Oakland: Sheng Thao supporters rally against recall election

OAKLAND — Dozens of supporters gathered Sunday near the Rockridge BART station to back embattled Mayor Sheng Thao and oppose the upcoming recall election.

“Oakland has endured enough instability in recent years — COVID, crime, encampments,” Thao told the crowd at noon. “What we need now is stability and experienced leadership to guide us through these tough, challenging times.”

The rally, organized by the group Oaklanders Defending Democracy, comes in response to a campaign calling for Thao’s recall just a year into her term.

Her critics have accused her of neglect and mishandling the city’s finances, with rallies previously held calling for her resignation.

Elaine Peng, president of Asian Americans for a Progressive America, defended Thao’s leadership, pointing to a drop in the city’s murder rate as evidence of progress.

“I strongly oppose the recall,” Peng said. “The Oakland murder rate was higher in 2021 than it was in 2023, which was the mayor’s first year in office.”

Oakland Police Department statistics show a 33% year-to-date decrease in overall crime compared with the same period last year. However, the decrease followed a major crime spike, meaning overall rates remain high.

An independent analysis by the Bay Area News Group found that Oakland’s 2023 crime rate was up 65% from 2020, the highest increase among the region’s major cities, including San Francisco and San Jose.

Although crime remains a central issue, recent incidents have heightened concerns.

Last week, an Oakland resident was shot dead at a class reunion at DeFremery Park, and in June, a mass shooting at Lake Merritt left 15 people wounded. So far in 2024, Oakland has recorded 70 homicides, slightly fewer than the 76 reported in 2023.

Supporters, however, point to signs of improvement.

West Oakland resident Josh Gunter highlighted the revitalization of Raimondi Park, which was once the site of Northern California’s largest homeless encampment.

“Thanks to coordinated efforts and city investment, more unhoused residents have received services and are now in housing,” Gunter said.

He also argued that recalls should be reserved for cases of negligence, not policy disagreements.

“Recalls should be used for serious negligence, not for policy differences,” Gunter said.

In addition to Thao, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is also facing a recall effort, with critics accusing her of failing to adequately address violent crime.

Thao also addressed the June FBI raid on her home, suggesting — again — that it was politically motivated.

“I want to make it clear that I am innocent and not the target of the FBI investigation,” Thao said. She compared the situation with “outside forces putting a finger on the scale to influence the outcome.”

“I humbly ask Oakland voters to let the U.S. justice system run its course,” she said. “A recall is not how the rule of law is meant to function.”

Thao touted her administration’s successes but acknowledged that challenges remain.

“This problem didn’t develop overnight — not the illegal dumping, encampments, or blight,” she said. “We have solutions to tackle these challenges head-on. We’ve removed tons of debris and provided a pathway to permanent housing for those in need.”