Oakland Post, week of April 9 - 15, 2025

Oakland Post

Vote Barbara Lee for Mayor

‘Friends’ Just Serve

As we end the celebration of Women’s History Month in Oak

The Post contacted all Oakland mayoral candidates with questions to be answered by Friday, March 14. Renia Webb and Loren Taylor did not submit responses.

Oakland Mayor Special Election Q&A with Eric Simpson

fundraiser for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC). They commit to raising money before completing a mile in the water or on land. Some swim laps, some walk in the shallow end, and others participate from wherever they are. The event is not about competition. It is about making sure free cancer services are available to women and caregivers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, but the event draws participants from Sonoma and Marin counties as well.

Carol returns each year with a personal goal. “My goal is to have a better time each year. I have been training since January.”

She describes the experience in one word: “Exhilarating.”

Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer has been raising money for the WCRC for 30 years. WCRC provides free therapy, support groups, and wellness programs for women with cancer in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The organization also helps clients navigate financial and practical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Every participant in Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer fundraises to keep these programs free.

Carol’s Advice to Others

Carol encourages anyone thinking about signing up to take part. “You can do it! If you don’t swim, there are other ways to participate.”

Special to The Post

Carol first heard about the “Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer” fundraiser event from her oncologist. That was six years ago. She hasn’t missed a year since.

“As a 15-year cancer survivor,

I am grateful to be alive and anxious to raise much-needed funds for women who are battling cancer,” she says.

Each spring, participants take part in the Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer, a

But for her, the event is about more than the time it takes to complete a mile. “I am stronger than I think, and I am so proud of us as participants and proud of those battling cancer currently.”

Thirty Years of Community Support

Special to the Post

After decades of anticipation, the legendary Soul Beat Network headed by Chuck Johnson, who also bears the same name of its original legendary 1978 founder Chuck Johnson, is making its return to television. Johnson restarted the Soul Beat Network on April 4, 2025. Soul Beat will air every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST on KTOP-TV (a cityowned channel), Johnson shared online.

“Soul Beat’s new programming will be a dynamic mix of original content, historical retrospectives, and contemporary storytelling,” said Johnson.

He said viewers will be able to view Soul Beat in the following ways: • Comcast Xfinity: You can find KTOP-TV10 on channel 10 within the Xfinity lineup.

Other ways to access KTOP: You can also stream KTOPTV10 24/7 on the City of Oakland website

AT&T U-Verse: KTOP-TV10 is also available on channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse.

“Follow us at @soulbeattv on Instagram, Soulbeatnetwork on Facebook and YouTube, and check out our website at www.soulbeatnetwork.com,” says Johnson.

By Post Staff

The Oakland Unified School District Board of Education voted this week to remove Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell as the district continues to wrestle with a huge budget deficit and the threat of school closings and employee layoffs.

Johnson-Trammell will finish

She will be back in the water May 3-4, joining others who have helped sustain the event for three decades.

Join her. Be part of this 30-year tradition of strength, support, and community.

To sign up or learn more, visit www.wcrc.org/swim.

out the 2024-25 school year and a search for her replacement will begin.

The school board provided no explanation for the surprise decision after they voted 4-1 to remove Johnson-Trammell.

She has served as superintendent for almost 10 years, was one of the highest paid superintendents in California, earning a total compensation package of $637,036.42 a year, considerably above what superintendents earn in the San Diego County area, which — at $470,000 — has the highest average superintendent salaries in the state.

The superintendent’s current contract was approved by the school board less than a year ago, granting her a pay raise and a final three-year contract extension through the 2027 school year. Under that contract, she would

By Magaly Muñoz

In preparation for the upcoming Oakland mayoral special election on April 15, the Oakland Post interviewed mayoral candidate

Eric Simpson. The questions focused on his plans for budget priorities and policies to ensure

Oakland remains a welcoming place to live.

Other candidates in the race

include Barbara Lee, Loren Taylor, Renia Webb, Susanne Robinson, Elizabeth Swaney, Peter Liu, Mindy Pechenuk, and President Cristina Grappo.

Below are Simpson’s written responses.

What is your plan to address public safety concerns with residents?

We have to start with the world to understand the crisis in Oakland.

The crisis of capitalism is pushing competing countries to trade wars

and shooting wars, to deepening attacks on workers’ wages, working conditions and social services. Millions of workers can’t find work or can’t pay the bills with the jobs we have. Young people find it challenging to afford living on their own, buying a car, or forming a family. Social scourges like drug and alcohol addiction, petty crime and mental illness are rampant. The dog-eat-dog values of capitalism permeate society. But working-class resistance is rising. The recent strikes by San Francisco hotel workers and San Jose transit drivers are examples. When labor and social movements rise, working people awaken to our worth, our dignity, our history, as Malcolm X said. We must build a mass working-class movement based on values of solidarity on the road to ending the dictatorship of capital and replacing it with a workers' government. That is the road to ending crime, addiction and alienation.

What are your budget priorities? What experience do you have dealing with large budgets and how will you boost Oakland’s economy?

The Socialist Workers Party opposes all sales and property taxes, which disproportionately affect working people. End the taxes, fees and red tape that drive mom-and-pop businesses to bankruptcy.

Loren Taylor Receives Last-Minute $280,000 Contribution from Committee with a Donor Who Was a Business Partner of

By Ken Epstein

As Oakland’s bitter mayoral race concludes, a last-minute $280,000 contribution to support Loren Taylor came from an independent campaign committee, whose largest individual donor has ties to Elon Musk, according to the East Bay Times. The $70,000 contribution to the Independent Expenditure committee (IE), called Responsible Leadership for Oakland, was made by Max Hodak, a San Francisco biomedical engineer. Hodak has been involved in various Bay Area tech startups, including Neu-

On Sunday, April 6, Oakland Public Library Commissioners joined the 13th Annual Oakland Public Library Advocates Mixer. The event honored library volunteers, including Library Commissioners and Friends of Oakland Public Library who celebrate 75 years of service in 2025. April is National Volunteer Month. Oakland Public Library expressed gratitude for the support of volunteers and donors and all those who generously contribute to strengthen the library and Oakland community.

Pictured from left to right: Top Row- Victoria Barbero (FC*), Lesley Mandros-Bell (FC), Gay Plair Cobb (CC*), Karen Roye (CC), Brittany Rae Buckmire (CC), Mary Cain-Simon (CC), Caleb Smith (FC), Carolyn Jones (CC). Bottom Row- Jamie Turbak (Library Director), Mary Forte (FC), Alternier Cook (FC), Karen Zukor (CC), Gabrielle Sloane Law (CC). *FC denotes Former Commissioner and CC denotes Current Commissioner.

Photo Courtesy of Oakland Pulic Library.

Carol, a cancer survivor, has been training since January to participate in the fundraiser where participants can swim or walk to support the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. Courtesy photo.

Oakland Post Endorses Barbara Lee

Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo.

(Left) Eric Simpson, Socialist Workers Party candidate for Oakland Mayor, at a rally for immigrant rights in Delano, California on March 31. (Right)

Laura Garza, Socialist Workers Party candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles. Courtesy Photo.

Chuck Johnson leads Soul Beat Network. Photo courtesy Soul Beat.

Supporters Say Reparations Bill

‘Not Stalled’ as Republican Sponsor Leaves Legislature for Fed Job

Former California

Assemblymember Bilal Ali (Bill) Essayli (R-Corona) is now United States Attorney for the Central District of California. File photo.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

Last week, President Donald Trump appointed Assemblymember Bilal Ali (Bill) Essayli (R-Corona) United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

The lawmaker, an outspoken critic of Gov. Newsom, accepted the appointment.

Essayli, who in February introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1315, a reparations bill in the State Legislature, took the oath of office for his new job on April 2.

“I am honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me to serve as United States Attorney for the Central District of California,” Essayli said in a statement.

Now, reparations advocates, who had been working along with Essayli, say they are looking for a sponsor for the bill in the Legislature.

Kamilah Moore, a Los Angelesbased attorney, who served as chair of the state’s reparations task force, says the effort has not stalled.

