Oakland elections have been deeply influenced by a handful of billionaires who have funded what progressive activist researchers call an “astroturf network of front groups,” which raised $2.85 million in the past year to back certain politicians and causes in the November 2024 election, according to research conducted by the Phoenix Project for Oakland Rising.
Sixty-five percent ($1.84 million) of the funds came from six crypto, tech, and venture capitalist billionaires and centimillionaires. The six funders were Philip Dreyfuss, $1.3 million; Jesse Pollak, $195,000; Ryan Graciano, $150,00; Konstantin Richter, $60,000; Gagan Biyani, $50,500; and Ilya Sukhar, $50,000.
These donations were part of a broader effort on the part of venture capitalists, hedge fund investors, and real estate corporations to
determine the outcome of the November 2024 election with $3.8 million in spending, backed by public safety groups (including the Oakland Police Officers Association), PG&E, and the Northern California Carpenters Union.
While these funders had a major impact on local elections last year, ultimately their efforts were mostly unsuccessful. Seven of the 10 campaigns they supported lost.
The network of groups receiving the funds included Empower Oakland, the Abundance Network, Revitalize East Bay, and Foundational Oakland Unites.
Overall, 65% of Empower Oakland’s budget came from 10 donors, and 99% of Abundance Network’s budget came from five donors. More than half of that money went to support Brenda Harbin-Forte, who lost her race for Oakland City Attorney
By Magaly Muñoz
After three months as the new District 12 Congressional Representative, Lateefah Simon returned to Oakland to host a town hall. She discussed her team’s efforts in Washington, D.C. and what residents should look out for in the near future.
Simon began the town hall by highlighting the different caucuses she’s joined since her term started in January. She was asked to be the deputy policy whip for the Democratic Party and elected as a vice chair for the Progressive Caucus, saying she wants to make sure people understand where her political views lie.
“I refuse to stop talking about people of color and queer folks and disabled folks and centering trans kids,” Simon said. “I come from
California’s 12th district… and we are proud that everywhere we go, we tell the story of who we are.”
Simon spent the majority of her time answering questions from the dozens of attendees, covering topics such as immigration, federal funding, and ways for people to make their voices heard locally.
On federal funding, Simon said although a judge has ruled that the freezing of federal dollars is illegal, the Trump administration has yet to restore all grants and promised funds at the local level. She said her team spends hours each day calling different departments to get updates on when funding will be distributed to people in District 12.
She refuses to accept that the Democrats don’t have power in the situation, she said, and urges folks to organize and let DC know that
As we end the celebration of Women’s History Month in Oakland, we endorse Barbara Lee, a woman of demonstrated historical significance. In our opinion, she has the best chance of uniting the city and achieving our needs for affordable housing, public safety, and fiscal accountability.
a former small business
By Magaly Muñoz
In preparation for the upcoming Oakland mayoral special election on April 15, the Oakland Post interviewed mayoral candidate President Cristina Grappo. The questions focused on her plans to address public safety concerns, 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, Eric Simpson, Peter Liu, and Mindy Pechenuk.
Tyron Jordan dropped out of the race and is backing Lee. Webb
declined an interview with the Post, Taylor and Swaney did not submit responses by the deadline, and Simpson could not be reached for an interview.
What is your plan to address public safety concerns with residents?
The citizens and residents of Oakland deserve comprehensive public safety. The budget cuts implemented last year were excessively severe, compromising Oakland's comfort and security. My plan includes initiating a police academy in July to train new officers for the Oakland Police Department (OPD). This initiative aims to alleviate the current burden on law enforcement officers who are required to work overtime without proper compensation. Furthermore, we must establish a Business Watch program to encourage local businesses and residents to support each other, mirroring the concept of Neighborhood Watch.
In addition, as Oakland Mayor, I will not cut public safety for the Oakland Fire Department. As an urban city, we need to protect our churches and other buildings
By Post Staff
George Foreman, a heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic Gold medalist who became both a preacher and an entrepreneur with the ‘Foreman Grill’ after he left the ring, died on March 21. He was 76. The family released a statement that did not disclose the location or cause of death that reads: “A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grandand great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose,” his family wrote. “…A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”
One of six siblings, Foreman
grew up in Houston, Texas, and got into trouble with the law before joining the Job Corps and moving to Pleasanton, California. He trained to become a carpenter and bricklayer, but an admiration for football player Jim Brown led Foreman to the gym where he eventually fell in love with boxing. His success was such that he won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics, a feat he said he was the most proud of in his career. He turned pro a year later, knocking out 11 of his 13 opponents. In 1973, he was the underdog in the match against the undisputed world champion Joe Frazier in the ‘Sunshine Showdown’ in Jamaica, surprising all with a TKO victory
By Magaly Muñoz Part
On
of San Francisco’s District 10 Community Market looking for eggs and fresh produce to take home to his children. He has been trying new recipes with ingredients he previously couldn’t afford or access.
“I learned how to cook greens since they got a lot of fresh greens here,” Boyd said. “ All that stuff is better and more healthy for my kids because they’re still young.” Meals filled with fresh produce are now possible for Boyd since the District 10 market, located in Hunters Point, opened in 2024 when Bayview Senior Services, a non-profit running the program,
received a $5 million investment from the city of San Francisco.
The market is a twist on a traditional food bank, where people can often wait in long lines for pre-bagged groceries they may not need. Here, the goal is to offer people in need a more traditional grocery store setting, with a bigger range of healthy options and less shame for needing assistance.
It’s a twist that Boyd appreciated. “This set up is way better as opposed to maybe like a food bank line,” he said. “It’s easier and faster.”
Similar models exist in Santa Barbara and Tennessee.
There are over 350 grocery programs across San Francisco. Less than a handful in District 10, a neighborhood classified as a
By Magaly Muñoz
In preparation for the upcoming Oakland mayoral special election on April 15, the Oakland Post interviewed mayoral candidate Peter Liu. The questions focused on his plans to address public safety concerns, 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, Eric Simpson, Mindy Pechenuk, and President Cristina Grappo.
Tyron Jordan dropped out of the race and is backing Lee. Webb declined an interview with the Post, Taylor did not submit responses by the deadline, and Simpson could not be reached for an interview. What is your plan to address public safety concerns with residents? Especially considering last year's budget cuts to public safety departments, like OPD and OFD. I'll order the Police chief to issue permanent concealed carry permits for $200 each to any legal residents of California. Each police officer will organize an armed neighborhood watch militia of seven to 25 volunteers. The permit fees would fund cameras at intersections of high crime areas, footage will be accessible realtime to the public. Then we would move to medium crime areas. If a terrorist attack happens, we'll activate the militias to help defend the city. If there is a wildfire on the hillside, militias will activate
Jesse Pollak, Philip Dreyfuss. Courtesy photos.
Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo.
Mayoral candidate President Cristina Grappo. Courtesy photo.
