Oakland Post, week of November 29 - December 5, 2023

Dis Third Annual Black Women’s Roots Festival ... see page 8

Apology for Japanese Internment Prompts Equal Response to Injustices Against Black Californians ... see page 2

Rep. Barbara Lee Takes Lead in Democratic Convention Delegate Poll ... see page 4

Legislature Revisits Bill That Would Increase Voter Registration Options for Californians ... see page 7

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

Weekly Edition. Edition. November 29 - December 5, 2023

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60th Year, No. 46

Will Geoffrey’s Inner Circle Become Another Victim of Hi-Rise ‘Destruction?’

The Oakland Planning Commission has so far ignored a 2016 City Council resolution creating the downtown Black Arts Movement and District by allowing construction of the Marriott Hotel to impede business at Uncle Willie’s BBQ and Fish and is on the verge of approving a hi-rise that would overshadow Pete’s Inner Circle. Both businesses are on 14th street.

Oakland’s Planning Process Helps Wealthy Developers, Harms Black Alameda County Board of Supervisors OKs Businesses Like Geoffrey’s Inner Circle

Members of Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE) rally outside the Alameda County Administration Building on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

Measure to Change Recall Election Rules

By Magaly Muñoz Post Staff

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to include a measure on the March 2024 ballot that, if passed, would align the county charter’s recall language with the state’s existing regulations. The proposal for the recall amendment was introduced in October after County Counsel Donna

Zieglar wrote a letter to the board stating that the current charter was outdated and should be updated to reflect California’s recall process. If approved by the voters in March, the new charter would read “California state law applicable to the recall of county officers shall govern the recall of County of Alameda elected officers.” An alternative version of the

amendment, which included the term “appointed officers,” was presented but did not pass in the board meeting held earlier this month, meaning that those who were appointed for their jobs in the county would not be subject to recalls. Many who showed up for public comment were opposed to the recommended charter change. They Continued on page 8

Oakland City Council Unanimously Votes to Support Worldwide Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

Oakland citizens hold signs outside City Hall and inside City Council chambers during a special City Council meeting Monday. Photos by Magaly Muñoz. By Magaly Muñoz Post Staff In a special meeting held on Monday evening, the Oakland City Council unanimously voted to support global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting was initiated by District 3 representative Carroll Fife, who said that constituents citywide

are eager to see an “end to the suffering we are witnessing” because of the recent conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza. Oakland is the second Bay Area city to call for a ceasefire, following the Richmond City Council’s vote on Oct. 25. The intense conflict has escalated since Oct. 7 when Hamas military crossed the Israel-Gaza border and killed more than 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped over 200 individuals. Citizens from 40 different countries including the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Mexico, and Thailand were among those killed or reported missing as a result of the Hamas attack. In retaliation, Israel has reportedly killed over 13,000 Palestinians, with at least 5,300 being children. The resolution authored by Fife, in collaboration with Muslim and Jewish leaders, references Oakland’s “Love Life” motto and “calls on elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence.” It also calls for unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the restoration of food, water, and electricity, and a solution that safeguards the security of all innocent civilians. Sabria Hassan, an educator, shared that she’s proud that the city is showing support for a ceasefire since Oakland has a long-standing history of advocating for underserved communities. “There’s no two sides to genocide,” Hassan said in Continued on page 8

food banks have emerged to provide much-needed assistance to families in need. The U.S. Government of Accountability Office (GAO) reports that national food prices have increased 11% from 2021 to 2022, when the average yearly increase was previously 2%. The San FranThe pandemic prompted Homies Empowerment FREEdom Store Center cisco Bay Area saw a 12% increase from 2021 to 2022. at 7641 MacArthur Blvd. to shift focus from just books and reading Steve Morris, director of Natumaterial to offer a food supplies to the needy. Photo by Magaly Muñoz. ral Resources and Environment at GAO, explained that while the pandemic certainly had an effect on food increases, there is not one single factor for a rise in food prices. He said events like the By Magaly Muñoz U.S. has seen the largest increase Ukraine-Russian war, the avian influenza epidemic that raised the Post Staff in food prices since the 1980s. In price of eggs, and climate changes During the past three years, the response to this crisis, community Continued on page 8

More Alameda County Families Depended on Food Banks in 2023 as Inflation Spiked

By Kitty Epstein and Paul Cobb OPINION Tidewater Capital, a multimillion-dollar corporation, plans to build a 27-story building to house affluent people in the middle of the Black Arts Movement and Business District. It will harm one of Oakland’s most important Black businesses, Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, and will not serve Black Oaklanders in any way. The Oakland City Council should reject Tidewater’s proposal. It does not fit the Council’s 2016 Resolution setting up the Black Arts Movement and Business District. It proposes to construct something no one in Oakland needs — more offices or more non-affordable housing - and harm something everyone needs, a historic African American business led by the kindest of Oakland’s residents, someone who feeds the homeless at his own expense and entertains everyone with wonderful music at a reasonable price. This process has been discriminatory, inept, capricious, and perhaps illegal, boldly favoring wealthy developers over Black business. Supporters are asked to come to a special session at Oakland City Hall City Council chambers on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 4:00 p.m. where the issue will be on the agenda. The reasons the city council should reject this development are described below: 1. The Oakland Planning Department has gone rogue in its effort to develop downtown Oakland as high and as fast as possible. It will require the action of the City Council to restore some accountability and lawfulness to the process and to protect Oakland’s beautiful legacy: the connection between Oakland’s downtown, views of sunsets at Lake Merritt and the first and

only cultural district, the Black Arts Movement and Business District. 2. Any new development in this designated Black cultural district should contribute to that purpose. The Black Arts and Business district needs such things as a). parking for its clients, b). additional galleries, bookstores; and coffee shops amenable to Oakland’s dwindling Black population; c). beautiful signage commemorating the contributions of Black Oaklanders. Instead, this proposed development will remove the one remaining downtown parking lot and draw in additional gentrification. This is a violation of the resolution of the BAMBD. Further, the proposed development poses a direct threat to Geoffrey’s Inner Circle which is a treasured Oakland location destination point that holds live music productions such as jazz events. GIC also is a venue space for funerals, weddings and private partis. GIC has hosted community forums, political gatherings and has served the homeless and unhoused population years over. It is a designated national historic site that has never received any of the many subsidies, services and recognitions normally afforded to such a site and would be threatened by every aspect of the construction process. 3. In contrast, according to the city’s ‘Downtown Oakland Specific Plan, (DOSP)’ the entire district of Chinatown is off limits to any prospective development in downtown. There will be zero high-rises, proposals or permits or such approved for this district. The Black Arts Movement and Business District is Oakland’s

first and only cultural district. We are formally requesting that the entire BAMBD district be zoned out of projected development and experience a moratorium on any current and future development plans except those specifically contributing to its purposes and discussed in public meetings with the Black community. The city has proven it has the ability to enact this form of protection as it has done so before in Chinatown, which is not a registered cultural district such as BAMBD but treated, respected and protected as such. Please see the map of development from the DOSP. 4). The decision to allow this building was made by the Oakland Planning Commission which is composed entirely of people who make a living working with developers and are therefore naturally inclined toward their interests and point of view. 5). The Planning Department had multiple meetings with Tidewater but said that it was too busy to meet with Mr. Pete or his representatives. They never allowed Mr. Pete to meet to hear the harm to his building the development would cause. 6) Mr. Pete was required to pay several thousand dollars to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision. The date for the appeal was set at a Rules Committee by a Tidewater representative. It was not agendized and therefore Mr. Pete was not present to offer his preferred date. 7). Mr. Pete made a Public Records Request several weeks ago for communications between Tidewater. There has been no response. 8) The city apparently has some process for these appeals about Continued on page 8

