Oakland Post
Mayor Lee and Crankstart
Announce $9.2 Million Investment to Combat Illegal Dumping
Landmark public-private partnership will deliver innovative solutions to create cleaner streets and neighborhoods
By Post Staff
Mayor Barbara Lee this week announced a landmark $9.2 million, three-year public-private partnership with Crankstart, a Bay Areabased family foundation, to fund a comprehensive citywide strategy that will break the cycle of illegal dumping across Oakland and advance the city on a trajectory toward clean streets.
“Our residents deserve clean streets, and they deserve a city that fights for them with every tool available,” said Mayor Lee. “This partnership with Crankstart shows what is possible when we refuse to accept the status quo and instead bring together the public and private sectors to build the Oakland our communities deserve.
“We are not waiting for someone else to solve this. We are doing it now.”
This project represents the largest philanthropic investment in illegal dumping prevention in Oakland’s
modern-day history. The announcement underscores Mayor Lee’s commitment to developing creative partnerships that deliver results for Oakland residents — meeting the city’s most pressing challenges headon at a moment when every public dollar must be stretched further, according to a city media release.
The investment builds on Oakland’s Illegal Dumping Expenditures Action Plan, recently adopted by the City Council, which establishes a comprehensive strategy to reduce illegal dumping through enforcement, eradication, and education.
By making early public investments in pilot projects and adopting a clear implementation framework, the City has positioned itself to successfully attract and leverage private philanthropic support.
The Crankstart grant will accelerate and expand the City’s adopted strategy, enabling Oakland to scale proven interventions, test innovative approaches, and strengthen account-
on page 8
Mayor Barbara Lee’s ‘Safety First’ Community Town Hall Your Voice. Your Neighborhood. Your Safety.
Special to The Post
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and key city leaders are inviting the public to an important community conversation focused on public safety, neighborhood well-being, and building a stronger Oakland together.
It will take place on Thursday, June 25 at St. Benedict’s Church at 2245 82nd Ave., in Oakland from 6-7:30 p.m.
This town hall is an opportunity to hear directly from city leadership about the work underway to reduce violence, improve emergency response, support community-based solutions, and strengthen public
safety across Oakland. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape solutions for their neighborhoods.
Featured speakers include: Mayor Barbara Lee
City Council President Kevin Jenkins
• Dist. 18 State Assemblymember Mia Bonta
Police Chief James Beere
• Fire Chief Damon Covington
• Department of Violence Prevention Chief Dr. Holly Joshi
Assistant City Administrator
Michelle Phillips
• Economic and Workforce De-
Community Mobilizes After Trump Announces $75 Million to Build West Oakland Coal Terminal
‘This is an all-hands on deck moment,’ says ‘No
By Ken Epstein
Community environmental groups are intensifying efforts to organize resistance after President Donald Trump announced last week that the federal government will invest $700 million to boost the coal industry in the U.S., including $75 million to build the long-delayed West Oakland Coal Terminal.
In remarks at a press conference on June 4 at the White House, Trump relied on an old law, the Defense Production Act, as the basis for the investment, with the bulk of the money – $425 million – going to support 13 existing coal plants across the country.
“Starting this summer, the West Gateway project (in West Oakland)
Mayor Barbara Lee Kicks Off Reelection Campaign, Pledges to Keep Oakland Moving Forward
By Post Staff
Mayor Barbara Lee has formally announced her reelection campaign, seeking a full fouryear term, promising to “continue building a safer, cleaner and more prosperous Oakland for all residents.”
Mayor Lee launched her campaign with a message of “unity and progress” — pointing to the broad coalition of Oakland residents who came together last year to turn the page on division, instability, and a City Hall that too
often failed to deliver transparency, accountability and results.
“I am running for reelection because our work together for a vibrant Oakland is far from finished,” said Lee. “In the next four years, my commitment to you is this: I will keep fighting for a city
where our children can dream boldly, our seniors can age with dignity, our working families can afford to live, our small businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and young people can thrive, and every neighborhood is safe
Special to The Post
Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY) is seeking applications for a paid, two-week internship aimed at helping youth become circle keepers knowledgeable in both the theoretical and practical aspects of restorative justice.
Interns will learn how to facilitate community building circles,
while developing skills in leadership, public speaking, communication, life-planning and environmental education.
The first cohort of the Ubusha Youth Internships — for 11-14-year-olds — has already begun, but openings are available for the second cohort for high school youth ages 15-19.
