Sheng Thao Archives

Several cars drive north on Bancroft Avenue in Oakland, from the perspective of the road median.

Road Safety

Thao’s budget would give road safety a small boost

by Jose Fermoso May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

OakDOT’s budget takes a slight cut, but investments in traffic safety programs grow.

A gold plaque that says Office Of The Mayor.

City Hall & Policing

Reactions to Thao’s $4.2 billion budget range from optimism to unease

by Eli Wolfe May 2, 2023May 3, 2023

We asked elected officials, labor leaders, and advocates to share their thoughts about the mayor’s budget plan.

Oakland Mayor Shent Thao stands at a podium.

City Hall & Policing

Thao’s plan makes big changes to the city’s departments to address Oakland’s budget crisis

by Eli Wolfe May 1, 2023May 3, 2023

In her first budget proposal, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao wants to attack the city’s $360 million deficit by restructuring departments and tightening some services.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland leaders say they were blindsided by ‘extremely disappointing’ A’s Las Vegas land deal

by Darwin BondGraham April 20, 2023April 20, 2023

Mayor Sheng Thao said she first learned of the A’s plans to go all in on a Nevada stadium Wednesday night in a call from the team’s president.

The Oakland Police Department's emblem depicting a badge with a six-pointed star, City Hall, and ships at the port.

City Hall & Policing

Federal oversight of the Oakland police will continue through at least September

by Darwin BondGraham April 12, 2023April 12, 2023

After the latest misconduct case dashed OPD’s hopes of regaining independence, leaders wonder if cultural change is possible.

Road Safety

The entire Oakland City Council is making road safety a budget priority this year

by Jose Fermoso March 20, 2023March 24, 2023

In their budget memos, each councilmember prioritized infrastructure investments that could save lives by preventing “traffic violence.”

City Hall & Policing

Recount of Oakland mayor’s race is dead in the water

by Darwin BondGraham March 15, 2023March 17, 2023

The registrar of voters says there’s no reason to doubt the election results, and no legal path forward for a reexamination of ballots for the Nov. 8 election.

Road Safety

Road safety group wants $20 million moved from police to transportation department budget

by Jose Fermoso March 2, 2023March 2, 2023

Members of Traffic Violence Rapid Response argue infrastructure improvements will save more lives than money spent on policing.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong fired by Mayor Sheng Thao

by Darwin BondGraham February 15, 2023February 16, 2023

Thao said she lost confidence in Armstrong, who minimized misconduct by officers and criticized OPD’s federal court monitor.

City Hall & Policing

Fire or keep Oakland’s police chief? Read the confidential report yourself

by Darwin BondGraham February 13, 2023February 15, 2023

Oakland’s mayor and police commission are considering the case against OPD Chief LeRonne Armstrong. We’re publishing a key secret document.

City Hall & Policing

Mayor Thao announces leadership team, including interim city administrators

by Darwin BondGraham January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

G. Harold Duffey and Steven Falk will fill in as interim city administrators while the city searches for a permanent replacement for Ed Reiskin.

City Hall & Policing

Fire Oakland Police Chief Armstrong? Mayor Thao is waiting on more information

by Darwin BondGraham January 21, 2023January 23, 2023

Thao said she’ll hold all officers accountable for misconduct, regardless of rank. The police commission or federal monitor could also fire the chief.

City Hall & Policing

Pictures: Mayor Sheng Thao is sworn in at Oakland’s inauguration ceremony

by Dorean Raye January 10, 2023January 10, 2023

Mayor Thao was sworn in at the Paramount Theater on Monday, alongside newly elected members of the City Council and school board.

City Hall & Policing

Sheng Thao’s path to victory in the Oakland mayor’s race

by Tasneem Raja and Darwin BondGraham November 22, 2022November 23, 2022

Allyssa Victory almost didn’t end up on the ballot, but her campaign’s supporters propelled Thao to victory in the ranked-choice runoff.

City Hall & Policing

Loren Taylor maintains lead in Oakland mayor’s race

by Darwin BondGraham November 10, 2022November 10, 2022

New results posted Thursday by election officials show Tayor with 35% of first round votes with Sheng Thao at 29%.

City Hall & Policing

City’s investigation of alleged misconduct by Sheng Thao started in June—not October

by Darwin BondGraham November 2, 2022November 3, 2022

LeAna Powell complained to the Public Ethics Commission on June 20, days after she was fired, accusing mayoral candidate Thao of ordering city staffers to campaign for her.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland mayor’s race: an interview with candidate Sheng Thao

by The Oaklandside October 11, 2022October 14, 2022

The District 4 councilmember said she understands the budget better than any other candidate and will invest in affordable housing and violence prevention.