By Rebecca Kaplan Oakland City Councilmember at-Large Rabbinical and Biblical Scholar

ty, and each faces threats to their survival, and then are saved. Two brothers. Can they unite? And - to understand the deeper meaning, Ishmael is considered to be the ancestor of Arabs, and Isaac is considered to be the ancestor of Jews. In the Torah, the text I am referring to is Genesis 21 & 22, Parashat Vayera. Torah: Children of Abraham Abraham’s sons, Ishmael and Isaac, each face the situation of almost being killed. The stories are told back-to-back. We are first given the story of how Ishmael almost died, but an angel of the Eternal called out and ensured that he lived. And then we are given the sto-

ry of how Isaac almost died, and, again it says an angel of the Eternal called out and ensured that he lived. We are taught: do not sacrifice Ishmael, and we are taught, do not sacrifice Isaac. The two stories are taught together, in the same weekly reading in the Jewish traditional schedule of reading the Books of Moses from the Jewish holy book, The Torah. (All of the books are read across the whole year, with a designated portion for each week). Children of Abraham. And so we learn, do not sacrifice Ishmael and do not sacrifice Isaac. The verses are repeated, and chanted back-to-back, together, to let them live.

Can Eternal Angels Ensure that Arabs and Jews Unite? Publisher’s Note: Oakland City Councilmember at-Large Rebecca Kaplan is also a sought-after rabbinical and biblical scholar who has spoken before many congregations of all faiths. The Post asked Kaplan, who is Jewish, to provide some historical and biblical insights from her faith tradition into the present Mideast war and the fate of all sides who are from the lineage of Abraham. This scripture is about two brothers described in the Bible, two sons of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, who struggle to find uni-

THE POST, November 29 - December 5, 2023, Page 2

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Black Caucus Members Named as Committee Chairs for 2024 Legislative Session

A display at the Manzanar National Historic Site Visitor Center describes the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced during the 1940s. The Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of 10 American concentration camps where the U.S. government incarcerated Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship and Japanese American citizens during World War II. Photo by Maxim Elramsisy.

COMMENTARY:

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), left, was appointed by Assemblymember Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to serve as chair of the No. 1 Budget Subcommittee. Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), center, was appointed chairperson of the Health Committee. Pictured on the right is Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood). Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey. By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Several Black legislators serving in the California State Assembly have been appointed as committee chairs for the 2024 legislative session. All are members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), who was elected to the position five months ago, made the announcement Nov. 21. “The Assembly is unified and ready to deliver,” Rivas said in a statement. “That’s what Californians expect from their Legislature and that’s what this team will achieve.” In a statement to Assembly Chief Clerk Sue Parker, Rivas,

who succeeded former Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), appointed several CLBC members to chair committees. These members are: Assemblymember Mike Gipson (DCarson), chair of the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee; Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), chair of the Health Committee; Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), chair of the Natural Resources Committee; Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (DSacramento), chair of the Public Safety Committee; and CLBC Chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the Transportation Committee. Bonta thanked Rivas for putting his faith and trust in her and

Assemblymember Jim Wood, who represents the Second Assembly District. Wood was appointed Speaker pro Tempore. “I’m honored and humbled to serve as Assembly Health Chair,” Bonta posted on the social media platform X. “I look forward to fighting for true access to high quality, affordable healthcare for all Californians.” Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) serves as chair of the Public Employment and Retirement Committee. “I am thankful to @CASpeakerRivas for entrusting me with the responsibility of chairing the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. Ready to get things done, and fully comContinued on page 6

Apology for Japanese American Internment Prompts Equal Response to Injustices Against Black Californians

By Joe W. Bowers Jr.

California Black Media

In August, the California Attorney General’s Office publicly apologized for its role in the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. This belated acknowledgement highlights America’s capacity for prejudice. Attorney General Rob Bonta’s apology, issued on the 35th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, recognized that his office had used legal tools to deprive a generation of Japanese Californians of their liberty and financial security. The Civil Liberties Act of 1988, signed by President Ronald Reagan, not only authorized

compensation for wrongfully interned Japanese Americans but also included a formal presidential apology and established a public education fund to prevent similar injustices. Retired Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, who represented the 4th District and whose family experienced internment, praised Bonta’s action, stating, “I applaud Rob Bonta for acknowledging the past complicity of the Office of CA Attorney General in the wartime Japanese American incarceration and its associated land grabs. It’s never too late to correct an injustice — words matter, and courageous actions mean even more.” Bonta acknowledged that more work is needed to address

the legacy of Japanese American internment and stressed the importance of treating all Californians equally. In his apology, he referred to the nationwide surge in anti-Asian hate crimes and the ongoing struggle for racial justice, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “A time comes when silence is betrayal,” as a call against complacency. The historical injustices faced by Japanese Americans and Black Californians, while by no means equal, share undeniable parallels. Both communities have endured systemic discrimination, economic marginalization, and the inescapable trauma of racial violence. Continued on page 6

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postnewsgroup.com THE POST, March Aug. 10-16, 2022, Page 66 THE POST, 16-22,, 2022, Page THE POST, November 29 - December 5, 2023, Page 4

THE POST, March 25-31,, 2020, Page 5 postnewsgroup.com postnewsgroup.com

Representatives Lee,Month: García Introduce BillGroup Prohibiting Rental The Monkeypox Health Crisis: How California Is Responding Women’s History California Honors Leaders, Discusses Priorities The Evictions UntoldDuring Story of the Nurses COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis Latter-day Saints AC President Russell NelsonAwarded Speaks at NAACP’s Convention in Detroit SafeM.Place $180,000 Grant from Broadway Hustlers, Mob’s A

