[1:43] Good afternoon and welcome to
[1:44] the City Council meeting of February 3rd, 2026.
[1:48] Before I call role, I will give speaker card instructions.
[1:51] If you like to speak on any item on this agenda,
[1:53] please follow speaker's card before the
[1:55] item is called or two hours after the start of this meeting.
[1:59] The meeting was called at 331.
[2:02] The last opportunity to turn on the speaker's card will be at 531
[2:05] or before the item is called, whichever comes first.
[2:08] You can fill out a speaker's car
[2:10] and return it to a clerk representative
[2:12] at the front of the chambers.
[2:14] If you are looking to turn in an online
[2:16] speaker card, their time has passed as they were due
[2:17] 24 hours before the start of this meeting.
[2:20] Honor roll.
[2:23] Excuse me. We can't hear the debt.
[2:29] Okay.
[2:31] On honor roll.
[2:33] Council member Brown.
[2:37] Present. Council member five present.
[2:39] Council member. Gaya. Present.
[2:41] Remember, you don't have to get in the queue.
[2:43] I will unmute you.
[2:45] Council member. Houston.
[2:47] Council member. Ramachandran. Present.
[2:51] Council member. Unger.
[2:52] Here.
[2:53] Council member.
[2:53] Wong. Present.
[2:55] And chair. Jenkins. Present.
[2:57] Showing eight members present at this time.
[2:59] Going to item three.
[3:00] Modifications to the agenda.
[3:03] Before we send city staff home, is there any council member
[3:05] that wants to put pull anything off of consent?
[3:10] Yeah.
[3:16] Council member Houston.
[3:21] To the chair. I wanted to bring something up about, the fire station.
[3:25] They had, was doing some construction.
[3:28] I don't know what item it is. I talked to my chief of staff, and it was,
[3:30] they gave me some data back, and I just wanted them to explain
[3:34] the local participation on that item.
[3:36] And, Trinity, what item was that?
[3:40] It's just me. We.
[3:48] So, Trinity, can you work with Monica
[3:50] so that you can
[3:51] ensure that the proper staff person will still be here?
[3:56] If Monica from the city administrators office is here.
[4:01] Trinity. Working with you to ensure those questions are answered on the consent calendar.
[4:03] Thank you.
[4:08] So you want to pull?
[4:09] I speak to it.
[4:11] I wanted to, but you got to speak to it
[4:12] when it's on the consent calendar.
[4:15] We're not on the consent calendar.
[4:17] And what is it on? So right now we're on modifications to the agenda.
[4:19] So if you want to pull something right now, you can pull it.
[4:21] But if there's any staff that you would like to speak to.
[4:25] And I think what's the agenda number?
[4:26] Trinity.
[4:28] Is this agenda item is 6.14.
[4:32] Okay. So we'll make sure that
[4:34] the appropriate staff members are here.
[4:38] Thank you. Into the chat. I don't have a problem with that. I just want them to explain the local participation piece.
[4:40] That's it. Okay. Thank you.
[4:42] Any other modifications to the agenda?
[4:51] Thank you. Going to item four. There are no public hearings at this meeting today.
[4:53] Going to item five which is action on all non consent items.
[4:57] We have one item which is item 5.1
[5:00] an ordinance amending the municipal code section
[5:03] 9.008.260 to conform state law by repealing the offense
[5:09] of loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
[5:14] Adding loitering for the purpose of purchasing commercial sex as an offense.
[5:17] Allowing the administrative assessment of fines against sex
[5:22] purchasers,
[5:24] sex traffickers, and properties used for prostitution,
[5:27] and creating a human trafficking survivor support fund.
[5:32] We have 13 speakers.
[5:41] Please note as this item has been read into record,
[5:43] no more speaker cards will be accepted.
[5:51] Okay.
[5:52] Hey, everyone.
[5:54] I'm, proud to introduce this item to the full city
[5:57] council today.
[5:58] I wanted to start off by, playing a clip from,
[6:02] a documentary that was produced in 2013 about this very topic
[6:07] about human trafficking here in the city of Oakland.
[6:34] The history of slavery in our world isn't over.
[6:37] Prostitution, the world's oldest profession,
[6:40] is actually a horrific trade of human flesh.
[6:44] Over 80% of victims are women, and most of them are children.
[6:48] Most people only think that this is happening in Asia.
[6:50] In countries like India, Thailand
[6:52] and Vietnam and Cambodia.
[6:54] But in reality, hundreds of thousands of these children
[6:57] are at risk every single day for being trafficked
[6:59] into sex slavery here in the US, as well
[7:03] as girls living in the Bay area,
[7:05] where 40% of all of America sex trafficking takes place.
[7:09] We wanted to find out where the fastest growing
[7:10] criminal industry in the world all starts.
[7:13] You're in our backyard. We.
[7:20] On the average, some of these exploiters
[7:22] have as many as ten girls that they are exploiting.
[7:27] And it doesn't take very much
[7:29] for an exploiter to lure a child
[7:32] into his business
[7:35] by just saying a few nice things to them.
[7:37] There's this whole underground world
[7:39] that OPD basically discovered in 1999,
[7:42] of young girls being sold for sex in our own backyards.
[7:45] Really, when you look at how it's happening
[7:47] and the deprivation of liberty that that takes place in order
[7:50] to accomplish the crime. It is modern day slavery.
[7:54] These children are beaten and take their clothes away.
[7:56] They take all their
[7:57] their property, their phone, their identification.
[8:00] Don't move them to places
[8:02] where the child doesn't know where she is.
[8:05] These kids are sexually assaulted by the exploiters.
[8:08] They are raped and sodomized and children
[8:11] being chained to the heater vents.
[8:14] At the end of the workday, the kid's clothes
[8:16] are taken away from them and they're left naked in rooms
[8:19] so they can't escape.
[8:23] She needed money
[8:26] and she doesn't know any other way to get it.
[8:28] She thinks about it, and especially
[8:30] when times get tough at home,
[8:31] because home is not a place where she likes being.
[8:33] A woman's body is what is kind of what you barter on
[8:37] and is what we trade on.
[8:40] And that has is kind of cultured into, you know, part of our mentality.
[8:43] What ends up happening is once you strip all the makeup
[8:46] and you strip off the nails and you get back the layers,
[8:51] they're just a kid. People always ask us, you know, how does a 12 year old
[8:54] or 13 year old girl go from sitting in an eighth grade classroom to,
[8:57] you know, selling her body to 20 men per night?
[8:59] Most often times, the exploitation on the street
[9:02] is not the first act of rape that they've ever had.
[9:05] And so when you come from
[9:06] section of blacks and you come from such risk,
[9:08] and your uncle or a trusted family member
[9:10] has been molesting USAg for five years old,
[9:12] and you really, really believe that your body
[9:13] is a sexual object and that what it is, therefore
[9:16] what a 30 year old man, a pimp, comes along
[9:18] and tells you
[9:19] that you know he loves you and you're
[9:21] the most beautiful thing that he's ever seen.
[9:23] It's really easy for a grown man to talk to a 12
[9:24] or 13 year old girl who's been through the things
[9:27] that she's been through into doing that.
[9:33] Pimps, exploiters of human beings,
[9:37] take advantage of these girls and their histories of abuse
[9:39] to use them as economic pawns.
[9:41] Over 70% of all girls being trafficked for sex
[9:44] have escaped abusive home lives as runaways,
[9:48] and almost all of them have been sexually abused and raped before adolescence.
[9:52] They take girls who have never known love
[9:54] and trick them into selling their bodies.
[9:56] Girls are also abducted off the streets by pimps.
[10:00] They don't have any empathy for another human being.
[10:04] That exploiter will get tired of the child,
[10:06] so he'll sell her to another pimp or exploiter.
[10:12] Her psychology ability to even evaluate
[10:15] what's safe and what's not is completely diminished.
[10:20] She does not understand her victimization,
[10:22] and the only thing that we can really compare
[10:24] it to is Stockholm syndrome or battered wife syndrome.
[10:28] The fear and the guilt and the shame
[10:33] and the physical and emotional pain
[10:35] that comes along with having to be exploited
[10:37] every day, you know, by
[10:40] by grown adult males and
[10:42] for really for no gain, for no gain for them whatsoever.
[10:45] She stands there every day and takes all the risk.
[10:48] The risk of being killed, the risk of being infected
[10:51] with Aids, the risk of going to jail.
[10:53] She takes all the risk and has absolutely
[10:55] no power over her life or her decision.
[10:57] We have to try to to engage them
[11:00] and encourage them to get involved
[11:01] so we can find out who the pimps are,
[11:03] who are pandering them, who's
[11:05] who's forcing them into child exploitation,
[11:08] and try to find a reason why they're not in their homes
[11:10] and what their parents are doing.
[11:13] You know, when I first started over 20 years ago, you would see in the 20s and 30s
[11:17] what I see now as young as 13 years old, seven days a week.
[11:24] Human slavery isn't over today.
[11:26] Women and girls everywhere are suffering.
[11:28] They end up under the control of a pimp who promises
[11:31] to take care of them. Soon.
[11:32] However, the master and slave relationship is established
[11:36] and maintained through even more abuse and violence.
[11:39] And at that point,
[11:40] they're completely at the mercy of these men.
[11:43] The exploiters doing this need to be stopped.
[11:46] Help us bring an end to the abuse, to the pain,
[11:50] and to change society
[11:51] so that it is no longer alright to buy sex from a child.
[11:56] It all starts now.
[12:07] We can stop it.
[12:12] Thank you. And, clearly what we have is a human
[12:15] rights abuse happening right in our streets here in Oakland.
[12:19] The question, of course, is what we should do about it.
[12:27] So this is the proposal
[12:29] before Oakland City Council today.
[12:34] What you see here is a set of amendments.
[12:36] In summary, this is going to be a set of administrative fines.
[12:40] And I'll explain later why this concept is important.
[12:43] This is also about shifting the burden of responsibility,
[12:47] for this, this marketplace, to what we call the demand side.
[12:52] These are the buyers that ultimately drive and fuel this industry, while ultimately
[12:56] creating a sustainable restitution model for survivors.
[13:00] And this has to be key in order for this,
[13:02] type of program to be successful.
[13:06] The other thing that I want to note is that there is language that is within this ordinance.
[13:10] That is not my preferred language.
[13:11] It uses, you know, prostituted persons.
[13:15] It's my preferred language to use exploited persons. But,
[13:21] we have to conform to language per the California Penal Code.
[13:23] Otherwise we risk the, we risk preemption.
[13:26] And so I just want to acknowledge the language
[13:29] that is being used within this ordinance.
[13:33] Some context.
[13:35] Oakland is consistently among the top three cities in California.
[13:39] Is a hotspot for human trafficking.
[13:42] This is noted, in by the FBI
[13:45] and other national studies.
[13:48] As it relates to our use here, a couple of things.
[13:52] First.
[13:53] As noted in the video, there's a clear connection
[13:56] between a history of child abuse, including child
[14:00] sexual abuse, as well as, being, foster youth.
[14:05] You can see there that more than 55% of trafficking victims are
[14:09] or were foster youth. And so ultimately, what we're talking about
[14:11] is the exploitation of some of our young people
[14:14] who have suffered, the most horrific, abuses.
[14:19] And, this is why they're
[14:21] particularly vulnerable to being exploited,
[14:23] because all they've known is an abusive dynamic.
[14:29] And that is why you see that the average age of entry into this industry is 12 to 14.
[14:33] In Alameda County, there's been, screenings
[14:36] that have done by, child providers.
[14:39] So 15, 8% of screened youth show
[14:42] clear signs of commercial sex exploitation.
[14:44] That is actually double the California average.
[14:47] It cannot not be stated that, this is an issue
[14:52] that disproportionately impacts black girls and women.
[14:56] Even though black residents are 20% of Oakland, black women
[14:59] and girls represent 61% of the recovered victims.
[15:04] And as you can see here
[15:05] right now, because it's this is an underground market.
[15:09] Whatever we're seeing in the OPD data,
[15:11] we're seeing far more, if not,
[15:14] just far more numbers in the
[15:18] the youth that are screened by these child providers.
[15:20] But that still does not capture it.
[15:22] So, 900 youth in the county have been identified, but
[15:26] that number still understates
[15:28] how many youth that we have here in Oakland.
[15:31] That are showing signs of exploitation.
[15:34] I will note, too, that we hear all the time from whether it's
[15:38] principals of schools that we see traffickers literally
[15:42] circling our high schools and our middle schools
[15:45] looking for, again, a vulnerable young person
[15:48] that is disconnected from family,
[15:50] in order to pick them up into this trade.
[15:56] So I am, privileged to represent district two,
[15:59] but within district two is the blade.
[16:03] There are not just within district two, however,
[16:07] commercial sex exploitation happening in our streets.
[16:11] But in particular, this problem.
[16:14] And it was discussed in the video is happening here on the blade.
[16:16] And I want to discuss some of the characteristics.
[16:19] This is a community that has high levels
[16:22] of concentrated poverty.
[16:24] It's also a community that is, predominantly
[16:27] it's working class people, people of color.
[16:29] You can see that,
[16:30] in these maps that are shown that in the top left corner,
[16:34] there is the purple
[16:36] is where there's predominant Asian communities.
[16:38] In the middle slide is, you see, black residents throughout.
[16:42] And then you can see in the right slide
[16:43] that there's a high concentration
[16:45] of Latino communities on the right side of the blade.
[16:48] And it's just it's these families are fed up
[16:51] with this problem, frankly.
[16:53] You can also see that
[16:55] there are several elementary schools
[16:57] and middle schools that are along this corridor.
[16:59] And so these families regularly see this activity.
[17:03] It is essentially grooming this next generation
[17:06] of young people to normalize this.
[17:08] And it is not normal.
[17:10] The other thing I want to note is that
[17:12] if you walk along this blade,
[17:15] you can see
[17:17] when you go to a convenience store now, 1 or 2 of the convenience stores
[17:20] on each of these blocks is essentially selling lingerie.
[17:24] It's it's catering to this market.
[17:26] It's these convenience stores no longer sell grocery store,
[17:30] you know, market chips, things like that, that you would often
[17:33] find in a convenience store. It is. Absolutely.
[17:35] Now, a part of the profit that you get as running
[17:40] a convenience store.
[17:41] Councilmember Wong, I apologize.
[17:43] Your ten minutes has elapsed.
[17:44] Would for four minutes be okay? Yes. Thank you.
[17:47] I'll quicken this up.
[17:49] Okay. So why this legislation?
[17:52] First of all, as I mentioned, this is about one part of this is targeting demand.
[17:56] Part of why we need to target demand
[17:59] is because it is it is it
[18:02] there are challenges with targeting,
[18:04] the pimps as mentioned in the videos.
[18:06] And ultimately we will be here every single year discussing
[18:10] how do we provide services to victims
[18:12] when we don't ultimately address the source.
[18:15] The other thing is that this relies on administrative fines,
[18:17] or the same way that we have fines for illegal dumping.
[18:21] This is going to add another form of accountability
[18:24] that is faster and more certain
[18:26] than just relying on the criminal justice system alone.
[18:29] The other thing I want to mention
[18:30] is that this is also about conforming to,
[18:33] recent state law updates.
[18:35] So my colleagues, you might have some questions around,
[18:38] some of the significant updates in this ordinance.
[18:41] I'll tell you that sections A through D
[18:44] are essentially just, conforming to that state law.
[18:47] And in fact, if we, edit make edits to that,
[18:51] that we run the risk of preemption again.
[18:57] Okay. A little bit about, the expired demand.
[19:01] As you can see here that studies show that these are predominantly upperclassmen.
[19:05] Recent arrest data that comes from OPD.
[19:07] 70% of those sex buyers are actually residents
[19:10] outside of Oakland commuting in from the suburbs.
[19:13] And so clearly, Oakland has got a name
[19:16] for basically serving this wider East Bay market.
[19:20] And so, here's in some some of the amendments.
[19:24] So again, this is mostly a page that explains, confirming
[19:28] or conforming, excuse me, to the state penal code.
[19:31] So and it also reflects some updates at the state level
[19:34] that distinguishes between prostituted persons
[19:37] and the victims, as well as the sex purchasers.
[19:40] It also includes, updates on,
[19:43] you know, what does it mean to, to,
[19:46] you know, the behaviors indicated of purchasing,
[19:49] trying to purchase someone for, for sex.
[19:53] This is really the heart of what
[19:54] the legislation is attempting to do.
[19:56] So these are penalties for buyers and traffickers as well
[20:00] as, property owners that help facilitate these sites.
[20:03] As you can see, the penalties is for sex
[20:07] purchasers, sex purchasers up to $4,000 for the first offense.
