Oakland
Rangers win, close gap on A’s in first
Oakland, CA – The match-up was well anticipated, both teams hold the top two spots in the American League West. The Texas Rangers have won their last four games three included walk-off wins. Tonight they extended that winning streak with a 8-3 victory over the A’s.
Luckily for Oakland, they built a cushion to remain 2.5 games ahead of the Rangers. Extending their losing streak to three games, the A’s did get off to a good start in the first frame. With a 2-0 lead, Oakland took advantage of Alexi Ogando’s struggles early.
“It just didn’t feel good tonight,” Ogando said. “I didn’t have my control like I normally do. It was just one of those nights.”
He yielded a free pass to both Jed Lowrie and Yoenis Cespedes. Brandon Moss followed clearing the bases with a two-run double. Unfortunately, the A’s lead didn’t last long. Nelson Cruz blasted a 2-run homer to center field to tie the game 2-2.
“I felt fine early on, in the bullpen and the first inning,” said Tommy Milone. “Even in the second inning, it was just one bad pitch to Cruz. From the third on, it just escalated.”
Texas added two more runs in the third extending their 4-2. Oakland tried to come back bottom of the inning with two runners on in both corners. But Josh Donaldson hit into a double play to end the rally.
The defense collapsed and the errors began to pile up for the A’s. Craig Gentry grounded a double right past Josh Donaldson at third base to allow him to reach second safely. That set up Jurickson Profar’s two-run homer to left field.
“It’s frustrating,” Oakland’s manager Bob Melvin said. “We’re getting the opportunities, and if you continue to give yourself opportunities you’re going to break through at times. And it did seem like we were swinging the bats like we’re capable of, and then we’ve just been a little stagnant. We’ve been getting the baserunners, we’re just not getting the hits when we have the opportunity.”
Milone’s night on the mound ended after giving up a single to Leonys Martin in the fourth after Profar’s home run. Dan Otero came in and struck out Ian Kinsler to end the inning. Tommy’s outing lasted 3 2/3, yielding nine hits, six runs, two strikeouts and two home runs.
Coco Crisp cut the lead in half bottom of the frame, when he hit a double RBI to right-fielder Nelson [Cruz] who fumbled the ball off his glove. That was the A’s last run despite having an opportunity to score more runs in the fifth.
Robbie Ross loaded the bases with two outs. Runners were in scoring position after Ross gave up two singles and a wild pitch. Chris Young was to pinch-hit for Seth Smith and Rangers manager Ron Washington went to his bullpen and replaced Robbie with Jason Fraser. Melvin then replaced Young with Alberto Callaspo who flew out to center field to end the rally.
“This is what we’re capable of doing,” said Cruz who is facing suspension following his involvement with the Biogensis clinic. “We got into a slump, now I think we’re out of the slump. It couldn’t come at a better time.”
“You never know where things are going to end up,” said Brandon Moss. “They’ve played us well all year. I think they’ve definitely had our number a little bit, so we need to come out and win some games and get some confidence going and finish out the homestand positively.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024
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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.”
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.”
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