Newsletters

This week marks major celebrations in Oakland as our town recognizes its 171st birthday after being first incorporated on May 4, 1854. Since then, Oaklanders have lived a storied history, from the soaring Haciendas of Peralta to the roaring train cars owned by California’s ‘robber barons’ who pulled into Oakland and birthed the first black labor union. The Civil Rights and Free Speech movements of the 1960s and 70s that first shook the East Bay, then the nation.

We’re living in scary and unprecedented times. The President is blatantly defying the Supreme Court as he seeks to decide who gets to live in this country without regard for due process or human decency. The California legislature must do everything in its power to support our immigrant neighbors and protect our population.

On April 14, staff at the DMV Oakland Coliseum office reported a leaking water pipe in the ceiling that caused flooding in the facility. Upon investigation, DMV management discovered significant vandalism, including the theft of wiring, which rendered the HVAC system and parking lot lighting inoperable. The incident has been reported to law enforcement.

At the beginning of the month, Republican members of the Assembly attempted to advance harmful legislation to target the LGBTQ+ community, stoking fear, hate, and division to promote their anti-trans rhetoric.

Are you a high school student watching today's headlines and wondering how to make a difference? Do you want to learn more about how to impact California’s legislative process? Are you looking to be the next generation of Black civic leaders? Apply to the African American Leaders for Tomorrow (AALT) program today!

From attacks on the Department of Education, our LGBTQ+ siblings, and our immigrant neighbors, it’s clear the moment we find ourselves in is tumultuous and stressful for large swaths of our community.

I am so proud to represent the beautiful people of Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. Our East Bay district truly knows the meaning of community, and the nation would be better off if more shared our values of looking out for one another.

It was not lost on me that this year’s celebration and recognition of Black History Month came in the face of a national attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our diversity is our greatest strength and I am committed to continuing supporting uplifting DEI efforts in the California Legislature and beyond.

Communities in Assembly District 18 and the entire nation are confronting direct attacks on our fundamental rights as citizens.

The reporting and scenes from the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton wildfires is both heartbreaking and devastating. With over seven thousand firefighters working in tandem in response, our thoughts remain with the communities affected by this crisis. Many of us in Assembly District 18 remain vigilant of our friends, family, and loved ones in Southern California and stand ready to welcome and support them.