Oakland Post
Year, No. 19 Weekly Edition May 13 - 19, 2026
2,000 Job Seekers Sign Up at City Hall
Applicants: ‘We want to work. We want jobs that pay livable wages so we can afford to live’ Mayor Barbara Lee, Oakland Pivate Industry Council, and Lou Family Services sponsor job fair that featured 18 companies and agencies
By Post Staff
The Office of Mayor Barbara Lee, in partnership with the City of Oakland and regional employers, hosted a successful Hire Oakland job fair this week at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, bringing together job seekers and employers for a
Mayor Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Actor with Key to the City
day focused on opportunity, connection, and economic mobility.
With more than 2,000 RSVPs, the event on Wednesday reflected strong demand across Oakland for access to quality jobs and career pathways. Attendees participated in on-site recruitment, ap -
EBMUD Enshrines the Legacy of William ‘Bill’ Patterson
By Carla Thomas
By Carla Thomas
Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.” The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and
Cassie ‘Mama C’ Lopez Honored as Oakland’s Mother of the Year
On Tuesday, May 12, Oakland honored a towering community figure, William “Bill” Patterson, with the unveiling of a bronze plaque and the renaming of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) boardroom in downtown Oakland.
Board members, family, colleagues, and mentees gathered to reflect on Patterson’s enduring legacy at the meeting.
Patterson, who died in 2025 at the age of 94, was remembered as a tireless advocate, mentor, and public servant whose influence shaped generations across the East Bay.
“This is well deserved,” said Patterson’s cousin, Maria Simon. “He was such a big part of the Oakland community. It’s heartwarming to know he was known by so many people.
“So many credit him with helping them get their first job. It was especially meaningful when he held the Bible for Mayor Barbara Lee’s swearing-in. He truly believed in the goodness of people, in possibilities, and in the power to bring things to fruition.”
Oakland NAACP President Cynthia Adams described Patterson as a father figure. “He took me under his wing,” she said. “This recognition is a very special moment.”
plication support, and hands-on workshops designed to help job seekers navigate hiring processes and prepare for interviews.
Over the course of the day, employers and community partners engaged directly with residents in a welcoming, high-energy envi-
School District Extends Supt. Dr. Denise Saddler’s Contract for a Second Year
By Post Staff
The Oakland Board of Education voted this week to extend Superintendent Denise Saddler’s contract for another year, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Under the new agreement, Saddler’s job title will become “superintendent”; she will no longer be called “interim.”
Along with the new title, she will receive full superintendent benefits and salary at $367,765.45 per year, according to the employment agreement.
The vote to approve the new contract passed 5-2 at Wednesday night’s board meeting.
Saddler’s original interim contract was for one year. The school board was planning to select a permanent superintendent by the fall but earlier this year decided to delay the search.
The new contract reflects the Board of Education’s “determination that continuity in executive leadership is in the best interests of the district as Oakland Unified continues implementation of its fiscal stabilization strategies, academic priorities, labor relations initiatives, and operational improvements,” the employment agreement reads.
ronment centered on opportunity and hope. Participating employers included EBMUD, Samuel Merritt University, the City of Oakland, BART, PG&E, AC Transit, East Bay Regional Parks District, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others offering
immediate openings and career pathways across sectors.
By Ken Epstein
The City of Oakland recognized Cassandra, “Mama C,” Lopez – parent, teacher, community activist, and justice warrior – as Oakland’s Mother of the Year in a
Fellow NAACP member Robert “Bob” Harris echoed that sentiment, recalling Patterson as “a great member of the NAACP and a proud Kappa Alpha Psi man.”
Patterson’s son, William Patterson Jr., reflected on his father’s professional life.
In November, the board approved a $150,000 contract with a consulting firm to carry out that search, but Board President Jennifer Brouhard told KQED last month that the process never got off the ground.
“No work was done, no money has been paid for the work (to) the search firm for the superintendent search,” Brouhard said. “Hopefully, we’ll be resuming that in the
By Oakland Post Staff
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is backing a sweeping proposal to restructure Oakland’s government, arguing the changes would make City Hall more accountable and improve the delivery of basic services like public safety, homelessness response, and infrastructure repairs.