Mayoral candidate Peter Liu. Courtesy photo.
George Foreman speaking at the 2016 FreedomFest at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, Photo by Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons.
By Anka Lee
On the last week of Black History Month, I went to Marcus Books, the oldest bookstore in the United States that is dedicated to advocating for Black culture and history and spotlighting authors of color.
Along with it being my first visit, the field trip was also a tribute to its history.
When I entered the store with my mentor, Mrs. Wanda, I was immediately greeted with warmth. A Pan-African flag hung by the glass display near the door, the black, red and green of the liberation colors inviting and powerful.
Books were lined in aisles and along the walls across the room. Upon closer inspection, they were grouped within their respective genres and age groups. Naturally, I gravitated towards the Young Adult and Adult section, which took up over one-third of the entire store.
Some titles were “Curdle Creek” by Yvonne Battle-Felton, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, “Wild Seed” by Octavia E. Butler as well as books by non-white authors like Barbara Kingsolver and Oakland’s own Tommy Orange.
Besides selling books, the bookstore has seen many influential and iconic Black authors visit, and also hosted poetry readings and book clubs, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for customers old
and new alike.
Some of the notable African American figures who have either patronized or hosted readings at the store were: Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Terry McMillan, Walter Mosley, Muhammad Ali, and Paule Marshall.
The family running the bookstore was eager and more than willing to talk with us once we’d taken a look around and settled in.
When asked about what a bookstore like Marcus Books represents for people of color, especially those within the Black community, Cherysse Calhoun, the current storekeeper, expressed that “for Black people, it’s positive and empowering … it’s meaningful to know our history: where we came from, where we’re going, and how to learn from the past.”
Marcus Books was named after Marcus Garvey — who was a political activist and author, as well as the leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), which reached its heyday in the 1920s.
The store was founded in 1960, by Drs. Raye and Julian Richardson in San Francisco and the Oakland store opened in 1976. Though the San Francisco store closed, its building at 1712-16 Fillmore St. is now a designated landmark. Although the iconic bookstore
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Leaders of California Legislative caucuses — including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) — the first Native American elected to the State Legislature —- are urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “quickly and completely restore” digital historical links telling the stories of heroic Native Americans during World War II.
The letter to Hegseth, dated March 20, was also signed by the Chair and the Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), Sen. Akilah WeberPierson (D-San Diego) and Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights).
The officials called the removal of the information “disrespectful.”
“Historical acknowledgements of Native Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and others do not place one group above another but rather demonstrate that all groups contributed to American military victories during times of peril,” the
letter read.
In a statement, Rivas said, “We must always honor and remember the sacrifice and acts of valor by World War II Code Talkers. As members of California tribes, their heroism represents an essential narrative, part of our country’s rich and proud history, which should inspire and sustain us now and in the future.”
Ramos also released a statement.
“Armed Forces members of every ethnic group, race and creed have sacrificed side by side to uphold our freedom and values. Together, they celebrated their victories and mourned their losses,” he said.
“It is inconceivable that DoD would now pick and choose which individuals to honor and which to erase. Tribal Code Talkers served during two world wars and provided invaluable services,” Ramos continued. “Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, planted the flag atop Mt. Suribachi with fellow Marines during one of the costliest battles of WW II. Why would we want to deliberately forget those sacrifices and triumphs?”
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto (RMurrieta) was a firefighter in Los Angeles County for 35 years before he ran for political office.
He retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015 at the rank of Battalion Chief.
Seyarto says when he found out about the fires in Los Angeles County, he felt a particular closeness to the damage and devastation.
“I am extremely familiar with Altadena. I couldn’t believe how far the fires went down into the neighborhoods,” Seyarto told California Black Media (CBM), while sitting in his State Capitol Swing Space Annex’s office.
To improve the state’s wildfire response and preparedness Seyarto has introduced two bills he
BARBARA LEE OAKLAND MAYOR
authored them in October, two months before the fires happened.
The first legislation is Senate Bill (SB) 90, which will utilize Prop 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024) funding to support “prepositioned mobile rigid water storage” and mobile rigid dip tanks.
He said the bill is necessary to aid firefighting air equipment in vulnerable places without natural water sources such as lakes or rivers. Currently helicopters depend on systems like “heli-hydrants,” but they present challenges, Seyarto said.
He explained that when helicopters access an area with a “Helispot” to obtain a water source, they have to be hooked up to a hydrant, filled up, disconnected, and then fly off to where the fire is active. “This process takes about 20 minutes,” Seyarto said.
“There’s now new ways of doing things,” he said.
On average, heli-hydrants cost $300,000 per unit, Seyarto said. The mobile water tanks range in affordable prices from $65,000 to $95,000 and can be instantly deployed near fire zones. Currently, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Chino Valley, and San Bernardino firefighting agencies source water out of a “triangle” in L.A. County, Seyarto said.
The proposed tanks would make all the agencies more “flexible” and “effective in doing their jobs,” he said.
Continued on page 6
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.
Courtesy photo.
Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) authored Assembly Bill (AB) 247 which proposes higher pay for incarcerated firefighters. File photo.
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a five-year period to spend as they
min, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes,
cipients
and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over
olds, and Dorothy Roberts. This is the eighth and last in the series highlighting the Black awardees. The report below on Dorothy Rob-
Two Great Gardening Books for Your Spring Reading List
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
“Black Girls Gardening Empowering Stories and Garden Wisdom for Healing and Flourishing in Nature”
“Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods”
Author: Ellen Zachos, c.2025, Workman, $22.00 , 176 pages
In a way, it’s kind of a little miracle.
You place tiny little seeds in dirt – DIRT! – and you keep it damp. Wait a week or so, and something grows. Wait a bit longer and that something becomes food or flowers to make you smile. It’s pretty miraculous, when you think about it. So, think about reading these books about gardening and plants…
Nobody ever said you had to have serious acreage in order to garden; in fact, you can grow your own food on a balcony or in a basic back yard. You’ll want to know how to do it right, though, and in “Black Girls Gardening: Empowering Stories and Garden Wisdom for Healing and Flourishing in Nature” by Amber Grossman (Chronicle Books, $26.95), you’ll get a good overview of what starts underground.
Want inspiration? That’s here, in personal essays about gardening and growing food to nourish one’s self, the family, and your community, written by women who have learned and are willing to share their expertise. You’ll also find chapters on keeping your plants happy and flourishing, how to compost, what tools you’ll want for your garden, how to map out what you’re going to grow, and
how to take advantage of “companion planting.” Once you’ve got the hang of things, there are chapters on teaching your kids to grow their own food, and how to spread the love in a community or neighborhood garden.
MacArthur Fellow Dorothy Roberts’ Advocates Restructure of Child Welfare System
erts 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.
Full of photos that will make you hungry and that’ll make you want to get outside now and put your hands in the dirt, “Black Girls Gardening” is the perfect springtime read. You’ll dream –and you’ll love how those dreams will taste next fall.
