CITY OF OAKLAND
ONE FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA x 6 TH FLOOR x OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94612 Office of the City Attorney
Ryan Richardson
City Attorney
FAX:
TDD:
(510) 238-3601
(510) 238-6500
(510) 839-6451
November 4, 2025
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
Oakland, California
Subject: Claim of Saba Grocers Initiative
City Attorney File No. C37739
(City Administrator – Contract/Promissory Estoppel)
President Jenkins and Members of the City Council:
Pursuant to Section 401 of the Charter, the C ity Attorney has prepared and requests your approval of a resolution authorizing compromise and settlement of the above-entitled claim for the sum of five hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($500,000.00), payable to Saba Grocers Initiative.
This action arises out of a claim of promissory estoppel made by Saba Grocers Initiative, a nonprofit promoting access to healthy foods. Saba alleges that it relied on the City’s representations and spent a $500,000 federal grant with matching requirements in anticipation of receiving City funds in 2023 and 2024. The City’s grant agreement was never executed and the City funds were not disbursed due to budget constrai nts. The City has determined that, without admitting liability and to avoid further litigation, settlement in the amount of $500,000.00 to Saba, is in the best interest of the City.
The City Council authorized settlement of th is case in Closed Session on Thursday, October 23, 2025 (moved by President Pro Tem Noel Gallo and seconded by Council President Kevin Jenkins - 4 Ayes, 1 No – Councilmember Ken Houston, 3 Excused – Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Carroll Fife and Janani Ramachandran).
Respectfully submitted,
RYAN RICHARDSON
City Attorney
Assigned Attorney:
Christina Lum
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