City Government

Small Market Owners Oppose Council-Backed “Grocery Tax”

Published

8 years ago

August 19, 2016

Oakland grocers and small businesses held a press conference this week and submitted an open letter to Oakland City Council members, saying that they are misleading voters and making false claims in the media about a “grocery tax” that will be on the November ballot.

At a press conference held at Oakland’s Mi Carnal Market on Foothill Boulevard in East Oakland, storeowner Abdul Taleb and San Francisco grocer Alejandro Del Rio spoke against the “Grocery Tax.”

“We should be focusing on more important issues that are impacting our community like the high cost of living,” said Taleb. “This grocery tax will force small businesses to raise prices across the board, and that is the last thing Oakland residents need.”

“We work hard to play by the rules and extend a brighter future for our families,” continued Taleb. “But policies like these pull us backwards.”

The letter says that small business owners, most of who can’t afford to absorb this added cost, will pass it on to their customers. And they can do so across all items sold, not just on sugar-sweetened beverages.

The letter states: “It means price increases across the board – whether it is fruits, vegetables, soap or toothpaste, it is all going to cost more for our customers.”

In addition to Abdul, the letter was signed by Maria Chavarria of Broadway Burrito, Maria Eva Rodriguez of El Valle Carniceria y Fruteria, Gabriela Graciliano of Charlie’s Las Palmas and Ali Hassan from La Raza Market.

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Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 8 – 14, 2025

Published

4 days ago

January 11, 2025

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Barbara Lee Launches Campaign for Mayor of Oakland

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united,” she Lee. “If elected I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city, so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

Published

7 days ago

January 8, 2025

Oakland Post

By Post Staff

Barbara Lee on Wednesday morning formally announced her candidacy for Mayor in Oakland’s April 15 special election.

“Time and time again, Oaklanders have faced our toughest obstacles by uniting to meet our challenges,” said Lee.

“At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided but a community united,” she said. “If elected, I will bring my hands-on leadership, new ideas, and decades of experience in identifying billions in resources for our great city so all residents and businesses are stronger and safer and our community has optimism and confidence in Oakland’s future.”

“As Mayor, I’ll address our homelessness crisis, prioritize comprehensive public safety and mental health services, and lead with fiscal responsibility to deliver the core City services residents and business owners deserve. Let’s do this – together.”

“I’ve never shied away from a challenge,” said Lee. “I’m always ready to fight for Oakland.”

Watch her campaign video here, which is online at BarbaraLee4Oakland.com

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Who Wants to Be the Next Elected Mayor of Oakland?

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Published

1 week ago

January 7, 2025

Oakland Post

An aerial view of the downtown Oakland skyline on a clear sunny day. The federal building and other iconic buildings fill the skyline. Photo: iStock.

By Paul Cobb

Many of you probably recall the oft-repeated expression when describing leadership that “many are called but few are chosen.” We will be inundated during January with many claims of qualifications by those who want to lead Oakland.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, we have heard the names of 14 potential candidates who might become Oakland’s next Mayor.

The Oakland Post is issuing a CALL to all candidates to present their answers, plans, or solutions in response to our list of questions.

Any candidate who wishes to receive a free announcement, publicity or space in the paper must submit solutions.

The first questions we propose are 1) What is your budget balancing plan?
What is your position on requiring all city employees to work full-time in their designated offices rather than remotely from their homes?
What is your plan to provide open-access opportunities to all police officers for overtime pay?
Since many businesses, especially downtown, have closed, what is your plan to attract and increase revenues?

Please send your submissions of 300 words or less to each question to Social@postnewsgroup.com or visit www.postnewsgroup.com