City Government

Community Presses City Council to Call Housing State of Emergency

Published

9 years ago

March 21, 2016

Housing justice organizers are asking residents to attend the Tuesday, April 5 City Council meeting to push council members to pass a housing state of emergency in Oakland.

The organizers are encouraging Oaklanders—particularly the 60 percent who are renters—to come to the council meeting and to bring their family members and neighbors, saying this may be the best chance residents will have to respond to developers and speculators who are turning Oakland into a bedroom community for San Francisco.

Coordinating efforts to pass the housing state of emergency in Oakland have been activists and community members who have attended the past several Post Salons at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle.

How a Housing State of Emergency Works

The purpose of a housing state of emergency is to temporarily halt or slow down the city’s displacement crisis, giving officials and city staff several months to implement remedies for the damaging practices that continue to run out of control.

The declaration of a housing state of emergency also enables the city to utilize certain city funds and outside grants.

Under the city charter, a state of emergency must be passed by 75 percent of the council, or six of the eight council members.

“The 75 percent rule has been followed in declaring other states of emergency in the city – but we’re hoping all eight council members will do the right thing and respond to the present crisis,” said James Vann, housing activist and co-founder of the Oakland Tenants Union.

During the moratorium, rental property owners who have not taken a rent increase within the last 12 months can still raise rents based on the Consumer Price Index, which at present is 1.7 percent as determined by the city’s rent law – as opposed to exorbitant increases of 60 percent, 100 percent or 200 percent that are currently occurring.

In addition, tenants could only be evicted during the moratorium for just causes such as failure to pay rent or damaging their apartment or building.

If the declaration of emergency is violated by a property owner, tenants would have a right to go to court to stop the unlawful action. Owners also might be liable for damages for violating the state of emergency.

Organizing to Stay in Oakland

Activist Carroll Fife, who chaired the Post Salon’s organizing meeting last Sunday, said council members have ignored or minimized Oakland’s housing state of emergency for years.

“But now they seem prepared to act, and we need to be encouraged by that, and we should continue to organize,” said Fife.

Fife pointed out that more and more Oakland residents are living in their cars or in homeless encampments.

According to the city’s 2015 Rental Survey, Oakland’s average renter household can only afford to pay about $750 a month, far below the rents of the “affordable housing” that city officials approve for new non-profit projects.

Housing rights organizations estimate that about 1,000 Oakland residents are being displaced each month by exorbitant rent increases and unjust evictions.

Oakland’s housing crisis has been growing since 1970, but never has the council passed a state of emergency to address housing problems, according to activists.

However, almost every year, council members approve other states of emergencies for many other serious issues.

Speaking at Sunday’s Post Salon, Post Publisher Paul Cobb said people should organize outreach to Oakland’s Black churches, nonprofits, and flatland and Latino neighborhood organizations to urge them to bring their members to the April 5 council meeting.

“Everybody in their groups has to live somewhere,” said Cobb. “Everybody needs to get on board. We have to fill the council chambers and surround City Hall.”

Cobb continued, “We’re hopeful, but we have to operate on the working assumption we have no votes on the council.”

“The council members say they are sympathetic to renters’ plight, but that is not enough for renters to believe in them, he said. Faith without works is dead.”

Cobb added that he is working on a voter registration drive.

In addition to participants in the Post Salon, groups working on passing the state of emergency include the John George Democratic Club, Oakland Education Association, Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, Oakland Alliance, Qilombo, Block by Block Organizing Network and Oakland Tenants Union.

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Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

12 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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Activism

BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

Published

14 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

L-R: BWOPA State Executive Director LaNiece Jones; State Asm. Mia Bonta; BWOPA 2024 Man of The Year/Urban League SFBA CEO Ken Maxey; BWOPA State President Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones; State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember At-Large, Elect; BWOPA State Regional Director Vashone Huff. Courtesy photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.

At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.

With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.

“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.

“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.

This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”

Other awardees included:

Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.

BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.

In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”