfans and this book. Biography willlook love people, left her exhausted, frustratcommunities through high- steadfast ER• doctor, caring for SALE her Brook- risk PRIOR BK or SHORT attempts to pass anti-lynching leg24-7 Mortgage Loans my district in California’s forward to continuing to work totouch, on-the-ground outreach to it for different reasons. Either way, ed, and emotionally tangled. lynIn and Bronx neighbors like her • Borrowers with LOW or NO FICO’s islation over more than a century. 1556 Drivefor #271 East Bay, the ARP has been trans- educate gether deliver the American and assist individuals in Fitzgerald Sunday school 9 It:00was am gettingto what you want out of “Leg- Congress failed to pass such legistime to try something mother did. • Borrower s w/Work Permits, Non- Resident formative, especially its expan- getting people.” Alien OKWorship 94564 Sunday 10:00 the aminformation they need Pinole, acy” isCA easy, and you’ll feel quite lation more than 200 times over the Blackstock knew the history: else... Send your church sion• of the Child TaxDEVELOPMENT’s Credit. Fam- about vaccinations. Sean Ryan is a member of Financing in NEW 510-757-3659 Mobile last 122 years, according to USA This pm year, if you’re average, well about it. Black people hadStudy long been obFamily Bible Wednesday 7:00 ilies in my district alone received Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Looking back on its impact, • FIRST TIME BUYERS SPECIALIST 510-200-9714 Office - 877-247-7009 notes, stories and c.2024, Viking, $28.00,Efax 304 Today. you’ll spend fifteen min- media jects for individual experimentation, without A Next Level Church Ministering Senior Pastor Prayer Service Thursday 6:00pm and 74,000 payments for relations office. we now haveroughly analyses showing The first piece of anti-lynching • PRIVATE and HARD MONEY…10 Day Closings www.24-7mtgloans.com utes face-to-face with your and without their per- of that Phyllis events to Post News the Spirit Excellence apainkillers total of close to in $160 million the in Scott 4doctor mil- pages Sunday 8:30 amARP resulted legislation was introduced by Rep. Rev. J. L. Porter, Group, Email at Senior Pastor/Teacher info@ ads@ 3601 Cutting Blvd, A Next Level Church Ministering postnewsgroup.com Richmond, 94804 in the Spirit ofCA Excellence Continued on on page Continued page88 Rev. J. L. Porter, 510-680-5031
Will Launch Faith and Domestic Violence Project
Report: State Has Implemented More Than 200 “Master Plan for Aging” Initiatives
Chairwoman Barbara Lee Notes Anniversary of American Rescue Plan
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Congress Passes Anti-Lynching Bill After 200 Failed Attempts Over 100+ALLEN Years Jackson ALLEN Jackson
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Tree of Life Empowerment Ministries
“YOUR LENDER OF CHOICE”
Tree of Life Empowerment Ministries
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Destiny Christian Fellowship
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Destiny Christian Fellowship
Senior Pastor/Teacher Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship 3601 Cutting Blvd, Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Richmond, CA 94804 Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience 510-680-5031 Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience
CHURCH OF ALL FAITHS 2100-5th Ave., Oakland, CA 94606 510-452-2578
The importance of teaching Black History all year! Enroll in the Black History Professional DevelopmentReverend Class Joe L. Just Imagine Books & Services, LLC & Smith, Pastor
Just Imagine KidZ Multiculturan Children’s Bookstore, Richmond, CA, 94801 | 510-422-5304 5717Black Foothill Blvd, 94605all year! History CAN Oakland, and SHOULDCA be taught 510-569-7814 * 510-568-4408 fax tamarashiloh@gmail.com * http://www.tamarashiloh.com Purchase your copy of The Bundle A church that prays together, stays TODAY!! together.
Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church
BibleWay Missionary Baptist Church 1077 13th St., Richmond, CA 94801 Nathan P. Whittom Sr., Pastor Sunday School…………….…………9:30 AM Worship Service….…………….….11:00 AM Monday Bible Study………….…...5:30PM Wednesday Bible Study…………11:30AM
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so....” Psalm 107:2.
