Lee enters special mayoral election, vows to lead an 'Oakland renaissance'

Is BLee beatable? Maybe. AC Transit Board of Directors hold censure hearing

Barbara Lee announcing her candidacy on Wednesday in a short video posted on social media.

☕️MORNING BUZZ

—As expected, Barbara Lee officially announced her candidacy for Oakland mayor on Wednesday. Lee’s campaign posted an uplifting video on social media extolling her experience, along with a vow to lead an “Oakland renaissance.”

—“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,” Lee said, in a statement announcing her candidacy for the April 15 special mayoral election.

—More inside:

• Lee enters the race of potentially 16 Oakland mayoral candidates as a heavy favorite. In today’s newsletter, I lay out the weaknesses in Lee’s campaign that could be exploited by her opponents, in particular, Loren Taylor.

• Without offering a reason, San Leandro’s mayor reshuffled his list of council appointments, upsetting one councilmember. “I think that’s kind of messed up,” said another.

• Censure was again in the air in Alameda County on Wednesday. This time at the AC Transit Board of Directors.

• Alameda County Democrats assigned leadership positions and swore-in a fresh crop of central committee members. Nevertheless, the rancor and confusion that limited the central committee’s efficiency last year still appears evident

• Central Committee weighs in on the Fremont City Council’s decision last month to ban camping in public spaces.

• Read all 15 applications for the appointment of interim Alameda County DA in today’s newsletter.

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