The last day to apply is June
Oakland PIC Helps Find Jobs
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee joins with supporters to announce her campaign for reelection on June 6. Photo courtesy of Committee to Reelect Barbara Lee.
City Council members Carroll Fife and Kevin Jenkins congratulate Mayor Barbara Lee for receiving a grant to help keep Oakland’s neighborhood streets clean. Photo courtesy City of Oakland.
Pastor Dr. Ken Chambers. File photo.
Senate Approves Gov. Newsom’s Parole Board Appointees Amid
Heated Debate Over Release of Sex Offenders
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
The controversy surrounding the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) and its decisions to grant parole to high-risk violent sex offenders and serial child predators dominated debate in the California Senate on June 1.
Despite strong opposition from Republican lawmakers, the California State Senate confirmed five of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointees to the Board of Parole Hearings for new three-year terms.
The confirmed commissioners are William Muniz, Michael Ruff, Rosalind Sargent-Burns, Mary Thornton, and Jack Weiss.
The Senate vote came after a lengthy and contentious debate.
Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (D-Santa
Barbara) acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue.
“I want to acknowledge how difficult some of these decisions that were made today regarding our parole commissioners and the role that both commissioners and this house have to take in order to strike the right balance between constitutional safeguards and the risk to our most vulnerable, all with one goal: keeping the public safe and protecting the public,” said Limón.
At the center of the controversy is California’s Elderly Parole Program, established under Penal Code Section 3055. The program allows incarcerated individuals who are at least 50 years old and have served 20 consecutive years in prison to be considered for parole, regardless of the crime for which they were convicted.
Critics argue that the law has
allowed individuals convicted of some of the state’s most serious offenses, including child molestation, rape, kidnapping, and murder, to become eligible for release.
Among the cases drawing the most attention is that of Gregory Lee Vogel, 57, who was convicted in 1999 and sentenced to 355 years to life for nearly 30 counts of kidnapping and child molestation involving multiple young boys. In November 2025, a two-person parole panel recommended Vogel for release under elderly parole guidelines.
Another case frequently referenced during the debate involved David Allen Funston, 64, who received three life sentences for a mid-1990s crime spree involving the kidnapping and
We Are Ready! California Leaders Are Preparing to Welcome World Cup
By Bo Tefu
California Black Media
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin this week, California officials say they are ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe as the state prepares to host 14 matches. That’s more than any other state in the nation.
During a June 5 media briefing, leaders from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Transportation, the California National Guard, local law enforcement agencies, and federal partners outlined extensive preparations already underway to ensure the tournament is safe, secure and seamless.
California will host eight matches in the Los Angeles region and six in the San Francisco Bay Area, including knockoutround contests and the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening match in Los Angeles.
Caroline Thomas Jacobs, Director of Cal OES, said the state is taking a “whole-of-government” approach to hosting the World Cup and ensuring safety and security.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to California, showcasing our communities, our culture and our economy on a global stage,” said Thomas Jacobs. “It requires an extraordinary level of coordination to help ensure everyone can safely enjoy the matches, the fan events and celebrations that come with the World Cup. Public safety is always our top priority.”
State officials said planning efforts have been underway for more than a year and involve coordination among federal, state, local, tribal and private-sector partners. The preparations include public safety operations, transportation planning, cybersecurity protections, emergency response coordination, intelligence sharing and public information campaigns.
The World Cup, which runs from June 11 through July 19, is the largest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. California’s 14 matches will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The state is drawing on les-
sons learned from previous largescale events, including Super Bowl LX, which was held in the Bay Area earlier this year.
Officials say many of the same planning frameworks used for the Super Bowl are now being expanded for the World Cup, including real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated emergency response teams, advanced traffic management and transportation operations.
Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol Sean Duryee said, “What an honor. It’s going to be historic. The work has been done, and the foundation has been laid. We are ready. We’re ready to host some historic games.”
Duryee said law enforcement, first responders and emergency managers have done the work to lay out operational plans, transportation plans and contingency plans at the state, county, regional and local levels “in case something goes awry.”
The World Cup is also expected to serve as a major test run for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover recently said organiz-
California Black Media
A coalition of consumer advocates, business organizations, and community groups is urging California lawmakers to reject Assembly Bill (AB) 1720, arguing that the measure targets ticket buyers and sellers rather than addressing what they describe as the dominant market power of Live Nation/Ticketmaster.
rather than confronting the real source of the problem: unchecked power by a single player that keeps prices high and limits access,” the letter states.