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.
Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty 1997)”, she
state intervention and the results of those interventions.
ed with Child Protective Services tions regularly punish the effects
But okay, let’s say that, though it’s very tempting and you can’t wait, it’s a little too early to think about gardening. Good news: it’s never too late to think about plants and in “Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods” by Ellen Zachos (Workman, $22), you can mix your love of mythology with your love of all things green.
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
For the gardener who loves to read about ancient Greek history, beliefs, and practices, this book is a delight. It’s full of quick-to-read, browse-able chapters that explain the origins and cultures associated with various plants, and the ways that ancient folks used everyday plants and weeds in their lives. Zachos tells readers how modern science, laws, and knowledge compares to what the Greeks knew and thought, and how it’s relevant to your garden today.
Best of all, this book presents the tales of plants that aren’t just food – and plants that aren’t safe to have around, either…
So, these two books aren’t exactly what you want? You’re in luck: your favorite librarian or bookseller can steer you in the direction of rows and mounds of books on gardening that will fit your unique space and match your geographical area for best results.
Grab these two books or any good gardening book, find a comfortable chair, plant yourself in it, and read.
examine the treatment of children of color in the U.S. child welfare system.
income, and children from these families are much more likely than white children to be removed from their families after CPS referral.
By Ben Gould Special to The Post
Winners of the February 2025 Assembly District Election Meetings (ADEM) for Assembly Districts 14 and 18 met on Sunday, March 16 to discuss priorities for the California Democratic Party
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
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.
convention in Anaheim coming up in May.
The winners for Assembly District 18 are Genice Jacobs, Bobbi Lopez, Shawn Danino, Ben Gould, Zac Bowling, Nate Hanson, Cathy Adams, Sam Gould, Lauren Wilson, Ashlee Jemmott,
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.
and former Oakland School Board
Director Sam Davis.
She also shows that blaming marginalized individuals for structural problems, while ignoring the historical roots of economic and social inequality, fails families and communities.
The winners for Assembly District 14 are: Sarah Bell, Neil Tsutsui, Hercules Councilmember Dilli Bhattarai, former Berkeley School Board Director Laura Babitt, former Piedmont Mayor Teddy Gray King, and former Albany Mayor Nick Pilch. They were joined by Oakland Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, Emeryville Councilmember Courtney Welch, and BART Director Victor Flores to help celebrate their victory.
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.
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.
Delegates and elected officials were excited for the future of the Democratic Party and making its focus on 1) creating more affordable housing, 2) supporting education, 3) helping working families, and 4) protecting the environment and addressing climate change, with a focus on practical and realistic policy efforts that could have a meaningful impact.
of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, historian,
Front row: Megan Imperial, Genice Jacobs, Bobbi Lopez, Courtney Welch, Janani Ramachandran, Hercules Councilmember Dilli Bhattarai, Sarah Bell, Laura Babitt, Ashlee Jemmott, and Shawn Danino. Rear row: Ben Gould, Sam Davis, Victor Flores, Zac Bowling, Nate Hanson, Teddy Gray King, Cathy Adams, Neil Tsutsui, Sam Gould, Lauren Wilson, and Nick Pilch. Courtesy photo.
Photo by Terri Schlichenmeyer.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
California’s Wildfire Response ... Continued from page 2
Some areas across the state are “blessed with natural lakes” where firefighting helicopters can source water. However, if the water sources are shallow “you are sucking up mud,” Seyarto stated. Also, the prepositioned tanks won’t require approval from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Seyarto is also the author of SB 87, a bill that would provide a sales tax exemption for all-volunteer fire departments (AVFDs) income from fundraising activities. It will extend the current law, which is due to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026.
Many areas in the state rely on AVFDs because they cannot afford to pay full-time fighters, leaving residents no choice but to protect their properties — as well as their neighbors.
On March 11, Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, held a news conference to discuss his legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 247
The bill proposes higher pay for incarcerated firefighters.
AB 247 would require that incarcerated individual hand crew members, in addition to receiving credits, be paid an hourly wage equal to $19 while assigned to an active fire incident.
On March 11, with a bipartisan 8-0 vote, the Assembly Committee on Appropriations voted to advance AB 247.
“Los Angeles might still be burning if it wasn’t for the hundreds of incarcerated hand crews that went to work,” said Bryan. “They didn’t politicize this crisis. They looked to save lives. They looked to save homes.”
OPINION:
The Ghost of Hillary Clinton’s Emails is Haunting Trump
By Emil Guillermo
Don’t roll your eyes when you hear news about the Trump administration’s group chat about secret war plans on a phone app.
I’m still mad they didn’t invite me.
Here’s why it’s important.
When Donald Trump feels compelled to defend his honor, he loves to mention the 2016 Hillary Clinton email story and her use of a private email server as a breach of national security.
After this week, he won’t be able to do it without appearing to be an even bigger hypocrite than he is.
The Trump administration has been caught discussing real U.S. war plans on an encrypted, but not top-secret consumer app called Signal.
The top-level officials in the group chat included Trump’s unqualified cabinet hires, the former Fox weekend anchor now Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the compromised former member
of Congress now head of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.
They were discussing detailed plans to secretly bomb Houthi targets across Yemen.
Also included in the chat were Vice President J.D. Vance, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA director John Ratcliffe, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff (who was travelling in Russia), and Sr. White House Advisor Stephen Miller (the man who devised Trump’s racist, anti-immigrant policy).
Two hours before the bombing began, the war plan was sent out to the group chat. But no one noticed it included someone special?
The person was seen as the icon “JG,” as in Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. A journalist was mistakenly included in on the discussion and got all the war plans — “precise infor-
mation about weapons packages, targets and timing.” All of it delivered to him via text.
A media person in a top-secret meeting?
Goldberg revealed the colossal error this week in a story in The Atlantic. But imagine what our allies are thinking? And then there is Beijing and Moscow where the laughter must be loud about America’s unqualified amateurs running our democracy.
Trump was asked about the story two hours after it broke on Monday.
“I don’t know anything about it,” is what Trump said. He wasn’t in on the group chat and didn’t know about the meeting that took place on the 15th.
I know most people are concerned about the high cost of things, like eggs, rent, and life in general. But what about national security? Is what’s being called “Signal-gate” any way to run a country?
There’s just one word for this:
Reckless.
So, who will take the fall for this blunder?
The U.S. is lucky an ethical national media member was on the chain.
It should be shocking to any red-blooded American. Do you have a loved one in the military? If they had acted like Hegseth, Gabbard et al., they’d be fired, imprisoned or both. There’d be calls for a special prosecutor.
Later on Monday, Hegseth lied and said no classified war plans were discussed. But if that’s the case, why not just come clean and tell us what was discussed?
