Advocates demand justice for police shooting victim

During a recent government meeting, community advocates voiced pressing concerns regarding homelessness and police violence in Oakland. A black homeless advocate highlighted the struggles of low-income families, particularly single mothers working at minimum wage jobs, emphasizing the unsustainable cost of living in the city. The advocate warned that without intervention, the local workforce may increasingly consist of individuals commuting from outside the area due to housing affordability issues.

The discussion also touched on the tragic case of Sontra Massey, a 33-year-old woman shot by police while holding a pot of water. The advocate expressed fears about the potential for deadly misunderstandings, particularly for black individuals in similar situations, underscoring the urgent need for police accountability and reform.

Antoinette Blue, a 911 dispatcher with nearly a decade of service, also addressed the council, although her comments were not detailed in the transcript. The meeting underscored the community's call for action on critical social issues, including housing, public safety, and the importance of civic engagement, particularly in light of upcoming elections.