“This is a full job position for him. The U.S. Central District of California is the largest federal

judiciary district in the country,” said Moore. “But I do appreciate his efforts and being helpful along the way, getting us certain names and contacts of legislators (who could carry the bill). I also appreciate that he kept the conversations (of reparations) going. He definitely played his part, and I cannot be mad at him at all.”

Essayli, who is Lebanese American and proponent of stricter immigration laws and enforcement, says he won major victories during his two-year-plus tenure as a lawmaker.

“When I joined the Assembly, parental rights, illegal immigration, and voter IDs were peripheral issues. We’ve made them centerpieces of our Party,” Essayli said.

In February, Essayli introduced AB 1315, also known as the California American Freedmen Affair’s Agency (CAFAA) bill. If approved, this legislation would create a state agency responsible for verifying the identities of descendants of slavery using genealogy.

Essayli, a former Riverside County prosecutor and the first Muslim American elected to the California Legislature, said he introduced the bill with the full support of members of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), the state’s leading reparations advocacy group.

Essayli says he supports the creation of the agency even though he does not advocate for cash payments, stating on X last year, “I’m very much opposed to CA taxpayers paying reparations.”

CJEC is a statewide organization made up of various

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

The Trump Administration is dismantling the Department of Education (DOE). That action fulfills a campaign promise that has been a goal of right-wing conservatives since the department’s inception.

In fact, on March 20 — the day President Donald Trump signed the executive order to begin that process — he said, referring to the current Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, “hopefully she will be our last.”

Despite extensive layoffs implemented by Trump at the department, without an act of Congress, completing its dismantling will be an uphill fight, some Washington insiders believe.

So far, roughly 1,300 employees have been fired from the department last month, leaving only 2,183 employees. This is down from more than 4,000 at the beginning of the year.

Trump allies in Congress have also vowed to introduce legisla-

tion to begin the legislative process of dismantling the department.

In California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Tony Thurmond has been outspoken, expressing his disapproval of Trump’s and other GOP leaders’ attacks on the DOE.

“We will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration continues to sow chaos, uncertainty, and interruptions of normal communication surrounding federal education programs,” said Thurmond in a statement. “We will combat these attempts to undermine educational equity and opportunity and stay focused on our most important goal: improving educational results for our students.”

The Department, founded in 1979, is responsible for supporting K-12 education nationwide, particularly aiding disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. Among the Department’s many critical roles

Two Pasadena Police Department (PPD) lieutenants have filed legal claims accusing Police Chief Eugene Harris of sexual harassment and making inappropriate comments, intensifying scrutiny of the department’s leadership.

Lts. Keith Gomez and Monica Cuellar, who are married, announced their claims Wednesday during a press conference held outside police headquarters. Their allegations follow previous misconduct claims filed by other department members and could lead to lawsuits, as legal claims often precede court filings.

Cuellar’s claim alleges that Harris made sexually explicit remarks, including comments about her sex life and intimate relationship with her husband. The filing also contends that Harris shared inappropriate personal experiences, including telling Cuellar and a deputy chief that he had been sodomized.

In the claim issued by lawyers representing Gomez and Cuellar, there have been racist incidents at the PPD as well.

Compounding the harassment,

BARBARA LEE

PPD is filled with racial slurs, derogatory comments and even a stuffed animal called “Rhesus the Racist Monkey,” the claim states. Harris, who is Black, also allegedly used the term “house nigger” in a meeting.

Harris responded in a statement reassuring the public that law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation.

“I understand these allegations will be reviewed and fully welcome that process. I remain committed to transparency, accountability and service, and I trust the truth will come to light,” he said.

The City of Pasadena also issued a statement acknowledging the claims and affirming that proper procedures will be followed.

“The city takes all allegations of misconduct seriously,” the statement read. “The allegations will be addressed through the appropriate legal process, not through the media.”

The claims mark the latest in a series of complaints against Harris, who assumed his position as Pasadena’s top law enforcement officer in 2022. City officials have not announced whether an independent investigation will be launched.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee is committed to community and constitutional policing with resources and policies to build safe neighborhoods. Barbara supported funding for the local “Cops” program with a successful reentry program and a commitment to public safety for children and families. Barbara as Mayor will know how to also bring State support to Oakland, having served as our State Senator and State Assemblywoman as part of her accomplished career of service to our community.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee brought millions of dollars to Oakland for vital city services as a Senior Member serving on the powerful House Budget and Appropriations Committee. Barbara led the federal funding effort for the Port of Oakland’s modernization plan that expanded the capabilities of our world class port and led to the creation of thousands of jobs for Oakland residents. Barbara secured funding to support air quality improvement for seniors and youth with asthma. Barbara also secured funding for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Oakland airport extension to increase access and clean air.

Adult Day Program

Dedicated staff needed to work with individuals with developmental disabilities in communitybased settings, or environments. Qualifications: High school or equivalent. Driver’s license. Dependable and efficient. Background check. Physical exam and TB test. Training available. Decent wages. Please call (510) 690-9570.

MacArthur Fellow Dorothy Roberts’ Advocates Restructure of Child Welfare System

is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.

A graduate of Yale University with a law degree from Harvard, Dorothy Roberts is a legal scholar and public policy researcher exposing racial inequities embedded within health and social service systems.

line. Some things are two things at once and situations can change, which are two points that seem to be everywhere inside this book. Is this a series of biographical poems with a twist of imagination, or are the poems in here a collection of new perceptions and ways to embrace what could be? Read, and think about it because it’s up for a reader’s interpretation. However you perceive these poems, you may chuckle sometimes. For sure, you’ll want to read them again and think anew.

Sine 2012, she has been a professor of Law and Sociology, and on the faculty in the department of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

min, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes,

olds, and Dorothy Roberts. This is the eighth and last in the series highlighting the Black awardees. The report below on Dorothy Rob-

cipients of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, historian, and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over a five-year period to spend as they

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Authors: Various, c.2025, Penguin, $18.99 - $20, Various Page

Counts

A, B, B, A.

That’s not only how you spell the name of a popular music group. That’s also how a poem might be structured, if it rhymes, or it might be created in other ways. That’s the thing about poetry: it’s all how you perceive it when creating it and reading it. So why not think about putting these great poetry books on your shelf this month…?

When you spend time with poetry, you expect a certain kind of relationship between author and reader. That’s only part of what you get in “The Space Between Men” by Mia S. Willis (Penguin

Poets, $20). It might also change the way you feel.

Here, Willis – a poet, historian, and educator – explores culture, Black history, and what it’s like to be Black, Southern, and queer. When those various experiences come together in poetry here, it invites readers to consider the width and depth of the spaces, and their mere existence. If short but image-fueled poetry appeals to you, this book is worth a good look.

Poetry can take your thoughts in many directions, including thoughts about yourself. If you’re hungry for soul-searching, then try “Is This My Final Form?” by Amy Gerstler (Penguin Poets, $20).

Life doesn’t follow a straight

And finally, if your child loves the beauty of poetry and wonders how to create poems, then “The One and Only Rumi” by Rabiah York, illustrated by Maneli Manouchehri (Penguin, $18.99) is a book to bring to the table.

Roberts’s work encompasses reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare. She sheds light on systemic inequities, amplifies the voices of those directly affected, and boldly calls for wholesale transformation of existing systems.

Roberts’s early work focused on Black women’s reproductive rights and their fight for reproductive justice. In “Killing the Black

Here, children will learn the story of Muhammad, a wise young boy whose life changed when Genghis Khan came to his village. Muhammad was only allowed to fill a bag with possessions, and he knew he’d miss the birds and the friends he’d made at home. His father said it was unlikely that they’d ever return.

Yes, there were other birds and other friends in his lifetime, but Muhammad never forgot the first ones and “he never stopped listening” to the wind or the sound of the leaves or the laughter of others. He grew to become a man, a teacher, and a poet, as your 8-to12-year-old will see in this beautifully illustrated, beautifully told book.

