Dis California Dems ‘Squabble Up’ in National Redistricting Battle ... see page 2
Newsom’s Office Challenges Report on $20 Fast Food Wage Increase ... see page 2
First African Baptist Church: A Beacon of Faith and Freedom... see page 4
OPINION: Trump is Federalizing DC Cops. Is Oakland Next? ... see page 7
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
New Supt. Denise Saddler Visits 9 Schools for Opening of 2025-26 School Year ‘We need every student in class, on time, every day ready to learn,’ said Dr. Saddler
Greenlining Institute Hosts Leadership Academy 2025 Graduation
By Carla Thomas
OUSD Superintendent Denise Saddler greets students (left). Oakland Students are ready for the opening of school. Photos courtesy of Oakland Unified School District. By Ken Epstein School reopens in Oakland this week, with tens of thousands of students and several thousand teachers returning to classrooms for their first time since May. The district’s new superintendent, Dr. Denise Saddler, who assumed the position on July 1, visited nine schools Monday to observe classes on the first day and meet and welcome school families to the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Saddler, a veteran education professional with decades of
experience as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator in Oakland, visited United Nation Child Development Center, MetWest High School, La Escuelita Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Peralta Elementary, Montera Middle School, Madison Park Academy Elementary, Frick United Academy of Language, and Fremont High School. “There is nothing quite like the excitement and energy of a first day of school,” said Dr. Saddler in statement. “Classrooms are decorated,
school floors are gleaming, playgrounds are bustling, students are reconnecting, and then the bell rings, and it’s ‘go’ time. Our educators (are welcoming) students into their classes to embark on a shared journey of teaching and learning for the next nine months,” she said. Introducing herself to those who have not met her before, Dr. Saddler said, “I was born and raised in Oakland and have spent more than four decades working in OUSD. And no matter my role in the district, the first day of school is always exciting Continued on page 10
The Greenlining Institute and the Greenlining Academy Alumni Association held their Leadership Academy 2025 Graduation on Friday, Aug. 8, at their headquarters in downtown Oakland. The sights and sounds of Mexico kicked off the celebration with a performance by Mariachi San Carlos. Six students were recognized for completing the organization’s 11-month incubator session designed to provide trainees with the skills and knowledge to boldly fight for social and racial justice. Advocacy and leadership graduates included Angel Lin, Dohee Kim, Eva Pitts, Gyaso Pigott, Swelihle “Sweswe” Tembe, and Sydney Guthrie. Lin works with the Technology Equity team to develop a strategic understanding of existing and emerging regulations surrounding the algorithmic systems making key Continued on page 10
Breast Expert and Surgeon Dr. Candice Nicole Thompson Speaks at Allen Temple Health Fair
Oakland is updating its 2045 General Plan with new options for growth around the city. The different options detail specific areas of the community that would receive the most investment and development in the next 20 years. IStock photo.
Oakland is Making Updated Plans for the Future. Here is What They’re Suggesting
By Magaly Muñoz
Oakland is in the next phase of updating its general plan for growth across the city. The new ideas will guide its development for the next 20 years. The plan called “Oakland for All: Options for How We Stabilize and Grow” was released in late July with several options for priorities on where and what the city should implement by 2045. The three options include Option A: A City of Neighborhoods; Option B: Connected Corridors and Gateways; and Option C: Midtown Waterfront District.
