Ken Epstein
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Articles by Ken Epstein
Alliance of Civil Rights Orgs launch Week of Action; National Black Man Voter Day set for Oct. 24
Mayor reiterates that chief was fired for “knee-jerk” response to criticisms and “poor judgment” By Ken Epstein The Oakland NAACP has issued a statement calling on Mayor Sheng Thao to rehire fired Oakland Chief of Police LeRonne Armstrong, citing a non-binding arbitrator’s report that is not publicly available, though some people have obtained the leaked document.
More Families to Benefit from Evidence-Based Home Visiting
Mayor Barbara Lee, speaking this week to Oakland residents and elected leaders in City Council chambers, delivered the annual mayoral State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s accomplishments as well as the challenges Oakland is facing going forward. Lee began her remarks praising city workers, who picketed outside City Hall before the meeting, and are currently negotiating with the city for a wage increase and ending understaffing that leaves many departments shorthanded.
Allen Temple Baptist Church Hosts Free Prostate Cancer Screenings on Oct. 17
Mayor Barbara Lee, speaking this week to Oakland residents and elected leaders in City Council chambers, delivered the annual mayoral State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s accomplishments as well as the challenges Oakland is facing going forward. Lee began her remarks praising city workers, who picketed outside City Hall before the meeting, and are currently negotiating with the city for a wage increase and ending understaffing that leaves many departments shorthanded.
Mayor Lee Delivers 2026 State of the City Address: ‘Oakland Continues to Be on the Move’
Mayor Barbara Lee, speaking this week to Oakland residents and elected leaders in City Council chambers, delivered the annual mayoral State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s accomplishments as well as the challenges Oakland is facing going forward. Lee began her remarks praising city workers, who picketed outside City Hall before the meeting, and are currently negotiating with the city for a wage increase and ending understaffing that leaves many departments shorthanded.
Mayor Lee Delivers 2026 State of the City Address: ‘Oakland Continues to Be on the Move’
Barbara Lee, Jesse Arreguin, Mia Bonta. File photos. Money will support small businesses, public safety, transitional housing, and community partners Mayor Barbara Lee recently announced that the City of Oakland and local community partners will receive more than $14 million in direct investments from California’s new 2026-27 state budget.
Poll: Becerra Widens His Lead Over Hilton; Californians Split on Wealth Tax
County’s letter counters critics who offer Doomsday scenarios for Oakland schools The Oakland Unified School District, under the leadership of a new board majority and new superintendent, recently submitted a budget to the county “that is a materially stronger submission than the district has filed in recent years, (which) reflects difficult and deliberate work,” according to a letter to the district from Supt. Alysse Castro of the Alameda County Office of Education.
County Office of Education Says OUSD Finances Are Getting Healthier, Materially Stronger
The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo. Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72. Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community. Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978.
Oakland People’s Arms Embargo Coalition Demands End to Military Shipments Thru Oakland
A growing coalition, the Oakland People’s Arms Embargo, has gained broad support in the Bay Area as it organizes to demand to end FedEx shipments of military equipment to Israel through the Oakland International Airport (OAK). Especially significant, according to the coalition, is the delivery of military hardware to Israel for the U.S. F-35 fighter jet, which has been used to drop 2,000-pound bombs on civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Oakland People’s Arms Embargo Coalition Demands End to Military Shipments Thru Oakland
Barbara Lee greets longtime friend Gloria Steinem in undated photo. Facebook image. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is mourning the death of her longtime friend Gloria Steinem, remembering the feminist icon as a devoted ally who understood that the struggles for racial justice and gender equality were inseparable. Steinem died Sept. 2 in New York City at the age of 92.
Event Preview: ‘Fashion v. Fascism’ – A Runway Revolution Is Coming to the Bay Area
Local Democratic clubs and community organizations interviewed candidates running for Oakland school board in the November elections, including incumbents Jennifer Brouhard in District 2, Mike Hutchinson in District 4 and Valarie Bachelor in District 6.
OP-ED: How Does Your State Rank for Pre-K?
Local Democratic clubs and community organizations interviewed candidates running for Oakland school board in the November elections, including incumbents Jennifer Brouhard in District 2, Mike Hutchinson in District 4 and Valarie Bachelor in District 6.
Leaders to Gather at African American History Museum for Voting Rights Call to Action
Local Democratic clubs and community organizations interviewed candidates running for Oakland school board in the November elections, including incumbents Jennifer Brouhard in District 2, Mike Hutchinson in District 4 and Valarie Bachelor in District 6.
Democratic Clubs Interview Candidates for Oakland School Board
Local Democratic clubs and community organizations interviewed candidates running for Oakland school board in the November elections, including incumbents Jennifer Brouhard in District 2, Mike Hutchinson in District 4 and Valarie Bachelor in District 6.