If these collections about poetry and life don’t quite fit what you need, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian for more. They can help you find poetry, silly rhymes, great biographies, and collections of verse that are perfect volumes with which to spend hours. In the meantime, give these poetry books an “A.”

Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty 1997)”, she

nied agency to Black women and

This work prompted Roberts to examine the treatment of children of color in the U.S. child welfare system.

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has unveiled the Master Plan for Career Education, a statewide initiative to connect Californians with highpaying careers, whether they hold a college degree or not. The plan prioritizes practical learning, job readiness, and closer collaboration between education and workforce systems.

at Modesto Junior

After nearly two decades of research and advocacy work alongside parents, social workers, family defense lawyers, and organizations, Roberts has concluded that the current child welfare system is in fact a system of family policing with alarmingly unequal practices and outcomes. Her 2001 book, “Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare,” details the outsized role that race and class play in determining who is subject to

state intervention and the results of those interventions.

Through interviews with Chicago mothers who had interacted with Child Protective Services (CPS), Roberts shows that institutions regularly punish the effects of poverty as neglect.

College on April 2, the plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to prepare Californians for a rapidly changing job market shaped by automation and artificial intelligence. It focuses on expanding access, reducing barriers to career advancement, and aligning education with real-world workforce needs.

CPS disproportionately investigates Black and Indigenous families, especially if they are lowincome, and children from these families are much more likely than white children to be removed from their families after CPS referral.

In “Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World (2022),” Roberts traces the historical, cultural, and political forces driving the racial and class imbalance in child welfare interventions.

Backed by proposals in Newsom’s January budget, the plan includes two key tools: Career Passports and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Career Passports are digital records combining academic achievements with work experience, military service, and training, helping employers recognize skills beyond traditional degrees. The CPL expansion will allow veterans and working adults to earn college credit for real-world experience, benefiting an estimated 250,000 people, including 30,000 veterans.

“By aligning our education system with real workforce needs,

we’re powering economic growth and creating stronger communities,” said Newsom.

The plan also calls for a new statewide collaborative to better align education, job training, and employer needs, while supporting stronger regional partnerships. Local efforts will focus on expanding paid internships, improving funding access, and helping students transition smoothly from classrooms to careers.

Roberts argues that the engrained oppressive features of the current system render it beyond repair. She calls for creating an entirely new approach focused on supporting families rather than punishing them.

Her support for dismantling the current system of child welfare is unsettling to some, but her provocation inspires many to think more critically about its poor track record and harmful design.

The Master Plan builds on the state’s 1960s higher education model and responds to modern workforce demands. It stems from Newsom’s 2023 Freedom to Succeed Executive Order and reflects California’s commitment to flexible, inclusive pathways for learners of all backgrounds.

State officials disclosed that the plan is key to helping Californians succeed in a rapidly changing economy, whether or not they pursue a college degree.

These include stereotypes about Black parents as negligent, devaluation of Black family bonds, and stigmatization of parenting practices that fall outside a narrow set of norms. She also shows that blaming marginalized individuals for structural problems, while ignoring the historical roots of economic and social inequality, fails families and communities.

By uncovering the complex forces underlying social systems and institutions, and uplifting the experiences of people caught up in them, Roberts creates opportunities to imagine and build more equitable and responsive ways to ensure child and family safety.

Unveiled

Public Notices, Classifieds & Business

Trump’s Dismantling of the Department of Education ...

Continued from page 2

are distributing funds for schools across the United States. California received $2.4 billion in funds supporting strategies to close the achievement gap and $1.5 billion in special education funding for the fiscal year of 2024-25.

“Outside of this order, recent actions by the administration have caused real harm to students, families, and educators, including the elimination of contracts with

agencies who provide supports for schools and students and the sudden and irresponsible shuttering of the Office for Civil Rights in the most populous state,” Thurmond continued.

The administration has also canceled $148 million in teacher training grants for California that were meant to address an acute teacher shortage — and promote a diverse teaching workforce.

That action is being challenged in court, and a judge has ordered the funds to be restored for now.

Cecily Myart-Cruz, President of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), has called Trump’s executive order an attack on schools, students and working-class families.

“This reckless, anti-democratic move reveals a disturbing truth: those in power will sacrifice our children’s education and our nation’s prospects,” she said.

California has joined 19 other states and Washington, D.C. in a lawsuit against the federal government for what the plaintiffs are calling the “illegal firing” of the

DOE employees.

“This en masse firing exceeds any statutory authority granted by Congress,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a video statement.

The Governor and Democratic lawmakers have also vowed to continue fighting back.

“This overreach needs to be rejected immediately by a coequal branch of government. Or was Congress eliminated by this executive order, too?” Gov. Gavin Newsom stated, responding to the President’s order.

Reparations Bill ‘Not Stalled’

Continued from page 2

associations, community groups, and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations.

Moore says she is working with CJEC, seeking clarity on the status of the bill and identifying another lawmaker –Republican or Democrat – to sponsor the legislation.

AB 1315 was first read in the Assembly chamber on Feb. 24.

Civil rights attorney and reparations advocate Chryce Cryer told Dominique di Prima on

her KBLA Talk 1580 radio show that Essayli’s departure could be a blessing in disguise.

Cryer said Essayli’s position in the federal government “bodes well for the reparations movement.”

“It’s probably what he was aspiring to become,” Cryer said of Essayli on the Los Angelesbased radio show. “I would say for reparations in general, especially in California, it shines the spotlight on what we’re trying to do. Reparations is a non-partisan issue.”

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Second Baptist Church is currently seeking a passionate dedicated leader to serve as our next Senior Pastor in accordance with the Baptist faith. As we embark on this new chapter, we are prayerfully searching for an individual who aligns with our core values consistent with the standard set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and our vision to further God’s work within our community. Teaching the Bible and effectively preaching God’s word.

Pastor Qualifications

• Be a licensed and ordained minister in the Baptist faith

• Have a minimum of five years (preferred) of pastoral experience

• Have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/ University and Theological Seminary training (preferred)

• Be a visionary with sound judgment and discernment

• Be a teacher of the word of God with sound biblical doctrine

• Possess effective communication skills (written and oral)

• Demonstrate financial awareness and responsibility

• Possess effective administration skills and able to organize and lead staff

• Growth oriented and pastoral care capability

• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with a congregation across all ages and genders

• Three letters of recommendation (clergy, layperson, personal)

• Copies of license, ordination, transcripts of educational accomplishments

Application Submission Instructions

The following must be submitted and/or postmarked by April 18, 2025

• Resume with cover letter

• Copy of license, ordination certificate, degrees and any other certificates

How to Submit the Application:

• Mailing Address - Second Baptist Church 1170 Benicia Road Vallejo, CA 94591

• Email Address -sbcsearchcommittee1170@gmail.com

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

As part of Earthquake Preparedness Month this April, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is encouraging residents to take proactive safety measures, including downloading early warning tools and participating in readiness activities.

California is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the U.S., with more than 70% of its population living within 30 miles of an active fault. In response, Cal OES is highlighting the importance of planning ahead to minimize the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage.

“Being prepared is our best defense against the unpredictable

nature of earthquakes,” said Lori Nezhura, Cal OES Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention. “From creating emergency kits to practicing safety drills, small actions can have life-saving results.”

This month, Cal OES is offering a variety of outreach efforts and resources, including:

● Earthquake Simulator Experience (April 5, 2025): Visitors to the Sacramento History Museum can learn about California’s seismic history and experience simulated quakes to understand the intensity of ground shaking.

● Earthquake Readiness Guide: A downloadable guide provides essential tips on how to prepare before, during, and after an earthquake.

● Statewide Social Media Cam-

Continued on page 9

Senior Housing (62+) Section 8 Waiting List Opening

Northgate Terrace will be accepting applications for our Studio Section 8 rental units. Some units available for immediate occupancy. Applications will be accepted through our online portal at LiveAtNorthgateTerrace.com or by dropping off a paper application starting on March 10th 2023 at 9am (pst). Applications submitted will be on a first come first served basis.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Household members can only appear on one application. If an application contains household members that are on other applications for this listing, all of them will be disqualified. Any fraudulent statements will cause application to be removed from the waiting list.

