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THE POST, April 9 - 15, 2025 Page 11
Sacramento: Hilary Swank Joins Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson to Support Maternal Health Bill
Dis How Trump’s Dismantling of the Department of Education California Kicks Off Earthquake Preparedness Month with Gabriel Graves - College Corps Cohort Inspires Inland Empire Students to Put Their Best Foot Forward ... see page 8 Life-Saving Digital Tools, Events ... see page 7 Could Impact California ... see page 2
Pastors Learn How to Recognize Mental Health Issues at ‘Look Up and Live’ Session in Richmond... see page 11
Oakland Post
Dr. Ammar Saheli (left) is a licensed therapist and Pastor Henry Washington of Garden of Peace Ministries in Richmond. Courtesy photos.
Pastors Learn How to Recognize Mental Health Issues at ‘Look Up and Live’ Session in Richmond
By Sabrina Saunders Special to The Post
Courtesy of Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson’s Facebook page. By Bo Tefu California Black Media
by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Unleaded Kids. If passed, California would become the first state to implement such regulations. Weber Pierson posted on the social media app BlueSky, “A huge thank you to Academy Awardwinning actress Hilary Ann Swank and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG ) for testifying in support of my bill, SB 646!” Weber Pierson is also the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Provisions in SB 646 respond to an environmental research study that revealed 15% of tested prenatal vitamins exceed California’s Proposition 65 lead safety threshold. Other toxic elements found include cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. If the law passes, SB 646 would require companies to test repre-
sentative samples and publish results online by 2027. Labels would include a QR code linking to the test data. Swank, who is Chief Innovation Officer at the brand HealthyBaby, said transparency empowers consumers and pushes industry standards higher. “Producing products for babies requires a constant dedication to improving our standards,” she said. Currently, no federal law requires prenatal supplement testing for heavy metals. EWG’s Melanie Benesh said the bill fills a critical gap in consumer protection. “Pregnant people deserve to know what’s in the vitamins they rely on,” she said. Weber Pierson said the bill protects both fetal and maternal health. “Everyone deserves to trust the products they rely on during pregnancy. We must put health and safety first,” she posted.
Last week, actresspeople and entre“Where there is no vision, the perish...” Proverbs 29:18 preneur Hilary Swank visited the State Capitol in Sacramento to advocate for Senate Bill (SB) 646, a proposed California law that would mandate prenatal vitamin manufacturers to test for — and to publicly disclose — heavy metal levels in their products. Swank, testifying before the Senate Health Committee on April 2, emphasized the importance of transparency for maternal and fetal health. “As a mother and entrepreneur, I’m dedicated to protecting both my family and yours,” she said. “Prenatal vitamins are vital for maternal and fetal health, but recent studies reveal that too many contain harmful heavy metals that can damage developing babies.” The bill, authored by State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) in February, is co-sponsored
Though ready to counsel their congregants on matters of the spirit, pastors can become unprepared ‘first responders’ when they face mental health problems beyond their professional capacity. ‘Look Up and Live: Ask the Therapist’ is a series of monthly meetings to help pastors learn more about what it means to be healthy mentally. In collaboration with the Contra Costa County Health Department, pastors are trained to recognize signs of mental health struggles in themselves and others. Once identified, these pastors are equipped to provide referrals to licensed mental health professionals. These sessions and trainings are open to all senior pastors, with the shared hope that their communities will continue to benefit from this work—and
move toward healthier, stron- VID-19 pandemic, which disger futures. proportionately affected Black The next ‘listening session’ communities in both illness will be on April 21 at Garden and mortality. of Peace Ministries, located The initiative was launched at 4127 Wall Ave., Richmond by the One Accord Project unfrom 5:30-7:30 p.m. The ses- der the leadership of Executive sions are free for all senior pas- Director Sabrina Saunders and tors, and a complimentary din- the sessions are guided by Dr. ner is provided. Ammar Saheli, a licensed therPastor Henry Washington, apist. who hosts the sessions, shares: This senior pastors’ group “It has been great to be with all for men (there is a separate these men as they learn about women’s group) meets regumental health and bare their larly to address a wide range hearts.” of mental health topics that imThe project’s core mission is pact both church leaders and to break down the long-standing stigma surrounding men- the communities they serve. tal health—particularly within These monthly gatherings create a safe and supportive space thehow Africanto American applycommutools needed to renity. The goal is to raise aware- for senior pastors to explore mental health—both in their vitalize Oakland’s downtown, ness about the serious consepersonal lives and in the lives quences of untreated mental uptown, and neighborhood busiof their congregants. health issues. nesses. African Amer- Register at https://bit.ly/ Historically, For more icans and public health Barbara Leeinsti-willMenMH be able to informatutions have had a complicat- tion, contact Sabrina Saununify thea truth citybrought around ders Oakland’s at 510-221-1765 or email ed relationship, to the forefront budget during the COcritical and oneaccord08@gmail.com. financial is-
62nd Year, No. 15
Vote Barbara Lee for Mayor Weekly Edition April 9 - 15, 2025
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Oakland Public Library Volunteers and ‘Friends’ Just Serve
Oakland Post Endorses Barbara Lee
Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo.