The ghost of Hillary’s emails are haunting Trump and his ilk. About the Author
Emil Guillermo is an awardwinning journalist, news analyst, and stage monologist. See his mini-talk show, “Emil Amok’s Takeout,” on YouTube.com/@ emilamok1.
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Marcus Books ... Continued from page 2
went through many ups and downs — financial difficulties, FBI investigations, and the eventual eviction from the former San Francisco location — they have harbored many loyal customers and visitors.
Calvert Solomon was a customer visiting on vacation from across the country. He originally heard of Marcus Books from someone in the Bay and decided to check the
place out: “The Bay’s great ‘cause these things spread through word of mouth … I love it, it’s small but there’s a lot of stuff here.”
Another customer, Brycen Williams, had placed an order for a book and was there to pick it up.
In the past, he’d purchased several books ranging from autobiographies to fiction. He appreciated how “they do an awesome job of curating a wide selection of books that show a diversity of Black voices.”
The last customer I spoke with
was a first-time visitor and had a sole focus: to find Black books on herbalism and holistic medicine.
“This bookstore is beautiful — very special,” she said as she browsed in a small section at the back of the store.
Mrs. Wanda and I stayed for a while longer, indulging in conversation with both staff and customers. We left with smiles on our faces, the rejuvenating interactions with strangers lingering with us even as we walked out.
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
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 510465-9346 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.
Oakland PAL Celebrates 40 Years of Track and Field
Special to The Post
On Saturday, March 22 the Oakland Police Activities League (PAL) marked a milestone as it celebrated 40 years of track and field at its annual Oakland PAL Community Meet at Merritt College.
The event, hosted by retired Oakland police officer and founder of the Oakland PAL track team, Margaret Dixon, brought together generations of athletes in a day filled with competition, fun, and beautiful memories.
The meet welcomed 300 young athletes, ages 4 to 18, from various teams across the Bay Area to Oakland. It also served as a reunion for over 70 Oakland PAL track-and-field alumni, spanning four decades of the program’s rich history.
As the younger athletes took to the track, the alumni cheered in the stands. “Go, baby! Go, honey!” they cheered, paying tribute to Ms. Sarah Stewart, affectionately known as “Granny”—the beloved team grandmother who left a lasting impact on the Oakland PAL family.
veloped young athletes but also instilled discipline, teamwork, and a sense of community for 40 years.
The event highlighted the legacy of the Oakland PAL track program, which has not only de-
“It’s amazing to see both old and new athletes together in one place,” Dixon said. “Oakland PAL is staying true to its mission of filling playgrounds, not prisons.”
The Oakland PAL Community Meet was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the past, present, and future of a program that continues to shape young lives through the power of track and field.
Congressional Black Caucus Sounds Alarm to Protect SNAP Benefits
By Lauren Burke BlackPressUSA.com
During a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on March 25, members of the Congressional Black Caucus spoke out with concern about budgetary threats to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
CBC Chair Yvette Clarke spoke of “grave concerns” about the “Republican scheme to cut billions of dollars to cut SNAP
benefits that help millions of American families.”
“Twenty percent of Black households have faced food insecurity compared to 7% of their white counterparts. Forty-two percent of all SNAP recipients are children. In fact, 4 in 5 SNAP households include a child, an elder, or an individual with a disability,” Clarke added.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly
Pennsylvania Stronghold Flipped Blue by 16 Points
By April Ryan BlackPressUSA.com
“This is a referendum on the chaos Washington [DC] Republicans have brought to our state,” says Pennsylvania State Senator Vince Hughes after a Democratic win in the Pennsylvania Primary election in the Trump stronghold of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Democrat and East Petersburg Mayor James Malone won the Senate District 36 seat in Lancaster County, defeating Republican Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons.
Democrats have not represented that Republican-leaning farming county seat in over a century.
The seat flipped blue by 16 points in March 2025 primary. For the record, Trump won that county in the 2024 presidential election.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Harrison Fields says, “This is not a story. The president has full confidence in Americans’ support of his policies.” Fields, who also said this is a reach for Democrats trying to change their narrative, believes “This is not an indication of anything,” Democratic Pollster and Strategist Cornell Belcher: “I think we always have to be careful about reading too much into
these off elections, but that said, that was a very bad sign for GOP in an area that broke strongly for Trump.”
Is this a foreshadowing of things to come, especially for the midterms slated for Nov. 3, 2026? “Voters are fed up, and they showed up tonight in Lancaster,” said SDCC Chair Vince Hughes.
Waikinya Clanton, the Mississippi State Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, tells Black Press USA, “What this moment signifies, now more than ever, is that people are awakening to the true power of their vote — and understanding the vital importance of exercising that power at every level of government.” Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, are upset over the recent drastic federal government shifts. Belcher believes, “There are signs that voters, even Trump 2024 supporters, are not happy with what they are seeing from Republicans. It should be a warning sign to them that all is not well.”
The Economist President Trump approval tracker has a 51% disapproval rating among Americans polled for the 45/47 president of the United States.
Supplemental
Rollback Costs Target Billions and Loyalty
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retail giant has lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue, seen its stock plunge by $27.27 per share, and is grappling with multiple lawsuits linked to its shifting DEI policies. Separate but powerful actions from Black-led organizations and faith leaders have intensified pressure on the company. Rev. Jamal Bryant launched a national Target Fast, calling for continued community mobilization. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NAACP initiated public education and selective buying campaigns. While distinct in approach, the collective efforts have amplified scrutiny and economic consequences for Target. “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard,” said Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA. “If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”
Early data from analytics firms Placer.ai and Numerator confirms a decline in consumer support. Numerator found that Black and Hispanic households are reducing their visits to Target at the highest rates. Placer.ai reported that on the national blackout day last month, Target saw an 11% decline in store traffic compared to average Friday visits. Since the company’s Jan. 24 DEI reversal, Placer.ai data shows Target’s overall foot traffic has fallen every week. In contrast, Costco has gained ground. The warehouse chain rejected a shareholder proposal to weaken its diversity programs and stayed firm in its DEI stance. Analysts say Costco’s consistency and longstanding commitment to high wages and strong employee benefits may attract consumers frustrated with Target’s retreat. Costco’s shares have outperformed those of Walmart and Target over the same period. Walmart has also seen a dip in foot traffic, though not as sharp as Target.
While grassroots boycotts are not always financially damaging in the long term, Target’s situation may prove different. “Boycotts put a ‘negative spotlight’ on the company that can have reputational consequenc-
es,” Brayden King, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told Forbes. He noted that consumer trust, closely tied to corporate reputation, plays a critical role in shopping habits. In addition to its woes, Target issued a string of recalls in 2025 involving products sold on shelves due to undeclared allergens and injury hazards. Affected items included Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Dorel Safety 1st Comfort Ride and Magic Squad child car seats, Nuby stroller fans, Baby Joy highchairs, Chomps beef and turkey sticks, and Pearl Milling Company pancake mix.
