Elected officials across Alameda County use the August recess to recharge their batteries. Starting today, it’s my turn.
To be honest with you. I’m tired. The words have not been flowing lately. My rhythm is off. It happens. Especially when the political class is out of town and tips and gossip become scarce.
Since I have you, here’s an update on some of the things in the pipeline when the fall council and election season kickoffs off next week.
On Wednesday, look out for the next episode of the East Bay Insiders Podcast. We’ll break down the fall ballot with insights and a little humor. We’re also planning a live podcast recording to celebrate our 100th episode, which is slated for early-to-mid November.
Our next public event will be a panel discussion with reporters and political consultants, sometime in late September to coincide with the arrival of vote-by-mail ballots in early October. I’ll send you more details soon about the panelists, date, and location.
I’ll be tinkering with some new features starting next week. Among them a running tally on council attendance. Too many elected officials in the East Bay are not showing up for work, while others are abusing the ability to appear remotely.
Look out for opposition research on some of the biggest races, starting with the big Alameda County Board of Supervisors race in District 5, along with profiles on candidates who may represent the county’s next generation of leaders
I’ll be reaching out to candidates in selected East Bay races to appear in podcast debates, not candidates forums. I’ll pose the questions and encourage dialogue between the candidates.
In the meantime, I’ll be back on the beat next Tuesday, Sept. 3, coincidentally the 800th issue of the East Bay Insiders newsletter. See you then!
steve
PS: The planned rate increase for Sept. 1 is being pushed back to Sept. 15.
ELECTION 2024
72 days to Election Day
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
—💰MONEYBALL—Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on Aug. 26:
ALAMEDA COUNTY
BART BOARD OF DIRECTORS
—Melissa Hernandez (BART Board-District 5), Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Political Committee, $2,000. TOTAL: $2,000.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
—John Bauters (District 5), Bonnie J. Moss of Hayward, $1,000. TOTAL: $1,000.
CITIES
OAKLAND
—Rowena Brown (Oakland City Council-At-large), Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Political Committee, $1,200. TOTAL: $1,200.
—Carroll Fife (Oakland City Council, District 3), Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Political Committee, $1,200. TOTAL: $1,200.
—Noel Gallo (Oakland City Council, District 5), Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Political Committee, $1,200. TOTAL: $1,200.
STATE LEGISLATURE
STATE SENATE
—Tim Grayson (9th Senate District), Bank of America Corporation State and Federal PAC, $1,500. TOTAL: $1,500.
—Marisol Rubio (9th Senate District), SEIU United Healthcare Workers West PAC, $3,000. TOTAL: $3,000.
—James Shoemaker (5th Senate District), Associated Builders and Contractors Northern California Chapter PAC, $1,500. TOTAL: $1,500.
STATE ASSEMBLY
—Buffy Wicks (14th Assembly District), SEIU United Healthcare Workers West PAC, $10,900; California Mortgage Bankers Association PAC, $2,000. TOTAL: $12,900.
—Mia Bonta (18th Assembly District), SEIU United Healthcare Workers West PAC, $10,900. TOTAL: $10,900.
—Liz Ortega (20th Assembly District), SEIU United Healthcare Workers West PAC, $10,900. TOTAL: $10,900.
—Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (16th Assembly District), Bank of America State and Federal PAC, $1,500. TOTAL: $1,500.