SACRAMENTO — In a bold move reflecting the urgency of the times, the California Teachers Association (CTA) has thrown its weight behind Proposition 50, an initiative spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom aimed at redistricting. CTA is reaching out to California’s Black voters by activating a campaign utilizing some of the state’s legacy Black newspapers.

Prop. 50 presents an opportunity for California voters to pause and reconsider the current legislative maps that dictate representation — a reaction to a national landscape where education and voting rights are increasingly under threat. Erika Jones, the Secretary/Treasurer of the CTA pointed out that the initiative serves as a direct counter to troubling developments in states like Texas, where the political climate has grown hostile towards both educational funding and voter inclusion.

“The dysfunction we’re witnessing in Washington, D.C. has profound implications for our schools,” Jones explained. She emphasized that the dismantling of the federal Department of Education and the curtailing of union rights for workers are issues that inevitably trickle down to affect the students in California classrooms. “This is not a fight we chose, but it’s one we must engage in for the future of our children.”

Critics from within the Democratic spectrum have voiced skepticism about the ethics of using Prop. 50 as a tool against what they perceive as unethical actions from other states. However, Jones argues convincingly that the current political climate itself — marked by a wave of voter suppression tactics and the sidelining of marginalized communities — constitutes an ethical crisis that demands a robust and proactive response.

“We have to take a stand,” Jones insists. She draws parallels between the present situation and historical struggles for voting rights, reflecting on her own family’s involvement in civil rights movements. “If we don’t act now, we risk losing decades of progress.” She voiced concerns that without intervention, there could be dire consequences for marginalized students, including cuts to funding that directly supports vulnerable populations.

With more than $15 billion in federal assistance hanging in the balance, the stakes could not be higher. Jones highlighted the importance of rallying both educators and community members to mobilize against what she describes as an “unethical assault” on democracy. “We cannot simply remain isolated in California; the fight for justice and equity reverberates across the entire nation.”

As supporters of Prop. 50 intensify their outreach, Jones invites California residents to join the movement. “We’re encouraging everyone to get involved — whether by volunteering to canvas or by spreading awareness through social media.” Those interested can visit cta.org/prop50 for more information on how to engage in meaningful activism.

With only a few weeks left to vote, the CTA’s call for action resonates across communities, urging Californians to recognize not just their rights as voters, but their responsibility to advocate for the future of education in a rapidly changing political landscape. As Jones aptly puts it, “This is our fight, and we must be heard.”

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By Jean Walsh
Special to The Post

City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of improvements to enhance the Downtown Oakland Senior Center located in the Veterans’ Memorial Building at 200 Grand Ave.

“Our Senior Centers are vital hubs for the community and enable seniors to socialize and interact with other active seniors. I’m so excited to see these renovated spaces,” said Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Thank you to Oakland voters for making these crucial improvements possible through Measure KK and thank you to the hardworking City of Oakland team for delivering this project on time and within budget.”

District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife likewise praised the center, which is within her district. “The Downtown Senior Center offers dance classes, crafts, computer courses, and other wonderful programs and activities for our elders,” she said. “I’m excited that renovations to the Downtown Senior Center have been completed and thank everyone involved, especially City staff who work diligently to help improve the quality of life for our seniors.”

The Downtown Oakland Senior Center Improvements Project entailed a partial renovation of the ground floor of the building. The project refreshed worn out finishes that had not been upgraded since the 1980s, including nearly 10,000 square feet of new flooring, painting, signage and LED lighting retrofits in the canteen, dining, crafts, computer and consignment rooms. These improvements make the space more inviting, with a fresh, clean look.

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The project also included sewer replacement, accessibility upgrades to the bathrooms, and ADA upgrades to the parking lot, including partial pavement rehabilitation, accessible parking stalls, signage, and curb ramps.

The $2.5 million Downtown Oakland Senior Center project was funded through Measure KK, passed by the Oakland voters in 2016. ELS Architecture and Urban Design was the design team and Mar Con Builders was the contractor.