Rents for this affordable housing program are based on total gross household income. Applicants must be 62 years or older, income eligible, and meet occupancy guidelines. Households must earn no more than the maximum income levels noted below: 50% HUD Median Income Limits

Household Size 1 Person 2 Persons

Max Annual Income

$50,000 $57,150

Note: Paper applications will not be distributed. Applicants may submit paper applications by downloading a blank application on our online portal LiveAtNorthgateTerrace.com and mailing a completed application to the following address: Northgate Terrace, 550 24th Street, Oakland, Ca 94612. Applications may also be dropped off on site between 9am to 4pm (pst) from Monday-Friday. Application information and our resident selection criteria is available on the online portal at LiveAtNorthgateTerrace.com. Please contact Related Management for building info at 510-465-9346 or email us at NorthgateTerrace@related.com.

If you need help filling out an online application, you can contact a rental housing counselor. A list of names and contact numbers can be found at this link: ebrha.com/renter-resources.html

Applicants may request a reasonable accommodation if one is needed to assist in completing an application by calling 510-465-9346, TTY 711 or by emailing NorthgateTerrace@related.com

Income limits are subject to change based on changes to the Area Median Income as published by HUD, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

o m p e n s a t i o n : V o l u n t e e r P o s i t i o n T e r m L e n g t h : 3 Y e a r s T i m e C o m m i t m e n t : 1 5 - 2 0 h o u r s a w e e k , a t t e n d i n g r e g u la r m e e t i n g s e v e r y 2 n d a n d 4 t h T h u r s d a y o f t h e m o n t h L o c a t i o n : H y b r i d w i t h r e g u l a r m e e t i n g s i n C i t y H a l l C h a m b e r s R e

Gabriel Graves - College Corps Cohort Inspires Inland Empire Students to Put Their Best Foot Forward

By Charlene Muhammad California Black Media Contributor

Gabriel Graves is not your typical returning college student. With more life experience than most of his peers, his passion for technology led him back to school, putting his art business on hold to pursue his dream of becoming an engineering researcher.

The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program has been instrumental in his journey. As a Riverside City College student representative and a member of the Math Engineering Science Achievement

rience.

“Being part of College Corps means waking up every day knowing that my time and efforts are helping others,” Graves says. “It’s about realizing that your life isn’t just your own—people are relying on you to show up and be present so the entire community can thrive together.”

Through College Corps, Graves has built relationships with inspiring mentors and peers. “Every day, I connect with people who motivate me—like Darci, my supervisor; Jess, my fellow Ambassador; Alex, my cohort fellow;

Bay Area

RCC) Senate Committee

Chair. They keep me inspired and remind me why this work matters.”

Though he doesn’t always think about it in the moment, Graves knows his participation aligns with his broader purpose. The feedback he receives from students reassures him that programs like College Corps have a meaningful impact—especially in underserved communities.

“Even if just one student tells me I helped them on a quiz, those small wins add up. Many students I work with feel overlooked by the system, and I strive to make

Graves approaches every interaction with empathy.

“When I walk into a classroom, I don’t know if a student had breakfast or if they stayed up all night due to family struggles. That perspective shapes the way I engage with them, ensuring they feel supported.”

Balancing his College Corps duties, academic workload, and personal life isn’t easy, but Graves credits his M.E.S.A. counselor, Vanessa Nunez, for helping him find moments to rest. At the same time, his way of managing everything is simple—he works even harder.

His deep sense of purpose fuels his commitment to serving others. The recognition he receives is rewarding, but what drives him most is honoring the sacrifices of his loved ones.

“I owe so much to my mother. She gave everything to ensure my siblings and I had not just food and shelter, but a mother who truly cared. She was always present, always doing her best for us,” he reflects.

For students considering College Corps, Graves has simple yet powerful advice:

“This is an incredible program — but like anything in life, you only get out what you put in. Show up, give it your all, and you’ll have a truly special experience.”

He encourages others to take a leap of faith. “When I started as a participant, I never imagined I’d be in a position to inspire others. You never know what’s possible until you take

By McKenzie Jackson, California Black Media

California state government has launched a new public-facing platform that it hopes will facilitate communication and “build trust” between citizens and decision makers, providing a direct channel for people to discuss and influence policy.

The project, Engaged California – described as a “comprehensive hub” — is the result of collaboration between the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), the Government Operations Agency and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Announcing the effort last month, Gov. Newsom said the goal of the platform is “to hold Government accountable, to make sure your ideas are actionable and that we are re-

gaged California to be a collaboration with the California Health and Human Services Agency focused on the impact of social media on the mental health of California’s young people.

However, when the wildfires broke out in Los Angeles County in January, everything changed. The varied and pressing needs of families affected by the disaster that killed nearly 30 people, destroyed over 16,000 structures and displaced thousands of residents, became a more urgent priority.

Amy Tong, Government Operations Secretary Amy, said the wildfire survivors are still looking for answers and the platform will let the state collaborate with them in real time to solve problems.

“We have to think differently to bring us closer to those we serve, especially those whose

Soul Space: Uplifting, Suppor ting, Empowering

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Gabriel Graves is a Riverside City College student representative and a member of the Math Engineering Science Achievement (M.E.S.A.) program. Photo courtesy M.E.S.A.

Earthquake Preparedness Month ... California Platform Aims to ‘Build Trust’ ...

Continued from page 7

paign: In collaboration with content creators, Cal OES is sharing practical earthquake safety advice tailored to diverse communities, including families, individuals with disabilities, and residents of urban areas.

● Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Animated safety videos are being distributed to local newsrooms to ensure consistent, accurate messaging during emergencies.

Californians are also encouraged to download the MyShake app, launched in 2019, which delivers early warnings for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater. The app is now available for both mobile devices and Chromebooks.

The public can access these tools and more through the Earthquake Warning California website, which offers safety checklists, community preparedness information, and instructions on how to secure household items against shaking.

Nezhura emphasized that awareness alone is not enough.

“Preparedness can make the difference between devastation and safety,” she said.

Continued from page 8

voices we may be missing through traditional channels,” she stated.

Thanks to Engaged California. State residents impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged areas of Los Angeles for 24 days in January can now interact and lend ideas on the types of policies and actions the state government is taking in response to the firestorms.

“What this is designed to do is ensure the choices made for these communities are not made in a silo, they are not made in a backroom, they are not made without the input of the community themselves,” said ODI Director Jeffery Marino.

“It is a critical tool in enabling the community to see the recovery they want to see. We are hopeful it has an impact. We believe it will,” Marino added.

Conversations about how best to recover from the Eaton fire in the unincorporated com munity of Altadena and the Palisades blaze in the Pacif ic Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and eastern part

CITY OF SAN LEANDRO STATE OF CALIFORNIA

of Malibu have already begun on Engaged California.

Since late February, 6,000 people have subscribed to Engaged California. On March 17, website enrollees were invited to help shape government services and create policy solutions by rating 10 topics on the state’s response to the wildfires on a five-point scale and sharing ideas in the topics’ comment sections.

The recovery topics include “Emergency planning & community safety,” “Financial & legal assistance,” “Wildfire prevention prioritization & accountability,” “Housing & rebuilding,” “Infrastructure & utilities restoration,” “Debris removal & environmental recovery,” “Emergency communications,” “Climate & community resilience,” “Economic recovery & small business support,” and “Emotional & mental health support.”

There were nearly 800 com ments by March 26.

Under “Emotional & men tal health support,” a user post ed, “Two friends of mine lost

AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING IN THE CITY OF ALAMEDA

Lottery to be held in April 2025

Expected Move-ins in September 2025

This is an opportunity for anyone that is 62 years or older, to live in a studio apartment in a great location within the City of Alameda. Linnet Corner is within close walking distance to public transit, grocery stores and other shopping outlets, parks, local employers, and schools. Linnet Corner will open in September 2025.

This newly built housing will offer twenty-three (400-square foot) studio apartments, which will feature individual bathrooms and kitchens, and are suitable for one to two-person households.

