Oakland Post, week of July 12 - 18, 2023

Solitary Confinement Symposium at CSU Fullerton

How the Mexican Mafia, Nuestra Familia, Black Guerrilla Family, and Aryan Brotherhood’s agreement to end hostilities against each other in prison could also be applied on the streets with gangs.

By Richard Johnson

On July 7 and 8, the California Families Against Solitary Confinement (CFASC) held a symposium at California State University at Fullerton to celebrate the 10th anniversary of

the historic agreement to end hostilities among inmates and to mark the three hunger strikes that occurred at the Pelican Bay State Prison from 2011-2012.

This symposium provided the opportunity

Oakland Post

Celebrated the 4th of July

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price celebrated the City of Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade, which is the largest in the nation.

She told the Post Publisher that while riding down Park Street she thought of the tremendous privilege of living in a democracy that has endured for more than 200 years.

“Today, we are still fighting for those basic freedoms, and more: the right to vote, the right to control one’s own body, the right to define one’s sexual identity,” she

said. “In 2020, a significant portion of the Republican Party refused to unambiguously accept the results of a democratic election, or reject vicious attacks on our elected officials, or break with extremist groups.

“As the ‘People’s DA,’ I believe that we have a new opportunity to create a more just and equitable society. Reforming our criminal justice system is the major civil rights issue of this season. Let’s continue to fight for a better future for Alameda County.”

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, who represents Oakland District 4, is strongly opposed to the proposed increase in [Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s] salary by $75,000 per year, given the difficult fiscal environment the city is facing, and the urgent need to focus our City’s limited financial resources on providing basic constituent services to our residents.

At Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, Councilmember Ramachandran was the only

Committee Member to vote in opposition to the proposed salary increase. She is open to increasing the Mayor’s salary, but not by the amount proposed, which is from the current $202,999.94 per year to $277,974.54.

Oakland’s Charter permits (but does not require) City Council to increase the Mayor’s salary every two years, in an amount between 70% and 90% of the average salary of the City Manager or Administrator (not the Mayor) across six

Continued on page 8

By Ken Epstein

A community celebration was held Saturday, July 8, commemorating the life of former Oakland Board of Education member, civil rights leader, and parent activist Sylvester Hodges.

Many lifelong friends and loved ones came out to join the celebration of his life at the Cypress Mandela Training Center in

East Oakland. Hodges, 78, died on May 21, 2020, but the event was postponed until this month due to the pandemic.

Hodges’ son, LaRone Hodges, organized the event.

Alvin Moore Sr., who hosted the celebration, remembered Hodges as a man of courage who was unafraid to stand alone when he was fighting for what he knew

Interfaith Council, No Coal in

access to health care or the means to see a doctor regularly. This has disproportionately impacted lowincome people and people of color, who have historically faced higher barriers to health care. Making the pill available over the counter allows women to take back control over their reproductive health, bodies, and lives.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) announced that she is celebrating the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of the first overthe-counter birth control pill in the United States.

She said, “This is amazing news. For far too long, contraception was unavailable to those who don’t have

“This is a win for health equity, but we have more work ahead. Nine states have already restricted access to emergency contraception, and this is just the beginning. We must pass the ‘Right to Contraception Act’ to guarantee and protect access to affordable, safe, birth control. Until the right to contraception — and the right to an abortion — are enshrined in law, the fight for true reproductive justice continues.”

By Niara Savage, Published in the

Oakland

to Hold Rally July 22 to Block Shipments from Utah

urday, July 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 732 Willow St. Organized by the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) and No Coal in Oakland, the rally will feature music, food, and speakers including residents, activists, and officials.

A state court trial beginning July 10 may determine whether coal is going to be transported from Utah to Oakland — spewing toxic particles along the way — and then shipped overseas to be burned, contributing to the climate crisis.

Coal dust would increase the existing health disparities in West Oakland, which is surrounded by three freeways, with heavy industry, diesel trucks, and port traffic. West Oakland starkly illustrates environmental injustice.

By Dr. Ken Chambers and Margaret

Gordon

A community rally to keep coal out of Oakland will be held on Sat-

At stake in the trial is a proposed terminal on the Oakland waterfront that pits the City of Oakland against companies owned by Oakland-born developer Phil Tagami who wants to build and operate a marine terminal in West Oakland on land leased from the City.

In 2018, the developers failed to meet construction deadlines set forth in their 66-year lease. Oakland terminated the lease, as the contract stipulates, and sued to

Attendees at the celebration of Sylvester Hodges’ life at the Mandela Training Center. Photo by Ken Epstein.

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, Oakland District 4

(L-R) Richard Johnson, Eddie Burnett, Jamala Taylor, George Villa, Ryan Flaco. Johnson and Burnett, coincidentally inhabited prison cells adjacent to each other. Now they are still side by side on the issue of the formerly incarcerated giving back to their communities. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones. “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18 postnewsgroup.com

Alameda County D.A. Pamela Price rides in the vintage car in the City of Alameda July 4 parade. Courtesy photo.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) . Official photo.

