Presented by the CA Office of Traffic Safety, CA Department of Transportation & iHeart Media
Entry deadline: Aug. 29
WHAT: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are teaming up with iHeartMedia to announce a statewide contest for a chance to win up to $500 in cash gift cards and prizes. To enter, participants will share with us how they are a traffic safety champion and make a commitment to safe road behaviors. This contest is only open to individuals who are legal U.S. residents of the State of California. Any participants ages 14 and up can enter the contest. For participants under the age of 18 years old, a parent/guardian must sign the registration form.
WHY: Twelve people are killed on California roads every day. The roads are shared by drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, electric scooters, and other mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs. When we’re on the road, every action we take gets us to a safer place. Safe roads depend on all of us. The objective is to encourage others to share how they watch out for one another as we start a movement for safer roads together.
WHEN: Contest and submission period: Now through 11:59 p.m. PDT on August 29, 2024.
Winner notification: September 2024/Public Winner Announcement: September 2024.
Antioch City Manager candidate finalist Bessie Marie Scott. Sources: Facebook (left) and LinkedIn (right)
For two-year term, an assistant city department headfrom Seattle, with no experience as city manager or assistant city manager
“Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else” – Antioch City Manager candidate finalist Bessie Marie Scott on Facebook
“We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council…There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.” – Councilman Mike Barbanica
By Allen D. Payton
With just 70 days to go before the election, during their meeting on Tuesday night, August 27, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider voting to hire a new city manager, and without first introducing the candidate to the public. After violating the state Brown Act open meeting law by first, discussing then, voting to direct staff to hire the executive search firm during Closed Session earlier this year, according to an attorney with the First Amendment Coalition, the city council interviewed fewer than 10 candidates for the position following a nationwide search.
City Manager Candidate Bessie Marie Scott
According to the city staff report for the agenda item, #9, the council’s candidate of choice for city manager is Bessie M. Scott who has not previously worked as a city manager or assistant city manager for any other city. According to both the report and her LinkedIn profile, she is currently the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety for the City of Seattle, Washington and has served in the position since April 2023.
Before being chosen as the finalist, she, along with other applicants, were introduced to the City’s department heads, according to District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica.
According to the department’s website, “The City of Seattle Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established to ‘help ensure the fairness and integrity of the police system as a whole in its delivery of law enforcement services by providing civilian auditing of the management, practices, and policies of the [Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Office of Police Accountability (OPA)] and oversee ongoing fidelity to organizational reforms implemented pursuant to the goals of the 2012 federal Consent Decree in United States of America v. City of Seattle, 12 Civ. 1282(JLR).’”
Prior to her current position, Scott worked for a little over three years for the Public Defender Association in Seattle, first as Chief of Staff then as Co-Executive Director of Operations. Prior to that, for a little over two years, Scott worked for the Seattle Community Police Commission, first as Policy Director then as Interim Executive Director. Her longest tenure was for six-and-a-half years for the Seattle Housing Authority where she worked, first, as the Senior Paralegal and Public Records Officer in the Legal Department. That was followed by a position as Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Policy & Strategic Initiatives, then finally as Strategic Advisor for Rental Assistance Programs.
The staff report also shares, “She has public sector experience in various areas such as public safety, housing programs and municipal policy administration. In her current role, she ensures consistent policy interpretation across all functions of public safety, including Audits, Investigations, Policy and Standards and Compliance.
Accomplishments
More specifically, according to the city staff report, “Some of her career accomplishments include: Managed a Home from School Program, which was a pilot initiative that paired a Housing Choice Voucher with a family experiencing homelessness and living in a shelter near a school in Seattle. The program was a success and housed over 250 families in the first year.” She also “Managed a grant funded Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) Statewide Fair Housing Test Program.”
The proposed agreement does not yet include salary and benefit amounts as those will be finalized during negotiations at the Closed Session meeting on Tuesday night.
Honors
Scott was honored with the 2021 Changemaker of the Year Award from Voices & Visions, University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, in February 2021. The announcement on the college’s website for this year’s honorees and celebration, shares details about the award offers three phrases, Collective Wisdom, Brave Leadership and Rigorous Action. The description reads, “Amid the turbulence and challenges we see day-to-day, join us to celebrate leaders catalyzing positive change in our communities and public systems. This moment calls for courageous leadership and rigorous action. Join us for an evening of discussion, discovery, and community. Your participation helps raise critical funds to support the mission of the Evans School, fueling our ability to inspire public service and democratize public policy.”
Education
Scott earned an Executive Master of Public Administration – EMPA in 2020 from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington and took a Public Policy Analysis course in 2003 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She earned her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Law and Society/ Philosophy, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice/ Ethics and Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara in 2003.
If hired, Scott will be the City’s first African American female city manager.
Scott’s Controversial Social Media Posts
But the prospective city manager’s social media posts and comments are already causing a stir, as some of them include racially charged comments by Scott dating back to 2018 and more recently, advocacy for such matters as a “Free Palestine”.
Bessie Marie Scott’s X (formerly Twitter) profile.
X/Twitter Posts and Comments
In a reply to a Twitter/X post on Aug. 30, 2018, by Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, which reads, “Our nation is in trouble—and it’s because we have taken God out of everything. Follow if you agree,” Scott wrote on Oct. 5, 2018, “Please stop. You abandoned God a long time ago by supporting racists and bigots who help you preserve your whiteness. Stop using GOD to justify your ugly ways. See you in hell!”
A post on her Twitter/X account (https://x.com/bethalightmarie) on June 3, 2019, she wrote, “I’ve never hated a character @FelicityHuffman more. Life imitates…that white women are the problem…in real life. Because also who raises white men? #Beckydoes #thatswho #whitewomendobetter #ShameOnYou #CentralParkFive #reidtechnique #f—kkktrump (redacted by the Herald) @realDonaldTrump.”