Misnamed ‘Parent’ PAC Seeks to Influence Oakland School Board Elections
Earlier this year, two Oakland parents formed a new Political Action Committee (PAC), which they describe as an “Oakland parent-led effort working towards better public schools” focused on electing new leaders in Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Districts 2 and 6, opposing progressive incumbents. So far, the Parent PAC has donated to Arielle Fleisher in District 2 and Alexandra Williams in District 6.
Misnamed ‘Parent’ PAC Seeks to Influence Oakland School Board Elections
One of the tiny houses for unhoused Richmond youth. Courtesy photo. It takes a village to raise a village—especially when that village is made of tiny houses, big-hearted volunteers and a plan to shelter Richmond youth. Now, after three years of planning, building and community muscle, the village is ready for its public debut. The Richmond Tiny House Village Farm & Garden will mark its “Grand Opening” Saturday, Sept. 26 onsite at 2200 Bissell Ave.
‘Eyes on Cuba’: a conversation about humanitarian conditions facing Cuba in midst of crippling U.S. blockade
Community members gathered last weekend for an “Eyes on Cuba” conversation with two representatives of the Cuban embassy in the United States, focusing on the terrible suffering inflicted on the Cuban people by the intensified U.S. blockade and also discussing the historic connections between Black freedom movements in the U.S. and struggles for justice in Cuba. Held in downtown Oakland Saturday, Aug.
‘Eyes on Cuba’: A Conversation About Humanitarian Conditions Facing Cuba in Midst of Crippling U.S. Blockade
Community members gathered last weekend for an “Eyes on Cuba” conversation with two representatives of the Cuban embassy in the United States, focusing on the terrible suffering inflicted on the Cuban people by the intensified U.S. blockade and also discussing the historic connections between Black freedom movements in the U.S. and struggles for justice in Cuba. Held in downtown Oakland Saturday, Aug.
‘Eyes on Cuba’: A Conversation About Humanitarian Conditions Facing Cuba in Midst of Crippling U.S. Blockade
A member of the crew of Tacos El Rulas serves a plate of tacos at a fundraiser for the survivors of a deadly Richmond house fire that occurred on Aug.18. Photo by Kathy Chouteau. On 23rd Street Sunday, Richmond did what Richmond often does in its hardest moments: It showed up. Hundreds of community members gathered at Tacos El Rulas on Aug.
Oakland Celebrates $125 Million Coliseum Sale
Oakland OKs $125M sale of its Coliseum stake, trading longtime losses for upfront cash, future ticket revenue and a partnership to redevelop the East Oakland site. John Jones III, Jonathan Fitness Jones, Mayor Barbara Lee, Ray Bobbitt, Samantha Wise, and Cecilia Cunningham.
Local Civil Rights Attorney, Activist Walter Riley Reveals Life Lessons from 70 Years in the Movement
Walter Riley. Courtesy photo.
Community Mobilizes After Trump Announces $75 Million For Coal Terminal
Above photo: Protest against the proposed West Oakland Coal Terminal. No Coal in Oakland. Oakland, California—Community environmental groups are intensifying efforts to organize resistance after President Donald Trump announced last week that the federal government will invest $700 million to boost the coal industry in the U.S., including $75 million to build the long-delayed West Oakland Coal Terminal.
Community mobilizes after Trump announces $75 Million for West Oakland Coal Terminal
Protest against the proposed West Oakland Coal Terminal. | Photo courtesy of No Coal in Oakland OAKLAND, Calif.—Community environmental groups are intensifying efforts to organize resistance after President Donald Trump announced last week that the federal government will invest $700 million to boost the coal industry in the U.S., including $75 million to build the long-delayed West Oakland Coal Terminal.
Cassie ‘Mama C’ Lopez Honored as Oakland’s Mother of the Year
Cassandra Lopez, known as “Mama C,” is surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at Oakland’s annual Mother of Year celebration at the Morcom Rose Garden, Saturday, May 9. Photo by Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon. By Ken Epstein The City of Oakland recognized Cassandra, “Mama C,” Lopez – parent, teacher, community activist, and justice warrior – as Oakland’s Mother of the Year in a celebration at Oakland’s Morcom Rose Garden on Mother’s Day weekend.
Cassie ‘Mama C’ Lopez honored as Oakland’s Mother of the Year
Cassandra Lopez, known as 'Mama C,' is surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at Oakland’s annual Mother of Year celebration at the Morcom Rose Garden, Saturday, May 9, 2026. | Photo by Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon Editor’s Note: This article comes to us from Ken Epstein, a reporter for The Oakland Post, covering the City of Oakland’s decision to honor Cassandra Lopez as Mother of the Year.