Rev. Bryant said Target Fast has now mobilized more than 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. He urged continued focus and unity in holding the company accountable.
“It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” Bryant said.
He added, “No, I’m now committed and grateful.”
known as the Food Stamp Program began during the Great Depression but has changed significantly over time.
The 1980s saw budget cuts and stricter eligibility requirements under President Ronald Reagan.
In the 1990s, a welfare reform push under President Bill Clinton led to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. That legislation mandated work requirements and restrictions on certain groups such as non-citizens.
In 2008, the Food Stamp Program was renamed SNAP.
Today with a push towards billions of dollars in cuts by President Doanld Trump and continuous talk of cuts to social programs by Elon Musk, Republicans in the U.S. House have been positioning to cut programs to free the budget up for a tax cut focused on the top 1 percent in the U.S.
“It is outrageous that Republicans have spent all their time working to dismantle the social safety net including SNAP,” Clarke said outside of the Capitol on Tuesday. “SNAP is not a handout, it is a lifeline,” she added.
One of the lead members of the Appropriations Committee is Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA).
“SNAP’s effects go beyond just the people in need — it’s also the farmers and the businesses that provide the food,” Bishop said standing in front of 10 of his colleagues as tourists and school groups listened nearby.
If there are big cuts to SNAP, “over 285,000 jobs would be at risk” Bishop pointed out. “Real people are going to be hurt if the $230 billion in SNAP cuts are forced upon the American people.”
In 2023, approximately 36.8 million people in the U.S. were living in poverty, representing an official poverty rate of 11.1%. This figure reflects a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 11.5%, equating to about 37.9 million individuals in poverty in 2022.
Holding the flowers she received at the PAL track-and-field meet in Oakland, Margaret Dixon sits with past and present members of the team. Photo by Kevin Hicks..
The
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program. Photo: iStock photo / NNPA.
Target logo. Photo by iStock.
George Foreman, 76 ...
Continued from page 1
“Rumble in the Jungle,” which took place in Kinshasa, Zaire, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
In 1977, Foreman retired and after having a ‘born again’ experience became a preacher, founding his own church, The Church of the Lod Jesus Christ, and mentoring youth in Houston.
But 10 years later, he re-entered the ring, winning, at age 45, the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer. At age 46, Foreman was the oldest heavy-weight champion, retiring from the ring again in 1997.
He was a ringside analyst for HBO for 12 years until 2004, but it was the George Foreman Grill, — ‘the lean, mean grilling machine’ — launched the same year he beat Moorer, that gained him fame wider than boxing and where he made most of his wealth.
By 2011, more than 100 million units had been sold worldwide, 12 years after selling the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million.
He had a brief career in television with the 1990s sitcom “George,” and in 2022, appeared on “The Masked Singer.” A film about his life was released in 2023.
Foreman was married five times and has 12 children.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” former heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, said on X, formerly Twitter, as he expressed his condolences.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and greatgrandfather and the best friend you could have,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on social media. “His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”
The Associated Press, Wikipedia, The Guardian, and BBC were the sources for this report.
By Tamara Shiloh
Toni Morrison was more than a writer. She was a literary entertainer, a cultural historian, and one of the most vital voices in America.
Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford on Feb. 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison grew up in a workingclass Black family, immersed in storytelling. Ghost tales, folk wisdom, and lyrical language passed down through generations shaped Morrison’s imagination long before she put pen to page.
That early respect for Black language and memory would become the foundation of her literary work. Her stories centered the interior lives of Black people — not as symbols, but as fully rendered human beings navigating history, inheritance, and survival.
Morrison earned her degree in English at Howard University in 1953, followed by a master’s from Cornell in 1955. Her academic path refined her sharp intellect and deepened her grasp of racial and literary theory. Before writing fiction, she made history as one of the few Black editors in mainstream publishing, championing voices like Angela Davis and Muhammad Ali at Random House.
Morrison’s first novel, “The Bluest Eye” (1970), told the harrowing story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who believes blue eyes will make her lovable. It was a daring debut that took on internalized racism and White beauty standards with unflinching clarity. “Sula” (1973) followed, exploring Black womanhood, friendship, and betrayal with poetic precision.
Federal Job Cuts ...
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accelerated as the manufacturing industry began to collapse.
“Whether it was from the post office, through direct growth of federal agencies, through the military — the government fought against the headwinds associated with the private sector,” Marcus Casey, a fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Future of the Middle Class Initiative, told NBC News recently. “And so, the federal government has been essential to the building of the Black middle class.”
California employed more federal workers than any other state in 2024 – about 253,600 people – according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So continued cuts to federal jobs will be especially felt here.
Federal agencies with a presence in the Bay Area include NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection
Agency, several national research laboratories, and more.
Some Black federal workers impacted around the country have shared their stories.
Houston resident Francine Verdine worked as a clerk at the IRS for 42 years until 2019, helping to provide a stable life for her family, she told NBC News recently. “I had no idea when I started that I could make the money I did by the time I left. It’s sad that many others’ opportunity to have a similar career could be over.”
But federal workers caught in Trump’s layoffs haven’t been so lucky. Ros Patterson, a 62-year-old worker formerly employed by the Veterans Administration in Illinois told NBC News she was forced into early retirement by her sudden layoff from her job in January. She hadn’t planned to retire but, “I wasn’t left any choice,” she said.
Policymakers, Advocates and Worried Californians Join Forces to Save Medi-Cal
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
The U.S. Congress is debating cuts to Medicaid and other social programs after voting for a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending.
Those conversations are causing alarm among some Californians.
With “Song of Solomon” (1977), Morrison intertwined African American folklore, history, and magical common sense into a sweeping narrative of identity and self-discovery. It marked her breakthrough, earning national acclaim and solidifying her status as a major literary force.
But it was “Beloved” (1987) that became her greatest achievement. Inspired by Margaret Garner, an enslaved woman who killed her child rather than see her returned to slavery, the novel explored memory, haunting, and the enduring wounds of enslavement. It earned Morrison the Pulitzer Prize and later became a major film. The book’s lyrical power and emotional depth redefined how slavery could be written about in American literature.
In 1993, she made history as the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy praised her work for its “visionary force and poetic import,” recognizing her as a writer who expanded both language and consciousness.
Even beyond fiction, her essays, lectures, and interviews served as a moral compass. She spoke boldly about race, power, and language, always centering on the truth of Black experience. Her later novels — “Jazz,” “Paradise,” “A Mercy” — continued to explore Black life with grace and depth.
Morrison passed away on Aug. 5, 2019. But her words remain — challenging, comforting, illuminating. She didn’t just write about history; she wrote us into it, with care, complexity, and conviction.
Diana Madoshi, a community activist from Placer County, is one of many people in the state who are voicing their concerns about the pending cuts and how they would affect Medi-Cal.