Thurmond Wants To Be Governor ... see page 7

A Call for Self Care for the Restorers of Wellness .. see page 4

Black Caucus Members to Serve in Leadership Roles — Isaac Bryan & Lori Wilson ... see page 6

Bonta and Swanson Attended Alameda’s 4th of July Parade ... see page 2

California Black Media Political Roundup

the tour will help Black women in Oakland.

“We have to develop a support system and have less competitiveness, so that we can build up generational wealth.” She also spoke about her own personal experience, explaining that her daughter lived with her for years, saving money, and now owns a four-bedroom house.

“That kind of community support is what is needed in order to rise up together. CABWCEI is trying to do that and more with their upcoming tour,” Hudson said.

Cathy Adams, president of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, said that this tour and its objectives are much needed in the Black community and especially for Black women.

Investors and finance managers reach out to her frequently to talk about trust issues Black people have in seeking or receiving advice about money.

— Post Staffer Daisha Williams contributed to this story.

Gov. Newsom Updates State’s Opioid Plan to Include New Deadly Drug “Tranq”

Gov. Gavin Newsom has updated his strategy to combat opioid abuse in California by introducing measures to address a new deadly drug xylazine, also known as ‘tranq’ on the streets.

This animal sedative is increasingly being mixed with fentanyl, making it even more deadly. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of fatal opioid overdoses involving ‘tranq’ increased by 276%, from 2.9% to 10.9% between January 2019 through June 2022.

Newsom’s ‘Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis’ focuses on holding the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, cracking down on drug trafficking and raising awareness about the dangers of opioids. The plan includes addressing emerging threats like ‘tranq.’

Juvenile Justice, Guns, Homicides and Use of Force

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the release of the annual Homicide in California, Crime in California, Use of Force Incident Reporting, Juvenile Justice in California, and Crime Guns in California statistical reports.

The reports contain statistics for 2022 as submitted by California law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice organizations.

Findings indicated 612 civilians were involved in incidents that involved the discharge of a firearm or use of force resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

Of those civilians: 48.4% were Hispanic. 25.3% were White, and a disproportionate 19.3% were Black. Black Californians account for about 5.72% of the state’s population.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr., Edward Henderson

California Black Media

Black Women’s Group Tour on Economic Empowerment to Make Stop in Oakland

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) is launching a statewide effort called “Conversations for Black Women — Building an Economic Action Plan Tour” in collaboration with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) lasting from the end of July until mid-November.

CABWCEI is a coalition of Black women whose goal is to amplify the voices of Black women everywhere and leverage their political power and in turn alleviate

the political, economic, and safety challenges that they face.

The objective of the tour, organizers say, is to develop an economic action plan that helps Black women build wealth and overcome barriers through transformative policies and practices.

CABWCEI does this by ensuring that Black women are represented at every level of leadership particularly in the public sector, and by identifying, recruiting, and creating accessible resources.

This year’s tour will stop in six parts of the state: San Diego (July 29), Solano (Aug. 26), Sacramento (Sept. 23), Oakland (Oct. 14), Fresno (Oct.21), and the Inland Empire (Nov. 18) and offer a variety of opportunities, including mentorship programs, home-

ownership counseling, apprenticeships, job coaching, financial planning, and entrepreneurship support.

Tour partners include California Black Media and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

“BWOPA is delighted to partner in this much-needed enterprise,” said founding member Gay Plair Cobb. “Wealth building through entrepreneurship and related activities is essential to the economic advancement of Black women and to overcoming historic disadvantages we’ve faced as a result of systemic racism. We look forward to a much brighter economic future thanks to events such as these.”

Brenda Hudson, finance manager at the Oakland Post, thinks that

“This is a great opportunity for our women to learn how to maximum our return on our investment,” she said, especially as so many people are dealing with financial fallout from the pandemic.

The strategies that could be learned on the tour “can change the narrative … change the landscape on how we deal with money as a rule … so that all of us can be on top of the money train,” Adams said.

It’s a great time to get support without being what she termed “money-shamed” for not adequately investing or preparing for retirement or failing to read fine print.

“You can show up and invest — in yourself or with each other,” she said, “working with people you trust.”

“California has an all-handson-deck strategy for tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis impacting every community across our state,” said Newsom in a statement. “Education and outreach are critical tools in our arsenal to prevent tragedy, to connect people with treatment, and to fight the life-threatening stigma that stops too many people from getting help.”

California has allocated $30 million to fund the production of naloxone, the anti-overdose drug. Newsom has also increased antidrug-trafficking operations, especially at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego, where a significant amount of fentanyl enters into the state.

In 2022, there were 2,206 homicides reported in the state, a decrease of 6.6% from 2361 reported in 2021. The rate of violent crime per 100,000 people increased by 6.1% from 466.2 in 2021 to 494.6 in 2022. The homicide arrest rate decreased by 5.9% in 2022 compared to 2021 and the violent offense arrest rate increased by 3.4% compared to 2021.

“Having access to good data is a cornerstone of responsible public policy. The data released today is essential for understanding, preventing, and combating crime,” said Bonta. “In 2022, California made significant progress toward reducing its homicide rates, but more remains to be done.

