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CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Oakland residents weigh in on budget proposal amid concerns over safety, homelessness
As Oakland faces a $260 million budget deficit over the next two years, city leaders are asking residents to weigh in on a proposed spending plan that some said underfunds public safety, while others argued it falls short on addressing homelessness. In the Fruitvale neighborhood, lifelong resident Alba Alvarado has watched encampments grow around her community, particularly RVs parked near a local school. It's an issue that has persisted for a few years and remains a top concern. "The children are always my concern. I have neighbors stating that they have to walk around the corner in order to get to the school to avoid the RV encampments," Alvarado said. She believes Oakland needs a better long-term plan for homelessness to prevent unhoused residents from simply relocating from one neighborhood to another when camps are cleared. "They don't have a good plan for the homeless," she said. Alvarado attended her first city budget meeting last weekend to share her concerns. Newly elected Mayor Barbara Lee and City Administrator Jestin Johnson hosted two meetings on Saturday, one in West Oakland and another in East Oakland, to gather public input on the city's budget proposal. "A budget is really a reflection of our values," Lee said. The proposed budget aims to close the deficit by cutting approximately 400 city jobs, most of which are already vacant. It also prioritizes public safety by investing in police staffing, with the goal of reaching 700 sworn officers in alignment with Measure NN. "Everyone wants to feel safe and deserves to feel safe. So public safety and addressing Measure NN's goals, which is, of course, making sure we get to 700 police officers. This budget allows us to begin that process," Lee said. But Councilmember Noel Gallo believes the proposal doesn't go far enough. He's pushing for more police funding and a staffing target of 750 officers. "It's about safety and a clean environment. Right now, I have so many businesses that have closed down or are leaving. But these are employers and these are tax generators," Gallo said. Despite the cuts, Lee and Johnson said the proposal maintains critical community services, including funding for after-school programs and libraries. Cristina Tostado, a Public Library Commissioner, urged residents to stay engaged. "They said that they would. So we've just got to make sure we hold them accountable. This [Cesar Chavez Library] is very important. We've got to make sure we keep it in the community," Tostado said. In West Oakland, Councilmember Carroll Fife said her constituents are particularly worried about the impact of service reductions on street cleanliness. "There are several cuts to our litter enforcement officers, the people who pick up trash, tree services. There are just some very specific things around illegal dumping and graffiti that are deeply concerning to me. So I will be making amendments to the budget and working with the city administrator's office," Fife said. Alvarado said she understands that the city faces difficult financial decisions, but she wants to ensure residents aren't left behind. "This is my first budget meeting, and I want to educate myself more and bring my ideas to the table if I can," she said. City officials are expected to revise the proposed budget in the coming days. The Oakland City Council must approve the final version by June 30.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
East Oakland encampment cleared, officials say 70 moved to interim housing
Oakland city officials said Friday a large homeless encampment in East Oakland has been cleared and several dozen residents were moved into transitional housing following a multi-day operation. In a statement Friday, the city said it had completed the closure of the encampment on East 12th Street between 14th and 19th avenues. Officials said 423 tons of debris was removed and 33 abandoned and inoperable vehicles were towed during the operation, which began on May 12. Seventy people who lived in the encampment were moved to the Mandela House, a program funded primarily by the California Department of Housing and Community Development's Encampment Resolution Fund. "Oakland leads this work with compassion and respect for our unhoused community, and we are grateful that so many of the residents of this encampment have taken advantage of this opportunity," said Mayor Barbara Lee, who was sworn in on Tuesday. Officials said outreach workers had engaged with encampment residents one-by-one for more than a year leading up to the operation with offers of shelter and supportive services. Teams ensured the residents were enrolled in the county's Coordinated Entry System, providing connections to services and pathways to housing. Meanwhile, Oakland Animal Services spayed or neutered 21 cats and returned them to their owners, minus a handful cats that were surrendered. Animal services rendered medical aid to two dogs. The Human and Pet Initiative also gave vaccinations and microchipped the pets, along with distributing 150 lbs. of dog food, cat food, and other supplies to Mandela House residents. "I am so grateful for the collaborative efforts of multiple City departments and partner organizations in clearing these encampments in a safe and efficient way while offering shelter to the residents," said City Administrator Jestin Johnson. Along with the residents of the 12th Street encampment, 36 people from two other encampments have moved into the Mandela House, which can house up to 150 people. Officials said the units would be converted to permanent supportive housing in the coming year. While the city announced the encampment's closure, officials said debris removal on side streets would continue for the next three weeks as crews prepare the site for construction "to reduce the likelihood of re-encampment."