Activism
Anti-Trafficking Group Leads Activists in Demand to Repeal California Law Decriminalizing Loitering
“Repeal was necessary as the previous law was discriminatory and targeted and profiled Black, Brown and trans women,” said State Sen. Scott Weiner who proposed the law. Vanessa Russell, CEO of the non-profit Love Never Fails (LNF) cites a 100% increase in prostitution arrests since the bill was passed six weeks ago. “I met with Senator Weiner before this bill was passed and begged him not to go forward,” Russell said. “This Bill ties the hands of law enforcement and activists trying to curb prostitution.”
By Tanya Dennis
On July 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Safer Streets for All Act, which is designed to protect all people from discriminatory arrests and harassment based on how they dress or their profession.
SB 357 repeals the crime of loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. The bill is also known as the “Walking While Trans” law.
“Repeal was necessary as the previous law was discriminatory and targeted and profiled Black, Brown and trans women,” said State Sen. Scott Weiner who proposed the law.
Vanessa Russell, CEO of the non-profit Love Never Fails (LNF) cites a 100% increase in prostitution arrests since the bill was passed six weeks ago.
“I met with Senator Weiner before this bill was passed and begged him not to go forward,” Russell said. “This Bill ties the hands of law enforcement and activists trying to curb prostitution.”
Russell advocates putting more money into the community and offering opportunities and solutions rather than decriminalizing behavior that precedes sexual transactions.
SB 357 is not the ‘Safe Act’ that needs to be implemented, Russell continued. “Until you offer an alternative to sex work what they’re doing is sheer survival.”
Weiner says his bill supports exit strategies, but currently those only exist in Orange County. When Russell pointed out that the rest of California does not have exit strategies for sex workers, Weiner said that he wanted the bill passed and that exit strategies would be implemented later.
Currently ‘The Blade,’ a stretch of street in citites and towns where prostitution occurs, looks like a McDonald’s drive-thru since the bill was passed, Russell said. The bill has emboldened pimps, johns, and sex workers to openly transact in front of law enforcement without fear.
“This bill doesn’t prevent these girls from getting their eyes knocked out of their sockets or having hot water poured on them for not meeting quotas,” Russell said. “These sex workers have no rights, no advocacy. This is human trafficking, and those that have been indoctrinated for years and consider themselves independent have few options or choices.”
Love Never Fails, was founded 11 years ago after Russell’s 15-year-old student was sexually assaulted and sold to traffickers in Oakland. While looking for her, Russell talked to the District Attorney and anyone who would listen.
She soon discovered the lack of legal services, job opportunities, or mental health for the girls who were preyed upon, and learned it was happening to boys, too. She started opening homes for them.
LNF now has five homes containing 39 beds for men and women. Russell collaborates with social services and the Department of Violence Prevention, and employment development agencies.
“We do IT training, workforce development program and teach people in our program to make money and manage money,” Russell said.
Merritt College has hired LNF to teach cyber security, and those in the program receive college credit. “Our people get hired in tech positions at companies such as Nordstrom’s and Delta Airlines. Amazon Web Services, Cisco Systems and Google are providing industry certifications for our students.”
Russell said more needs to be done in workforce development rather than sex work. “This is not the only way they can get free from poverty. This Bill does not create a safe environment from the trauma and violence associated with sex work.”
Russell is reaching out to non-profits and community members to assist her in getting the bill repealed. “Repeal this law, redraft it so it protects sex workers and penalizes exploiters and we’re on board.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of January 29 – February 4, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 29 – February 4, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Poll: Tell Us What You Think About the Cost of Groceries in Oakland
Food banks and grocery giveaways are a large part of the resources nonprofits in Oakland prioritize, particularly in areas like East and West Oakland where low-income families of color tend to reside. These neighborhoods are often labeled as “food deserts” or communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.
By Magaly Muñoz
In 2023, the average spending on groceries increased by nearly $30 each month from the year before;people are spending over $500 a month to put food on the table.
Through previous reporting by the Post, we’ve learned that families in Oakland are depending more and more on free or low cost groceries from food banks because they can no longer afford the rising costs of food at the store.
Food banks and grocery giveaways are a large part of the resources nonprofits in Oakland prioritize, particularly in areas like East and West Oakland where low-income families of color tend to reside. These neighborhoods are often labeled as “food deserts” or communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.
We’ve recently spoken to families across these two areas of Oakland and have heard several stories that all point to one problem: food is expensive. Some individuals are spending upwards of $150 a week for themselves or double if they have teens or small children in the family.
We’ve also heard stories of people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure struggling to maintain their diets because they’re having a hard time affording the food that helps them stay healthy.
Do these experiences sound similar to what you or your family are dealing with every month? Are you struggling to afford your basic groceries every week? Do you depend on food banks to help you get by? Are there any chronic illnesses in your household that need to be managed by a special diet?
We want to hear about your experiences and ideas for solutions!
The Oakland Post is investigating food access in Oakland and how residents are surviving as the cost of living continues to increase. Your experiences will help shape our reporting and show local leaders the need to invest in our communities.
In order to get as much feedback as possible, we ask that you click this link to fill out a brief questionnaire or visit tinyurl.com/Oakland-Post-food-survey. You can also scan the QR code above to reach the survey. After you fill it out, please consider sharing the link with your friends and family in Oakland.
If you have questions, please reach out to our Oakland reporter Magaly Muñoz at mmunoz@postnewsgroup or text/call her at (510) 905-5286.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of January 22 – 28, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 22 – 28, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
-
Activism4 weeks ago
‘In 2024, We Had a Decrease in Shootings and Killings,’ Says Oakland Mayor Nikki Bas and Ceasefire Leaders
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Who Wants to Be the Next Elected Mayor of Oakland?
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland’s Black Chamber of Commerce Awards 63 Businesses $1,000 Micro Grants
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Barbara Lee Launches Campaign for Mayor of Oakland
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Port of Oakland to Host January Meeting for Interfaith Council of Alameda County
-
Activism4 weeks ago
New Report Shows Disparities in Police Stops of Youth in California
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland NAACP President Stands on the Frontlines for Equity
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025