Government

Eli Ferran Challenges Incumbent Barbara Parker in Oakland City Attorney Election 2020

Published

5 years ago

September 25, 2020

Kiki

There are two candidates running for Oakland City Attorney, the incumbent, Barbara Parker and former Deputy City Attorney Eli Ferran.

Parker has been in the office since 1991 and was elected City Attorney in 2013. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and is a single mother of one, and a grandmother of two. Parker lives in District 2.

Ferran joined the Oakland City Attorney Office in 2008 and left in June of 2020. He is married with three children and attended law school at Loyola University in New Orleans with a brief post-Katrina evacuation stint at the University of San Francisco. Ferran resides in District 6.

The Oakland Post asked both candidates their views on three issues impacting Oakland residents: housing/homelessness, climate change, and predatory lending practices.

In their own words, here are their brief thoughts on the three issues:

Parker on Housing/Homelessness:

City Attorney Barbara Parker

I envision Oakland as a city of progressive neighborhoods, policies, and actions. Since becoming City Attorney, I proved my commitment to housing rights and homelessness prevention by authoring/sponsoring tenant protection legislation, such as the EQUAL, Fair Chance and Eviction Moratorium Ordinances.

I pursue strategic litigation to protect vulnerable tenants from abusive landlords. My commitment led to energizing our community-directed Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC), in part seeking to preserve Oakland’s racial, income, and professional diversity. The NLC has filed lawsuits that resulted in the creation of affordable housing.

In one case of substandard housing and numerous code violations, we secured a $485,000 settlement, the owner was removed and 90 units of affordable housing were created for 55 years.

I believe individuals re-entering from incarceration should not be penalized in housing, so I co-sponsored an ordinance prohibiting consideration of criminal records in rental housing applications. Because aggrieved tenants deserve protection and compensation, I secured over $1 million in various case settlements, successfully intervened in over a dozen cases during the pandemic to immediately protect tenants, allowing them to stay in their homes and stop landlords from removing belongings and changing locks.

My commitment to affordable housing and alleviating homelessness is absolute.

Parker on Climate Change

As a member of the human species, I recognize climate change as our existential challenge. In response, as City Attorney, I have not been afraid of going after the big guys. I have not shied away from suing -and will continue to go after multinational corporations for damaging our environment.

As a lead plaintiff, we have agreed to $550 million to settle a class-action lawsuit against Monsanto for contaminating waterways across the country with toxic chemicals.

I am prosecuting a public nuisance lawsuit against five major, international fossil fuel companies, including Chevron and Exxon Mobil, for their role in global warming.

After hard-fought litigation, Oakland and nine other cities and counties secured a $305 million settlement from lead paint manufacturers to clean up lead paint that poisons tens of thousands of children in California; and I successfully sued a company for discharging massive amounts of dangerous dust potentially containing asbestos or other hazardous materials into West Oakland neighborhoods and the City’s stormwater system. I continue fighting to stop the handling and storage of coal at the former Oakland Army Base. I vow to continue as a relentless protector of our environment.

Parker on Predatory Lending Practices

As City Attorney, I believe in pushing the envelope as far as legally and ethically possible to protect Oaklanders. My actions extend to stepping in when regulatory institutions fail us. It is no secret that the banking industry, including Wells Fargo, has taken advantage – illegally – of low-income and communities of color. In response, I filed a lawsuit against Wells Fargo for predatory and racially discriminatory mortgage-lending practices against African American and Latinx borrowers in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. Wells Fargo fought back with its considerable legal resources and money.

Nonetheless, in our David vs. Goliath story, the Federal Court of Appeals recently upheld Oakland’s right to proceed with our lawsuit. This lawsuit seeks to stop these predatory practices and to compensate Oakland for lost property taxes and other damages the City suffered as a result of the foreclosure crisis that resulted in part due to predatory lending practices.

I will continue to seek ways to protect Oaklanders financially, be it against big banks, payday lenders, or others who try to take undue advantage of our residents.