The application period will start on April 4th, 2025 at 11am and will close on April 18th, 2025 at 11am.

ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR ANNUAL STREET SEALING 2021-2023

PROJECT NO. 2023.0070, BID NO. 24-25.006

1. BID OPENING: The bidder shall complete the “Proposal to the City of San Leandro” form contained in the Contract Book. The proposal shall be submitted in its entirety. Incomplete proposals will be considered non-responsive. Sealed bids containing the completed Proposal Section subject to the conditions named herein and in the specifications for Annual Street Sealing 2021-2023 Project, Project No.: 2023.0070 addressed to the City of San Leandro, City Clerk’s Office, 835 E. 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577, shall be received up to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

2. WORK DESCRIPTION: The work to be done consists of applying asphalt rubber chip seal, slurry seal and micro surfacing on City streets; and doing all appurtenant work in place and ready for use, all as shown on the plans and described in the specifications with the title indicated in Paragraph 1 above, and on file in the office of the City Engineer Reference to said plans and specifications is hereby made for further particulars.

3. OBTAINING THE PROJECT PLANS AND CONTRACT BOOK: The project plans and Contract Book may be obtained free of charge from the City’s website at: https://www.sanleandro.org/bids.aspx

Potential Bidders are encouraged to contact the City of San Leandro Engineering and Transportation Department at 510-577-3428 to be placed on the project planholder’s list to receive courtesy notifications of addenda and other project information. Project addenda, if any, will be posted on the website. A bidder who fails to address all project addenda in its proposal may be deemed non-responsive. Printed, hardcopies of the plans can be purchased from East Bay Blueprint and Supply Co.

Contact: (510) 261-2990; https://www.eastbayblueprint.com

4. MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: All bidders must attend at least one mandatory pre-bid conference. A firm that didn’t attend a minimum of one pre-bid conference isn’t qualified to bid on the project. Pre-bid virtual conferences will be held as detailed below and can be accessed, by internet or by dial-up. The information presented at both conferences will be identical.

PreBid Meeting #1: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3:00 PM

Meeting ID: 837 9375 9010

Passcode: 511831

Zoom Link: https://sanleandro-org.zoom.us/j/83793759010?pwd=CtUaFq55zrjOHiMf9t74kDf9gsP2 ar.1

PreBid Meeting #2: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 3:00 PM

Meeting ID: 834 5799 3999

Passcode: 911564

Zoom Link: https://sanleandro-org.zoom.us/j/83457993999?pwd=a2n4JnbE7NlOiVc4AJacjJB1htD H3S.1

Questions regarding the plans and specifications may be submitted in writing to the project engineer until 5:00 p.m. five (5) days before, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, bids must be received by the City. The City will not respond to oral questions outside of the pre-bid conference. The response, if any, will be by written addendum only. Oral responses do not constitute a revision to these plans or specifications.

5. VALUE OF WORK: The Engineer has estimated that the value of work is between –$3.5M - $4.0M

6. SAN LEANDRO BUSINESS PREFERENCE AND PARTICIPATION GOALS: The work performed under this contract is subject to Section 1-6-225 of the San Leandro Municipal Code regarding local business preference and participation. A list of companies that hold a San Leandro business license is located on the City webpage under the finance department, here: http://www.sanleandro.org/bids.aspx

This list may be sorted by city and service offered to find local businesses.

7. SAN LEANDRO COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT: The work performed under this contract is subject to the Community Workforce Agreement adopted by City Council Resolution 2015-104. Contractors attention is directed to Section 10.

Dated: April 11, 2025

Kelly B. Clancy City Clerk

Lawmakers, Advocates Demand Justice for Incarcerated Women

Bill (SB) 337 that expands the rights of incarcerated people, including requiring a third-party advocate for searches, a documentation of searches, and extending the window for women inmates to report sexual assaults.

Major

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Some members of the California Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC) joined Assemblymember Susan Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) and the Women’s Legislative Caucus at a press conference on April 3 to demand justice and fairness for incarcerated woman in California.

CLBC members Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Sen. Lola SmallwoodCuevas (D-Ladera Heights), and prison reform advocates outlined their plans for justice reforms related to the health and wellbeing of incarcerated women.

“Our justice system has long overlooked the unique needs of incarcerated women, and it’s time for a change,” Quirk-Silva said.

“When we incarcerated women without addressing underlying causes, we are not just punishing them, we are punishing their children and destabilizing their families.”

Assemblymembers Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) and Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Burbank) also participated in the event held

at the State Capitol. During the conference, the lawmakers announced legislation they have introduced to back their demands.

Elhawary is the author of Assembly Bill (AB) 1231, which would give judges the discretion to connect individuals on trial to treatment and services instead of spending prison time.

“But policy alone isn’t enough,” Elhawary said. “I’m fighting in this year’s budget to expand investment in reentry housing education and rehabilitation program because a sentence shouldn’t have to be a life sentence to poverty and instability.”

California operates 32 prisons and one leased prison, including 29 men’s prisons, two women’s prisons, and one prison that houses both men and women in separate facilities, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO).

Quirk-Silva, Bonta, Smallwood-Cuevas, and advocates speaking at the conference all agreed that to effectively reform California women’s prisons, the state must institute gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based approaches.

Menjivar introduced Senate

Smallwood-Cuevas’ SB 75 would require the California Workforce Development Board to establish a Reentry Pilot Project in the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades.

Ortega, the author of AB 800, said it would deal with price gouging in prisons. Families that visit their loved ones pay an enormous amount of money to purchase food out of vending machines, she said.

“I’m learning about facilities that are charging up to $15 for a tiny frozen hamburger. That’s not okay,” Ortega said.

According to the California Public Policy Institute (PPIC), women make up about 50 % of the state’s population but 4% of the prison population. Black men and women account for 28% and 23%, respectively of prisoners.

Quirk-Silva is the author of AB 923. The bill would authorize a pregnant or postpartum defendant to request a stay of execution of their sentence by filing a written request to the court if the individual is detained or incarcerated in a county jail for any length of time through the end of the pregnancy.

“Individuals housed in county jails used to be there a short time. Now they can be there one, two, three, four, five years,” Quirk-Silva said. “Do women need to go to jail while they are pregnant?”

RA), which institutionalized the detention and deportation systems we see today.

Recently, Trump announced plans to fill Guantanamo Bay to capacity, aiming to detain at least 30,000 migrants there. Guantanamo is infamous for torturing and imprisoning people without due process. And it’s been used to detain Black migrants — especially Haitians — before. They’ve faced horrific abuse there, from solitary confinement to sexual violence during so-called “examinations” and being denied access to lawyers and family members.

By Tamara Shiloh

In American military history, Major General Frederic E. Davison stands as a quiet but formidable figure — a man who paved the way, not with fanfare, but through steadfast service, intellect, and leadership.

Though he briefly pursued medical school postwar, Davison returned to active duty in 1947, joining a new era of a slowly integrating military. His assignments ranged from Germany to Korea, and by 1962, he had become one of the first African Americans to graduate from the U.S. Army War College.

During the Vietnam War, Davison commanded the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, including during the pivotal Tet Offensive. In 1968, he was promoted to brigadier general — only the third African American to achieve that rank. Three years later, he made history again as the Army’s first Black major general and, soon after, its first African American division commander.

By Nana Gyamfi

Special to California Black Media Partners

The U.S. has a long and troubling history of targeting Haitian immigrants with unfair and harsh policies. This treatment is rooted in anti-Blackness and a fear of Black liberation. Haiti, as the first free Black republic, has been perceived as a threat to a region built on enslaving and oppressing Black people. And America’s immigration policies reflect this fear — punishing Haitians for simply seeking freedom and safety.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. locked up more than 30,000 Haitian asylum seekers at Guantanamo Bay. More recently, policies like Title 42 forced them out at the U.S.-Mexico border. Haitians have consistently been singled out and criminalized while other people fleeing similar conditions have been treated with more compassion and given a real chance to build better lives.