Redacted by the Herald.
In a February 16, 2020, post, in response to another post Scott wrote, “White parents just don’t know/care about what we go through worrying about our children being treated any kind of way due to their skin color. Sad. Infruriating. Unfair” and the word America with “kkk” in the middle as “amerikkka”.
A post on Jan. 6, 2021, reads, “You know what’s standing out to me more than these clever memes about today? The White silence on my timeline. #Allies What say you? I need some #Reparations #AccountabilityNow.”
Facebook Posts and Comments
A post on March 31, 2019, on Scott’s personal Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bmariescott) of an article entitled, “What Happens When Poor Kids Are Taught Society Is Fair,” she wrote, “Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else and is upheld by systemic and institutional racism which is codified in law, carried out through disparate policy implementation and enforced and upheld by a justice system that acts as a gatekeeper for the halls of power. These are indisputable facts. Convince me otherwise, I’ll wait.” #spotthewhitelie#callitbyitsname#racism
In a July 4, 2019, Facebook post writing, “Siiiiigh” in response to an article entitled, “How to Celebrate the 4th of July When America is a Constant Disappointment” with the sub-headline which reads, “If you feel like patriotism is morally repugnant right now, you’d be correct.”
In a Facebook post on July 5, 2019, of an article with a list of “15 Books Every American Needs to Read to Get the Full Story of Our Nation which included, “Transgender History – The Roots of Today’s Revolution” she wrote, “Some light Summer reading”.
A June 6, 2022, she posted on Facebook about being “the angry black woman”, “To [sic] many times to count.”
One of her more recent and innocuous posts was on Dec. 31, 2023, and reads: “The aftermath. 2023. Feeling so blessed and incredibly grateful to my tribe. My camera roll is wild- so much good stuff! Going forward into 2024 with a humble spirit and a full heart knowing that there is much work to be done if we are to be in our humanity. Free people read freely. Oppression is the root cause of conflict. Everyone should have access to housing and healthcare. Water rights for all. Free Palestine.
And the list goes on. I hope we all love harder in 2024. Happy New Year to you!”
Only Barbanica Responds to Questions for City Council Members
All five councilmembers were asked via email Friday night why they would you hire someone without first introducing the candidate to community leaders, including those from city commissions, the Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organizations as has been done in the past, to get input from them before you vote.
They were also asked if there were no other candidates who have experience as a city manager or an assistant city manager for other cities.
The councilmembers were asked before narrowing down their choices to Ms. Scott, if they were aware of her rather controversial remarks on her own social media pages. Some of the comments above were shared with the councilmembers.
They were then asked if she is really the best candidate and the best fit for Antioch city manager out of those they interviewed. Finally, the councilmembers were asked, if they you really think someone so racially divisive is the right choice for Antioch city manager especially after our community has just gone through the upheaval from the racist text scandal caused by some of our police officers.
Barbanica responded, “My position has been all along this should have been a public hiring. There should have been full transparency as the public needs to be apprised of the progress of the hiring all along. I said that publicly so the public could be made aware of who we were considering. The public went from knowing absolutely nothing about it to one day saying we have a final choice and we’re hiring a city manager and offering a person the job.”
“The public wasn’t aware we had a pool of applicants and that we had narrowed it down, where we were in the progress, and if we’re doing interviews. At one point all the department heads were allowed to do a meet and greet with multiple applicants. The public should have been made aware, so it didn’t come as big surprise.”
“Yes, that should have occurred,” referring to meetings between the final applicant and community leaders before the vote.
“This council should not be making the decision. This should be pushed out to the next council after the election. We have three seats that are up for election,” Barbanica continued. “We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council. It’s very likely that the overall direction of this council could be changing, depending on what the voters decide.”
Asked about the experience of other applicants he said, “There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.”
“I have supported and continued to support leaving Kwame Reed in that position until the next city council is seated,” Barbanica stated. “At least bring him on as the interim city manager for the next couple of months and let the next council decide if they want to continue with him or start this search over.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing public comments on Tuesday night before I make my final decision,” he added.
When reached for comment, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “I will comment after Tuesday’s meeting and not before, because the vote hasn’t been disclosed and would be a Brown Act violation.”
Additional efforts to reach Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Meeting Times and Location
The Tuesday night meeting inside the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 200 H Street, begins with a Closed Session at 5:15 p.m. during which the council will discuss the appointment of the new city manager. The public will have the opportunity to speak during public comments on the items they will be discussing prior to the council adjourning into their closed-door meeting. The council members will also discuss an existing lawsuit and anticipated litigation followed by the performance evaluations of both Acting City Manager Reed and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.
Aerial video screenshots of a new bike turnout on Mt. Diablo. Source: CA State Parks Foundation
Memory of local cyclist Joe Shami inspired community to improve safety for bicyclists and motorists
Paid for with public and private funds
By Annette Majerowicz, Communications Consultant, Full Court Press Communications for the California State Parks Foundation
Mount Diablo, CA– California State Parks Foundation, on Friday, celebrated the completion of 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. There are now a total of 67 bike turnouts in the park. Bike turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely.
The new turnouts were inspired by the memory of Joe Shami who was a passionate advocate for increasing safety for bicyclists and cars at Mount Diablo State Park. Known by locals as “The Legend of Mount Diablo,” Joe’s passion for Mount Diablo State Park and cycling was exemplified by over a decade of weekly trips up the mountain well into his 80s.
“Tragically, Joe was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Lafayette,” said Randy Widera, Director of Programs of the California State Parks Foundation. “Although he is not with us today, Joe left a special gift in his will to California State Parks Foundation. This gift helped make these additional bike turnouts on Mount Diablo possible. We know Joe would be pleased that his generous gift is making Mount Diablo safer for bicyclists to enjoy.”