“While crime rates remain significantly below their historical highs, property and violent crimes continue to have devastating consequences for communities across the state.”

Crime,

AG Bonta Releases Reports on

Former Assemblymember Sandré Swanson (r) greeted State Attorney General Rob Bonta while he was on the campaign trail for State Senate. Swanson said he had a great time at Alameda’s Historic 4th of July parade, which is the longest in the nation. Other elected officials who attended the parade included AC Transit Director Chris Peeples, former Senator Ellen Corbett, Assemblymember Mia Bonta and many others.

Oakland-Based Artist’s Work ...

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recent solo exhibitions at MoAD and The Growlery, San Francisco; Johansson Projects, FM Oakland in Oakland and the Guggenheim Gallery, Orange, California.

She has been included in group exhibitions at Root Division and SOMArts Cultural Center in San Francisco.

Gobir completed her BFA in Studio Art and her BA in Peace Studies at Chapman University in Orange, California, and earned her MEd from Harvard Graduate School of Education with a focus on Arts in Education. She lives and works in Oakland, California.

On Saturday, July 15, Gobir will be in conversation with Kija Lucas for an in-person artist talk at MoAD from 3-4:30 p.m. More about that event at: https://www. moadsf.org/event/artist-talk-eappresents-nimah-gobir-in-conversation-with-kija-lucas

A portion of Gobir’s artist statement is below:

“Holding Space” unveils a suite of paintings featuring figurative portraits, embroidery, and textiles. These works uplift home

and belonging in the context of immigrant narratives. Displaying a range of small- and large-scale works, this exhibition highlights paintings of my family, including me, my siblings, relatives, and Nigerian-born parents. As a result, the work is autobiographical in nature, drawing from my history as well as memories from those I hold dear.

“Through depictions of my family members and loved ones in everyday situations, I humanize the Black experience and pay homage to Black families. This body of work examines how generations of family members have immigrated to create homes where they have settled, and how my relations, while scattered across the

world far from their origins, carry the stories of those who came before them.

“In this exhibition, I invite viewers to grapple with the intimacy of being in someone’s home and entering a space that holds the residue of a family’s presence and everyday habits. The clutter, mix-matched patterns, and textures that make up a home are on display in paintings that show interior spaces.

A couple of images of work on the exhibition page at: https://www.moadsf.org/exhibitions/holding-space-by-nimahgobir Source from MoAD’s media relations office.

Paul Laurence Dunbar: The Trailblazing Poet and Literary Luminary

ment, Dunbar self-published his first collection of poems, “Oak and Ivy,’’ in 1893, garnering widespread acclaim.

His subsequent collection, “Majors and Minors,” brought him even greater fame, particularly through the positive review by acclaimed writer William Dean Howells. Dunbar’s dialect poems resonated with readers, and his work was praised for its faithful portrayal of African American experiences.

Dunbar continued to publish poetry collections, short stories, and novels, exploring themes of racial prejudice and the impact of slavery. Despite some criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, Dunbar’s contributions to African American literature were invaluable and sparked important discussions about race and identity.

CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Evaluation of the Measures and Resources Needed to Transition the Investigative Responsibilities of the Oakland Police Department Internal Affairs Division (IAD) to the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA)

Project Description: The City is seeking a qualified consultant to transition the investigative responsibilities of Oakland Police Department Internal Affairs Division (IAD) to the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA). This RFP is connected to the City of Oakland’s Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Recommendation 31/84 entitled “Reorganize OPDs internal structure to include transferring most of IAD to the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA).” The selected consultant will assess and evaluate the current functions and responsibilities of both IAD and CPRA, including intake, investigation, disciplinary, and record keeping to determine the feasibility of such a transition.

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Friday, July 28, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. (PST) via iSupplier.

Reminders:

• iSupplier will not allow submission of proposals after 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 28, 2023.

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

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits

Wage • Campaign Reform Act

Disclosure

Ordinance

• Prompt Payment

• Border Wall Prohibition

For Answers to Questions:

• 50% L/SLBE

• Arizona Boycott

By Tamara Shiloh

Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on June 27, 1872, emerged as one of the most influential Black poets in American literature. His powerful dialect verse and extensive literary contributions made him a celebrated figure both nationally and internationally.

While attending high school in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar showed remarkable literary promise. Despite being the only African American student in his class, he excelled as a poet and editor, immersing himself in various literary endeavors.

By the time he graduated in 1889, Dunbar had already published poems in local newspapers and worked as an editor for a Black newspaper. His early writings displayed a deep understanding of

racial and societal issues, foreshadowing the profound themes that would come to define his literary works.

Dunbar initially aspired to pursue a career in law, but financial constraints prevented him from attending university. He found employment as an elevator operator, which allowed him time to continue writing.

During this period, Dunbar produced articles, short stories, and poems, including his notable dialect poems that would later gain him recognition. In 1892, he was invited to address the Western Association of Writers, which led to increased exposure and support from prominent literary figures such as James Whitcomb Riley.