The Downtown Oakland Senior Center focuses on providing seniors (55+) with innovative programs and services that address the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of older adults. Seniors are welcome to become a member at DOSC for $12/year. Membership opportunities include (no cost and low cost): exercise classes, art and writing classes, conversation groups, book clubs, group day trips, etc. Activities are in-person or on ZOOM.

Further, DOSC is a community hub for senior services, offering a ready-to-eat lunch program through Spectrum Community Services, senior relevant presentations in partnership with other organizations, and access to an Information and Assistance specialist available to provide individualized support referrals.

Unique to DOSC there is a Consignment Shop where members can consign items to sell and everyone can shop!

“The Downtown Oakland Senior Center is located in a glorious building with a rich history,” said Josh Rowan, Interim Oakland Public Works Director. “This project has made the building more accessible for visitors using mobility aids, more functional for the staff who cook meals in the kitchen or teach classes in the computer lab, and more comfortable for the seniors who enjoy the Center’s excellent programs every day.”

“The Mayor’s Commission on Aging is thrilled to welcome back our Oakland seniors, our services providers, health and safety partners, our Veterans, families and friends to celebrate the re-opening of the Café, Consignment Shop and other sorely-missed spaces closed during construction,” said Lenore McDonald Gunst, Chair, Mayor’s Commission on Aging.

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Connecting Employers and Talent in Oakland and Beyond 

OAKLAND, CA – Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc., is hosting the New Year’s Career & resource Expo on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 12 noon at the Oakland Coliseum – Eastside Club – 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland CA 94621.

This exciting event brings together over 70 employers, all seeking to hire Oakland residents with various skill levels to fill a wide range of employment opportunities. Additionally, a collaborative of resource agencies will be in attendance, providing further assistance to job seekers.

OPIC CEO Pastor Raymond Lankford expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating: “This Career Fair is not merely a gathering of employers and prospective employees; it’s a platform for opportunity, growth, and community collaboration. We are thrilled to bridge the gap between Oakland’s talented residents and the employers who recognize their potential. Together, we are building a stronger Oakland.”

For more information or to request media access, please contact Yawo Tekpa at yawot@oaklandpic.org.

OAKLAND PIC HOSTS NEW YEAR’S CAREER & RESOURCE EXPO 

• Who:             All job seekers, with all ages and experiences welcome
• What:              Connecting Employers and Talent in the Community
• When: Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 12 noon
• Where: Oakland Coliseum – Eastside Club – 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland CA 94621.

OPIC INVITES YOUR ORGANIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR UPCOMING NEW YEAR’S CAREER & RESOURCE EXPO!!!

Dear Esteemed Employer & Community Organization Partner,

Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc. (OPIC) is excited to wish you a warm welcome into 2024! A new year, a new HOPE!!!

We enthusiastically invite your organization to participate in our NEW YEAR CAREER & RESOURCE EXPO at the OAKLAND COLISEUM!!!

DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024

TIME: 12:00 NOON – 3:00 P.M.

LOCATION: OAKLAND COLISEUM – EAST SIDE CLUB

ADDRESS: 7000 COLISEUM WAY, OAKLAND CA 94621

Participating Employer & and Community Resource Partners will receive one six-foot table and two (2) chairs for this event. Additional information, including event details and logistics, will be forwarded after you sign-up.

Please confirm your attendance by completing the online registration link below by JANUARY 31, 2024 at the latest.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bfv0LXBexc26AeE_cosSoQrpYrx2HXOIwn1bG47chwU/edit

Thanks to our invaluable network and partnership, we are giving HOPE to many community members through quality employment opportunities and supportive resources.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Yawo Tekpa, Assistant One-Stop Operator/Events Coordinator, at (510) 419-0392 office/ (510) 499-6657 cell.

Sincerely,

Raymond Lankford                Yawo S. Tekpa,

CEO                           Assistant One-Stop Operator/Events Coordinator

raymondl@oaklandpic.org                   yawot@oaklandpic.org

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