THE RIGHT MORTGAGE AWAITS.
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 Pictured from left to right: Top Row- Victoria Barbero (FC*), Lesley Mandros-Bell (FC), Gay Plair Cobb (CC*), Karen Roye (CC), Brittany Rae affordable housing, public safety, Buckmire (CC), Mary Cain-Simon (CC), Caleb Smith (FC), Carolyn Jones (CC). Bottom Row- Jamie Turbak (Library Director), Mary Forte (FC), and fiscal accountability. Alternier Cook (FC), Karen Zukor (CC), Gabrielle Sloane Law (CC). *FC denotes Former Commissioner denotes Current Commissioner. You and haveCC your dream home in mind, and we have the toolsAs and aexpertise guide business formerto small you on your path to homeownership. At City National,® we offer a variety of mortgage Photo Courtesy of Oakland Pulic Library. owner,process. Barbara Lee understands options and a dedicated team to streamline your homebuying
sues, since she will walk into the mayor’s office with the support of a super majority of seven city council members — enabling her to achieve much-needed consensus on moving Oakland into a successful future. It is notable that many of those who fought politically on both sides of the recent recall election battles have now laid down their weapons and become brothers and sisters in support of Barbara Lee. The Oakland Post is pleased to join them.
On Sunday, April 6, Oakland Public Library Commissioners joined the 13th Annual Oakland Public Library Advocates Mixer. The event honored library The Post contacted all Oakland mayoral Let us help you turn the key to your first home or your next home. volunteers, including Library Commissioners and Friends of Oakland Public Library who celebrate 75 years of service in 2025. April is National Volunteer candidates with questions to be answered by Month. Oakland Public Library expressed gratitude for the support of volunteers and donors and all those who generously contribute to strengthen the Friday, March 14. Renia Webb and Loren Taylor library and Oakland community. Let’s connect at cnb.com/mortgages
Women’s Cancer Resources Center Seeks Participants in ‘Swim A Mile | Move A Mile’ Fundraiser
Carol, a cancer survivor, has been training since January to participate in the fundraiser where participants can swim or walk to support the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. Courtesy photo. Special to The Post
I am grateful to be alive and anx-
Carol first heard about the “Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer” fundraiser event from her oncologist. That was six years ago. She hasn’t missed a year since. “As a 15-year cancer survivor,
ious to raise much-needed funds for women who are battling cancer,” she says. Each spring, participants take part in the Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer, a
OUSD Removes Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell
Oakland’s Iconic Soul Beat Network is Back – ‘Soul Beat is Oakland’ Says Chuck Johnson
After decades of anticipation, the legendary Soul Beat Network headed by Chuck Johnson, who also bears the same name of its original legendary 1978 founder Chuck Johnson, is making its return to television. Johnson restarted the Soul Beat Network on April 4, 2025. Soul Beat will air every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST on KTOP-TV (a cityowned channel), Johnson shared online. “Soul Beat’s new programming will be a dynamic mix of original content, historical retrospectives, and contemporary storytelling,” said Johnson.
He said viewers will be able to view Soul Beat in the following ways: • Comcast Xfinity: You can find KTOP-TV10 on channel 10 within the Xfinity lineup. • Other ways to access KTOP: You can also stream KTOPTV10 24/7 on the City of Oakland website • AT&T U-Verse: KTOP-TV10 is also available on channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse. “Follow us at @soulbeattv on Instagram, Soulbeatnetwork on Facebook and YouTube, and check out our website at www.soulbeatnetwork.com,” says Johnson.