Bolstered by their encourage-

Diagnosed with tuberculosis, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s health declined rapidly in his final years, and he passed away on Feb. 9, 1906, at the age of 33. In the years following his death, his reputation faced scrutiny, but in recent times, Dunbar’s stature has risen once again. His works are celebrated for capturing the history and celebration of Black life, solidifying his place as a literary luminary.

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s literary legacy as a pioneering Black poet remains a significant contribution to American literature, shedding light on the experiences of African Americans during the turn of the 20th century and securing his place as a seminal figure in literary history.

Wikipedia is the source for this story.

Black Caucus Members to Serve in Leadership Roles

isun City) will be part of a team of eight Democratic lawmakers who will lead the proceedings of the 80-member body for the 2023-25 legislative term.

• Living

• Dispute

• Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment

• For project-related questions, contact Mac Muir at mmuir@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-2258 and Tonya Gilmore at tgilmore@oaklandca.gov.

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

Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council (Friday, July 14, 2023)

The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

After being sworn in as Speaker of the California Assembly last week, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) appointed two

members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) to key leadership positions.

Rivas announced that Assem-

blymembers Isaac Bryan (D- Ladera Heights) and Lori Wilson (D-Su-

“The historic diversity of our Caucus speaks to the remarkable lived experiences across our great state. Our leadership team also reflects this diversity so that we can uplift all residents. I look forward to the work ahead of us,” Rivas tweeted on July 3.

As majority whip, Wilson is responsible for monitoring legislation and securing votes for bills on the Assembly Floor.

Wilson’s appointment marks the first time that Black women have held the position of Majority Whip in both houses of the Legisla-

Artist, Nimah Gobir. Courtesy of MoAD.

Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Public domain photo.

California Assembly Black Caucus members Isaac Bryan and Lori Wilson will be part of an eight-member team of Democrats who will lead in the 2023-25 assembly. CBM courtesy photo.

California Education Chief Thurmond Considers Run for Governor

shot,” adding that he would even “put a few dollars in the bank” for Thurmond’s campaign. “He’s fair and capable and responsible. He’ll stand strong not just for African Americans but everybody.”

The California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) honored Thurmond with an award for his dedication and commitment to students on July 6, the California Department of Education reported.

By California Black Media

California’s chief elected education officer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who is the first Afro Latino and second African American to hold the position, is considering a run for governor in 2026.

On July 5, Thurmond announced that he has formed a campaign committee. In a statement, he said “I have formed an exploratory committee to begin that process.”

“Working families across California are facing so many challenges that require our entire state government working together to solve,” said Thurmond in a tweet last week. “Growing up as a Black and Latino kid without my parents, I lived the struggles that so many Californians face every day — that’s why I dedicated my career to fighting for a brighter future for California’s children.

“Right now I’m fully focused on my job as State Superintendent — from taking on MAGA extremists who want to ban books to defending classroom teachers and students against the constant assault on our democracy.”

A 54-year-old Democrat,

Thurmond was elected to his position as the state’s top educator in 2018, saying at his inauguration that his own experience as a poor child of immigrants made him realize that all children deserve a first-class education.

“I grew up in poverty and without my parents,” he said then. “But I was raised by a cousin, an amazing woman, who made certain that I got a great education. That’s what got me where I am today, and that’s what I want for my two daughters and all students. I pledge to devote all my energy, talent, experience, and all the powers of my office to ensure all students get a great education.”

Thurmond’s mother, an AfroLatina who immigrated to San Jose from Panama to become a teacher, died when he was barely old enough to go to school himself.

Upon hearing of Thurmond’s intent, longtime Richmond community organizer and activist Joe Fisher was enthused.

“Oh, he would be good!” Fisher said, recalling that he has watched and supported Thurmond’s leadership since the superintendent’s days on the Richmond City Council. “I think he would be good at it and I think he would have a good

The award comes as Thurmond sponsored an Assembly Bill to increase the number of bilingual teachers in the state. “Throughout his tenure, Superintendent Thurmond has fought for all students,” the report said. “He has launched initiatives to close opportunity gaps for African American and Latino students, English learners, students with disabilities, foster and homeless youth, and students from low-income backgrounds.”

A graduate of Temple University and Bryn Mawr College, Thurmond’s early career in social work and nonprofit institutions put him in leadership positions that were a natural segue into elected office.

He formerly served on Richmond’s City Council, the California Assembly and the West Contra Costa Unified School District’s board. He was re-elected to his current position in 2022 and his term ends in 2027.

So far, there are several contenders for governor when Gavin Newsom leaves office also in 2027.

Among them are current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former State Controller Betty Yee who have announced their candidacy while State Attorney General Rob Banta and former Los Angles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have expressed interest. All are Democrats.

Wikipedia, the California Department of Education, and CBS 5.

OPINION: Why Trump

Valet Walt Nauta Won’t Roll on Ex-President in Secret Documents Case

By Emil Guillermo

Serial indictment collector

Donald Trump, the disgraced, twice impeached 45th president has an unusual criminal defense: Run for president!

I doubt if any of us can rely on the presidential defense if we should have the misfortune of facing a felony, but this is what the justice system looks like for the privileged.