[20:11] And then with every subsequent offense that goes up to $8,000.
[20:15] For traffickers, this is up to $10,000
[20:19] for the first offense, and then every subsequent offense goes up to $20,000.
[20:22] And, each offense is noted as per victim per day.
[20:26] And these fines are then tripled
[20:28] for anything involving a minor.
[20:29] And just some context in terms of how these fines were defined.
[20:33] In short, they were designed to be,
[20:36] to, to be maximized,
[20:38] but in a way that would not be challenged in court.
[20:40] And we also have fines for property owners as well as,
[20:44] business proprietors that, facilitate this,
[20:48] with a fine of $2,500 per day.
[20:51] I also want to note that there's
[20:52] an affirmative defense provision in here.
[20:54] So anyone who was, you know,
[20:59] say guilty of some of these, these crimes,
[21:03] but they were a victim of sex trafficking at the time,
[21:05] would have an affirmative defense provision.
[21:09] This is really key here for the success of this.
[21:12] This is the restorative justice core of the ordinance.
[21:15] 100% of the fines will be collected
[21:18] and deposited into a restricted special funds.
[21:20] This is how this differs from other fines
[21:22] that we have that typically go into our general fund.
[21:26] So really, because we've heard over and over again from the, local
[21:29] service providers here in Oakland,
[21:30] is that there is not enough funding.
[21:32] They are so challenged with meeting
[21:34] the extensive needs here in Oakland.
[21:37] This will ensure that it is our local providers,
[21:41] our local nonprofits, that can get the funding
[21:43] to provide such important services
[21:45] such as housing, mental health services, training,
[21:48] a job training, legal support and street outreach.
[21:54] Some notes on fiscal impact and enforcement.
[21:57] The projected revenue here,
[21:59] based off of current solicitation trends,
[22:02] would be 250,000 to 450,000 annually.
[22:05] I will say that in January, within two weeks, OPD
[22:08] has done, 20 arrests of sex buyers.
[22:12] Right now, since we don't have this in place,
[22:14] we don't have a way to then, enforce that with a fine
[22:17] that goes back to to survivors.
[22:22] And in conclusion, I ask my colleagues
[22:25] that we pass this with urgency because every day that,
[22:29] we don't, pass this, that especially with the Super Bowl
[22:33] and the World Cup coming up.
[22:34] And these are events that are so associated with,
[22:37] surges of human trafficking.
[22:39] We also lose the opportunity
[22:40] to implement this important enforcement model
[22:43] that can, again, channel much needed funds back to
[22:46] survivor services.
[22:51] Okay. I'll take questions.
[22:53] Thank you so much, Councilmember Bong.
[22:55] Colleagues questions.
[22:57] And Councilmember Unger.
[22:59] Councilmember Brown and Unger.
[23:02] Excellent.
[23:03] Thank you so much, Councilmember
[23:05] Hwang, for, your leadership on this item.
[23:10] Where are you going? To share out the amendments that we made as well.
[23:13] Or did you would you like me to highlight them?
[23:15] Yeah, absolutely. So, very quickly, in public safety,
[23:18] a couple of amendments were discussed,
[23:19] and they're now included at the package before you today.
[23:22] So first, there's an amendment that includes also
[23:26] the business proprietors and that $2,500 per day fine.
[23:30] The other thing
[23:31] that I want to mention is
[23:32] we do think that it's,
[23:33] as discussed, it's really important to
[23:35] do some tracking around the data
[23:37] to make sure that this is a fine or a this is a,
[23:41] this is a citation that is enforced equitably.
[23:43] And so we can track, not only the enforcement side of things.
[23:47] So, who is being arrested?
[23:49] Who is being cited?
[23:50] But on the other side of things,
[23:52] how are we going to fund these services?
[23:54] And are the services
[23:55] making an impact, especially to help people exit?
[23:59] I want to note that,
[24:00] for example, in San Francisco study that 85 to 95%
[24:05] of the sex workers
[24:06] that were surveyed wanted to exit,
[24:08] but they needed the support to do so.
[24:10] And that is exactly what this is designed to do.
[24:17] Excellent.
[24:18] Thank you so much for sharing that.
[24:19] I, I just know that, you know, during public safety,
[24:23] we heard so many stories, from community members
[24:27] that were impacted by this and just really,
[24:31] you know, applauding your leadership on this.
[24:34] I also want to thank you for that.
[24:35] As well. And,
[24:39] look forward to supporting and seeing the report
[24:42] that will come back to the council in about six months.
[24:46] I believe it is. Yeah. And that's right.
[24:48] And then also in the supplemental, it states
[24:52] there will be a community impact in equity review as well,
[24:56] just to ensure that
[24:58] as a result of this legislation, there are no, you know, we're
[25:02] keeping an eye out on any unintended consequences as well.
[25:06] So thank you. Content out there.
[25:10] This is excellent.
[25:12] Thank you. I want to make sure that the money is spent
[25:13] in the most impactful way.
[25:14] How do we decide how that money gets allocated?
[25:17] Yeah, that's a great question.
[25:18] So, this month,
[25:20] I will be working with Doctor Joshi on two things.
[25:23] Will actually be doing a focus group.
[25:25] We have a partnership
[25:26] also with the Oakland Fund for innovation.
[25:29] So we're actually going to be doing a focus group with current
[25:31] workers, on the blade to hear feedback from them.
[25:35] And then we're also going to convene, many of the current
[25:38] service providers to, to figure out what exactly is
[25:41] the type of service that would that is most critically needed.
[25:44] I will say that I am of the opinion, given that
[25:47] the fines could be anywhere from, say,
[25:51] you know, if a pessimistic estimate
[25:53] would be $100,000 to generating to, say, $1 million,
[25:57] that we need to plan for several scenarios.
[26:00] And I think,
[26:01] what would be really important in my opinion, is to fund out
[26:05] like street outreach, especially for people
[26:07] that are trusted by the
[26:08] the women and girls that are currently on the blade.
[26:11] And to help them plan
[26:12] like exit planning, similar to domestic violence or,
[26:15] survivors who need over a months long process to figure out
[26:19] how to plan their life ahead.
[26:22] Yeah, that that's all fantastic.
[26:24] I just want to, like, know what the process is like.
[26:26] Will we be doing an RFP for a provider?
[26:29] Will, is there a board that decides how the money is spent?
[26:31] Does DVP decide? Is OPD decide?
[26:34] Yeah.
[26:35] Most likely.
[26:37] And again, this is still in development.
[26:38] DVP will be issuing, an RFP or mini RFP, especially since
[26:43] the funding is continuously appropriated instead of,
[26:47] yeah, over one, one time.
[26:52] Yes. Councilmember Firestone, Councilmember Gail.
[26:56] Yeah, I want to also, applaud your leadership on this item.
[27:00] I hate that I wasn't able to be at the Public Safety
[27:03] Committee meeting, but in our public safety prep,
[27:07] that the discussion that we had about bringing the report back,
[27:12] I'm glad that you actually spent some time thinking about that.
[27:14] So, happy that,
[27:18] that is happening.
[27:19] And I also just wanted to lift up
[27:21] Doctor Joshi from that, documentary
[27:25] that was shown and her continued work in this process.
[27:27] She has many, many years in the field, lots of expertise,
[27:31] and I'm happy that you're working in partnership with her
[27:34] and continuing the work that council member bass
[27:37] and many others were doing, and I just see this elevating
[27:40] and moving us forward in terms of enforcement.
[27:43] And so my question is,
[27:45] will there need to be additional staff resources
[27:48] in different departments
[27:49] to ensure that enforcement actually happens? And,
[27:54] what might that look like?
[27:57] Yeah, it should not. So, and Lieutenant Campos, I would invite him to come up,
[28:01] but, right now, how this will be enforced is,
[28:05] Lieutenant Campos, who heads up the vice operations unit, is,
[28:10] going to be a key part of the implementation of this.
[28:12] He's going to be training further more,
[28:14] the patrol officers in area three.
[28:16] And so it will essentially take the existing set of law
[28:19] enforcement resources in order to enforce this.
[28:23] They will be trade on how to issue these citations.
[28:26] And so, it should not add any it should not require
[28:30] additional staff in order to implement this.
[28:36] Councilmember Garcia, then Councilmember Houston.
[28:39] Yes. Thank you.
[28:41] Am I on?
[28:41] Thank you.
[28:44] You know, I appreciate you bringing up this item,
[28:46] but at the end of the day, it comes up.
[28:49] It's about enforcement, all right?
[28:51] I grew up here in Oakland and East Oakland
[28:53] and certainly have seen it all my lifetime.
[28:55] I still remember there was prostitution.
[28:57] Used to be on Telegraph and Broadway
[29:00] and but yeah, they got kicked out or moved to the Fruitvale.
[29:03] I kicked out of the Fruitvale through the FBI that I had.
[29:08] The FBI came and pushed the the activity out of my area.
[29:12] And then wound up in your district,
[29:14] the other side of 23rd Avenue on the international.
[29:17] So the bottom line it has to do with enforcement.
[29:21] You know, I've been I've been on the right along at four in the morning,
[29:23] five in the morning with the police.
[29:25] Who do you see picking up the girls,
[29:27] the guys going to work
[29:29] and their pickup trucks before they go to work.
[29:31] They picked up the young ladies.
[29:32] Five in the morning, six in the morning.
[29:34] We all see that.
[29:35] We all acknowledge that.
[29:38] But is that the end of the day is what does our police department
[29:41] do to enforce the law?
[29:44] One of the reasons we for historical Mister Hazard,
[29:47] we backed up because goes to a couple of the officers
[29:50] got involved with the girls on the street
[29:53] and that stopped a lot of the backup.
[29:56] Went to court, lost.
[29:57] Well, we all know what happened.
[29:59] So but the bottom line is
[30:02] I was working before you came on board
[30:05] with your district to push the prostitution
[30:08] out of that district, because they were around Saint
[30:11] Anthony's School, Saint Anthony's Church, which closed.
[30:17] Right. So the girls so the mom and dad would come to drop off their children,
[30:20] whether it be rubbers and needles
[30:22] all in the parking lot and the activity at night time.
[30:26] So but what happened there as an example for the public,
[30:30] the FBI was going to join once again, the city of Oakland
[30:35] to remove the prostitution, illegal trafficking.
[30:39] But some of the neighbors and some of the and the church
[30:42] did not want to locate cameras to capture the activity.
[30:47] And therefore the FBI says, well, unless I have something
[30:50] to document what's going on.
[30:53] And the FBI pulled out,
[30:56] arrest of the FBI is a key
[30:59] law enforcement because they do this
[31:01] federally, nationally, and not just in Oakland.
[31:07] So I think we need to get them involved, because at the end of the day,
[31:09] I mean, this has been going on daily,
[31:11] nightly, and I don't see our law enforcement,
[31:14] including the sheriff, enforcing it.
[31:16] We all see it.
[31:17] You see it, I see it.
[31:19] Everyone here sees it.
[31:21] But we have to enforce the laws
[31:24] because I was there when we made arrest
[31:27] and the individuals were not from Oakland.
[31:31] Yeah, right. And the only thing that we
[31:32] used to do that if I caught you on the street,
[31:35] I get a check, chain.
[31:37] I, you know, I could take your car from.
[31:40] You can have a lot of explaining to your wife what happened
[31:42] to your car.
[31:44] And so therefore.
[31:45] But it's all comes down to enforcement,
[31:48] and I don't disagree.
[31:49] Council member. Congressman.
[31:50] And you got to get the FBI involved
[31:54] to be able to make a difference when it comes to this issue.
[31:57] And so thank you for the information.
[32:00] But we got to get a law
[32:01] enforcement's I as a taxpayer, I'm looking for
[32:05] to enforce the laws that I have.
[32:07] And that's what Oakland right now
[32:08] is being challenged from one end of the city to the other.
[32:12] Yeah. No, I don't disagree.
[32:14] So that's why it's got to be included.
[32:16] Otherwise we're doing more policy,
[32:17] more talking, and more feel sorry and making excuses.
[32:21] I want to clear up something.
[32:22] So this is not intended to sort of
[32:24] downgrade the penalties on sex buyers.
[32:26] I will invite Lieutenant Campos to, talk on stage in terms
[32:30] of how he currently coordinates with FBI.
[32:32] I don't disagree at all.
[32:34] I will say that what we're seeing, though, is that,
[32:37] in the last two years, 51 people were charged
[32:40] or were arrested actually for purchasing sex.
[32:43] Only one was charged.
[32:46] And so part of what's key about this legislation
[32:48] is that it actually ensures accountability.
[32:51] And so because that is so often what happens with victims
[32:54] of sexual crimes, of sexual violence, is that
[32:56] it's very black and white.
[32:58] We rely on the criminal justice system alone,
[33:01] and then people don't get any restitution whatsoever.
[33:03] And so this is designed to fill that middle gap when,
[33:08] the the DA's office does not have the resources,
[33:11] what, for whatever reason, to make that charge.
[33:14] I hope that makes sense.
[33:16] Yeah,
[33:18] absolutely. Simple.
[33:22] Okay. 2 or 3 years ago, the girls were being flown into the Oakland airport.
[33:25] There were flown in.
[33:26] Come do your thing. Then they fly back out.
[33:29] And that's why you see the sheriff's department
[33:31] at the Oakland airport on a daily basis, day in, night out.
[33:36] To stop that behavior at the Oakland airport,
[33:38] the sheriff department stepped forward
[33:40] through the district attorney
[33:42] to make sure they had the contract
[33:43] with the airport to stop that activity out of that area.
[33:49] No problem. Thank you. Lieutenant Campos, you want to talk about the coordination with the FBI right now?
[33:51] Just, good afternoon, everyone.
[33:56] Marcos Campos, lieutenant of police, in charge of the Special Victims section,
[33:59] directly in charge of the human trafficking device.
[34:01] Narcotics. Sorry, vice child exploitation team.
[34:04] We no longer have narcotics.
[34:08] I've been the sergeant lieutenant for the last ten
[34:10] years.
[34:12] We've been in partnership with Agent Marty Parker,
[34:15] for the last 26 years.
[34:18] She has served in the FBI for 27.
[34:20] So during 26 years, she was in partnership with OPD
[34:24] as far back as when it was two officers in the vice unit.
[34:28] She we currently have,
[34:31] one sergeant and four investigators
[34:33] assigned to the vice unit.
[34:35] We currently have a project called the Blade Project, where,
[34:40] with the FBI, we've coordinated our efforts
[34:43] for some of the most violent, human trafficking suspects
[34:47] in the city of Oakland, or people coming to Oakland,
[34:50] where, we had two successful prosecutions federally,
[34:54] last year.
[34:55] So, to my knowledge, the FBI,
[34:58] for the last 26, has continued their partnership.
[35:01] Now, they may have changed,
[35:03] some certain aspects may have changed,
[35:05] but they've continued to have their partnership with us.
[35:08] And if I could just touch briefly on the Senate bill.
[35:12] 653 .22
[35:15] oh, that was authored by, I think is Senator Scott Wiener.
[35:19] Several years ago, that took away the law of loitering,
[35:22] for the purposes of prostitution, which included
[35:25] sex workers.
[35:27] Several years ago, that was repealed.
[35:30] And now January 1st, 2026, we have the new law, 653
[35:36] .25, which is loitering for the purposes of commercial sex.
[35:41] At the beginning of the year,
[35:44] we began line up
[35:45] training with all of the patrol officers.
[35:49] We did a, a training portal,
[35:52] training for all the patrol officers, and now the vice unit,
[35:55] they're going out in the streets
[35:57] in the uniform capacity with these officers to make sure
[36:00] they're properly addressing and conducting,
[36:04] constitutional policing
[36:06] when it comes to this and to this enforcement action.
[36:09] As of this year, we've had 37 arrests during vice operations.
[36:14] 24 of those subjects
[36:16] were outside of the city of Oakland
[36:17] from outside of the city of Oakland.
[36:19] And it's showing dividends
[36:21] because the patrol officers on their own,
[36:24] accounted for an additional 15, arrests,
[36:29] for six, 3 to 5,
[36:31] and that had to do hand in hand with the training.
[36:33] So we hope that's a multiplier of,
[36:36] proper and constitutional policing for the correct
[36:39] observations and training that we're providing them.
[36:42] So they'll be able to make these arrests or be able to address,
[36:46] these concerns.
[36:48] This model of us arresting the jaunes, is not a new model.
[36:52] It's just we haven't been able to do it in the past.
[36:54] I think the new law and this new ordinance,
[36:57] enables the police department to adjust, our strategies
[37:02] and our plan to remove the demand.
[37:07] And, I'd like to add that, actually.