Two of the 22 new Mt. Diablo bike turnouts. Source: CA State Parks Foundation
For many years, cycling at Mount Diablo State Park has been a popular — but dangerous — activity. From 2010 to 2014, there were an average of 23 car and bike collisions per year. According to California State Park officials, this also frequently resulted in road rage showdowns between drivers and riders. After the first turnouts were created, collisions dropped to three accidents in two years, and road rage significantly diminished.
In an incredible show of dedication to this work, California State Parks allocated the same amount as Joe’s gift from the department’s annual roads allocation funding to this project. Taking this initial funding as a challenge, a passionate group of volunteers comprised of Alan Kalin, Mark Dedon, and Ted Trambley spent four months doing outreach in the park and at Peet’s Coffee in Danville with locals, cyclists, and visitors to raise additional funds.
“The new bike turnouts on Mount Diablo are a testament to Joe Shami’s inspirational life,” said Mark Dedon, Mt. Diablo Cyclists leadership team member. “The community understands the importance of the new turnouts for the safety of both bicyclists and motorists. People we spoke with were happy to contribute to make these turnouts a reality.”
Through their efforts and with the support of California State Parks Foundation, they inspired over 300 individuals, organizations, and companies to donate the additional funding needed to make the bike turnouts possible. (See brief bike turnout video)
California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter (@calparks).
About Mount Diablo State Park
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Walnut Creek, people have been drawn for generations to Mount Diablo for its spectacular views from the summit which extend over 100 miles in all directions on a clear day. Visitors have been attracted by the complex geology that has created amazing rock formations such as the “wind caves” at Rock City, and by the mountain’s variety of habitats which are home to over 600 species of plants and an amazing array of wildlife such as butterflies, bats and birds of prey, tarantulas, bobcats, lizards, snakes and deer.
In 2021 Mount Diablo celebrated its 100th year as a State Park. Though 100 years is a long history as a park, the importance of Mount Diablo was recognized long before that. For thousands of years Native Americans were the caretakers of this land. Many groups considered and treated the mountain as a sacred place and continue to do so today.
Since becoming a park in 1921, Mount Diablo has been protected as a natural area, and over the past 100 years the park has grown from only a few hundred acres to over 20,000 acres. Today it is a destination for those who would like to view wildlife and wildflowers, experience beautiful views, hike, camp, picnic, run, cycle, climb, ride horses, or gaze at the stars.
By Isiah Thompson, Departmental Community & Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Probation Department
Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants interested in serving on its 20-member Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC). Regular meetings of the Council and other standing committees are held at least quarterly based on a schedule adopted by the Council; that schedule may be changed or augmented as needed. The following positions are vacant and will be held for a two-year term:
Two (2) At-Large youth seats, 14 to 25 years old residing or working within Contra Costa County
One (1) At-Large member residing or working within Contra Costa County
The JJCC is a multi-agency advisory body that contributes to the development and implementation of a countywide juvenile justice plan. It is composed of several critical parts; including, but not limited to, an assessment of existing law enforcement, probation, education, mental health, health, social services, drugs, alcohol, and youth resources, which specifically target both at-promise, as well as system involved youth, and their families.
The JJCC will also coordinate the work of governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in activities designed to reduce the incidence of juvenile crime and delinquency in the greater community. Further, the JJCC will develop information and intelligence sharing systems to ensure county actions are fully coordinated and equipped to provide data and appropriate outcome measures. The body is composed of the following members:
Twelve (12) Ex‐Officio Members:
Chief Probation Officer, Chair
District Attorney’s Office representative
Public Defender’s Office representative
Sheriff’s Office representative
Board of Supervisors’ representative
Employment and Human Services Department representative
Behavioral Health Services (Mental health) representative
County Alcohol and Drugs Division representative
Public Health representative
Juvenile Justice Commission Chair
City Police Department representative (rotating between Richmond, Antioch, Concord)
County Office of Education or School District representative
Eight (8) Additional Members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors:
Four At-Large members residing or working within Contra Costa County
Two Community-Based Organization representatives
Two At-Large youth, 14 to 25 years old residing or working within Contra Costa County
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, September 20. All applicants who submit by the deadline will be invited to the public interview process conducted by the Public Protection Committee. This committee will then recommend a selection of applicants for the Board of Supervisors to appoint. Interviews with the Public Protection Committee will occur October 7, and appointments with the Board of Supervisors will occur on October 22.
Applications can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or visiting the County webpage at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/. Completed applications should be emailed to ClerkoftheBoard@cob.cccounty.us or mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office at 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553.
Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello’s employment was terminated on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. Herald file photo.
“…effective immediately without cause.” – Board President Antonio Hernandez
Anello was in discussions with school board on “transition plan”, offered to stay on through May
“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with” – Trustee Mary Rocha
Reads Anello’s accomplishments
The “longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD”
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Wednesday night, August 21, 2024, the Antioch School Board agreed to the terminate the employment agreement of embattled Superintendent Stephanie Anello who has spent several months on full or half-time medical leave. The move followed calls from the district’s unions, that night, asking for the board to take “decisive action”. It also follows the controversy surrounding accusations of bullying by a district department supervisor and claims of its mishandling by Anello and senior district leadership as well as the multiple attempts by Hernandez to terminate Anello in spite of the fact she has not been given her performance evaluation in four years.
Anello, who was recently placed back on full-time medical leave by her doctor after returning to work half-time, offered to stay on through next May and continue to be paid while on leave instead, according to Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha. But she said the board felt they needed to make a change now and voted unanimously to terminate Anello’s employment agreement immediately and pay her the severance package.
According to district staff, the motion was to, “Terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” Made by Lathan and seconded by Board President and District 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and the motion passed unanimously with the support of Rocha, Lewis and Area 4 Trustee Gary Hack.