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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 project part-& intervention have many barriers in their evprofessionals, politican American caregivers at- women Aging, a 10-year project, but violence project, “Speaking of their children, she Co-Chair of will the foster 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. COVID-19 For Regina more aboutof Brown Wilson, leading to the celebration part of theShelter California Black said said currently there are state. theIvie. 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 Blue Shield Projectandand moderator of the event exand highlighted several policy Empowerment se- the cus, Chair Emeritus of the Pro-to Women were knownby for its GQ style, 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 full appreciation of the tion Program, and community 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 ogy. and business leadership in treat monkeypox is limited, “We’ll continue to work cases as well. 28,220 around the world. robust testing, contact tracget more access to resources true brotherhood of men and education and outreach proCulturally Responsive Domesnity (IDVAAC), the “Speakat (510) 986-8600 x sponsibility for They Workers elder care. Black Media. member of the strategy team Russell help they need. involved on Caucus, those levels,” fornia Department of Aging get theViolence Pro-Choice and be a gram. gang activities. wereand a the The Church African 315. but the treatment can which now withtrue thesisterhood federal government 99% of people who tic Shortly after helps the governor ing and community partnerto slow the spread of the dis- ing “Over the of women,” Network, of Faith” project will raise Families Act. “Before COVID-19, we The gang Hon. of Cheryl Brown, a Rep. of the CBWC. Thetheir eventroots was TheChuy funds, she“Last said,week willI down Brown to county agencies. García. street moreduring than 75 riumthis Act Would: Senior17emphasized. Democratic Whip. She Americans trace Nelson said during a 2018 administered at more than 30 to secure more vaccines, 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. Barbara Lee speakingHistory in supportorganized of abortioninaccess, Marchwith 2020. Photo: @RepBarbaraLee /raise Rep. “As authored a letter that 77 Memwere already experiencing fipartnership Ahead of men andBarbara women Lee that said, roamed · Prohibit landlords from violence also serves asWomen’s Chair of theacross Maas far back as possible. The celebration of diversity and sell has also governed domesagencies across the faith-based community on best facilities and providers awareness about reducing likely to survive. However, gency, Shane Harris of the pandemic to ensure that those “We hope today’s action inTwitter a group of influen- Black Women Organized for nancial hardship, poor health more workers Broadway fromare 2ndlosing Streettheir to Month, bers of Congress signed, callevicting rental tenants due jority Leader’s Task Force on Church donated $2 million the church. violence programs onJustice bothin oneness and models to apply the state,” a press release is- tic risk, andinstand with the“That LGpeople with weakened im- state. Peoples Association of most risk aretheir our focuslimfor jects additional federal fund- practices jobsMacArthur orat having W Blvd.hours in Oakoutcomes, and when the panPolitical Action (BWOPA). tial California Blacktowomen ing on mortgage lenders to stop to failure to pay rent or other Poverty and Opportunity. February to the International understanding inspires us A Safe Place seeks break when working with families vaccines, andrisk outand into our mune systems, children under sued by Newsom’s office Activists, a San Diego-based BTQ community fighting stigRev.resources Ron Linzie ited, in families putand at of ing land the treatment lateare 70’s early “Our goal is to talk about with passionate brought their perspectives to- African foreclosures during this public American Museum desire to build the cycle of domestic and famexperiencing violence in the Continued on page Newsom added.8 advocacy group, called on matization,” reach,” said Aug. response efforts. 8 years of age, people with a states. missing the rentgovernor or forgoing food on collective 80’s. Brother the issueswhich that are important gether last month in a virtual health crisis. But nearly a third (IAAM), is set to open bridges of cooperation ily violence by providing bathome. T o place a Legal Ad As of Aug. 2, the state had San Diego County officials to Aragón echoed the instead gover1theThe astable. he declared a tells state The state focused on history of eczema, and people ACWe Mob was a people gang can’t allow (510) 541-9650 or Dr. Author Maria Smilios theofstory within theremains context ofRev. the times. of U.S. residents are renters -in 2021 on the former Gadsof walls of segregation.” tered women and their children Domestic violence is the By Sean Ryan lion jobs and nearly doubled contact T onya Peacock: distributed nearly 1,713 treatnor’s statement. who are pregnant or breastrelease demographic data on emergency in California. slowing the spread of the virus Schiff (D-CA-30) Rep. Katie Palestinian protests — Lee’s fate By California Black Media that thestreets AC Transit Lowery at (510) 766- leading cause of injury to with to berode on Schlichenmeyer the in thebuses. middle Jasper in the communities represent Wharfcases inandthere. Charleston, safecourses shelter and By Terri But the job promised toIfurther her afeeding war.” Without theirmore help, alikely cure Phone: (510) 272-4747 growth—and without it, ment and resourc168 IV den’s “Our team is also commitmay be Jackson monkeypox California Department in impacted communities, ad- GDP They were also friends and as- 5404 or Michelle Murray aka of The a public health crisis – that’s Porter South(D-CA-47). Carolina. in Chicago the ratio is much women changed. es, and totecovirimat prevent violence between the ages of In almost every poll conBrother Fax: (510) 743-4178 Congresswoman Barbara we would have neared a doubleeducation. The Bookworm Sez for tuberculosis would take even doses of to health ted to reducing stigma among to get seriously ill or die,” the “The governor has declared of Public Health (CDPH) has ministering the limited numPresents sociates with with the Rep. Broadway at (510) 472-5255. why I worked Garcia “Niecey” higher. Working-class people, 15-44. through outreach and locations educaMore thanCompared one million However, a poll conducted at Email: tonya_peaLee, Chair of the House ApproOn Nov. 20, Lee’s campaign digit recession. to centers in various CDC reports. a state of emergency as of last begun to collect and report ber of vaccine doses we have, ducted so far on the 2024 CaliIn early 1930, she became a longer... Hustlers. Former AC Mob For thoseBaptist who wish to suffer con- San Amos Brown (left), pastor of Third Church, Francisco and witness president the NAACP, San Francisco toRev. introduce the Rental EvicNo disrespect meant. immigrants, and renters children each year the oftion. cock@dailyjournal.com priations Subcommittee on State previous economic recoveries, Continued on page 8 across the state. According to the governight and constituents deserve racial andhold other demographic andChurch awareness about members top social serpart ofraising the Great Migration when ofbrutal tribute food orof funds to support fornia election, Rep. the California Democratic Party issued an announcement. President of the Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Russell at the A 110th annual branch greets Thevictimization story of tuberculosis is M. a Nelson tion Moratorium Act. imSince senatorial 1976, Safe Place of a classifieds pardisproportionately from ecoYou won’t tolerate it This anyway, Brother All other conand Foreign Operations, issued this past year’s has also been far So far, CDPH has received nor’s office, CDPH has taken to knowHenry thein truth about vidata, tracking howensures the disease prevention measures and acvice positions today. efforts of theirtostreet minisnational convention ofthat the the National theent Advancement of Colored (NAACP) Sunday in Convention she boarded aAssociation train Harlem. Sacramento — portant legislation Brandon George White inthis 1900. big part of ahands hidden history, and not People Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) has offered aBy 24-hour crisis “We want to make sure you at the ofterms an intimate nomic recessions like theforone so that’s aFamily good thing. Ason a groups human tact the POST: Phone the following statement March more equitable in ofexpand prog- has a little over 109,000 mona number of steps to rus in our region,” said Harris is impacting various cess to treatment,” Aragón The Reunion will tries, send donations to Urojas Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune. renters in the Bay Area and the thisFor Patterson White, who represented North CarPresents decades, Edna Sutton and line, emergency 20-bed shelpartner. the Rooms forWay RentAt began Nov. 17 and was heardJesus country will likely be fac- ress déjà vu. trailed her two closest oppo- which (510) 287-8200 Fax some is exciting news. being, someone and 11, marking onewho yearwalks since the Community against child poverty, keypox vaccines — of comwhich access to vaccinations andfood the ter, feature music, food, spoken speaking at aHouse’s press conference. across the state. said, before Services’ adding that Cali- just corponation cannot be evicted from olina, was the only Black a children’s program, The faith environment can her Black nurses dideven the insecurity, ing, and they need the financial The of thestate Church (510) 287-8247 Knowing what weaknow about for fellow each don’t page 6 They customized the a day to pronents indoses the race, Rep. Adam Sunday. “May we go forward American Rescue Plan Actconof Grace ChurchContinued of Richmondonhas several and unemployment word, a president kid zone and 51,000 have been dis- shut state has have launched public in- munity “Mydown office ledlater thisdue argument office, 1271We Washington The Governor’s of rate talks, forms ideas and creates fornia is other. “well-positioned” to be their homes during the guest COVThe Senate counseling, support a safe and natural place to lawmaker at the time. Democrat rooms for rent, including it’s church. Sanctusecurity this bill would provide, Presents of Jesus Christ of Latter-day work that white nurses would not have to agree with each other Church’s self-reliance services doing our best to exemplify Email: 2021 was signed into law: pandemics, incampaign, fact, makesmostly “The tributed to local health depart- during COVID that we needed ary rents negotiable. Call for more informaspeakers. for low-income communities Ave., 452, San Leandro, address formation emergency follows similar tackleSuite the outbreak. cepts, you absolutely, righteously community education family violence andtoand re-be groups, ID-19 pandemic. must acena bi-par- Sen. Cory Booker and Republican Saints Russell M.WeNelson re- CA immediately.” to Although love each other. If weofhave materials and programs the twoacross greatpassed commandments do, tending to the poorest theis communities For taken information, call Rev. of color. 