This week, Trump’s attorneys unveiled their legal strategy — delay at any cost — intended to make sure that the trial in what should be an open-and-shut Mar-a-Lago documents case doesn’t happen until after the 2024 election.

In the autocratic mind of Trump, running for president is the grand excuse. How can a millionaire and his lawyers prepare for trial? And so in lieu of a defense, in the Trumpian fantasy, the indicted one just needs to win the election. Then he sets up a new Justice Department and the case is dropped.

This is how an autocrat thinks in order to assure he stays above the law. It’s Trump’s prime motivator: White House or the Big House?

When literally the emperor has no defense, all delays help, which is why Waltine “Walt” Nauta, the Guam native and Trump co-defendant should be on your radar.

In this tale of the U.S. vs. Trump and Nauta, Nauta has the opportunity to be a hero. He is the former Navy enlisted man who worked his way up the White House mess to become a valet to the commander in chief. From AAPI in the White House, Nauta retired from the Navy and makes a reported $135,000 as Trump’s

Black Caucus

Members Serve in Leadership ...

Continued from page 6

ture at the same time.

(Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), a CLBC member, is the Senate’s Majority Whip.)

Wilson, 48, who assumed office April 6, 2022, after winning a special election, represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes Solano County and parts of Contra Costa County, and the cities of Antioch and Oakley.

Wilson previously served as Assistant Majority Whip under the leadership of former Speaker Tony Rendon (D-Lakewood), who Rivas succeeded.

“Thank you @CASpeakerRivas for the honor of continuing to serve on the leadership team for the second consecutive year. I look forward to our continued partnership as we serve all Californians,” Wilson shared on Twitter.

Bryan, a vocal supporter of Rivas who backed the Speaker’s candidacy, was appointed majority leader. Wilson was named majority whip.

As the highest-ranking officer

Nauta, joined the Navy in 2001, rising to the rank of chief culinary specialist. A holdover from the Obama Administration, Nauta is unlike the outsize personalities in Trump’s White House, described as humble, reserved and friendly.

Born near a Navy base in Guam, the seaman maintains his military bearing and seems to regard loyalty to the commander in chief seriously even though he retired from the service in 2021, the same year Trump reluctantly left for Mar-a-Lago.

But am I the only one asking, “Who is Nauta’s body man?” By that, I mean, who really cares about Walt Nauta?

Walt Nauta is going to get the worst of it. Unless he wises up.

personal valet and body man. He knows things. He could flip on Trump.

But he doesn’t. With Nauta, if Trump says delay, Nauta drags his feet and says ‘how long, Boss?’

Witness last week when Nauta showed up to enter a plea a month after Trump. Why? Because relying on his attorney paid for by a Trump Political Action Committee (PAC), Nauta didn’t have a Florida attorney in order to appear in court. Left hung out to dry? Well, Nauta is the help.

So, it was no surprise when Nauta showed up this time with his Trump lawyer, and a former public defender who does divorces and has no national security experience.

It just all adds to the delay.

THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

The case involving the mishandling of boxes of classified top-secret documents and plotting with his former boss to hide them at Mar-a-Lago is so serious that both men could be sent to prison for a long, long time.

I just have a feeling when all is said and done, Nauta will be serving more time for this than his boss ever will.

And that would be criminal.

Maybe I feel for Nauta because he looks like me, only without hair.

Or maybe it’s because I’ve lived in 10 different cities and know what it’s like to pack and move boxes. Without the heavy weight of topsecret documents.

According to Vanity Fair,

of the Assembly, Rivas has the authority to appoint Assemblymembers to leadership positions at the beginning of each two-year legislative session. The Speaker or his designee presides over the floor sessions.

Other Assemblymembers Rivas appointed to leadership roles are: Assemblymembers Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) as assistant majority whip; Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) as speaker pro tempore; Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) as assistant speaker pro tempore; Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) as assistant majority leader; Josh Lowenthal, (D-Long Beach) also as assistant majority whip; and Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) as Democratic Caucus chair.

As majority leader, Bryan is responsible for expediting Assembly floor proceedings using parliamentary procedures such as motions and points of order. He is also expected to foster harmony among the membership.

Bryan, 31, represents the 55th Assembly District, which consists of Baldwin Hills, the Crenshaw district, Culver City, Ladera Heights, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms, Pico-Robertson, Beverly Grove, Mid-Wilshire, and parts of

HOUSE NEGRO VS. FIELD NEGRO

I’m reading Oakland resident Ishmael Reed’s new play “The Conductor” where there’s a passage on the difference between the ‘House Negro’ and the ‘Field Negro.’ That’s where House Negros served the master’s family in the house, and the Field Negroes picked the cotton.

Malcom X, in a speech at Michigan State in 1963, said for the House Negro, the master’s pain was his pain. And it hurt him more for his master to be sick than for him to be sick himself. The Field Negro? When the master got sick, they prayed he’d die.

And perhaps that helps explain Trump’s valet Nauta.

We also know he’s almost as sick as the master.

In the unsealed affidavit this week, Nauta is shown in security camera footage carrying three boxes inside Mar-a-Lago on May 24. Then two days later, when interviewed by the FBI, he is alleged to have denied knowing anything about the boxes.