The charter reform measure,
Workforce development partners Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) and Lao Family Community Development provided connections to résumé support, interview coaching, and individualized job search assistance throughout the event.
introduced April 7 and co-sponsored by Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, would ask voters in November to approve a “strong mayor, strong council” system designed to create clearer lines of authority inside city government.
Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations.
The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
The City Council, meanwhile, would maintain legislative authority by adopting ordinances, approving budgets, conducting oversight hearings, and confirming key mayoral appointments.
The proposal would also create
The strong turnout underscores a clear reality: Oakland residents are eager for pathways into meaningful work, and sustained investment in youth and Continued on page 10
Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul to Clarify Roles in City Government, Increase Accountability and Improve Service Delivery The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft Speaks at National Probate Reform Coalition Meeting
By Tanya Dennis
The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has learned that aside from rampant theft of properties occurring through probate court, deed theft extends even further with the support of banks, police, judges, attorneys and “the system” to steal Black and Brown properties.
Deed and title fraud are rising, with FBI data showing over 9,300 complaints and $173.6 million in losses in 2024 alone.
To that end, NPRC invited Evangeline Byars of The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft as their keynote speaker on May 7.
Deed theft victims reach out to Byars because she has a reputa-
an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst Office to provide nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis for councilmembers.
“I’ve spent months listening to Oaklanders across every neighborhood about what they expect from their city government,” Lee said. “The Charter Reform Working Group’s engagement made clear that residents want a system where there are no questions about who is responsible for delivering results on public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and basic services.”
Jenkins said the proposal would strengthen both executive leadership and council oversight.
“I’ve long believed Oakland works best when residents have clear lines of accountability and a government structure that aligns responsibility with results,” Jenkins said.
tion of getting things done. Introduced to community organizing at Medgar Evers College in 2011, Byars was mentored by Harry Belafonte and gained further movement training in 2012-13 through his “Gathering for Justice.” Byars also trained with the Youth Brigade 32BJ, Union in 2012 where she learned to map, target, and execute actions.
With that knowledge as an advocacy worker, Byars ran for president of TWU Local 100 for transit workers. During challenges of the union and political changes in New York when unions no longer had friends in government, they organized.
In 2025, deed theft victims approached Byars and told their stories. Byars investigated, and discovered rampant, unrelenting theft of properties, primarily from Black and brown families, got involved and helped them with their fight, teaching them how to sustain their fight at the grassroots level while remaining politically independent. This independence gave them the ability to move without co promise. Deed theft is the taking of someone’s deed through fraudulent mortgages or a stranger that accesses property records, prepares paperwork and files for an owner’s property. New York is a ‘first no-
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the City at the City Council chambers of Oakland at City Hall in downtown Oakland.
Photo by Carla Thomas.
Supt. Dr. Denise Saddler. File photo.
William “Bill” Patterson, Jr. Courtesy Peralta College District.
Cassandra Lopez, known as “Mama C,” is surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at Oakland’s annual Mother of the Year celebration at the Morcom Rose Garden, Saturday, May 9. Photo by Mateenah FloydOkanlawon.
(Left and middle:) This week’s Hire Oakland job fair at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza brought together job seekers and employers. Photos courtesy of City of Oakland. (Right:) Left to right: Yawo Tekpa, OPIC Manager, One Stop Operator; Sofia Navarro, Deputy City Administrator; and Ray Lankford, CEO of the Oakland Private Industry Council. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.
Left to right: Evangeline Byars and Carmella Carrington are gaining nationwide attention with their STOPDEEDTHEFT.org movement.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. File photo.
Advocates Rally at State Capitol to Demand Heat Protections for Incarcerated People; More Funding for DV Survivors
Crime Survivors Speak at the California State Capitol was a multiday advocacy event held May 4–6 that called for increased support, services, and funding for crime victims. Organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ), the gathering brought together more than 200
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
In July 2024, Adrienne Boulware, a 47-year-old mother and grandmother, died from complications related to extreme heat exhaustion while incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, according to her family.
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) hopes his legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 2499 — also known as the “Adrienne Act” — will help prevent tragedies like Boulware’s death in California prisons.
“It is no secret that our state prisons have aging infrastructures that have inadequate ventilation systems,” Gipson said. “It should come as no shock that indoor temperatures in these facilities exceed 90 degrees, which means it gets really hot.”
