By Janani Ramachandran, District 4 Oakland City Councilmember
On June 11, Oakland’s City Council took a commendable step towards prioritizing essential city services with the adoption of the FY 2025-2027 budget amendments, ensuring the city’s future stability.
As Chair of the Finance Committee, I had the privilege of collaborating with Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Zac Unger, and Charlene Wang to navigate Oakland through its significant $265 million structural budget deficit.
Despite the financial challenges, our efforts bore fruit, as we succeeded in maintaining all 25 fire stations operational, funding five police academies, and investing millions to address illegal dumping and sideshow prevention.
Additionally, we made strides in improving the permitting processes, revitalizing our commercial corridors through a business incentives program, and enhancing our homelessness prevention initiatives.
We also expanded the city’s anti-trafficking programs, reinstated our tree services division, and bolstered the Auditor’s office, all without resorting to staff layoffs or closing senior centers and after-school programs.
I take pride in our ability to support these vital city services sustainably, avoiding one-time revenue fixes that had plagued last year’s budget.
Past decisions by the majority of the Council, myself excluded, to depend on anticipated proceeds from the Coliseum’s sale had backfired, resulting in drastic cuts that impaired vital city services, including the closure of fire stations and staff layoffs.
This week’s passed budget signifies a shift towards fiscal responsibility and preserving taxpayer funds.
Our budget plan stems from the continuous calls from Oakland’s diverse populace, emphasizing the need to address pressing issues impacting residents’ safety and quality of life.
It reflects our vision for Oakland’s recovery and the ambition for international recognition as a thriving hub capable of attracting and retaining a wide array of businesses.
This effort aims to foster a vibrant economic climate with clean, safe streets, cultural festivals, and top-notch restaurants that could place Oakland at the forefront.
As we rebuild our economy, we are also nurturing a cultural renaissance that will create job opportunities and boost the city’s revenue.
I am grateful for the unwavering support from Mayor Barbara Lee, whose commitment aligns with our vision of safety, cleanliness, and prosperity for all Oakland residents.
Appreciation also goes to City Administrator Jestin Johnson and former Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins for their collaborative efforts in creating a foundational budget proposal for the council.
Furthermore, I express my deepest gratitude to the residents who actively participated in the budget process; their voices are instrumental in bringing about the transformative change we seek for Oakland.
In related events, an Interfaith vigil was held on June 11, responding to the recent federal government’s actions in Los Angeles, where armed and masked agents disrupted local immigrant communities.
This vigil, joined by over 500 attendees, including Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, aimed to show solidarity with affected residents and to denounce such abuses of power.
Rabbis, pastors, Muslim leaders, and indigenous spiritual leaders came together to advocate for due process and respect for immigrant rights.
Activist Andrés Pomart of Trabajadores Unidos Workers United remarked on the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable immigrant families, emphasizing community organization and solidarity as tools for empowerment.
Mayor Lee reinforced her commitment to protecting Oakland’s immigrant community, highlighting their essential role in enriching the city.
Supervisor Bas cautioned against federal overreach, declaring a collective responsibility to defend shared values and protect noncitizens from oppressive government actions.
Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland teachers’ union, called for active resistance against ICE in the city, fortifying the statement that an attack on one is an attack on all.
Rabbi Chai Levy shared insights on the moral obligation of faith communities to stand in solidarity against government actions that threaten the safety of immigrants.
The vigil was organized by Bay Resistance along with several supportive organizations, underlining the need for unity against oppressive governmental practices.
In further community-oriented efforts, interfaith leaders participated in a panel discussion that took place during the annual meeting of communication leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 31.
Prominent faith leaders discussed critical issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, and immigration, while emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts to support those in need.
Rev. Ken Chambers, executive director of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, expressed his gratitude to The Church for their engagement in interfaith initiatives that seek to provide shelter for those in need.
A poignant story shared during the meeting described the inspiring assistance provided to Yasjmine Oeveraas, a homeless mother finding stability through community efforts led by Chambers and the Interfaith Council.
Richard Johnson, known as “Razor,” reflected on his own journey of redemption and guidance, expressing a commitment to mentoring the youth and advocating for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Having been imprisoned under California’s three-strike laws, Johnson views his history as a catalyst for motivating others to avoid a similar fate and emphasizes the importance of community support and understanding.
His experiences in solitary confinement have enriched his perspectives, fueling his desire to share valuable life lessons with those who might be struggling.
As a beacon of hope, Johnson’s journey embodies the resilience of spirit and the belief that transformation is possible through collective efforts.
His ongoing advocacy and commitment to mentoring young men underscore the importance of nurturing future generations and offering them insights that could help them navigate life’s complexities.
This vital work is directed towards fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness, invoking the belief that shared support can lead individuals away from despair and towards a brighter future.
Richard’s story serves as an inspirational narrative that highlights the capabilities of redemption and the profound impacts of empathy and support in building a more equitable society.
In his ambitious endeavor to reach out to women and families lacking parental figures, Johnson has committed himself to provide guidance, urging people to give back to their communities as a way to foster growth and reconciliation.
With the goal of influencing others positively, he has plans to speak at various prisons, colleges, and community events, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and civic involvement.
In conclusion, Oakland’s recent budget decisions and community gatherings reflect a broader commitment to civic responsibility, solidarity, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.
Through collaborative efforts, Oakland is on a path toward recovery and cultural rejuvenation, showcasing the power of community voice in shaping a brighter future for all its residents.
image source from：https://www.postnewsgroup.com/council-approves-budget-to-invest-in-core-city-services-save-fire-stations-invest-in-economic-development/