62nd Year, No. 33
Weekly Edition August 13 - 19, 2025
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Option A would make Oakland neighborhoods more accessible by creating 18 walkable, mixed-use neighborhood centers that combine housing, transit, food and entertainment, and public use amenities, like parks and plazas. Option B would significantly grow the city’s transit development by building residential and commercial use projects along the busiest streets and corridors. More frequent transit services and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists would be available under this option. Option C would transform the
industrial area along the Central Estuary that connects to San Francisco by constructing new homes, businesses, parks, and other commercial businesses. New transit would connect the Fruitvale and San Antonio neighborhoods to this area, creating new job and housing opportunities. While each option has its own set of priorities for development, all the options would include growth in Downtown Oakland, transportation corridors, existing neighborhoods, employment opportunities related to hospitals and Continued on page 10
By Antoinette Porter
Trump Sends Troops to D.C., Threatens Oakland and Other Major Cities
‘His remarks (are) fearmongering and politically motivated — especially targeting predominantly Black-led cities,’ said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee
National Guard troops like these in Los Angeles on June 8 may be deployed to Oakland. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters. By Ken Epstein President Donald Trump, who himself has faced many accusations and charges of criminal behavior, fraud, and public corruption, has sent National Guard soldiers to the streets of Washington, D.C. allegedly to fight crime and warned the city’s homeless residents to get out of town immediately. He said he might expand the crackdown to other major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Baltimore, and Oakland,
all cities with Democratic leadership and African American mayors. “We’re not going to lose our cities over this. This will go further. We’re starting very strongly with D.C., and we’re going to clean it up real quick,” Trump said, quoted in U.S. Today. Already turning parts of Los Angeles into war zones at times, the President has troops and federal immigration agents roaming communities in Southern CaliContinued on page 10
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Gachagua and former Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, meet journalists at an Orinda Hills estate. Photo by Carla Thomas. Breast health expert and surgeon Dr. Candice Nicole Thompson presents at Allen Temple Health Fair. Photo By Carla Thomas.
Former Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya Visits Bay Area
By Carla Thomas
The Kenyan community of the Bay Area welcomed His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president of the Republic of Kenya to a town hall at Holy Names University in Oakland on Aug. 8 The historic visit marked a moment of pride and recognition for the African immigrant community in the Bay Area, which has long contributed to the region's cultural and economic fabric but has often been underrepresented in
civic events. The former deputy president's presence in the Bay Area is a significant gesture of connection between the African diaspora and global leadership. During the town hall, Gachagua discussed the state of Kenya, and a call to action to liberate the nation from dictatorship, economic mismanagement, and abuses of the law. "We must put an end to corruption, extrajudicial killings, Continued on page 10
which began on July 13 with nine
alongside Donnell Garrett and
special appearances by other Bay
audiences
take place on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at
Blood will minister in its praise
By Carla Thomas On Aug. 9, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Candice Nicole Thompson delivered an insightful and informative presentation at the Allen Temple Baptist Church Annual Health Fair in Oakland. Her talk focused on disparities in breast cancer treatment, the urgency of early detection in Black communities, and the need for culturally competent care. “Regular self-exams and recogContinued on page 10
Gregory Cole Production’s ‘Best In Bay Area Gospel’ Competition at Beebe Memorial
Antoinette Porter. Photo by Dan Bowden.
The Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church is proud to host a spirited competition showcasing some of the Bay Area's most gifted gospel artists. Contestants are vying for a professionally recorded single contract as the first-place prize, with the second-place winner receiving $5,000. The Gospel competition,
talented artists, has already blessed with
phenomenal
the
competition
Artemis Lee. The next round will
performances in the opening rounds.
As
Beebe Memorial Cathedral, 3900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.
advances to the semifinal rounds,
The evening will be hosted
Renona Westley and Chantel
by Ashling Cole, a contestant
Seymore have secured their spots in the finals. Ikeysha Green and Paul Davis also earned places in
the second round of semifinals,
from BET Sunday’s Best Season Rev. Dr. Kenneth Miller, pastor of Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church. Courtesy photo.
10. Attendees will not only be blessed by the contestants'
performances but will also enjoy
Area artists. The Power in the
dance performances, and three
local choirs will minister in song: Anthony Washington and Levitical Movement, Rachelle Rogers-Ard & the Bay Area Mass Choir, and
Kris Scott & The Adult Voices
of Citadel. The contestants have Continued on page 10