On May 4, Gipson spoke at the Survivors Speak California Rally at the State Capitol to advocate for
AB 2499, which focuses on heat and health protections in state prisons. The three-day event was organized by Californians for Safety and Justice, a project of the Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice network.
Boulware’s family attended the rally in support of the measure, which would require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to establish a pilot program addressing extreme heat by July 1, 2027, in at least three prisons located in different climate zones.
Boulware’s daughter, Michela Nelson, said her mother frequently complained about heatwaves during the summer months. CDCR stated that Boulware’s death — she was also known as “Twin” — appeared to be related to pre-existing medical conditions rather than extreme heat.
“My mother was not just a
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OPINION:
The Fire of Oakland’s Justin Jones
By Emil Amok Guillermo
You may know Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville).
He grew up in Oakland and the East Bay. His mother is Filipino.
You can tell by his full name Justin Shea Bautista Jones.
His father is African American.
He is fighting for all of us.
Jones made headlines three years ago when he was one of a pair of Justins. Along with fellow State Rep. Justin Pearson (DMemphis), he fought their removal from the state house in Tennessee and won reinstatement.
Now, Pearson is running for Congress and Jones is still fighting for all of us.
The recent 6-3 Supreme Court decision barring the use of race in drawing congressional districts marks a major turning point in U.S. history.
The decision took away the Voting Rights Act’s power to assure minority voices were both heard and represented.
“What we’re seeing now is this
new Jim Crow system in which Black and Brown communities are without voice in our political process,” he told Fredricka Whitfield on CNN last weekend.
“That’s a canary in the coal mine for the rest of the nation. If they come for one of us, they’re coming for all of us, and some of my message to America is that the South is the front line of democracy,” Jones said. “They are dismantling multi-racial democracy here in the South, in states like Tennessee and Louisiana. But they aren’t going to stop here.”
That’s why Jones said we have to start paying attention to the South, and start helping them fight back there,” he said.
“I want to be clear that this terror, this type of system they’re enacting, are the same systems my grandparents told me about who grew up in Tennessee, a system where people like me couldn’t even be in political office. That’s the time they’re bringing us back
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Lecturer Lisa Troseth will speak on “Moving past fear to healing” on May 23 at the Orinda Library Auditorium. Photo courtesy of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.
By Oakland Post Staff
Lisa Troseth, practitioner of Christian Science healing and international speaker, will present her talk, “Moving Past Fear - to Healing,” on May 23, at 2:30 p.m., at the Orinda Library Auditorium.
The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. The talk is free, open to the community, and jointly sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Orinda and First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oakland.
“Fear can be overcome and even healed in our lives by discovering the strong connection and relationship we have to something bigger than ourselves—God,” says Troseth. “By learning to lean and rely
on this greater, higher good, we can feel moved to love beyond ourselves—and this frees us from fear and so much more.”
Sharing examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science, Troseth will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.
Troseth will also touch on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, who came to understand, confirm, and teach what she felt was original Christian healing. Eddy herself said she was especially inspired by Jesus’ demand, “He that believes on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (found in the Gospel of John 14:12 in the Bible). For over 150 years, people around the world have worked to follow Christ Jesus in this practice of Christianity and continue to do so today, experiencing healings of physical ills and personal difficulties.
Lisa Troseth has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping people on a daily basis through this scientific approach to prayer.
She travels from her home base in Nyack, New York, to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.
survivors and family members to advocate for legislative reforms. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville). File photo.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
More and More, Black Californians Are Worried About Rising Costs of Housing, Energy, Food and Gas
By Antonio Ray Harvey
California Black Media
Housing, energy, food and gas are four essential household expenses, and their rising costs are forcing residents—especially lower-income households—to make difficult trade-offs, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) said at a conference on affordability last week in Sacramento.
Ransom, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), noted a shift in consumer behavior, stating, “Before people used to choose between things that they wanted and things that they needed.”
“Now, what we’re hearing from constituents is they are prioritizing their needs differently,” she said. “Because of the affordability crisis, it’s no longer about choosing between other needs. Our constituents are now saying ‘what needs to be prioritized?’
Oakland’s Justin Jones ...
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to and I’m not sounding the alarm to be alarmist. But I am sounding it because we’ve seen this before in our history.”
Jones talked about Reconstruction and about what happened between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1960s, when there was no Black political representation.