Four days after the interview, Nauta is seen on the surveillance footage moving 50 boxes out of a storage room.

Then on June 2, footage shows Nauta moved 25-30 boxes back to the storage room. On Trump’s command?

The arithmetic is damning.

But Nauta stays selflessly loyal. He’s doubly cursed: colonial mentality and House Negro all rolled into one.

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He does a newsreality talk show on www.amok. com

South Los Angeles.

He assumed office on May 28, 2021, after winning a special election to succeed U.S. Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager (D-CA37) who had been elected to the State Senate.

After he was sworn in as majority leader, Bryan expressed his intention to address issues facing Californians who are undergoing hardships.

“There are a lot of people in California who are still hurting and there’s a lot of work we can do to alleviate that,” Bryan said. “It first starts with us coming together, building a different kind of culture in the body with all the new members who are here.”

While speaking on the floor of the Assembly last week, Bryan thanked Rivas for his “trust,” and his colleagues and constituents for their support.

“Change isn’t about a person, me included,” Bryan said. “We all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Let’s use that power.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Official portrait.

Walt Nauta. U.S. Government photo. Wikimedia Commons

Descendants of Enslaved Africans ...

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Danielle Mkali, senior director of community wealth-building at Nexus Community Partners. The nonprofit is stewarding the funds through community engagement and disbursement.

“It shares a lot of the spirit of what people think of when they think about reparations, and the reason why we are being so clear about distinguishing the Open Road Fund from reparations is that, as it’s designed now…it’s not nearly enough in terms of reparations for what is owed to Black descendants of enslaved African people,” Mkali said.

“What reparations should do

(https://www.nexuscp.org/openroad-fund/).

Applicants’ goals must be aligned with one of five categories of wealth-building including housing and housing stability, education, financial well-being, health and healing and ownership and economic justice.

The application for the Open Road Fund opened on June 19 (Juneteenth) and will close on July 28. To be eligible, applicants must be ages 14 or older, a resident of Minnesota, South Dakota, or North Dakota, and a descendant of an African person enslaved during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. There are no income caps or

No Coal in Oakland Rally...

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evict them.

The city wants the developers to leave, freeing the property for other uses. The developers want to stay and to substantially lower their rent and receive hundreds of millions of dollars for alleged lost income.

Settlement negotiations have not resolved these differences. Although the developers claim that they are willing to agree not to use the terminal for coal, they haven’t been willing to agree to language that locks in a no-coal stipulation for the life of the lease.

They periodically threaten that “coal is back on the table.” And they won’t commit to building infrastructure for shipping commodities other than coal.

A 2018 federal trial reversed the City Council’s unanimous ban on coal at the site. The judge claimed that the City of Oakland had not provided sufficient evidence that coal dust due to the terminal would pose a substantial danger to residents and workers.

At the same time, the judge explicitly acknowledged that the City is free to pass a new ban on coal at the property once more scientific

Solitary Confinement Symposium ...

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for the families, victims, supporters, and for all those who made the hunger strike and agreement to cease hostilities a success. Former inmates recounted experiences of solitary confinement. The lawyers, therapists, psychologists, and support personnel spoke about how the strike and the agreement to end hostilities helped to make a positive paradigm change for the inmates and their families.

support is available. We now have this new evidence: a recent study of coal storage and transport in Richmond documents significant pollution from trains, holding yards, and a terminal handling coal from Utah.

This new research complements overwhelming scientific evidence that increased exposure to such air pollutants causes serious medical problems. It is linked to decreased lung capacity and increased bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, cancer, and heart disease.

Coal dust would increase the existing health disparities in West Oakland, which is surrounded by three freeways, with heavy industry, diesel trucks, and port traffic.

West Oakland starkly illustrates environmental injustice.

The City has been steadfast in opposing coal. If you appreciate their fight for residents’ health and safety, you can show your support at the community rally on Saturday, July 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 732 Willow St., West Side Missionary Baptist Church-ICAC Hub

Supported by Care 4 Community Organization.

This Advertorial was sponsored by:

• No Coal in Oakland

• Interfaith Council of Alameda County

tainment Group (AASEG).

What must be mentioned is that at the onset of the hunger strike in 2011 the various formations weren’t exactly getting along, thus the first hurdle to overcome in petitioning the court for isolation relief was to open a dialogue between the formations, such as Mexican Mafia, Nuestra Familia, Black Guerrilla Family (BGF), and Aryan Brotherhood.

Celebrating the Life of Sylvester Hodges...

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was right.

One of Hodges’ lifelong friends, Ashlee Sherman, told stories of their experiences as young athletes at McClymonds High School and how, with encouragement from Hodges, he went on to San Francisco State, earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree.

Kitty Kelly Epstein, an education leader and community activist, said, “Sylvester did probably what was the most important action ever taken by an elected official in Oakland — he saved the school district from being taken over by the racist, elitist State of California for 15 years,” adding that Oakland was the only school district in the country that was able to halt an attempted state takeover.

