Community

Black Coalition Sends Open Letter to Mayor Schaaf Demanding Answers on OPD Actions

Published

8 years ago

August 4, 2017

We, the undersigned, are concerned by your lack of control over the Oakland Police Department (OPD) and the resulting impact on the African American community. The Department’s continuing lack of respect for the African American community as evidenced by Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt’s recent report, and OPD’s failure to address systemic racial inequities in policing policies after 14 years of a Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA) is extremely problematic.

Historically, Oakland’s African American communities have been besieged with crime. Residents are treated as suspects when we are victims. We are arrested at disproportionate rates. Far too often we have had to suffer the indignities of officers who are less respectful; and we have tolerated elected and appointed officials who seem incapable or unwilling to meaningfully address these longstanding issues. Our tolerance has worn thin. We don’t want any more apologies; protestations of accountability; or good intentions. Oakland’s African American community demands strategic engagement, transparent actions aligned to firm deadlines and the elimination of excuses for inaction.

The recent scandals, cover-ups; and reports set forth below have severely tarnished OPD’s reputation and image throughout the community. Our confidence in you and the Department have been severely diminished. We respectfully seek answers to the questions below to begin the process to repair the relationship with our community, and to restore our confidence and trust.

Stanford Report issued March 26, 2017, Demonstrating Lack of Respectfulness of African Americans by OPD Officers.

Please specify what tangible steps will be taken to address the issues raised by Dr. Eberhardt’s recently released report.
The timeline for implementation.
The methods to evaluate success.

Recent Las Vegas Street/Muhammad Mosque Incidents.

The Las Vegas Street incident and the recent Muhammad Mosque incident are eerily similar. In both, a white man terrorized African Americans unfettered while OPD responded with great patience and tolerance for the suspect. In the Las Vegas incident despite the shooting his weapon at a homeless African American gentleman, OPD waited a week before taking definitive action. At the Mosque OPD allowed the suspect to remain in his apartment unfettered for two hours.

Rather than exercise procedural justice with the victims, the members of the Mosque, OPD exercised procedural justice with the white suspect.

Please indicate all policy changes and corrective steps taken after the Las Vegas incident to address OPD’s inadequate response. Please provide copies. If no action was taken, why explain why not.
Please explain why these procedures were not implemented in the recent Mosque incident.
Please provide a written critical incident review/after action report for both incidents.
Please provide copies of all policies and procedures utilized by officers responding to both incidents.
Provide a copy of the policy regarding notification of Council/Mayor.

Recent Promotions

The recent expedited promotion of Assistant Chief John Lois and Captain Roland Holmgren are troubling at best. Both gentlemen are implicated in public records, the Swanson report, and various media outlets in conduct which calls into question their supervisory abilities, leadership, judgement, and compliance with the requirements of the negotiated settlement agreement. Given this cloud, it would have been prudent to complete any investigation prior to their promotion. Unfortunately, the public is now left with the assumption that you either don’t care about these potential transgressions, or that you condone their behavior because in the face of this information, and absent a transparent investigation which completely exonerates them, you promoted them.

Please advise whether you will conduct a transparent investigation of the allegations against these individuals.

Swanson Report Uncovers a Culture of Cover-Ups.

It appears that none of the officers or supervisors who observed the misconduct in the Guap matter were ever investigated, and if appropriate, disciplined by the Oakland Police Department. This is true even though they failed to report the misconduct, stop the misconduct, or discipline their subordinates for the misconduct.=

Please prepare a list of every incident in the Swanson report that OPD believes constituted potential misconduct and/or deficient performance and procedures and investigate and/or make inquiries accordingly.
Please state whether any allegation of potential misconduct referenced above that was investigated was sustained or not sustained.
Please state what was the discipline that was imposed regarding any allegation that was sustained.
Please state whether any of the incidents that constituted potential misconduct and/or deficient performance and procedure was not investigated and give the reason for the failure to investigate said incidents/behavior.
Please state, for each incident that constituted potential misconduct and/or deficient performance and procedure the date of the occurrence and the 3304 date.
if you have determined that any of the incidents/behavior referenced above that cannot be investigated because of the deadlines imposed by Government Code 3304 or for some other reason please set forth the reason.
Please identify the person(s) most responsible for any of the incidents/behavior that should have been investigated and were not investigated.
Please state whether the person(s) identified in Number 6 above will be subject to discipline and if so, whether it will be conducted in a timely manner and who will be responsible for the investigation.

The community demands and deserves an effective, respectful, and accountable police force. The issues raised above must be fully addressed as they have an adverse effect on already tenuous community inter-actions with the Department. We look forward to your thorough response. Please provide responses to each question within 15 days to the address listed above. Upon receipt of your responses we look forward to meeting with you to determine next steps.

Respectfully,

Desley Brooks, Oakland City Council, District 6
Keith Carson, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 5
Darleen Brooks, Former Member, Democratic Central Committee
Aaron Goodwin, Former Commissioner, Alameda County Oakland Coliseum JPA
Frank Tucker, Former President, 100 Black Men
Jumoke Hinton Hodge. BOE Director District3 OUSD
Bishop Keith Clark, Word Assembly of Churches
Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry, Senior Pastor, First A.M.E. Church Oakland
Rev. L. J. Jennings, Senior Pastor, Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship
Rev. Dr. Gerald Agee, Friendship Christian Center
Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll, St., Church By The Side Of The Road
Rev. Raymond E. Lankford, Healthy Communities, Inc.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Van Hook, Pastor, Community Church
Rev. Brondon Reems, Pastor, Center of Hope Community Church
Rev. Maria Reems, Pastor, Center of Hope Community Church
D’Wayne Wiggins, Internationally Known Recording Artist, Toni, Tony, Tone
Siri Brown, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Peralta Community College District
Michelle Hailey, Real Estate Agent
Assata Olugbala, Community Advocate
Elena Serrano, Member, Eastside Arts Alliance
Candice Elder, East Oakland Collective
Tony Coleman, Bikes 4 Life
Toni Cook, Former Director, BOE Oakland Unified School District
Dr. Lynn Dodd, Administrator, Educational Leadership
Pamela Price, Attorney
Carroll Fife, Director, Community Advocate
Nehanda Imara, Community Advocate
Gus Newport, Former Mayor, City of Berkeley
Simone Delucchi, Program Coordinator
Tonya Love, Community Advocate
Monetta O. Gilbert, Community Member
Ryane Yarborough, Community Member
Jiayu He, Community Member
Martinet Phan, Community Member
Simone Thelemaque, President, BWOPA, Oakland/Berkeley Chapter
Charles Washington, Community Member

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.

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2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.