Bay Area

Rebecca Kaplan Calls for Action to Stop Coronavirus Spread in Vulnerable and Homeless Communities

Published

6 years ago

March 26, 2020

To help provide emergency relief to the Oakland community, Council President Rebecca Kaplan has called a special City Council meeting Friday, March 27, via Teleconference to take action to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus in vulnerable communities, including homeless encampments.

“We must take action to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensure our most vulnerable populations in Oakland, including our renters and unhoused community, have needed protections,” said Kaplan. “In this difficult time, we must look out for each other, and understand that displacement can worsen human suffering and public health. To prevent the worsening of the spread of disease, we must take action to protect everyone in our community, including the most vulnerable.”

At the meeting, Kaplan is introducing a resolution for the city to follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Interim Guidelines on Homelessness and COVID-19 to only clear homeless encampments if housing or other safe shelter is provided.

The CDC has specifically said that clearing encampments “increases the potential for infectious disease spread.” Kaplan is also introducing a resolution to acquire facilities, buildings, and supplies to aid homeless residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and a resolution to award a contract for regular trash pickup service from homeless encampments to reduce risks.

In addition, Nikki Bas and Dan Kalb are introducing an emergency eviction moratorium ordinance to protect renters, small businesses and nonprofits unable to pay rent due to loss of income and/or increased expenses because of COVID-19.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 29 – August 4, 2026

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

7 days ago

July 27, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

2 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”