Marin City Public Housing Residents Demand a Voice in County’s Renovation Plans
The largest housing complex in Marin County, Golden Gate Village residents are for predominantly Black and low-income. Courtesy image.
EPSTEIN: Discrimination in City Contracts
A long-awaited disparity study funded by the city of Oakland shows dramatic evidence that city government is practicing a deeply embedded pattern of systemic discrimination in the spending of public money on outside contracts that excludes minority- and woman-owned businesses, especially African Americans.
Discrimination in City Contracts
By Ken Epstein | Oakland Post/Post News Group A long-awaited disparity study funded by the City of Oakland shows dramatic evidence that city government is practicing a deeply embedded pattern of systemic discrimination in the spending of public money on outside contracts that excludes minority- and woman-owned businesses, especially African Americans.
Discrimination in City Contracts
OAKLAND POST — A long-awaited disparity study funded by the City of Oakland shows dramatic evidence that city government is practicing a deeply embedded pattern of systemic discrimination in the spending of public money on outside contracts that excludes minority- and woman-owned businesses, especially African Americans.
Discrimination in City Contracts
Disparity Study Exposes Oakland’s Lack of Race and Equity Inclusion By Ken Epstein A long-awaited disparity study funded by the City of Oakland shows dramatic evidence that city government is practicing a deeply embedded pattern of systemic discrimination in the spending of public money on outside contracts that excludes minority- and woman-owned businesses, especially African Americans.
Life Expectancy in Marin City, a Black Community, Is 15-17 Years Less than the Rest of Marin County
Marin City community leaders (l.-r.): Terrie Green, executive director of Marin City Climate Resilience (MCCR); Wambua Musyoki, Stanford University; Khamil Callahan, Santa Rosa Junior College; Serenity Allen, Xavier University; and Chinaka Green, MCCR associate director. By Ken Epstein People may be aware of the existence of Marin City and know a little about its history as a center of U.S. resistance to fascism in the World War II.
Mayor Lee Responds to OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell’s Decision to Resign
By Randolph Belle Special to The Post Join EVOAK!, a nonprofit addressing the historical harm to West Oakland since construction of the 980 freeway began in 1968, will hold a block party on Oct.
Man Arrested for Making Death Threats Against Mayor Barbara Lee
By Ken Epstein David Pokorny, 45, of El Cerrito, has been charged with mailing racist death threats to Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Arrested last week, Pokorny faces a felony for threatening a public official and also hate-crime allegations. He has pleaded not guilty. The first email, sent Sept. 7, used racial slurs to refer to Black Oakland residents. The sender threatened to kill them, as well as government officials, including Lee, police officers, and judges. The most recent email, sent Sept.
Hundreds in Oakland Denounce Trump’s Suppression of Voting Rights
By Ken Epstein Joining more than 300 protests and marches across the country, hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators rallied on short notice in Oakland on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Lake Merritt Amphitheatre in Oakland to denounce the Trump administration’s plans to guarantee Republican reelection by gerrymandering and suppressing voting rights in Texas and other states.
After Two Decades, Oakland Unified Will Finally Regain Local Control
By Ken Epstein After 20 years under state control, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) will regain local authority over its budget and day-to-day decision-making, emerging from an era of austerity when the district was forced by state-appointed overseers to close more than 40 mostly flatland schools, eliminate educational programs, and cut millions of dollars in services for students and classrooms.
Faith Leaders Back Barbara Lee for Mayor, Criticize Candidate Loren Taylor for Dishonest Campaigning
Ken Epstein Prominent local faith leaders held a telephone interview Thursday with the Oakland Post to express their concerns about the election and their support for former Congresswoman Barbara Lee for Mayor of Oakland. Speaking as individuals, participants in the interview were Pastor Michael Wallace of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Mike McBride, Oakland resident and pastor of the Way Christian Center in Berkeley; Rev.
McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell
By Ken Epstein West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52). William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969.
Dr. Kimberly Mayfield Working to Bring a ‘Black-Affirming University’ (HBCU) to Oakland
By Ken Epstein Dr. Kimberly Mayfield, who, until recently served as deputy mayor of Oakland, has been working for several years with educators and community groups to create a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or other Black-serving institution of higher education in Oakland — potentially on the fully operational campus of Holy Names University in East Oakland, which went out of business in 2023.
Ending Months of Public Speculation, Barbara Lee Launches Campaign for Mayor of Oakland
By Ken Epstein Part 1 “I’ve never shied away from a challenge – I’m always ready to fight for Oakland,” said outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee, kicking off her campaign this week to become the next mayor of Oakland, speaking with characteristic optimism. In an exclusive interview Wednesday afternoon at the offices of the Oakland Post, Lee spoke about how she came to the decision to run for mayor in the April 15 special election.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Makes Final Remarks on House Floor
By Ken Epstein On Dec. 17, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) delivered her final remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of Congress. “For 26 years now, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve my incredible constituents of California’s 12th Congressional district,” said Lee. Lee has been a member of Congress for over 25 years. During a quarter century of service, she has been a fierce advocate in the fights for peace, equity, and justice.