In a letter sent to Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee Chair Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), the coalition said AB 1720 would restrict how consumers can resell tickets they legally own while leaving Ticketmaster’s control over primary ticket sales, pricing, and fees largely untouched.
“AB 1720 punishes consumers
Authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), AB 1720 — known as the California Fans First Act — would cap the resale price of tickets for concerts and other live entertainment events at no more than 10% above the original purchase price, including fees.
Supporters say the bill is intended to curb ticket scalping and protect consumers from excessive markups in the secondary market. Haney argues that professional brokers and automated
and
During the California Senate floor session on June 1, 2026, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) serves as presiding officer during a contentious debate over the confirmation of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointees to the California Board of Parole Hearings. Weber Pierson listens as Sen. Steven Choi (R-Irvine) voices his opposition to the nominees. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey. iStock.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
Senate Approves
Gov. Newsom’s Parole Board
Appointees ... Continued from page 2
sexual assault of seven children — six girls and one boy — in the Sacramento area.
On the Senate floor, Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) noted that Funston had “expressed interest” in relocating to her district in Fresno upon release. However, Funston was arrested by Placer County authorities on a no-bail warrant just before he was scheduled to be released on elderly parole through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) presided over the debate.
The Board of Parole Hearings consists of 21 full-time commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) said the commissioners were being unfairly criticized for faithfully implementing state law.
Under existing law, parole panels must consider factors such as an inmate’s advanced age, length of incarceration, and diminished physical condition when evaluating parole suitability.
“(The laws) are faithfully implemented by this board, and yet in their confirmation, they are criticized for the law rather than for the fact that they are faithfully following the law,” Laird said.
Immigrant Legal Defense seeks Finance & Administration Manager (Oakland, CA) to oversee & manage organizational financial operations. Must have bach. deg. in business admin., finance, accounting or the equiv. & 3 yrs of post-bach. exper. in financial management, human resources admin., operations management, or nonprofit admin. Salary: $188,427/ yr. To apply, send CV to jobs@ild.org.
Preparing to Welcome World
Continued from page 2
ers will closely study the World Cup’s transportation, security and crowd-management operations as preparations continue for the Olympics.
“What makes the World Cup
Cage Fight in D.C.
...
Continued from page 4
We were a striking pair. I was wearing a sports jacket and tie so we could get a businessman’s discount. He was in a Giants cap and running shoes. Seats cost a buckfifty to sit in left field back then.
The Giants celebrated our outing with a fine performance. My dad and I stood and cheered together in wild appreciation, which led to our only real conversation of the day. Would the Giants get through June and go all the way?
My dad was willing to take a psychic flyer on that one. “They will go all the way now,” he said.
As it was, the Giants didn’t. And neither did my dad. Two hours later, back home, after seeing the game highlights on the local news,
WARNING:
different from a typical event is the scale duration and complexity of this event. This is not a oneday operation. This is a monthlong international event involving multiple host cities, fan festivals, airports, transportation systems, hotels, critical infrastructure and millions of people moving throughout California every day.”
my father died on that June 14 before Father’s Day.
Hardening of the arteries, the doctor said. But deep in my heart, I knew it was Pennant Fever.
Every June 14, I think of that day. And I will go to the ballpark and think about it again this year.
I won’t be thinking about the White House cage fight.
My father’s life in America was enough of a cage fight.
About the Author
Emil Guillermo is a veteran journalist, commentator and comic stage monologist. He will perform a new show on Monday, June 15th 7pm in at the Marsh in San Francisco, “On Scott Pelley, Atlanta, and My Gallbladder.” See his micro-talk show on YouTube@ emilamok1
Ticketmaster
‘Monopoly’ Bill
Continued from page 2
them at inflated prices, making live events less affordable for fans.
The bill has advanced through multiple Assembly committees and passed the Assembly floor in May.
Opponents, however, contend that the legislation focuses on a relatively small portion of the ticketing market while failing to address broader concerns about industry concentration. In their letter, they note that resale transactions account for about 9% of ticket sales and argue that Ticketmaster would retain the ability to use practices such as dynamic pricing, exclusive presales, and inventory holdbacks.
The coalition also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on low-income consumers who may need to resell tickets when plans change. They argue that tying resale limits to an often unclear “original price” could force consumers to sell at a loss
or risk violating the law.