Now, the U.S. is taking another swipe at Haitians by dismantling Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — one of the last few protections they have left. On Feb. 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cut off Haiti’s TPS, setting it to expire on Aug. 3, 2025. And it’s not just bureaucratic nonsense — this is a calculated move to criminalize and deport nearly 500,000 Haitian migrants. By August, they could be at risk of detention, deportation, and being torn away from their families.

This is nothing new. The U.S. has been attacking Black asylum seekers for decades, and Haitians have been a primary target. When large numbers of Haitians sought asylum in the 1970s and 1980s, it triggered a racist backlash that led to harsh policies that are still used today. Those years set the stage for harmful legislation like the 1994 Crime Bill and the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRI-

It’s clear the U.S. has never been serious about honoring its asylum laws when it comes to Black migrants. And it’s not just a Trump problem. The Biden administration doubled down on Trump-era Title 42 policies, which led to mass deportations and a humanitarian crisis at Del Rio, Texas.

The latest attack on Haiti’s TPS is just another chapter in America’s long-standing attempt to criminalize and deport Black migrants. While other refugees, like Ukrainians, are given compassion and support, Haitians are told they’re not welcome.

This inequity must end. Black migrants deserve the same safety, stability and the rights as other migrants to live without the constant threat of deportation. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is here to keep fighting for policies that allow immigrant families to build real, dignified lives — free from fear and state-sanctioned violence.

About the Author

Nana Gyamfi is a prominent civil and human rights attorney and the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1917, Davison was raised by his mother and grandmother following his father’s early death. He graduated from the academically renowned Dunbar High School and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in zoology from Howard University by the age of 23. A product of Howard’s ROTC program, Davison entered the Army Reserve in 1939, just as the world was bracing for war.

When called to active duty in 1941, he served with the segregated 92nd Infantry Division, famously known as the Buffalo Soldiers, during World War II. His wartime leadership in Italy, where he commanded combat infantry units, would mark the beginning of a career shaped by quiet excellence amid structural inequity.

CITY OF SAN LEANDRO STATE OF CALIFORNIA

When he retired in 1974, Davison served as executive assistant to the president of Howard University and remained active in civic causes. His legacy lives on not only in history books but in places like the General Frederic Davison House in D.C., which offers transitional housing for men in recovery Davison passed away in 1999 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His life didn’t demand attention, it simply earned respect.

ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR STEVEN TAYLOR SANCTITY OF LIFE PAVILION

PROJECT NO. 2022.0340, BID NO. 24-25.005

1. BID OPENING: The bidder shall complete the “Proposal to the City of San Leandro” form contained in the Contract Book. The proposal shall be submitted in its entirety. Incomplete proposals will be considered non-responsive. Sealed bids containing the completed Proposal Section subject to the conditions named herein and in the specifications for Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Pavilion, Project No. 2022.0340 addressed to the City of San Leandro will be received at City Hall, 835 East 14th Street, 2nd Floor San Leandro at the office of the City Clerk up to 3:00 p.m. on THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

2. WORK DESCRIPTION: The work to be done consists of the installation of sidewalks, amphitheater seat walls, and the installation of an art piece, and doing all appurtenant work in place and ready for use, all as shown on the plans and described in the specifications with the title indicated in Paragraph 1 above, and on file in the office of the City Engineer. Reference to said plans and specifications is hereby made for further particulars.

3. OBTAINING THE PROJECT PLANS AND CONTRACT BOOK: The project plans and Contract Book may be obtained free of charge from the City’s website at: https://www.sanleandro.org/Bids.aspx Bidders who download the plans are encouraged to contact the City of San Leandro Engineering and Transportation Department at 510577-3428 to be placed on the project planholder’s list to receive courtesy notifications of addenda and other project information. Project addenda, if any, will be posted on the website. A bidder who fails to address all project addenda in its proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

Bidders may also purchase the Project Plans and Contract Book from East Bay Blueprint & Supply Co., at 1745 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94606; Phone Number: (510) 261-2990 or email: ebbp@eastbayblueprint.com

4. PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A mandatory pre-bid video conference will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM and on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM as follows:

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Zoom Meeting ID: 289 085 1641

Passcode: E110424

Zoom Link: https://sanleandro-org.zoom.us/j/2890851641?pwd=lyG4vZ30rLadXiPY2MJ ST2JwebK13E.1&omn=88171478955

And Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Zoom Meeting ID: 864 8309 6660

Passcode: 742234

Zoom Link: https://sanleandro-org.zoom.us/j/86483096660?pwd=ASAk2Nm1bMeOMp 1PoZdoKtx5x3pWf2.1

The information presented at the conferences will be identical, all bidders must attend one of the pre-bid conferences and sign the attendance sheet. A firm that didn’t attend the pre-bid conference isn’t qualified to bid on the project.

Questions regarding the plans and specifications may be submitted in writing to the project engineer until 5:00 p.m. five (5) days before, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, bids must be received by the City. The City will not respond to oral questions outside of the pre-bid conference. The response, if any, will be by written addendum only. Oral responses do not constitute a revision to these plans or specifications.

5. VALUE OF WORK: The Engineer has estimated that the value of work (Base Bid) is Between $100,000 and $250,000.

6. SAN LEANDRO BUSINESS PREFERENCE AND PARTICIPATION GOALS: The work performed under this contract is subject to Section 1-6-225 of the San Leandro Municipal Code regarding local business preference and participation. A list of companies that hold a San Leandro business license is located on the City webpage under the finance department, here: https://www.sanleandro.org/340/Business-License

7. SAN LEANDRO COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT: The work performed under this contract is not subject to the Community Workforce Agreement adopted by City Council Resolution 2015-104.

Dated: April 11, 2025 Kelly B. Clancy City Clerk

2256126.1

Asm. Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles) speaks at the Women’s Incarceration news conference, highlighting the urgent need for justice reform. Pictured left to right: Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), Sol Mercado of Planting Justice, Asm. Elhawary, and Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda). Screenshot.

Nana Gyamfi is a prominent civil and human rights attorney and the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

Army Portrait of Major General Frederic E. Davison. File photo.

Sacramento: Hilary Swank Joins Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson to Support Maternal Health Bill

By Bo Tefu

Black Media

Last week, actress and entrepreneur Hilary Swank visited the State Capitol in Sacramento to advocate for Senate Bill (SB) 646, a proposed California law that would mandate prenatal vitamin manufacturers to test for — and to publicly disclose — heavy metal levels in their products.

Swank, testifying before the Senate Health Committee on April 2, emphasized the importance of transparency for maternal and fetal health.

“As a mother and entrepreneur, I’m dedicated to protecting both my family and yours,” she said.

“Prenatal vitamins are vital for maternal and fetal health, but recent studies reveal that too many contain harmful heavy metals that can damage developing babies.”

The bill, authored by State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) in February, is co-sponsored

by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Unleaded Kids. If passed, California would become the first state to implement such regulations.

Weber Pierson posted on the social media app BlueSky, “A huge thank you to Academy Awardwinning actress Hilary Ann Swank and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG ) for testifying in support of my bill, SB 646!”

Weber Pierson is also the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Provisions in SB 646 respond to an environmental research study that revealed 15% of tested prenatal vitamins exceed California’s Proposition 65 lead safety threshold. Other toxic elements found include cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. If the law passes, SB 646 would require companies to test repre-

sentative samples and publish results online by 2027. Labels would include a QR code linking to the test data. Swank, who is Chief Innovation Officer at the brand HealthyBaby, said transparency empowers consumers and pushes industry standards higher.

“Producing products for babies requires a constant dedication to improving our standards,” she said.

Currently, no federal law requires prenatal supplement testing for heavy metals. EWG’s Melanie Benesh said the bill fills a critical gap in consumer protection.

“Pregnant people deserve to know what’s in the vitamins they rely on,” she said.

Weber Pierson said the bill protects both fetal and maternal health.

“Everyone deserves to trust the products they rely on during pregnancy. We must put health and safety first,” she posted.

THE RIGHT MORTGAGE AWAITS.