Oakland Mayor Special Election Q&A with Eric Simpson
fundraiser for the Women’s Cancer Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Resource Center (WCRC). They Women with Cancer has been raiscommit to raising money before ing money for the WCRC for 30 completing a mile in the water or years. WCRC provides free theron land. Some swim laps, some apy, support groups, and wellness Equal Housing Lender, NMLSR #536994 walk in the shallow end, and others programs for women with cancer All loansare. and lines of are subjectand to credit and property review and approval. Loans must be secured participate from wherever they incredit Alameda Contra Costa counby a first lien on a 1–4 family residential dwelling. Additional terms and conditions apply. Not all applicants will qualify. All stated rates,The terms,organization and discounts are subject changecliwithout notice. The event is not about competition. ties. also tohelps National Bank Member FDIC. City National Bank is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. It is about making sure freeCity cancer ents navigate financial and practical ©2025 City National Bank. All Rights Reserved. cnb.com® is a registered trademark of City National Bank. (Left) Eric Simpson, Socialist 2713100-07 services are available to women and challenges that come with a cancer Workers Party candidate for caregivers in Alameda and Contra diagnosis. Oakland Mayor, at a rally for Costa counties, but the event draws Every participant in Swim A immigrant rights in Delano, participants from Sonoma and Mile | Move A Mile for Women with California on March 31. (Right) Marin counties as well. Cancer fundraises to keep these proLaura Garza, Socialist Workers Carol returns each year with a grams free. Party candidate for Mayor of personal goal. “My goal is to have Carol’s Advice to Others Los Angeles. Courtesy Photo. a better time each year. I have been Carol encourages anyone thinktraining since January.” ing about signing up to take part. By Magaly Muñoz She describes the experience in “You can do it! If you don’t swim, In preparation for the upcoming one word: “Exhilarating.” there are other ways to participate.” Oakland mayoral special election But for her, the event is about She will be back in the water May on April 15, the Oakland Post more than the time it takes to com- 3-4, joining others who have helped interviewed mayoral candidate plete a mile. “I am stronger than sustain the event for three decades. Eric Simpson. The questions I think, and I am so proud of us as Join her. Be part of this 30-year focused on his plans for budget participants and proud of those bat- tradition of strength, support, and priorities and policies to ensure tling cancer currently.” community. Oakland remains a welcoming Thirty Years of Community To sign up or learn more, visit place to live. Support www.wcrc.org/swim. Other candidates in the race
Chuck Johnson leads Soul Beat Network. Photo courtesy Soul Beat.
Special to the Post
did not submit responses.
Kyla Johnson Trammell. Photo courtesy The Business Journal. By Post Staff The Oakland Unified School District Board of Education voted this week to remove Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell as the district continues to wrestle with a huge budget deficit and the threat of school closings and employee layoffs. Johnson-Trammell will finish
out the 2024-25 school year and a search for her replacement will begin. The school board provided no explanation for the surprise decision after they voted 4-1 to remove Johnson-Trammell. She has served as superintendent for almost 10 years, was one of the highest paid superintendents in California, earning a total compensation package of $637,036.42 a year, considerably above what superintendents earn in the San Diego County area, which — at $470,000 — has the highest average superintendent salaries in the state. The superintendent’s current contract was approved by the school board less than a year ago, granting her a pay raise and a final three-year contract extension through the 2027 school year. Under that contract, she would Continued on page 12
include Barbara Lee, Loren Taylor, Renia Webb, Susanne Robinson, Elizabeth Swaney, Peter Liu, Mindy Pechenuk, and President Cristina Grappo. Below are Simpson’s written responses. What is your plan to address public safety concerns with residents? We have to start with the world to understand the crisis in Oakland. The crisis of capitalism is pushing competing countries to trade wars
and shooting wars, to deepening attacks on workers’ wages, working conditions and social services. Millions of workers can’t find work or can’t pay the bills with the jobs we have. Young people find it challenging to afford living on their own, buying a car, or forming a family. Social scourges like drug and alcohol addiction, petty crime and mental illness are rampant. The dog-eat-dog values of capitalism permeate society. But working-class resistance is rising. The recent strikes by San Francisco hotel workers and San Jose transit drivers are examples. When labor and social movements rise, working people awaken to our worth, our dignity, our history, as Malcolm X said. We must build a mass working-class movement based on values of solidarity on the road to ending the dictatorship of capital and replacing it with a workers' government. That is the road to ending crime, addiction and alienation. What are your budget priorities? What experience do you have dealing with large budgets and how will you boost Oakland’s economy? The Socialist Workers Party opposes all sales and property taxes, which disproportionately affect working people. End the taxes, fees and red tape that drive mom-and-pop businesses to bankruptcy. Continued on page 12
Loren Taylor. File photo.
Loren Taylor Receives Last-Minute $280,000 Contribution from Committee with a Donor Who Was a Business Partner of Elon Musk
By Ken Epstein
As Oakland’s bitter mayoral race concludes, a last-minute $280,000 contribution to support Loren Taylor came from an independent campaign committee, whose largest individual donor has ties to Elon Musk, according to the East Bay Times.
The $70,000 contribution to
the
Independent
Expenditure
committee (IE), called Responsible Leadership for Oakland, was made by Max Hodak, a San Francisco biomedical engineer. Hodak has been involved in various Bay Area tech startups, including NeuContinued on page 12