[37:10] And I want to actually thank you, Council member Geier,
[37:12] because during the budget discussions,
[37:14] it was actually in part your voice
[37:16] that led to the budget team that was, chaired
[37:20] by Councilmember Ramachandran and Councilmember
[37:22] Brown and Councilmember Unger
[37:24] and I sat on that, that we actually,
[37:27] one of our amendments was $700,000 per year for,
[37:32] Lieutenant Campos to carry out those OPD headed vice
[37:37] unit operations. But this is really designed this ordinance is to ensure
[37:41] that it maximizes that funding.
[37:44] So that way, again, when only one out of 51 buyers
[37:48] ultimately gets charged,
[37:49] that there are still consequences and consequences
[37:53] that ultimately fund the exit services that are so desperately needed.
[37:59] And I will note this that in,
[38:02] the Nordic model has shown actually great decreases.
[38:05] This is the end demand model has shown great success, is
[38:08] actually in decreasing the level of, open air sex trafficking.
[38:14] Just one.
[38:16] And again, for me, this is a real key.
[38:19] And I you know, this has been going on for hundreds of years.
[38:23] All right. And it affects each one of us is sitting around in this room.
[38:26] So the other one is an example.
[38:28] And I'm glad law enforcement is here.
[38:31] It's not about what we say.
[38:32] It's what we do.
[38:34] All right. And enforcement is to increase
[38:37] around pushback on the street needs to happen.
[38:40] So is an example.
[38:41] A week ago I got a call from one of the mothers in San Diego,
[38:46] and her daughter was been over here doing prostitution.
[38:50] And she she's what, 18, 20 years old.
[38:53] But she got killed on our street.
[38:55] Somebody shot and killed her on the street.
[39:00] And she's. So the mom's calling, crying to me,
[39:01] saying that the police never responded to her
[39:04] in terms of who did the shooting and killing.
[39:07] And so we're looking to, And she's asking for assistance.
[39:11] And it's an example of mom and dad suffering pain, that price.
[39:15] And yet we're not responding as a city
[39:17] in terms of trying to address,
[39:20] this as an example, this mom, this in San Diego.
[39:23] But I'll share that with you
[39:24] so you can help with the follow up.
[39:27] Thank you. Thank you. Council member
[39:29] through the chair.
[39:30] Thank you. Council member Wang.
[39:33] I moved it to city.
[39:34] The public safety
[39:36] and my concern is that, I'm echo mayor council members here.
[39:40] This is embarrassing.
[39:41] I'm glad you brought this back up. Is embarrassing.
[39:43] Has been going on for 50 years.
[39:45] As long as I know was only one pho.
[39:48] Then it went to San Pablo.
[39:49] Did it in your district? My thing is this.
[39:52] I'm kind of saying similar, but.
[39:53] Council member, I'm Noel guy said the rest.
[39:56] We need to,
[39:58] arrest and and prosecute to the full extent of the law
[40:02] and where we have the shame, the shame campaign, you know,
[40:09] these guys are coming. And where did they get the percentage of 70%
[40:12] from outsiders? I like to find out, Officer Campos, where do we get that?
[40:16] 70% of them from the outside.
[40:19] And then 20 of those buyers that you said you got
[40:22] where they from?
[40:23] Outside also,
[40:26] so year to date, just through January,
[40:29] the percentage prior to me coming to this meeting,
[40:33] it was 30 arrests.
[40:35] And that's when we had 70% of the arrests
[40:38] were from outside of Oakland.
[40:40] And then as of the end of January,
[40:44] the numbers have shifted to, 65%
[40:47] and 35% being from City of Oakland.
[40:52] Okay. Thank you. And through the chair, how are we dealing with this
[40:54] in this on transportation, on public transportation
[40:57] when it comes to the airport, the bus, how is that being
[41:01] transported here? How are we addressing that?
[41:05] Do you want to.
[41:05] Because that's huge.
[41:07] I mean, how did girls get in here? Right.
[41:09] How are they getting here? How are they being transported?
[41:11] Are we addressing that on public?
[41:13] Public transportation?
[41:17] So there are obviously national campaigns,
[41:20] to help educate everyone with human trafficking.
[41:24] There are the the banners are in the airport.
[41:27] We do partner with our,
[41:32] the, our national crisis line.
[41:35] And we, the Oakland Police Department does receive a lot of these,
[41:38] national, hotline tips in which someone is being trafficked,
[41:42] whether it's in public transportation settings,
[41:45] whether it's in an airport.
[41:47] We have received and follow up, on those calls in the past.
[41:54] Thank you. So my last thing is this. These young ladies, these boys and girls are victims.
[41:57] They are victims. We should go after those buyers. Period.
[42:00] And I moved it. I'll move it this time off.
[42:02] And I just wanted to mention that I have convened
[42:05] a working group, actually with AC transit.
[42:07] So we met just last month to discuss
[42:09] exactly that coordination between public transit,
[42:12] and the city of Oakland
[42:14] in terms of addressing the human trafficking problem.
[42:16] So the last thing before
[42:19] Nancy O'Malley left, we were talking about this
[42:21] transportation piece as a piece.
[42:23] I'll work with you on that. That had already started.
[42:25] We could kick it back up. Yes. That's right. But thank you.
[42:27] Thank you. Because you're you are also on the AC transit.
[42:30] You're one of the liaisons.
[42:32] Thank you, thank you.
[42:33] Just a couple of comments.
[42:35] Firstly, I very much appreciate the effort that you're taking.
[42:39] And I don't think there's anyone around here
[42:43] that will deny the importance of doing what we can to pursue.
[42:47] Addressing that demand side.
[42:50] My question is about
[42:52] how this legislation interacts with and intersects with an
[42:56] existing criminal investigation because these are civil fines.
[43:00] But you referenced
[43:02] you referenced a point that I, I'm curious about that.
[43:06] 52 people were arrested last year, but only one was charged.
[43:11] How do you think that these civil penalties might change that equation?
[43:14] Yeah, absolutely.
[43:15] And so I brought this up during public safety.
[43:18] But it will work similar
[43:19] to how our illegal dumping fines work
[43:21] where there's actually a misdemeanor provision
[43:24] and there's also municipal fines.
[43:26] So it's it's really going to be an either or so.
[43:29] Lieutenant Campos, if you'd like to comment,
[43:32] he's free to do so. But essentially, after the Da makes a decision
[43:35] not to charge the city,
[43:36] then can take this up to then pursue essentially the fines.
[43:41] So it's going to be an either or.
[43:45] Thank you. So if the city pursues well
[43:48] the misdemeanor aspect of it, if the D.A.
[43:51] declines to pursue that, then the city will.
[43:53] Fine. But. Right. Okay.
[43:56] And what were the conversations with the DA's office
[43:59] like around this? Yes.
[44:01] So the DA's office is supportive of this,
[44:03] and they've been part of this,
[44:05] human trafficking task force that I chair.
[44:06] So, they're supportive of this, and they'll be working with us
[44:09] to ensure that, again, my my goal is not to downgrade the,
[44:15] the the penalties, the extent of the penalties
[44:18] on the sex buyers.
[44:19] But the intent is, again,
[44:20] to just ensure consistent accountability.
[44:26] Thank you. And then the last thing is,
[44:28] I'm, I figure you've been in touch with the state as well.
[44:31] And civil enforcement from that side.
[44:33] Do they currently do operations in the city of Oakland,
[44:37] and how might that intersect with this?
[44:42] You want to comment on the state and federal enforcement, but both of those sides,
[44:46] we have one federal agent assigned to us in our MOU.
[44:50] As far as state enforcement,
[44:53] at CHP has conducted high visibility enforcement,
[44:55] but they have not been part
[44:57] of the base operations or the strategic plan on,
[45:01] enforcing against, the demand.
[45:04] Thank you all.
[45:05] So I will welcome my colleagues
[45:07] to help me advocate, because we I certainly reached out
[45:09] to the FBI office in San Francisco and anyways,
[45:12] I didn't find them to be as, helpful as I'd like them
[45:16] to be to get more resources to support our city.
[45:21] Definitely. Councilmember Brown. Excellent.
[45:23] And I just wanted to make one last comment around,
[45:26] what Councilmember Houston brought up around
[45:28] like, the transportation piece and just really emphasized that,
[45:31] you know, this is kind of like one step of many more to come.
[45:35] And I know, Councilmember Wong, you've been,
[45:38] working, alongside AC transit.
[45:40] And I know one of the things potentially to come
[45:43] is around like a letter of support
[45:45] from the city to get access to the camera footage
[45:47] that you've been working on as well.
[45:50] And so potentially that could be one
[45:51] of the next steps, because I know that
[45:53] both of those things kind of go
[45:55] hand in hand in really assuring, ensuring accountability,
[45:59] and that we're also protecting the young women that,
[46:03] unfortunately, are impacted by this.
[46:06] Right. Yes. And that's exactly the topic that we discussed at the,
[46:08] working group meeting last month.
[46:11] Thank you.
[46:13] We can move to public comments.
[46:15] However, there is a motion from Councilmember Houston. And,
[46:21] if Councilmember Wong wants to second that,
[46:25] I will second that.
[46:26] Okay. Councilmember five
[46:28] I have heard a number of comments
[46:31] made tonight from my colleagues,
[46:33] and I fully agree with accountability,
[46:37] but something that Council member Gail said
[46:40] really sat with me.
[46:42] And that was the engagement of the Oakland Police Department
[46:46] and trafficking and underage girl,
[46:50] that we all know happened between 2015 and 2016.
[46:54] And with,
[46:56] sex trafficking and abuse of minors happening
[46:59] at the highest level of government
[47:01] right now, and the Executive office,
[47:05] it's not surprising to me that you're not
[47:07] getting support from Trump's FBI in San Francisco.
[47:12] That said, if we're talking about accountability
[47:16] and people in positions of power, what does the city do
[47:20] when or if, hopefully we won't experience
[47:23] what we experienced in 20 2015 and 2016
[47:27] with 28 law enforcement officers
[47:31] involved in trafficking and underage girl.
[47:35] But if we do.
[47:38] How do we hold city staff accountable?
[47:41] And who does that?
[47:47] And maybe that's a question for our city attorney,
[47:50] because if we're talking about civil penalties,
[47:52] I know that out of the 28 law enforcement officers
[47:56] that were involved in this sex scandal
[47:58] that made national news, national news.
[48:03] 14 were from the city of Oakland.
[48:07] From what I understand, 11
[48:09] had some type of,
[48:12] accountability internally to the city.
[48:15] I don't know what happened to the other three, and maybe my numbers are off,
[48:17] but that would mean that we as a body or perhaps,
[48:23] the city attorney's office, the city administrator.
[48:25] I want to understand with those individuals also
[48:28] be liable for civil penalties under this, legislation.
[48:34] They would be because they were sex buyers, in essence.
[48:37] Right. And so no person,
[48:39] regardless of their law enforcement
[48:40] status, should be given special privileges.
[48:43] And what happened was abhorrent.
[48:46] And no one should be abusing their power the way that that that happened.
[48:55] Thank you, Councilmember Gail. Yes, madam chairperson, I'm going to have to excuse myself.
[48:59] At 430, the mayor, mayor Lee, had called a public safety
[49:03] meeting at the Fruitvale Transit Village,
[49:06] and I have to be there joining her.
[49:08] And that that meeting starts at 430.
[49:10] But you have, my full support and moving forward
[49:14] with this action. Thank you. Thank you,
[49:17] thank you, Councilmember Gail.
[49:18] And we can move to public comment
[49:22] as I carry name. Please approach the podium in the order.
[49:23] Please state your name for the record before beginning.
[49:26] If you are participating via
[49:27] zoom, please raise your hand so I can easily identify you.
[49:31] And the chair is.
[49:32] Give me two minutes for this item.
[49:35] Janet.
[49:37] Jet king no.
[49:40] Okay. Vanessa Russell,
[49:43] Albert Bernal, Zach there.
[49:46] Amber Johnson,
[49:50] Davina.
[49:52] Cara. Lou.
[49:53] Carol. Lola.
[49:55] Megan.
[49:55] Scotto.
[49:58] Mrs.. Ida.
[49:59] Ola. Bala.
[50:00] Brianna.
[50:01] Katrina.
[50:01] Price.
[50:05] Mr.. Hazard.
[50:07] Wesley. Merkaba.
[50:09] Lynn. Truong,
[50:11] Annabelle.
[50:12] Velasquez,
[50:14] Edwin.
[50:17] Twan.
[50:18] Wynn, Vinnie.
[50:20] Nguyen.
[50:23] Lynn.
[50:24] That's a duplicate sponsor.
[50:26] Ticket.
[50:29] Jennifer. Tai.
[50:32] Chin.
[50:32] Wynn.
[50:34] Jennifer.
[50:35] Tran,
[50:37] Amor de bras or adv
[50:40] Yin Finn to latte.
[50:43] In any order, please approach the podium in any order.
[50:46] Please approach the podium
[50:48] in any order.
[50:49] Please approach the podium
[50:51] and your time will be shown on the screen behind me.
[50:54] Good afternoon, members of Safety Committee.
[50:58] My name is Janet Jet. I grew up in Oakland and I am a long time Oakland resident.
[51:02] I also work for Love Never Fails,
[51:04] which you guys already know.
[51:05] If love never fails, some of my colleagues are here
[51:09] today. In the late 1980s, I worked at Oakland Hospital
[51:11] on East 14th, now international on 27th Avenue.
[51:15] I saw girls walk by the pharmacy.
[51:17] When I arrived at work,
[51:19] I was not aware they were victims.
[51:21] It was unclear to me why they were out there.
[51:26] They were fully clothed. The reality of trafficking was not widely understood,
[51:29] at least not by me.
[51:30] Today, because of my work with Love Never Fails,
[51:33] I see the devastating impact
[51:35] of commercial sexual exploitation of minors, children
[51:39] whose lives are shattered by violence and demand.
[51:42] Buyers come from other cities, other counties
[51:46] and even other states. They come here to exploit our babies and then leave.
[51:49] While Oakland bears the trauma.
[51:53] That is why I am here to urge you to support
[51:56] Council Member Charlene Wang and this ordinance.
[52:00] This matters. You can send the message that Oakland will not be used
[52:03] as a hunting ground for those who commit evil.
[52:07] This council can be courageous to stand and protect
[52:10] the children, victims and families.
[52:12] Oakland is my beloved city.
[52:13] Oakland is resilient and worth defending.
[52:16] Oakland is home for my.
[52:20] For many years, I have believed and prayed that God would open
[52:21] heaven over Oakland and bring change
[52:24] and people from everywhere
[52:25] will ask how it happened and God will receive the glory.
[52:29] By supporting this ordinance, you have the opportunity
[52:32] to be part of a meaningful change.
[52:33] Thank you.
[52:42] My name is Ken Nook.
[52:45] I work with Love Never Fails.
[52:46] As the outreach coordinator,
[52:48] I go on the blade every week with our team,
[52:51] loving on these women that are being trafficked.
[52:54] I wanted to say that this is not going to change
[52:58] or solve the trafficking on the blade,
[53:02] but this is going to add a hindrance.
[53:06] Out of two years, 53 arrests, there is only one charge,
[53:10] meaning they got off practically scot free,
[53:14] he said.
[53:16] The lieutenant said there's already been 37 arrests in the month of January.
[53:21] So with this
[53:23] for them to be charged,
[53:25] the hope is for the people coming out of Oakland
[53:28] knowing that our laws aren't
[53:30] complete, that they can get away with this.
[53:32] If they are even go up to the car,
[53:35] they will be charged that $4,000 fine.
[53:39] Again, I say it's not going to change or it's
[53:42] not going to solve this problem, but it will add a hindrance.
[53:45] What will help even more is to not to make it a misdemeanor.
[53:49] To buy sex.
[53:51] It will help when it's a felony.
[53:53] And so I say that today, not just for you,
[53:56] but in hopes of California changing that to make
[53:59] it a felony to buy sex.
[54:02] Thank you.
[54:09] Good afternoon councilmembers.
[54:10] My name is Albert Brunel, and I'm here to advocate
[54:13] for the young girls we love never fails.
[54:15] And the young girls who are still
[54:17] being exploited right now as we speak.
[54:21] These girls,
[54:22] we have come directly from International Boulevard.
[54:26] They are survivors of human trafficking.
[54:28] I know their names. I know their stories.
[54:31] I know their trauma.
[54:32] They are not statistics.
[54:35] They are deeply traumatized, among the most vulnerable
[54:38] in our community.
[54:41] Some of these girls were literally chained up for seven months or more.
[54:45] They were groomed by trafficker traffickers who exploited
[54:48] their vulnerability.
[54:50] Many are still children.
[54:53] Many are fatherless.
[54:55] Many, many had no one to protect them when the abuse began.
