Activism

Restore Our City’s Service (R.O.C.S) Can Stabilize Our Community

There is no reason whatsoever that our cities should be lacking so much when the system is supposed to help, not hinder progress. R.O.C.S is necessary because maintenance and solutions come from action, not words. And, with a plan of action that pushes a sustained commitment for improvement, we can make a difference.

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2021

Isabelle Price

R.O.C.S Workers Courtesy Richard Johnson

R.O.C.S, which stands for a concept to “Restore Our City’s Service,” is derived from a position of need because somewhere along the path the ball was dropped when it came to serving the needs of the people who are struggling to survive.

I have initiated R.O.C.S as a way to help create a path of light and hope for those whose backs are literally up against the wall, with actions that lead to solutions rather than to despair or violence.

As one moves around our communities, it will become evident from observing those living on the streets in encampments that services for much needed assistance have been severely compromised to the point of being nonexistent.

We shouldn’t have to walk by the depressing conditions of homelessness, the need for mental health assistance, vocational training needs, nagging hunger and health maintenance concerns for the disenfranchised.

Regrettably this is the reality that faces far too many cities, especially Oakland. Some people have lost hope, but more importantly, some have lost faith in the powers that be to make the needed changes.

It is a horrible sight to see how our streets are littered with garbage and filth. These conditions, along with the nasty effects of living in close proximity to vermin-infested enclaves, present a dangerous health issue for those living in street encampments.

Quite naturally R.O.C.S won’t be able to address every single problem. However, what R.O.C.S can do is open the repair gates to a much better living society. Our cities have existing services, but what is plainly obvious is those services have failed and continue to fall short of their intended objective for whatever reasons.

The goal of R.O.C.S goal is to serve those in need by working in collaboration with other organizations to restore whatever is needed to improve our cities in responsible ways. By working together we can improve our schools, hospitals, city streets and make many other needed repairs for cities to function properly.

Talk is nothing without production and a plan that connect the neglected while advancing the overall agenda to make our spaces much better livable places.

Let’s not confuse agenda with progress. Progress is made when the needs of people are met and when the restorations are achieved.

After serving many years in prison where I started writing columns for the Post, I prayed often and pledged to devote the rest of my writings and my work life to restoring justice and services to those in need.

I now pray that R.O.C can be the rock that stabilizes our community in a profound way.

Isabelle Price

Posts by Isabelle Price

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Activism

Teachers’ Union Thanks Supt. Johnson-Trammell for Service to Schools and Community

“I speak for our Oakland community and the families OEA serves in thanking Supt. Johnson-Trammell for her service. With public schools and immigrant families under attack nationally from Trump and with budget challenges affecting many California school districts, these are tough times demanding the best of what we all have to offer,” said OEA President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer in a statement released Thursday.

Published

13 minutes ago

April 27, 2025

Oakland Post

OEA President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer. Courtesy photo.

The union calls for a community-involvement in search for new superintendent

By Post Staff

While pointing out that Supt. Kayla Johnson-Trammell has been planning to resign for a while, the Oakland Education Association (OEA) thanked her for years of service to the schools and called for community involvement in the search for a new superintendent.

“While we disagreed strongly on a number of issues,” said Taiz-Rancifer, “Dr. Johnson-Trammell is a daughter of Oakland and a product of our public schools. We thank her for her service and wish her the best moving forward.”

She said the schools’ community was aware that the superintendent had been planning to leave well before this week’s announcement.

“The superintendent has spoken publicly throughout the year about her planned departure. In August 2024, the previous school board approved a renewed contract raising her compensation to over $600,000 per year and allowing her to step back from daily responsibilities beginning in the 2025-2026 school year,” said Taiz-Rancifer.

She said the teachers’ union has been raising concerns about the need for stability and financial transparency in the district. “For three of the last four years, the district projected major deficits, only to end with millions in reserve.” This year, she said, the district added $90 million to central office overhead expenses.

“Just last month, a majority of school board directors took action to cap expensive consultant costs and develop alternative budget proposals that align spending with community priorities to keep funding in classrooms,” she said.

Taiz-Rancifer said the union stands behind the leadership of Board President Jennifer Brouhard and Boardmembers Valarie Bachelor, Rachel Latta, and VanCedric Williams.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

In 30 Years, Supporters of Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer Raised $8 Million

Over the last 30 years, participants have raised over $8 million and moved more than 14,000 miles—the equivalent of crossing the United States more than five times. All in support of WCRC’s free cancer services in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Published

32 minutes ago

April 27, 2025

Oakland Post

Supporters of the Swim A Mile | Move A Mile campaign over the years. At left are swimmers from 2023 and from 2001 (?) at right. Courtesy photos.

By Kate Eaneman
Special to The Post

When staff at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center started a fundraiser in 1995, they weren’t trying to create a high-profile event. They just wanted something meaningful: something that could bring people together to raise funds for East Bay women facing cancer.

They called it the Swim A Mile for Women with Cancer. There were no rankings, no competition, no stopwatch at the end of the lane. Just people swimming a mile at their own pace, in honor or memory of someone they cared about, and raising what they could to support WCRC’s work.

In the years since, the event has shifted and stretched. It’s been held at several pools across the East Bay, including Holy Names and its current home at Northeastern University in Oakland, formerly Mills College. For a few years, a second swim was held in Marin.

And in 2020, the event changed again — this time, out of necessity. With the pandemic forcing large gatherings to stop. It also meant, however, that opportunities were opened. People were invited to swim, walk, or move a mile however and wherever they could. That year, the event became the Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer, and the name has stuck.

Some participants now ‘move their mile’ from neighborhood parks or home treadmills. Others return to the pool each spring. Whichever they take part, everyone fundraises. That money makes up more than a quarter of WCRC’s annual budget.

WCRC was founded in 1986 to serve people facing cancer who were often left out of traditional systems of care. Most clients today are low-income, and the majority are women of color over the age of 50.

The organization provides free therapy, support groups, wellness classes, and patient navigation, all rooted in cultural humility and community connection.

What has kept the event going isn’t marketing or corporate backing. It’s people, many of whom come back year after year. Some swim to honor a friend or family member. Others move in memory of someone they lost. For some, it’s a tradition that’s lasted across generations.

Janet started participating in 1997. At the time, she swam with her children. Now, her grandchildren take part, too. “Yes—it’s my very loving and supportive family,” she said.

She continues to participate each year because she believes in the work. “Raising money to support the services offered by the WCRC keeps me feeling good.” When asked what has stayed with her over the years, she answered simply: “Resiliency and community.”

That’s what Swim A Mile | Move A Mile has represented for 30 years. Not a race. Not a performance. Just people moving together for something that matters.

The 30th annual Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer will be held May 3–4 at Northeastern University in Oakland (formerly Mills College).

To register, volunteer, or learn more, visit: wcrc.org/swim.