It’s a rebellion to keep our democracy going forward, he said.
“Stand with us and help us fight back against this extremist power grab — this racist power grab against our vision of a multi-racial democracy,” Jones added.
Gas and food are at the top of the list.”
Ransom made the comments about affordability at Capitol Weekly’s informational conference titled “Affordability: The Cost of Living in California,” which was held on April 30 at the University of California’s Student and Policy Center.
Co-hosted with the Universi-
ty of California Student and Policy Center, the political conversations focused on identifying policy solutions to the state’s extremely high prices for energy, food, and essentials.
lies also pay 43% more for energy than White households, partly because they are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient rentals.
In addition, roughly 1 in 3 Black adults (36.5%) reported household food insecurity in late 2025, more than double the rate for White adults. This is often exacerbated by “food deserts” in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
In March, Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora (R-Ripon) expressed concerns about affordability in California, describing it as a crisis where families are being “pushed to the edge.”
Advocates Rally at State Capitol ...
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mother of four and grandmother of 12. She was a mother to many inside and outside of the prison,” said Nelson, the eldest of Boulware’s children. “My mother didn’t die because she was sentenced to death. She died because she was left in conditions no human being should ever endure.”
AB 2499 would formally create the Climate Justice in Prisons Emergency Response Act. The legislation would require CDCR to develop a long-term plan for installing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and shade structures in existing facilities.
The Survivors Speak California Rally coincided with other advocacy events at the Capitol supporting survivors of violent crime.
Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) served as keynote speakers. Both lawmakers have publicly shared their own experiences as survivors of assault.
LedBetter, a survivor of human trafficking, is also an author, activist, and artist who uses her experiences to advocate for human trafficking prevention. She shares her story of survival, addiction, and recovery in her self-published book, “Harlot Heart: Tributes To Triumph.”
“Take a moment and think about someone finally reaching out for help, and there’s no one here to answer,” LedBetter said during her presentation on the east lawn of the Capitol.
Advocates said the funding is needed to help close a gap caused by a sharp decline in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding.
“Tennessee is an oppressed state,” Jones said. “It’s a state where one in five Black voters can’t vote because of felony disenfranchisement. It is where you can use a gun permit to vote, but you can’t use a student ID card to vote.
That’s the Asian American African American voice of Justin Jones.
Read his words for inspiration. About the Author
Emil Guillermo is a veteran journalist, commentator, and comic stage monologist. His new show “69, Emil Amok: Anchorman— The News Made Me Do It,” is at the San Diego Fringe at New Destiny/Lincoln Park, 4931 Logan Ave. Ste. 102. May 14-23, at various times. Get tickets here.
“While there is a litigation strategy, it’s important to maintain what he called a “movement strategy” that leads to the largest voter mobilization and registration that has ever been seen in the South,” he encouraged. In 2026.
The keynote speakers at the conference were former Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, and Mike Madrid, a political strategist, author, and senior fellow at UC Irvine.
Conversations about affordability are taking on greater urgency as the election season kicks in, speakers said.
According to an April 2024 report by the Greenlining Institute, low-income Black Californians are struggling with affordability due to a combination of historical systemic barriers and modern economic pressures. The Greenlining Institute is a Californiabased policy, research, and advocacy nonprofit founded in 1993 to fight systemic racism and economic injustice.
Black households in California experience the highest levels of rent burden; approximately 65% of Black renters, according to the Greenlining report. Historical “redlining” and ongoing discrimination have restricted homeownership. Black fami-
“Californians should not have to choose between putting food on the table or filling up their car,” Flora stated. “We need to cut costs now. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month. Now.”
Cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding are being driven by the Trump Administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which is reducing federal spending by approximately $187 billion through 2034.
Those reductions are putting more pressure on the state to help, Ransom said.
According to the AAA Gas Prices website, as of May 8, California’s gasoline prices averaged over $6 per gallon in some areas, with various locations experiencing spikes of $7 to $8 per gallon. In California, fuel prices are driven by refinery maintenance and market volatility, while high food prices are linked to rising transportation costs, experts say.
On May 5, Jazz LedBetter and other advocates rallied nearby to urge lawmakers to include $100 million in the state budget for domestic violence and sexual assault services.