[54:59] These girls are our daughters,
[55:02] our sisters and our granddaughters.
[55:06] And for many of them, no one came to pick them up or stand in the gap.
[55:09] Buyers deep in that absence,
[55:13] buyers deepened on that absence.
[55:15] Demand keeps the system alive.
[55:18] We must protect the vulnerable.
[55:20] We must protect the vulnerable.
[55:24] We must protect the vulnerable by holding buyers accountable.
[55:27] Eliminating demand
[55:29] directly disrupts the supply of trafficked youth.
[55:33] Protecting the vulnerable is not optional.
[55:37] It is our moral responsibility.
[55:39] As a community, I'm asking you to stand in the gap
[55:43] and protect the vulnerable by going after the man.
[55:46] Thank you.
[55:56] Good afternoon. My name is Amber Johnson, and I'm the grant manager
[55:58] for the Human Trafficking prevention
[56:00] Grant for Oakland Unified School District.
[56:03] Our grant is dedicated to prevention,
[56:05] training all secondary staff,
[56:08] providing age appropriate prevention education
[56:10] for students, and equipping youth
[56:13] serving staff to recognize and respond to trafficking
[56:16] and exploitation. Human
[56:18] trafficking touches students in every secondary school.
[56:22] I'm not aware of a single school that hasn't been touched.
[56:25] To give you a concrete example of what effective prevention
[56:29] could look like,
[56:30] earlier last year, I was asked to consult
[56:32] with a school concerning a 13 year old girl
[56:35] showing early signs of grooming that were recognized
[56:38] because of the training.
[56:40] Her family was in the middle of medical crisis, and adult
[56:43] supervision, understandably, had been reduced
[56:46] because the school was trained
[56:47] to recognize signs they acted early,
[56:49] but identification alone is not enough.
[56:52] We were able to reach out to a community partner
[56:54] with expertise and capacity to respond.
[56:57] A trained staff member met with the student on campus
[56:59] alongside her trusted adult and a school social worker.
[57:03] Rather than interrogating
[57:04] or alarming her, the nonprofit engaged her
[57:06] in a conversation about her interests,
[57:08] her talents, and a paid ensure internship opportunity
[57:12] in their afterschool program.
[57:14] That very day the met.
[57:16] That moment mattered.
[57:18] When we identify risk early before exploitation escalates,
[57:21] and when there are partners
[57:23] with the bandwidth and expertise to step in,
[57:25] we change trajectories and we change lives.
[57:29] Schools are ground zero for identification,
[57:31] but schools are mandated to teach.
[57:34] Even with all we do to support student health and safety,
[57:39] we cannot provide the specialized, long term, trauma informed services
[57:42] these young people need.
[57:43] This bill matters because it strengthens
[57:46] the systems around our children, directing funds into survivor
[57:50] services and prevention ensures that when a school identifies
[57:54] a young person at risk, there's an effect.
[58:06] Hello, my name is Anabel Velasquez.
[58:08] I am a survivor of human trafficking,
[58:10] sexual assault, and domestic violence.
[58:12] Thank you to everyone who voted to move this ordinance forward.
[58:15] That vote mattered
[58:16] not just on paper, but in real life,
[58:18] because these current laws have been
[58:20] deciding who gets protected and who keeps getting ignored.
[58:24] I'm not here speaking in theory.
[58:26] I'm here because I was once the same age as the victims.
[58:28] As I as I now seen being exploited on these streets,
[58:32] I survived exploitation, I survived violence,
[58:35] and I survived a system that statistically,
[58:37] I was never supposed to make it out of.
[58:39] So when I look at these victims minors, vulnerable adults, kids
[58:43] in foster care, people without homes,
[58:45] I don't see choices.
[58:47] I see myself
[58:48] and I see exactly what happens when demand is left unchecked.
[58:52] And let me be clear, this ordinance is a game changer
[58:55] for Oakland.
[58:56] The way I see this from survivor standpoint,
[58:59] this ordinance builds on AB 379.
[59:03] It disrupts the demand, it holds buyers accountable,
[59:06] and it creates real funding for survivor services
[59:09] without arresting the people being exploited.
[59:12] I know that there's opposition,
[59:14] but some people will say victims chose this life.
[59:16] I didn't choose violence.
[59:18] I didn't choose coercion, addiction,
[59:20] homelessness or survival. I chose survival.
[59:23] But some will say this will also increase crime.
[59:25] But criminalizing victims has never made us safer.
[59:28] It's only made traffickers richer and survivors quieter.
[59:32] This matters for public safety.
[59:33] It's in the name.
[59:35] It matters for vulnerable youth.
[59:38] And every day that there is a delay, another victim becomes is just
[59:40] a statistic.
[59:41] Can Oakland continue to afford that?
[59:43] This moment is historic.
[59:45] No other city has this exact ordinance.
[59:48] If Oakland passes this, other cities and counties will follow.
[59:51] Oakland doesn't have a victim problem
[59:53] and has a demand problem.
[59:55] So don't just say you support survivors.
[59:57] Prove it with your vote.
[59:58] This ordinance does something powerful.
[1:00:01] It makes people creating the harm,
[1:00:02] paying for the healing, not the taxpayers.
[1:00:05] Thank you.
[1:00:11] Hello, my name is Vanessa Russell.
[1:00:13] I'm the founding executive director of Love
[1:00:15] Never Fails and I'm so grateful for this ordinance.
[1:00:18] Thank you so much. Council Member
[1:00:20] Wang, for your courage in bringing this forward.
[1:00:24] I was just astonished by the 51 number
[1:00:28] 51 arrests, but only one was actually charged.
[1:00:32] And it made me think about the fact that we've housed.
[1:00:37] And I'm so grateful for the Department of Violence Prevention that has,
[1:00:39] we have a grant there, and, and we've been able to house 56
[1:00:43] women and children for the lack over
[1:00:45] the last three years, survivors and what I want to say is the,
[1:00:49] you know, it is our joy and our pleasure to house
[1:00:52] those women and children, but think about the cost
[1:00:56] to house those 56 women and children.
[1:00:59] 100% of those individuals needed
[1:01:02] care, yet only one out of 51
[1:01:06] buyers were held accountable for their behavior.
[1:01:09] There's something wrong with those numbers.
[1:01:12] If I have to pay for 56 survivors
[1:01:15] to rebuild their lives, then 51 buyers
[1:01:18] need to be held accountable for their actions.
[1:01:21] There is $250,000.
[1:01:25] 250 to $400,000 is the average amount
[1:01:30] that it costs for restitution or for aftercare
[1:01:34] for every survivor in life
[1:01:36] long medical and mental health services.
[1:01:39] If we're only charging $4,000 for each incident,
[1:01:43] and yet each individual has to bear 250
[1:01:47] to $400,000 of cost on their own shoulders.
[1:01:52] Because remember, Cal v CB might give them 20 K,
[1:01:54] but that's not even going to get them
[1:01:56] anywhere near what they need in restitution.
[1:01:59] It just doesn't make sense.
[1:02:01] And I'm so grateful that you all are doing something about this
[1:02:05] so that survivors are prioritized. Thank you.
[1:02:15] Megan Escobedo I'm a former foster youth.
[1:02:18] I'm a survivor of domestic violence and labor trafficking.
[1:02:21] After my escape in 2015,
[1:02:23] I went on to work as a first responder.
[1:02:25] I have lived it, I have seen it,
[1:02:27] and I have responded to the aftermath of it.
[1:02:29] The exploitation of women
[1:02:30] and children does not exist in theory.
[1:02:32] It devastates real lives in this city and across the country.
[1:02:36] Every time a woman or girl gets into a car with a buyer,
[1:02:39] it could be the last decision she ever makes.
[1:02:41] Women in the sex trade are estimated
[1:02:43] to be 60 to 100 times more likely to be killed
[1:02:46] than women in the general population.
[1:02:48] We cannot say that sex work is work,
[1:02:50] or that there's no harm in it
[1:02:52] when no other form of labor carries
[1:02:54] the same likelihood of rape, disease, assault or other harms
[1:02:57] that women are facing in the sex trade.
[1:02:59] This is not adult entertainment.
[1:03:00] It is lethal exploitation.
[1:03:02] No one under 18 can consent, and anyone who pays to access
[1:03:06] a minor's body is not a customer that is a rapist,
[1:03:09] and he should be prosecuted as one.
[1:03:12] This ordinance addresses loitering with intent
[1:03:14] to solicit sex from anyone of any age.
[1:03:16] So let's talk about consent.
[1:03:18] Consent requires a conscious, self-directed decision.
[1:03:21] It requires full understanding of what's being agreed to.
[1:03:24] It requires real, accessible alternatives
[1:03:26] and the ability to say no or change your mind at any time.
[1:03:29] And if the only choices are sex or homelessness and starvation,
[1:03:33] that's not consent.
[1:03:34] It is coercion dressed up as commerce
[1:03:37] across the country, advocates monitoring online buyer forums,
[1:03:40] are watching men openly brag about how young the girls look.
[1:03:44] They fetishize them.
[1:03:45] They complain if she doesn't act enthusiastic enough,
[1:03:48] they mid to pressuring women to go beyond the agreed acts
[1:03:51] and they boast when she is drunk or high, which is also,
[1:03:55] the crime of rape in California to have sex with somebody
[1:03:57] under the influence.
[1:03:59] These are not confused lonely men.
[1:04:01] They are not harmless.
[1:04:02] And what they're purchasing is not consent.
[1:04:04] It's access to someone's desperation.
[1:04:07] Stop giving these men a pass and start
[1:04:09] holding them accountable.
[1:04:11] Stand with the women and girls who are being bought,
[1:04:13] pressured, threatened, and discarded.
[1:04:15] And if we refuse to call this what it is.
[1:04:29] Good afternoon.
[1:04:31] My name is Brianna Price, and I'm a survivor of human trafficking.
[1:04:34] I have given over two hours each time to be here
[1:04:36] because Oakland is where I was trafficked as a child.
[1:04:39] I am not here believing that trafficking will suddenly, in
[1:04:42] this violence has existed since the beginning of time,
[1:04:45] and it will likely exist until the end of time.
[1:04:47] But what we can change, and what we must change
[1:04:50] is who we hold accountable.
[1:04:52] When I was being sold, I was broken, hurt and abused.
[1:04:55] I was treated as a commodity, not as a human being.
[1:04:58] At 31 years old.
[1:04:59] My feet still hurt
[1:05:00] when I stand too long because I was forced
[1:05:02] to walk miles every day so buyers could purchase me.
[1:05:05] I had to jump out of moving cars to survive.
[1:05:08] The harm buyers caused did not end when the money is
[1:05:12] exchanged. It lives on in the survivor long after.
[1:05:16] But I am standing here today
[1:05:17] because of organizations like Love Never Fails.
[1:05:19] A local Bay area
[1:05:20] anti-trafficking organization that believed in me
[1:05:23] when I could not believe in myself.
[1:05:25] They helped me get back on my feet.
[1:05:27] They helped me get back into school and to graduate.
[1:05:31] They gave me opportunities to speak, to share my story, and to let my voice be heard.
[1:05:35] They stood beside me alongside survivors, senators and advocates to help past
[1:05:38] several anti-trafficking bills over the last several years.
[1:05:41] Because of that support, I am now a mom, a wife, a homeowner.
[1:05:45] I have several businesses.
[1:05:47] Without anti-trafficking
[1:05:48] organizations, I would not be the woman I am.
[1:05:51] Standing here before you today.
[1:05:53] After being sold, I was broken.
[1:05:55] But I am not beyond.
[1:05:56] But I was not beyond restoration.
[1:05:58] Holding buyers accountable matters.
[1:06:00] It does not stop trafficking entirely,
[1:06:02] but it curbs the demand.
[1:06:03] It begins to cost the right people.
[1:06:06] And when increased fines are imposed on buyers,
[1:06:10] those funds are directed to anti-trafficking organizations that help restore lives
[1:06:13] that were once broken, like mine.
[1:06:15] Trafficking may not disappear, but today we can choose
[1:06:17] who bears the cause. It should not be the victim.
[1:06:20] It should not be the child. Thank you.
[1:06:31] My name is Davina Curry, Lola.
[1:06:32] And I'm here as a survivor
[1:06:34] and someone who has trafficked right here in these streets.
[1:06:37] And I'm in support of this ordinance.
[1:06:39] I want to acknowledge what this bill gets right.
[1:06:41] It recognizes that sex trafficking is real,
[1:06:44] that black women and girls are disproportionately harmed,
[1:06:46] and that buyers and traffickers must be held accountable.
[1:06:50] Repealing loitering
[1:06:51] for the purpose of prostitution is necessary.
[1:06:54] Creating a survivor support fund is meaningful,
[1:06:57] and shifting the focus towards the demand is an important step.
[1:07:00] At the same time, I want to speak
[1:07:01] honestly because honest honesty is a part of equity.
[1:07:06] Oakland has a long history of laws
[1:07:08] that were intended to protect communities,
[1:07:09] but ended up overpolicing
[1:07:11] the same communities they claim to help.
[1:07:13] That history matters when we talk about enforcement,
[1:07:16] because intention is not the impact.
[1:07:19] Terms like loitering with the intent,
[1:07:21] even when aimed at buyers, still rely on police discretion.
[1:07:25] And we know that discretion is not neutral.
[1:07:28] It has racial bias.
[1:07:30] It has gender bias,
[1:07:31] and it lands on the same communities every time.
[1:07:33] I am also deeply concerned that survivors are expected
[1:07:38] to prove that they were trafficked in order to avoid punishment.
[1:07:40] I am I that is not survivor centered.
[1:07:44] That is state centered.
[1:07:46] Survivors should not have to perform their trauma or produce
[1:07:49] documentation, or interact with systems that they may have
[1:07:53] already been harmed by, just to be protected.
[1:07:56] The Survivor Support Fund is
[1:08:00] only as as just as who controls it.
[1:08:04] If survivors and impacted communities do not have
[1:08:07] real decision making power, then this becomes harm.
[1:08:11] Recycled into bureaucracy.
[1:08:13] We are busy,
[1:08:15] not healing.
[1:08:16] So yes, please pass this bill.
[1:08:18] But don't stop there.
[1:08:20] Building a racial equity. Safeguard.
[1:08:22] Limit discretionary enforcement and guarantee survival
[1:08:25] and governance.
[1:08:26] Thank you.
[1:08:31] Hi, everyone.
[1:08:33] This is us.
[1:08:34] My name is Lin Chong.
[1:08:35] I live with two.
[1:08:38] I came here second time to support the
[1:08:42] council member Wong to.
[1:08:46] To have the fang in the
[1:08:49] to remove all the topics under it.
[1:08:52] It's national.
[1:08:54] I am deep here.
[1:08:55] The 62 and I have been there for 30 years.
[1:08:59] But I saw this time my my district two in Little Saigon.
[1:09:04] Still bass know still a bit like any time
[1:09:08] they stand at that front door, they bother me.
[1:09:11] I can not call because nothing to do for the trafficking
[1:09:15] and the pimp.
[1:09:17] And also I have the problem for the homeless.
[1:09:19] They travel, they get trouble for me every day.
[1:09:23] Can do the basic.
[1:09:24] Thank you for everyone to let me come in today
[1:09:28] to talk about that. Thank you very much.
[1:09:37] Good afternoon. My name is Edwin Hagler, community brothers. I'm,
[1:09:41] so advocate to support wing and her movement.
[1:09:43] But also, what I saw this morning was very amazing
[1:09:46] that the police department in the sheriff's department
[1:09:49] did stop workers and so-called pimps or whatever
[1:09:53] we want to call themselves, but they did make action today.
[1:09:56] And by the time we left the area, it was no pimps.
[1:09:59] And there were no sex workers out there today.
[1:10:01] So I kind of support you on that.
[1:10:04] And I appreciate, you know, you guys
[1:10:05] making efforts to make changes in Oakland
[1:10:07] because Oakland needs big changes.
[1:10:09] All right.
[1:10:10] God bless.
[1:10:18] Good afternoon, Council member.
[1:10:19] My name is Jennifer Thai and I'm here to strongly support
[1:10:25] this ordinance. Sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation
[1:10:28] cause profound harm to our vulnerable,
[1:10:31] our children, our young people and those who voice are often
[1:10:36] ignored. This is not an issue that's happening somewhere else.
[1:10:38] Is it happening here in Oakland affecting our neighborhood,
[1:10:42] our family and our community, and it demands
[1:10:45] our collective action?
[1:10:47] I understand that this ordinance may not end sex trafficking,
[1:10:50] however, is an important and necessary tool.
[1:10:54] By holding by the traffickers and who profit from this
[1:10:58] exploitation accountable, send a clear message
[1:11:01] that Oakland will not tolerate this abuse.
