Mayor to Release Report on “African American Out-Migration

ACE on the CASE

Many people in the community are anticipating with interest a soon-to-be-released report from Gavin Newsome’s Task Force on African American Out-Migration from San Francisco.
The report, which is expected to come out by the middle of May, focuses on key issues that face African Americans in this city and proposes some comprehensive solutions.
We are hearing that the report will contain some of the following shocking findings: the percentage of very low-income households increased from over one-half of African American households in 1990 to over two-thirds in 2005; one-fourth of African Americans lived in poverty in 2000, over twice the rate of other groups; Black-owned business declined form 1997 to 2002 by one-fourth and business receipts declined by 60.7 percent.
In this era of federal stimulus spending, there exists opportunities for new and innovative programs to address the needs of the community in the areas of jobs, housing, education and training, health and business development.
We look forward to seeing the solutions proposed by the Mayor’s task force.

Jordyn Lucas Wins The Miss Jr. Pre- Teen San Francisco

By Kevin Jefferson

Eight-year-old Jordyn Lucas of San Francisco was recently crowned 2009 Miss Jr. Pre-Teen San Francisco. She also won division titles of Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and Miss Photogenic Overall.
Jordyn competed against young ladies between the ages of 7-9 for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts for winners in her division. She participated in modeling routines that included casual and formal wear and displayed her personality and interviewing skills before a panel of judges.
As winner, Jordyn will enjoy an expense paid six-day trip to Orlando, Florida, where she will represent the San Francisco Bay Area in the Cities of America National Competition. This was her very first pageant, and community businesses, organization and private individuals funded her by becoming official sponsors.
Jordyn trained under Mario Benton and Pharaoh Brand of Mario B Productions Theatrical Modeling Program on runway and print technique. She was photographed by well-known photographer Eddie Cotillon.
Jordyn’s hobbies include modeling, singing, acting, dancing, basketball and creative writing. An avid reader, she especially enjoys reading mystery novels. Her favorite academic subjects are language arts and spelling.
She won the 2008 Gold Award for her literary work in her school’s annual Young Authors Project in which each student writes and illustrates his or her own book.
A member of the drama club, Jordyn wrote a one-act play that was recently submitted to the B Street Children’s Theatre playwriting contest for ages 7-14.  She also loves reading to smaller children and would love to volunteer her services as a reading tutor.
Jordyn is the child of Marvellus and Janeen Lucas and has two brothers and two sisters. Asked who is the inspiration in her life, “My dad,” she responded with a big smile.

Celebrating Malcolm X

In honor of the 84th birthday of Malcolm X, May 19, Sylvie Bayeaux and The Malcolm X Theater Project present Michael Lange in a one-man performance re-enacting Malcolm’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech.
Michael Lange has made hundreds of appearances nationwide performing speeches of Malcolm X over the last two decades. Lange, an Oakland native, teaches at San Jose State.  He is an accomplished actor, playwright, director, and musician. He is also the son of author and former television personality, Jerri Lange, and brother of actor Ted Lange.
An Oakland performance will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m., at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St.  The cost is $15 or $10 for students and seniors at the door.  Advance tickets are available for $10 at brownpapertickets.com.
A San Francisco performance will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2 p.m., at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) at 685 Mission St.  The cost is included in the $10 general or $5 student and senior admission to the museum.
For information contact (510) 485-6338.

