healing through sports, art,
music, and therapeutic camps.
• Initial joint behavioral health
visits, where a mental health
provider and child welfare
worker meet with the family
early in a case.
• Child welfare liaisons in
Medi-Cal health plans who
help caregivers and social
workers get services for
children faster
Keeping Kids Safe from
Opioids and Harmful Drugs
DHCS is also working to keep
young people safe as California
faces rising risks from opioids
and counterfeit pills. Programs
like Elevate Youth California
and Friday Night Live give
teens mentorship, leadership
opportunities, and positive outlets
that strengthen mental well-being.
Through the California Youth
Opioid Response, families can
learn how to avoid dangerous
substances and get treatment when
needed. Song for Charlie provides
parents and teens with facts and
tools to talk honestly about mental
health and counterfeit pills.
DHCS also supports groups
like Young People in Recovery,
which helps youth build skills for
long-term healing, and the Youth
Peer Mentor Program, which
trains teens with lived experience
to support others. These efforts
are part of California’s strategy
to protect young people, prevent
overdoses, and help them make
healthier choices.
Support for Parents and
Caregivers
Children thrive when their
caregivers are supported. Through
CalAIM’s vision of whole-person
care, Medi-Cal now covers dyadic
services, visits where a child and
caregiver meet together with a
provider to strengthen bonding,
manage stress, and address
behavior challenges.
These visits may include
screening the caregiver for
depression or anxiety and
connecting them to food, housing,
or other health-related social
needs, aligning with CalAIM’s
Community Supports framework.
Notably, only the child must be
enrolled in Medi-Cal to receive
dyadic care.
Family therapy is also covered
and can take place in clinics,
schools, homes, or via telehealth,
reflecting CalAIM’s commitment
to flexible, community-based care
delivery.
Additionally, BrightLife Kids
offers free tools, resources, and
virtual coaching for caregivers
and children ages 0–12. Families
can sign up online or through
the BrightLife Kids app. No
insurance, diagnosis, or referral is
required.
For teens and young adults
ages 13–25, California offers
Soluna, a free mental health
app where young people can
chat with coaches, learn coping
skills, journal, or join supportive
community circles. Soluna is
free, confidential, available in
app stores, and does not require
insurance.
CalHOPE also provides
free emotional support to all
Californians through a 24/7
support line at (833) 317-HOPE
(4673), online chat, and culturally
responsive resources.
Support at School — Where
Kids Already Are
Schools are often the first
place where emotional stress is
noticed. Through the Children
and Youth Behavioral Health
Initiative (CYBHI), public
schools, community colleges,
and universities can offer therapy,
counseling, crisis support, and
referrals at no cost to families.
Services are available during
school breaks and delivered on
campus, by phone or video, or at
community sites. There are no
copayments, deductibles, or bills.
Medi-Cal Still Covers
Everyday Care
Medi-Cal continues to
cover everyday mental health
care, including therapy for
stress, anxiety, depression, or
trauma; medication support;
crisis stabilization; hospital care
when needed; and referrals to
community programs through
county mental health plans and
Medi-Cal health plans.
How to Get Help
• Talk to your child’s teacher,
school counselor, or doctor.
• In Alameda County call 510-
272-3663 or the toll-free
number 1-800-698-1118 and
in San Francisco call 855-355-
5757 to contact your county
mental health plan to request
an assessment or services.
• If your child is not enrolled
in Medi-Cal, you can apply at
BenefitsCal.com or my.medi-
cal.ca.gov.
• In a mental health emergency,
call or text 988, the Suicide
and Crisis Lifeline.
Every child deserves to grow
up healthy and supported. Medi-
Cal is working to transform care
so it’s accessible, equitable, and
responsive to the needs of every
family.
Advocacy Masterclass Series,
which now includes focus areas
such as economic empowerment,
maternal health, mental wellness,
educational equity, and legislative
strategy. In addition, we continue
to grow the DWJ Public Policy
Fellowship Program, which
proudly celebrated its 10th
anniversary this year.
What frustrated you the most
over the last year?
The ongoing political
gaslighting of Black communities
– especially Black women – has
been deeply frustrating.
What inspired you the most
over the last year?
The unstoppable power of
Black women at the grassroots
level continues to inspire me.
From mothers advocating for
educational equity at school
board meetings to young leaders
pushing for housing and climate
justice.
What is one lesson you learned
in 2025 that will inform your
decision-making next year?
“Capacity before campaign.”
You can’t sustain bold ideas
without building internal
infrastructure.
In one word, what is the biggest
challenge Black Californians
faced in 2025?
Displacement.
Whether it’s housing,
jobs, education, or political
representation – Black
Californians are being pushed
out, priced out, and too often left
out. Reversing this trend requires
unapologetic advocacy, bold
policy shifts, and the political will
to center those most impacted.
What is the goal you want to
achieve most in 2026?
