Oakland complained that Microsoft Teams does not allow for gender pronouns. Microsoft didn’t answer
Alameda CM had enough with claims of poor street design contributing to pedestrian fatalities; Hayward garbage rates to increase 14%; and more
CITY NEWS
ALAMEDA
—ROAD RAGE—Alameda Councilmember John Knox White said last week that he is angered by repeated assertions made by some in Alameda, including from fellow Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer, that street fatalities over roughly the past year are due to poor street design.
—"Multiple times there have been street design has been responsible for the fatalities in our street," One was killd by a drunk driver, another drunk person, wilma chan because of bright sunlight,” Knox White said. Another was killed late at night on Tilden, "a street that had never been touched but had plans six years ago until the then mayor managed to get public works to not forward with the project. These are not issues related to staff design and we need to stop saying that."
—Spencer responded: "I think the data speaks for itself and he's not an expert."
ELECTION 2022
—’DRO DEMS ENDORSE—Liz Ortega, the hometown candidate in the 20th Assembly District race, along with Dublin Councilmember Shawn Kumagai, was endorsed for the November election by the San Leandro Democratic Club, it was announced. In the Alameda County District Attorney tilt, Pamela Price edged out Terry Wiley to win the November endorsement. Both sets of candidates met in spirited forums held by the Democratic club on Thursday evening.
—JOINING THE PARTY—The line of prospective candidates filing intents to run in the fall election is quite paltry right now. Two more candidates have filed for the Oakland District 6 seat that Councilmember Loren Taylor is giving up in order to run for mayor. Jesse Tapia-Juarez and Yakapasua Zazaboi filed on June 21. They join three other candidates including the venerable Nancy Sidebotham.
—Oakland also gained its 16th prospective mayoral candidate last week with the addition of Monesha Carter. The big four in that race is Councilmembers Sheng Thao, Treva Reid, and Taylor, along with Ignacio De La Fuente.
—Newly-appointed Berkeley Mental Health Commissioner Mary-Lee Smith joined the open Berkeley City Council race in District 8 that also includes Mark Humbert and Nick Pilch. Councilmember Lori Droste is not running for re-election.
—Across Alameda County, far more activity is coming from the school board ledger with a number of candidates who have officially signaled an interest in running for office. Fremont USD: Jennifer Kavouniaris filed an intent this week to run in District 3. Pleasanton USD: Justin G. Brown filed on June 15 in District 5. Castro Valley USD: Tina Sachs filed on June 5 for an at-large seat. Oakland USD: In District 4, Pecolio Mangio and Nick Resnick filed. In District 6, Kyria Mungia and Joel Velasquez filed.
**PROGRAM NOTE - Check out the handy East Bay Candidate List and keep and eye out for school board races added soon!.