94577. ments the state. relying on webinars and town more demographic data, and tion at (510) 499-2838. tions in San Francisco, monkeypox ads@postnewsgroup.com Black Angels” feel closer to home, and outreach, as well as a Teen lated issues, including children demand that others give you the sure that everyone has access to tisan bill minded those assembled for The Rental Moratoany hope ofEviction reclaiming the hall most effective for the initia— to love God and lovecrimieach Senator Tim Scott, both of whom Ron “aka” Poison at poor OneLinzie year ago today, President who often came from overWith that said, we still have a meetings to get informaNew York City, and Illinois. not considered deadly, the and are makes thetopersonal Prevention exposed violenceand in Violence quality housing nonational matter their nalizing lynching at Program. the federal are Black, introduced the legislarespect you want. The respect conyou the 110th annual Jesus is the Way goodwill and sense of human- that tive.itway of His children. Biden signed the American Reslong toAs go on all of there these istion about monkeypox out to On July 23, the World Health crowded tenements to Sea View, disease can be fatal for some Carolyn Russell, whothehas the home. a result, is financial situation.” level thisinweek, sending bill sacrifices of Edna Sutton, tion together this time around. ventionEven of the National Asso- ity for which we yearn, it must medical The two organizations also deserve. if, as in “The Black Arm arm and shoulder to cue Plan (ARP) into law followToo many lack access to people across the state. Organization declared moncategories oflargest people,municipal accord- sues. Jesus Rush, is thewho WayrepYork’s as executive director great need tostill strengthen the “No by one should losegetting their New to President Biden’s desk “Although no legislation will Rep. Bobby ciation for the Advancement beginCongresswoman with each of us, one per- athe Missouria Meadows-Walker, anda served came together on to Temple shoulder, may we strive toafter lift Angels” Maria Smilios, ing passage by Congress, catahealth care they need live “CDPH is also expanding keypox a “public health emering to public health authoriBarbara Lee Staten Island. Imagine home duringPeople the COVID-19 House approved bill reverse the pain and fear felt by resents the Chicago district of Colored (NAACP) hospital aontime. Square Allen last Millions May toof call all the our brothers and sistersthe everyVirginia feel larger. pulting a historic recovery that son atSymptoms itgency.” takes decades. fulfilling life. Ameritreatment options. Access to in January. The Emmett Till those victims, their loved ones, and of months, the disease Sunday inwhich Detroit that Idifferpandemic is why intro- aties. disease thatpast you 18 can catch from Over the the people, organizations and govNew Hope Baptist Church, Oakland, CA where Emmett Till lived, and where, in every way we can. Read, and recent bring has led need to one ofundermine the are struggling toevents put food on the last of 2021. the antiviral prescription drug On Aug. 4, the federal — lesions andhalf blisters — For can cans Edna Sutton hated herstrongest job sortences not so- during duced the Rental Eviction MorAnti-Lynching Act, named for Black communities, this legislation First Presidency (the executive ernments to work together to This world will never be the a cough or sneeze, oneChurch steals New Hope Baptist of Oakland, CA seeksrising a Senior Pastor who will provide Spirit-directed, periods of economic growth in a thousands 10619 McArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 510 689-9544boy is a necessary step America must Los Angeles Rep. Karen Bass the table from of families inthat our comaachieve sense ofamid dread to thecosts, tale. Read, ing papers in a to downtown ciety’s shared humanity. administration of the church) atorium Act, prohibitoffice. evicting your the 14-year-old Chicago greater civility and rasame.” with a photo of Emmett Till ability breathe andfor puts visionary leadership ouryou church; and possesses in thebyareas of preaching, century. the housing crisis toskills the thistomoney meant the difand you’ll know theexcellent frustration in“Weduring aredidn’t allthis connected, and munity, “A church driven Christ has made its partnership with True, it require cialongoing harmony. renters crisis.houseFamiwhose brutal murder in MisEarlier this year, the Church take to heal from the racialspeaking before the House inteaching, the hospital, gasping for aircongregational and recent spike Many Americans hadresponbeen ference inElder gasdevelopment. prices tothen the Candidates between having childcare havecatalyze five plus counseling and leadership we have aservice, God-given NAACP a high priority. LastAuthor July,focused Jack N. Gevolved. Maria Smilios honored the helped NAACP’s comlies are hurting -- they aremost wor- the sissippi in should 1955 the ized violence that has perme- passed the bill last month. on the kingdom” keeping or as did grasping at life.healthy left to fend themselves costtheof childcare. not, food the ever-growing Pastoral experience (preferably beNAACP’s licensed ordained by aadvance recognized sibility tofor help makehealth, lifeduring better Thehaving groups have met on severrardSenior at mitment toMovement, equality ried about their jobs, and oryears Rights allows a ated its history,” Booker said Photo courtesy of Rush press casts aspoke widerPastor), net providing furtherandCivil jobs for Black women then, and one of the worst public health and And the pervasive racial andfrom gentable or not, having a secure place Sanitary conditions were wishfor those around us,” PresiNE E W P R O G R A M S License Ordination Committee and have a Bachelor Degree an accredited Bible College al times to pursue joint educa109th annual convention in and justice in society. childcare and deserve the cercrime to be prosecuted as a lynch- in a statement on March 7. office. understanding, touching on the imshe appreciated She wasn’t economic crisesthat. in Nelson history. The der inequities bare by and CO-ministerial live or not.seminary. Sunday schoollaid 9 :00 amvictim dent Russell said to es forefforts those nurses: handwashing tion in Our Chicago and San San Antonio, Texas. “I’m honored The including Email a cover letter, biography, resume license(s) toto have tainty that theyM. won’t be kicked ing if a is killed or injured Specialty is: "No Income Rep. Bobby Rush, who pact- of world wars, tomay Harlem, ARP expanded access to vaccines interested in being someone’s VID aretwo deeper than ever. Through Covid Commuduring a nine-minute evening To read the full story, go to Francisco and employment pray that in-additional Church of of Jesus Christ Lat-a represents part of Chicago, Worship 10:00 am stressed,my but masking was not.Programs" Qualification for to the curb and left homeless if was 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 medical research, and the political nity Care Act, we also delivered speech. “We don’t have to be postnewsgroup.com initiatives in Houston and maid; instead, science “set her creasingly call each other dear ter-day Saints stand in unity Non - Owner SFR's, 2- 4Family Units, 5+ “pastor”. they can’t make their rent,” said Sometimes, sentence of up to 30 years in prison. where Till lived before he was masking was frowned our website nhbcoakland.org under the heading No phone calls pm please. Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 relief that kept millions outlove of vital alikealight,” or look alike to have what the American Rescue Plan with funding to support commu- Buildings, Charlotte. friends,” Nelson concluded the NAACP advance atmosphere of New York in 1945. mind and Edna dreamed Unit Apartment The Senate passed thetobill unaniupon. Senior 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 moBeware: the extraneous coverMixed Use and Commercial of becoming a nurse. She would mously, though three Republican Phyllis Scott Some were reminded theworkhard tament to the transformative L.C.Sunday Fuller Jr. wave of evictions and foreclo- bilize im- 8:30 am community outreach members of the House — from • 0beDOWN VA/USDA/FHA age goes deep, and it may distract only allowed to work in a Black way community that tuberculosis wasworkers, airborne pact governmentOwner/ Broker sures; helped small businesses ers, can have when health the larger storyCA Black her- Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas — •10619 580 FICO PROGRAMS hospital, though; and there weren’t DREPresiMcArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 510 689-9544 and highly contagious. and schools stay afloat; and made prioritizes people. Iofthank social support specialists, and itfrom oism and history. with the dive, voted against it. #01 201700 many ofinvestments those in Savannah, Ga. • JUMBO LOANS TOin $5the critical expanBiden and Go my Democratic others increase access And yet, respectvaccine was denied to dent “AMILLION church driven bytoChrist The bill’s passage by Congress NMLS#358884 though, andinyou’ll find that sion•But of health careLoans/P&L coverage and for Congress for “The their there were up north Statement and, the hardest-hit anddue highestBank Statement Loans the Black nurses, mostly to Jim colleagues marks the end of hundreds of failed focused on the kingdom” reducing costs for millions. steadfast leadership andrespectlook through highBlack Angels” is a pretty in the summer 1929, when she risk Crowcommunities laws. They went on strike, toMortgage • PRIOR BK orof SHORT SALE attempts to pass anti-lynching leg24-7 Loans In my district in California’s forward to continuing to work totouch, on-the-ground outreach to able read. was• told of a hospital in or New Borrowers with LOW NO York FICO’s no avail; the NAACP urged New islation over more than a century. 1556 Drivefor #271 East Bay, the ARP hasPermits, been transgether toBlack deliver theThe American educate and assist individuals in Fitzgerald school 9 :00 am • was Borrower s w/Work Non- Resident “The Angels: Untold Congress failed to pass such legisthatSunday ‘recruiting’ Black nurses, York City’s mayor to change the formative, especially its expan- getting people.” the information they need Pinole, Alien OKWorship CA 94564 Sunday 10:00 am Story of the Nurses Who Helped lation more than 200 times over the Ednaofapplied for Tax a position. law, but he dragged his feet. Send your church sion the Child Credit.She’d Fam- about Sean Ryan is a member of vaccinations. • Financing in NEW DEVELOPMENT’s 510-757-3659 Mobile last 122 years, according to USA Family Bible Study Wednesday Looking 7:00 pm back Cure Tuberculosis” by Maria be caring fordistrict tuberculosis patients, To gain respect and recog- Congresswoman ilies in my alone received Barbara Lee’s on its impact, • FIRST TIME BUYERS SPECIALIST 510-200-9714 Office - 877-247-7009 Efax Today. notes, stories and A Next Levelthat Church Ministering Smilios,relations c.2023, office. Putnam, $30.00, thePrayer risk individual of contagion such Senior Pastor nition, nurses would need media Service Thursday 6:00pm and 74,000 payments for we nowthe have analyses showing The first piece of anti-lynching • PRIVATE and HARD MONEY…10 Day Closings www.24-7mtgloans.com Phyllis events to Post News in the Spirit of that Excellence awhite totalnurses of close $160 million the resulted in Scott 4 milhadtoquit in droves. “something huge... something like 428 pages Sunday 8:30 amARP 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