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and
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wanted to make a difference. She moved into roles focused on equal opportunity, working to ensure that women and minorities had access to the same opportunities she fought so hard to get.
Jackson’s story gained wider recognition through the book and film Hidden Figures, which highlighted the contributions of African American women at NASA. But long before the spotlight found her, Jackson was doing the work— quietly, persistently, and brilliantly.
Jackson retired from Langley in 1985. Among her many honors were an Apollo Group Achievement Award and being named
“I am here because I am proof of what happens when someone gets support. Don’t let this funding (shortfall) be the reason someone doesn’t make it out,” LedBetter said. “The difference between survival and unfortunately common sad stories, is whether or not someone is there (to help) when it matters the most.”
Langley’s Volunteer of the Year in 1976. She served as the chair of one of the center’s annual United Way campaigns and a member of the National Technical Association (the oldest African American technical organization in the United States).
She and her husband Levi had an open-door policy for young Langley recruits trying to gain their footing in a new town and a new career. A 1976 Langley Researcher profile might have done the best job capturing Mary’s spirit and character, calling her a “gentlelady, wife and mother, humanitarian and scientist.” For Jackson, science and service went hand in hand. She died on Feb. 11, 2005, at age 83, at a convalescent home in Hampton, Virginia.
Mary Jackson’s Journey to NASA Engineer ...
Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.
The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the
117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.
“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”
The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.
Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings,
particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.
“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.
A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year.
Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.
Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.
The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.
Q&A With Steven Bradford: Why He Wants Your Vote for California
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
As California confronts rising insurance costs, market instability, and growing concerns about access and equity, the race for the state’s top insurance regulator is drawing increased attention.
Among the candidates is Steven Bradford, a veteran public servant with more than two decades of experience in government, including eight years in the State Senate and five years in the State Assembly.
Known for his work on issues ranging from energy and public safety to economic development, Bradford has also engaged with insurance policy during his time in the Legislature as a member of the Senate Insurance Committee.
Now, he is making his case to voters for why his background and perspective best position him for the role of California’s next insurance commissioner.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Bradford about his campaign experiences, key issues he plans to solve if elected, and his vision for the insurance commissioner role.
For readers who may not be familiar, what does the Insurance Commissioner do, and how would you use that role to address issues impacting communities in California?
The Insurance Commissioner is both a regulator and an administrator. The office oversees the entire insurance market—approving companies to operate, licensing agents and brokers, and reviewing rate increases or decreases.
This role is about oversight and action. The commissioner should be a watchdog, not a bystander, especially in a state like California, which has the third-largest insurance market in the world.
Last year, you shifted your campaign from running for lieutenant governor to the race for insurance commissioner. What spurred that decision?
Insurance impacts every part of people’s lives. You can’t buy a home without it—that contributes to the housing crisis. You can’t legally drive without it—that affects people’s ability to work. And businesses can’t operate without it.
For years, insurance has dis-
proportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. While everyone is feeling the strain now, those communities have long been hit hardest. That’s why it’s critical that insurance is not just available, but affordable. What sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?
My record: 26 years of public service. I’ve shown up, stood up, and spoke up for Californians. A recent Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act has raised concerns about representation. What message do you have for voters in California regarding the importance of their vote?
It’s alarming. If people think this doesn’t affect them, they’re mistaken. There’s a real effort to roll back decades of progress and silence voters.
Your vote is your most powerful tool, and we have to use it—every election.
What are you hearing from voters as you campaign across the state?
Affordability and transparency. People are struggling with rising costs, and many don’t fully understand what their insurance policies cover.
We saw that clearly in places like Altadena and the Palisades— people had insurance but were underinsured. They didn’t realize their coverage wouldn’t meet the cost to rebuild. That’s unacceptable.
We must acknowledge the inequities in the system. The FAIR Plan has roots in discrimination, and today we still see disparities based on ZIP code and income. We need a more competitive and equitable market where consumers have choices.
iStock. Hon. Steven Bradford, candidate for California
Over
“Richard Barrera will fight budget cuts that lead to teacher layoffs and overcrowded classrooms.”
Erika Jones Elementary School Teacher Secretary-Treasurer California Teachers Association
“Richard Barrera supports increased mental health staffing to support the needs of our students and communities.”