[1:11:04] It's also helped generate resources
[1:11:06] to support the organization and the advocate
[1:11:09] who work tirelessly with the victims and survivors.
[1:11:12] I respectfully ask you to please just vote yes on this
[1:11:16] ordinance and continue prioritize the safety,
[1:11:19] the dignity and the future of our community.
[1:11:22] Thank you very much for your leadership
[1:11:23] and for your commitment to this important issue. Thank you.
[1:11:31] Hi, my name is Youth and Fatality
[1:11:33] and I am the program manager, Fund City Foundation.
[1:11:37] We have served the East Oakland, community for over 20 years.
[1:11:42] We've been, providing free mass tutoring to the Franklin
[1:11:46] Elementary School students
[1:11:48] and our tutors are high school and college students
[1:11:51] who came here to serve with kindness and good intention.
[1:11:55] However, we are deeply concerned about the presence of the sex
[1:12:00] trafficking in this area
[1:12:01] and the impact to our community safety.
[1:12:04] Not only we worry about
[1:12:06] their physical safety, our youth volunteers,
[1:12:10] their mental and emotional well-being as well.
[1:12:13] And we wish, you guys will pass this ordinance.
[1:12:18] Thank you.
[1:12:23] Good afternoon.
[1:12:25] I'm a William Akiba and I teach in OSD.
[1:12:30] I also am a producer of the MLK oratorical,
[1:12:33] and I strongly vote 100% votes of. Yes.
[1:12:38] I think that you can save lives, change lives, and also send a strong message.
[1:12:42] Not in our town.
[1:12:43] As a teacher, I teach drama.
[1:12:46] I have had many students give testimony,
[1:12:49] stories and try to problem solve
[1:12:52] when the light is dark,
[1:12:54] when they come to school, or when it's dark
[1:12:56] when they return home of seeing cars parked
[1:12:58] filling up their being watched.
[1:13:00] Having men slowly follow behind them,
[1:13:02] diverting their routes to different places,
[1:13:04] are trying to go to a corner store for help
[1:13:07] or trying to text.
[1:13:09] Their parents to let them know what's happening.
[1:13:11] I have,
[1:13:13] heard data presented by the DEA.
[1:13:15] When I was asked to come to the school board
[1:13:17] meeting to give a report on the MLK oratorical,
[1:13:20] because I arrived earlier.
[1:13:22] I got privilege of this.
[1:13:23] I was shocked to hear that in every middle school
[1:13:26] and high school, we've had children snatched.
[1:13:28] And how come, as an educator, I have not heard this?
[1:13:30] Why hasn't there been any curriculum?
[1:13:32] Where were the parent workshops?
[1:13:33] How come this is not on a website
[1:13:35] where the posters with QR codes?
[1:13:38] How do we inform our community,
[1:13:39] our churches, our youth development centers?
[1:13:42] And so that's why I'm here.
[1:13:44] I'm also wondering if we can have teens for teens
[1:13:47] by teens to create PSR ways to educate each other.
[1:13:53] I also have heard kids talk about hotel parties
[1:13:57] and that there drugs and alcohol there.
[1:13:59] And I'm trying to like what's a hotel party?
[1:14:01] Who's throwing this party? Can I see the flier?
[1:14:04] And so of course, it has to be some adult
[1:14:06] involving inviting young people there with the intention not
[1:14:10] to harm our kids.
[1:14:13] What else do I want to say?
[1:14:17] I was happy to see, for the first
[1:14:18] time, a big billboard at the airport.
[1:14:21] I would love to see more of those in our community,
[1:14:24] not in our town.
[1:14:25] How to get.
[1:14:37] High.
[1:14:38] My name is Vinnie Nguyen.
[1:14:41] I live in the,
[1:14:43] Little Saigon for over, almost 40 years.
[1:14:46] I want to support,
[1:14:49] Charlene Wang on on the things that you want to do.
[1:14:53] Please pass.
[1:14:56] And also, Ken Houston, you were asking about how people traffic, and travel.
[1:15:01] Do the airport. A lot of these people, take private private jets.
[1:15:05] You can take guns, cocaine, you take prostitution.
[1:15:08] Do those those, private jet.
[1:15:10] They don't check anything.
[1:15:12] Then you travel to your Vegas, you go to different places,
[1:15:15] you go to Houston and you.
[1:15:16] And that's how people come
[1:15:18] to the the that that lane go to Oakland.
[1:15:21] They come down and get picked up by chauffeur.
[1:15:24] And they do that stuff and they get back, and it's done.
[1:15:29] As far as myself, I grew up in, the tenderloin.
[1:15:33] Sam. Cisco. It was a hellhole.
[1:15:35] And I was lucky to come to, to to Oakland in 1992.
[1:15:38] And, heck, you know what?
[1:15:39] It's almost the same.
[1:15:42] But here I've been living in the,
[1:15:44] you know, you call it the Blade District.
[1:15:47] People are being sold here.
[1:15:49] You know, the streets and, primarily, run by criminals.
[1:15:52] No, drivers.
[1:15:55] Actually, now I'm a real estate agent.
[1:15:57] You know, I've been broker for almost 25 years,
[1:16:00] and I've seen people
[1:16:01] buying properties, and they staying away from,
[1:16:05] so-called, the Blade district and real estate.
[1:16:09] Have we have gone down a lot.
[1:16:12] I mean, I walked, we drive a car down the street and I said, hey, you know what?
[1:16:15] What's going on here? What's all this people doing here?
[1:16:17] So this sign away real quick.
[1:16:19] The a couple of things that we need is
[1:16:21] we need a stronger, in a state federal coordinate.
[1:16:24] We need to enhance parity.
[1:16:26] To repeat offenders, a mandatory sentencing.
[1:16:29] Do you remember the the use of seize cars and properties for
[1:16:35] for poor people that come by property, buy stuff, do that again.
[1:16:38] Okay. Thanks.
[1:16:45] Good afternoon.
[1:16:45] Councilmembers.
[1:16:47] My name is Doctor Jennifer Tran and the president of the Oakland
[1:16:49] Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, Oakland native.
[1:16:51] I just want to start off by. Thank you all for this.
[1:16:54] This really rigorous legislation led by, Councilmember Wang
[1:16:58] and also the excellent questions that each of you posed
[1:17:01] just reflects your commitment and dedication
[1:17:04] to community driven processes, data driven processes,
[1:17:07] and making sure our most vulnerable communities continue
[1:17:10] to not just inform the policy, but drive the work.
[1:17:13] And as I listen to our community members, our neighbors
[1:17:17] speak, I'm just reminded of the ten year
[1:17:20] old version of my when I was ten years old,
[1:17:22] being solicited for sex, walking home from school in the blade.
[1:17:26] So it has been going on for decades,
[1:17:29] and it breaks my heart to this day to think that the victims of human trafficking
[1:17:33] is not just the folks who are being exploited
[1:17:36] against their will.
[1:17:38] It's also the children who are walking to school
[1:17:41] every single day, asking their parents questions
[1:17:45] that no eight year old should be asking questions around human trafficking.
[1:17:49] Questions around homeless encampments.
[1:17:51] Questions around vandalize buildings.
[1:17:54] Questions around illegal dumping.
[1:17:56] We're all wearing this shirt today.
[1:17:58] A refuge for all in Oakland, Little Saigon
[1:18:03] a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
[1:18:06] And each of you passed that we we appreciate,
[1:18:10] you know, your commitment to continue to center community,
[1:18:13] to continue to contribute every single day,
[1:18:15] to ensure that Oakland continues to be that light
[1:18:19] for the Bay area, for the state, for the country.
[1:18:21] And so this ordinance will continue to send a message
[1:18:24] to not just folks outside of Oakland
[1:18:26] who are coming in
[1:18:27] to do their dirty business,
[1:18:29] but when we say that Oakland is open for business,
[1:18:31] we're not open for that kind of business.
[1:18:33] We're here to make sure that not just Little Saigon
[1:18:36] or District two is free from violence,
[1:18:38] but Oakland is free from violence, free from fear,
[1:18:41] and free from exploitation. Thank you very much.
[1:18:53] Hello. My name is Amadi Broad.
[1:18:58] I would, I would reset.
[1:19:00] My name is Amadi Broad.
[1:19:02] I also go by Adi.
[1:19:04] First of all, I want to thank,
[1:19:07] Charlene Wang, council member and everybody else
[1:19:09] in support of this ordinance.
[1:19:11] This is need of the hour.
[1:19:14] I'm here to represent Little Saigon,
[1:19:16] also called the Red Light District.
[1:19:18] Basically.
[1:19:21] And I'm here to represent small businesses
[1:19:22] and residents in Little Saigon.
[1:19:25] We need the relief now.
[1:19:27] It was supposed to be yesterday. Yesterday.
[1:19:30] Little Saigon community is suffering due
[1:19:32] to this pandemic of sapphic sex trafficking and prostitution.
[1:19:37] I've been working there for about ten years now.
[1:19:39] You know, up and down International Boulevard,
[1:19:41] we see every day what we used to see in the night
[1:19:44] hours is up there in broad daylight.
[1:19:47] Girls.
[1:19:48] It's not they're not even hiding the.
[1:19:50] You see the pimps, you see drugs,
[1:19:51] prostitution, homelessness, you name it.
[1:19:54] It's all there.
[1:19:56] A recipe for crime.
[1:19:58] This doesn't affect just one group.
[1:20:00] It affects us all.
[1:20:01] There are multiple, schools with which
[1:20:05] our kids are exposed to this issue.
[1:20:08] Our police beat 19
[1:20:11] has the highest crime rate of all the Oakland police beats.
[1:20:14] For the last few years.
[1:20:19] Thanks to blade disinfect, little Saigon,
[1:20:22] San Antonio district, basically all district two.
[1:20:25] And then it goes beyond.
[1:20:28] We live in it every day.
[1:20:31] There are multiple schools.
[1:20:35] And this this district is basically
[1:20:37] you have international airport, downtown Coliseum.
[1:20:41] We are we are right there in the middle exposed.
[1:20:46] You know, I wish you all to I urge and wish you all to pass this,
[1:20:49] with an urgency and to put a stop to, sex
[1:20:52] trafficking and prostitution.
[1:21:06] Hi, my name is Chan.
[1:21:08] I've been in, district two, and for about ten years.
[1:21:12] I had this nice speech written up, but, Doctor Tran and AD took
[1:21:17] most of that content already. So I'll just tell you what I go through on a regular basis.
[1:21:21] Every Tuesday, I walk a group of kids
[1:21:24] from Franklin all the way to, Clinton Park.
[1:21:27] It's about three, four blocks, and we purposely ignore,
[1:21:32] international just so we don't have to answer
[1:21:35] those difficult questions that Doctor Tran alluded to.
[1:21:39] But there are some cases, you know, we have to go
[1:21:41] past international
[1:21:43] just because we're located on some of the international.
[1:21:46] And, you know, a group of kids,
[1:21:49] they see ladies on the corner wearing little to no clothing.
[1:21:54] They are saying, oh, don't look to the left,
[1:21:56] don't look to the left.
[1:21:57] But and of course, what are the kids
[1:21:58] do they look to the left and,
[1:22:02] you know, those are the types of things
[1:22:04] that we have to go through.
[1:22:05] And we have to try to explain on
[1:22:07] why they're doing what they're doing.
[1:22:09] You know, why do I have to, you know,
[1:22:11] come up with those solutions?
[1:22:14] That's is one incidence. I have another incidence where a young lady is hiding
[1:22:17] in our community center because she's scared to death
[1:22:20] from her exploiter.
[1:22:22] Two hours ago, I had another sex worker
[1:22:24] call me by my first name asking to use the bathroom.
[1:22:27] Of course, you could use the bathroom.
[1:22:29] You know what I mean? I'm.
[1:22:30] This is a human basic, right?
[1:22:34] And really, I want to be able to,
[1:22:35] to help you in any manner
[1:22:37] as any way I can, whether it's clothing, food,
[1:22:41] you know, resources. I was able to help a sex worker get connected
[1:22:44] back to her family.
[1:22:45] Like, those are the types of issues
[1:22:47] that we are dealing with just because
[1:22:48] we're located on the plate.
[1:22:50] But, you know, I, I commend, you know, Charlene, to
[1:22:53] for bringing this issue
[1:22:56] and making it a priority to our community because it's been ignored for so
[1:23:00] long and, you know, this is I know it's not going to solve
[1:23:03] all the issues, but it's a step in the right direction. And,
[1:23:18] Good day.
[1:23:19] I'm here to address the issue of the human
[1:23:22] trafficking, also known as sphincter bone ridden troops.
[1:23:25] I have been a male that is also.
[1:23:27] Before you begin, what's your name? My name is Zach.
[1:23:31] I also go by the name Patrick Anderson as a pen name
[1:23:34] and Anderson v Trump as the impeachment agent.
[1:23:38] I'd like the city to validate home.
[1:23:40] Romero, Yang, Baker, Godwin and Kelly v Mattson
[1:23:45] and requirements against the United States
[1:23:47] and in her pool and and vacation and based on human
[1:23:50] trafficking the same way you see voting credit fraud and,
[1:23:54] mortgage fraud tied to lien rates
[1:23:57] and the view of the state.
[1:23:59] I do believe that there is an issue.
[1:24:01] I believe that this community needs to address that narcotics.
[1:24:08] I believe narcotics is a bigger issue than it is to human trafficking.
[1:24:11] When you can prove that the police
[1:24:12] and fire department are moving
[1:24:13] ten kilos of cocaine and a half kilo of fentanyl,
[1:24:17] I did heck with a group of inter pulling agents.
[1:24:21] Not, in nine languages and
[1:24:23] prove a movement and view of Texas.
[1:24:27] I do submit as an a request the FBI director, John
[1:24:31] Kevin Anderson, and, deputy FBI Director Jeffrey Ames
[1:24:35] be put against the record for against the community.
[1:24:39] I have an issue.
[1:24:40] The carriage of the castle over 18.
[1:24:42] Are you related and not impaired?
[1:24:44] Is seen as a complementary state.
[1:24:46] And Q on muon energy. Energy.
[1:24:48] And when that is wondered the same way and say, hi,
[1:24:51] I'm a man, I'm willing to prostitute myself,
[1:24:55] no one picks it up.
[1:24:57] I ask that this community take an honest vote
[1:25:00] and view against the state,
[1:25:02] that the building that is right across from,
[1:25:04] the distribution of PepsiCo be looked at as a deja vu
[1:25:08] and that two blocks down
[1:25:10] be used as a parking and take out and bars that
[1:25:12] is there and view compliance and begin full enforcement.
[1:25:16] Thank you and have a great day.
[1:25:18] But. You ready?
[1:25:27] Okay.
[1:25:28] This year makes 18 years.
[1:25:31] I have been sitting in this room
[1:25:34] 18 years?
[1:25:36] You don't know how many time
[1:25:39] in 18 years this subject matter has come
[1:25:42] before a city council for resolve
[1:25:47] numerous times.
[1:25:51] In 2024, Chief Mitchell declared
[1:25:56] that he was going to crack down on sex trafficking.
[1:26:00] It was a top priority
[1:26:03] in 2024.
[1:26:05] And so I looked at some data in 2014,
[1:26:08] 2010, 2015, 2017.
[1:26:11] There have been partnerships with Alameda County and Hayward.
[1:26:14] There has been FBI stings related to this subject matter.
[1:26:19] In 2003, the FBI doubled Oakland,
[1:26:22] a high intensity child prostitution area,
[1:26:26] and some effort was needed to end
[1:26:29] child trafficking, sex, prostitution.
[1:26:32] And here we are today and 2026
[1:26:35] with an ordinance.
[1:26:39] At the same time,
[1:26:40] when I see 61% African-Americans being the the victims,
[1:26:46] I begin to question, because I come here
[1:26:48] all the time talking about African-Americans,
[1:26:50] and that's always dismissed no matter what level.
[1:26:54] So you have an ordinance on racism that you put in place.
[1:26:59] Nothing's happened. You have an all on an emergency ordinance on homelessness.
[1:27:02] Nothing's happening.
[1:27:04] You have a department race and equity.
[1:27:06] Nothing is happening.
[1:27:08] You have a N.S.A.
[1:27:10] 22 years
[1:27:13] in place.
[1:27:13] Nothing is happening.
[1:27:14] Sideshows. Nothing is happening.
[1:27:16] So tell me, why is this going to be an issue
[1:27:20] where something is going to happen
[1:27:23] of significance?
[1:27:24] Clare House came here
[1:27:26] with a support from the then district attorney,
[1:27:29] and this body.
[1:27:44] Wanted to start a fund for ambassadors.
