The Advocate

The Big Tent: Founding Charter The Big Tent is a non-partisan group of community leaders, activists, and everyday folks committed to advocating for shared values and political organizing in the City of San Leandro. We are an inclusive collection of advocates from different backgrounds, platforms, and opinions working together towards mutual goals while supporting the individual success of our partners. We will serve as a communication and organizing hub with other local organizations on policy initiatives, civic education, public outreach, and similar efforts to build a better San Leandro. The Big Tent envisions revitalizing existing networks and reconnecting them to become catalysts for systemic change. Organizing Principle Social and Economic Justice Values Civil Rights Diversity Equity Inclusion Policies Public Safety Housing and Homelessness Healthcare and Wellness Economic and Workforce Development (Jobs) City Gov’t Charter and Election Reform Public Education and Schools The Envi

Elections are one of our biggest opportunities and voting is one of our most important tools to choose the kind of world we want to live in and the people who will represent our communities. Come join us for a voter registration and outreach rally! The event will feature prominent guest speakers from the community, as well as Congresswoman Barbara Lee. We will be tabling and passing out information on voting in the June 7th primary and gearing up for the November general election, as well as helping people register to vote at outside of the San Leandro main library. Event details: Saturday, May 28, 2022 11 AM to 1 PM PDT 300 Estudillo Ave San Leandro, CA 94577 Sign-up for the event in advance at https://www.mobilize.us/bl22/event/463120/?force_banner=true&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link. Remember: “there's no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter.”  I hope to see y'all there! Take note and take care.

(Spotted in Hong Kong) I found this story by "sokdie" through a mutual friend and, after reading it, I realized how truly it encapsulates the banality and cruelty of what systemic oppression looks like in practice. This is the story of how even the smallest of law enforcement mistakes can become another brittle cog in a larger machine of human suffering. It is the story of Mariyanna Bryant and how society did more than fail her, it punished her for our failure. It is why we must reimagine public safety, defund the police, and build a better world for all. Take note and take care.

I'm so excited to announce my support for the campaign of this incredible community organizer, advocate, activist, educator, Alameda County Democratic Party associate, former East Bay Stonewall Democrats Club Board member, and, most importantly, my friend... Celina Reynes for San Leandro City Council! Celina is a third-generation San Leandran, a descendant of Portuguese immigrants, a vibrant member of our LGBTQ+ community, and has been an integral part of the work happening in our city to implement progressive initiatives, from police reform to homelessness to healthcare to the environment to local development. She founded San Leandro for Accountability, Transparency, and Equity ( SLATE ) which successfully jump-started the city's creation of civilian police oversight through a grassroots movement of hundreds of residents, local leaders, and social service organizations. Celina also served on the Community Advisory Budget Task Force (CABTF), including a leadership role in craft