VanCedric Williams High School Teacher Board Member California Teachers Association
“Richard Barrera believes schools should teach real world skills for future jobs.”
Shelly Gupton Elementary School Teacher Board Member California Teachers Association
2,000 Job Seekers Sign Up At City Hall ...
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workforce programs is essential.
That is why Mayor Lee has prioritized relaunching the Oakland Police Cadet Program and the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP)— ensuring young people have early access to paid work experience, mentorship, and long-term career pathways, according to a City press statement.
“The turnout shows what we already know—Oaklanders are ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to build their futures here at home,” said Lee. “When we connect people directly to employers and invest in young people early, we are not just filling jobs—we are changing lives and strengthening our city’s future.”
The Hire Oakland job fair is part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand access to good-paying jobs, and ensure Oakland residents are first in line for local opportunity.
About Hire Oakland Hire Oakland is a citywide workforce initiative led by the Office of Mayor Barbara Lee in partnership with City departments, workforce development organizations, and regional employers. The program connects Oakland job seekers to real-time hiring opportunities, training resources, and career pathways.
Cassie ‘Mama C’ Lopez’: Oakland’s Mother of the Year ...
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celebration at Oakland’s Morcom Rose Garden on Mother’s Day weekend.
Long recognized as a leader in her community, she was nominated by District 3 City Councilmember Carroll Fife to receive the city’s 73rd annual Mother of the Year award.
Speaking at the crowded ceremony on Saturday, May 9, where Mama C received roses and a proclamation from Mayor Barbara Lee, Fife said she felt honored to nominate Lopez, an “amazing woman – a hell-raising humanitarian, for the energy, the passion, but most of all the love for community” that makes her one of those “exceptional women whose lives exemplify love, sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the family and community they serve.”
Cassie Lopez was born in 1945 to Pauline and Calvin Weaver, a family that had left Florida and Jim Crow for the east side of Detroit. From an early age, she was instilled with a sense of Black awareness, love, and the importance of community in the face of hardships, including poverty, freezing winters, low pay, and slum landlords.
Fifty-five years ago, she married Juan Lopez. The couple has three children and has lived for decades in a neighborhood on the edge of downtown Oakland near Mosswood Park.
Said her husband, Juan, “Mama C has been a selfless mother of our own children, and she also became a teacher. Our home became a second home for many young people. For some, it was refuge from difficult home situations, and for others, a safe place to hang out.
“Throughout the years, Mama C was sometimes a foot soldier and other times a leader, immersed in some of the biggest national and citywide struggles of the day,” Juan said. “But less known to many is the role she played day in and day out where the rubber hits the road.
Mayor Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day’ ..
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brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.
Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently, the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.
His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X,” “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and “Da 5 Bloods,” among others.
“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.
ematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.
The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.
The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.
Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul ...
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The proposal follows recommendations from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group, co-facilitated by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and San Francisco Bay Area and Urban Research Association (SPUR).
Over five months, the group conducted more than 60 interviews, held 14 public meetings across Oakland, and engaged more than 750 residents while reviewing governance models used in other cities.
dations that if adopted could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across city government.”
Polling cited by the mayor’s office suggests voters may be open to the changes. A February 2026 poll by the East Bay Polling Institute found 64% of voters support adopting a strong-mayor system. Separate polling conducted by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and David Binder Research found support ranging from 61% to 63% among likely voters.
“The process of engaging residents across Oakland surfaced the governance clarity Oakland needs,” said Sujata Srivastava of SPUR. “The Charter Reform Working Group has produced a thoughtful set of recommen-
The measure is scheduled to be heard by the City Council Rules Committee on May 21. If approved by the council, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot, where Oakland voters would have the final say.
The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft ...
Said Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon, “I am an old friend of my sister here. We met in 1970 in the sugarcane fields of Cuba, where we were helping the Cuban government harvest their sugar. We have been friends ever since. She has always been someone who does not give in to despair.”
David Johnson, an educator in Oakland, was one of the neighborhood children who grew up in the community created by Mama C and her family.
“Cassandra Lopez is a beacon of light, full of compassion. She has dedicated her life to quality education to the poor and working class,” serving for 40 years as a Spanish teacher in Oakland schools, he said.
“She has dedicated her life to speak truth to power, justice to the silent, and as a member of the community, she advocates for programs and resources,” he said.