[1:27:48] This is a commercial corridor.
[1:27:50] You got ambassadors and corridors around the city
[1:27:54] in Chinatown and certain areas around.
[1:27:59] Why don't you have, ambassadors walk from Fifth
[1:28:03] Avenue to 22nd Avenue
[1:28:08] De in light
[1:28:09] rain or shine, they're out there
[1:28:13] with umbrellas.
[1:28:16] Ambassadors have them go in.
[1:28:19] Teams
[1:28:21] that have stopped that
[1:28:23] they walk down the street
[1:28:26] on international.
[1:28:28] You gotta slow up.
[1:28:29] I know, because I drive up and down there,
[1:28:33] I can tell you, look what happened on Sonoma
[1:28:36] a couple of weeks ago.
[1:28:38] Two shop owners got shot cans.
[1:28:41] They sell these string,
[1:28:45] whatever. It's not clothing that they use on the street
[1:28:49] ambassadors
[1:28:51] and also changed the penalty
[1:28:55] from a misdemeanor to a felony.
[1:28:58] That's what you gotta do.
[1:29:01] You're going to tell me that,
[1:29:04] officers said they made 30 arrests.
[1:29:07] They get out on and bail.
[1:29:10] If you're going to charge them $3,000, then
[1:29:13] you should have about $90,000 in the kitty.
[1:29:18] You don't have that.
[1:29:20] They bail out
[1:29:23] and they continue to do what they do best.
[1:29:26] Yeah, it's traffic.
[1:29:30] Look how many times I bet you out of those 30 arrest.
[1:29:33] How many times those folks being in and out
[1:29:38] until their hearing occurs.
[1:29:41] Ambassadors let them walk up and down the street.
[1:29:54] That.
[1:29:55] Thank you, Mr. Hazzard.
[1:29:56] Your time is up.
[1:30:05] For way, way too long we have watched
[1:30:08] modern servitude
[1:30:10] and children being bought off the streets of Oakland.
[1:30:14] This is not a new problem.
[1:30:16] Before was an international boulevard in Little Saigon.
[1:30:20] I've heard about this for years.
[1:30:22] Being in the community,
[1:30:24] kids walking
[1:30:27] naked, broad daylight, being sold.
[1:30:29] And there are no consequences in Oakland
[1:30:32] for Johnson and buyers and pimps
[1:30:35] to do whatever they want to kids and to exploit them.
[1:30:38] And the council and the mayor watched and really did nothing.
[1:30:44] How is this different?
[1:30:47] You have to ask yourself, will you provide
[1:30:50] dedicated resources to make a difference here?
[1:30:53] Because before that, an international
[1:30:56] was in the Fruitvale and before that Broadway, Telegraph, San Pablo, Alcatraz.
[1:31:00] It just gets shoved around
[1:31:03] where we want community ambassadors.
[1:31:07] Well, I'm sorry we don't have police officers because what do we do?
[1:31:09] We have a severe staffing police shortage.
[1:31:13] There's no code, there's no traffic enforcement.
[1:31:17] We cut that. There is no community resource officers.
[1:31:20] We cut that.
[1:31:21] There's no crime prevention.
[1:31:22] We cut that.
[1:31:25] There's no homicide investigations
[1:31:28] for cold murder cases. No.
[1:31:30] We are severely understaffed.
[1:31:32] We need to bulk up
[1:31:35] OPD and police academies.
[1:31:38] In the meantime, girls are walking our streets.
[1:31:42] 51 people arrested, nobody charged.
[1:31:44] What's happening with the new D.A.?
[1:31:46] Pamela Price didn't charge them. What?
[1:31:48] What did she do? Who supported them?
[1:31:50] Who supported Pamela Price?
[1:31:54] So I ask you to do a different
[1:31:56] to do something different and have two enforcement
[1:32:00] to make it a felony to buy young children.
[1:32:09] Like.
[1:32:10] No, ma'am.
[1:32:11] Thank you, Mr. Twan.
[1:32:12] Your time is up.
[1:32:17] Our names have been called.
[1:32:18] If you
[1:32:20] if your name was Connie, you wish to speak, please approach the podium
[1:32:23] as part.
[1:32:25] Okay. Thank you.
[1:32:26] Colleagues, any comments or questions?
[1:32:28] Councilmember Wong, I think you raised your hand.
[1:32:32] Councilmember Wong, did you raise your hand?
[1:32:35] Oh, yeah, I did.
[1:32:36] I just wanted to respond to some of the public comments
[1:32:39] around, adjusting things to, you know, felony level charges.
[1:32:44] We, as the city council do not have the power to change
[1:32:49] penal code. I really want to make that clear to the public.
[1:32:51] That is why I also made
[1:32:52] clarifying remarks that sections eight through,
[1:32:56] d of this ordinance change or just reflect conformity.
[1:32:59] So if you have issues with,
[1:33:03] the penal code, please make that advocacy at your state legislature.
[1:33:07] Legislature. Thank you.
[1:33:09] Thank you, Councilmember Houston.
[1:33:11] Thank you.
[1:33:15] To the chair.
[1:33:17] To Council Member Charlene.
[1:33:20] What about repeat offenders?
[1:33:22] Do they have anything about if it's a repeat offender?
[1:33:25] On how the charge goes for misdemeanor felony?
[1:33:28] What does it say about that?
[1:33:33] It is my understanding, for example,
[1:33:36] that the, for example, right now, as of January
[1:33:40] 1st of this year, there's, there's a few things.
[1:33:42] So it is a it is a felony
[1:33:45] to purchase a minor under the age of 15.
[1:33:48] And then now through the ages of 16
[1:33:52] and 17 year olds, it is a felony to purchase, them.
[1:33:55] It's a wobbler, so-called.
[1:33:57] So the basically the Da can charge it as either
[1:34:00] a misdemeanor or as a felony for anyone who is above,
[1:34:04] three, three years of, that the the trafficked child.
[1:34:09] So but
[1:34:11] and perhaps Lieutenant Campos, who also has more familiarity
[1:34:15] with the penal code than I do, can comment on this.
[1:34:17] But again, this is these are things that must be
[1:34:21] legislated at the state level.
[1:34:26] And through the chair, I got it I like it.
[1:34:27] You saying that a felony can be charged.
[1:34:30] So I need to know those ages again.
[1:34:32] And, captain, Officer Campos, can you answer my question?
[1:34:39] Yes, sir. So some of the provisions did change on the purchasing,
[1:34:41] which is ordinarily a misdemeanor.
[1:34:43] So there are enhancements that make it a felony.
[1:34:46] As council member, Wong brought up the under 15,
[1:34:49] and certain convictions can make it.
[1:34:53] What was formerly a misdemeanor can make it a felony.
[1:34:56] And that's for theft for youth.
[1:34:58] That's for under 18.
[1:34:59] So under 18 they can be charged as a felony.
[1:35:02] Is that from the purchaser that purchase, say a kid
[1:35:05] or child male female from 15 to 18.
[1:35:11] Yes, sir. If it reaches some of those elements that were added in law.
[1:35:13] Okay.
[1:35:19] I'll just note that in my review of some of the state laws
[1:35:23] that North Carolina did make it a felony to purchase anyone, regardless of age.
[1:35:26] A couple years ago.
[1:35:32] Okay, there is a motion and a second on the floor.
[1:35:35] Just,
[1:35:37] wanted to say thank you to all of
[1:35:40] the the very courageous public speakers who came out today
[1:35:43] to speak in support of an issue that is very close to my heart.
[1:35:49] Thank you for the work that you do for our communities
[1:35:53] on the street, for young women, and also oftentimes our young men and other folks
[1:35:57] who are victims of this incredible human tragedy.
[1:36:03] Like author Councilmember Wong said, you know this alone.
[1:36:08] And many of you all said, this alone is not going to end
[1:36:12] human trafficking, but it is a very important step
[1:36:16] to get to where we start to need to be.
[1:36:18] I hope that
[1:36:20] because human trafficking is clearly a regional issue,
[1:36:24] that other cities continue to do what they can,
[1:36:27] that we can see changes at every level of government and
[1:36:32] that we can, as a city,
[1:36:34] start to make real progress on every front.
[1:36:37] Yes, we have to address enforcement.
[1:36:39] Yes, we have to address changing, changing penalties.
[1:36:43] Yes, we have to see what the DEA can do,
[1:36:44] evidence collection, all of these things.
[1:36:47] But I hope that this is one of many actions
[1:36:51] that this council can take on this issue moving forward
[1:36:54] and be able to garner the resources to and tailor
[1:36:59] them to the individual needs of survivors.
[1:37:03] So again, thank you for everyone who have come and spoken
[1:37:07] today. I know this is an issue close to many of our hearts.
[1:37:09] I worked very closely with domestic violence and human
[1:37:12] trafficking survivors for over a decade as a case manager
[1:37:16] and specifically pregnant human trafficking survivors.
[1:37:19] And there are so, so, so many pregnant trafficking
[1:37:24] survivors on the streets today and through the ages.
[1:37:27] And my utmost gratitude to those doing
[1:37:30] powerful work on the ground,
[1:37:32] as well as our Department of Violence Prevention,
[1:37:34] who takes a nuanced approach to these very complex issues?
[1:37:39] We have a motion on the second, on the floor
[1:37:41] and through the chair to the mover in the second
[1:37:45] row of the motion. We're clarifying that we are you all are adopting.
[1:37:48] Well, the motion is to adopt the supplemental legislation.
[1:37:51] Is that correct? Yes.
[1:37:53] Thank you.
[1:37:54] On the motion to approve the recommendation
[1:37:58] of the supplemental in the packet, Councilmember Brown I Councilmember five,
[1:38:03] Councilmember Guy, I was excuse Councilmember Houston,
[1:38:06] I Councilmember Ungar I Councilmember Wang
[1:38:11] I Councilmember Jenkins is also excuse and chair
[1:38:15] Ramachandran a motion passes with a vote of six eyes.
[1:38:20] This item is approved on introduction.
[1:38:22] Final passage will be February 17th.
[1:38:34] And through the chair. Before I call in the consent calendar,
[1:38:37] I'd like to draw your attention to item 6.12,
[1:38:40] which was added to this agenda
[1:38:42] at the three day portion of this agenda.
[1:38:44] That being the supplemental, and you do need an urgency
[1:38:46] finding and vote to hear the item.
[1:38:49] This item was added to the agenda.
[1:38:53] Because action is necessary to ensure
[1:38:55] a quorum for the February meeting
[1:38:58] of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
[1:39:08] Councilmember Brown. Yes.
[1:39:10] I will happily make that motion,
[1:39:11] and then I'll hold on my comments on on this item.
[1:39:15] Thank you. And I'll second that.
[1:39:18] Thank you for the urgency motion for this item moved
[1:39:21] by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Ramachandran.
[1:39:27] Excuse me. Councilmember Brown I Councilmember five
[1:39:29] I Councilmember Guy I was excused.
[1:39:31] Councilmember Houston I Councilmember Ungar
[1:39:35] I Councilmember Wang.
[1:39:39] Excused is excused.
[1:39:41] Councilmember Jenkins is also excused.
[1:39:43] Councilmember Ramachandran I.
[1:39:45] Motion passes with a vote of five eyes.
[1:39:48] Three. Excuse me.
[1:39:49] Now going to the consent calendar in its entirety,
[1:39:54] starting with item 6.1, which is approval of the draft,
[1:39:58] is from the meeting of January 20th, 2026.
[1:40:01] 6.2 A resolution regarding the declaration
[1:40:03] of a local emergency due to Aids.
[1:40:06] Item 6.3 A resolution regarding the declaration
[1:40:09] for Medical Cannabis Health.
[1:40:11] Emergency item 6.4 A resolution
[1:40:15] for the declaration of Emergency on Homelessness.
[1:40:18] Item 6.5, a resolution for the mayor's appointment
[1:40:21] to the Commission on Homelessness.
[1:40:24] Item 6.6 a resolution for the mayor's appointment
[1:40:27] to the Cultural Affairs Commission.
[1:40:30] Item 6.7 a
[1:40:32] resolution for appointments to the Commission on Aging.
[1:40:35] Item 6.8 a resolution
[1:40:38] for the Settlement of Tiffany Not versus the City of Oakland.
[1:40:42] And 6.9 A resolution for a settlement for a State
[1:40:45] Farm general Insurance Company versus City of Oakland.
[1:40:50] Item 6.10.
[1:40:52] Apologies, Madam Clerk.
[1:40:54] We've lost quorum.
[1:40:57] If any council members can hear me.
[1:41:00] If you can, please return to the dais.
[1:41:03] If there are staff members present.
[1:41:18] Yeah. She said she needed five minutes.
[1:41:54] So. But can I say something to you?
[1:41:58] Chair?
[1:42:01] On 6.2, I had something to say about the, cannabis regulations.
[1:42:09] So when we come back, can I speak to that?
[1:42:16] 6.2 is about the cannabis.
[1:42:18] You know,
[1:42:20] it's 6.3 cannabis, 6.3.
[1:42:24] You know, he's saying,
[1:42:26] okay, I think.
[1:42:30] All right. We have quorum again. If,
[1:42:34] Council Member Wang, I request you to come back to your seat.
[1:42:37] We've lost quorum without you.
[1:42:39] Thank you.
[1:42:43] Okay. Continuing
[1:42:45] on with the consent calendar going back to 6.9,
[1:42:49] a resolution in regard to the State Farm
[1:42:51] General Insurance Company versus the city of Oakland.
[1:42:54] Item 6.10 A resolution for Goswami,
[1:42:59] Marquez, Miriam Hernandez versus the City of Oakland.
[1:43:02] Officer Tommy Winn, item 6.11
[1:43:06] A resolution in support of AB 1537.
[1:43:10] Item 6.12
[1:43:12] a resolution for the mayor's appointment
[1:43:15] to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
[1:43:17] Item 6.13
[1:43:19] and Information Reports for Fiscal year 25 through 28.
[1:43:23] Citywide Strategic Plan six month Update
[1:43:27] item 6.14 A resolution for a consultant contract
[1:43:31] amendment for the Fire Station four project
[1:43:36] item 6.15
[1:43:38] a resolution honoring Michael Ford.
[1:43:41] Item 6.16 a resolution for the SAMHSa Oakland
[1:43:46] Recast Program for Fiscal Year 25 through 26.
[1:43:50] And that concludes your consent calendar.
[1:43:53] And you do have eight speakers on this item.
[1:43:55] Thank you, Councilmember Houston
[1:44:01] Just had a general question about,
[1:44:03] 6.30 and, marijuana.
[1:44:08] Why do we still have that?
[1:44:10] And I don't know if I'll, order by saying, why do we still have
[1:44:13] that on as an emergency?
[1:44:18] And the lack of,
[1:44:21] regulations on these marijuana facilities,
[1:44:26] they don't even take care of the obligations that they're supposed to take,
[1:44:29] take care of in their in the documents that they signed.
[1:44:34] So I'm just trying to figure out why do we continue to have marijuana on this?
[1:44:38] As an emergency?
[1:44:42] I do not know the answer to that question, Councilmember,
[1:44:44] but I do know that any that any council has the power
[1:44:49] to remove declarations of emergencies.
[1:44:53] But these have been going on for a long time.
[1:44:55] And council members can pass resolutions to no longer
[1:44:59] have something as a declaration of emergency.
[1:45:02] Okay, I want to just to read something.
[1:45:04] Is it out of order if I read something from,
[1:45:07] that what a regulation
[1:45:09] that they were supposed to follow on 17 can I okay.
[1:45:13] It says cannabis operate operators must implement
[1:45:16] a community beautification plan to reduce illegal dumping,
[1:45:20] littering, graffiti blight and promote beautification
[1:45:24] of the adjacent community within 50ft of the cannabis
[1:45:29] facilities and cannabis facilities in my district.
[1:45:32] Do not do it right, and we have one right now
[1:45:35] being built in my district, near a school near,
[1:45:39] some houses that don't even have the permits
[1:45:42] for the remodeling and the permit to build it.
[1:45:44] So I'm on that right now.
[1:45:46] So I'm addressed this, this, this being an emergency.
[1:45:52] Thank you. Council member Brown.
[1:45:54] Excellent. Thank you so much.
[1:45:57] If you wanted to add time on the clock,
[1:46:00] so that I don't go over, I wanted to speak to two items.
[1:46:03] Item 611 and item 612.
[1:46:07] So first off, colleagues, I'm bringing this resolution
[1:46:10] in support of AB 1537, which,
[1:46:14] is from Assembly member Isaac Brian.