Pastors Learn How to Recognize Mental

Health Issues at ‘Look Up and Live’ Session in Richmond

By Sabrina Saunders Special to The Post

Though ready to counsel their congregants on matters of the spirit, pastors can become unprepared ‘first responders’ when they face mental health problems beyond their professional capacity.

‘Look Up and Live: Ask the Therapist’ is a series of monthly meetings to help pastors learn more about what it means to be healthy mentally.

In collaboration with the Contra Costa County Health Department, pastors are trained to recognize signs of mental health struggles in themselves and others. Once identified, these pastors are equipped to provide referrals to licensed mental health professionals.

These sessions and trainings are open to all senior pastors, with the shared hope that their communities will continue to benefit from this work—and

move toward healthier, stronger futures.

The next ‘listening session’ will be on April 21 at Garden of Peace Ministries, located at 4127 Wall Ave., Richmond from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The sessions are free for all senior pastors, and a complimentary dinner is provided.

Pastor Henry Washington, who hosts the sessions, shares: “It has been great to be with all these men as they learn about mental health and bare their hearts.”

The project’s core mission is to break down the long-standing stigma surrounding mental health—particularly within the African American community. The goal is to raise awareness about the serious consequences of untreated mental health issues.

Historically, African Americans and public health institutions have had a complicated relationship, a truth brought to the forefront during the CO-

VID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected Black communities in both illness and mortality.

The initiative was launched by the One Accord Project under the leadership of Executive Director Sabrina Saunders and the sessions are guided by Dr. Ammar Saheli, a licensed therapist.

This senior pastors’ group for men (there is a separate women’s group) meets regularly to address a wide range of mental health topics that impact both church leaders and the communities they serve. These monthly gatherings create a safe and supportive space for senior pastors to explore mental health—both in their personal lives and in the lives of their congregants.

Register at https://bit.ly/ MenMH For more information, contact Sabrina Saunders at 510-221-1765 or email oneaccord08@gmail.com.

Dr. Ammar Saheli (left) is a licensed therapist and Pastor Henry Washington of Garden of Peace Ministries in Richmond. Courtesy photos.

Courtesy of Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson’s Facebook page.

California

Q&A with Eric Simpson

Continued from page 1

Boom-and-bust cycles, downturns when millions lose their jobs and homes are a permanent feature of capitalism. So is war — using the wealth produced by workers and farmers to build up a war machine that threatens humanity.

As a result, life for workers in cities and the countryside is increasingly difficult. Like many workers, I have experienced living paycheck to paycheck on low wages. The only solution is ending capitalist rule.

I support union organizing and union struggles to raise wages. Labor needs to demand a federal amnesty for the millions working in the U.S. without papers. This would unite working people and remove one of the employers’ big tools to divide us and drive down wages and working conditions. I joined the farmworkers march in Delano last month, an example of how to unite and fight.

The labor movement needs to fight for a massive federal jobs program to put millions to work at union-scale wages, a shorter workweek with no cut in pay and cost-of-living adjustment on wages and social benefits.

The Trump administration is threatening budget cuts and policy changes that will likely affect Oakland’s most vulnerableelderly, immigrants, low-income, students, etc. How will you ensure the Town remains a welcome and thriving place to live? What policies or changes are you planning to introduce?

My party opposes cuts to benefits and services. At the same time, like most workers, we don’t see bureaucracy and massive government as any benefit to humanity. The U.S. capitalist state is the largest repressive apparatus in world history with the highest incarceration rate of any country on earth. It’s not “our” government.

To defend our benefits and

jobs, we have to make a political break with the Democratic and Republican parties. Both parties act in the interests of the capitalist rulers.

Supporting my party today is the best way to act in the interests of the working class.

We stand with the postal unions saying “Hell No!” to the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service.

We oppose the use of the Immigration and Nationality Act to deport Mahmoud Khalil, even though we oppose his political views. Use of this thought-control statute sets a dangerous precedent and should be condemned by all defenders of constitutional protections.

What makes you the most qualified person to be Mayor of Oakland?

I joined the Socialist Workers Party when I was 17 and have been active in its ranks ever since. We started in 1919 with the example of the Russian revolution. We stood against Stalin’s counter-revolution, and welcomed the Cuban revolution, led by Fidel Castro. This is a party of workers with a record of integrity and leadership in the fight to forge a revolutionary workingclass movement not beholden to the capitalists or to the institutions-governmental, academic, nonprofit or otherwise — that promote their interests.

I have been an industrial worker and active unionist since the '70s.

I have a record fighting racism, defending immigrant workers and opposing Jew-hatred. The party’s record, and my record, is available to all in the pages of the Militant newspaper, which can be read at www. themilitant.com and in books you can pick up at the SWP headquarters at 675 Hegenberger Rd., Suite 250, (510) 686-1351.

Simon Opposes Law That Would Prevent Millions of Americans from Voting

Special to The Post

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) will vote against H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

This legislation would disenfranchise millions of American voters with extreme, burdensome requirements and end automatic, online, and vote-by-mail registration. The SAVE Act would also criminalize election officials for making simple mistakes related to voter registration.

“Existing federal law already prohibits non-citizens from participating in our federal elections. The SAVE Act does not further protect from non-citizen voting –it only creates a federal takeover of our state election systems and makes voter registration an unnecessary nightmare for ordinary people,” said Congresswoman Simon.

Kyla Johnson-Trammell ...

Continued from page 1

only serve as superintendent during the current school year, and then for two additional years she would work on research projects and prepare the district for a new superintendent — at the same rate of pay she now earns, plus raises.

During those two years, a temporary superintendent would be hired to handle the responsibilities of running the school district. KRON-TV, MSN and other media outlets are the sources for this report.

Volunteer at Alameda County Food Bank sorting food to distribute to the hundreds of community organizations across the county. Cities like Oakland are experiencing large numbers of food insecure households that use food banks to supplement their weekly meals instead of buying expensive groceries from their local markets.

Oakland’s Most Vulnerable Neighborhoods Are Struggling to Eat and Stay Healthy These Are the Contributing Factors

By Magaly Muñoz PART 1

On a recent trip to the grocery store in West Oakland, single mom Neemaka Tucker contemplated what’s more important to her family’s needs — expensive fresh produce or cheap instant ramen noodles.

“I’m trying to teach my kids to eat healthy, but then my pocket is like, ‘I’m broke.’ Getting the processed foods is going to fill you up faster, even though it’s not good for your body,” Tucker said.

Bay Area residents are spending over $100 more a month on groceries than they were prepandemic. Those higher costs are straining wallets and forcing families to choose cheap over healthy, possibly contributing to more health problems. These problems are disproportionately affecting people in East and West Oakland, in neighborhoods primarily of low-income families of color.

Oakland residents are experiencing more health problems linked to poor diets, like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease than before the pandemic — particularly in neighborhoods of East and West Oakland, data shows.

“We see a direct relationship between what we eat and medical problems. What we eat affects our weight, our blood pressure and all those things circle back and have an effect on your diseased state,” said Dr. Walter Acuña, a family physician at Oakland Kaiser Medical.

diabetes.

In West Oakland (ZIP code 94607), UCLA data shows that there’s been a 2% increase in adults diagnosed with diabetes since 2017- 2018. An estimated 11.8% of adults in 94607 in 202122 said they had diabetes, whereas 9.8% reported it several years before.

But the problem is bigger only a few miles away.

In the 94621 area in East Oakland, an estimated 16.6% of adult residents reported having diabetes in 2021-2022, and the neighboring ZIPs averaged about 15%, according to UCLA data. 2017-2018 data shows that only 11% reported a diabetes diagnosis in 94621, a 5.6% change to recent numbers. The ZIP code estimates are higher than the state, county, and city estimates — 11%, 12.4%, and 12.3% respectively.

Doctors working in Oakland and the larger Alameda County area are seeing an increase in the last few years of people coming to their offices with chronic health issues.

Acuña said he’s frequently treating more and more adults with diabetes and hypertension.

Patients often tell him that it’s easier to afford unhealthy, cheap food than it is to afford the things that are going to make them feel better and stay healthy, he said.