5th Annual Family Reunion

PILGRIM CHURCH HAYWARD

The Blue Shield of California Foundation Will Launch Faith and Domestic Violence Project

Chairwoman Barbara Lee Notes Anniversary of American Rescue Plan

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at In Senate Run, Rep. Barbara Lee Takes com Lead in Democraticads@postnewsgroup. Convention Delegate ALLEN

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

Reverend Joe L. Smith, Pastor

Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church

BibleWay Missionary Baptist Church

5717 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605 510-569-7814 * 510-568-4408 fax A church that prays together, stays together.

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

"

"

"

EMAIL:seventhavenuebapchurch.com … ON THE WEB www.seventhavenuebaptistchurch.com SUNDAY SERVICES BTU AND SUNDAY SCHOOL------------------------------------------9:15 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES----------------------------------10:45

" "

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, November 29 - December 5, 2023, Page 5

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THE POST,November 29 - December 5, 2023, Page 6

Black Caucus Members Named as Committee Chairs ...

Continued from page 2 mitted to collaborating with all Members and building on @ QuirkSilvaCA’s time as Chair,” Gipson posted Nov. 22 on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. McCarty expressed his commitment to work in the interest of his constituents and others around the state. “I look forward to moving balanced and common-sense policies next year.” In addition to the CLBC members assuming committee leadership roles, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) has been appointed as chair of the No. 1 Budget Subcommittee on Health and Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside) is taking the helm of the No.2 Budget Subcommittee on Human Services. Weber is currently running to replace Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), who terms out in 2024. Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who are termed out at the end of 2024, have been replaced as chairs of the Appropriations and Public Safety committees, respectively. McCarty’s Assembly term ends at the end of 2024, because he has chosen to run for

mayor of Sacramento instead of seeking re-election for his Sixth District seat. Several Sacramento insiders who wished to remain anonymous expressed their surprise to California Black Media (CBM) about Rivas’ decision to replace Bryan, the former Assembly majority leader, with Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Davis). In that role, Bryan was secondin-command in the Assembly. In his new role as chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Bryan will oversee state agency activities and Assembly policy involving air quality, climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), coastal protection, forestry, land conservation, oil spills, solid waste, and recycling. Bryan went on record to publicly accept his new role with grace. “I’m looking forward to Chairing the Natural Resources Committee next session. Thank you @ CASpeakerRivas for this important appointment,” Bryan stated Nov. 21 on X. Rivas appointed 17 women to leadership positions, a new record for the Assembly. Wilson, who was formerly majority whip, is now the first Black woman in California history to serve as chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. The Transportation Committee oversees legislation, public issues and the operations of several state agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, California Transportation Commission, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and California High-Speed Rail Authority. “It is an honor to be appointed to serve as the Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee,” said Wilson in a statement.

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Apology for Japanese American Internment ...

Continued from page 2

However, when asked about extending a similar apology to Black Californians for the enduring harms of slavery and its ongoing societal impacts, Bonta’s office did not directly respond. Although Bonta’s apology is a noteworthy step forward, a critical question lingers: Why has a similar recognition and apology not been extended to Black Californians? Yamada pointed out to California Black Media (CBM) that the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) recognized the need for government recognition and reparations for the Black community in their Juneteenth 2023 statement. JACL stated, “In fact this year, even as we remember 35 years ago the successful fight for redress for the Japanese American community, we recognize another 35 years passing without recognition from our government for the need to provide Black reparations.” Don Tamaki, a Bay Area-based attorney with a history of working for reparations for Japanese Americans, was the only non-Black member of the nine-member California Reparations Task Force. He recognizes the long history of solidarity across the movements. Tamaki suggests that the reason Japanese Americans have received an apology, while Black Californians have yet to be acknowledged, is rooted in the country’s deep-seated anti-Black bias and a long history of denying Black Americans’ humanity and experiences. Tamaki’s personal connection to the internment issue offers valuable insights for advocating for a state apology. His parents were recipients of compensation and a

formal apology from the federal government. He recalls the political awakening of Japanese Americans in the 1960s, influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and King’s televised demonstrations against racial injustice. Tamaki underscores that the Japanese American redress movement was aided by Black legislators and activists. As we welcome steps toward accountability by the Attorney General’s office in the case of Japanese American internment, we also urge the state to apply similar principles of acknowledgment and justice across all communities. Recently, Tamaki, along with the California Black Power Network, the Equal Justice Society, and five other members of the California Reparations Task Force, announced the formation of the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth. The Alliance aims to expand support for reparations for eligible Black Californians by diversifying its allies across different races and sectors. Their strategy involves educating the public and advocating for the Reparations Task Force’s recommendations. Alliance leaders have suggested a joint effort with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) to advance legislation. Bradford, the CLBC vice chair, indicated that while the caucus hasn’t yet set legislative priorities for implementing the Task Force’s recommendations, an apology for the legacy of slavery could be a key proposal. He stated, “If you were to ask me, an apology has to be front and center.” In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a nonbinding resolution, apologizing to Black Americans for slavery and for subsequent legal segregation and discrimination. Despite this, neither Congress nor the White House has taken substantial action to redress these historical injustices. Recognizing the ongoing and cumulative harms experienced by African Americans is an essential part California’s journey towards justice. This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Law Enforcement Leaders Share Plan to Fight Smashand-Grab Retail Theft During Holiday Season

California Black Media

A video recently went viral online showing a brazen flash mob of about 17 young people robbing a Nike store in Watts, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The culprits got away with an estimated $12,000 worth of goods. This video along with many others like it capturing the growing incidents of violent store heists in the Golden State prompted state and local law enforcement to highlight new and intensified efforts to combat theft during the holiday shopping season. On Nov. 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is increasing statewide efforts to combat organized retail crime. “When criminals run out of stores with stolen goods, they need to be arrested and escorted directly into jail cells,” Newsom said in a statement. “Leveraging hundreds of millions of dollars in law enforcement investments, the California Highway Patrol — working with allied agencies — is increasing enforcement efforts and conducting and supporting covert and confidential takedowns to stop these criminals in their tracks during the holiday season, and yearround.” As part of the Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan, the CHP is increasing its law enforcement presence in key retail districts across California and its Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) is increasing enforcement efforts through proactive and confidential law enforcement operations with allied agencies and retail store security outfits through the holidays — keeping more shoppers, merchants, and retail districts safe. The Governor’s office hosted a news briefing featuring CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Depart-

Rep. Barbara Lee Takes Lead ...

