City Government
OP-ED: Open Process Will Strengthen Redrawing of Oakland Districts
Last month, the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act and put the rights of voters of color at risk.
This week, Oakland residents can step forward and do their part to defend these critical rights. Will you stand and be counted at these public hearings?
The 2010 Census showed demographic shifts in Oakland’s population and – with the power of the Voting Rights Act behind it – established the need for a transparent, engaging redistricting process in 2013.
As leading advocates for open data, transparent public process, government accountability and equity, we know that district lines can be drawn to hold neighborhoods together, or to divide them; to dilute the voting strength of people of color, or to elevate their communities of interest.
Oakland’s citywide vote has been unbalanced for some time. While district lines are initially drawn on the basis of total population, historic housing segregation patterns put more eligible, registered and high-turnout voters in Districts 1 and 4.
In citywide campaigns, it is common knowledge that political consultants focus their efforts on these two districts, historically disproportionately white, creating a vicious cycle where residents more likely to vote receive more campaign information and reinforcement of their voting behavior.
Between the years 2000 and 2010, Oakland lost overall population – but gained voting age population. Within that voting age population, the numbers of Latino and Asian residents increased dramatically, especially in East Oakland districts.
However, white residents also increased, especially in gentrifying condo developments that attracted residents from across the Bay Area. While the City’s African-American population declined, this community remains concentrated in compact, contiguous communities of interest – and a transparent, open redistricting process can protect all communities’ interests for the next decade.
The district lines we draw matter because they both reflect and shape communities of interest. Defining the district often determines whose voice is heard on what issues. That is why voting rights advocates have fought so hard to protect “one person, one vote” and the rights of communities of interest under redistricting.
It is time for open data and an open process that allows Oaklanders to learn more about their community – and their rights. We commend the City Council for broadening outreach and engagement efforts and look forward to a robust process.
Urban Strategies Council is proud to partner with ACCE, Oakland Rising, League of Women Voters of Oakland and concerned residents to engage Oaklanders in learning more about Voting Rights, redistricting, and one person, one vote.
Our coalition is honored to have received funding from the James Irvine Foundation to support this work. You can learn more and add your voice at www.oaklandvotes.org or follow #OaklandVotes on Twitter.
An Oakland Votes redistricting meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday July 13 at the Dimond Recreation Center, 3860 Hanly Road in Oakland.
Junious Williams is the CEO of Urban Strategies Council, a social impact organization using research, policy, collaboration, innovation and advocacy to achieve equity and social justice.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Alameda County
DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland
Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.
Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.
City Government
Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Special to The Post
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.
Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”
According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.
“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”
When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.
At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”
While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.
“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.
The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.
-
Community2 weeks ago
Financial Assistance Bill for Descendants of Enslaved Persons to Help Them Purchase, Own, or Maintain a Home
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 3 – 6, 2024
-
Business2 weeks ago
V.P. Kamala Harris: Americans With Criminal Records Will Soon Be Eligible for SBA Loans
-
Community2 weeks ago
AG Bonta Says Oakland School Leaders Should Comply with State Laws to Avoid ‘Disparate Harm’ When Closing or Merging Schools
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 10 – 16, 2024
-
Community2 weeks ago
Oakland WNBA Player to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
-
Community2 weeks ago
Richmond Nonprofit Helps Ex-Felons Get Back on Their Feet
-
Community2 weeks ago
RPAL to Rename Technology Center for Retired Police Captain Arthur Lee Johnson