For more information go to http://www.parkerforoakland.com

Ferran on Housing/Homelessness

Eli Ferran

Many in my generation of Black Oakland residents despite, education and good jobs are not able to purchase property in the City. In addition to dealing with the COVID pandemic, we are still experiencing the consequences of discriminatory policies such as redlining and an affordability crisis. Due to discriminatory lending and housing practices, those who inherit property are unable to benefit from an increase in equity that would allow them to maintain the property. About 70% of homeless people in Oakland are Black residents, and we must work with the unhoused community, homeless advocates, City staff, and councilmembers to provide real solutions to this humanitarian crisis. Those solutions include a range of emergency, transitional, and permanent housing. As City Attorney, I will work with councilmembers and City staff to make sure these policies are legal and enforced. We must also call on Alameda County to play a great role in providing mental health and housing solutions.

The housing affordability crisis is not only an Oakland problem, but it is also a regional problem that requires regional and state-wide cooperation and solutions. The City can, however, improve the elements within its control such as the zoning and permit process. As City Attorney, I would encourage the City Council to implement fair and equitable policies that encourage homeownership within Oakland. This can be accomplished by the following: (1) Establishing a dedicated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) attorney within the City Attorney’s Office; (2) Recommending amendments to the California Building Standards Code to the Building Standards Commission; (3) Reviewing and updating regulations affecting the Planning and Building Dept.; (4) Creating and implementing a faster Planning and Building Dept. permit process; (5) Streamlining the process for building accessory dwelling units (ADU’s); and by (6) Effective use of state density bonus rules for new housing.

Ferran on Climate Change

These are unprecedented times. We are seeing wildfires spread across 3.1 million acres in California thus far, forcing thousands out of their homes. This is in addition to a pandemic with no end in sight that is disproportionately hurting low-income communities of color. Make no mistake, we are seeing the devastating consequence of climate change right before our eyes. We need climate leadership now because the alternative is not an option.

I am running for Oakland City Attorney because I believe that it is incumbent upon every one of us to build a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. We cannot sit idly by when corporations are diminishing the air quality in our neighborhoods. As City Attorney, I will fight to hold accountable industrial polluters and work to equitably reduce Oakland’s climate emissions.

I will actively enforce the City’s Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) to minimize Oakland’s contribution to climate change, focus on creating good green jobs, and improve air quality. I will be a visible, proactive, and progressive City Attorney, who will work to expand our capacity to be more responsive to the needs of our communities, especially those victimized by environmental racism.

Ferran on Predatory Lending Practices

Housing is arguably the greatest civil rights issue of our time. Historically, the government has instituted barriers to homeownership and tenancy for Black families. Neighborhood associations, landlords and financial institutions have all played a role, by promoting racial zoning laws and policies that discriminate against Black and brown homeowners seeking mortgage loans.

It is not acceptable that as recently as the early 2000’s Black communities were targeted with subprime mortgages by financial institutions. The Black community was deeply affected by the economic downturn that displaced many long time Oakland residents. The economic outcome of this pandemic is not certain; however, we must be pro-active and implement policies to prevent the same devastating effects that occurred in the last housing crisis.

As City Attorney, I will review the housing policy and laws that contribute to predatory lending. We must make it easier, not harder, to build more affordable housing. While being mindful of development’s impact on historically Black and Brown neighborhoods, which through the years have faced increasing gentrification, further displacing working-class people of color out of Oakland. As City Attorney, I will create a space for open dialogue and more transparency, where stakeholders such as community leaders and housing advocates can participate in the process.

For more information go to http://www.eliforoakland.com

Kiki

Posts by Kiki | Website

Up Next

Amid Pandemic Hardship, Two New Laws Expand Mental Health Coverage 

Don't Miss

Candidates For Oakland’s District 5 Share Their Platforms

Kiki

Click to comment

Activism

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Black Women’s Think Tank Founder Kellie Todd Griffin

As the president and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Griffin is on a mission to shift the narrative and outcomes for Black women and girls. She founded the nation’s first Black Women’s Think Tank, securing $5 million in state funding to fuel policy change.

Published

1 day ago

December 14, 2025

Oakland Post

Kellie Todd Griffin. CBM file photo.

By Edward Henderson
California Black Media

With more than 25 years of experience spanning public affairs, community engagement, strategy, marketing, and communications, Kellie Todd Griffin is recognized across California as a leader who mobilizes people and policy around issues that matter.

Griffin spoke with California Black Media (CBM) about her successes and setbacks in 2025 and her hopes for 2026.