Continued from page 4 the California Democratic Party Convention this past weekend, delegates came together to vote on an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race,” the message read. “While no candidate received the endorsement (as there is now a 60% threshold), Congresswoman Barbara Lee came out on top!” In the Democratic delegate

ment Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “The men and women of the California Highway Patrol are working around the clock to keep shoppers, merchants, and retail districts safe this holiday season— and year-round,” said Duryee. “Much of our task force’s success can be attributed to the strong working relationships we have with our law enforcement partners throughout the state and the rapport we have cultivated with the retail industry.” “My office takes these cases seriously and will continue to do our part to hold those who engage in this behavior accountable,” said Jenkins. “These crimes are deeply impactful and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are working together to identify, arrest, and prosecute the thieves and those who traffic in stolen merchandise.” Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John McKinney has been a vocal critic of current DA George Gascón because the Sheriff’s Department will no longer detain suspects over crimes like theft and shoplifting since the new zero-bail policy went into effect on Oct. 1. “These robberies aren’t borne out of desperation. They’re the result of having a district attorney who won’t enforce the law,” McKinney told California Black Media. “As long as criminals know there won’t be any accountability for their actions, then retail businesses of all sizes will continue to operate in constant fear and eventually depart for safer cities. “Beefing up law enforcement may provide some deterrence, but, ultimately, we need a district attorney that understands accountability is a necessary part of a safe and functioning society,” McKinpoll, Lee led with 41.47% (963

votes), followed by Schiff with 40.18% (933 votes) and Porter with 16.06% (373 votes).

“While other candidates used

their massive fundraising war chests to influence the voting, we organized on the ground, delegate

by delegate, to come out on top. And this is exactly how we are

going to win this primary race in March,” said Lee.

Don’t wait to protect your future.

TAKE ACTION NOW 1-866-457-0650 More than mortgage relief.

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THE POST, November 29 - December 5, 2023, Page 7

Legislature Revisits Bill That Would Increase Voter Registration Options for Californians

Shape the future of AC Transit’s bus network Service proposals are here: Make your voice heard!

A panel for engaging communities and improving voter participation testifies in front of the Assembly Committee on Elections and chairperson Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) at the State Capitol on Nov. 16, 2023. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey. on the turnout gap between Black and white voters. In the 2020 general election, Romero stated, 64% of adult Black voters cast a ballot while 74.5% of white, non-Latino eligible voters did, a 10.5% turnout gap. The gap drastically increased in 2022. White voters that cast a ballot decreased to 62.8% in the 2022 General Election while Black voters numbers fell to 43.3%. “What I really want to emphasize is we still have to make it easier to vote but we also have to make people want to vote. It’s the ‘motivation question,’” Romero said. “It’s a story, of course, of our electoral system today that has not supported these groups and made it harder to vote and made it harder to sell the importance of voting.” Several state agencies in California, such as Covered California, already have the authority to register or pre-register voters. According to the National Voter Registration Act, federal law authorizes states “to designate state government agencies and offices that offer public assistance or services to people with disabilities, as well as other suitable offices, as voter registration agencies.” Those voter registration agencies “could include schools, city and county clerk’s offices, fishing and hunting license bureaus, government revenue offices, and unemployment compensation offices.” Under S.B. 299, SOS would have the authority to designate other entities to register Californians to vote and the process would be simplified with increased digitization. S.B. 299 is co-authored by Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Van Nuys) and Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). “Voting is one of the most pow-

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The Assembly Committee on Elections recently held an informational hearing on a bill that would have given more “entities” the authority to register eligible voters in California. Known as the California New Motor Voter program, Senate Bill (S.B.) 299 also promised to further automate and streamline the voter registration process while adding safeguards to prevent voter fraud or unlawful voting. But the bill stalled in the Senate Health Committee last June prompting supporters to hold the hearing to discuss strategies for bridging voter turnout gaps, ensuring accurate registration, and reviewing the impact of recent electoral reforms. Currently, eligible California residents are automatically registered or pre-registered to vote when they obtain or renew a license or state identification card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or conduct other transactions. The DMV sends their information to the Secretary of State (SOS) office for processing “unless the person opts out or is ineligible to vote.” Supporters of S.B. 299 are confident the law would enfranchise more Black and other marginalized voters. If lawmakers vote to pass it during the next legislative session, the law will expand the definition of “voter registration agency” to include all entities designated by SOS. S.B. 299 also provides an option to decline to register to vote. During the hearing, Mindy Romero, founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California, provided information

erful ways to initiate change in the United States and simplifying voter registration will have an instant and dramatic effect on voter participation throughout California,” said Limón in a statement. S.B. 299 provides a path to 100% voter registration, advocates say. It was designed to align with similar legislation passed in Alaska, Delaware, Wash., D.C., Colorado, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. As of May 2022, the state had nearly 22 million registered voters, about 82% of eligible voters in California, according to a Public Policy Institute of California report. Currently, California has 4.7 million eligible but unregistered voters, according to GDC. They are disproportionately from working-class Black, Latino, and Asian American communities. Kristin Nimmers, policy and campaign manager for the California Black Power Network, said the state has tried to improve the voter registration process but needs to push bills that prioritize the most vulnerable populations, including eligible individuals who were formerly incarcerated. The other pressing barriers facing Black voters, Nimmers said, are a lack of understanding of the voting process due to information gaps and inadequate outreach, a mistrust of the system, and limited language access. Nimmers also said that the pandemic has impacted the voting and registration behaviors in African American and Black immigrant communities. “Black residents are facing gentrification and displacement and are moving out of traditional Black neighborhoods ... They aren’t updating their registration.”

New Affordable Apartment Homes Available in Sunnyvale!

Meridian located at 397 S. Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, Ca will be accepting applications for our studio, one, two, and three-bedroom affordable rental units. Applications will be accepted through our online portal MeridianSunnyvale.com from 12/4/2023 at 3:00 pm to 12/18/2023 at 5:00 pm. Paper applications will also be available for pick up in person at the One Stop Permit Center located on the 2nd Floor of Sunnyvale City Hall (456 W. Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA). Paper applications must be mailed to the PO Box address on the application and must be postmarked by the application deadline to be included in the electronic lottery. The lottery will be held after the application period closes to establish the waiting list order. Applicants may request a reasonable accommodation if one is needed to assist in completing an application by calling 669-252-2360 TTY 711 or by emailing MeridianApts@related.com Meridian has 44 studio, one, two and three-bedroom affordable rental units available. Rent range: Studio $1,515 - $1,827, 1 BR $1,620 - $1,954, 2 BR $1,934 - $3,139; 3BR $2,227 - $3,619. Applicants must be income eligible and meet occupancy guidelines. Households must earn no more than the maximum gross income levels noted below: Household Size

50% of Area Median Income (3 Studio, 11 One, 2 Two, and 2 Three Bedroom Units) 1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons 5 Persons 6 Persons

Max Annual Income Household Size Max Annual Income Household Size Max Annual Income

$62,450

$110,650

60% of Area Median Income (2 Studio, 9 One, 3 Two, and 3 Three Bedroom Units) 1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons 5 Persons 6 Persons

7 Persons

$85,680

$80,300

$96,360

$89,200

$107,040

$96,350

7 Persons

$103,500

$74,940

$71,400

$115,620

80% of Area Median Income (4 Two, and 5 Three Bedroom Units) 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons 5 Persons $109,700

$123,400

$137,100

$148,100

$124,200

$132,780

6 Persons

7 Persons

$159,050

$170,050

Application, tenant selection, local preferences and lottery information can be found at MeridianSunnyvale.com. Electronic or paper applications must be received by 5pm on 12/18/2023 to be included in the application lottery. For more information and to view available floorplans please visit us at MeridianSunnyvale.com. Income limits are subject to change based on changes to the Area Median Income as published by HUD, HCD and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

Review & comment on bus service proposals online, in person, or at a local library Visit actransit.org/realign

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2023 Page 8 THE POST, November 29 - December 5,, 2023,

Oakland Families Depended on Food Banks in 2023 ...

Continued from page 1 are also key factors. While still maintaining that elevated prices will persist for the foreseeable future, Morris anticipates a decrease to 8% in food price increases in 2024. He added that while the average person may spend 10% of their income on groceries, a low-income family may spend up to 30%, making the inflation in food prices that much harsher. “Higher food prices can put people in a position where they have to make some tough choices between ‘can they go to the grocery store and buy food’ or ‘do they have to spend it on other necessities like home or health care or other things,’” Morris said. Michael Altfest is the director of Community Engagement and Marketing for Alameda County Food Bank, the primary food distributor in the county with over 400 community partners that receive frequent donations. Altfest shared that from 2019 to 2023, the number of pounds of food distributed to their community partners has doubled. In 2019, the food bank distributed 32.5 million pounds of food, while in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, they distributed 58.1 million pounds. This year they are on pace to distribute almost 60 million pounds of food. “If we’re on pace this year to provide more than we did in the pandemic, I think that says a lot about what the state of hunger is right now,” Altfest said. During the height of the pandemic, state and federal government relief programs helped families offset significant expenses like groceries. These programs included the child tax credit increase that put anywhere from $2,000 up to $3,600 back into qualifying families’ pockets when filing their yearly taxes. Another program that directly targeted food insecurity, was the increase in funds for SNAP or CalFresh. These government pro-

grams provide food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people to help them maintain adequate nutrition and health. But earlier this spring, funding was cut from the state program CalFresh and families saw at least a $95 decrease in their assistance. “Every single person talks about the cost of living in Alameda County, every single person. The cost of rent, the cost of food, those are things that come up every single time without fail,” Altfest shared. One of AC Food Bank’s community partners is Homies Empowerment, a non-profit in Oakland that was established as a means to support youth and the community through a positive lens. It runs the FREEdom Store Center at 7641 MacArthur Blvd. in Oakland. Selena Duarte, the FREEdom store coordinator, said the organization’s initiative to help families with food provision began in May of 2020 when their original store was filled only with books and students told them that while it was nice to have things to read, “they can’t eat books,” showing the team at Homies Empowerment that there were bigger needs in the community that they had to address. Since then, the organization has expanded its services. They now provide groceries every Tuesday, have established the FREEdom Farm where they grow produce that gets distributed in their makeshift store, offer hot breakfast to 40 students and their families five days a week, and much more. Duarte said that they serve almost 400 families a week and they are continuing to expand their food services due to the increasing number of people coming to them seeking help to reduce their spending on groceries. She recognized that although people say that the “pandemic is over,” she knows that the stress that families are experiencing is still very real. “The next phase is really becoming a sustainable community food hub, where literally we can grow, share, cook, and store our food here in the community and for the community,” Duarte said.

postnewsgroup.com

Alameda County Board of Supervisors OKs Measure ...

was elected and for reasons that are out of her control,” Tchoukleva said. SAFE held another press conference, similar to the one at the board meeting earlier this month, outside of the Alameda County Administration Building where they assured everyone that they would have the necessary 73,195 signatures, and possibly well over 100,000, to trigger the recall election. They have until March 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. to submit signatures. Edward Escobar urged the Board of Supervisors to keep the charter as is and to not vote for the recommendations. He said “businesses are dying, the community is dying” because of the rise in crime. Board President Nate Miley reiterated that he believed that this was an inappropriate time to propose changes to the recall process. He highlighted that constituents have made it quite clear that they think that the proposal is an attempt by the board to interfere in current recall efforts. “If I’m right, the voters are going to vote down the charter amendment and I don’t think that serves the public good,” Miley said. Elisa Marquez, District 2 supervisor, argued that regardless of the current efforts to recall Price, the decision is up to the voters if they want to see a change to the charter. “I view this as a parallel process. I do not view it as an interference with the recall election,” Marquez said. The recommendation passed with a 3-2 vote. The measure will be on March 5, 2024, primary election ballot.

Oakland’s Planning Process Helps Wealthy Developers ...

here. 9) Uncle Willie’s Barbeque and Fish was literally put out of business and had their building destroyed by the neighboring developers, The Marriott. They are in litigation but as it stands the health department has shut down Uncle Willie’s for this reason. Is Geoffrey’s Inner Circle going to be NEXT? 10) The Council should require a revamp of the Planning Department, and the Mayor should reconstruct the Planning Commission, so that it represents native Oaklanders who, such as Geoffrey Pete have contributed to this city for nearly 40 years?

Continued from page 1 argued that it was “taking away power from the voters.” Brenda Grisham, a principal officer for Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE), said that the recommendations are coming at a time when the organization’s efforts to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price have been well underway. “We will recall Pamela Price without your help. It’s going to get done for the citizens of Alameda County,” Grisham said. Price and her campaign team, “Protect the Win,” did not respond for comment. Crime has risen in certain areas of the county, particularly in Oakland. Advocates for the recall have criticized Price, calling her “too soft” on crime. While there are no concrete details of how crime has been affected in all of Alameda, the county’s jail population has fallen to its lowest level in at least 20 years, falling nearly 25% from last November to this June, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Yoana Tchoukleva, a community activist, shared that she has talked to many petition gatherers who have been paid to come from out of state to gather signatures, which shows the recallers are willing using illegal measures to remove Price from office. “The efforts to recall DA Price started from the day that she was sworn in,” Tchoukleva said. “People are blaming her for a wave of crime that started way before she

Continued from page 1 which Mr. Pete has never been informed. Mr. Colbruno has acknowledged that he and other Tidewater staff have met repeatedly with council members about this issue. But we are told that council members cannot speak with Mr. Pete, because of this unique process. We believe that many Oakland elected officials want to make Oakland more responsive to the population, particularly the Black community, which is being driven out of the city. It needs to start

Ceasefire in Gaza ...