Underscoring the strength and clarity of Hodges’ leadership, Epstein said, “People should live their lives like Sylvester did, with the amount of courage and principle that I have not seen often before in my life, and I learned so much from him.”

Despite repeated attempts, the state was never able to seize control of the Oakland Unified School District until Hodges retired from the board.

more Black and Brown teachers into the schools.

At the time, many people did not understand the importance of maintaining local control and had hopes that state intervention would lead to improvements in the district’s financial condition and reduce unresponsive bureaucracy.

When eventually the state did take over, the results turned out to be the opposite of what people had hoped for: continual budget cuts and school closures, lack of transparency, more consultants and highly paid bureaucrats, and unending budget deficits.

Hodges was born on April 30, 1942, in Montrose, Arkansas, moving with his parents, Chester and Maggie Hodges, to Oakland in 1946. He attended Prescott Elementary, Lowell Middle School, and graduated from McClymonds High in 1960. He entered the U.S. Air Force, where he was on the wrestling team. In 1964, he met Lola Ingram, who he married in 1965.

Besides serving on school board for 12 years, Hodges served as chair of the Paul Robeson Centennial Committee, working successfully to rename the school district administration building in Robeson’s memory.

and will do is impact every descendant of enslaved African people. It would be a profound and significant apology from our state governments, from our national governments. There would be a profound investment financially, educationally, with all kinds of different resources that attempt to acknowledge what descendants of enslaved African people have endured, and what our ancestors have endured,” Mkali added, noting that the fund will only reach about 100 people each year through 2031.

A 2022 study by WalletHub found that Minnesota has the third-largest racial wealth gap in the country behind Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. In 2018, White Minnesotans’ median household income was $73,027 while the median Black household income was less than half that figure at $36,849.

“We don’t want people to think, ‘Oh well, the Black folks in Minnesota, North and South Dakota are good now.’ We aren’t,” Mkali said.

Earlier this year, the St. Paul City Council took a step toward addressing racial disparities in the city when it established the Saint Paul Recovery Act Community Reparations Commission to serve as an advisory body to the city council and mayor on repairing damage caused by systemic racism in the city that led to racial disparities in generational wealth, homeownership, health care, education, employment and fairness within the criminal justice system among Black descendants of enslaved Africans.

Recipients of the $50,000 Open Road Fund grants can use the money for a variety of wealthbuilding projects, including buying a home, paying off debt, estate planning, investing in life insurance, covering tuition costs or starting a business. People can apply for the grants as individuals or as a part of a group on the Nexus Community Partners website

minimums. A separate $50 million trust aims to support Native and Indigenous people in the region.

In a two-part process, applicants will first complete initial registration that confirms eligibility for the grant and then discuss how they hope to use the money to achieve their wealth-building goals. A diverse panel composed of individuals who also meet the eligibility requirements for applicants will review applications.

After passing the initial application phase, 100 applicants will be selected at random to receive the awards. “If you’ve completed the application fully, and you’ve said what your wealth-building project will be, you will be put into the randomization tool,” Mkali said. “We’re not saying one wealth-building project has more merit than another wealth-building project.”

Single parents, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, senior citizens, and members of the LGBT community are especially encouraged to apply. Recipients will be required to attend orientation and training workshops and complete an evaluation survey one year after receiving the funds. They’ll also have access to educational wealthbuilding webinars.

Nexus Community Partners hopes the Open Road Fund will encourage more funders to release dollars directly into the Black community.

“The stipulation from the beginning from the Bush Foundation was that the dollars needed to go directly into individual’s hands and not be granted to nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the fund would be to directly impact people’s individual wealth-building,” Mkali said.

As a panelist, I spoke of how I was victimized by being held in solitary confinement for nearly 20 years because I was labeled a “gang member,” and referred to as “the worst of the worst.”

But I emphatically pointed out that many of those who had suffered and endured, as I did, are now out in society, making a change for the betterment of society and their families. They are proving that, when given a chance, they can make positive contributions.

I was even impressed by the magnitude of success that so many of my formerly incarcerated colleagues have achieved. There are so many with advanced college degrees and PhDs while others are attending universities such as Columbia, UC Berkeley, UC Fullerton, University of Southern California, and many others. If given the chance, both women and men can ascend out of hopelessness and despair to become better versions of themselves.

Jules Lobel, a professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh, was the main speaker at the symposium. He was given the honor to give the keynote address because he was the lead attorney for the hunger strikers as well as the main litigator before the federal courts. Lobel has written several books and numerous legal articles for Harvard, Cornell, Oxford and many other institutions of higher learning. (https://ccrjustice. org/node/4464)

I am grateful to all participants and especially to Dolores Canalis who organized this event with her husband Jack Morris. I want to thank unsung heroes and sheroes that we owe a debt of gratitude for their support, volunteerism and prayers.