“Today, I am frightened — as are many seniors, persons on disability, and social security recipients — by the threats of the Trump Administration and his henchman Elon Musk to defund and dismantle Social Security, and Medicaidslash-Medical,” Madoshi said at a rally and news conference held in front of the State Capitol on March 4.
The event was organized by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) and Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield)/ Madoshi, 74, who is from Rocklin, said she started working at 17. She supported herself through college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Her 36year nursing career enabled her to start an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that helped purchase her home.
However, Madoshi added, that she was affected by a medical condition and was unable to work. Treating the illness was expensive and the cost drained her IRA account, but she still had a “social safety net” that sustained her livelihood.
“My savings were eradicated by my illness,” she said. “So, all I had left from my retirement was my social security benefits. The Social Security safety net caught me. It underscores the program’s fundamental humanity.”
The Trump Administration and the Musk-led Department of
UC Ends ‘Diversity Statement’ Requirement ...
Continued from page 1
ence,” said Newman in a letter to campus provosts.
“We can continue to effectively serve our communities from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view without requiring diversity statements,” she added.
While the ban on stand-alone diversity statements will take effect, faculty are still permitted to share “inclusive academic achievements” during the academic review process. This move aligns with a national trend, as universities like USC, Harvard, and MIT have also discontinued the practice of requiring diversity statements.
Critics, including UC faculty such as law professor Brian Soucek, argue that the policy is a
direct response to political pressure from the Trump administration. Soucek expressed disappointment, claiming the change undermines years of research and advocacy for diversity in hiring.
“It can only be explained as an attempt at advanced appeasement of the Trump administration’s current threats,” Soucek told the Los Angeles Times.
“There is nothing else that possibly motivates this change in general or this change being done in this particular way at the current moment,” he said.
UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly maintained that the university would continue to “embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences.”
The U.S. Department of Education has also launched investigations into UC Berkeley and other campuses over their ties with the PhD Project, a nonprofit aimed at promoting workplace diversity.
Gov. Newsom in Latest Podcast: Dems Alienated Men and Businesses While Uplifting Oppressed People
on pragmatism and results.
Government Efficiency (DOGE) have referred to Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme.”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 71.6 million people received Medicare in 2023, and 5.8 million people were newly awarded Social Security benefits in 2023. The SSA says that 55% of the recipients are women.
According to the Department of Home Care Services (HCS), Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. It is funded by both federal and state dollars.
Schiavo urged the federal government to wall up funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal and called on her colleagues to support legislation she authored, Assembly Joint Resolution 3 (AJR 3).
The measure urges California’s representatives in Congress to vote against cuts to — and proposals to privatize — Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. AJR3 also asks Trump to veto any legislation to cut or privatize these programs.
Schiavo said there could be up to $880 billion or more in Medicaid cuts, and they may affect trauma centers and urgent care facilities in urban and rural areas.
“These cuts are not an option in our communities,” Schiavo said.
At the conference, Schiavo mentioned that she lost her father the day before. He was a veteran, she said, who relied on Social Security benefits.
“We are here to fight in honor of my dad and every other veteran who is going to be hurt by Congress and the federal administration,” she said. “We know that if cuts are made to these vital programs that millions of people in our state depend on that our taxpayers and tax dollars go to pay for it will be devastating to communities across California.”
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest podcast episode marks a significant shift in his political messaging. In a conversation with Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Newsom moved away from his previous focus on attacking former President Trump.
Instead, he tackled issues surrounding Democratic strategies and government efficiency. The two leaders discussed the need for Democrats to better engage with working-class men and businesses and address the shortcomings in government delivery.
Newsom’s praise for government workers during the aftermath of the California wildfires demonstrated his growing focus
Walz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that delivering tangible outcomes is crucial for maintaining political success.
“When you deliver on things that improve people’s lives, it’s amazing how good the politics is,” said Walz.
Newsom emphasized that governors are responsible for ensuring government agencies operate efficiently and are accessible to the public.
“What you’re talking about is government efficiency, focusing on outcomes,” Newsom said. “That’s got to be part of our core messaging.”
However, Newsom’s podcast has also sparked controversy. His comments on trans athletes, in which he agreed with far-right influencer Charlie Kirk that it’s unfair for trans women to compete in women’s sports, drew backlash from LGBT advocates. Some argue that Newsom’s podcast risks alienating key Democratic allies by engaging with conservative voices, potentially undercutting his leadership among progressive groups.
Despite these challenges, polling data suggests that Newsom’s handling of the wildfires and his focus on government efficiency have boosted his favorability ratings. Yet, his podcast’s more contentious content may have contributed to a dip in his popularity, as public opinion surveys show a slight decline in approval since the show’s launch.
Corrin Rankin Begins Tenure as Chair of
the California Republican Party
By
A week after being elected chair of the California Republican Party (CAGOP), Corrin Rankin is transitioning into her new role by onboarding personnel and planning a budget for her tenure, California Black Media was told by a representative who handles her public affairs.
Rankin’s nomination was accepted at the CAGOP’s convention in Sacramento, held from March 14 through March 16. On March 18, Rankin posted on her page on the social media platform X, “I was just elected Chair of the @CAGOP. Now the real work begins. We’re focused on solutions, growing the party, and investing to win. We’re doubling down on voter registration and proving the GOP is here to serve. Let’s get to work.” Rankin succeeds former CAGOP Chair Jessica Milan Patterson, who termed out. John Park, former vice chairman of the Orange County Republican Party, was elected CAGOP’s vice chair, replacing Rankin in that position.
Rankin is the first Black woman to assume the top role at CAGOP. Her duties include engaging communities across the state, addressing issues that concern voters, communicating CAGOP’s policies and messages, and fundraising.
Courtesy of iHeartMedia, Inc.
Toni Morrison. File photo.
Diana Madoshi, a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, said Social Security benefits were her only resource when an illness depleted her IRA account. Madoshi was rallying against federal cuts to the program at a news conference held March 4 at the Capitol in Sacramento. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Courtesy of iHeartMedia, Inc.
Toni Morrison and the Radical Power of the Black Literary Imagination
Bo Tefu California Black Media
Congratulations on being accepted to the #1 public university in the nation.
Congratulations on being accepted to the #1 public university in the nation.
Out of more than 170,000 applicants, the most in the country, you stood out. And did Oakland proud. You belong here. And we can’t wait to welcome you.
Out of more than 170,000 applicants, the most in the country, you stood out. And did Oakland proud. You belong here. And we can’t wait to welcome you.
Barbara Lee Lays Out Mayoral Plan for the Future of Oakland, Endorsements
By Magaly Muñoz
At a press conference on Monday, community members joined former Congresswoman Barbara Lee at her campaign headquarters in Downtown Oakland to show their support for her mayoral candidacy and to discuss her plans if elected mayor next month.
Lee’s plan covers a range of policies and priorities for housing and homelessness, public safety, workforce development, and city governance.