The letter was signed by leaders from organizations including the California League of United Latin American Citizens, the California Black Chamber of Commerce, the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, the National Action Network Sacramento, and the California Live Events Equity Alliance.
The debate comes amid continuing scrutiny of Live Nation and Ticketmaster's market dominance. California remains among the states pursuing antitrust action against the company after declining to join a recent federal settlement that critics argued did not go far enough to curb monopolistic practices, according to the coalition’s letter.
Critics of AB 1720 say lawmakers should focus on increasing transparency and competition in the primary ticket market rather than imposing new restrictions on consumers.
Simon Denounces GOP Immigration Spending Bill, Calls $70 Billion ICE Expansion a ‘Blank Check’
https://www.wspa.org/proposition-65-notice-information/
Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment listed here:
The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum or call:
By Oakland Post Staff
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (DCA-12) voted against a Republican budget reconciliation measure that would provide an additional $70 billion for federal immigration enforcement agencies, arguing that the funding would expand detention, deportation, and surveillance efforts while diverting resources from social programs.
The legislation, S. 2, would increase funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), two agencies at the center of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
In a statement released after the vote, Simon criticized the proposal as an extension of what she described as punitive immigration policies.
“Today, I voted against the Republican reconciliation bill, which would provide $70 billion more for the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement machine,” Simon said.
Simon argued that federal spending priorities should focus on housing, healthcare, education, and food assistance rather than expanding immigration enforcement operations.
“A budget is a reflection of our morals,” Simon said. “People are tired of being told there is not enough money for housing, healthcare, food assistance, or our schools, only to watch Congress write another blank check for detention, deportation, and surveillance.”
The Oakland Democrat also criticized a previous Republicanbacked reconciliation package,
which she said increased funding for the Department of Homeland Security while reducing support for social safety-net programs.
Simon contended that Democrats have worked to block additional funding increases for ICE and CBP, despite continued efforts by Republicans to expand the agencies’ budgets.
“We need full bellies, safe communities, and real opportunity, not a larger enforcement bureaucracy,” Simon said.
The vote highlights the sharp divide in Congress over immigration policy and federal spending priorities. Supporters of the measure argue that additional resources are needed to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement, while opponents contend that the funding would expand detention and deportation programs at the expense of investments in community services and economic opportunity.
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon. File photo.
Historic Moment: Independent Monitor Credits Mayor Barbara Lee’s Leadership as OPD Achieves Full NSA Compliance — A First in Oakland History
Special
Mayor
Lee welcomed the release of the Independent Monitor’s Thirteenth NSA Sustainability Period Report, which found that the Oakland Police
NOTICE AND DIGEST
Department has achieved compliance with all 51 requirements of the federal Negotiated Settle-
ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REENACTING OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.08 TO:
1. REMOVE SECTION 3.08.240, BALLOT TITLE AND SUMMARY OF CITY MEASURE, TO CLARIFY AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY-SPONSORED BALLOT MEASURES;
2. AMEND SECTION 3.08.040 TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS REGARDING NOMINATION PETITIONS;
3. AMEND SECTION 3.08.080 TO CLARIFY DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FORMS; AND
4. ADD SECTION 3.08.085 TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR BALLOT DESIGNATIONS
This Ordinance deletes Oakland Municipal Code (“OMC”) section 3.08.240, which requires a ballot and title for City Council-originated ballot measures. OMC section 3.08.240 is duplicative of impartial legal analysis requirements already required for all ballot measures and is not necessary under state election law. This Ordinance would also amend language in section 3.08.040 to clarify requirements for nomination petitions and amend section 3.08.080 to clarify requirements for Declaration of Candidacy forms, consistent with uniform materials under state law. Finally, the Ordinance would add section 3.08.085 to clarify local requirements for ballot designations.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026, and passed to print 8 Ayes. Final adoption has been scheduled for the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, June 16, 2026, 3:30 P.M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference. Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
ASHA REED, City Clerk Publication Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 (One Time)
NOTICE AND DIGEST
ORDINANCE 1) AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 INCREASE IN THE RATE OF PROPERTY TAX IMPOSED BY VOTER-APPROVED MEASURES; AND 2)
FIXING THE RATE OF THE PROPERTY TAX AND LEVYING A TAX ON REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES RETENTION ACT OF 1997 (MEASURE M), THE PARAMEDIC SERVICES ACT OF 1997 (MEASURE N), THE LIBRARY SERVICES RETENTION AND ENHANCEMENT ACT (MEASURE C), THE OAKLAND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE REDUCTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT OF 2024 (MEASURE NN), THE 2018 OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESERVATION ACT (MEASURE D), THE 2020 OAKLAND PARKS AND RECREATION PRESERVATION, LITTER REDUCTION, AND HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT ACT (MEASURE Q), THE CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE OF 2018 (MEASURE AA), THE 2022 OAKLAND ZOO ANIMAL CARE, EDUCATION AND IMPROVEMENT ORDINANCE (MEASURE Y), AND THE WILDFIRE PREVENTION FINANCING ACT OF 2024 (MEASURE MM).