[1:46:17] And as you all are aware, there has been, you know,
[1:46:19] many troubling, incidences, both here,
[1:46:24] in the state of California as well as nationally
[1:46:27] as it relates to ice enforcement,
[1:46:31] specifically with the killing of Keith Porter,
[1:46:35] by a off duty Ice agent
[1:46:37] in Los in LA, as well as,
[1:46:41] Rene good in Minnesota as well as Alex Preti.
[1:46:45] And so I think I believe that right now is a pivotal moment
[1:46:48] to stand up for our immigrant communities,
[1:46:52] especially here in California.
[1:46:54] And so we've made we 100% made this fight very local.
[1:46:59] Given that last week, mayor Lee passed those two executive
[1:47:03] orders, one, creating a task force as well
[1:47:06] as ensuring public property isn't used,
[1:47:10] to aid in immigration enforcement.
[1:47:14] And then we also saw leadership
[1:47:15] at the Board of Supervisors with the ice free zones.
[1:47:19] And so, today, I'm encouraging my colleagues to,
[1:47:24] continue to take action in supporting,
[1:47:27] this critical piece of legislation.
[1:47:30] And so we know that officers,
[1:47:33] so I was disappointed to learn that law enforcement officers
[1:47:35] in California can also work as immigration enforcement
[1:47:39] when they're off duty.
[1:47:41] And we know that officers are entrusted with,
[1:47:43] sensitive personal information about members of our community.
[1:47:47] And so it is of utmost importance,
[1:47:50] that we support AB 1537.
[1:47:53] And if you read the, items in the packet,
[1:47:56] but at a high level, what does it do?
[1:47:59] It prohibits peace officers from engaging in secondary,
[1:48:03] secondary employment, with the Department of Homeland Security.
[1:48:07] It requires peace officers
[1:48:09] to report any authorized or a temp of said employment.
[1:48:13] It also creates accountability by defining violations
[1:48:18] and also promotes transparency by making records related to peace officers.
[1:48:22] Actually,
[1:48:26] second day of secondary employment under the Public Records Act.
[1:48:29] And so I really want to encourage my colleagues
[1:48:31] to support this so that, this item
[1:48:33] in the legislature right now is currently being scheduled to,
[1:48:38] one of the committees. And so, in passing this, the city of Oakland
[1:48:41] would be in support, right from the beginning.
[1:48:45] So we want to encourage everyone to vote yes on that.
[1:48:48] And then I wanted to also draw your attention to item, 6.2.
[1:48:54] I think it was back in November.
[1:48:55] The chair of the cannabis
[1:48:57] Commission came to us and let us know that,
[1:49:01] they have been unable to meet given a lack of quorum.
[1:49:06] And so there was a handful of office offices
[1:49:08] that were named with having vacancies.
[1:49:12] And so, you know, I followed a process in ensuring
[1:49:16] that, you know, applications, were received.
[1:49:20] I'm really grateful for the support of the office of the mayor,
[1:49:22] and so on that I'm really delighted to be appointing,
[1:49:26] artist Hay Millhouse to the cannabis Commission.
[1:49:29] And we know that this, commission
[1:49:31] plays an essential role in advocating for equity,
[1:49:35] in economic growth here in the city of Oakland.
[1:49:38] And we need people on the commission
[1:49:39] that, have experience and that are rooted in Oakland
[1:49:44] in the community and bring a strong vision for the future of cannabis.
[1:49:47] And so I'm really delighted to be appointing,
[1:49:50] today, to this body, as she has,
[1:49:55] an amazing nonprofit, focused on,
[1:49:58] providing mental health support to community members.
[1:50:02] She's an advocate.
[1:50:03] She's curated multiple, community spaces.
[1:50:06] Cultivated business partnerships in the cannabis
[1:50:09] industry, throughout Oakland and beyond.
[1:50:13] And so lastly, the last thing that I'll share
[1:50:16] is that I do believe that there are more applications for consideration.
[1:50:19] So if anyone else, actually has a vacancy on the Cannabis
[1:50:24] Commission, please feel free to reach out to, the office.
[1:50:28] I believe it's, you can either reach out to Preston or Dean.
[1:50:31] And they have more applications that you can also review.
[1:50:34] Thank you,
[1:50:36] thank you.
[1:50:39] We can move to public speakers,
[1:50:43] as I call your name. Please approach the podium in any order.
[1:50:45] Please state your name for the record before beginning.
[1:50:48] Zachary John Thayer, Mrs.
[1:50:50] Ida Ola Bhalla, Vanessa Wang,
[1:50:54] Ashanti millhouse,
[1:50:57] Derrick Barnes, Mr..
[1:50:59] Hazard, Mavis Carter, Griffin,
[1:51:03] Marvin ledet, a.
[1:51:10] Thank you, Mr.
[1:51:11] Houston, for bringing this issue up around cannabis
[1:51:17] use the same intensity about dealing with fentanyl.
[1:51:23] We went through this whole thing about
[1:51:27] human trafficking.
[1:51:29] Children are dying on fentanyl.
[1:51:33] A lot more than they're
[1:51:35] dying on this street for human trafficking.
[1:51:38] And y'all don't say a damn thing.
[1:51:41] Except for what Mr. Use.
[1:51:44] Houston, why are you keeping cannabis
[1:51:47] as a public health crisis?
[1:51:50] Let me tell you what the governor just noted yesterday.
[1:51:54] Newsome appeared before reporters
[1:51:58] at the Montgomery Gibs Executive Airport in San Diego,
[1:52:03] some 50.6
[1:52:05] million pills with an estimated total street
[1:52:09] value of $506 million have been seized.
[1:52:14] 11,000 arrests.
[1:52:16] And y'all don't say anything about children dying
[1:52:20] here in Oakland because of fentanyl.
[1:52:25] And you, Madam Chair,
[1:52:27] couldn't even ask answer the question
[1:52:31] that Council Member Houston said, I don't know.
[1:52:35] That's all you have to say.
[1:52:38] Why don't you, Council Member Wong, use the same intensity
[1:52:43] about fentanyl as you'd use with street traffic,
[1:52:47] and children are dying.
[1:52:52] Way younger than 13 on fentanyl.
[1:52:56] You had an arrest here two months ago.
[1:52:58] Right here in Oakland for drug trafficker fentanyl.
[1:53:04] And y'all say a damn thing.
[1:53:07] I gave you this copy
[1:53:11] of my Notice of motion
[1:53:14] regarding the raid I found on May 19th last year.
[1:53:19] Because that ballot measure is illegal.
[1:53:23] That was on April 15.
[1:53:27] The city attorney altered
[1:53:30] the text of the ballot measure to say it was a sales tax
[1:53:33] that went into effect on October 1st.
[1:53:38] But now I think I may get my day in court to be heard
[1:53:42] on the 19th of this month to overturn
[1:53:46] that special election ballot measure that
[1:53:50] you articulated that was going to raise
[1:53:52] $29 million annually for ten years,
[1:53:56] if I'm correct,
[1:53:58] and they nullify that ballot measure cast
[1:54:01] in that ballot measure.
[1:54:03] Provision. 4.26.130.
[1:54:06] You can't have a provision there that enjoins the voter from,
[1:54:12] seeking grievance.
[1:54:17] Cast off.
[1:54:18] Thank you, Mr. Hazzard.
[1:54:19] Your time is up.
[1:54:34] Hello, everyone.
[1:54:36] My name is Lee, that I am the district director to Councilmember Houston
[1:54:39] and of Oakland.
[1:54:40] And I wanted to just share
[1:54:41] a few things regarding the cannabis issue.
[1:54:43] District seven and having,
[1:54:46] Councilmember Houston touched on the beautification obligation, these industry,
[1:54:49] these individuals have or these businesses.
[1:54:52] But I wanted to share specifically on a business that's currently,
[1:54:55] doing a buildout, a girl house in district seven.
[1:54:57] I contacted the cannabis department.
[1:55:01] They're currently going through a permitting process with cannabis, the cannabis side of it.
[1:55:04] But when it comes to the actual building process,
[1:55:07] they're not going through any proper permitting.
[1:55:10] They got there.
[1:55:12] They got one part of the permitting process done,
[1:55:15] but the other parts they just have abandoned and they're going
[1:55:17] they're building out their infrastructure.
[1:55:18] So I brought this up just to say, we need enforcement.
[1:55:21] We need attention because, these businesses are popping up
[1:55:24] with no proper permitting process.
[1:55:26] Thank you.
[1:55:33] Sir, can I ask you a question?
[1:55:36] Do the chair.
[1:55:38] Is that to the parliamentarian?
[1:55:40] Can we ask questions, too?
[1:55:43] Because she's. She works for me and I had her to come up.
[1:55:47] I didn't want her to sign up. I was just going to bring her up to speak to this,
[1:55:48] because it's a serious issue
[1:55:50] that's happening in my district, and I hope maybe across
[1:55:53] the city.
[1:55:55] I just want to know if my breaking any rules,
[1:55:57] if I believe we can go through all the public
[1:56:00] speakers, then I can bring her up. Okay. All right.
[1:56:03] I'll bring you back up. Yes.
[1:56:06] I want to break no rules.
[1:56:07] I be breaking rules on this.
[1:56:11] Hello, I'm Ashton millhouse.
[1:56:14] I would first and foremost like to thank the council
[1:56:16] for appointing me to be on the Cannabis Commission.
[1:56:20] Thank you to both Councilwoman Brown and Mayor Lee.
[1:56:24] I'm really excited, as I have been an advocate
[1:56:26] within the cannabis industry for some years now.
[1:56:29] I have multiple affiliates within the industry as well.
[1:56:33] I am happy to be a part
[1:56:34] of the official conversation conversation
[1:56:36] as I plan to help with moving
[1:56:38] the Cannabis Commission forward to its greatest potential.
[1:56:42] I'm looking forward to what this year has to come for myself
[1:56:46] and the city of Oakland.
[1:56:47] And I thank you all.
[1:56:48] Thank you, Brown. Hi.
[1:56:56] I'm going to speak on behalf of the unhoused community of,
[1:57:00] Well, now we're on Willow Street,
[1:57:01] but the Wood Street People's Collective,
[1:57:04] in regards to cannabis,
[1:57:06] clubs and growers,
[1:57:09] we have a particular grower
[1:57:10] in our area that drives erratically.
[1:57:13] All of the people that work there, putting us in danger.
[1:57:16] We are, of course, on the street,
[1:57:17] but we have no other place to go.
[1:57:19] And I like what, Mr.
[1:57:20] Houston said in regards to having the cannabis clubs
[1:57:25] be contributing to the beautification
[1:57:26] in the neighborhood, not to eradicate us,
[1:57:29] but to help us with a better looking frontage,
[1:57:31] a better looking, better present presenting image of who we are
[1:57:35] because we're not taken seriously
[1:57:37] as citizens of the city, and we have very valid concerns.
[1:57:42] We might work, we want recognition,
[1:57:44] we want equalization, which is very important
[1:57:48] because we're not equal
[1:57:49] or there's no equitable anything for the unhoused.
[1:57:51] We are not able to, live in the same
[1:57:54] zones, do the same things.
[1:57:57] It's nothing. I mean, we don't get trash pickup.
[1:57:59] I mean, there's so many things right now.
[1:58:01] We have cannabis clubs and I'll call them that, driving
[1:58:04] erratically, doing 35, 45, 55, 60 miles an hour
[1:58:09] over one block just so they can turn left
[1:58:11] into their cannabis club with annoying recordings
[1:58:14] every time you walk by how you're currently being recorded.
[1:58:18] I got to hear that six times
[1:58:19] between my spot and the end of the block. Why?
[1:58:23] Okay, I'm not doing anything to them.
[1:58:25] If you stop for any second, alarms are going off like you're
[1:58:28] you're public enemy number one and you're breaching like
[1:58:30] the wall.
[1:58:31] And it's it's aggravating.
[1:58:33] It's very unnerving
[1:58:34] being unhoused as it is and overcoming hate
[1:58:37] and, and you know, people's preconceptions and stereotypes.
[1:58:40] Now we have to deal with being bombarded
[1:58:43] with recordings and erratic driving that might kill the cats
[1:58:45] that I've gotten to kill rats in the neighborhood
[1:58:48] and that I care about. And that'
[1:59:03] Good day again, Council.
[1:59:05] I'm here to address, not just the cannabis.
[1:59:09] I believe you guys grouped
[1:59:10] all of the things together under the 6.0.
[1:59:14] I wish to validate Simon property
[1:59:16] of the city of Oakland and comply it and Kelly.
[1:59:20] The Mattson and ask that in us we Carrington mortgage services
[1:59:25] us we orient insurance and us with, travelers insurance.
[1:59:31] That would be a valid application against the property land rights
[1:59:34] under Oregon, USDA, be the United States
[1:59:38] based on credit line, based on application.
[1:59:41] The same issue is wondered and parcel
[1:59:44] of certain tools for the United States
[1:59:46] as the property lease and deed holder and view of our location.
[1:59:53] This is what is wondered and Alto v the United States based on compliance
[1:59:58] and is being asked in view of the right
[2:00:00] to counsel under a Cardoza v the United States
[2:00:06] in this compliance, I ask that the state be held
[2:00:10] malice and negligent and fir v Preston
[2:00:13] and the wonderment to what is wondered in
[2:00:15] the county for is the right to seek counsel,
[2:00:18] and you have implied designation with this being identified.
[2:00:23] I believe that there is issues in the tri regional community,
[2:00:27] tied to land rights, a land rights as the depreciation
[2:00:31] or application of income generation based on Kub to Chime and Zell.
[2:00:35] I believe this is covered in the view of
[2:00:40] Frost. Manhattan and First Republic v SVP.
[2:00:43] This is tied directly to the Bank of Marin v
[2:00:46] the United States and the real estate holdings
[2:00:49] and bond ETFs of a tri regional county,
[2:00:52] including the AC transit and the Bart board.
[2:00:54] Based on the request
[2:00:56] and Smith v Castle, I did not move the fruit
[2:00:58] and after the town of five to re the United States or,
[2:01:03] what is known as the freedom of speech of Alameda County.
[2:01:07] Viewers, society, I ask that the state be held
[2:01:10] grossly, maliciously and intentionally negligent
[2:01:12] in the view of the city tied to chapter 13 bankruptcy
[2:01:16] and the view to the expression to view, pay for play,
[2:01:20] and under chapter 11, validating chapter seven to consulting
[2:01:25] and the view a day to day management under l to D holding
[2:01:28] enterprises and VR performance based
[2:01:31] pensions and view of land rights.
[2:01:34] I I agree
[2:01:36] I solely believe that this, tries directly
[2:01:40] with the legalization of marijuana and justifies it
[2:01:44] as the view to spill your kids compared to the view of what,
[2:01:48] is the on balance of,
[2:01:50] of your,
[2:01:51] of your enterprise as that is identified,
[2:01:54] I wish that there be a full audit
[2:01:56] and request that there be a Sunshine
[2:01:57] Act request in view of that.
[2:01:59] Thank you.
[2:02:13] You ready, Madam Clerk?
[2:02:14] Thank you.
[2:02:16] I do not understand why item 4.1 was remove
[2:02:20] the tree permit issue is three years
[2:02:23] it took to be brought to council.
[2:02:26] The experience of this being dealt with
[2:02:29] needs to happen soon.
[2:02:32] The declaration of a local emergency of homelessness.
[2:02:37] Obviously, you're not doing what you need to be doing.
[2:02:40] You should have been included in the $419 million
[2:02:44] that the governor allocated for homeless housing assistance.
[2:02:48] That money went to San Francisco, San Diego and,
[2:02:52] Los US, I think,
[2:02:56] San Diego, San.
[2:02:57] Do you
[2:02:58] appointment to the Commission of homelessness?
[2:03:02] That commission has not met since last September.
[2:03:06] And is the schedule that they have, boards and commission?
[2:03:09] They are not schedule.
[2:03:11] And it scheduling goes all the way up to November
[2:03:13] 30th of 2026.
[2:03:15] No schedule of meeting.
[2:03:17] And they are obligated to do an annual report
[2:03:20] on the encampment policy that hasn't happened.
[2:03:24] Item 610.
[2:03:28] You're looking at a lawsuit that includes the Oakland
[2:03:32] Police Department. Y'all gotta find some kind of way to sue somebody.
[2:03:34] This Oakland police officer who has owned over
[2:03:38] $493,000 salary.
[2:03:46] And overtime.
[2:03:48] Y'all need to address that.
[2:03:49] Some.
[2:03:51] Now, this thing on, s 11, it is insulting
[2:03:55] that you people keep talking about your sanctuary
[2:03:58] city status and protecting illegal immigrants.
[2:04:01] You need to do like the city of Oroville.
[2:04:03] If you're going to have a sanctuary city,
[2:04:05] at least have it
[2:04:07] saying that you don't protect violent criminals
[2:04:11] who are here illegally.
