City Institutes Mayor Lee’s Proposals to Strengthen Accountability and Improve Transparency
NPRC Calls for Review of Alameda County Local Court Rule to Protect Seniors’ Rights
City Council authorizes independent audits of the City’s contracting practices and technology uses OUSD classroom. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Unified School District.
Oakland Students Return to School Monday, Aug. 10
By Post Staff Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Erica Astrella, the mayor’s director of Data and Technology. Photo courtesy City of Oakland. By Post Staff The Oakland City Council approved two major independent audits this week that fulfill one of Mayor Barbara Lee’s key commitments to strengthen accountability, improve transparency, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively.
The approved legislation authorizes an independent forensic audit of the City’s contracting practices and a comprehensive independent technology audit of City operations. Together, these efforts represent one of the most significant reviews of critical areas of Oakland’s internal operations and reinforce the Continued on page 8
The first day of the 2026-27 school year is coming up fast, Monday, Aug. 10. Continuing a tradition at Oakland Unified School District, Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler will tour the district to share in the excitement of the first day of school, greet students, staff, and families, and witness the return to teaching and learning.
Saddler and her team will stop at one comprehensive high school, one 6-12 school, one middle school, one K-8 school, three elementary schools, and the Special Education Young Adult Program. Throughout the day, Saddler will be joined by various members of her leadership team, directors from the Board of Education, city leaders, and other partners and supporters.
Katherine Carter, center, with her husband, Credell Carter, left, and her daughter Venus Gist, right, defied a ruling when they left a hospice care facility in 2018. Photo by Venus Gist. By Tanya Dennis The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) is recommending a public review to learn whether a rule that assigns attorneys in probate proceedings complies with California’s conservatorship reforms and adequately
protects the rights of seniors and other conservatees. Alameda County Superior Court Local Rule 7.820 governs the appointment of legal counsel for conservatees and proposed conservatees in probate proceedings based on an individual’s circumstances and financial status. In 2021, following heightened public concern over conservatorship practices, including the widely publicized Britney Spears case, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1194, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. The legislation strengthened oversight of conservatorships, reduced potential conflicts of interest, and reinforced the rights of conservatees. Among its key principles is that conservatees are entitled to legal counsel who serve as independent, zealous advocates for their expressed wishes. The law Continued on page 8
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
postnewsgroup.com
63nd Year, No. 31
Weekly Edition August 5 - 11, 2026
Port of Oakland Appoints Sharla Sullivan as Director of Social Responsibility
Author Monica Faith Walker signs a copy of her book, “Gimme My Joy Back: A Collection of Faith- full Victories,” at a reading in Berkeley. Photo by Carla Thomas.
Local Author of ‘Gimme My Joy Back’ Testifies on Spiritual Sharla Sullivan, a Bay Area native and mother of three, has decades Restoration in Memoir of experience in community engagement, workforce development.
By Carla Thomas
On Sunday, July 19, Bay Area author Monica Faith Walker welcomed readers and community members to Covenant Church in Berkeley for an intimate and inspiring book-signing centered on her memoir, “Gimme My Joy Back: A Collection of Faith-full Victories.” The event drew approximately 40 attendees, creating a warm and attentive atmosphere for reflection and connection. Facilitated by her bestie, Joy Worthington, the conversation offered a deeper look into the heart of Walker’s book. “Gimme My Joy Back,” Walker’s reflective and faith-centered memoir, gave voice to her personal journey through life’s challenges while emphasizing resilience, healing, and spiritual restoration.
Through candid storytelling, she shared moments of loss, growth, and rediscovery, ultimately pointing readers toward reclaiming joy through faith and perseverance. During the discussion, Walker spoke openly about the emotional and spiritual experiences that shaped the book. “There came a time when I was super frustrated, broken, depressed, angry, financial challenged, and my husband’s health was declining,” said Walker. “Everything was happening all at once. I felt like I was praying miracles and healing for others, but my prayers went unanswered.” Her transparency resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom nodded in recognition as she described navigating difficult seasons and finding purpose Continued on page 8
Courtesy photo.
Special to The Post The Port of Oakland haas announced the appointment of Sharla Sullivan as its new director of Social Responsibility, effective Aug. 4. Sullivan will lead the agency’s priorities to expand contracting and business opportunities for small and local businesses, promote workforce development, and advance the Port’s community engagement initiatives. “Sharla is a well-known champion in our community with a strong passion and expertise in de-
veloping economic growth for all residents, from all backgrounds,” said Kristi McKenney, the Port of Oakland’s executive director. “Under Sharla’s leadership, we’re looking forward to continuing to expand the Port’s impact to provide more jobs and careers for local residents, and more opportunities for our small businesses in Oakland.” “Sharla brings a unique combination of community credibility, strategic vision, and proven leadership to the Port of Oakland,” said Matt Davis, the Port’s chief public Continued on page 8
Regina Harris, owner of Prideful Patches at her studio in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.
Oakland’s Prideful Patchez Turns Fashion into Cultural Expression
By Carla Thomas
Small business owner Regina Harris has served the city of Oakland for more than 30 years. Today, she is serving the culture in full fashion through her company,
Prideful Patchez. Located near the intersection of 60th Street and Shattuck Avenue, Harris’ storefront, now in its third year, is filled with bold, vibrant, and eye-catching patches, along Continued on page 8
Bay Cities Baptist Ministers Union Holds City-Wide Revival
Oakland Holds Symposium to Aid Outdoor Vendors
Geared towards food truck,
push-cart, other mobile vendors, and Temporary Food Facility operators; this all-day event offers education, technical assistance, permitting and licensing services from City of Oakland and Alameda County agencies – all in one place. The clinic will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 2-6 p.m. at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts at 10 10th St. Live music will kick off the event at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the event. Those who complete registration will receive a voucher for food and beverage provided at the event
by local Oakland-based operators. Advance registration is encouraged, and translation services will be available. In general, non-motorizedpushcart roaming vendors can vend on any city sidewalk as long as they comply with sidewalk clearances, buffer distances and special permissions. Stationary Vendors can vend on parking lanes, sidewalks, private property or city owned property in commercial or industrial zones. As long as they comply with sidewalk clearances, buffer distances, parking requirements, and special permissions. Continued on page 8
Participants at the 60-year anniversary of the Chicago fair housing march include Common, left, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, right) holding an umbrella for Dr. Bernice A. King, center. Photo credit: Inner-city Muslim Action Network (IMAN).
Sixty Years Later, Chicago Courtesy image. Bay Cities Baptist Minis- sionary Baptist Church, located at Marchers Retrace Dr. King’s tersTheUnion is proud to present its 5717 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, CA 38th Annual City Wide Revival, 94605. Services will commence Path Through Marquette Park an event that will feature two of the promptly at 6:30 p.m.each evening.
By Brandon Patterson
CHICAGO — Six decades after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was struck by a rock while marching against housing segregation on Chicago’s Southwest Side, a new generation re-
turned to Marquette Park over the weekend to carry forward his unfinished work. The Aug. 1 gathering, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” retraced the route King and about 700 Chicago Freedom Movement Continued on page 8
nation’s most prominent expository gospel preachers. This revival is being conducted under the distinguished leadership of President Joe L. Smith. Dr. Frank E. Ray is scheduled to deliver sermons over three consecutive evenings at God Hope Mis-
Dr. Tellis J. Chapman will be preaching for three days at the historic Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, situated at 5800 San Pablo Ave., Oakland/Emeryville. Services are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. daily.