A few of her priorities include deploying special police teams trained to investigate gun crimes and arrest dangerous fugitives, addressing the over 3,000 fire hydrants that need maintenance, working in partnership with Alameda County to find new approaches to getting unsheltered people suitable shelter referrals, and immediately expanding transparency and strengthening good governance measures.
In a previous interview with the Post, Lee also outlined her priorities for the city budget, which is currently at a multi-million dollar deficit. She wants to ensure funding is being spent directly on residents and that the city is doing its best to bring in new revenue. Her long-term goal is to find investments locally, statewide, and nationally to grow Oakland’s economy.
“People in Oakland want to feel safe and they want a budget that’s gonna reflect Oakland values. No one said [the work] is gonna be easy,” Lee said.
Less than a few weeks out from the special election on April 15, Lee and former Oakland City Council member Loren Taylor are garnering support from all sides of the city. The two candidates are the ones to watch on election night, being the only candidates with extensive government leadership experience.
Accompanying Lee on Monday were community members across different sectors of Oakland including faith leaders, business owners, school board members, and first responders.
Sean Sullivan, owner of the bar Fluid510, said that Lee’s experience running her own small business is what makes her the best candidate to represent Oakland and bring new opportunities to entrepreneurs and large companies looking to locate themselves in the city.
“[Lee’s] entire history of Congress has been committed to opening up economic opportunities for all businesses and especially our small businesses, being an advocate, and she will continue to do that,” Sullivan said.
Rachel Latta, newly elected to the Oakland Unified School Board, said Lee is representative of family values in Oakland. Latta said she admires the way Lee centers working families and underserved communities in her years of service.
“Barbara’s deep connection to Oakland ensures that she understands which challenges we face and the solutions we need to make a difference,” Latta said.
George Foreman, 76 ...
Continued from page 1
when Frazier was clearly unable to continue the match.
But the fight he may be most well-known for is the one he lost against Muhammad Ali in 1974’s “Rumble in the Jungle,” which took place in Kinshasa, Zaire, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
In 1977, Foreman retired and after having a ‘born again’ experience became a preacher, founding his own church, The Church of the Lod Jesus Christ, and mentoring youth in Houston. But 10 years later, he re-entered the ring, winning, at age 45, the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer.
At age 46, Foreman was the oldest heavy-weight champion, retiring from the ring again in 1997.
He was a ringside analyst for HBO for 12 years until 2004, but it was the George Foreman Grill, — ‘the lean, mean grilling machine’ — launched the same year he beat Moorer, that gained him fame wider than boxing and where he
Tech Billionaires Bankrolled Groups
Continued from page 1
Eighty-four percent of Revitalize East Bay’s budget came from five donors. About one-third of that money went to support the recall of District Attorney Pamela Price.
One hundred percent of Foundational Oakland Unites’ budget came from Philip Dreyfuss. More than half of that money went to support the recall of Mayor Sheng Thao.
Empower Oakland’s five top donors were: Board member Gagan Biyani (venture capitalist), $50,000; Ryan Graciano (venture capitalist), $50,000; Jesse Pollak (Crypto), $50,000; A Better Bay Area (Business PAC), $50,000; and Joe Ernst (developer), $25,000.
The Oakland Rising report, released this week, focused on donors in the November 2024 election, but there has been some overlap with wealthy funders backing Loren Taylor’s bid to become mayor of Oakland.
made most of his wealth.
By 2011, more than 100 million units had been sold worldwide, 12 years after selling the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million.
He had a brief career in television with the 1990s sitcom “George,” and in 2022, appeared on “The Masked Singer.” A film about his life was released in 2023.
Foreman was married five times and has 12 children.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” former heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, said on X, formerly Twitter, as he expressed his condolences.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and greatgrandfather and the best friend you could have,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on social media. “His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”
The Associated Press, Wikipedia, The Guardian, and BBC were the sources for this report.
...
Revitalize East Bay recently gave $67,000 to a political committee that has paid for ads supporting Taylor.
The largest donor to Revitalize East Bay, which is Taylor’s top donor, is Philip Dreyfuss, the Piedmont-based hedge fund manager who funded the recall of Sheng Thao.
Though Dreyfuss has not donated individually to the mayoral election, Revitalize donated to a committee supporting Taylor.
In addition, Taylor has also received support from Ronald Nahas, a real estate developer based in Lafayette, who donated $50,600, and donor Ilya Sukhar, who gave $9,000.
A new organization, the Black Action Alliance (BAA), recently sponsored an Oakland mayoral debate, along with Empower Oakland and KTVU Channel 2.
The BAA has received significant funding from Philip Dreyfuss’ Revitalize East Bay.
Food Insecurity
Continued from page 1
food desert, and includes Hunters Point, one of the lowest income areas in the city.
Census Bureau data show that the median income for households in the 94124 zip code, where Hunters Point is located, is just under $83,000 annually. Black households earn about $46,000, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders earn almost $41,000, and Hispanic households make just above the median income- an average of $86,000.
Located at 5030 Third St., the aisles are lined with fresh produce, canned goods, bread and snacks. While refrigerators and freezers in the back of the market are filled with dairy products and meat.
The best part — everything inside is free for eligible customers.
“The interesting thing about this market is that it’s a city-funded effort to create something besides the average food line to give more dignity and choice than is normally given to low income people,” said Cathy Davis, executive director of Bayview Senior Services.
Davis said people feel more comfortable coming into the market because they can choose the food they want and at a time that’s convenient for them.
Boyd, a single father of two kids, had lost his job early last year and relied on his sister’s generosity before discovering the market. Now employed again, he continues to visit the market when he gets off of work in the evening.
“It’s a lot of people in these
they want their hard-earned money.
When asked about what the immigration fight is looking like, Simon said, “It’s bad.”
She said it’s important to expand opportunities for asylum seekers of all kinds, not just Latinos. Democrats are working with lawyers to provide immigration support through pro bono work in the hopes of helping thousands of people navigate the legal system, but the work is hard.
Republicans are the only ones who can call hearings, Simon explained, since they are the majority party and although Democrats are working hard to inform local municipalities about supporting immigrants, Trump and his administration are disregarding the rights of migrants and asylum seekers through bold tactics and fear.
Trump and Republican representatives have threatened to prosecute and throw out members of Congress who aid in empowering illegal immigration with efforts like “know your rights” sessions or using government funding, she added.
Simon also advised advocates and organizers without legal status to be cautious about joining protests in the streets because of an amendment through the newly passed Laken Riley Act that allows for undocumented residents to potentially
Q&A with President Cristina Grappo
Continued from page 1
from arson, pranksters, and neglect. Supporting fire prevention programs at community events like National Night Out and Oakland festivals is essential. What are your budget priorities? What experience do you have dealing with large budgets and how will you boost Oakland’s economy?
