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OP-ED: Why Our City Leaders are at the Climate Negotiations in Paris

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2015

By Nancy Skinner

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has joined 10 US Mayors at the 2015 U.N. Climate Change Summit, which is currently underway in Paris. An organization called ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (which is located in Downtown Oakland) has developed the “Local Climate Leaders Circle,” which is made up of Mayor Schaaf and the mayors of 9 cities throughout the United States. In addition to its presence in Oakland, ICLEI has 10 international offices, working with over 2000 cities worldwide to support local leaders focused on community development that is healthy for people, the environment, and the economy.

You might be wondering why should Mayors be at the Paris talks, what do cities have to do with climate change? Interestingly cities have a lot to do with climate change. Cities are where the majority of our planet’s residents live so as the planet heats up and sea levels rise cities will be especially stressed. Cities are also the economic engines with most of that economic activity powered from burning fossil fuels which in turn is the source of most of the carbon emissions causing climate change. In fact cities are responsible for about 70% of global carbon emissions.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf spoke at a panel discussion at the Convention on Climate Change in Paris lat week.

Here on the eastside of the San Francisco Bay, some of Oakland’s most important economic activity is located right at sea level. Think of the impact that sea level rise can have on the Port which loads and discharges more than 99 percent of the containerized goods moving through Northern California, or on the Oakland Airport with its runways skirting the Bay.

And what about impacts to our West Oakland neighborhoods that sit right along the Bay, or the residences that surround Lake Merritt. According to West Oakland activist Margaret Gordon, who has long been at the forefront of advocating for air quality improvements and environmental justice, “the Oakland neighborhoods most at risk from climate change are low income, and have poor and crumbling infrastructure like for our sewage systems and the wooden poles that hold up our powerlines, and we don’t have an evacuation plan if there is major flooding.”

Mayor Schaaf and the other Mayors are telling world leaders that the time for action is now, and that communities like Oakland and Richmond are depending on them. The Mayors are also sharing their own experience, each of them represent cities that having taken action to do their share to stop the threat of disastrous climate change.

“Oakland is especially vulnerable to climate change; it will impact the Port of Oakland, our key economic generator, and many neighborhoods,” said Mayor Libby Schaaf. “It was an honor to represent Oakland at the Summit in Paris – representing the biggest global response to climate change to date – to promote what we are doing locally and because it’s important for world leaders to hear the real concerns of communities that will be profoundly impacted.”

The Oakland City Council first adopted a commitment to address climate change in 2001, approving a citywide Energy and Climate Action Plan in 2012 detailing policies to improve energy efficiency in buildings, promote solar and renewable energy and increase transit. With climate protection and air quality in mind Oakland now uses renewable diesel fuel for many of its vehicle and has electrified the Port so ships don’t have to rely on belching gas engines while they are docked. The City of Richmond also has a climate action plan with a target and timeline for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

As climate leaders the Mayors of Oakland and Richmond are in good company. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is now the United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, “These 10 cities deserve great credit for acting quickly to confront climate change,” said former Mayor Bloomberg, “By drawing attention to the work cities around the world are doing – and helping them speed their progress – the Leaders Circle can help set the stage for a successful climate change summit here in Paris.”

Let’s hope world leaders are listening so that Oakland, Richmond and our local communities don’t have to do it alone.

Author note: former Assemblymember Nancy Skinner co-founded ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability in 1990. She served as Executive Director of the US Office from 1994 to 2004 and international director of ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection program, She attended and brought Mayors to 10 of the past climate negotiations. The cities of Oakland and Richmond have both been ICLEI members. Nancy served in the California Assembly from 2008-2014, representing Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond, Pinole, and San Pablo.

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New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

Published

6 days ago

October 4, 2026

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Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

By California Black Media Staff

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies

OALAND POST — On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi as she left her residence of 13 years to file documents in her case at the Appellate Court. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita Jail.

Published

6 days ago

October 4, 2026

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By Tanya Dennis

Yesterday, more than 10 Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to take possession of Zakiya Jendayi’s home on behalf of a court-appointed administrator. Jendayi was arrested at the courthouse and transported to Santa Rita Jail around the same time.

Jendayi, who has been embroiled in a probate court battle to retain the inheritance bestowed on her by a longtime friend and colleague who passed away in 2013, had received a notice of eviction last month.

With help from neighbors, friends and clergy, she was able to fend off the eviction from 3614 Randolph Ave. in Oakland and even obtained a reprieve when her bid to file bankruptcy was approved by a county court.

But Philip Campbell, the court-appointed administrator, had already placed Jendayi’s home in his name in October 2025.

On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi when she left her residence of 13 years to go to the Appellate Court to file documents in her case. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita jail.

Undersheriff April Luckett-Fahini said Jendayi was arrested for “safety reasons.” At this time, it is unknown what charges were used for the arrest.

In Jendayi’s absence, Campbell came to her residence accompanied by deputies, had the property taped off with yellow crime tape, and had the locks changed.

Afterward, Campbell requested a police escort to his car amid several angry neighbors who had been advocating that officials pause the eviction pending Jendayi’s appeal.

“Zakiya Jendayi is a respected Black elder in our community,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who has been working with Jendayi to prevent her eviction. “It’s outrageous that she was arrested. There needs to be more justice and equity in our probate system.”

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Ask California: Golden State Releases New AI Chatbot

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the prototype as part of the state’s broader effort to use artificial intelligence to make government services easier to access. The launch follows his March 2026 executive order directing state agencies to responsibly implement generative AI while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California has launched AskCA, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help residents find and navigate state and local government services through a single online platform.

Developed by the state’s Office of Data and Innovation, AskCA is designed around major life events rather than individual government agencies. Californians can use the tool to find information about finding a job, starting a business, accessing family services and recovering from disasters.

“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom. “We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make the government more efficient, effective, and more engaged.”

The state is now seeking Californians age 18 and older to participate in the pilot and help test and refine AskCA’s responses. Officials said subject matter experts across state governments are helping inform the chatbot’s answers, which are designed to draw from verified government sources and provide actionable information.

The prototype grew out of California’s response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Early testing included more than 140 fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors, a dozen job seekers and more than 100 general users.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said the tool is intended to remove the need for residents to understand how government agencies are organized before they can get help.

“Californians should not have to understand how the government is organized just to get basic help,” Marino said.

AskCA’s technology will also be used in a new job-skills matching feature that the California Department of Human Resources plans to launch Sept. 30 on CalCareers. Job seekers will be able to upload a resume and receive potential matches to state job classifications.

The state said the CalCareers pilot will not store personal information or require users to have a CalCareers account. California plans to continue testing AskCA as officials evaluate its accuracy, performance and usefulness before expanding the system.