After calling Pamela Price in November, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to name a new district attorney the following week. A community forum gave locals a chance to learn more about the candidates running for the position, even though voters will not have a direct say in who is elected as the new district attorney.
Three of the seven applicants for the job attended a community forum held at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church on Saturday. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with the candidates directly about their views on criminal justice and their plans for the district attorney’s office. For the forum, two additional contestants submitted video statements.
Silvia Guzman, a longtime Oakland resident and community activist, was one of the guests. Since many of the candidates’ names have only surfaced in recent weeks, Guzman, like many other Alameda County voters, stated that he knew very little about them.
“All of them continue to teach me new things. I have never heard from everyone before,” Guzman remarked.
Most people consider Venus Johnson, who is presently California’s top deputy attorney general, to be the front-runner. Among the many people who have endorsed her are district attorneys from San Francisco and Contra Costa counties, as well as California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
“I was born and raised in Oakland, so I’m a native. At the forum, Johnson declared, “This is my community.” “At the attorney general’s office, I oversee a prosecutor’s office worth $1.3 billion. Additionally, I am a seasoned prosecutor in addition to having managerial experience.
The other contenders also highlighted their backgrounds and goals for a fair criminal justice system. Alameda’s city attorney, Yibin Shen, praised taking charge of the office for the last six years.
“I’m the only candidate who’s currently the head of an office,” Shen stated. “I know how to run an office as a head of an organization, and I’ve demonstrated that to the community and to elected officials.”
Former Alameda County District Attorney’s Office prosecutor LaTricia Louis stressed that she is prepared to assume the position without more training.
“I am prepared to take over as a leader right away. Since I’ve been performing this work for this county already, I won’t require a ramp-up period to get started. I’ve spent twenty-five years working for the county. East Oakland is where I call home. “This is where I’m raising my son,” Louis remarked.
Two candidates made video statements: Ursula Jones Dickson, a judge in the Alameda County Superior Court, and Annie Esposito, a seasoned prosecutor. The group responsible for recalling Price, who was overthrown by voters in November due to her overly radical policies, has endorsed both.
Groups that had backed Price’s restorative justice philosophy arranged the meeting. The necessity for a candidate who could go beyond punitive methods to justice was underlined by Tash Nguyen of Restore Oakland, an organization that promotes alternatives to mass incarceration.
“We’re really looking for candidates who can have a larger understanding of public safety that’s not just about incarceration because we know that returning to the age of mass incarceration is not going to make anyone more safe,” Nguyen stated.
The significance of restorative justice was also underlined by Tanisha Cannon of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.
Hearing them give us lip service is encouraging. However, we are really interested in what they have been doing and what they truly want to accomplish when they arrive,” Cannon stated. “Restorative measures are what I’m after. Accountability and what that accountability looks like from all angles are what I’m searching for. We also want our district attorney to be held accountable.
Although he hasn’t made up his mind, Guzman said he hopes the new district attorney would reflect the variety of views held by the people of Alameda County.
“I would like to see someone who is generally present with our community, who embodies the values of the people who live, work, and play in this area,” she stated.
The district attorney will take office next month after being chosen by the board of supervisors next week. Voters will choose a candidate to complete the term, which ends in 2028, after that individual serves until 2026.
“I’m very hopeful that this is a new opportunity for Oakland, for Alameda County,” Guzman stated.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.