In her remarks, Mama C recognized the influence and power of all mothers. “Together, we all stand on the backs of our mothers. Mothers play a special role in society. We give when we have almost nothing left to give. We hurt when some people don’t see the hurt and the pain that our families endure. But we keep on moving forward.”
Looking at what African Americans, other people of color and working people face in the country today, she said, “We are deserving of the very best because our hands, our bodies produce the wealth of world, and yet we get the least. We see our country wholesale being stolen away from us, and we are told to grin and bear it. We’re not bearing it; we’re fighting against it.”
Continuing, she said, “There’s enough wealth in this world that there should be no hunger in the world. There should be nobody without a decent place to live.
Nobody should be sleeping on the street. Teachers should get the freedom to be creative and tell the stories that exist in this nation that make us strong and great.
“We have a lot to do. We cannot despair. We cannot run. People are learning, and together, collectively, we can do it.”
“For 35 years, she has shepherded the Mosswood Park and Recreation Center – through its good and bad times. If the Center exists (and thrives) today, it has to do with Mama C, working alongside neighbors, center directors, community advisory council, and when necessary, community coalitions, city officials, the religious community, and the labor movement.”
Supt. Dr. Denise Saddler’s Contract ...
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early part of the fall.”
Dr. Saddler was born and raised in Oakland, attended local schools, and has dedicated more than 45 years of her career to serving Oakland students and families.
She began her career in 1979 as a teacher of students with disabilities. Over the years, she has served as a teacher, principal, district leader, and teachers’ union president.
While working in OUSD, she has served as principal at Chabot
Elementary, area auperintendent, and executive leader for Community Engagement and Educational Transitions. She has also supported schools as a principal coach and substitute principal and taught at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Saddler holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College and master’s degrees in special education and in Staff Development and Administration.
The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between Lee and Lindo.
“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”
At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later, on Easter of 1973 in New York, the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger,” left a great impact on him.
“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.
Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.
Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.
The evening also featured a cin-
Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” he said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son there.
When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”
Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”
He advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.
“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”
“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”
Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes,” was also in attendance.
Legacy of William ‘Bill’
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“My father loved his community, and he loved working with EBMUD and spoke highly of his colleagues,” he said, standing alongside cousin Rise Jones Pichon, a former Santa Clara County Superior Court judge.
EBMUD Board President Luz Gómez praised Patterson’s resilience and dedication.
“As his health declined, he would spend half the day in the hospital and still come to our meetings,” she said. “There will never be another like him.”
Activist Cheryl Sudduth highlighted Patterson’s commitment to workforce development and youth empowerment. “He had the vision to bring water careers to students and the next generation,” she said, noting that participants in one of his initiatives received $2,000 stipends.
Sudduth also summed up one of Patterson’s guiding philosophies: “He told me it’s not enough to have a seat at the table. You need to have access to quality resources, the tools to build the table, and the skills to ensure everyone there can contribute. We should be more than a representation; we should reflect determination.”
EBMUD Board Member Andy Katz emphasized the importance of remembrance.
“When you die, you die twice, physically, and then when people stop saying your name,” he said. “By honoring him this way, his name will continue to be spoken for years to come.”
Others in attendance reflected on Patterson’s broad impact.
“It was a joy to watch him accomplish so much,” said EBMUD Board Member Marguerite Young. Business leader, Delane Sims
Patterson ...
added that Patterson became a trusted advisor to multiple Oakland mayors.
“We need young people to learn about him so they can become leaders capable of creating meaningful change,” Sims said.
Following public comments, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the bronze plaque in the boardroom foyer, along with signage officially renaming the space in Patterson’s honor.
Born in 1931, Patterson devoted more than seven decades to public service in Oakland and the broader East Bay. Appointed to the EBMUD Board in 1997, he served for 27 years and became its first African American board president. His leadership extended beyond water governance into civil rights, education, and community development.
A three-term president of the Oakland NAACP, Patterson also advised Oakland’s first Black mayor, Lionel Wilson, and played a key role in advancing equity, public health, and environmental justice. He served on the Urban Strategies Council and the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, further shaping public policy.
In 1971, Patterson was a founding director of the Peralta Colleges Foundation, which provides financial assistance and support to students across Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.