Looking back at 2025, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

Our greatest achievement in this year is we got an opportunity to honor the work of 35 Black women throughout California who are trailblazing the way for the next generation of leaders.

How did your leadership, efforts and investments as president and CEO California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

We’re training the next leaders. We have been able to train 35 women over a two-year period, and we’re about to start a new cohort of another 30 women. We also have trained over 500 middle and high school girls in leadership, advocacy, and financial literacy.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

Getting the question, “why.” Why advocate for Black women? Why invest in Black people, Black communities? It’s always constantly having to explain that, although we are aware that there are other populations that are in great need, the quality-of-life indices for Black Californians continue to decrease. Our life expectancies are decreasing. Our unhoused population is increasing. Our health outcomes remain the worst.

We’re not asking anyone to choose one group to prioritize. We are saying, though, in addition to your investments into our immigrant brothers and sisters – or our religious brothers and sisters – we are also asking you to uplift the needs of Black Californians. That way, all of us can move forward together.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

I’ve always been amazed by the joy of Black women in the midst of crisis.

That is really our secret sauce. We don’t let the current state of any issue take our joy from us. It may break us a little bit. We may get tired a little bit. But we find ways to express that – through the arts, through music, through poetry.

What is one lesson you learned in 2025 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Reset. It’s so important not to be sitting still. We have a new administration. We’re seeing data showing that Black women have the largest unemployment rate. We’ve lost so many jobs. We can have rest – we can be restful – but we have to continue the resistance.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians faced in 2025?

Motivation.

I choose motivation because of the tiredness. What is going to motivate us to be involved in 2026?

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

I want to get Black Californians in spaces and places of power and influence – as well as opportunities to thrive economically, socially, and physically.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland School Board Grapples with Potential $100 Million Shortfall Next Year

The school board approved Superintendent Denise Saddler’s plan for major cuts to schools and the district office, but they are still trying to avoid outside pressure to close flatland schools.

Published

1 day ago

December 14, 2025

Oakland Post

OUSD Supt. Denise Saddler. File photo.

By Post Staff

The Oakland Board of Education is continuing to grapple with a massive $100 million shortfall next year, which represents about 20% of the district’s general fund budget.

The school board approved Superintendent Denise Saddler’s plan for major cuts to schools and the district office, but they are still trying to avoid outside pressure to close flatland schools.

Without cuts, OUSD is under threat of being taken over by the state. The district only emerged from state receivership in July after 22 years.

“We want to make sure the cuts are away from the kids,” said Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland Education Association, the teachers’ union. “There are too many things that are important and critical to instruction, to protecting our most vulnerable kids, to safety.”

The school district has been considering different scenarios for budget cuts proposed by the superintendent, including athletics, libraries, clubs, teacher programs, and school security.

The plan approved at Wednesday’s board meeting, which is not yet finalized, is estimated to save around $103 million.

Staff is now looking at decreasing central office staff and cutting extra-curricular budgets, such as for sports and library services. It will also review contracts for outside consultants, limiting classroom supplies and examine the possibility of school closures, which is a popular proposal among state and county officials and privatizers though after decades of Oakland school closures, has been shown to save little if any money.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Mayor Lee, City Leaders Announce $334 Million Bond Sale for Affordable Housing, Roads, Park Renovations, Libraries and Senior Centers

Saying “Oakland is on the move,” Mayor Barbara Lee announces results of Measure U bond sale, Dec. 9, at Oakland City Hall with city councilmembers and city staff among those present. Photo courtesy of the City of Oakland.

Published

1 day ago

December 14, 2025

Oakland Post

Saying “Oakland is on the move,” Mayor Barbara Lee announces results of Measure U bond sale, Dec. 9, at Oakland City Hall with city councilmembers and city staff among those present. Photo courtesy of the City of Oakland.

By Post Staff

The City of Oakland announced this week that it is successfully moving forward on the sale of $334 million of General Obligation bonds, a milestone that will provide the city with capital funding for city departments to deliver paved roads, restored public facilities, and investments in affordable housing.

“Oakland is on the move and building momentum with this bond sale,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “We are reviving access to funding for paving our streets, restoring public facilities we all use and depend upon, and investing in affordable housing for our community, all while maintaining transparency and fiscal discipline.”

“These bonds represent our city’s continued commitment to sound financial management and responsible investment in Oakland’s future,” said Lee.