Rev. Dr Jeffrey M. Parker First Lady Princess W.Parker
Weekly Services
Order of services Sunday school 9:30 Sunday Celebration of Praise 10:30 Wednesday Night Pastoral Teaching 7 p.m -8:30 p.m.
Free Food Giveaway Every Saturday 12 noon-4 pm
Sunday: Early Morning Worship ......................8:00 a.m. Sunday School .....................................................9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ................................ 11:00 a.m. Wednesday: Bible Study .....................................7:00 p.m. Saturday: Prayer Hour..................................... 11:00 a.m.
SEVENTH AVENUE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 1 7 4 0 7 th A V E N U E OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94606 510-834-4273
Rev. Jeffrey Kirton, Pastor Mrs. Jamar Kirton, First Lady
Rev. C. T. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus 43 YEARS OF SERVICES
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EMAIL:seventhavenuebapchurch.com … ON THE WEB www.seventhavenuebaptistchurch.com SUNDAY SERVICES BTU AND SUNDAY SCHOOL------------------------------------------9:15 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES----------------------------------10:45
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WEDNESDAY SERVICES NOON DAY PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY----------------12:00 – 1:00 P.M. BIBLE STUDY------------------------------------------------------6:30 Church Motto: “There Is Joy In Serving The Lord”
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THE POST, January 24 - 30, 2024, Page 5
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THE POST, January 24 - 30, 2024, Page 6
“Master Plan for Aging” ...
Continued from page 4 California Commission for Aging (CCoA). “It is our goal to keep all seniors healthy and to keep them in their homes,” said Brown, who is a former Assemblymember who represented parts of Fontana, Rialto and other areas in San Bernardino County. “We are proposing legislation that will address behavioral health problems so many people are experiencing and ensuring that caregivers have the appropriate training and education.” In 2021, Newsom said he
launched the Master Plan for Aging in response to the state’s growing population of people over 60, which will increase to about 10.8 million people by 2030. “This Master Plan for Aging advances bold, innovative, uniquely Californian solutions for issues that we will all confront within our own families and communities, if we have not already—and does so with a sustained focus on equity that we need to lift up everyone. The Plan reflects more than a year of hard work, research and sustained engagement to drive the partnerships that will improve lives for the older Californians of today and tomorrow,” said the Governor at the time.
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California Brings Back “Dream for All” First-Time Homebuyer Program in April
By California Black Media
Last week, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) announced last week that it is bringing back its “Dream for All” first-time homebuyer program in the spring – with a few tweaks to ensure it is more equitable. The program provides downpayment loans of up to $150,000 or 20% of the appraised value, to eligible California residents. “The 2023-24 State Budget allocates $220 million for the Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
Photo: iStock photo image. Program (DFA),” reads a section of CalHFA’s website with information on the program. “Senate Bill (SB) 143 establishes parameters for the next round of
DFA funding, including targeting first-generation homebuyers, supporting an equitable distribution in different regions of the state, and prioritizing participation of homebuyers in lower tiers of income eligibility,” the informational on the program continues. According to the language in SB 143, the state can provide up to one billion dollars in loans annually, and all proceeds from repayment are deposited back into the program fund “for ongoing use in the program.”
Interested applicants can check the CalHFA Dream for all income limits to make sure they earn under the designated per-county approval amount. To qualify for the loans, applicants must also have not been on the title or mortgage — or held any ownership interest – in a home during the last seven years. Their parents must also have no present interest in a home in the United States or, “if deceased,” not have any ownership interest at the time of death in a home in the United States.