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$100 million raised to revitalize East Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. - East Oakland collective Rise East has secured $100 million to help revitalize the community through affordable housing, wellness centers and commercial corridors; a feat that was hailed Thursday by advocates and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. "Thank you, Rise East, for staying the course, meeting your fundraising goal of 100 million dollars," Lee said to applause at an East Oakland community center that formerly housed an elementary school. "It truly shows that Oakland is rising. As I said in my inaugural swearing-in speech, and still we rise," Lee said at her first news conference since taking office. Big picture view Community advocates say over a five-year period, the money will help the predominantly Black neighborhoods in the flatlands of East Oakland thrive and survive. But they say the end-goal is to create a ripple effect that lifts up and empowers all residents, no matter their background. "This investment is about a lot more than just putting dollars into the community. It really is about a collective effort, and it's just the beginning," said Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of Roots Community Health Center. The backstory The money consists of $50 million raised by Rise East, including from donors like the Hellman Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Google and Wells Fargo. Another $50 million was matched by Blue Meridian Partners, a New York non-profit group of philanthropists. "Yes to a $100 million in investments. Yes to jobs, yes to housing, education and thriving businesses, here in deep east Oakland," said Caheri Gutierrez of the Unity Council. Many spoke of giving back to the community where they were born and raised. "We are thinking of ourselves not as leaders in the traditional sense but as stewards, in a really indigenous sense. We are here to help cultivate an ecosystem," said Selena Wilson, CEO of the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Carolyn Johnson, CEO of Black Cultural Zone agreed, saying, "We can show that Oakland can be that beacon for who we need to be not only in the state but in this country. We don't have to divide and conquer. We can grow together." Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and The Source KTVU reporting, Rise East
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barbara Lee sworn in as Oakland mayor
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Former Rep. Barbara Lee was sworn in Tuesday as Oakland's 52nd mayor. Lee, 78, took her oath of office at the City Council chambers in Oakland City Hall. She delivered her first official remarks as mayor to a 'packed room of family members, friends, elected leaders, and members of her Transition Committee,' according to a news release from Lee's office. In the address, Lee 'reiterated her commitment to govern in a new way with transparency, accountability, and results.' Bay Area tech job posting looking for people willing to work 6 days a week 'Today marks a new era for Oakland,' said Mayor Lee. 'Like Oakland's gifts to me, I want to re-instill hope; create opportunities for our young people; ensure a safe path for our sons and daughters to have long, productive lives, and he housed or own homes in a safe, clear city.' Lee was elected earlier this year in a special election following the successful recall of unpopular former Mayor Sheng Thao. As part of her 100-day-plan, Lee's office said she is 'engaging Oaklanders from all walks of life through working groups to inform how government can better serve the people.' Lee, who is the first Black woman to be elected mayor of Oakland, also addressed the city's budget crisis. 'As your mayor, my job is to lead our city out of a budget crisis and into a period of financial stability. We can only do this if we have a strong, vibrant Downtown, thriving small businesses in every Oakland neighborhood that preserve the character of our great City and contribute to our vitality, and a City that welcomes investment.' Prior to being elected mayor, Lee served in Congress for 27 years and was notably, the only member to vote against member to vote against immediate military action in the aftermath of 9/11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Politico
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Barbara Lee Speaks for Oakland