In addition, Patterson mentored countless young people through Oakland’s recreation programs, helping guide future leaders and even professional athletes. Though slight in stature, Patterson will always be remembered as a giant of a man.
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tice’ state, which means whoever appears first on record is the designated deed holder.
Deed theft escalated between 2013-23, the outcome of the subprime market, when people faced mass foreclosure and short sales.
By 2014 people, primarily Black and Brown, were fighting for their property.
In California, title theft (deed fraud) is a fast-growing threat often targeting high-equity homes, vacant land, and rentals. As of 2024, California leads the nation in real estate fraud with more than 1,583 cases costing roughly $24.8 million in losses in a single year, reflecting the state’s prime position for scammers due to high property values, the FBI reports.
Byars says, “Deed theft affects Black and Brown people: it is by design, leading to the erasure of people of color homeownership that is happening nationwide. In every big city across the United States, towns and municipalities, we are witnessing a mass exodus of Black and Brown people. This theft cannot occur without judges, notaries and law enforcement, it is a syndicate of players working together for the removal of people by
illegal ejectment or eviction.
The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft does court watch and constantly highlight the inequities in the court system.
Byars says, “This is a human rights crisis. Because of Wall Street and what New York signifies to the nation, know that no state is safe. Any person can come and create paper terrorism, slap forgery notes on homes; engage in illegal guardian procedures; initiate foreclosures; apply for fraudulent loan modifications; then there’s outright theft and forgery, just taking people’s homes. Believe me, it’s happening nationally and on the daily, These predators also target seniors over the age of 60 and women.”
The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft take direct actions against perpetrators and are working with the New York District Attorney to create an office dedicated to fighting deed theft.
“Two ways to protect your deed is to keep a note, never satisfy your mortgage, because the bank is the biggest gangster, but if you’re making a payment, it keeps them in check. Or put your home in a living trust, once you have a trust, it hides the owner’s name and protects the person from predators.”
Mayor Barbara Lee Joins National Public Safety Leaders to Advance Proven Violence Reduction Strategies
Oakland was one of four cities participating in a public safety convening. Courtesy image.
By Post Staff
Mayor Barbara Lee this week joined Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and public safety leaders from Oakland for a two-day meeting focused on advancing cutting-edge public safety strategies, including focused deterrence and violence reduction.
The meeting brought together civic and public safety leaders from Oakland and Indianapolis to locations in Baltimore and Philadelphia to share lessons learned and identify innovative approaches to crime prevention, intervention, and enforcement.
The participating cities are widely recognized for pioneering community-centered public safety models that prioritize prevention, accountability, and sustained investment in neighborhood-based solutions
Oakland’s delegation included Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) Chief Holly Joshi, Oakland Police Department Assistant Chief Casey Johnson, and Ceasefire Director Annette Jointer.
Oakland’s participation underscores its continued leadership in advancing evidence-based violence reduction strategies and building a public safety system that integrates law enforcement with community intervention and prevention programs.
Oakland continues to see historic reductions in violence, reflecting coordinated efforts across the Department of Violence Preven-
tion, Oakland Police Department, Ceasefire, and community-based partners, including:
• Violent crime down 22% Homicides down 39%
• Lowest homicide total in nearly 60 years
These gains reflect sustained investment in focused deterrence strategies, real-time intervention, and expanded community violence interruption programs.
“Public safety is not achieved by any one agency alone — it requires coordination, trust, and a shared commitment to prevention and accountability,” said Lee. “We are proud to stand alongside cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis that are proving what works. We are seeing real progress in reducing violence in our communities, and we remain committed to building on that momentum through strategies that center prevention, intervention, and strong partnerships with residents.”
“Oakland’s progress shows what is possible when cities invest in focused deterrence and wraparound supports that reach people most at risk,” said Joshi. “Our work is grounded in building trust, responding quickly to emerging conflicts, and connecting individuals to services that interrupt cycles of violence. This convening was an opportunity to strengthen that work through shared learning with peers who are advancing similar strategies nationwide.”
Johnson, “Effective public safety requires a balanced approach that combines accountability with deep collaboration across agencies and communities.”
“We are seeing meaningful reductions in violent crime because of strong partnerships between law enforcement, DVP, Ceasefire, and community organizations,” said Johnson. “Engaging with peer cities allows us to refine and improve the strategies that are making Oakland safer.”