INDICTED

Grand Jury Charges Yusuf Bey IV and Antoine Mackey in Chauncey Bailey’s Murder

By Thomas Peele,
Bob Butler and Mary
Fricker, The Chauncey
Bailey Project

A grand jury on Wednesday indicted Yusuf Bey IV, the scion of the defunct Your Black Muslim Bakery, on three counts of murder for ordering the killings of journalist Chauncey Bailey and two other men in 2007, an Alameda County deputy district attorney announced.
The indictment of Bey IV, 23, includes charges with special circumstances — allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty against him. He allegedly told two of his followers that in exchange for killing Bailey, he would teach them how to file fraudulent loan applications that could reap hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Another man, Antoine Mackey, 23, was indicted on three counts of murder with special circumstances, including Bailey’s killing.
The grand jury also indicted Devaughndre Broussard, 21, in the killings Bailey and another man, Odell Roberson. His charges also carry special circumstances.
But Broussard, until Wednesday the only person charged in Bailey’s death, cut a deal with prosecutors in which he is expected to plead guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter in exchange for key testimony against Bey IV and Mackey.
In a statement to prosecutors last month, Broussard said Bey IV ordered him and Mackey to follow Bailey, learn his routine and then “take him out” before he could publish an article in the Oakland Post about the bakery’s troubled finances. Broussard said Bey IV promised the two help in securing loans worth hundreds of thousands of dollars through fraudulent applications.
Wednesday’s indictments came just hours after a judge for the second time ordered Bey IV to stand trial in an unrelated kidnapping and torture case from 2007 for which he faces a life sentence if convicted. The attorney representing him in that case, Anne Beles, declined to comment on the indictment.
Broussard will receive a sentence of about 25 years in exchange for his admissions and testimony, his attorney, LaRue Grim, has said. Grim said his client is prepared to plead guilty next week.
Bailey’s sister, Lorelei Waqia, said she grudgingly approves of the plea agreement with Broussard because it strengthens the chances of convicting Bey IV and Mackey in her brother’s slaying.
Bey IV “and Mackey are more dangerous than Broussard. In the perfect world, he (Broussard) would get life but that’s how a plea bargain is: You have to give a little to get a lot. It’s worth it to get the other guys,” Waqia said.
Still, Waqia said, the charges will bring little solace.
“Anything that happened from the day he passed until now is not going to bring him back. So, for me, there’ll never be closure because I’ve lost a brother; my father has lost his namesake; his son, my nephew, has lost a father who was a mentor to him,” she said.
Bey IV and Mackey are scheduled for arrangement next week. Bey IV is in Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail on unrelated charges, but Mackey is in San Quentin State Prison on a burglary sentence.
The indictments of Bey IV and Mackey come after a lengthy re-investigation of Bailey’s killing by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
The Oakland police homicide investigator first assigned to the Bailey case, Sgt. Derwin Longmire, is suspended and the department is moving to fire him after he was found to have compromised the investigation and had undocumented contact with Bey IV against orders.

Riding a Wave of Support and Good Will

By Post Staff

President Barack Obama continues to ride a wave of support and good will as he faces daunting challenges to revive a shattered global economy, restore the country’s foreign relations and initiate domestic reforms on issues as wide-ranging as police surveillance, universal health insurance and funding for public schools.
At the same time Michelle Obama has achieved superstar star status as a role model for fashion, food and family.
From day one, President Obama has been on the move. In his first week in office, he announced new restrictions on lobbying, met with Iraq war commanders, called foreign leaders to discuss Middle East peace and signed an order to close Guantanamo Bay Prison.
On the economic front, he is working to revive the auto industry, save the banks, stem home foreclosures and has pushed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund his economic stimulus plan.
His foreign relations initiatives include a timeline to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq and attending the G-20 Summit in London and the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago.  He has reduced restrictions on travel to Cuba and has met already with the leaders of Russia, France, Germany, China, Venezuela and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
Domestically, Obama lifted the ban on stem cell research and is putting together his plan to establish universal health coverage in 2009.  He is also advocating green energy and is backing legislation to protect credit card users.

E.P.A. Clears Way for Greenhouse Gas Rules

By John M. Broder

The Environmental Protection Agency has formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that endanger public health and welfare, setting in motion a process that will lead to the regulation of the gases for the first time in the United States.
The E.P.A. said the science supporting the proposed endangerment finding was “compelling and overwhelming.” The ruling initiates a 60-day comment period before any proposals for regulations governing emissions of heat-trapping gases are published.
Although the finding had been expected, supporters and critics said its issuance was a significant moment in the debate on global warming. Many Republicans in Congress and industry spokesmen warned that regulation of carbon dioxide emissions would raise energy costs and kill jobs.
Democrats and environmental advocates said the decision was long overdue and would bring long-term social and economic benefits.

Oakland’s Pacific Institute Honored By EPA

In recognition of commitment to protect the environment and California’s vital freshwater resources, Pacific Institute researchers Heather Cooley, Juliet Christian-Smith, and Peter Gleick were presented with a 2009 Region 9 Environmental Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Pacific Institute in Oakland was specifically recognized for work that has altered how California approaches its water crisis, offering solutions to help keep the state’s vital agricultural sector thriving while still reducing groundwater overdraft and protecting the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem.
Forty groups and individuals throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, and tribal lands were selected for their commitment and significant contributions to the environment.
In September 2008, Institute researchers Heather Cooley, Juliet Christian-Smith, and Peter Gleick released a report quantifying the potential for water-use efficiency in California’s agricultural sector through the implementation of available, cost-effective water efficiency measures that many farmers are already successfully using.
The Pacific Institute report, “More with Less: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California - A Special Focus on the Delta,” has generated discussion around non-infrastructure-oriented solutions that have long been absent from management conversations during a pivotal time in California, when drought persists and solutions to the San Joaquin Delta crisis remain complicated.
The trio continues to work with on-the-ground stakeholders to investigate and help implement practical solutions to pressing water issues, meeting with irrigation districts, farmers, and community members from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley to the Imperial Valley. From stimulating management discussion, to meeting with growers, to creating actual planning and policy recommendations, Cooley, Christian-Smith, and Gleick has been a catalytic force as California grapples with its freshwater management problems.
“California’s Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura and other leaders throughout the state have stated that doing nothing is not an option. We agree,” said honoree Dr. Juliet Christian-Smith. “We will continue our work helping keep California’s vital agricultural sector thriving, recognizing the need to reduce groundwater overdraft, prepare for the increasing threats of climate change, and respond to the state’s water crisis.”