The proposed ordinance applies an increase of 2.2 percent to the current The Emergency Medical Services Retention Act Of 1997 (Measure M), The Paramedic Services Act Of 1997 (Measure N), and The Oakland Community Violence Reduction And Emergency Response Act Of 2024 (Measure NN) special parcel tax amounts, an increase of 6.4 percent to the current The 2018 Oakland Public Library Preservation Act (Measure D), The 2020 Oakland Parks And Recreation Preservation, Litter Reduction, And Homelessness Support Act (Measure Q), The Children’s Initiative Of 2018 (Measure AA), and The 2022 Oakland Zoo Animal Care, Education And Improvement Ordinance (Measure Y) special parcel tax amounts, and a 5.0 percent capped increase to the current The Library Services Retention And Enhancement Act (Measure C) and The Wildfire Prevention Financing Act Of 2024 (Measure MM) effective July 1, 2026. The increase for Measures M, N, and NN is per the actual change in the San Francisco Bay Area CPI during the calendar year 2025, the increase for Measures D, Q, AA, and Y is based on the change in the California per Capital Personal Income, and the increase for Measures C and MM is per the change in the California per Capital Personal Income, not to exceed 5 percent for fiscal year 2026-27.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026 and passed to print 8 Ayes. Final adoption has been scheduled for the City Council meeting Tuesday evening June 16, 2026, 3:30 P.M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference.
Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
ASHA REED, City Clerk
Publication Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 (One Time)
NOTICE AND DIGEST
ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13848 C.M.S. (WHICH ADOPTED THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MASTER FEE SCHEDULE), AS AMENDED, TO ESTABLISH, MODIFY AND DELETE FEES AND PENALTIES ASSESSED BY THE CITY OF OAKLAND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
This Ordinance amends The FY 2025-26 Master Fee Schedule, as amended, to modify and establish City of Oakland fees for fiscal year 2026-27 as set forth in the Ordinance. Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026, and passed to print 6 Ayes; 1 No -Wang; 1 Excused - Jenkins. Final adoption has been scheduled for the City Council meeting Tuesday evening June 16, 2026, 3:30 P.M. at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference.
Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California. ASHA REED, City Clerk
Publication Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 (One Time)
Mayor Jean Quan, Police Chief Beere, City Attorney Ryan Richardson, John Burris, Mayor Barbara Lee, Special Counsel Brigid Martin, Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips, Jim Chanin, Mayor Libby Schaff, City Councilmember Ken Houston, City Council President Kevin Jenkins, Rev. Damita Davis-Howard. Courtesy of Oakland Mayor’s Office.
to the Post
Barbara
ment Agreement (NSA) for the first time in the agreement’s 23year history.
The May 26 report credited the mayor’s leadership and the department’s commitment to addressing the remaining compliance tasks through constitutional policing.
Continued from page 1
will break ground, and by summer 2028, over 12 million tons of clean beautiful coal per year will be shipped to countries all around the world,” Trump said, referring to the $75 million earmarked for the Oakland project.
However, experts say there is no such thing as clean coal, according to ABC News. Coal emissions can “lead to health and environmental issues, including respiratory illness, lung disease, acid rain, smog, and neurological and developmental damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Rev. Dr. Ken Chambers, pastor of the West Side Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland for more than 30 years, has a long history of community activism in support of the unhoused, promoting affordable housing and as a leader in the fight for No Coal in Oakland.
Chambers told the Oakland Post he has long opposed the plan “to build out the coal terminal in West Oakland to distribute coal throughout the world.”
“This project is just not suitable for the Bay Area,” said Chambers, who is founding president of the In-
terfaith Council of Alameda County. “It’s an environmental injustice on top of what West Oakland has already suffered,” he said.
