Dis Special Interview: Rep. Barbara Lee Discusses Kamala Harris’ Plan for Black Men. see page 2
Black Tulip Calls for Action and a Cultural Shift in Oakland for Black Women’s Safety .... see page 4
10 Actions to Take Charge of Your Personal Finances .. see page 11
Endorsements of Candidates and Ballot Measures ... see page 6
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
postnewsgroup.com
61st Year, No. 43
Weekly Edition. Edition. October 23 - 29, 2024
History is Made: Oakland Youth Cast Their Ballots for the First Time for School Board Elections Members of Oaklanders Defending Democracy political action committee with Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, center. Courtesy photo.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao thanked more than 100 faith leaders who say a recall is unfair. Photo by Kevin Hicks.
Oakland’s Clergy Leaders Say Vote ‘No’ to Recall of Mayor Sheng Thao
By Post Staff
Local faith leaders spoke out
at a press conference this week at the Democratic Party election
headquarters office in Oakland to express their support for Mayor Sheng Thao.
They also urged Oakland resi-
dents to vote “No” on the recall on the Nov. 5 ballot. The leaders in this interfaith coalition, representing the diversity of Oakland’s religious community, organized the press conference on Oct. 22 to show they are standing united against the recall. Speakers said they were
Oakland’s Asian Community Rallies Against Recall of Mayor Sheng Thao
concerned that a successful recall would throw the city and its finances into chaos. If the recall were successful, the city would have five mayors in three years, creating dysfunction at a time the city desperately needs stable leadership to focus on Continued on page 12
Oakland Unified School District high school teens gathered at Alameda County courthouse to cast their ballots for school board directors. This is the first time in Oakland’s history that students 16 and 17 years old are allowed to vote in local elections. Photo by Magaly Muñoz. By Magaly Muñoz
After five years of campaigning and fighting to be heard, Oakland teens have finally crossed the finish line and began casting their ballots for city school board director elections outside of Alameda County Courthouse this week.
‘We’re saving lives in Oakland. What we are doing works,’ said Mayor Thao
In 2019, after a series of school closures throughout the district, many students felt as if their voices were not being heard or considered when the school board made decisions that would have lasting impacts on their education. This prompted the championing Continued on page 12
In the City Attorney Race, Ryan Richardson Is Better for Oakland OPINION
By Margaret Rossoff Special to The Post
It’s been two years since negotiations broke down between the City of Oakland and a developer who wants to build a coal terminal here, and the issue has reappeared, quietly, in the upcoming race for Oakland City attorney. Two candidates are running Continued on page 12
2024 Local Elections: Q&A for Oakland Unified School Board Candidates, District 7
Patrice Berry, Oakland Unified School District board candidate for District 5. Photo courtesy of candidate.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao spoke Tuesday, Oct. 15, at a unity rally to oppose the campaign to recall her two years into her four-year term. Photo by Ken Epstein. By Ken Epstein Self-assured and defiant, Mayor Sheng Thao strongly defended her achievements during her first two years as mayor and went on the offensive against billionaires who are funding the recall campaign against her. Thao was speaking at a rally Oct. 15 in Oakland Chinatown, backed by about 100 supporters. “Oakland has seen unprecedented challenges during and since the pandemic,” Thao said. “But I stand with you today to tell you that “Oak-
land has seen 14,000 less crimes this year than last year. This year, we’re headed on the right track,” with fewer homicides than in 2019. “We are saving lives in Oakland. What we are doing works,” she said. Local community and business leaders supporting Thao spoke at the rally, too, which was held in the courtyard of the Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Chinatown. They pushed back on corporate media portrayals of Chinatown residents living in fear of rampant crime and Continued on page 12
School Board Candidate for District 5 Believes Budget is the Biggest Issue for OUSD By Magaly Muñoz
In a few weeks, Oakland residents will vote for new school board directors in four districts across the city. The Post reached out to the eight candidates across Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 to see what their views are on various topics concerning the OUSD community. Below are questions and answers from District 5 candidate Patrice Berry. Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez, the other D5 candidate, did not respond to requests for written or phone interview responses. Responses have been edited for
Dr. Clifford Thompson, Oakland Unified School District board director candidate. Photo courtesy of candidate. By Magaly Muñoz
2024. This initiative is a collab-
orative effort by the County of Alameda, the City of Oakland, and the Oakland Unified School District, The Post reached out to the eight candidates across Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 to see what their views are on various topics concerning the OUSD community. Below are questions and answers from District 7 candidate ClifContinued on page 12
The 1975 NBA World Cham-
the “Cardiac Kids” as they were
The City of Oakland provided
pionship team was invited back
called back then for their ability
proclamations to all parties with
to the City of Oakland last Friday
to make great comeback victories
to be properly celebrated for their
during their run for the title.
speeches made by city leadership
In a few weeks, Oakland residents will vote for new school board directors in four separate districts across the city. For the first time in California’s history, 16- and 17-yearolds in Oakland will be able to vote in their respective school board elections in November
City of Oakland Celebrates 1975 NBA World Champs Golden State Warriors
By Donald Lacy Special to The Post
Warriors players Charles Dudley (left) and Clifford Ray (right) embrace Love Life Foundation director, Donald E. Lacy, Jr. (center), for his antiviolence mission. Photo by Kevin Hicks..
length and clarity. Q1: What do you think the biggest challenge will be to address while on the board? Berry: The very biggest challenge for the board is probably balancing the budget in the short term while also establishing a plan for fiscal sustainability. It’s worth noting that in addition to our fiscal challenges, OUSD faces these big challenges: low literacy, math, and postsecondary readiness performance and public safety. Another opportunity includes improving student and educator well-being. Q2: Given the large financial Continued on page 12
As part of Love Life Week, the Love Life Foundation was honored to produce the 1974-75 World Champion Golden State Warrior Day. It’s a shame that our first Bay Area World Championship team’s unique accolades had been lost in the pre social media era and the cultural revolution of the 1970s.
ground-breaking performance in 1975.
Warriors great Chris Mullin and former spiritual advisor Gary
including Mayor Sheng Thao and Deputy Mayor Dr. Kimberly Mayfield and activity host Love
The heartwarming ceremony
Reeves gave heartfelt testimonies
highlighted the recent passing
of their experiences under Attles’
of the legendary coach of that
leadership and their relationship
team, Al Attlles, and his former
with the inspiration they received
There will be a celebration of
players Clifford Ray and Charles
from the NBA 1975 World Cham-
life event Nov. 9 honoring Attles’
Dudley were on hand to represent
pion Golden State Warriors.
legacy at Alameda College.
Life non-profit founder and Executive Director Donald E. Lacy Jr..