Jaime Omar Yassin [TNH]
@hyphyrepublic.bsky.social
I'm @hyphy_republic on Twitter, aka The Oakland Observer, an Oakland journalist. Newsletter @ https://oakland-observer.ghost.io/ :One time contributions to the OO instead of subscription https://oakland-observer.ghost.io/#/portal/support
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News Analysis: Council's Once-Unbiased Process for Approving Police Commission Appointees Continues to Deteriorate Amid Disparate Treatment
After Council antagonism toward Selection Panel appointments in December, the Rules Committee praised the Mayor’s picks and forwarded them to the Consent Calendar, though they lack Charter-mandated background checks. Meanwhile, OPOA confirmed it has exerted pressure on appointments.
oakland-observer.ghost.io
An OO News Analysis: Council once steered clear of showing favor to Mayoral or Selection Panel Police Commission Appointments, but that's all changed in current Council. Two disparately handled processes for appointments are set to share the stage Tuesday
I've confirmed today with the CAO that the HHAP funding rounds are not over. Ken Houston was misleading the public last night when he made the claim that Oakland isn't getting HHAP 6 funds. And it's clear the EAP itself may be the central factor in any delay. Shameful behavior.
January 21, 2026 at 7:23 PM
I've confirmed today with the CAO that the HHAP funding rounds are not over. Ken Houston was misleading the public last night when he made the claim that Oakland isn't getting HHAP 6 funds. And it's clear the EAP itself may be the central factor in any delay. Shameful behavior.
Oakland Observer picked up corporate and non-profit media slack during the Council's assault against the independence of the Oakland Police Commission. The articles are gathered with links here. I've got you covered, you will, as always get the full story
At Council Tuesday, 1/20/2026
This Tuesday, it's another short regular meeting–there's one public hearing, and only one item on the Non-Consent Calendar, with 12 on the bulk-vote Non Consent Calendar. This will be the second meeting with the new rules that have Public Hearing and Non-Consent items first on the agenda beginning at
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 21, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Oakland Observer picked up corporate and non-profit media slack during the Council's assault against the independence of the Oakland Police Commission. The articles are gathered with links here. I've got you covered, you will, as always get the full story
Some observations on today's Council meeting on the Selection Panel's resubmission of Farmer and Garcia Acosta. It was one of the most corrupt, but also inept, Council processes I've seen in a minute
January 21, 2026 at 4:34 AM
Some observations on today's Council meeting on the Selection Panel's resubmission of Farmer and Garcia Acosta. It was one of the most corrupt, but also inept, Council processes I've seen in a minute
Last week, I asked City spox for confirmation charter-mandated background checks for Mayoral Commission appointees were done--they hadn't been but I was told they'd be by week's end. Asked again today. Spox said they'd confirm, but no response with an hour before mtg
January 20, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Last week, I asked City spox for confirmation charter-mandated background checks for Mayoral Commission appointees were done--they hadn't been but I was told they'd be by week's end. Asked again today. Spox said they'd confirm, but no response with an hour before mtg
Looks like its going to be a contested process today on Selection Panel appointments to the Oakland Police Commission. I do have to wonder about the optics the Council set up here, there's no way to see this as anything other than Council thwarting independent public oversight.
January 20, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Looks like its going to be a contested process today on Selection Panel appointments to the Oakland Police Commission. I do have to wonder about the optics the Council set up here, there's no way to see this as anything other than Council thwarting independent public oversight.
Another short meeting for Council on Tuesday, but it will also be a public stage for a fraught process on Police Commission appointments that has been visibly biased against community driven picks and independence, while Council waives Mayoral picks thru
At Council Tuesday, 1/20/2026
This Tuesday, it's another short regular meeting–there's one public hearing, and only one item on the Non-Consent Calendar, with 12 on the bulk-vote Non Consent Calendar. This will be the second meeting with the new rules that have Public Hearing and Non-Consent items first on the agenda beginning at
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 18, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Another short meeting for Council on Tuesday, but it will also be a public stage for a fraught process on Police Commission appointments that has been visibly biased against community driven picks and independence, while Council waives Mayoral picks thru
APTP's now legacy-level MLK day rally and two weeks of events begin Monday
January 18, 2026 at 7:27 PM
APTP's now legacy-level MLK day rally and two weeks of events begin Monday
Fed response to Thao et al motion to suppress appears to present no new evidence...except for the definitive proof that what EBT described as "assassination" attempt on Juarez in 2024 was a gun fight he initiated. EBT still hasn't retracted their reporting oakland-observer.gho...
January 17, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Fed response to Thao et al motion to suppress appears to present no new evidence...except for the definitive proof that what EBT described as "assassination" attempt on Juarez in 2024 was a gun fight he initiated. EBT still hasn't retracted their reporting oakland-observer.gho...