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THE POST, January 24 - 30, 2024, Page 7
Request for Qualification (RFQ) RFQ Period: January 17, 2024 – January 31, 2024 Turner Construction Company (Turner) is seeking qualified Subcontractors for the following project: Moffit Library – University of California, Berkeley UCB Project No. 12738A
Caption: File Photo
California Asks DEA to Loosen Restrictions on Cannabis
By California. Black Media
California joined 11 other states in an effort to urge the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance from its current designation as a Schedule I substance. If the DEA makes that decision, cannabis will no longer be regarded as a substance with “high potential for abuse” or one that has “no medical use.” “As state attorneys general, we have a responsibility to protect consumers and defend public safety. The undersigned are also particularly concerned about the illicit market, unregulated, intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, and the continuing proliferation of dangerous opioids,” read the letter signed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and his counterparts. “State-sanctioned cannabis markets provide access to regulated products that are clearly safer to what individuals can buy on the
street — and supporting the effective operation of these regulated markets thus fits with our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and rising overdose deaths,” the letter continued. Bonta and the other attorney generals request follows a similar one from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to reschedule the substance. Their letter, however, conceded that there remain persistent dangers associated with the cannabis. “It is critical to acknowledge that use of cannabis, especially among youth, still incurs health and safety risks,” the letter stated. “Our regulatory regimes have sought to balance the mandate to create as safe a framework as possible with the reality of these risks.” Other states backing the effort led by Colorado are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Rhode Island.
PG&E’s Double-Digit Monthly Bill Increase Comes as Bay Area Residents Struggle to Stay Afloat
By Magaly Muñoz
Oakland resident, the Reverend Dr. Barbara Jim-George, says she sometimes leaves a hot oven open to warm her living room when she fears her monthly energy bill will exceed the amount she has budgeted. Still her apartment feels “like a walk-in freezer” when Bay Area temperatures dip. “I can leave something sitting out on my table at night and it’s just fine as it would be in the refrigerator,” says Jim-George. Jim-George, who retired in 2014, says she returned to her job in education in 2018 because her lim-
ited Social Security income wasn’t keeping up with sharp increases her monthly expenditures. Now, Jim-George says she is back to “hard budgeting” as she faces more financial hardship after PG&E increased its energy bill Jan. 1 by nearly 13% for millions of customers. In November, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) agreed to a PG&E request for a $13.5 billion increase target. PG&E, California’s largest Investor Owned Utility (IOU), plans to use the increased income for wildfire system enhancement and undergrounding, vegetation man-
Turner has been awarded the UCB Moffitt Library project designed by BNIM Architects and MEP by Introba, located at the UC Berkeley Campus along University Drive, with Memorial Glade and Doe Library to the east, California Hall to the south, and Valley Life Sciences Building to the west. This is a renovation of 3 full floors and upgrades to an additional 2 floors totaling 102,000 square feet within the existing Moffitt Library. These renovations will bring upgrades to the currently underutilized floors of the library, expanding the student’s study and collaboration spaces. This project is seeking LEED certification and is subject to Buy Clean California regulation.
agement, and capacity upgrades, according to the company’s website. CPUC’s approval will result in an average increase of about $34 to each residential customer’s electric and natural gas bill. Mark Toney, Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network (TURN), a group that advocates on behalf of vulnerable Californians, stated that people most impacted by the rate increases will be lowincome families of color. “We want the most green for the least green, and the cost of ‘greening the grid’ should not be cutting off low-income families of color
from the grid because the monthly bills are too doggone high,” Toney said. Toney says rate hikes will contribute to the homelessness and health crises in the Bay Area. If utility bills become unaffordable for tenants, they may get evicted due to non-payment. Most housing complexes require residents to be connected to utility services. If families choose cost-saving alternatives like candles, the risk for fire rises. Some people also rely on medical devices for health-related reasons that could contribute to higher costs in electricity bills, Toney points out.
Trade Subcontractors who do not submit the pre-qualification information and are not pre-qualified will not be allowed to propose on the project. Turner is currently seeking RFQs for the following Trade Packages: Bid Package # Trade Package Approximate Value
Pre-Applications Available for Limited Time Only!