Loren Taylor, Last Minute Donation ...

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ralink, a brain-science company that he co-founded in 2016 with Elon Musk.

The IE committee also received $142,000 from another IE committee, Revitalize East Bay, which last year financed the recall campaigns against former Mayor Sheng Thao and former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. During the recalls, a major funder of that group was Philip Dreyfuss, a hedge fund manager who lives in Piedmont.

Taylor, whose campaign has cultivated friendly relationships with corporate interests, has pledged to distance city government from the voices of progressive constituencies, which include employee labor unions, environmentalists, and advocates for the unhoused, among others.

Taylor’s campaign declined to comment on his latest campaign contributions or Hodak’s ties to Musk, according to the East Bay Times. Hodak did not respond to an interview request, the newspaper reported.

Taylor’s campaign has attempted to connect his opponent, former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, to ex-Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled last year. However, Lee

did not endorse Thao. As a member Congress, she never endorsed any candidates in local races.

Also reporting on funding for Taylor’s campaign, the Oakland Observer, a site operated by local independent journalist, Jaime Omar Yassin, found that IE committees have raised and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars supporting Taylor for Oakland Mayor and a candidate linked to District 2 in the April 15 special election, Public records show that the Empower Oakland; Revitalize the East Bay; Better Bay Area [BBA]; Responsible Leadership for Oakland; and Oakland Neighbors, Businesses & Public Safety Advocates have spent a total of more than $400,000 on internet and digital advertising, mailers, canvassing companies and other strategies, the Observer said.

Two of the IE committees are run by Isaac Abid, founder and managing partner of Lakeside Group, an Oakland-based real estate company that focuses on commercial investment in Northern California.

In March, Abid became the principal officer at Empower Oakland’s campaign finance committee. He took over the principal role from Trishala Vinnakotta, Loren Taylor’s campaign director.

Barbara Lee Announces 10-Point Plan to Improve Public Safety, Address Homelessness, and Strengthen the Local Economy in first 100 Days if Elected Mayor

Special to the Post

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, candidate for Mayor of Oakland, today announced her full 10-point plan to tackle Oakland’s most pressing challenges — including public safety, homelessness, and economic revitalization - in the first 100 days.

“I am meeting voters every day in their living rooms, at their doors and at community events,” said Lee. “I hear them loud and clearthey want a mayor who can make Oakland safer, address the fiscal crisis and root out corruption. Together, we can build a safer, vibrant Oakland that works for everyone.

This is our moment to reimagine what’s possible for our beloved city.”

Barbara Lee’s 10-point plan for first 100 days includes: Public safety

Good Governance

9. Appoint a taskforce of ethics experts and good governance advocates to modernize Oakland’s Charter, ensuring stronger accountability and transparency in city government.

10. Conduct a forensic audit of city contracts to ensure public funds are spent effectively and responsibly by contractors and non-profits.

“Charter and ethics reform is long overdue,” said Nayeli Maxson Velazquez, former Oakland Public Ethics Commissioner. “Oakland is in desperate need of a strong leader who can finally initiate necessary reforms to increase transparency and accountability.”

1. Direct the City Council to adopt a budget that stabilizes Oakland’s finances while prioritizing public safety and essential services.

The SAVE Act would require American citizens to present a valid passport or birth certificate that matches their current name in order to register or re-register to vote.

If the SAVE Act’s proof of citizenship requirement goes into effect, over 28% of Californians who currently do not have access to a passport and over 7 million women in California whose married names do not match their birth certificates risk losing their right to vote.

As a lifelong civil rights organizer, Simon is committed to protecting Americans’ fundamental right to vote and opposes this effort that will upend our election systems, put a literal cost on who gets to participate in American democracy, and silence millions of Americans.

The source of this story is the media relations office of Congresswoman Lateefah Simon

“The SAVE Act is President Donald Trump and House Republicans’ latest attempt to dismantle our democracy by stripping voting rights from millions of married women, service members, and rural Americans under the false pretense of securing elections from voter fraud. This bill doesn’t save us from anything.”

According to data by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, about 1 in 10 adults in East Oakland neighborhoods experience food insecurity. That’s twice as many people as in most other parts of the city.

Oakland residents’ health concerns are growing

For this story, we focused on eight of the 12 ZIP codes in Oakland, those pertaining to East and West Oakland. The ZIP codes include 94601, 94603, 94505, 94606, 94607, 94612, 94619, and 94621. We chose to concentrate on these specific areas, known as the Oakland Flatlands, due to its longstanding history of extremely low-income households and racial inequalities compared to ZIP codes in the Oakland Hills.

About 1 in every 5 adults under 65 in these areas of East Oakland reported poor or fair health, according to the UCLA research. But these problems weren’t isolated to East Oakland. About 1 in 6 adults under 65 reported poor or fair health in areas of West Oakland, like the 94607 ZIP codes.

A handful of ZIP codes (94601, 94603, 94605, 94621) in East Oakland also have the poorest health outcomes of any area in the city. Residents there experience the highest rates of obesity and adult

Dr. Steven Chen, Chief Medical Officer of Alameda County’s Recipe4Health, said that he’s seeing more kids across the region suffering from obesity, or adults on the brink of developing chronic illnesses than years previous.

“Chronic disease is a big epidemic. What’s the root of it? I think food is a big component,” Chen said.

He has seen evidence of improved health when people have access to better food. People with Type 2 diabetes experience a boost in metabolic and sugar management to healthy levels, and those with high blood pressures experience normal numbers.

Recipe4Health is a county-wide program that uses food-based interventions to treat and prevent chronic conditions, address food insecurity, and improve health and racial equity. The program provides up to 12 weeks of groceries for people who are at risk or are experiencing food insecurity.

It’s important for public sectors to have these kinds of investments locally because the results are tangible, he said.

“If our values are that no one gets left behind and that everyone should have an equal opportunity to health and health equity, then we need to always ensure that we are serving those communities that often are left behind,” Chen said.

2. Bring together Police Department leadership and representatives from all business corridors to improve public safety strategies, fostering collaboration and trust to keep Oakland safe.

3. Deploy vegetation management crews to clear hazards in high fire danger zones, protecting residents and property from the growing threat of wildfires. Homelessness and Blight

4. Work to secure Oakland’s fair share of resources from Alameda County to address the homelessness crisis and provide meaningful solutions, including housing and support services.

5. Staff up blight reduction crews and partner with the District Attorney’s Office to aggressively prosecute illegal dumping, improving Oakland’s neighborhoods and quality of life. Economic Growth and Opportunity

6. Convene the CEOs of the 10 largest Oakland employers to develop public-private initiatives that enhance economic growth and advance public safety.

7. Direct permitting reform to streamline city processes and reduce bureaucracy for small businesses.

“Oakland will be safer with Barbara Lee as Mayor. Having been a fire fighter for nearly 30 years in this city, what I see is a city that is striving for leadership, resources and advocacy. I know that is exactly what Barbara Lee is going to bring for us in the Town,” said Seth Olyer, President, Oakland Firefighters.

“Being a small business owner isn’t easy, but I love this city,” said Ali Albasiery, Chair of the YemeniAmerican Business Association and small business owner. “I’m supporting Barbara Lee for Mayor because she was a business owner herself and knows what it will take to revitalize the City. She has the experience and connections to make Oakland safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for businesses. She will also bring respect back to City Hall.”

Barbara Lee has been a tireless advocate for Oakland for decades, securing billions in funding for public safety, housing and quality of life. Now, she is ready to bring her leadership and vision home to Oakland as its next mayor. With endorsements from business, labor, seven former Oakland mayors and administrators as well as virtually all of the city council, Barbara Lee has built the coalition needed to govern on day one.

For more information, please visit: Barbaralee4oakland.com. For interviews with Barbara Lee, please contact: Press@barbaralee4oakland.com.

8. Convene civic leaders from local, state, and national levels to generate entrepreneurial and philanthropic investment in Oakland, fueling innovation and creating opportunities citywide.

Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

Rep. Lateefah Simon. Official photo.