“The Bay Area overwhelmingly doesn’t want it.”
According to Chambers, there is a realistic possibility of stopping the construction of developer Phil Tagami’s coal terminal because the project, which has been held up by community opposition for more than a decade, will need a total investment of between $350 million and $400 million for infrastructure and construction.
Trump’s $75 million will only pay a portion.
“Basically, it’s a bad business deal,” Chambers said. “They are trying to create something to sell that people don’t want. The people who live here, who are going to be directly affected, don’t want it.”
“Coal is a dying industry,” he said. “It’s a huge investment for something that doesn’t have a future. As we get smarter as humanity, we want to live healthier and save our environment.”
At one time, coal provided more than half of U.S. electricity production, but its share had dropped to about 15% in 2024, down from 45% in 2010, according to the Associ-
ated Press.
While global coal demand rose to record highs in recent years, it is expected to flatten and decline in the future, according to the International Energy Agency.
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, DOakland, in a press release last Thursday, said she was “unequivocally opposed” to the decision to spend millions on “projects that move us backward,” when communities need clean air and water.
U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, DSan Rafael, a ranking member in the House Committee on Natural Resources, accused the Trump administration of building coal plants to benefit Big Tech, when wind and solar can produce more power.
“Trump just handed the dying coal industry $700 million in taxpayer money, and Americans will pay for it twice — once on their taxes, and again when their energy bills climb, their air gets dirtier, and their water gets less safe to drink,” Huffman said in a news release.
“All to prop up the dirtiest, most expensive fuel we have, a relic the rest of the world is leaving behind,” he added.
Trump’s announcement prompted anger from environmental groups. Kit Kennedy, a managing
director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, told Bloomberg, “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk.”
Local groups like the Sierra Club, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project, and Earthjustice, are also speaking out.
The Sierra Club said Trump’s executive orders on coal “will lead to thousands of premature deaths and hundreds of millions in unnecessary utility costs across the country.”
Organizing a community-wide resistance coalition, No Coal in Oakland said in a press release, “This is an all-hands-on deck moment. This nightmare project of local developer Phil Tagami, the coal industry, and Donald Trump can be derailed.”
“No Coal in Oakland and our many allies in the Keep Coal Out Coalition are organizing grassroots resistance. Please join a community meeting on Thursday, June 25, 7-8:30 p.m. at La Peña at 3105 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.”
For more information go to https://nocoalinOakland.info
$9.2 Million Investment to Combat Illegal Dumping ...
Continued from page 1
ability measures to deliver cleaner neighborhoods and more visible results for residents.
“Illegal dumping is one of those issues that touches everything: public health, economic opportunity, neighborhood pride, and environmental justice,” said Missy Narula, CEO, Crankstart. “We are proud to partner with Mayor Lee and the City of Oakland on a strategy that pairs accountability with compassion, technology with community, and a commitment to measurable results.”
The investments fund a comprehensive three-year strategy prioritizing neighborhoods disproportionately affected by illegal dumping, pairing stronger account-
ability with expanded legal disposal options, and emphasizing measurable outcomes to ensure public and philanthropic dollars are delivering meaningful results for Oakland residents.
These investments include delivering better enforcement in neighborhoods most affected by illegal dumping, installing 35 to 85 total deployable cameras, including solar-powered units, for greater investigate dumping hot spots, adding enforcement tools and staffing to respond more effectively to illegal dumping across the city, and improving coordination with the Oakland Police Department and Alameda County District Attorney.
The city will also deploy AI-assisted aerial imaging technology to
more comprehensively identify illegal dumping hotspots, reduce reliance on complaint-based reporting, and improve the City’s ability to more quickly and equitably direct resources.
By piloting an increase in residential disposal capacity through a targeted container upsizing project, the city can reduce illegal dumping, litter, and overflow conditions in surrounding neighborhoods. This will come at no additional cost for residents.
Expanding public education and outreach efforts will increase awareness and utilization of free bulky pickup, legal disposal options, and other waste reduction services that are currently underutilized.
Continued from page 1
and clean. Together, we are proving that Oakland’s best days are ahead of us.”
Continuing, Lee said, “One year ago, Oaklanders made a clear choice. We chose to come together – labor and business, neighbors and community leaders, residents from every part of our city – around a shared belief that Oakland can be safer, cleaner, stronger, and more hopeful. And today, I am proud to say: Oakland is on the Move.”
