Oakland
Raiders Lose a Wild One to Chiefs
Oakland, CA – It was the most points an opponent has scored against the Raiders in franchise history. Alex Smith returned to the Bay Area for the first time since being traded from the San Francisco 49ers. He threw four of his five touchdowns making the Kansas City Chiefs the highest scoring team in the NFL this season.
Oakland was once again eliminated from the playoff race for the 11th straight season. And the Chiefs showed no mercy after defeating them 56-31. Running Back Jamaal Charles tied his seasons best of five touchdowns and helped Kansas City clinch a wild card spot for now.
The Chiefs controlled the tempo of the game from the start.
Quintin Demps returned the opening kick off for 50 yards to set up Charles’ first touchdown, a short screen pass from Smith. The Chiefs ran the same play on their next possession and Charles scored again on a 39-yard touchdown pass. He joins an elite group of players (Jerry Rice, Shaun Alexander and Clinton Portis) that have scored five touchdowns and gained at least 200 yards in a single game.
“Yes, I was surprised I was open so much, especially on that third and long play,” said Charles. “I knew someone was going to hug me on that play but, then I was like, no one is close, I better go! This was probably my best game ever.”
The first half of the game looked like a cake walk for Kansas City. The Raiders defense did absolutely nothing to slow down the Chiefs offense or Charles. Matt McGloin threw an interception to Eric Berry intended for Marcel Reece. Berry returned the pick 47 yards for the touchdown, giving Kansas City a 21-3 lead in the first quarter. McGloin recovered and found Rod Streater for a 23-yard pass and got the first down.
As the period ended Terrelle Pryor saw some action on his first series in the red zone. A costly penalty by the Chiefs moved the ball closer to the goal line to set up a leaping 1-yard touchdown by Rashad Jennings. But Oakland’s seven turnovers gave Kansas City three more opportunities to score. Charles scored two more touchdowns after McGloin fumbled a snap and threw another interception to Berry that set up Charles’ fourth touchdown.
“I’m at a loss for words on the seven turnovers,” McGloin said. “It’s frustrating, but at the same time we got back into the game. It was 35-31 at one point still even with the turnovers we had. But we were hurting ourselves.”
The Chiefs finished the half leading the Raiders 32-17. But the third quarter belonged to Oakland. The quarterback duo moved the ball effectively and set up Andre Holmes 6-yard touchdown. McGloin’s 52-yard pass to Taiwan Jones moved the chains and gave the Raiders a much needed first down. McGloin then found Mychal Rivera in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown that put Oakland back into the game 35-31.
But the unstoppable Charles scored on a 71-yard touchdown. Jones then fumbled the ball on the Raiders drive that set up Smith’s 6-yard pass to Sean McGrath for the touchdown. Smith, who finds himself back in the playoffs, went 17 for 20 for 287 yards.
Kansas City is now tied for first place in the AFC West with Denver. The Raiders final two games of the season are division games against the Chargers and the Broncos.
“We made it difficult for ourselves,” said Charles Woodson. “This is a game about fundamentals, and when you don’t carry out the fundamentals, things like this happen. I really wish I knew why we could not stop Jamaal Charles.”
“Honestly, if I had the answers, I would change it myself and we’d be sitting at 10-4 now instead of 4-10,” Raiders Cornerback Tracey Porter said.
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.”
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.”
“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.”
“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
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.
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.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
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