Presented by Our Sun. Our Power. TAKING THE REINS: With her hand on the Bible in a packed City Hall, Barbara Lee, Oakland's favorite daughter, vowed today to put her beleaguered city 'back on the right track' as she was sworn in as its 52nd mayor. Surrounded by community leaders, former colleagues, old friends, and city leadership, Lee promised that Oakland would rise again based on its diversity, energy and culture. Although she made some reference to the massive challenges facing Oakland — from crime and soaring housing costs to homelessness and a city budget on the verge of bankruptcy — her remarks to the standing-room-only crowd primarily told a story of resilience and opportunity. 'I want to reinstill hope,' said Lee, 78, a longtime progressive stalwart in Congress who is taking on perhaps her biggest challenge in taking over a city in crisis. 'You were clear about wanting a government that you can trust to solve our fiscal challenges, safety, housing, and homelessness challenges. But you were always 100 percent clear about how much you love Oakland.' Lee pivoted to run for mayor of her adopted hometown after losing her Senate primary and watching previous leader, Sheng Thao, get recalled from the office after an FBI raid on her house. Lee will now take on the stubborn crime and budget problems that dogged Thao. The city is dealing with an estimated $87 million spending gap and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. But in contrast to a wave of Bay Area leaders who have won recent elections based on tough-on-crime or dark narratives about their cities, Lee's speech made no effort to blame former city leadership or reinforce the widely held image of Oakland as dangerous and crime-ridden. Instead, she told the story of her own family's history — her grandfather born in Galveston just two years after slavery was abolished in Texas, her father denied housing in San Leandro on the basis of his race — as a parable for a community beset by struggle with the potential to transcend its origins. 'It's not going to be easy, but we can only do this together,' Lee said. Lee defeated moderate former City Council member Loren Taylor with the support of labor, but she'll have to negotiate with them over tough cuts when budget time rolls around. She pitched herself to voters as having the unique skills needed to manage all the parties involved, but actually doing so — while dealing with potential federal cuts — will be a true trial by fire. 'The budget is going to be very, very unkind to [Lee],' political consultant Jason Overman told POLITICO last month. 'She's going to be inheriting all of it but will still be expected to wave the magic wand she's perceived to have built over the past few decades in Congress. This existential of a budget crisis has a funny way of shortening political honeymoons.' At her swearing-in ceremony, Lee's comments were notably light on policy specifics. She promised to spur investments in the city and spend taxpayer dollars effectively while committing to transparency and accountability. But she did not identify specific programs that will be on the chopping block, nor specific income streams or investments that would resolve the deficit. Instead, Lee's remarks were an exercise in inspiration. But it will take more than positive thinking to fix Oakland's problems. 'The people closest to the challenges are the closest to the solutions,' Lee said. 'There's no time to waste.' Jeremy B. White contributed to this story. IT'S TUESDAY AFTERNOON. This is California Playbook PM, a POLITICO newsletter that serves as an afternoon temperature check on California politics and a look at what our policy reporters are watching. Got tips or suggestions? Shoot an email to lholden@ JOIN US: POLITICO reporters will moderate discussions with key policy and political figures on Wednesday during the second annual California Economic Futures Forum. Blake will facilitate a conversation on the state's economic outlook, California Education and Budget reporter Eric He will moderate a panel on the state's long-term fiscal planning in a pivotal budget year and Senior Politics Reporter Melanie Mason will have a fireside chat with Treasurer Fiona Ma. The UCLA Anderson School of Management will host the event at the University of California Student and Policy Center in Sacramento from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Find details and RSVP here. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY HOMELESSNESS HEAT: Lawmakers are not taking kindly to the lack of housing and homelessness funding in Gov. Gavin Newsom's revised spending plan. The governor last week declined to provide more money in his budget for affordable housing programs and another round of flexible homelessness grants amid a $12 billion spending gap. 'People are dying on our watch,' he said during a press conference. 'I'd rather they own up to that fact … this state has never done more, never cleaned more barriers, never created more pathways and opportunities. Now prove that this is not a waste of taxpayers' time and resources.' Democratic members of the State Administration Budget Subcommittee today said it would be 'unacceptable' if the budget does not include more housing and homelessness dollars. San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney talked about a funding request letter he and 24 other lawmakers recently addressed to Subcommittee Chair Sharon Quirk-Silva and Budget Committee Chair Jesse Gabriel. The letter calls for the state to continue a 20 percent stream of money from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, provide $500 million for low income housing tax credits and allocate $500 million for another round of homelessness grants. Quirk-Silva, who represents an Orange County district, pushed back on Newsom's invective about local governments' lack of progress on clearing homeless encampments, saying residents will have no place to go without funding for shelters and housing. 