During her community inauguration at Jack London Square, Barbara Lee stepped into her new role as Mayor of Oakland with promises of transparency, hard work, and inclusivity. The event, which unfolded amidst an atmosphere of hope and unity, saw Lee inviting Oakland residents to actively participate in shaping the city's future. "Let's grab whatever you can grab — a paintbrush, a policy idea, a neighbor’s hand, because the next chapter of Oakland starts now," Lee proclaimed in a statement obtained by the SF Chronicle.
Addressing a rainbow of issues from a historic budget deficit to simmering public safety concerns, Mayor Lee takes the helm at a turbulent time. She must confront these while also engineering short- and long-term solutions to Oakland's estimated annual budget deficit of about $140 million - a challenge she has acknowledged without divulging specifics. She intends to "turn hope into action," as per the SF Chronicle, through initial meetings with faith and business leaders to craft public safety strategies.
Lee's impact on the community was palpable during her ceremony, and various civic leaders praised her. State Sen. Jesse Arreguín expressed his confidence in Lee's integrity and experience, essential qualities for uniting the city and region. In a show of affirmation, Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins described the day as beautiful in Oakland, noting that despite Lee being the city's fourth mayor in two years, "I think we got it right this time," he told the SF Chronicle.
The inauguration also held personal significance for Lee's family, as her sons, Tony and Craig Lee, spoke of their mother's abiding commitment to justice and service. "It's an amazing feeling. We are so proud of her," Tony told CBS San Francisco. Craig Lee echoed his brother's sentiment, stating, "She just cares about people. She's not in politics for personal reasons—she truly cares."
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