Powerful to have 600 Oakland residents of all creeds and ethnicities turn out to Allen Temple Baptist Church to hear the mayor and four city council people answer to the illegal dumping crisis!
They could have been anywhere on a cold January evening but they chose to hear Faith in Action East Bay’s proposals on the garbage issue for over two hours.
Hard hitting research report delivered by East Oakland native Mary Forte showed how inequitable garbage services are across our city. Two students gave emotional testimony on the impact to our kids.
The mayor spoke to the need for systemic change, saying “Citations and fines for illegal dumping must lead to real consequences, not just paperwork.” And three council members (Rowena Brown , Noel Gallo, and Charlene Wang) committed to support the proposed ordinance to strengthen education, eradication and enforcement (Nate Miley’s 3 Es) with a fourth Councilmember Carroll Fife supporting the spirit of the work while acknowledging the complexity. Ken Houston was a no-show.
As former Councilmember (and current project manager for the crisis) Rebecca Kaplan said, “A complaint-based system is inherently inequitable.”
Faith in Action Bay Area is back to holding large in person events to hold policymakers accountable, something we haven’t done since before the pandemic. Thank you to everyone who turned out. The spirit and energy was alive.
PRESS
KPIX/CBS:
Oakland community wants city to address illegal dumping, citing health concerns
(Leader: Roberta Avant)
KPIX/CBS:
Illegal dumping on Oakland streets is getting new scrutiny
(Leader: Roberta Avant)
KPIX/CBS:
Oakland illegal’s dumping problem on full display on street near Coliseum
(update and mention of event)
CBS News:
Oakland community calls on city to prevent illegal dumping, citing health impacts
(Leader: Roberta Avant)
Fox 2 KTVU
Frustrated Community Holds Meeting on Illegal Dumping