My Budget Priorities by percentage:
Public Safety (Police, Fire, Emergency Services)- 25%
• Housing and Homelessness Services- 25%
• Transportation and Infrastructure- 10%
• Education and Youth Programs- 10%
• Parks and Recreation- 10%
• Public Health and Social Services- 10%
• Environmental Sustainability Initiatives- 10%
• Community EngagementInvolve residents in decisionmaking processes, support community-led initiatives
The Trump administration is threatening budget cuts and policy changes that will likely affect Oakland’s most vulnerable — elderly, immigrants, lowincome, 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?
...
communities that don’t get a chance to eat healthy,” Boyd said. “They don’t have the money to go to grocery stores to buy expensive stuff.”
Another shopper, Rhonda Hudson, said the market helped her meet her grandson’s diet-related health problems. She used to travel outside the neighborhood for affordable groceries, but now she no longer has to.
There are no plans to expand the markets in San Francisco due to budget constraints, according to the city’s Human Services Agency.
But Davis isn’t worried about losing the market funding.
“City leaders were on board with creating it and finding the money to put it together so I would say we didn’t have to advocate because it came through the government. Now it’s our job to keep it going to prove that it’s a pilot worth maintaining,” Davis said.
District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, who co-sponsored the ordinance, said that projects like the market are “essential to our neighborhoods,” where access to affordable food has been a challenge.
“Investing in local community markets helps ensure that families have reliable, healthy food options close to home, addressing food insecurity and supporting the wellbeing of our community regardless of income,” Walton said.
Reporter Magaly Muñoz produced this story as part of a series as a 2024 USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism Data Fellow and Engagement Grantee.
be deported if they have an “unsatisfactory interaction” with law enforcement.
She urged allies to step up and take places at the front lines of protests to protect and fight for those who cannot.
Simon also laid out her priorities for her two-year term, saying that she’ll do as much as she can in the time she has in the chance she doesn’t get reelected.
She’s making moves toward getting money back to the most vulnerable, transportation, and working alongside local government officials, especially mayors, law enforcement, and small businesses. She wants to make sure public safety is ensured by convening regularly with enforcement, including BART police, which she said has decreased crime by 20% in recent years.
Her team also announced that they will be opening up an Oakland-based office at the Kaiser Building in downtown near Lake Merritt, pending approval by Washington officials. Simon intends for the space to be used by constituents to organize, meet other residents, and for her office to hear concerns of people in her district.
My experience with large budgets: I have managed large budgets with a strong sense of strategy, planning, and prioritization— in the public sector, corporate settings, and personal ventures.
Boosting Oakland's economy as a public official involves strategic planning, community engagement, and leveraging the city's unique assets. Here are some actionable ideas:
• Support Local Businesses by providing incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, to SMEs. Simplify the process for starting and operating businesses in Oakland to attract entrepreneurs.
• Invest in Workforce Development by partnering with local colleges and training centers to offer skill-building programs tailored to highdemand industries. Create apprenticeship and internship opportunities to connect residents with local employers.
Objective Actions include:
• Enhance Public Safety by improving safety in commercial areas, collaborate with community organizations to address root causes of crime
• Promote Tourism and Culture by highlighting Oakland's cultural heritage, arts scene, and culinary offerings, organize events and festivals Focus Area Initiatives: Housing and Infrastructureinvest in affordable housing projects, upgrade transportation and infrastructure
• Port of Oakland - Expand operations, attract new trade opportunities, develop ecofriendly initiatives
• Innovation and TechnologyCreate innovation hubs, partner with tech companies
To ensure Oakland remains a welcoming and thriving place, particularly for its most vulnerable populations, I will publicly endorse policies emphasizing inclusivity, resilience, and equity. Specifically, affordable housing initiatives can mitigate potential federal funding cuts by implementing rent control measures, offering incentives for developers to construct affordable units, and increasing funds for housing assistance programs. Furthermore, I will continue to support immigrants to uphold Oakland's status as a sanctuary city and protect immigrant communities by providing legal aid and community support programs to assist immigrants in overcoming challenges. Additionally, I will enhance education and youth programs through investment in after-school initiatives, scholarships, and vocational training for students. This also includes collaborating with local businesses to establish mentorship and internship opportunities.
Under my leadership as Oakland Mayor, healthcare access and costs will be affordable, especially for the elderly and lowincome families. Mobile clinics and telehealth services will also become available and may be a serious game-changer. Economic empowerment through grants, low-interest loans, and training programs will be available for the local community with much focus on creating job opportunities in sectors that align with Oakland's strengths.
In addition, community safety will include implementing community policing strategies and investing in mental health services to contend with root causes of crime. Strengthening partnerships with local organizations to build trust and safety will manage room for growth. Advocacy with other cities and states will prevent dread from harmful federal policies. Building coalitions to amplify the Oakland voice and to share resources will shield Oakland. After all, Oakland has a history of resilience and activism. By focusing on these areas, I can help the City of Oakland thrive in spite of external challenges.
Q&A with Peter Liu
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in those regions to help evacuate people or help firefighters to battle the blaze. As a combat veteran, I'll train police on how to respond to terrorist threats.
What are your budget priorities? What experience do you have dealing with large budgets and how will you boost Oakland’s economy?
Budget priority will go towards basic services and infrastructure improvements like turning every sizable park into unique theme parks, such as a giant water slide at Lake Merritt, a concert venue at Dimond Park, and more. This would bring huge tourism to Oakland.
We'll have mass seminars in which I show thousands of people how to become millionaires in two years and billionaires in 10 with my method CESP5. Millions of my fans will join and participate in creating startup companies; they'll pay $200 each to join these seminars which will run daily or weekly depending on the crowd sizes. We'll generate huge revenue from these seminars. This will create 5,000+ new businesses monthly for the whole metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area.
The Trump administration is threatening budget cuts and policy changes that will likely affect Oakland’s most vulnerable- elderly, 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?
The reason I am teaching people to be rich the legal way so they don't have to deprive the life and property of others, this will bring peace to the community. Even if Social Security or health care funds dry up, we'll be a city of millionaires and billionaires. Those less fortunate will have donations from generous people. We'll be a self-funding city. After I make Oakland a prosperous city, I will go around the media circuit bragging that I am the "World's Smartest Leader" just to piss off Trump and Elon at the same time. What makes you the most qualified person to be Mayor of Oakland? Please list examples of your experience.
As a combat veteran, I know how to stop crime and terrorism. I own multiple real estate in multiple cities, counties, and states and I know what local policy works and what not and how to enhance the quality of life for the residents. As we compare cities in China like Chengdu vs Oakland, Shanghai vs NYC... we clearly see how infrastructure is superior in China and I can just call my relatives who actually built skyscrapers in China to visit Oakland to draw up viable plans to upgrade Oakland to look way better than San Francisco.
District 12 Representative Lateefah Simon
Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee speaking at the press conference at her Oakland Downtown Headquarters. Credit: Erick Lee.