[2:04:12] At least do that.
[2:04:13] And how is it that you are so focused
[2:04:17] on protecting people from Ice
[2:04:21] who are racially profiling, using excessive force?
[2:04:24] What you think the hell is the NSA?
[2:04:27] Is your Oakland Police Department
[2:04:29] engaging in excessive force and racial profiling,
[2:04:32] and you can't fix it for over 22 years,
[2:04:36] but you can fix Ice doing the exact same thing
[2:04:39] to illegal immigrants.
[2:04:42] The hypocrisy of what you do.
[2:04:45] But of course, that illegal activity by your police
[2:04:48] department is targeting African-Americans as a group.
[2:04:54] Then you need to have
[2:04:56] an update related to 613 Yo strategic plan.
[2:05:01] You need an update on gentrification,
[2:05:03] which you have never done
[2:05:06] your sanctuary city status.
[2:05:08] You keep talking about you a sanctuary city, but you have never dealt with it
[2:05:11] in terms of how it impacts the city economically and housing.
[2:05:17] That's.
[2:05:21] Nice. Thank you, Miss Ola Barlow.
[2:05:22] Your time is up.
[2:05:26] If your name was gone, if you're on the zoom
[2:05:28] or on the room, please approach the podium or raise your hand.
[2:05:32] This time. I do not see any speakers in this.
[2:05:34] Thank you, Mr. Barnes.
[2:05:36] Please unmute yourself and begin your comments.
[2:05:42] Thank you, Madam Clerk.
[2:05:43] And greetings,
[2:05:44] Council members, Derek Barnes with the
[2:05:45] Experimental Housing Association
[2:05:47] as it relates to housing and homelessness priorities.
[2:05:50] I wanted to briefly share a reflection
[2:05:52] from this past weekend's annual Housing
[2:05:53] Collaborative, produced by Abra,
[2:05:55] but certainly powered by the community.
[2:05:57] The event brought together renters, homeowners,
[2:06:00] small housing providers, nonprofit service
[2:06:02] organizations, lenders and public agencies
[2:06:05] from across Alameda and Contra Costa counties under one roof
[2:06:08] with one goal to better understand
[2:06:10] who the housing stakeholders really are,
[2:06:13] how our housing system actually works,
[2:06:15] and what real support and resources
[2:06:17] are available to people in our community.
[2:06:19] We engage vibrant, loud table discussions
[2:06:21] that focused on clarity over conflict,
[2:06:24] demystifying some of the housing challenges
[2:06:26] that we have like eliminating barriers
[2:06:28] to homeownership, thriving through funding reductions,
[2:06:31] and improving housing policy while reducing complexity.
[2:06:35] The second year collaborative connected residents
[2:06:38] to about 30 community organizations offering renter
[2:06:41] assistance and support, home repair grants, energy
[2:06:44] rebates, fair housing, education and other things.
[2:06:48] I want to thank Emily Weinstein and Michelle Starr at our HCD
[2:06:53] leaders in the city and County,
[2:06:54] Patricia Wells and Joseph Villareal,
[2:06:57] our Housing Authority folks, for engaging in productive panel
[2:07:00] discussions that day.
[2:07:02] I also want to acknowledge, District Supervisor Leonor Lena
[2:07:06] Tan and her staff,
[2:07:07] as well as Council members Brown, Gail Unger, and Wong,
[2:07:11] as well as staff from Councilmember
[2:07:13] Ramachandran s office for attending and engaging
[2:07:15] directly with constituents and exhibiting organizations.
[2:07:19] I mean, your presence really matters,
[2:07:21] and it sent a signal that crucial housing
[2:07:24] conversations don't happen just in chambers.
[2:07:28] They happen in community.
[2:07:29] And we need more events like this.
[2:07:31] We know we can't solve our housing challenges overnight,
[2:07:34] but events like this helped to build
[2:07:36] understanding, trust, and engagement.
[2:07:39] And that's where equitable and durable solutions begin.
[2:07:43] Thank you so much for all your support in the event.
[2:07:47] And look forward to working with you more in 2026.
[2:07:51] Thank you.
[2:07:54] At this time, our names have been called.
[2:07:58] Thank you. Council member Houston.
[2:08:01] And, as I've been,
[2:08:04] advised by the city attorney, any questions?
[2:08:06] And back and forth that you ask will be counted
[2:08:09] part of your time
[2:08:11] because typically we all have two minutes on consent.
[2:08:14] But because Councilmember Brown
[2:08:16] had six minutes, everyone is going to have six minutes today.
[2:08:19] So that's all.
[2:08:20] That's fine, thank you.
[2:08:24] Chair, I just wanted to ask some direct questions to have it on the record so everyone knows what's happening.
[2:08:27] And through the chair, the dead.
[2:08:29] Who did you report?
[2:08:30] That building?
[2:08:33] Their building,
[2:08:33] putting new units
[2:08:35] on top of the roof. They don't even know
[2:08:36] the structural soundness of the unit.
[2:08:39] Without a permit.
[2:08:41] Who did you contact? So I originally went across the street to permitting.
[2:08:45] They shared with me what, has been issued, what has not been issued,
[2:08:48] and what they should not be working on.
[2:08:49] And I escalated to enforcement.
[2:08:52] They will be paying a visit tomorrow to put a stop order,
[2:08:55] as it was not permitted.
[2:08:56] And then, who did you report to to find out
[2:08:59] if they had the proper licenses to sell or grow cannabis?
[2:09:03] So I reached out to our cannabis department,
[2:09:05] who has a list of, who works on the permitting process.
[2:09:09] And they gave me the information
[2:09:11] that they are going through the process.
[2:09:12] And once they are done with construction,
[2:09:14] they should be able to get their permit.
[2:09:15] But what makes it challenging
[2:09:16] is that they're not meeting the building permit,
[2:09:19] but they're going to be issued a cannabis permit
[2:09:21] without meeting the minimum on the other side.
[2:09:24] So I just wanted to say, since we have this committee
[2:09:28] for cannabis, if it is, is somewhere that their scope of work
[2:09:31] could be regulating and making sure that they follow
[2:09:37] what they signed about beautification efforts
[2:09:40] and doing it the proper way, because they just feel that they can do whatever they
[2:09:42] want to do in district seven.
[2:09:43] And that's not going to happen any longer.
[2:09:45] So thank you for that.
[2:09:51] Yeah. You have four and a half more minutes
[2:09:52] if you wanted to say anything.
[2:09:54] See my time to council member, I'm brown.
[2:09:56] She knows she had a lot to say. No, just say it.
[2:09:59] I I'm good. I appreciate that
[2:10:02] she is good.
[2:10:04] Thank you. Councilmember. Thank,
[2:10:07] thanks to the chair.
[2:10:08] I just wanted to comment that
[2:10:11] in, you know, related to the human trafficking problem.
[2:10:14] That's something that I have been looking at
[2:10:17] is like a lot of these nuisance businesses that they're not licensed.
[2:10:20] It's the smoke shops I went to, like a youth led town
[2:10:22] hall by Doctor Aisha mays through the Dream Youth Clinic.
[2:10:26] And like, five of the young people
[2:10:28] there brought up that it was smoke shops,
[2:10:30] likely unlicensed, that have been the vehicles
[2:10:35] of human trafficking. So I think this is not just limited to cannabis shops,
[2:10:39] but this is more of a broader
[2:10:40] question that we should tackle with, administrator,
[2:10:45] Assistant City Administrator Chuck Baker on that.
[2:10:48] The wrong type of economic development
[2:10:51] that we have in some of our corridors,
[2:10:53] you know, as, as was said, I think, by Doctor
[2:10:56] Tran, Oakland is open for business,
[2:10:57] but this is not these are not the type
[2:10:59] of businesses that we want here, here with that,
[2:11:05] Thank you.
[2:11:07] If there are no other comments,
[2:11:09] I will entertain a motion.
[2:11:12] For so moved.
[2:11:15] Second council.
[2:11:21] On the motion by Council member Brown.
[2:11:23] Seconded by Council member Ungar to approve this
[2:11:27] consent calendar, Council member Brown I,
[2:11:30] Council member five and Guy or excuse.
[2:11:33] Council member, Houston.
[2:11:34] Council member.
[2:11:35] Ungar I.
[2:11:38] Council member. Wong I chair Jenkins is excused.
[2:11:43] Council member. Ramachandran I motion passes with a vote of five eyes.
[2:11:47] Three excused. Five for and Jenkins.
[2:11:54] Now we're and Council member.
[2:11:58] Excuse me. Acknowledgments and announcements.
[2:12:01] Colleagues. Any announcements?
[2:12:02] Councilmember Wong
[2:12:04] yeah, I just have an announcement related to,
[2:12:08] I'm joining council member five tomorrow in district two.
[2:12:11] There's going to be a forum on the Costco effort
[2:12:14] in West Oakland at the East Bay Asian Youth Center,
[2:12:17] that the address is two 2025 East 12th Street.
[2:12:20] And representatives from Costco are there.
[2:12:23] And I think this is an exciting opportunity and folks
[2:12:26] should come and ask their their pointed questions.
[2:12:29] So, just invite my colleagues as well as members of the public
[2:12:33] who are watching this.
[2:12:34] It's at 5:30 p.m.
[2:12:36] tomorrow. Thank you.
[2:12:39] Thank you, Councilmember Houston.
[2:12:41] I like to, to the chair.
[2:12:43] I like to adjourn this meeting in the memory of Bridget Cook.
[2:12:49] I'm not sure.
[2:12:53] Who knew her? But Bridget Cook was a beautiful. So,
[2:12:59] She kept me in control.
[2:13:00] She always guided me to call me Councilmember Houston.
[2:13:03] You can't be doing that.
[2:13:05] So, just just I wish.
[2:13:07] Want to adjourn this in the memory of her?
[2:13:08] Because she has been a force, for Oakland.
[2:13:11] And she loved our city so much.
[2:13:13] She loved it so much.
[2:13:16] Thank you, Councilmember Hughes.
[2:13:17] And we will adjourn in her memory.
[2:13:20] Other council members.
[2:13:22] Okay.
[2:13:24] And, Madam Clerk, that is all.
[2:13:28] Moving to open forum, as I call your name.
[2:13:30] Please approach the podium in any order.
[2:13:32] Please state your name for the record.
[2:13:33] You will be given one minute to address the council.
[2:13:37] Miss Assad, Alabama.
[2:13:39] Mr. hazard, Tim Allen Ferreira, Annabelle.
[2:13:45] Velasquez, Mave. Carter. Griffin.
[2:13:50] I think maybe Benjamin Smith.
[2:13:55] Brother Ted or Dominique.
[2:13:56] We're okay.
[2:13:59] Go ahead. Mr.. Has
[2:14:01] you could go to clean oakland.com
[2:14:03] and look at my website.
[2:14:05] These are four case laws that will
[2:14:08] support my allegation that the September April
[2:14:12] 15th special election ballot measure A was illegal.
[2:14:18] Rossi v Brown nine California
[2:14:21] courts retain exclusive
[2:14:23] authority to determine the validity
[2:14:25] the enforcement of ballot measures.
[2:14:27] A ballot measure cannot pre decide
[2:14:30] or foreclose do judicial review.
[2:14:33] And that's what 4.26.130
[2:14:36] people versus Vaughn Bond 27 count.
[2:14:39] The legislator may not impair
[2:14:41] the core functions of the judiciary
[2:14:43] and joining lawsuits impairing judicial function.
[2:14:47] Mendocino County versus Superior Court 13
[2:14:50] cal for access to the court
[2:14:52] says fundamental constitutional rights.
[2:14:55] Any restriction is subject
[2:14:56] to strict scrutiny and almost always fail.
[2:15:00] Housing authority versus superior court statutes made.
[2:15:09] Thank you, Mr.
[2:15:10] Hazzard. Your time is up.
[2:15:25] You. In 1994, Barbara
[2:15:29] Jordan led the US Commission on Immigration Reform.
[2:15:33] The report was supposed to look at the impact of immigration
[2:15:37] on the average worker in the future.
[2:15:40] The recommendations were to reduce immigration
[2:15:42] by one third, because immigration was hurting
[2:15:46] the low skilled workers, specifically black men
[2:15:50] without college degrees, she said immigration
[2:15:53] should be about the interests of the American worker.
[2:15:57] First, she called for a crackdown on illegal labor.
[2:16:01] Bill Clinton buried the report.
[2:16:04] So now what you have today is a report
[2:16:09] that was purposely buried by the Democratic Party,
[2:16:13] and now you have 9% of unemployment in Oakland.
[2:16:16] Black workers, low skilled workers impacted.
[2:16:20] Barbara Jordan called for this not to happen.
[2:16:24] The Democrats allowed it.
[2:16:25] And you are allowing it.
[2:16:27] We are impacted by illegal.
[2:16:37] Okay.
[2:16:39] Good afternoon, Megan Carter.
[2:16:40] Griffin, I'm speaking upon for my behalf
[2:16:44] as an unhoused person, and I'm asking for, support.
[2:16:48] Last month, Ivan Satterfield,
[2:16:51] who is running the DPW, came into the sweep of Willow Street
[2:16:55] and I had purchased finally, after a year
[2:16:57] from previous, where he he towed one of my trailers
[2:17:02] that I was living in. I've been living outside, completely outside, in a shack
[2:17:05] built out of cardboard and and foam, trying to do my best.
[2:17:09] I almost died of pneumonia this following year.
[2:17:12] I've been saving with Social Security being $900 for me
[2:17:16] a month, and it's very hard to do that with
[2:17:18] having to pay for food, etc.
[2:17:20] and I purchased a trailer in 1947, Spartan Trailer,
[2:17:23] and it was parked on Wood Street,
[2:17:25] which is not part of his plan.
[2:17:27] He saw me buy that, and he gave me an offer
[2:17:29] that I could choose between the city
[2:17:31] that I live in with my cats
[2:17:32] and had been using
[2:17:34] have all of my life support systems
[2:17:35] that I've recovered over the past year,
[2:17:37] and he was ready to tear down and put in the dumpster
[2:17:39] along with the cat that he just.
[2:17:44] Apologized for.
[2:17:45] Your time is up.
[2:17:47] So you are with us.
[2:17:50] And stuff like that.
[2:17:53] So, Before you came, is it there?
[2:17:57] I do not have a card for you for this item.
[2:18:00] If your name was called, please step to the podium.
[2:18:03] Podium? Excuse me.
[2:18:06] As I said, mister, they are. You did not sign up for this particular item.
[2:18:09] Moving to the zoom speakers.
[2:18:13] I do not have a card for you.
[2:18:15] I have a card for you. For all the other items
[2:18:17] you signed up for, not for open forum.
[2:18:29] Yeah.
[2:18:32] A little.
[2:18:40] Moving to the zoom speaker.
[2:18:43] I think Dwayne.
[2:18:47] Yeah. Dominic.
[2:18:49] Yes? Please begin your comment.
[2:18:52] Yeah. So my name is Dominic.
[2:18:54] Where coming from? Brookfield village, the champion of community green schools.
[2:18:57] And I'm speaking as a member of the 40
[2:18:58] by 40 People's Advisory Council.
[2:19:00] In with the pet brings residents together each month
[2:19:04] a focus on community safety, public health, youth development
[2:19:07] and overall quality of life in Deep East Oakland.
[2:19:10] We serve as a space where residents can share
[2:19:12] concerns, offer solutions and stay informed
[2:19:14] about what's impacted our neighborhood.
[2:19:17] The pet is a resident led body that meets monthly,
[2:19:20] and was instrumental in supporting efforts
[2:19:22] that led to the establishment
[2:19:23] of the Office of Violence Prevention.
[2:19:25] IBP support supporting the launch of Peace committees.
[2:19:27] What I'm on a community based conflict resolution model
[2:19:30] and aligned in our work with the virus is $100 million
[2:19:35] investment strategy
[2:19:36] of Learn and grow, working well, and health and well-being.
[2:19:40] Our members also regularly attend
[2:19:41] and contribute to the bi monthly meeting
[2:19:43] and it keeps safe keeping meetings.
[2:19:47] Thank you. D6 Council Member for agreeing to attend future
[2:19:49] pact means tonight we respectfully academic Council
[2:19:51] members of seven.
[2:19:55] Thank you for your comments.
[2:19:56] Unfortunately, your time was up this time.
[2:19:58] Our names have been called.
[2:20:04] Thank you.
[2:20:06] Tonight,
[2:20:12] Think I can, I can sorry.
[2:20:15] Today we adjourn in the memory
[2:20:17] of Bridget Cook.
[2:20:59] Thank you. Everyone. The meeting is adjourned.