Antioch Education Association president Bob Carson reads a joint statement calling for the Board to take action last night, as Amy Bettencourt (left), the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, representing the administrators and California School Employees Association, local Chapter 85 President Brian Atkinson, (right) representing the district’s classified employees listen in support. Video screenshot
Unions Speak Unanimously
Flanked by Amy Bettencourt, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, representing the administrators and California School Employees Association, local Chapter 85 President Brian Atkinson, representing the classified employees, Antioch Education Association president Bob Carson, representing the district’s teachers, spoke during public comments before the board’s Closed Session on Wednesday night.
Reading from prepared remarks, he asked the board to take, “decisive action regarding the position of superintendent” at last night’s meeting. “As leaders of our respective associations we are deeply committed to the success and well-being of our district. However, the current uncertainty surrounding the superintendent’s role has created challenges in our ability to move forward effectively. For the sake of our students, staff and the broader community, we believe it’s crucial that the board establish a clear path forward. We request the board promptly address this matter, ensuring our district is guided by stable and visionary leadership. This will allow us to continue our mission of providing quality education and support to every student in Antioch. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to working collaboratively to achieve a positive outcome for our district.”
That was met with applause from those in the audience.
Board Votes Unanimously, Lewis Attends Closed Session by Phone
The board then adjourned to Closed Session which lasted over an hour, at which only four members were in attendance in person, and Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis attending via phone “due to a COVID-positive test” according to Hernandez. (His participation is under review as to whether it complies with the state’s Brown Act open meeting law). However, later Lewis said the district’s legal counsel said it was legal.
When reporting out Hernandez said, “the board took action in Closed Session to terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause, pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” He added, “It was unanimous, five-zero.”
That was also met with applause from the audience.
However, according to Rocha, the board accepted one of two resignation options Anello offered.
“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with,” the Area 5 trustee stated. “One was to avoid paying her the severance for six or nine months. Or do we cut ties now and pay her out. Because it was her request to be released. She gave us two options saying, ‘I have to be released, I can’t come to work.’ First it was, ‘I can only work half-day.’ Then all of a sudden it was the doctor telling her to go back on leave and she needed to be released.”
Anello’s Accomplishments
Following the announcement by Hernandez, Rocha read a list of Anello’s accomplishments while superintendent since being promoted to the position in 2016.
“As the senior member, I’ve been given the privilege to at least say a few words on behalf of the superintendent,” she stated before reading the statement. “I would like to say that this is without cause, and I hope you understand, the circumstances here, is we need to go forward. We need to take care of this business. This is a new year and so, I want to read some of the things we feel her leadership has done.”
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Superintendent Anello for her 25 years of dedicated service to our District, beginning in 1998 when she first served as a substitute teacher,” Rocha said reading from prepared remarks. “Ms. Anello is only the second female superintendent to lead the District and is the longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD. Some of her notable achievements as Superintendent include:
Increasing accessibility for parents and guardians who speak languages other than English by ensuring bilingual assistance at all school sites and the District office;
Expanding social-emotional support for students by reintroducing and increasing the number of counselors and mental health supports at every school;
Instituting a comprehensive restorative justice program throughout the District, providing secondary sites with access to restorative justice coaches;
Writing and implementing the District’s first Local Control Accountability Plan;
Navigating the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, making AUSD one of the first districts in the county to offer free meals, computers, hotspots, and remote instruction;
Overseeing the implementation of Measure B to upgrade and renovate Antioch High School;
Successfully passing Measure B, the measure that we just did, which will bring over $195 million in much-needed upgrades and repairs to school sites.”
“So, we hope that Ms. Anello gets better in the future and that we look forward to at least having a direction of going forward in our district,” Rocha stated. “And I thank you and I hope we can all come together and understand that Ms. Anello has done a good job in this district.”
During general public comments Atkinson thanked, “the board for listening” and said, “I think it’s time to move on. Thank you, guys. It means so much to us.”
News Report on Leaked Information About Board, Anello’s Discussions
A report by NBC Bay Area on Thursday, August 15, 2024, claimed Anello was in discussions with the board on an exit plan. Posted to her official Facebook page on Friday afternoon Aug. 16th, Area 5 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan wrote about the article, “Time to heal.”
However, when reached for comment about the matter, Anello said, “In my message to employees, it was called a transition plan. If anything was discussed in Closed Session, I was not there.”
The superintendent who was on medical leave, earlier this year, then returned to work at 50% under direction of her doctor, said, “My doctor has taken me off work, again due to my health.”
Questions for Lathan Ignored, Won’t Say if She Was Source for Report
Lathan was asked about her Facebook post asking if it was about Anello healing, who was placed on medical leave by her doctor, again or about the district healing over the claims of bullying. She was also asked if she believed Anello mishandled the matter of the accusation against Kenny Turnage, the department supervisor. He is still on paid administrative leave as of last week, pending the outcome of two additional investigations, which according to Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez earlier this month, have not yet been completed.
Because the report claims, “Antioch Unified School District’s superintendent is working with board trustees on her exit plan from the district, NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions” Lathan was asked if she had spoken to Anello and if her “exit plan” discussed in Closed Session during the August 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.
Because the NBC report also claims their “Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions,” Lathan was asked, if she was one of the sources and if she had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.
Finally, the Area 2 trustee was asked if she thinks it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided and for anything else about the matter she’d like to share.
But Lathan did not respond.
Questions for Other Trustees Also Go Unanswered, Also Won’t Say if They Spoke to Media
Questions were also emailed on Saturday to the other four board members asking if any of them had spoken to Anello, if her “exit plan” was discussed in Closed Session during the Aug. 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.
They were also asked if Anello had he send the message sent to district staff about her “transition plan” was sent to them, as well and if any of them were the sources for the NBC Bay Area report and if they had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.
They were asked if they think it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided, as Trustee Lathan did on Friday, Aug. 16.