Maudelle Miller Shriek Community is an affordable housing development, that offers eighteen (18) studios, twenty-one (21) One Bedroom Apartments, Twenty-five (25) Two Bedroom Apartments, and fourteen (14) Three Bedroom Apartments in Berkeley California. Developed by Resources for Community Development. Income restrictions apply. The John Stewart BRE #00654505. Apply on-line at: https://maudelle.rcdhousing.org
Jim-George said PG&E customers continue to suffer consequences of the utility company’s missteps. In 2018, her cousin lost her home in the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Jim-George and blames PG&E for not learning from these tragedies to do what is best for customers. “They [PG&E] should have buried lines long ago because we’re eating the cost for [their mistakes]. I think it’s negligent on their side to not have had the foresight to understand the issues beforehand,” JimGeorge said. “Housing [and related needs] remains our top concern for 211 callers,” said Allison DeJung. DeJung is the Executive Director of Eden I&R, which receives calls and messages to 211, a multilingual 24/7 information hotline that connects callers with resources in Alameda County. Oakland residents made about 40% of all incoming calls to 211, with Black and Latino individuals and single parents
making up the majority of callers. The number of female callers accounted for more than two times the number of male callers, and the majority of all 211 callers ranged from 25 to 64 years old. Last year, DeJung said her team received over 69,000 calls. They were able to make about 113,000 referrals to programs and organizations in the county providing housing, utilities, food and other assistance. Spectrum Community Services is a nonprofit organization that has assisted low-income families and individuals with utility, water, and food aid since 1971. Last year, the organization was only able to help 5,000 households out of nearly 10,000 applications it received for its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Black households, similar to Eden I&R data, were the majority of applicants for utility assistance at Spectrum. Lara Calvert, Executive Director of Spectrum, stated that the organization needs more funding. Spectrum prioritizes households that have people over 60, disabled people or children five years or younger. They also give special consideration to applicants with a higher overall energy burden. “We are anticipating continuing to have a large number of people seeking assistance this year that will far outstrip the amount of money that we have to give out,” Calvert said.
BP-01 FINAL CLEANING
$99 K
BP-01 DEMOLITION
$900 K
BP-01 CONCRETE
$338 K
BP-01 MASONRY
$24 K
BP-01 MISC METAL
$136 K
BP-01 MILLWORK
$938 K
BP-01 WATERPROOFING
$20 K
BP-01 DOORS, FRAMES, HARDWARE
$365 K
BP-01 GLAZING
$418 K
BP-01 DRYWALL / PLASTER
$1.4 M
BP-01 TILE
$250 K
BP-01 ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE
$1.8 M
BP-01 FLOORING
$538 K
BP-01 PAINTING
$284 K
BP-01 SPECIALTIES
$130 K
BP-01 SIGNAGE
$46 K
BP-01 TOILET PARTITIONS / ACCESSORIES
$150 K
BP-01 FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT
$73 K
BP-01 WINDOW TREATMENTS
$51 K
BP-01 CONVEYING
$69 K
BP-01 FIRE PROTECTION
$1.3 K
BP-01 PLUMBING
$667 K
BP-01 HVAC
$2.7 M
BP-01 ELECTRICAL
$4.9 M
BP-01 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
$827 K
BP-01 FIRE ALARM / LIFE SAFETY-SECURITY
$1.2 M
BP-01 LANDSCAPING
$47 K
BP-01 SITEWORK
$243 K
Turner has a 20% UBE [MBE/WBE/DVBE/LGBTQ+] goal for this project. University Project Reference: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/news/moffitt-fall-2022 For information on how to Pre-Qualify with Turner, please contact Crystal Chang – Subject: UCB Moffitt at the following email address: cchang@tcco.com
nuary 24 - 30, 2024, 2024 Page 8 THE POST, January
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Working Together Works!
