Pecolia Manigo

09/18/2026

We’re 47 days away from Election Day. And, as to be expected, there is everything plus some on the California ballot. As you get your voter information books, here’s a quick overview from Oakland Rising

09/10/2026

A city that values only certain businesses is not really serious about full economic recovery. So, let’s talk about it.

Entrepreneurship is the literal backbone of a strong economy. Most entrepreneurs start small and gain customers and momentum through vending via streets, festivals and farmer markets.

The City of Oakland has policy in place about securing permits for street vending which most vendors adhere to. Yet, even with a permit and even with following policies, public works is harassing and intimidating vendors. Additionally, they have seized many vendors materials and thrown them away instead of allowing vendors to pack up and disperse. Can you imagine buying your own inventory and advocating for someone to not throw it away and be ignored?

This isn’t right. Sign the petition.

Stop raids on Oakland street vendors

09/10/2026

Sitting in my hot room putting my son to bed. I’ve been thinking… Honestly, Mother Earth has spoken multiple times. She will always strive for balance despite our human comfort. She is resilient beyond our understanding.

Which brought me to a thought: it doesn’t really matter if you believe or don’t believe in “Climate Change”. And frankly, even if you do believe, our economy and human civilization is set up in such a way that you have to work extremely hard to be 100% pro-earth in your living practices.

At best, we can stand as a just transition advocate and apply principles in our daily lives. Honestly, we need to because it’s our quality of life and the next seven generations’ quality of life that is on the line. Mother Earth will be ever more and we will all be dust in the cycle of life.

Each of us is at a point where we must ask ourselves: what can I do to show up for our ONLY planet with respect and appreciation?

The second question we must ask ourselves: How can I do more every opportunity I get to care for our ONLY planet and invite others into my practice and commitment?

09/09/2026

At this point, we know that the public schools that folks are calling to be closed are in predominantly segregated neighborhoods that were redlined decades ago.

At this point, we know that the public schools that folks are calling to be closed are low enrolled because of the conditions resulting in disproportionate disinvestment.

So, at this point, can we say that the public school closure, the mention of them, the suggestion of them is anti-black and perpetuating institutional racism?

Too soon?

Watch who has started calling for school closures.
County Superintendent. Didn’t this happen before?
Charter aligned organizations. Didn’t this happen before?
Hills parents who have never stepped foot in any of these schools. Didn’t this happen before?

Oakland, wake up!
We don’t need another round of discussions about school closures.

We do need evaluation of charter schools that were intended to explore alternative curriculum models to bring back to public schools. There are several schools that are already lacking proper evaluation because the board chair over that committee has failed to call any meeting. But that’s not shocking either. This same chair also failed to call a Budget and Finance Committee meeting when the district was heading into a financial challenge under the prior Superintendent.

I get it that we are all busy. I get it that we depend on local news coverage thinking that it’s presenting the full picture. It’s not. It’s gearing up for a doom loop on OUSD in time to make you believe new leadership is the answer.

Wake Up Oakland. We have been here before.
Don’t fall for the buy-out of OUSD.

09/02/2026

I have learned so much about Oakland’s city charter over this last year, including where to find it!
As a progressive, I fundamentally believe we have to clarify who is to be held accountable for the City of Oakland. I honestly wish that City Council had put both options of a strong mayor charter reform and a strong city administrator charter reform so that voter had the ability to decide which truly the majority want. Since only one is on the ballot, and I believe clarity now is better than no clarity at all, it’s hands down Yes on Measure EE. Oakland needs to move forward. We got no time to waste.

08/26/2026

The efforts to remove voters right to vote by mail continue to be a legal battle because the Supreme Court lacks integrity to our constitutional rights. California remains a state where vote by mail has always been a safe, secure and legal option for millions of registered voters. More lawsuits to come and we should all pay attention to where this goes.


US supreme court rules Trump can proceed with crackdown on mail-in voting

Justices’ ruling comes after lower courts had blocked president’s election order ahead of November midterms

08/22/2026

Today, I joined others in packing snacks for Feed The Hood. East Oakland Collective does amazing work to support our unhoused communities with resources. Today, if you donate to East Oakland Collective, your donation will be matched. Join me in giving. Nothing is too small or big.

08/15/2026

Do you know someone ready to get out the vote this general election? Oakland Rising Action is hiring and if you are reading this post- you know someone who might be interested in joining our team!

Oakland Rising Action is hiring! Please join our team and help change the face of Oakland politics!

Share this with your friends and family looking for new opportunities!

https://oaklandrisingaction.org/jobs/

08/08/2026

I’ve been a proud Working Families Party member for over a year. I can’t wait to join the candidate screenings! Long day but the future elected reps for the East Bay are worth it!

08/06/2026

We need more of this. Being a mother should not stop any woman from continuing to work.