Hernandez was specifically asked why he continued to place the same items on the Closed Session agenda when the superintendent was not in attendance for one or two of the matters and if the board had given Anello her annual evaluation this year, yet and if not, how could they consider her Discipline/Dismissal/Release if that agenda item was for her. He was also asked if he was attempting to put pressure on Anello hoping she will resign. Finally, they were asked if Martinez is still the Interim/Acting Superintendent and, if so, are they planning on appointing someone else to that position while Anello is on medical leave, and, if not, why was it on the agenda, and for anything else about the matter that they’d like to share
None of the trustees responded. However, later Rocha shared that Anello was represented by an attorney during the Closed Sessions meetings of the board. “Everyone has attorneys, including the district,” she said.
Efforts to reach Anello for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
The board will now have the option of promoting from within the district or hiring a search firm to recruit a new superintendent.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Instead of passing bill she carried – See UPDATE with details of “Deal Framework”
CA journalists “oppose this disastrous deal”
“The future of journalism should not be decided in backroom deals…Not a single organization representing journalists and news workers agreed to this undemocratic and secretive deal with one of the businesses destroying our industry.” – Media Guild of the West
Senator Glazer who has his own bill on the matter opposes deal says it, “seriously undercuts our work toward a long term solution to rescue independent journalism” and doesn’t include Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and Amazon
By Allen D. Payton
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-AD15, Oakland)
SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-AD15, Oakland) announced the establishment of a first-in-the-nation partnership with the State, news publishers, major tech companies and philanthropy, unveiling a pair of multi-year initiatives to provide ongoing financial support to newsrooms across California and launch a National AI Accelerator.
Together, these new partnerships will provide nearly $250 million in public and private funding over the next five years, with the majority of funding going to newsrooms. The goal is to front-load $100 million in the first year to kick-start the efforts. The total investment could increase over the next several years if additional funding from private or state sources becomes available.
“This agreement represents a major breakthrough in ensuring the survival of newsrooms and bolstering local journalism across California — leveraging substantial tech industry resources without imposing new taxes on Californians,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “The deal not only provides funding to support hundreds of new journalists but helps rebuild a robust and dynamic California press corps for years to come, reinforcing the vital role of journalism in our democracy.”
Assemblymember Wicks, who represents portions of Western Contra Costa County, authored AB 886 to help ensure the sustainability of local journalism, as news outlets across the country are downsizing and closing at alarming rates. A Northwestern University study published last year found an average of two and a half newspapers in the United States close every week, and that our nation has lost two-thirds of its newspaper journalists since 2005. California has lost more than 100 newspapers in the last decade alone.
The new suite of initiatives includes multi-faceted support for publishers across California to address challenges that have impacted the depth and breadth of news coverage in the state. They will help ensure the sustainability of existing and new online publications – with an emphasis on small, local outlets and community-facing journalism.
“As technology and innovation advance, it is critical that California continues to champion the vital role of journalism in our democracy,” saidWicks. “This partnership represents a cross-sector commitment to supporting a free and vibrant press, empowering local news outlets up and down the state to continue in their essential work. This is just the beginning. I remain committed to finding even more ways to support journalism in our state for years to come.”
California news publishers will be the beneficiaries of a News Transformation Fund, to be administered by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, providing financial resources that preserve and expand California-based journalism. The funding will include contributions from technology platforms and the State of California, supporting innovative new investments that promote local journalism. The funding will support California-based state and local news organizations, particularly those serving California local news deserts, underserved and underrepresented communities, and outlets that prioritize California coverage.
“The University of California is proud to partner with Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to bolster the critical work of local news organizations and journalists in California,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “Californians depend on robust local and diverse news organizations to stay informed about their communities, and the University and specifically the UC Berkeley School of Journalism stand ready to support this endeavor.”
Funding for the initiative would be complemented by direct support from the State, helping news organizations keep and grow newsroom staff and offsetting the costs of producing local news and information.
“A vibrant press is crucial for strong communities and a healthy democracy. This is a first step toward what we hope will become a comprehensive program to sustain local news in the long term, and we will push to see it grow in future years,” saidCalifornia News Publishers Association CEO Chuck Champion and Board Chair Julie Makinen. “We will work with the state and tech companies to make the most of this initiative. We’re grateful to Assemblymember Wicks for her passionate advocacy on behalf of our 700-plus member newsrooms.”
Partners in this initiative also reiterated their strong commitment to strengthening newsroom and ownership diversity for ethnic and underserved communities. The Governor also announced his support for AB 1511 (Santiago), which aims to increase the state’s ongoing commitment to place official marketing, advertising and/or outreach advertising with local and underrepresented media outlets.
“Ethnic and community media outlets in California have a long history of serving as trusted messengers of culturally responsive news to historically underrepresented and underserved communities,” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago. “These initiatives ensure that California is embracing private sector innovation while developing partnerships with and seeding investments from the public sector to empower local publishers and journalists that are vital to a healthy, thriving democracy.”
Additionally, researchers and businesses will have access to new resources to explore the use of AI to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing society, and strengthen the workforce through a new National AI Innovation Accelerator. This will be administered in collaboration with a private nonprofit, and will provide organizations across industries and communities — from journalism, to the environment, to racial equity and beyond — with financial resources and other support to experiment with AI to assist them in their work. The AI accelerator will empower organizations with the new technology, and complement the work of the Journalism Fund by creating new tools to help journalists access and analyze public information.
“We appreciate the thoughtful leadership of Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Wicks, Chair Umberg, and Senator Glazer on these issues,” said Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer for Alphabet (Google’s parent company). “California lawmakers have worked with the tech and news sectors to develop a collaborative framework to accelerate AI innovation and support local and national businesses and non-profit organizations. This public-private partnership builds on our long history of working with journalism and the local news ecosystem in our home state, while developing a national center of excellence on AI policy.”