To secure a full slate of Black
women candidates in key state
and local elections – and win. That
includes building out a robust
BWOPA political leadership
institute, developing a campaign
war chest, and forging statewide
coalitions to shift power from
protest to policy.
1930s, she designed gowns for
high-society women in Florida
and New York, operating bou -
tiques and working for prestigious
department stores. Her reputation
for craftsmanship, originality, and
elegance grew increasingly. She
was known for creating gowns
that moved beautifully, featured
delicate hand-made flowers, and
looked sculpted rather than sewn.
Many wealthy clients specifically
requested “an Ann Lowe gown”
for weddings, balls, and galas.
Her most famous creation came
in 1953: the wedding gown worn
by Jacqueline Bouvier when she
married Massachusetts Sen. John
F. Kennedy. The dress – craft -
ed from ivory silk taffeta with
dozens of tiny, pleated rosettes
– became one of the most photo -
graphed bridal gowns in Ameri -
can history. Despite this achieve-
ment, Lowe received no public
credit at the time. When a flood
destroyed her completed gowns
10 days before the wedding, she
and her seamstresses worked day
and night to remake everything –
at her own expense. Her dedica -
tion and perfectionism never wa-
vered.
She eventually opened “Ann
Lowe Originals,” her own salon
on New York’s Madison Avenue.
She served clients such as the
Rockefellers, DuPonts, Vander -
bilts, and actresses like Olivia
de Havilland. Yet even with her
wealthy clientele, she struggled
financially, often undercharging
because she wanted every dress to
be perfect, even if it meant losing
money.
Lowe’s contributions were fi -
nally recognized later in life. To-
day, her exquisite gowns are pre-
served in museums, including the
Smithsonian National Museum
of African American History and
Culture and the Metropolitan Mu-
seum of Art.
In the last five years of her life,
Lowe lived with her daughter
Ruth in Queens, N.Y . She died at
her daughter’s home on Feb. 25,
1981, at the age of 82, after an ex-
tended illness.
has also received praise from
LGBTQ readers for its courage
and emotional honesty.
Another honoree was Wil -
liam G. Wong, author of “Sons
of Chinatown,” published by
Temple Press. I’ve known Bill
for decades. We both spent
years in mainstream media be-
fore finding our voices in eth -
nic media, as columnists at
AsianWeek in the 1990s. We
were two outspoken Asian
Americans at a time when
Asians were expected to stay
silent.
Also honored was Mona
Vaughn Scott, who, for the past
36 years has been the guiding
force behind the Black Rep -
ertory Group. She took over
leadership after the death of
her mother, Nora Vaughn. Un-
der Scott’s direction, the Black
Rep has nurtured actors, audi-
ences, and community mem -
bers. It comes as close as the -
ater can to being a true com -
munity center.
Despite setbacks—includ -
ing a recent act of vandalism—
the theater has endured. Under
Scott’s leadership, it continues
to demonstrate that Black the-
ater, like the Black church, re-
mains vital to preserving com-
munity.
That’s award worthy.
About the Author
Emil Guillermo is a Bay
Area journalist, writer, and
stage monologist. See him tell
Christmas stories on Monday
Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at the SF
Marsh at 1062 Valencia St.,
San Francisco. See his micro-
talk show on YouTube.com/@
emilamok1
NOTICE AND DIGEST
ORDINANCE AMENDING OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 4, CHAPTER 4.56, VACANT PROPERTY TAX TO 1) ADD AN EXEMPTION FOR PARCELS THAT CHANGE OWNERSHIP AFTER ASSESSMENT, 2) REQUIRE THE HEARING OFFICER TO INCLUDE FINDINGS OF FACT IN THEIR DECISIONS, AND 3) ESTABLISH A TWELVE MONTH TIME
PERIOD WITHIN WHICH OWNERS OF PARCELS DEEMED VACANT AND ASSESSED
THE VACANT PROPERTY TAX MUST FILE A PETITION TO REVERSE THE ASSESSMENT,
CLAIM AN EXEMPTION, OR TO SEEK REFUND OF TAXES PAID
This ordinance amends portions of the City of Oakland’s Vacant Property Tax, Oakland Municipal Code, Chapter 4.56. The Vacant Property Tax ordinance, originally approved by Oakland voters as Measure W in November 2018, imposes a special parcel tax on parcels deemed “vacant” in a calendar year, each year for twenty (20) years following the initial imposition of the tax. Parcels are deemed vacant if they, or in some situations permanent improvements built upon them, are not “in use” for at least fifty (50) days during the calendar year, and are not subject to any often (10) listed exemptions. This ordinance further adds an exemption for change of ownership on parcel if an “Arm’s Length Transaction” takes place after a decision made on vacancy status; requires a hearing officer to include the findings of fact in their decisions; and establishes a statute of limitations for filing a petition to reverse the assessment or entitlement to exemption or seek refund of taxes paid to within 12 months from the due date of the second installment of the secured property tax bill.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, December 2, 2025, and passed to print 8 Ayes; Final adoption has been scheduled for the Special City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon December 16, 2025, 1:00 P .M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference.
Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
ASHA REED, City Clerk
THE POST, December 10 - 16, 2025 Page 7
Ann Lowe: The Quiet
Genius ...
Black Women’s
Equity Champion
LaNiece Jones ...
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Support Your Child’s
Mental Health
NOTICE AND DIGEST
AN ORDINANCE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION:
1) AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE (THE PLANNING
CODE), TO (A) ADJUST REGULATIONS FOR PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY
PERMITTED ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES FOR PURPOSES OF PROVIDING GREATER
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROUND FLOOR ACTIVITIES AND EASE THE PERMITTING BURDEN FOR COMMERCIAL, CIVIC, AND LOW IMPACT INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES; AND (B) MAKE RELATED MISCELLANEOUS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES; AND
2) MAKING APPROPRIATE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS.
The ordinance proposes revisions to 28 chapters of the Oakland Planning Code. The amendments would reduce regulatory barriers to permitting certain types of small- and neighborhood-serving businesses, as well as the implementation of parks improvements and maintenance by the City.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, December 2, 2025, and passed to print 8 Ayes; Final adoption has been scheduled for the Special City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon December 16, 2025, 1:00 P .M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference.
Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
ASHA REED, City Clerk
NOTICE AND DIGEST
ORDINANCE (1) ADDING CHAPTER 9.54 OF TITLE 9 OF THE OAKLAND MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ESTABLISH AND REGULATE ENTERTAINMENT ZONES PURSUANT TO SB 969 (2024) TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC ACTIVATION; (2) MAKING OTHER CONFORMING CHANGES TO SECTIONS 9.08.180 AND 9.08.190 OF THE OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE; (3) CLASSIFYING AN ENTERTAINMENT ZONE EVENT AS A TIER TWO OR TIER THREE SPECIAL EVENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 9.52 OF THE OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE; AND (4) ADOPTING APPROPRIATE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS
This Ordinance adds Chapter 9.54 of Title 9 of the Oakland Municipal Code to establish and regulate Entertainment Zones pursuant to a Management Plan to allow for the purchase of open container alcoholic beverages from local bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries and on- sale licensees for consumption outside in common spaces, such as plazas, public streets, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way during certain hours, subject to a special event permit issued pursuant to Chapter 9.52, pursuant to SB 969 (2024) to promote economic activation. This legislation makes other conforming changes to Sections 9.08.180 and 9.08.190 of the Oakland Municipal Code to further consistency with this policy. The proposed ordinance establishes Entertainment Zones in the Jack London District, Broadway Valdez/Northlake District, Temescal District, and Uptown Downtown and further classifies an Entertainment Zone Event as a Tier Two or Tier Three Special Event pursuant to Chapter 9.52 of the Oakland Municipal Code and adopts appropriate California Environmental Quality Act Findings.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday evening, December 2, 2025, and passed to print 8 Ayes; Final adoption has been scheduled for the Special City Council meeting Tuesday afternoon December 16, 2025, 1:00 P .M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference.
Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
ASHA REED, City Clerk
though we are aware that there are
other populations that are in great
need, the quality-of-life indices for
Black Californians continue to de-
crease. Our life expectancies are
decreasing. Our unhoused popula-
tion is increasing. Our health out-
comes continue to be the worst.
We’re not asking anyone to
choose one group to prioritize. We
are saying, though, in addition to
your investments into our immi -
grant brothers and sisters – or our
religious brothers and sisters – we
are also asking you to uplift the
needs of Black Californians. That
way, all of us can move forward to-
gether.
What inspired you the most
over the last year?
I’ve always been amazed by the
joy of Black women in the midst
of crisis.
That is really our secret sauce.
We don’t let the current state of any
issue take our joy from us. It may
break us a little bit. We may get
tired a little bit. But we find ways
to express that – through the arts,
through music, through poetry.
What is one lesson you learned
in 2025 that will inform your de-
cision-making next year?
Reset. It’s so important not to be
sitting still. We have a new admin-
istration. We’re seeing data show-
ing that Black women have the
largest unemployment rate. We’ve
lost so many jobs. We can have rest
– we can be restful – but we have to
continue the resistance.
In one word, what is the biggest
challenge Black Californians
faced in 2025?
Motivation.
I choose motivation because of
the tiredness. What is going to mo-
tivate us to be involved in 2026?
What is the goal you want to
achieve most in 2026?
I want to get Black Californians
in spaces and places of power and
influence – as well as opportunities
to thrive economically, socially,
and physically.
Kellie Todd
Griffin ...
Black Repertory
Theater ...
Continued from page 2
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