edges the intention and quality of so many contributors to helping and caring for folks in a transition sleeping in their cars to find safety and a new direction. The concert provided beautiful dance Gospel Choir Joy and a singular performance that was ecstatic.” David Longhurst, ICAC board member and member of Oakland temple Hill, LDS church, and cochair of Contra Costa County Interfaith Council shared, “what a wonderful concert! The music and Collage by Tina Carter dancing were beautiful and upliftnor list for a kidney, in spite of her ing. It was delightful to absorb the By Tina Carter EDITORIAL by Rev. Ken health challenges, sang from her energy from the performers and the Sponsored heart and encouraged everyone in very engaged audience.” Chambers and ICAC Working Together Works! “‘Working Together Works,’ By Tina Carter It was a dewy Saturday evening the room. There wasn’t a dry eye. I look forward to next year — we will a mantra that our president Ken in Oakland, Jan. 20 where It was a dewy Saturday eveninghundreds in Oakland, January 20th where hundreds gathered at the work harder and the impact within Chambers came up with, was reregal Temple Hill for what was billed as the inaugural Interfaith Council of Alameda gathered at the regal Temple Hill County’s, (ICAC) “Annual Benefit Gospel Concert” in community support of a dual cause. the will be greater,” vealed on the night of the concert. for what was billed as the inaugusaid Diana Beamon Human ReThe people came together to show As the guests entered the vast auditorium the buzz of excitement was in the air in ral Interfaith Council of Alameda expectation of the moving performance of Destined 2 Dance Studios, the soulRecovery stirring source Manager, Options their concerns and support to othCounty’s, (ICAC) “Annual Bensound of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and the vocals prowess of special guest and a Services. ers in need,” said Pastor Thomas efit Gospel inByrd support Stellar Award Concert” Winner, Lena Miles. of Concert goers not only witnessed Harris from Pleasant Grove Baptist a dual cause. The evening began with a heartfelt moment bysounds Genesis of Chambers whothe shared her hope by performers, Church. As theandguests entered the vast testimony closed with a message for all to Encourage Yourself in the Lord. “If singing but their presence served as “I am thrilled and inspired by could produce the a kidney, would have one today!” This 21-year-old, who is onseeds the auditorium, buzzGenesis of excitement donorinlistthe forair a kidney, in spite of herofhealth sang from herofheart andefforts, sown into the soil ICAC our first Benefit Gospel Concert was in anticipation the challenges, encouraged everyone in the room. There wasn’t a dry eye. I look forward to next year we now on the radar of Gov. Gavin and the wonderful collaboration moving performance of Destined will work harder and the impact within the community will be greater,” says Diana Beamon with the Oakland Temple Hill LDS Resource Manager, Options RecoveryNewsom Services. to impact the community 2Human Dance Studios, the soul stirring to help provide health, safety and Church and UCSF Health Transsound of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the vocal prowess of spe- homeless solutions. Ken Chambers, plant Service team. The effects of cial guest and Stellar Award Win- president of the interfaith group, the event have sparked a groundactively leads an effort to provide swell of awareness and interest, and ner, Lena Byrd Miles. The evening began with a heart- a safe place for people to park their we intend to keep the momentum felt moment by Genesis Chambers, cars off the street and provides ac- going. Join ICAC Thursday, Feb. 8 who shared her testimony and cess to bathrooms, showers, and a for our monthly meeting at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Temple Hill Visitor’s closed with a message for all to place to do their laundry. Steven Faulk, ICAC Board mem- Center and let’s keep the work go“Encourage yourself in the Lord.” “If singing could produce a kidney, ber and member of Kehila Syna- ing,” says visionary Ken Chambers. To donate and to learn more Genesis would have one today!” gogue in the city of Piedmont states This 21-year-old, who is on the do- “this grand gathering acknowl- about ICAC visit interfaith.org.
Feds Investigate Oakland Schools ...
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“An institution named on this list means that OCR has initiated an investigation of a case concerning that institution,” the OCR’s website states. “Inclusion on the list does not mean that OCR has made a decision about the case.” Other investigations have been opened in California against Stanford University, UCLA and UC San Diego. The investigation against the Oakland Unified School District
was opened on Jan. 16, and the investigation of San Francisco was opened on Jan. 12. Though no specifics have been released about the investigations, the Oakland teacher’s union has been in the news for calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and has been threatened with being fired by a school board member for holding an unauthorized teach-in for students. Some Oakland parents have opposed the actions and have told the mass media that they are leaving the district. The San Francisco teachers
union passed a resolution in November calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was labeled as “bigoted” by the local Jewish Community Relations Council. The Oakland school district does not comment on pending legal matters. But the district did emphasize that it protects the well-being of all students, including those who are Jewish and Muslim or Arab. “OUSD is a sanctuary district, inside Oakland, a sanctuary city, inside California, a sanctuary state, which means we support all students, families, and staff, regardless of religion, heritage, ethnicity,
Reckless COVID-19 Guidelines ...