'Where are homeless people going to move if we have stronger and stronger camping ordinances?' Quirk-Silva asked. 'Even the governor said, 'enforce.'' 'I wish that if he was going to move and change and do a U-turn, he would have done that six years ago,' she said. 'Because by now saying, 'I'm done, local government. You have the tools. You haven't done it.' It's a great thing to say, but the truth is, where are these people moving to?' IN OTHER NEWS DEMS PLAY 'CLUE': The Democratic finger-pointing set off by a buzzy new book on former President Joe Biden's declining fitness during his presidency is now sloshing into the California governor's race, our Melanie Mason reports. Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, tore into two other home state Democrats — former Vice President Kamala Harris and former health Secretary Xavier Becerra — after the Tuesday release of 'Original Sin' by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, accusing the two Biden administration officials of being complicit in a 'cover up' about the then-president's mental acuity. Becerra, like Villaraigosa, is running to succeed Newsom in 2026, while Harris is actively weighing a gubernatorial bid. 'Voters deserve to know the truth, what did Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra know, when did they know it, and most importantly, why didn't either of them speak out?' Villaraigosa said in a statement. 'This cover up directly led to a second Donald Trump term — and as a result, all Californians are paying the price.' MEGABILL MADNESS: Speaker Mike Johnson today tried to woo Senate Republicans to support the House's spending megabill, although some remained unconvinced, our Jordain Carney reports. Multiple GOP skeptics came out of the lunch meeting saying they planned to continue pushing for further changes to the party-line domestic policy bill — the latest sign that the bill's challenges don't end in the House. 'Exactly what he has told the media and his conference is what he told us,' Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) told reporters after the meeting. 'The fact of the matter is, though, that we're not just solving this problem. What good is having the majority if we don't use it to return to pre-pandemic level spending?' Meanwhile, as our Rachel Bluth reported this morning, Newsom's administration is projecting megabill Medicaid changes could cost the state $30 billion and boot 3.4 million people from Medi-Cal, the state's version of the federal low income health care program. SMOG IT UP: Republicans in Washington are also after California's vehicle emission waivers, Jordain reports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in a floor speech today that he will move forward with three House-passed resolutions that use the Congressional Review Act to roll back EPA waivers that effectively let California set its own emission standards. Thune's announcement comes after weeks of internal deliberations within the conference and public pressure from members of his leadership team to hold a vote. That's because the Government Accountability Office has found that the California waivers aren't a rule and thus aren't subject to the CRA, which allows Congress to nix regulations with only a simple majority, bypassing the threat of a Democratic filibuster. Crucially, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has backed up that finding. Democrats have warned GOP leaders that they view moving forward with the disapproval resolution over MacDonough's guidance to be akin to deploying the 'nuclear option' undermining the filibuster. Newsom also used dramatic terms to refer to Senate Republicans' move. 'The United States Senate has a choice: cede American car-industry dominance to China and clog the lungs of our children, or follow decades of precedent and uphold the clean air policies that Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon fought so hard for,' the governor said in a statement. 'Will you side with China or America?' WHAT WE'RE READING TODAY — The case against Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, accused of misconduct, heard opening arguments today. (Orange County Register) — DNA testing confirms that it was suspect Guy Edwards Bartkus who died in the bombing of a Palm Springs fertility clinic. (The Press-Enterprise) AROUND THE STATE — Five San Diego residents filed a lawsuit to stop a proposed trash pickup fee before the City Council can approve it. (San Diego Union-Tribune) — After a meeting with city officials, landlord Shalom Styles has stopped blasting 'Baby Shark' outside of a commercial building to deter homeless people. (Los Angeles Times) — Central Valley educators marched to Republican Rep. David Valadao's office in Hanford to oppose federal cuts to public education. (The Fresno Bee) — compiled by Nicole Norman