Under Lee’s leadership, Oakland homicides reached a 58-year low, violent crime continue to decline, and the city’s communitybased approach to reducing gun violence has achieved national recognition.
Her campaign also points to other major achievements. Her administration launched the Office of Homelessness Solutions, advanced thousands of affordable housing units, mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers through the “Keep the Town Clean” initiative, and cut permitting delays to help small businesses open and grow.
Joining with residents, labor, business, neighborhood leaders, faith leaders, public safety partners, violence prevention advocates, artists, entrepreneurs, and working families, Lee’s campaign emphasizes that her administration is showing that progressive leadership can deliver real results for Oakland.
Explaining her priorities for
“When we invest in cleaner streets, we invest in people,” said Council President Kevin Jenkins. “This effort is about creating safer, healthier neighborhoods and showing residents that their quality-oflife matters. I’m thankful to Mayor Lee for her partnership and leadership in bringing this investment to Oakland communities that deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.”
“Our communities have been organizing on this issue for years because illegal dumping is a symptom of systemic neglect,” said Barbara Lafitte-Oluwole, Faith in Action East Bay. “We are excited to continue working with Mayor Lee and the City of Oakland through this partnership.”
Internship on Restorative Justice in Oakland ... Lee Kicks Off Reelection Campaign
Continued from page 1
12 for an internship that runs from June 22 to July 12.
No experience in restorative justice is required for internship application. Pending availability, acceptance to the program for one week will be determined on a firstcome, first- served basis.
Programming will take place at RJOY headquarters in Oakland at 1733 Broadway from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition, the cohort will have the opportunity to take an overnight excursion to the RJOY Ubuntu Healing Farm in Jackson, CA where interns will get environmental education and harvest plants.
For more information, reach out to Ryan@rjoyoakland.org.
the next four years, Mayor Lee is focused on building on the momentum of her first year in office, especially on these core areas:
• Continuing a public safety strategy that prevents crime, keeps neighborhoods safe and builds trust
• Advancing Charter Reform that strengthens ethics, accountability, and effective governance, developed with input from more than 1,000 residents and headed to the November ballot
Supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and a strong Oakland economy for investment, good jobs, and thriving arts, culture, and entertainment
Tackling homelessness with urgency by focusing on prevention, connecting people to services, and building more affordable housing
• Keeping up the momentum to clean up illegal dumping and trash across every neighborhood
Surrounded by family, friends and supporters at a campaign kickoff event last Saturday, Mayor Lee said, “I ask you to join me in supporting my reelection campaign by maxing out your contribution or giving what you can. This summer, we will organize my reelection campaign. We will work hard for every vote and take nothing for granted.
“Let’s keep organizing and working together; we’re just getting started,” Lee concluded.
OpiniOn: What We Should Do Post Primaries
By Dr. John E. Warren
As many states work through their primary elections, now is a good time to do some real assessments as to who will be on ballots in November’s General Election.
The first priority of all people of color and Blacks in particular should be the election of Democrats at all levels. This is not because the Democrats worked for all our votes, but because voting for Democrats represents the only means of taking back control of our government at all levels from Donald Trump and his supporters. We must send Democrats to Congress to retake control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is the only way to return to the separation of powers that the Constitution intended. It represents the only way to stop wasteful use of our tax dollars on Trump projects designed to put
his name on as many things as possible.
Next, we must control state and local offices which directly impact our lives when the wrong people are elected to office. Such elections would bring the President’s agenda closer than the federal government is allowed to do. For example, if a Republican is elected Governor of California, who has already promised to cut programs that so many of us depend on, his actions would reflect the endorsement that he has received from President Trump. Bottom line, we must now look at each candidate in the November election in terms of their potential impact on the quality of our lives. Now is the time to get serious, to do our homework in terms of what people stand for and who among us still needs to be registered to vote.
Now is the time for group discussions and Town Hall meetings to get educated to the issues and not to assume we know everything. Our declarations of ignorance will allow for growth and forward planning. We must not repeat the low voter turnout of this primary election. Please let us hear from you, the voter. About the Author Dr. John E. Warren is the Publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Newspapers Publishers Association.
Dr. John E. Warren. File photo.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee speaks at the Alameda County administrative building in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Andres Jimenez Larios/Bay City News.
Protest against proposed West Oakland Coal Terminal. Photo courtesy No Coal in Oakland.