“A strong press is a key pillar of democracy, and we’re proud to be part of this partnership to utilize AI in support of local journalism across California,” said Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer for OpenAI. “This initiative builds on our longstanding work to help newsrooms and journalists around the world leverage AI to improve workflows, better connect users to quality content, and help news organizations shape the future of this emerging technology.”
Work will begin immediately to stand up both initiatives, which will go live in 2025. Included below is a range of quotes from additional supporters.
What others are saying:
“The work of local independent publishers is essential to a well-functioning democracy, and this new public-private partnership provides immediate and needed relief. Lawmakers should be proud of this program, which builds on California’s innovative Local News Fellowship with millions of new dollars in a way that prioritizes small publishers and those serving underrepresented groups.” – Chris Krewson, Executive Director of Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers, a national nonprofit with 76 of its 600 publisher members in California
“The new public-private partnership provides a pioneering, ambitious program that will offer significant help to local newsrooms that give Californians the information they need to participate in a healthy democracy. It’s encouraging that lawmakers and tech platforms found a way to work together to forge an innovative solution that can be a model for other states.” – Lance Knobel, CEO of Cityside Journalism Initiative, the nonprofit behind Richmondside, Oaklandside and Berkeleyside
“California is leading the way with this first-in-the-nation investment to protect the press and sustain quality journalism. This fund will help news outlets and journalists adapt to a changing landscape with new tools and funding to embrace emerging technologies. This is especially helpful for ethnic and community media which is comprised largely of under-resourced family businesses whose strongest connections are to their community.” – Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media
“California is home to the largest concentration of multilingual news outlets serving immigrant and ethnic communities in the US. This breakthrough public private partnership to support local journalism brings welcome recognition of the ethnic media sector’s indispensable role in connecting these diverse communities to each other and to the wider public realm.” – Sandy Close, Director of Ethnic Media Services (EMS), a California-based nonprofit which works with 2000 ethnic news outlets nationwide, including over 300 in California
“It represents an equity-media model for the nation,” added Julian Do, EMS Co-Director
“Protecting and rebuilding California’s robust media ecosystem and ensuring it serves immigrants, Latinos and communities of color equally requires an important role for philanthropy, our tech and private sector, and yes, California’s State Government. We see this historic agreement as just the first major step where the State of California can lead the way in building a sustainable media ecosystem for the most diverse state in the Union.” – Arturo Carmona, President of the Latino Media Collaborative
“This is a win for all Californians. Disinformation flourishes when quality journalism disappears. This critical funding will help local publishers survive and keep their communities informed and engaged.” – Neil Chase, CEO of CalMatters and former editor of The Mercury News and East Bay Times
“The revival of a strong, independent community-minded local press is vital for California. All things considered, this agreement both injects new money into doing that and helps spur the innovation, tech and otherwise, required at this moment. As a companion to the California Local News Fellowship, it’s another brick in the rebuilding of California journalism.” – Ken Doctor, Newsonomics news analyst and Lookout Local founder and CEO
“Supporting local news and journalism is vital to enabling a fully informed and engaged community. We are very pleased to see California as a leader in building this public-private partnership that will substantially impact local journalism and essential news coverage in communities throughout California. This vital funding will support our local news and will enable an expansion of our initiative to add to the depth of our bilingual coverage and journalists in Napa Valley – where 40% of the population is Latino.” – Marc Hand, CEO and Board Chair of Highway 29 Media, a publisher of newspapers serving communities in Napa Valley
California Journalists’ Guild Opposes Deal, Calls it a “Shakedown”
In addition, the Media Guild of the West, which represents journalists and had supported Wicks’ bill, issued a statement on Wednesday opposing the deal entitled, “California’s journalists do not consent to this shakedown.”
The guild’s representatives and signatories to the statement (see below) wrote, “This afternoon, Google, California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, California Governor Gavin Newsom and many of California’s publishing lobbies announced ‘a first-in-the-nation partnership with the State, news publishers, major tech companies and philanthropy, unveiling a pair of multi-year initiatives to provide ongoing financial support to newsrooms across California and launch a National AI Accelerator.’
After two years of advocacy for strong antimonopoly action to start turning around the decline of local newsrooms, we are left almost without words. The publishers who claim to represent our industry are celebrating an opaque deal involving taxpayer funds, a vague AI accelerator project that could very well destroy journalism jobs, and minimal financial commitments from Google to return the wealth this monopoly has stolen from our newsrooms.
Not a single organization representing journalists and news workers agreed to this undemocratic and secretive deal with one of the businesses destroying our industry. Moments ago, the following opposition letter was filed with the California legislature:
We represent journalists and news workers who provide essential news for millions of Californians in print, digital, broadcast, commercial and nonprofit newsrooms.
The future of journalism should not be decided in backroom deals. The Legislature embarked on an effort to regulate monopolies and failed terribly. Now we question whether the state has done more harm than good.
California’s journalists and news workers OPPOSE this disastrous deal with Google and condemn the news executives who consented to it in our names.
Signed,
Matt Pearce, President, Media Guild of the West, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39213 Jon Schleuss, President, The NewsGuild-CWA Annie Sciacca, President, Pacific Media Workers Guild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39521 Carrie Biggs-Adams, President, NABET-CWA Local 51 Javad Ayala, President, NABET-CWA Local 53 Kevin Gallo, Regional Vice President 5, NABET-CWA Frank Arce, Vice President, Communications Workers of America District 9
Glazer Also Opposes Agreement, Calls it “Inadequate”
State Senator Steve Glazer (D-SD7, Orinda).
State Senator Steve Glazer (D-SD7, Orinda), who represents most of Contra Costa County and has his own bill on the matter, SB911, also does not support the deal and on Wednesday issued the following “Statement on Wicks-Google Agreement”:
“Despite the good intentions of the parties involved, this proposal does not provide sufficient resources to bring independent news gathering in California out of its death spiral.