Declaring a Fiscal Emergency is Unnecessary, Say City Leaders
Council proposes solutions to city’s budget challenges Community urges county to move forward on Coliseum development By Ken Epstein The Oakland City Council has identified proposals for stronger fiscal solutions and will be able to avoid declaring a fiscal emergency in Oakland, according to Vice-Mayor and Councilmember-at Large Rebecca Kaplan.
D.A. Pamela Price Receives Hugs from Teary-Eyed Supporters as She Leaves Office
By Ken Epstein District Attorney Pamela Price left her office near the Oakland Coliseum Thursday afternoon for the last time after losing the recall election in November. Crowding the sidewalk around Price were many teary-eyed supporters and well-wishers, who embraced her and carried homemade signs, singing, and chanting in recognition of her brave work as a champion for justice with compassion.
Councilmember Carroll Fife, on Track to Win Reelection, Looks to Oakland’s Progress
By Ken Epstein District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, though outspent by hundreds of thousands of dollars and facing a bitter campaign of slander, misrepresentations, and physical threats, seems to have emerged with a fairly comfortable lead in her reelection bid, well ahead of her nearest competitor (44% to 30%).
Homicides in Oakland Fall by 33% in 2024, While Violent Crime Drops by 19%, Says OPD Crime Report
By Ken Epstein Oakland has seen a “huge drop” in the numbers of homicides and violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, rapes, and robberies, according to journalists reporting on a new police report. The Oakland Police Department’s most recent crime report indicates that homicides in Oakland are down by 33% compared with the same time last year. Throughout Oakland, 67 homicides occurred so far this year, while at the same point in 2023, there were 100 homicides.
‘Jim Crow Was and Remains Real in Alameda County (and) It Is What We Are Challenging and Trying to Fix Every Day,’ Says D.A. Pamela Price
By Ken Epstein Part One Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price gave an exclusive in-depth interview, speaking with the Oakland Post about the continuing legacy of Jim Crow injustice that she is working to overturn and her major achievements, including: restoring and expanding services for victims of crime, finding funding for an alternative to incarceration and/or prosecution for substance use and mental health-related misdemeanors and aggressively prosecuting corporations for toxic...
| Post News Group
By Ken Epstein Part Two District Attorney Pamela Price, facing a recall that began before she took office in January 2023, explained in an exclusive interview with the Oakland Post how she came to dedicate her life to transforming a deeply flawed criminal justice system into one that provides equal justice and public safety for all and ends mass incarceration for African Americans and other working-class people.
Oakland’s Asian Community Rallies Against Recall of Mayor Sheng Thao
By Ken Epstein Self-assured and defiant, Mayor Sheng Thao strongly defended her achievements during her first two years as mayor and went on the offensive against billionaires who are funding the recall campaign against her. Thao was speaking at a rally Oct. 15 in Oakland Chinatown, backed by about 100 supporters. “Oakland has seen unprecedented challenges during and since the pandemic, Thao said.
Libby Schaaf: Guilty Former mayor agrees to $21,000 fine for serious election violations, avoiding criminal prosecution
By Magaly Muñoz Encampment sweeps are not a new method of action to evict people from living and sleeping on the streets in San Francisco. However, recent reports indicate that city staff are not following proper policy, exacerbating the problems for unhoused people.
Oakland’s Asian Community Rallies Against Recall of Mayor Sheng Thao
“We’re saving lives in Oakland. What we are doing works,” said Mayor Thao She said the FBI told her attorney she is not the target of an investigation but is so far unwilling to make a public statement.
Barbara Lee, Other Leaders, Urge Voters to Say ‘No’ to Recalls of D.A. Pamela Price, Mayor Sheng Thao
Supervisor Keith Carson, Senator Nancy Skinner, former Assemblymember Sandré Swanson also oppose the recalls By Ken Epstein Congresswoman Barbara Lee in a strongly worded statement this week opposed the recalls of both Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in campaigns lavishly funded by a handful of out-of-town billionaires and backed by corporate media.
‘Respect Our Vote’ Mass Meeting Rejects Oakland, Alameda County Recalls
By Ken Epstein A recently organized coalition, “Respect Our Vote – No Recalls!,” held a standing-room only mass meeting on Sept. 14, urging residents to vote ‘No’ on the two East Bay recalls funded by conservative billionaires and millionaires with the help of corporate media and instead to support the campaign to protect residents’ democratic right to choose their representatives.
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