New: Brian Hofer/Secure Justice updated Flock lawsuit filed this week. In addition to initial allegations that OPD breached previous settlement, its own policies & City's purchasing laws, it also alleges Brown Act violations during Rules process that scheduled the contract
January 16, 2026 at 10:30 PM
New: Brian Hofer/Secure Justice updated Flock lawsuit filed this week. In addition to initial allegations that OPD breached previous settlement, its own policies & City's purchasing laws, it also alleges Brown Act violations during Rules process that scheduled the contract
It's no shade on Wong, it's the Council's own extremely biased and disrespectful treatment of a process that occurs in plain view on KTOP vs glee in approving the Mayor's appointments, which occur behind closed doors and this time lacked even minimal information.
I wouldn't dream of taking credit, but a day after OO published this, Lee's office submitted some bios on appointees. But its worth noting, Wong's app is a general board app and is a far cry from the very detailed OPC app previous appointees submitted
News Analysis: Council's Once-Unbiased Process for Approving Police Commission Appointees Continues to Deteriorate Amid Disparate Treatment
After Council antagonism toward Selection Panel appointments in December, the Rules Committee praised the Mayor’s picks and forwarded them to the Consent Calendar, though they lack Charter-mandated background checks. Meanwhile, OPOA confirmed it has exerted pressure on appointments.
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 16, 2026 at 7:23 PM
It's no shade on Wong, it's the Council's own extremely biased and disrespectful treatment of a process that occurs in plain view on KTOP vs glee in approving the Mayor's appointments, which occur behind closed doors and this time lacked even minimal information.
I wouldn't dream of taking credit, but a day after OO published this, Lee's office submitted some bios on appointees. But its worth noting, Wong's app is a general board app and is a far cry from the very detailed OPC app previous appointees submitted
News Analysis: Council's Once-Unbiased Process for Approving Police Commission Appointees Continues to Deteriorate Amid Disparate Treatment
After Council antagonism toward Selection Panel appointments in December, the Rules Committee praised the Mayor’s picks and forwarded them to the Consent Calendar, though they lack Charter-mandated background checks. Meanwhile, OPOA confirmed it has exerted pressure on appointments.
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 16, 2026 at 7:21 PM
I wouldn't dream of taking credit, but a day after OO published this, Lee's office submitted some bios on appointees. But its worth noting, Wong's app is a general board app and is a far cry from the very detailed OPC app previous appointees submitted
Rules Committee is the subject matter committee that vets Police Commission appointments. But they forwarded Mayor's picks to Council knowing Charter-mandated background checks hadn't been done. OO confirmed they still aren't complete as of this writing.
News Analysis: Council's Once-Unbiased Process for Approving Police Commission Appointees Continues to Deteriorate Amid Disparate Treatment
After Council antagonism toward Selection Panel appointments in December, the Rules Committee praised the Mayor’s picks and forwarded them to the Consent Calendar, though they lack Charter-mandated background checks. Meanwhile, OPOA confirmed it has exerted pressure on appointments.
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 15, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Rules Committee is the subject matter committee that vets Police Commission appointments. But they forwarded Mayor's picks to Council knowing Charter-mandated background checks hadn't been done. OO confirmed they still aren't complete as of this writing.
An OO News Analysis: Council once steered clear of showing favor to Mayoral or Selection Panel Police Commission Appointments, but that's all changed in current Council. Two disparately handled processes for appointments are set to share the stage Tuesday
News Analysis: Council's Once-Unbiased Process for Approving Police Commission Appointees Continues to Deteriorate Amid Disparate Treatment
After Council antagonism toward Selection Panel appointments in December, the Rules Committee praised the Mayor’s picks and forwarded them to the Consent Calendar, though they lack Charter-mandated background checks. Meanwhile, OPOA confirmed it has exerted pressure on appointments.
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 14, 2026 at 11:05 PM
An OO News Analysis: Council once steered clear of showing favor to Mayoral or Selection Panel Police Commission Appointments, but that's all changed in current Council. Two disparately handled processes for appointments are set to share the stage Tuesday
There were complaints about Finance's new process of waiting until Q2 to release a quarterly report. I think that's a good idea, Q1 report is virtually useless and it's virtually ignored. The real issue was delaying Q4 report from last FY, that's where the danger signs would be
January 14, 2026 at 9:20 PM
There were complaints about Finance's new process of waiting until Q2 to release a quarterly report. I think that's a good idea, Q1 report is virtually useless and it's virtually ignored. The real issue was delaying Q4 report from last FY, that's where the danger signs would be
Oakland used to have a more extortionary character to its parking citations and that's likely why it switched from running parking enforcement from Finance to Public Works. But per some commentary yesterday, it's switching back now. May look like a regressive tax to some
January 14, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Oakland used to have a more extortionary character to its parking citations and that's likely why it switched from running parking enforcement from Finance to Public Works. But per some commentary yesterday, it's switching back now. May look like a regressive tax to some
As I reported before, CM Wang recently sidestepped a presentation about AC Transit's reduction in fatalities on International at an ACT/Oakland meeting to suggest ACT share its station and bus surveillance with OPD. Per this record request, this appears to be a longstanding goal
January 13, 2026 at 5:54 PM
As I reported before, CM Wang recently sidestepped a presentation about AC Transit's reduction in fatalities on International at an ACT/Oakland meeting to suggest ACT share its station and bus surveillance with OPD. Per this record request, this appears to be a longstanding goal
As I reported before, CM Wang recently sidestepped a presentation about AC Transit's reduction in fatalities on International at an ACT/Oakland meeting to suggest ACT share its station and bus surveillance with OPD. Per this record request, this appears to be a longstanding goal
January 13, 2026 at 5:52 PM
As I reported before, CM Wang recently sidestepped a presentation about AC Transit's reduction in fatalities on International at an ACT/Oakland meeting to suggest ACT share its station and bus surveillance with OPD. Per this record request, this appears to be a longstanding goal
Reposted by Jaime Omar Yassin [TNH]
January 11, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Good for the EBT for revealing OPOA is behind extremely unusual move to oppose community-chosen police commissioners. Council has now set itself up as opposing the independence of the Commission, and only supporting picks that come from within the City www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/01/09/o...
