Activism

Community Raises Questions Over City Funds, Staff Given to Mayor Schaaf’s Favored Education Nonprofit

Published

6 years ago

September 5, 2019

Questions are being raised by members of the community whether city staff, funds and resources have been improperly utilized to support Oakland Promise, an education nonprofit that has been widely touted by Libby Schaaf as her greatest accomplishment while mayor of Oakland.

A number of these issues have been have raised at public meetings by community activists Gene Hazzard, Assata Olugbala and others. Based on these concerns and information, City Council President Rebecca Kaplan requested on Aug. 26 that City Auditor Courtney Ruby audit the Mayor Office’s support for Oakland Promise.

“Since it’s the auditor who has the legal authority to investigate those issues, I’ve forwarded the information to her, so we and the public can learn what happened to the public funds,” Kaplan told the Oakland Post.

One question has to do with do with role of Mayor Schaaf’s education czar, David Silver, whose official title is Special Assistant to the Mayor III. In this capacity, according to the website Transparent California, his city salary for 2018 was $173,627.18 plus $88,334.27 in benefits for a total of $261,961.45.

Yet in addition to working for the Mayor’s Office, Silver has served as staff of Oakland Promise. In an email response to a request for information from the Oakland Post, Oakland Promise reported on Aug. 29, 2018 that Silver was a member of the nonprofit’s staff.

In the 2018 Oakland Promise Annual Report, he was listed a member of Oakland Promise’s “Operations Team.”

In response to questions this week from the Post, Oakland Promise told the Post in an email that Silver received no salary, payment or other benefits for his work at the nonprofit, beyond the salary he earned working for the city.

“Prior to July 1, 2019, while Oakland Promise was a city-driven initiative and a project of the Oakland Public Education Fund, David Silver, in his role as Director of Education for Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, worked with City staff, OUSD, the East Bay College Fund, and the Ed Fund to help coordinate the activities of the Oakland Promise to ensure that they served the City’s goals,” according to Maggie Croushore, a member of the Oakland Promise Operations Team and also “Communications & Partnerships, Education, Office of Mayor Libby Schaaf.”

“As of July 1, 2019, as an independent 501c3, Oakland Promise has hired a CEO, Mia Bonta, to set the strategic direction and lead Oakland Promise, reporting to a governing board of the nonprofit organization,” wrote Croushore in an email to the Post on Wednesday.

Asked about Silver’s work schedule, how his work time was separated between his city-paid duties and Oakland Promise responsibilities, Croushore replied:

“This question regarding Mr. Silver’s schedule is best directed to the Mayor’s office or to David Silver directly, as he does not have scheduled hours at Oakland Promise. David Silver serves as a non-voting member of the governing board.”

Silver did not respond to the Oakland Post’s emailed questions.

However, a recent report from the administration on Oakland Promise, presented to the Education Partnership Committee, referred to David Silver’s responsibilities for the nonprofit.

“The Mayor’s Director of Education funded by the city for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019” had decision-making authority on the Oakland Promise, until the hiring of CEO Mia Bonta in July.

Justin Berton, a spokesperson for the mayor, did not respond the Post’s questions but instead praised the work of the nonprofit.

“The Oakland Promise was created by the City of Oakland in partnership with Oakland Unified School District and community partners to dramatically increase the number of Oakland public school students who go to college or trade programs with scholarships, mentors, and the life-skills to end the pattern of generational poverty and institutionalized racism,” he said.

In her letter to the City Auditor, Kaplan said that from 2016-2018, she heard allegations that Mayor Schaaf had ordered that city hall facilities “be given, free of charge, to the Oakland Promise without going through (the) legally-mandated process for use of public facilities.”

Kaplan said she had requested a list of organizations that had been given space in City Hall, but that list did not include Oakland Promise.

Kaplan also pointed out that the administration’s report to the Education Partnership Committee said the City of Oakland from 2016-2018 gave $1.15 million to Oakland Promise’s Kindergarten to College Program and 11th floor City Hall office space, as well as “desktop computers, phone and internet service for approximately five Oakland Promise staff.”

While many people are enthusiastic about the nonprofit if it lives up to its promises for students, several people are requesting a public accounting of how Oakland Promise has spent the public money it has collected and to make sure the money it actually being spent the way it claims.

At press time, the City Auditor’s Office had not replied to the Oakland Post’s questions.

For Gene Hazzard’s website, including his blog, go to www.cleanoakland.com

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

1 day ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

1 day ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.

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Activism

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

1 day ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.