They include; Danny Murillo, Azadeh Zohrabi of the Berkeley underground scholars; Angelica Camacho, Ph.D.; professor at San Francisco State University and a member of the California Families Against Solitary Confinement and coordinator for the Mandela Campaign; Jamala Taylor of the Inside Garden Program; Penny Schoner of Prison Activist Resource Center; panelist Marie Levin representing her brother Ronnie Dewberry (Sitawa Nantambu Jamaa) who was one of the four main people who negotiated the hunger strike as well as the litigations; my former attorney Dan Siegel and his wife Ann Weills; Post

Group and Jonathan ‘Fitness’

This took time and energy because of all the previously held positions of discord between them. As I sat there on that stage among old rivals, it gave me great pleasure to see the fruits of our labor manifested at that symposium. Who in the past could conceive such a step forward out of the rigors of prison politics?

I must mention one guy who was my next-door neighbor and a member of the Aryan Brotherhood at one time in Pelican Bay Security Housing Unit (SHU); his name was Eddie Burnett. We sat on that stage, side-by-side, participating in panel discussions, this in itself demonstrates the beauty of respect, cooperation, remarkable reconciliation, and of course persistence and understanding. Nothing is perfect yet everything is “solutionable.” The symposium clearly highlighted that fact. Where do we go from here now that a leap forward has been taken? Life can be made simple, either you win, or you don’t lose.

This symposium opens the door for us to bring an end to hostilities on the streets. If it can work in prison, it can work on the streets too.

We as a society have an obligation to at least try to make this world a better place. I feel the responsibility rests on our shoulders to do all that is necessary to make a change for the better.

Our non-profit organization, Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB) is currently engaged in Transitional Reentry Housing Services with the Diplomat’s Center Inc. and providing mentorship, gang intervention, community safety, trauma-informed care, voter registration, and providing housing for the unhoused in collaboration with Dr. Maritony’s Life Impact for Humanity (LIFH).

FIGB, in partnership with Partners in Careers (PIC), will be advocating for and developing living-wage jobs and recreational spaces for development and technology training.

Special thanks to POST Newsgroup Publisher Paul Cobb and owner Gay Plair Cobb for being one of the first to give a substantial donation to the Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB). And if you have been touched and/or moved to also contribute your time, resources, and/or donations to our great community efforts feel free to contact us at 1-888-711-8351 ext.1 or email us at formerlyinc.gb@gmail.com

During those years of African American leadership on the school board, the district made some major changes to benefit Black and Brown students, including ending some of the worst forms of tracking, which prevented them from taking algebra and assigned them perpetually to remedial math classes.

The board also rejected a racist textbook that was pushed on schools by the state, and the first programs were created to bring

Mayor’s Salary Increase...

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California cities closest in population: Bakersfield, Anaheim, Sacramento, Long Beach, Fresno, and Stockton.

This Charter provision essentially compares “apples to oranges,” comparing the salary of Oakland’s mayor to the salaries of City Managers or Administrators, who are not elected officials. Notably, almost none of these cities saw a budget deficit in their 2023-2025 fiscal cycle, and some saw their budgets increase.

If you compare “apples to apples,” the average mayor’s salary in these specified six cities is approximately $119,000, notably less than the Oakland mayor’s current salary. As a point of comparison, the governor of California’s salary is around $220,000 per year.

Councilmember Ramachandran only supports an increase in the mayor’s salary on the lower end of the range permitted by the Charter, rather than an increase by the maximum allowable amount as was proposed. For example, 75% of the average salaries of City Managers or Administrators in the six comparably sized cities would increase the Oakland Mayor’s salary to $231,645 per year.

The primary reason why Councilmember Ramachandran supports increasing the salary only by this lower amount of the allowable range is because Oakland is experiencing the largest budget deficit that it has had in the city’s history, with projections of over $360 million in the next two years.

Our City Council was forced to make a series of difficult cuts across departments and programs that support basic needs of Oaklanders — from public safety to

After he retired from the recreation department in San Mateo County, he went to work as an administrator for the Cypress Mandela Training Center, training countless Black and Latino young people to overcome barriers to enter positions in the construction trades.

He also served on the board of the Oakland Emiliano Zapata Street Academy, a school he loved because of its unique approach to young people’s education. He also remained a dedicated supporter of McClymonds High School.

roads and infrastructure, parks and youth programming, and much more. In light of these difficult fiscal realities, she believes that it is not fiscally prudent to invest their limited General Fund dollars into such a stark salary increase.

Furthermore, Councilmember Ramachandran believes that if we are having constructive conversations about government salary increases, that we should be focusing our efforts on addressing those city workers earning less than a living wage. In fact, some city workers currently make Oakland’s minimum wage.

This issue will now be heard by the entire Oakland City Council on July 18 at 4 p.m.

To make public comment in person, arrive by 4 p.m. and check in with the Clerk to submit a speaker’s card. To make public comment via Zoom, email cityclerk@ oaklandca.gov before the meeting starts, noting your name and that you want to speak on the Mayor’s Salary Item. When the item is called, click the “raise your hand” feature and you will be called on to make your comment. You can access this Zoom link when the meeting starts: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89659655572.

If you cannot attend the council meeting, you can voice your opinion with other City Councilmembers by emailing council@ oaklandca.gov.

Paid for by Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, Oakland District 4 Officeholder, Committee Council District 4, 2023, FPPC #1442792

Danielle Mkali, senior director of community wealth-building at Nexus Community Partners