Continued from page 1 an interview with the Post. She expressed that it is challenging for students like hers to concentrate in the classroom while witnessing people being killed right before their eyes and as hate crimes against Muslims are on rise. During the council meeting, over 1,200 e-comments were submitted. A significant majority, 86%, of participants supported the resolution, while 8%, opposed it. At least 300 people signed up to voice their opinions during the public comment period. They either expressed support for the resolution or urged the council to amend it to include a condemnation of Hamas. Tye Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, insisted that there cannot be peace in Gaza unless Hamas is out of power. (Hamas, founded originally in 1987, is an acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement. It won parliamentary elections in 2006 and seized control from the Palestinian Authority in 2007.) “This resolution must be amended to acknowledge the atrocities of Hamas and include its removal from power,” Gregory said. Neda Chavoshi, a healthcare worker in Oakland, shared that there is no safe place in Gaza because Israel has taken to bombing hospitals and killing innocent civilians. The healthcare systems are “beyond repair.” “Silence in the face of oppression and genocide is not an acceptable response,” Chavoshi said. Councilmember Dan Kalb, who represents District 1, attempted to make a motion to introduce amendments to the resolution that

would condemn Hamas for the October attacks and would place blame on Hamas for making both Israelis and Palestinians victims of the group’s actions. Council President Nikki Fortunato-Bas explained that she was against the amendments proposed by Kalb and if they were going to entertain adding them, then they would also need to acknowledge that the conflict did not start on Oct. 7 or in 1948, but hundreds of years ago. “There are 7,000 Palestinian political prisoners. There are more than 1 million people displaced. The number of children who have been killed just since October surpasses the number of children who have been killed over the past four years, and so there are many more facts that we would have to put into this resolution if we were going to add anything more to it,” Fortunato-Bas said. Councilmember Treva Reid, District 7, was the only supporter of Kalb’s amendments but ultimately the motion failed 2-8. Fife revealed that it took them four drafts to finally put a resolution together because she was committed to getting it right. She acknowledged that the world is watching and expressed her readiness to stand alone for her beliefs if necessary. “It [the resolution] didn’t name condemnation of Hamas. It didn’t name condemnation of Israel because we wanted to focus on “Love Life” and lifting up what we support, and not what we condemn,” Fife said. “It intentionally tried to bring sides together that I’ve been working and in conversation with, the Jewish and Muslim community, to say ‘we support life.’” “I want Jewish children to live as much as I want Palestinian children to live,” Fife said.

A Happy Birthday Gala Celebration for Sandré Swanson at Scott’s Restaurant

African American Contractor Attends Africa Celebrates Summit in Ethiopia

By Tanya Dennis Queen Iminah. Photo courtesy of The Golden State Warriors

The Queen’s Corner - From Ghetto to Goddess

By Queen Iminah Special to The Post

At this time 16 years ago in Atlanta, I narrowly missed being shot a few times, I had run-ins with the law and narrowly missed prison time, I survived being drugged against my will, I survived being raped, I survived attempts to be kidnapped & sex trafficked in Oakland, Atlanta & Miami. By the time I was turning 21, I survived many hellish and neardeath experiences from choosing the wrong side of life. Unfortunately, everyone around me did not make it. I realized I was given a second chance for my destiny to advance. At 17 years old, as a Black girl growing up in Oakland I did not see or value my true beauty and power. Society encouraged me to idolize being “the baddest b*tch’’ and I did this to the best of my ability. I graduated from Oakland Tech, where I was student body president, All City Council vice president, a homecoming queen and a popular honors scholar and athlete. I moved from Oakland to Atlanta to attend Spelman College. For the first time I realized my family and community were considered poor. I became deeply disillusioned. I immediately chose to live life in the fast lane, the life I grew up idolizing in my favorite rap songs and music videos. I became “the baddest b*tch.” I found myself rolling with the infamous Black Mafia Family in Atlanta’s biggest night clubs and

strip clubs, partying with the Black Hollywood elite and dating rappers, athletes, moguls, and mafia bosses. I was taken on shopping sprees, rode in Bentleys and Rolls Royces, popped bottles at the club seven days a week, easily seeing $100k spent on partying every weekend. I didn’t understand that what was glittering before me was not gold at all. I temporarily dropped out of college, I almost lost myself completely. I could have been dead, injured beyond repair, strung out on drugs or in prison like some of my ex-boyfriends. I made it through hell but now I was searching to find my way again.... Who was I? Who did I want to be? What were my gifts and talents? What is my ancestral legacy? What is my destiny? All questions that I could not previously see. I had been so focused on what had been promoted to me as success for a young Black woman, that I was disconnected from my true self. I overlooked my DIVINE gifts and talents, my greatest wealth. Thus began my journey, From Ghetto to Goddess. In the 16 years that have passed, I’ve been blessed to heal myself and reveal myself to myself at last. Thank you to all who have seen, supported and contributed to my transformation and elevation. I am launching this column as a way to reveal the wisdom needed to thrive and avoid negative ordeals. The journey is very real. RISING FROM GHETTO 2 GODDESS is our best way to heal.

In 2009, the Post published an article about Erica Alexis and her partner Rebekah Payne’s interest in going global with their manufacturing business, RPayne Sourcing. Alexis never lost sight of the dream, stepping out as a sole principal, Alexis got her general contractors license in 2020 with the vision of building hotels in Africa. Alexis says that “In Oakland, I did seven years in hotel revenue management with Booking.com where I’d read article after article of how hotel chains were targeting Africa as their next horizon. I wanted to be a part of that trend. What sealed the deal was when in 2019, African Union Ambassador to the U.S. Arikana ChihomboriQuao called on African Americans to “come home” to build and contribute to Africa’s growth and prosperity. Chihombori-Quao’s call-toaction motivated Alexis to complete her contractor’s license. She established her company, Bridgeline Development, and started building and renovating commercial and residential projects in the Los Angeles area, a spin-off from the consulting company she’d started in 2015. In 2020, she added Bridgeline Construction, which holds the B license for general contracting. Last week, Alexis traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the “Africa Celebrates” Summit. It is sponsored by the African Union, which is the African continent’s equivalent to the Organization of American States or the U.N. and includes 39 African nations that gathered to discuss business, art, technology, and culture. “Traveling to Addis Ababa, I felt I was home immediately when the plane touched ground.” During the summit, Alexis con-

ferred with ministers of agriculture, members of the parliament, tech and fashion influencers, and discussed the needs of the various nations, and the diaspora’s role for safety, means and methods, and completion of projects. The highlights of her week were leaving with a Letter of Intent to do work in Nigeria; developing a community; meeting a funder for commodity warehouses in Botswana; and potentially assisting in providing safety training to help complete the 25,000 unfinished buildings currently abandoned in the capitol. Arriving home, Alexis received an email from Tewodros “Teddy” Tefera, Commercial Specialist from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, offering his assistance to her in any construction and infrastructure projects she might have under consideration. After the summit, Alexis sees the need to strengthen relationships within Africa before doing attempting to create business. She sees Africa’s need for safety and training protocols, but also the importance of learning African modalities of building before utilizing her approach. Looking forward, she is offering Bridgeline’s expertise as a service to assist improving building opportunities in Africa. “My immediate response to last week’s Summit and the opportunities my company has been offered is to prepare Bridgeline Development and Construction to operate on a more industrial level. “I see a critical need for infrastructure development in Africa. The dream of building hotels is still there, but there’s so much more that needs to be done, and my generation needs to join me in getting it done. Africa is not only opportunity, but also home, everyone who comes here feels it.”

Celebrating the former assemblyman’s birthday were: the Honorable Sandré Swanson, left, with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Scott’s owner Ray Gallagher. Photo By CJ Jones. Special to The Post

A capacity crowd supported a gala birthday fundraising celebration Saturday night for former State Assemblymember Sandré Swanson at Scott’s Seafood Bar and Grill in Jack London Square. Scott’s restaurant owner Ray

Gallagher and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma joined the 300 guests for an evening of music, food. R&B recording artist Lenny Williams and his band performed. Swanson is seeking election for the 7th District State Senate seat. For more information, visit www.sandreswanson.net

Third Annual Black Women’s Roots Festival Celebrating Black Women in Blues, Jazz, Country,

All Ages Sunday 12/10/23, 4pm Freight & Salvage 2020 Addison St Berkeley, CA 94704

Venue Link: https://thefreight.org/ Ticket Link: https://tinyurl. com/m5kawzhf Advance General Admission