Google’s offer is completely inadequate and massively short of matching their settlement agreement in Canada, in supporting on-the-ground local news reporting.
Democracies live and die based on the free exchange of information and oversight between government and its people. Autocracies and dictatorships thrive when that information is constrained or manipulated.
The hollowing out of independent news gathering and the monopoly power of these digital platforms is an existential threat to our democratic republic.
This agreement, unfortunately, seriously undercuts our work toward a long term solution to rescue independent journalism
There is a stark absence in this announcement of any support for journalism from Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and Amazon. These platforms have captured the intimate data from Californians without paying for it. Their use of that data in advertising is the harm to news outlets that this agreement should mitigate.”
Questions for Wicks About the Agreement and Initiatives Go Unanswered
Questions were emailed Wednesday night to Wicks’ Director of Communications, Erin Ivie, asking, “Do you email out press releases to media that cover her district? Was there a press conference held announcing the agreement?”
Other local media publishers in Contra Costa County didn’t receive the press release about the agreement nor an invitation to any press conference at which it was announced, either.
She was also asked the following:
“Why didn’t she reach out to the local media that cover her district for our input like Congressman Mark DeSaulnier did for his legislation?
Which news publishers, major tech companies and philanthropy are party to the agreement?
Can you ease provide copies of the two initiatives mentioned in the press release or the link to where they can be found?
What are the definitions of ‘newsroom’, ‘local journalist’ and ‘local news outlets’ mentioned in the press release, including in a quote by the Assemblywoman?
Which newsrooms will qualify for the funds? Who will determine which newsrooms will receive the funds and how much they will receive?
Will the funds be provided directly from the tech companies and philanthropy to the newsrooms, or will they be funneled through a state government agency? Will there be an application process and to whom will the applications be submitted?
Who will be working on both initiatives? How does a local news publisher get involved in the process?”
Finally, Ivie was asked, “Won’t the allocation of taxpayer funds included in the agreement still require legislation to be passed? If so, what will be the process? Will the Assemblywoman continue to pursue passage of AB866? If so, will it be amended to include the elements of the agreement?
UPDATE: Wicks’ Staff Provides Details of Deal
In response, Ivie provided the “Deal Framework, Measures to support democracy, journalism and AI innovation” (see below). In addition, she provided answers to the Herald’s questions:
“Eligible for the funding are nonprofit and for-profit news organizations who have been around for at least two years. The funding is awarded by headcount, overseen by a diverse board (outlined further down).
The one exception is commercial broadcasters, who were carved out of the agreement because they continue to generate healthy profits from advertising dollars.
The funds will be distributed by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, by an approved claims administrator who typically handles complex distributions of class action settlements. Details of the application process are forthcoming, but in the meantime, anyone interested can contact our office to get on a list to receive those details.
The state is currently committed to providing a minimum of $70M over 5 years, and that commitment is limited to the journalism fund only. Google has committed to $110M minimum over the same time frame, plus $62.5M for their AI accelerator.
That means that taxpayer funds could be used to support the journalism fund, but not the work of the AI accelerator. It will not require legislation to be passed, but it will require a budget allocation (in January), which the Governor has already committed to.
Our office, Google, the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, plus a seven-member governing board. That board will consist of two CNPA members, one member from Ethnic Media Services, one from Local Independent Online News (LION), one from Latino Media Collaborative, one from California Black Media, and one from Media Guild of the West.
Any local news publisher who wants to get involved can email our office and be brought into the fold. If you’re interested, please email our Legislative Director Zak Castillo-Krings at zak.castillo-krings@asm.ca.gov.
The agreement was made in lieu of AB 886, and the bill will no longer move forward.”
Deal Framework
Measures to support democracy, journalism and AI innovation
1. Summary: Creation of first-in-the-nation partnerships that will provide nearly $250 million in public and private funding over the next five years, with the majority of going to support newsrooms. The goal is to front-load $100 million in the first year to kickstart the efforts. Total investment could increase over the next several years if additional funding from private or state sources becomes available.
2. State Contribution: 30mm in year one. 10mm in each of the next four years (years 2-5). All money will be contributed to a new fund established at UC Berkeley School for Journalism.
3. Google Commitment to Journalism, up to 30mm a year, as follows:
a. Year one:
$15mm to the Journalism Fund
$5mm to AI fund accelerator
$10mm in funding for existing journalism programs
b. Years 2-5: Google continues its contribution to Journalism Fund at 10mm minimum. Google maintains 10mm in funding for existing journalism programs
4. National AI Accelerator
a. Managed by as-yet-to-be finalized non-profit organization, under terms to be
defined by funders
b. Google commitment of additional 10mm to Accelerator
c. Google commitment of additional 2.5mm to fund AI research
d. Additional contributions from other tech companies
5. UC School of Journalism non-profit public charity
a. Administration costs are not to exceed a customary overhead
b. Purpose is to bolster UC’s efforts to support and catalyze local news
throughout the state
c. Overseen by a 7-member governing board:
i. CNPA member
ii. CNPA member
iii. Ethnic Media Services
iv. Local Independent Online News
v. Latino Media Collaborative
vi. California Black Media
vii. Media Guild of the West
d. Funds allocated by board to be distributed by claims administrator
e. 12% of funding reserved for locally focused publications and publications targeting underrepresented groups
f. The function of the board will be to validate the distribution formula based on the number of journalists per publication. Funds to be distributed to eligible organizations by dividing the number of eligible journalism positions or
freelancers of each organization by the total number of overall eligible positions multiplied by the total eligible amount in the fund consistent with the current language of AB886. The board will have no other discretion relative o the distribution of funds.
g. The definition of a journalist does not include broadcasters
6. Additional State Support:
a. California will work with its departments on plans to prioritize state government advertising in local publications and publications in underserved markets, with the goal of redirecting millions in advertising dollars.