January 10, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Good for the EBT for revealing OPOA is behind extremely unusual move to oppose community-chosen police commissioners. Council has now set itself up as opposing the independence of the Commission, and only supporting picks that come from within the City www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/01/09/o...
This is who we sent to destroy Iraq, btw
The ICE agent called her a "fucking bitch" after he killed her. One officer screams "Go, get out of here" while this officer says "Get out of the car." You clearly see her turn the wheel AWAY from him after he steps in front of her car. Did they think releasing this would help them?? cw // violence
January 9, 2026 at 7:16 PM
This is who we sent to destroy Iraq, btw
For the record, here's the Oakland Observer's reporting on the unanimous Selection Panel decision to resubmit the same slate of Farmer/Acosta to Council. The decision had well over an hour of statements condemning the Council's obviously political attacks
Police Commission Selection Panel Re-Submits Farmer/Acosta Reappointments at First Meeting After Council Rejected Them
On Thursday, the Oakland Police Commission Selection Panel* had its first meeting since the City Council rejected their latest appointments for the Oakland Police Commission and voted by a majority of seated panelists to re-submit the same appointments of Omar Farmer as alternate, and Chair Ricardo Garcia Acosta as full
oakland-observer.ghost.io
January 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM
For the record, here's the Oakland Observer's reporting on the unanimous Selection Panel decision to resubmit the same slate of Farmer/Acosta to Council. The decision had well over an hour of statements condemning the Council's obviously political attacks
A year's worth of academy production will produce, at best, about 28 police to combat a 4-6 per month attrition rate [48 to 72 per year]. This isn't working anymore. These numbers are all reported by OPD to the OPC, but the Oaklandside, EBT and Chronicle refuse to report the data
Oakland's right wing keep trying to convince the public that low OPD staffing is a due to funding. It isn't. Fewer people than ever want to be cops. 195th is likely to have one of lowest graduations in history with 14 current; 196th just began with one of the lowest starts, 23
January 9, 2026 at 12:18 AM
A year's worth of academy production will produce, at best, about 28 police to combat a 4-6 per month attrition rate [48 to 72 per year]. This isn't working anymore. These numbers are all reported by OPD to the OPC, but the Oaklandside, EBT and Chronicle refuse to report the data
Oakland's right wing keep trying to convince the public that low OPD staffing is a due to funding. It isn't. Fewer people than ever want to be cops. 195th is likely to have one of lowest graduations in history with 14 current; 196th just began with one of the lowest starts, 23
January 9, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Oakland's right wing keep trying to convince the public that low OPD staffing is a due to funding. It isn't. Fewer people than ever want to be cops. 195th is likely to have one of lowest graduations in history with 14 current; 196th just began with one of the lowest starts, 23
Its actually an important detail that Mayor Lee's press release on historic 2025 crime reduction does not mention ALPR, surveillance or Flock. Oakland's mayor did not give the technology ANY credit for crime reduction. oakland-observer.gho...
January 8, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Its actually an important detail that Mayor Lee's press release on historic 2025 crime reduction does not mention ALPR, surveillance or Flock. Oakland's mayor did not give the technology ANY credit for crime reduction. oakland-observer.gho...
Reposted by Jaime Omar Yassin [TNH]
So many things are bad right now, but I interviewed @maggietokudahall.bsky.social about painting pigeons and small acts of survival. 📸 by @estefancy.bsky.social
Local Woman Has Hobby: Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Pigeon Paintings
“Everything that we think is disgusting about human life, pigeons wear without shame.”
www.coyotemedia.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:11 PM
So many things are bad right now, but I interviewed @maggietokudahall.bsky.social about painting pigeons and small acts of survival. 📸 by @estefancy.bsky.social