Newsletters

Our community has a long history of taking bold actions and leading the charge to catalyze the change this country needs. With the constant stream of attacks on our values of democracy, equity, and basic decency, it’s clear that this is not a time for our community to back down but rather to show up. I’ve loved seeing how our community consistently stands up for one another: neighbors taking action to beautify our streets, small businesses investing in our people, and tireless advocates always fighting for clean air, water, and soil in our neighborhoods. If you’re interested in showing up for the town, consider getting involved with National Night Out on August 5, an annual outdoor event dedicated to bringing neighbors together.

This past Fourth of July may have felt different for many of our families. While I hope everyone was able to enjoy a summer weekend filled with friends, family, and festivities. Many of us could not shake the feelings tied to what's happening across the country.

June is a time of deep community building and cultural celebration. Last week, on the Assembly floor, we recognized and celebrated Juneteenth, marking 160 years since the final enforcement of the emancipation proclamation was issued in Texas, freeing the final American chattel slaves. June also marks Pride Month for our LGBTQ+ communities and their allies with celebrations across AD-18 and the country as we remind this federal administration that our communities are not going back and that love is love.

Public Transit is essential to daily life here in Assembly District 18. Whether it’s AC Transit, BART, or the SF Bay Ferry, these systems serve as the critical arteries for many families commuting across the Bay Area.

This is an incredibly tumultuous time for our state. The cruel, brutal, and inhumane ICE raids we’re seeing across Los Angeles are sadly the latest manifestation of the federal government targeting our state, our values, and our community members. This president has no interest in law and order but rather is focused on sowing fear into our community and distracting the public from the insidious actions taking place in the nation’s Capital.

Recently, our community was shaken by the devastating loss of Dr. Marvin Boomer — a beloved educator, mentor, and community leader in Oakland. This is an unimaginable tragedy for the students and staff of Castlemont High School, the Oakland Unified School District, and our entire city. Marvin was more than a teacher; he was a champion for our youth, a guiding light, and a source of strength and inspiration for countless students and families.

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.