Erin Ivie, Director of Communications, Office of Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Steven Harmon, Communications Director for the Office of State Senator Steve Glazer contributed to this report.
Transform’s leader calls it “a tragic missed opportunity” and “major setback for our climate and transportation goals”; labels opponents who successfully challenged measure, “extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists”
“RM4 barely polled 54% before we even had a chance to open our mouths about it. Are 46% of the citizens of the Bay Area ‘extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists’?” – 20 Billion Reasons campaign opposition leader Gus Mattammal
By Allen D. Payton
In an email to supporters and an announcement this week, Jenn Guitart,Executive Director of Transform decried the removal of the $20 billion Bay Area housing measure from the November ballot and demonized those who successfully challenged it. According to polling commissioned by the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority which placed the measure on the ballot, they found that only 54% of likely voters supported the bond. That’s much lower than the 66.7% support of voters required for it to pass. (See related articles here and here)
Labeled “What It Means for Our Movement” Guitart’s email and identical announcement on the Transform’s website read:
On Wednesday morning, the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) unanimously voted to remove Regional Measure 4 from the 2024 ballot. The measure would have raised $20 billion to alleviate the Bay Area’s housing and homelessness crisis. Unfortunately, the measure was scuttled in response to a series of eleventh-hour challenges by extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists. This is a tragic missed opportunity for voters to say yes to urgently needed affordable housing and homelessness funding.
This decision is heartbreaking for Transform and other housing advocates, and, more importantly, for the hundreds of thousands of people in our region who now must wait longer for the affordable housing and homelessness solutions Bay Area residents need and deserve.
The decision is also a major setback for our climate and transportation goals. By funding the construction of over 40,000 new affordable homes near transit, the measure would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over three million tons and spurred an additional five million transit trips per year.
While it is frustrating that a well-resourced group of naysayers halted progress on housing and homelessness this election, Transform and our partners will continue to build the necessary power to win big on these critical issues.
Looking Forward
All is not lost in the fight for affordable housing. Transform and our partners will be working hard to pass Prop 5 this November, which will lower the voter approval threshold for housing and public infrastructure bond measures (from a two-thirds vote) to 55%. This measure is critical to advancing future affordable housing bond measures across the state.
Beyond November, our region continues to face significant challenges, from the housing and homelessness crisis to a looming transit fiscal cliff. New regional funding measures for both transportation and affordable housing are urgently needed. Passing both measures in the coming years will take unprecedented collaboration, creativity, and courage.
Transform will play a leading role in both these efforts as we continue our work to empower communities of color, innovate solutions, and advocate for policies and funding — all with the aim of helping people thrive and averting climate disaster. And we will need supporters like you in this fight to build up the necessary resources, political will, and movement organizing to beat the anti-taxers in future election cycles.
In the meantime, get ready to vote yes on Prop 5 in November, and stay tuned for future calls to action in the fight for housing, transportation, and climate justice for our region.
Transform Executive Asked Why She Demonized Measure’s Opponents
Guitart was asked why she would demonize the opponents to the measure when it only polled at 54% support prior to it being placed on the ballot, which is much lower than the 2/3rds vote currently required and also less than the 55% threshold required for a future vote should Prop 5 pass. She was also asked if she’s claiming 46% of the public who opposed it in the poll are also “extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists” and isn’t she risking angering those who opposed the measure from the start, some of whose support will be needed for passage of a future ballot measure.
Guitart was then asked with such a low level of support, shouldn’t the measure have been revised before it was placed on the ballot in order to address some of the concerns of the opposition to ensure a better possibility of it passing.
She was also asked instead wouldn’t it be better if Transform worked with the opponents to try and find common ground or a ballot measure that will be less anathema to them for a possible future vote or to achieve her organization’s goals
Finally, Guitart was asked if she is willing to offer a public apology to the measure’s opponents, revise her public statement removing the swipes at them and tone down the divisive rhetoric.
However, in response Guitart shared that she is unable to respond right now due to a family issue but wrote, “I will pass your concerns on to our team.”
Ballot Measure Opponent Leader Responds
When asked about the swipes at the opponents made by Transform’s executive director, Gus Mattammal, the leader of the opposition campaign, 20 Billion Reasons, responded, “I have a couple of responses to that characterization:
1) 20 Billion Reasons comprised Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents – the entire political spectrum. And to be clear, Democrats were about half the group.
2) Almost everyone in the group has willingly voted for tax increases before, so it’s silly to label folks as ‘anti-tax’. If someone comes to you with an idea for a pizza with pickles, sardines, and mayonnaise, and you say ‘um, no thanks!’, does that make you anti-pizza? Or are you just anti- “this particular idea for pizza”?
No one in this group is against well-constructed policies to alleviate housing unaffordability. Unfortunately, nothing about Regional Measure 4 was ‘well-constructed policy’.
3) RM4 barely polled 54% before we even had a chance to open our mouths about it, and the polling was destined to only go down from there. That means 46% of the voters were against this from the beginning. Are 46% of the citizens of the Bay Area ‘extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists’? I’m a registered Republican, and I feel like our fortunes as a party would be very different here in the Bay Area if that were true.”
About Transform
Founded in 1997 as Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition (BATLUC), according to the organization’s website, Transform works “with organizations, advocates, and community members for improved transportation and housing policies and funding. Together, we can invest in climate and equity, promote innovative transportation, support transportation shifts, and address climate-related housing issues.”
The group claims to have moved “the Overton window”, which isan approach to identifying the ideas that define the spectrum of acceptability of governmental policies that says politicians can act only within the acceptable range, “steadily toward equity and climate resilience.”
They, “envision vibrant neighborhoods, transformed by excellent, sustainable mobility options and affordable housing, where those historically impacted by racist disinvestment now have power and voice.”
For more information about Transform visit www.TransFormCA.org or call (510) 740-3150.
