Bay Area

D.A. Pamela Price Clarifies Duties, Concerns In Sit-Down With Community Stakeholders

I had the privilege to have a sit-down interview with Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price on July 16. Accompanying me were Post News Group publisher Dr. Paul Cobb and owner Gay Plair Cobb; Jonathan ‘Fitness’ Jones from African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and Dr. Maritony Yavot from Life Impact for Humanity (LIFH).

Published

10 months ago

July 25, 2023

Oakland Post

(l-r) Alameda D.A. Pamela Price, Gay Plair Cobb, Dr. Paul Cobb, Richard Johnson, Dr. Maritony Yamot. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.

By Richard Johnson

And Post Staff

As columnist and founder of Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back (FIGB), I am grateful for the opportunity to interview Madam D.A. Price. My intention was not to dwell on negative opinions or preconceived notions. Instead, I approached the conversation with objectivity, seeking the truth and focusing on solutions, objectives, and the law.

I was aware of various news outlets that held preconceived ideas and outright biases. Being a formerly incarcerated person, trust was a significant factor in our discussion. Rather than assigning blame or harboring animosity, I wanted to ask questions and seek understanding.

I posed several questions to Price that were specifically related to her role as district attorney and what she can do to address problems within her jurisdiction. It was important for me to differentiate her responsibilities from those of the county’s various mayors, police chiefs, supervisors, and members of city councils. I understood that she holds a specific position with specific tasks.

My first question to her was about her plans, services, and resources for assisting the formerly incarcerated in finding stable employment or receiving skills training for employment.

My second question focused on her opinion regarding the concept of “Giving Back” for those who have committed crimes. I asked whether activities like volunteering with faith-based groups or pursuing education or technical skills could be considered a form of restorative justice.

Her responses to both questions were a resounding “yes.” As a columnist, formerly incarcerated person, and representative of a nonprofit organization, I was pleased with her sincere answers.

In a separate interview, Yamot engaged Price on various topics concerning the formerly incarcerated community and promoting civic engagement. Yamot’s first question focused on the DA’s willingness to meet with organizations such as FIGB, Life Impact for Humanity (LIFH), and faith community-based developers to encourage affordable housing initiatives.

Without hesitation, Price responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” Her support for building affordable housing, including tiny homes, and utilizing county-owned properties, showcased her commitment to address housing challenges.

The second question touched on the role of the DA’s office in bringing solutions, particularly for youth, based on successful methods used to end interracial hostilities within prisons.

Additionally, Yamot asked if the office could act as a drum major in promoting housing, jobs, and recreational opportunities for the community.

DA Price affirmed her office’s active involvement in supporting re-entry programs, providing opportunities, and encouraging businesses and city government to invest in these efforts. She emphasized the need to consider diverse perspectives to advocate effectively for the community’s needs.

In a separate interview, Cobb raised essential questions regarding civic engagement and voting among the formerly incarcerated population. DA Price expressed her strong support for initiatives encouraging formerly incarcerated individuals to exercise their voting rights and participate in public meetings to learn about the government.

She acknowledged the importance of amplifying the voices of those impacted by the justice system and their families, emphasizing that civic engagement fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.

Addressing concerns about fear and hesitation within certain communities, particularly regarding voting registration, Price committed to collaborating with clergy and faith communities to dispel such apprehensions. She drew parallels to the struggles faced by immigrant communities in engaging with law enforcement, stressing the importance of combatting fear and encouraging all voices to be part of the conversation.

Regarding the media’s perception, Dr. Cobb questioned why news reporters immediately turn to Price when criminal activities occur, almost treating her as the chief of police or mayor. Price acknowledged the misconception and shared her intention to work with her communications team to address this issue.

She highlighted the need for balanced reporting and ensuring that voices from various sectors of the community are represented in public safety discussions.

It is crucial for individuals in positions of trust and authority to fulfill their job descriptions and responsibilities.

After speaking with Price, it became clear that her role primarily involves prosecuting lawbreakers and enforcing the law as mandated. Arrests, street patrols, and city ordinances fall under the jurisdiction of elected City officials.

Instead of criticizing with personal sentiments unrelated to problem-solving, the City of Oakland requires significant attention and repair. It is imperative for those in power to utilize their authority to serve the city’s best interests and prevent its destruction.

In summary, the interviews with Price reveal her unwavering commitment to collaborative initiatives and civic engagement. With a focus on addressing the challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated and encouraging community involvement, Price aims to bring positive changes that benefit all residents of Alameda County.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 8 – 14, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May May 8 – 14, 2024

Published

3 days ago

May 10, 2024

Oakland Post

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.

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S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

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Bay Area

Mayor London Breed: State Awards San Francisco Over $37M for Affordable Housing

On April 30, Mayor London N. Breed announced San Francisco has been awarded more than $37.9 million in funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as part of the State’s Multifamily Housing Program (MHP). The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed (File Photo)

By Oakland Post Staff

The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.

The new development at 1515 South Van Ness Ave. will provide 168 affordable homes to low-income families, formerly homeless families, and persons living with HIV earning between 25-80% of the San Francisco Area Median Income (AMI).

In addition, the project is anticipated to provide family-friendly amenities and ground floor community-serving commercial spaces that preserve the prevailing neighborhood character of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.

“This funding unlocks our ability to move on building affordable housing units for families in San Francisco at a crucial time. We understand the level of need for more housing that is accessible, and like the state, the city continues to face a challenging budget cycle,” said Breed. “1515 South Van Ness is a good example of what can be achieved in San Francisco when you have strong community partnerships and an unwavering commitment to deliver on critical needs for our residents.”

“From the beginning of my term as Supervisor, I have fought to bring affordable housing to 1515 South Van Ness” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “In the interim, the site has been utilized for homeless services and shelter, and I am thrilled that HCD has recognized the value of this development, and we are finally ready to break ground and bring 168 affordable homes to low income and formerly homeless families in the Mission.”

Owned and occupied by McMillan Electric Company until 2015, the City and County of San Francisco purchased 1515 South Van Ness Avenue in June 2019 with the intent of developing new affordable housing.

In November 2020, the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) released a Multi-site Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified developers to build affordable housing on the site, and subsequently selected Chinatown Community Development Corporation (CCDC) and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) in May 2021 to develop the site.

The project is expected to begin construction in winter 2025.

“A strong, long-term push by Mission advocates to make this site 100% affordable is now paying off, with 168 family units that include services and childcare. People of color communities know what they need, and we are excited to be in partnership with a team, consisting of MEDA, CCDC, and MOHCD, that listens,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director at CCDC.

“We are excited to be in partnership with CCDC, yet again, and for the opportunity to develop intergenerational affordable housing in the City’s Mission District,” said Luis Granados, executive director at MEDA.

Increasing housing affordable to lower-income and vulnerable residents is a key priority in the City’s Housing Element which calls for additional funding for affordable housing production and preservation, as well as Mayor Breed’s Housing for All Executive Directive that sets out the steps the City will take to meet the bold goal of allowing for 82,000 new homes to be built over the next eight years.

Tuesday’s funding announcement emphasizes the importance of regional and state collaboration in order to reach our housing and climate goals.

“We are thrilled—not just to bring a project of this size to a community with great need — but to do so with community-based developers and their partners who understand the neighborhood and sensitivities around cultural preservation,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez.