Dis California Controller Malia M. Cohen Turns to Annual Audit to 50 Years Later, ‘Wake Up Everybody!’ Still Resonates Present ‘Clearer’ Picture of State’s Financial Health ... see page 2 During Black Music Month.. see page 2
Raye Jean Montague: Three Strikes, You’re In ... see page 4
California Love: Three Families, One Legacy — Oakland Honors the Burr, Shelby & Porter Families During Juneteenth Weekend.. see page 9
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
63nd Year, No. 25
Weekly Edition June 24 - 30, 2026
postnewsgroup.com
Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series
Local Civil Rights Attorney, Activist Walter Riley Reveals Life Lessons from 70 Years in the Movement By Ken Epstein
Photo by Billie Powers.
NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration
Special to The Post The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally
broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7. Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legisContinued on page 10
Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus. By Post Staff The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’ young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more. At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students
Alameda County Reparations Plan Heads to Supervisors June 30; Advocates Launch ‘Show Up’ Campaign
ages 8 - 17 from more than 10 different schools. Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in Continued on page 10
Walter Riley. Courtesy photo.
Prominent civil rights attorney and activist Walter Riley recently went on radio station KPFA 94.1 to discuss his new book co-authored with local veteran organizer Jesse Strauss: “Civil Rights and Structural Attacks: Conversations with Walter Riley.” Widely known in Oakland for his unifying leadership on issues of social justice and human rights, Riley is also recognized for his famous son, Raymond Continued on page 10
Costco Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with the City of Oakland Advances Out of Committee
Proposed project could generate millions in annual revenue, create hundreds of jobs, and expand access to affordable goods for residents
(Left) Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. File photo. (Right) District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. File photo.
Courtesy image.
for the City and Costco to negoBlack Repertory Group Needs Special to The Post tiate the terms of a future Lease Alameda County Administration Building. Photo courtesy of Alameda The Oakland City Council Volunteers to Help Shape the Next Disposition and Development County. is scheduled to consider an ExGeneration of Artists and Leaders clusive Negotiation Agreement Agreement and Ground Lease By Oakland Post Staff tion’s most extensive local reparaAfter nearly three years of research, public engagement and policy development, the Alameda County Reparations Commission (ACRC) is preparing to present its Draft Action Plan to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on June 30. The presentation marks a significant milestone in one of the na-
tions efforts. Community advocates are mobilizing residents across the county to attend the meeting and support the commission’s recommendations. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the commission’s action items during its June 30 meeting at 1:30 p.m. in Room 512 of Continued on page 10
By Sean Vaughn Scott Special to The Post
For more than 60 years, the Black Repertory Group (BRG) has changed lives through the arts. Founded in 1964 by educators and visionaries Birel L. Vaughn and Nora Vaughn, BRG has become one of America’s oldest continuously operating Black theater institutions. For generations, it
Left: Pastor Phyllis Scott. Courtesy photo. Current Oakland Community Chaplains include (left to right;) Pastor Anthony Grayson, Elder Candi Thornton, Rev. Ora Hicks, Elder Wile Knuckles, and Minister Kevin Holden. Courtesy photo.
has preserved culture, developed talent, and provided opportunities for young people to discover their voices and their potential. The results speak for themselves. Legendary performers such as Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover worked with and were inspired by BRG’s founders. More recently, Grammy award-winning Continued on page 10
(ENA) with Costco Wholesale Corporation for the potential development of a new Costco store in the North Gateway area of the former Oakland Army Base at its July 7 meeting. The proposed ENA, co-sponsored by Mayor Barbara Lee and City Councilmember Carroll Fife, would provide a framework
while Costco pursues required zoning and environmental approvals. The agreement follows direction from the City Council through Resolution No. 91000, adopted in 2025, which directed the administration to negotiate ENA terms and return them for Council consideration. Continued on page 10
California Love: Three Families, One Legacy — Oakland Honors the Burr, Shelby & Porter Families During Juneteenth Weekend
Oakland Community Chaplaincy Program is Seeking New Members
By Pastor Phyllis Scott Special to The Post
The Oakland Community Chaplaincy program is a nonprofit violence prevention program founded and located in Oakland, California. The chaplains are seeking new members to serve the needs of Oakland. Our main objective is to work with communities experiencing trauma and crisis, thereby minimizing the possibilities of retaliatory violence –
which means we are there during the most critical times of one’s life. We offer spiritual support, regardless of one’s faith or beliefs, by conducting hospital visits, end-of-life services, grief counseling and healing circles. In communities that have experienced acts of violence, we perform prayer walks and community safety walks. We also offer prayer and a listening ear for victims’ and survivors concerns, fears and needs. We also
provide resources and connect individuals to supportive agencies. Through its chaplaincy program, we fulfill requests by the Oakland Police Department to help bring calm to communities that may have experienced reckless acts of violence. If you are interested in joining the Oakland Community Chaplains, please reach out to Pastor Phyllis Scott at 510-689-9544 or findindhope2750@gmail.com
Left to right: Simone Goldman, Antoinette Porter, Rene Porter Harrison, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Sharon Porter Williams, and Andre AlPorter. Photo by Andre Al Porter. Read the full story on page 9