City Kills Cinco de Mayo; Chinatown Festival and Black Cowboy Parade, Next?

By Esteban Dessalines

By Esteban Dessalines The city of Oakland will be poorer this year because of the absence of the festivals and parades that demonstrate the cultural diversity of our city. There are differing opinions as to who is at fault for this tragedy.  One thing that is not in dispute, though, is that we all suffer because of the loss.  Elected officials, community leaders, and “just plain folks” from around the neighborhoods all have something to say about the situation. The view from here is that we need to stop talking about the problem and start doing something about it.  As a former leader of the Oakland Black community once said:  “If you are not a part of the solution…then you are a part of the problem.” Without the Cinco de Mayo, Día de Los Muertos, the Black Cowboy parade and the Chinatown Street Festival, we lose the opportunity to teach our children the value of diversity in culture in a way that books and lectures never could. We also lose the much-needed commerce of visiting tourists.  These festivals and parades are a big draw for visiting tourists. A number of issues seem clear at this point. Organizers of these parades and festivals must become more creative in their approach to financing.  The city of Oakland needs to prioritize the holding of the festivals and parades.  In addition, the Oakland Police Department   should review and modify its staffing patterns so that it might better “protect and serve” the entire population of Oakland. As news of the cancellation spreads, city leaders are beginning to weigh in. “Special event permits must be taken out of the hands of the Oakland Police Department.  There is too much temptation to ‘feather the nest’ with overtime.  We can’t let the issue of police overtime deter our beautiful city from celebrating its diversity,” said local businessman and community leader Geoffrey Pete. Council member Densely Brooks also focused on reforming the event permit process. “I think it’s important that these festivals and cultural events continue,” she said. ‘I believe that having sole discretion over the question of permits and requirements for these things in one department needs to be looked at.” A number of issues seem clear at this point. Organizers of these parades and festivals must become more creative in their approach to financing.  The city of Oakland to prioritize the holding of the festivals and parades.  In addition, the Oakland Police Department should review and modify its staffing patterns so that it might better “protect and serve” the entire population of Oakland. Councilmember Nancy Nadel had a different approach to funding the festivals. “I agree that the cancellation of these events is a terrible thing.  That is why I am supporting an increase in the hotel tax, which will appear on the special election ballot in July.  Part of the funds generated by that tax increase would be used to support these parades and festivals,” Nadel said. “As for the feeling that some people may have that the right to freedom of assembly is only guaranteed to those who can afford to pay the Oakland Police Department,” she said, “the right to assemble is one thing (but) the right to close off streets and require assistance to do that is another thing.” Further dialogue about this issue will lead to greater understanding and finding some viable solutions. Esteban Dessalines is a freelance writer and photographer, who is active in community affairs with the Lower Bottom Neighborhood Association in West Oakland.  He is founder and Managing Director of Anbessa Foundation (www.anbessafoundation.org).  He can be reached by email at esteban.dessalines@gmail.com or at UrbanOracle.blogspot.com.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging. It may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal brain disease that gets worse over time and causes changes in thinking, reasoning and behavior. Although the disease is more common in people 65 and older, it can also strike those in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
Warning signs:
• Memory loss.
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What’s normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps to prepare a meal, place a telephone call or play a game.
What’s normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.
• Problems with language.
People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find their toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for “that thing for my mouth.”
What’s normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
• Disorientation to time and place.
People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhoods, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
What’s normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.
• Poor or decreased judgment.
Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment about money, like giving away large sums to telemarketers.
What’s normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time

Alzheimer’s Services of East Bay Marks 20th Anniversary ?

By Sally Douglas Arce

Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay (ASEB), an East Bay nonprofit, is celebrating 20 years of serving the community.
It is estimated that as many as 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Without ASEB’s services, 120 low-income East Bay seniors, with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, would not receive services and activities, and their family members could be forced to quit their jobs in order to care for their aging relative.
To commemorate its anniversary, the nonprofit is hosting “Art from the Heart” from Saturday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland.
“Art from the Heart” is an art exhibition and auction of works created by individuals living with Alzheimer’s.  The emcee for the festivities is Barbara Rodgers, award-winning journalist and former CBS 5 TV news anchor.  The Ben Stolorow Trio will play jazz and Brazilian music.
“People with Alzheimer’s should not be shuttered away and become invisible,” said Michael Pope, ASEB Executive Director.  “They are still very capable of creating joy.  The key is that we must change our expectations and be willing to listen with our hearts and not our minds.”
Over the past twenty years, the organization has grown from one program servicing 20 people a day to three programs in Berkeley, Oakland and Hayward that serve 120 people a day.
Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part of aging.  It is a progressive and fatal disease, a cognitive disorder that affects one’s memory. According to a recent report by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in the US.
For tickets or information on the May 2 event, call Michael Pope or Andrew Balmat at (510) 644-8292.

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