mised. Additionally, Alyssa points out, there’s no way of knowing which kids or staff have tested positive, making it harder to stay away in order to prevent infection. “We’ll have more teachers out sick, we’ll have more school staff out sick, we’ll have more students out sick, which will be a snowball effect of people missing school, people falling behind, people just losing out on more education, because the district has decided that it’s okay to come to school if you are COVID positive,” Alyssa said. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen slightly in Alameda County, with 120 people in hospitals and 17 in the ICU as of Jan. 13. The numbers have gone up since
thorough and impartial investigations; state-provided legal counsel for families affected by police violence, similar to Washington State’s Accountability Law; state funding for mental health and social services for families who have lost loved ones to police violence. Across the United States in 2023, 1,243 people died because of police violence, according Mapping Police Violence, a website that tracks violent incidents involving law enforcement. Of that number, 27% were Black. Only one% of officers were charged with a crime and most killings began with police responding to suspected non-violent offenses or cases where no crime was reported. Cheryl Cruz, a member of APTP, lost her son in 2017 after Rocklin
police officers shot him. She didn’t find out about his death until four days after the incident via a press release from the police department. Cruz sent a letter to Bonta’s office asking for his help to investigate her son’s law enforcement-involved death after officers were cleared of any wrongdoing by Placer County’s District Attorney. She received a letter from Bonta over a year later informing her that he had reviewed all the evidence but could not help her any further. Cruz has spent the last seven years since her son’s death attempting to learn more from law enforcement about what happened the day of the murder since the officers who shot him did not have their body cameras turned on to document the incident. She stated that Bonta’s office should be holding all officers accountable so that the families who are suffering can receive justice. “All these families, and what
October 2023, when hospitalizations were around 50 cases daily, according to Alameda County COVID-19 Data. A mother of four children in Oakland schools, Tunisha Adams, stated that she believes that this decision comes down to money for the district. For school districts in California, funding is partially determined by how many students attend school each day, also known as the average daily attendance (ADA). During the pandemic, Adams says COVID-positive students were missing an average of five days, which hit each school district’s bottom line.
where they came from, or how they got here. We protect all students, and harassment of anyone is never acceptable,” the statement said. “In this time of heightened tensions because of what’s happening in the Middle East, we are regularly communicating to our community, reminding them of our core values of love and support, so it should be clear that everyone is welcome and valued in our schools,” the state-
ment continued. Yahya Cadji, an Oakland teacher who is also an organizer with the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), in an interview with the Oakland Post, said he is still learning about the federal investigation, and he is deeply concerned about the discrimination against Arab and Islamic students both in school and outside of school. “I do know we need to support
our Palestinian, Arab and Muslim
Continued from page 1 people have both COVID and seasonal flu and RSV, and we know that this disease can be spread without symptoms present,” said Alyssa, an OUSD educator. Alyssa, who has asked to only use her first name, fearing retaliation, shared that most teachers are concerned about what the new policies will mean for them. They presume they will be exposed to the illness more frequently, and it is likely that, at some point, they will have to miss work. She’s also concerned about those who are immunocompro-
Familes Demand Justice..
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we’re experiencing, is true agony,” Cruz said. Deputy Director of APTP James Burch said that Bonta and other politicians who claim they will hold law enforcement accountable while running are all talk. Burch claimed that Bonta has failed, and he has been “unwilling” to investigate and prosecute these cases under AB 1506 — state law that requires the California Department of Justice to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian. Burch said, although their group is small, he knows that the families who have been affected by police violence across the state will join APTP’s fight for justice and call on the DOJ to be more accountable. “The one thing we will continue to do is speak truth to power because it is through that truth that we will achieve change,” Burch said. students, and they are not being supported by the school district,” he said. The district has recently added staff to its equity division, which are working to address the needs of Arab and Muslim students and issues of discrimination and Islamophobia.