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Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
postnewsgroup.com
62nd Year, No. 19
Weekly Edition May 7 - 13, 2025
Finally! Smart Shoppers Can Find Tariff-Free 50% Off on 5,000 Cookbooks in Downtown Oakland
OPINION:
Alcatraz Island Prison Revisited Mayor-elect Barbara Lee; Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins. Courtesy photos.
Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins Submits Balanced Budget Mayor-Elect Barbara Lee Offers Priorities
By Ken Epstein
Richard “Razor” Johnson. Photo by Jonathan “Fitness”Jones. By Richard “Razor” Johnson For whatever reason, the President of the United States has come up with the bright idea of reopening the infamous fortress known as the U.S. Federal Penitentiary, Alcatraz. on Alcatraz Island, also known as the ‘Rock,’ has been closed as a prison since 1963 due to its horrible state of dilapidation, along with the operational cost that outweighed its effectiveness.
The irony about Trump’s desire to reopen it is that as the first president who has been convicted of 34 felonies he would’ve certainly been a prime candidate to serve time there. But for the fact of him holding the highest office in the land, he is a free man – for now. In my opinion, President Trump should be mindful of what he wishes for. Continued on page 8
COMMENTARY:
Black Psychologists’ Views on Mental Health
William A. Thomas, PhD. Courtesy Photo. By William A. Thomas, PhD Mental health services are defined as having received inpatient treatment/counseling, outpatient treatment/counseling, and/or prescription medication for emotional difficulties. Generally, it is assumed by policymakers in these United States, that Black people are “at risk” for mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, PTSD, unemployment, food insecurity, school dropouts/pushouts, frequent conflicts with juvenile/adult criminal justice systems, higher prison sentencing rates, higher rates of drug/alcohol abuse, suicidal/homicidal ideation, higher incidents of homicide, and increased incidents of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues in the Black community support the assumption that we are “at risk.” These conditions are, in many ways, caused by stressful and toxic living environments created by a history of social and legal discrimination – and, at times, perpetuated
by U.S. government policy. These have resulted in Blacks living in areas with high levels of crime, noise, and polluted land, air and water. A recent analysis of allocations for mental health center resources by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals an inverse relationship between the use of mental health center resources and the extent to which Black people are “at risk.” Under-utilization of services by Black people is a complex situation with multiple causes. In one study, people with perceived needs for mental health services who did not receive treatment in mental health settings attributed it to difficulty getting appointments; long wait times at clinics; not having insurance or enough money to pay for visits; lack of transportation to get to the clinic or doctor’s office; having no one to take care of young children; having too many other things going on; and experiencing shame or fear of being thought of as “weak” or “crazy.” In my view, Black people utilize mental health services to the same degree as does the general population if services are appropriate to their needs and are provided in an acceptable manner. In this regard, the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) offers Sawubona Healing Circles (SHCs), culturally affirming sacred spaces specifically offered to youth and adults of African ancestry to heal from racial trauma and societal stressors. Continued on page 8
Oakland may extend some public safety service cuts to balance a more than $260 million deficit over the next two years, according to the 2025-2027 budget proposed by Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins. The final budget decisions, however, will be made by the City Council and Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, after she takes office later this month. Despite the passage of an additional sales tax to fund police and
fire services, the proposed budget would maintain the closure of two fire stations and a cap on police overtime. In addition, questions remain about the likelihood of continued federal funding and significant increases in pension and benefits costs. Jenkins has said a parcel tax measure is a possibility in the future. “(This is) Oakland’s pathway to fiscal stability,” he said, accordContinued on page 8
Oakland Honors Rashidah Grinage for Decades of Service
Bookmark Bookstore at 10th and Broadway. Photo courtesy Bookmark Bookstore on Pinterest.. Special to The Post The Friends of the Oakland Public Library (FOPL) are cooking up something special for book lovers and foodies alike. Mark your calendars for the Spring 50% Off Sale at The Bookmark Bookstore in Old Oakland on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. With a freshly stocked collection of over 5,000 cookbooks, this quarterly sale promises to be a can’t-miss weekend for readers of all tastes. The entire store—already brimming with thousands of gently used, curated books and media—will be 50% off, includ-
ing fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and a particularly rich selection of culinary titles from around the globe. Sale Hours and Details: • Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: 50% off for members • Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: 50% off for everyone Saturday will feature extended store hours to give members extra time to browse and save. Not a member yet? Sign up on the spot and enjoy exclusive early access to the deals! Located at 933 Broadway, in a beautiful 1880s Delger Block Continued on page 8
Rashidah Grinage. Courtesy photo. By Ken Epstein The Oakland City Council this week recognized longtime public safety activist Rashidah Grinage for almost 30 years of tireless and tenacious commitment to ensuring public oversight of the Oakland police. “Rashidah Grinage’s legacy in advancing police accountability is distinguished by her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and enduring commitment to justice for Black and Brown communi-
ties in the City of Oakland,” said Council President Pro Tempore Noel Gallo, who introduced a resolution that was produced jointly with police reform activists Cathy Leonard, Mariano Contreras, and Larry White. The resolution passed 7-0 at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Council President Kevin Jenkins was absent while serving as interim mayor. The resolution recognized GriContinued on page 8
Mayor-Elect Barbara Lee Selects Chief of Staff
Miya Saika Chen. Photo courtesy Barbara Lee’s office. Mayor-elect Barbara Lee has appointed Miya Saika Chen as her chief of staff, CBS news reported. Chen is an Oakland native who
held a similar position with former Oakland District 2 City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas and was a senior adviser in the Obama administration. “Her extensive community network and relationships within Oakland’s strong base of nonprofits, small business and community stakeholders will help ensure a broad cross section of the community joining us for the hard work ahead,” said Lee, who will assume office on May 20.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta. File photo.
State AG Bonta Applauds Decision Blocking Trump Order on Library Funding Cuts
By Tony Hicks Bay City News
California Attorney General Rob Bonta applauded Tuesday’s decision by a federal judge to grant a preliminary injunction halting President Donald Trump’s administration’s dismantling of several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The order from U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island also temporarily stopped actions affecting the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service while litigation continues. Local librarians have said California gets anywhere from $16 million to $20 million a year in local grants from IMLS, which
provides more than $200 million annually for local libraries in all 50 states. On April 4, Bonta and 20 other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging what they said was the administration’s unlawful executive order directing several congressionally established agencies to eliminate “every component and function not required by statute and reduce their statutorily required functions and associated staff to the minimum required by law,” Bonta’s office said in a statement. Trump’s order also directed the Office of Management and Budget to deny these agencies authorization to spend federal funds already allocated by Congress for any functions beyond the miniContinued on page 8