The race to appoint a new Alameda County district attorney is heating up as the Board of Supervisors prepares to make their selection next week, following the ousting of former District Attorney Pamela Price. The recall of Price in November was decisive for residents who disagreed with her progressive policies and handling of various administrative duties. Five of the seven candidates presented their credentials and shared their visions for the office at a recent forum, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Candidates took the stage at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland to communicate their commitment to reforming the justice system, focusing on collaborative court efforts and restorative justice programs. The forum, conducted in person and via Zoom, aimed to connect the candidates with the community and allow their local ties and experiences to shine through. However, the event witnessed an unfortunate disruption when someone hijacked the Zoom stream to post offensive images and slurs.
Among those who sought to connect with voters was Venus Johnson, California's chief deputy attorney general, who emphasized her local roots and executive experience. Johnson told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It is to get people the help and support they need so that our communities can be safe and our communities and kids can be healthy." Yibin Shen, Alameda city attorney, and LaTricia Louis, Alameda County deputy counsel, also attended in person, highlighting various initiatives from fighting for tenant rights to integrating social workers into the DA's office.
Meanwhile, the forum gave community members a chance to scrutinize the candidates closely. Speaking to CBS San Francisco, resident Silvia Guzman said she was "still learning from all of them," indicating the need for such forums to inform the electorate better. Advocates like Tash Nguyen of Restore Oakland stressed the importance of seeking candidates "who can have a larger understanding of public safety that's not just about incarceration."
The next district attorney will serve until 2026 before voters can directly elect a DA who will complete the term ending in 2028.