“Together, we are strengthening our foundation for generations to come,” she said. “I’m grateful to our partners in the City Council for their leadership and support, and to City Administrator Jestin Johnson for driving this process and ensuring we brought it home.”

According to the city, $285 million of the bonds will support new projects and $49 million of the bonds will refund existing bonds for debt service savings.

Oakland issued the Measure U bonds on Dec. 4 after two years of delays over concerns about the city’s financial outlook. They all sold in less than a week.

The new money bonds will pay for affordable housing, roadway safety and infrastructure improvements, and renovations to parks, libraries, senior centers, and other public facilities under the city’s Measure U Authorization.

Citywide paving and streetscape projects will create safer streets for Oaklanders. Additionally, critical facilities like the East Oakland Senior Center and San Antonio Park will receive much-needed renovations, according to the city.

Some of the projects:

$50.5 million – Citywide Street Resurfacing
$13 million – Complete Streets Capital Program
$9.5 million – Curb Ramps Program
$30 million – Acquisition & Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing
$33 million – District 3: Mandela Transit-Oriented Development
$28 million – District 6: Liberation Park Development
$3 million – District 5: Brookdale Recreation Center Capital Project
$1.5 million – District 1: Oakland Tool Lending Library (Temescal Branch Library)
$10 million – District 3: Oakland Ice Center

“I recognize that many naysayers said we couldn’t do it,” said Johnson. “Well, you know what? We’re here now. And we’re going to be here next year and the year after. The fact is we’re getting our fiscal house in order. We said we were going to do it — and we’re doing it.”

Investors placed $638 million in orders for the $334 million of bonds offered by the City. There was broad investor demand with 26 separate investment firms placing orders. The oversubscription ultimately allowed the city to lower the final interest rates offered to investors and reduce the city’s borrowing cost.

“The oversubscription ultimately allowed the City to lower the final interest rates offered to investors and reduce the City’s borrowing cost,” said Sean Maher, the city’s communications director.

“The Oakland City Council worked closely with the administration to both advance the bond issuance process and ensure that the community had a clear understanding of the City’s timeline and approach,” said Councilmember at-Large Rowena Brown.

“In September, the City Council took unanimous action to authorize the Administration to move forward with the bond sale because these funds are essential to delivering the very improvements our communities have long asked for – safer streets, restored public facilities, and expanded affordable housing,” she said.

Continuing, Brown said, “I want to extend my sincere thanks to City Administrator Jestin Johnson, Finance Director Bradley Johnson, and Mayor Barbara Lee for their leadership, diligence, and steady guidance throughout the City’s bond sale efforts.

“Navigating complex market conditions while keeping Oakland’s long-term infrastructure needs front and center is no small task, and this moment reflects tremendous professionalism and persistence,” she said.

Moody’s gave the city an AA2 rating on the bonds, its third-highest rating, which it gives to high-quality investment-grade securities.

There was both a tax-exempt portion and a taxable portion for the bond offering, reflecting the various uses of the bond proceeds, according to a statement released by the city.

The $143.5 million of tax-exempt bonds have a 30-year final maturity and received an all-in borrowing cost of 3.99%. The $191 million of taxable bonds have a 24-year final maturity and received an all-in borrowing cost of 5.55%.

The $49 million in tax-exempt bonds that refinance existing obligations of the City resulted in $5.6 million of debt service savings for taxpayers through 2039, or $4.7 million on a present value basis.

Mayor Lee said that, based on her experience serving on the House Financial Services Committee of the U.S. Congress for more than 10 years, city staff has done an exemplary job.

“I have witnessed many cities go to the bond market throughout the years,” she said. “I can tell you with certainty that Oakland’s team is remarkable, and our residents should be proud of their reputation, their competence, and their deep knowledge of this very sophisticated market.”

Looking ahead to the final sale of the bonds, according to the city press statement, pricing marks the point at which the City and investors locked in the final dollar amounts, interest rates, and other key terms of the bond sale. This stage is commonly referred to as the sale date. At pricing, no funds are exchanged. The actual delivery of bonds and receipt of monies occurs at closing, which is scheduled within the next two weeks.

Capital projects receiving this funding will proceed on individual timelines based on their individual conditions and needs. At the time of closing, funding will be immediately available to those projects.