Peace & Freedom of Alameda County endorses six candidates for Oakland School Board Published: 25 September 2020 The Alameda County Peace and Freedom Party and Movement has announced its endorsement of several candidates in local races in the upcoming election. In the races for Oakland School Board seats, PFP Alameda backs the slate of candidates endorsed by Action 2020, a citizen’s group dedicated to improving Oakland’s public schools. These candidates include Stacy Thomas (in District 1); Cherisse Gash and VanCedric Williams (District 3); Mike Hutchinson (District 5); and Ben “Coach” Tapscott (District 7). The party also endorses Sam Davis for school board director. Brief profiles of these candidates run below. Sam Davis for Oakland School Board Director

Sam Davis is a former Oakland Unified School District teacher and currently is parent to a public-school student. Sam promises to “put families, teachers and school site staff back at the center of decision-making in our district.” Sam has also been endorsed by SEIU Local 1021, the Oakland Education Association teacher’s union and the Alameda County Democratic Party. Visit the campaign’s official website at SamDavisForOaklandSchools.org. Stacy Thomas for Oakland School Board, District 1

Formerly a volunteer with Centerforce Youth Court restorative justice program, small business owner Stacy Thomas assisted Action 2020 in a fight for school board reform after the Henry J. Kaiser Elementary School and Rotts International Academy were closed. Stacy has earned the endorsement of Oakland Rising Action, among others. Click here to visit her campaign’s official website. Cherisse Gash for Oakland School Board, District 3

Cherisse Gash comes from a family of educators going back four generations. Cherisse looks forward to putting her experience as a volunteer for PTA groups and the African American Male Achievement program for the public. As she says, “It’s time for a School Board member in District 3 that actively engages, interacts and supports the student body.” She has been endorsed by Oakland Not For Sale, among others. Visit Cherisse’s official campaign website at CherisseGash.com. Read more: Peace & Freedom of Alameda County endorses six candidates for Oakland School Board

Activism in the Time of Coronavirus Published: 31 July 2020 Activism has always been a central feature of the Peace & Freedom Party, and we’re proud to say that this spirit has continued among its members from the party’s foundation to the present day – but the present day is of course dramatically different to most before it. So what are the best methods for action in the time of coronavirus? Below, PFP state chair John Reiger makes a few suggestions. • Demonstrations

I’m a longtime believer in being physically present at demonstrations. To actually take the time to put your body on the line is a sign of real commitment, commitment to the cause and to your own values. So it pains me to say that this pandemic time is probably not the best time to be out in the streets with lots of other people. Do it if you must, but please try to be safe, and please try to look for other ways to forward the cause. • Auto Caravans/Parades

Here is a great way to be out in the streets without exposing yourself or others to pandemic dangers. Many groups have scheduled car “caravans” to protest or celebrate their causes. Join one, or schedule one yourself. Read more: Activism in the Time of Coronavirus

PFP Santa Clara County endorses Jake Tonkel for San Jose City Council district 6 Published: 21 September 2020 The Santa Clara County chapter of the Peace and Freedom Party has endorsed Jake Tonkel for San Jose City Council as the representative for District 6. Jake is running on a progressive platform whose priorities include strengthening education system; creation of sustainable housing and public transportation; advocating for racial and environmental justice; demanding more representation and accountability from public officials; and addressing wealth inequality, particularly as regards Silicon Valley corporations. In the March primary election, Jake earned 27.9% of the vote within a four-person field for the District 6 seat on the city council, finishing behind only incumbent Devora Davis at 48.4%. For much more on Jake’s campaign for San Jose city council, or to contribute – this campaign naturally does not accept corporate contributions of any sort – see the official website at Jake4D6.com. Read more: PFP Santa Clara County endorses Jake Tonkel for San Jose City Council district 6

PFP Sacramento County endorses Nicole Castor for Citrus Heights City Council district 1 Published: 16 September 2020 Peace & Freedom Party Sacramento County has announced its official endorsement of two candidates running for the Citrus Heights city council, Nicole Castor and Thomas Goetz. Below runs a statement from Nicole released upon receiving PFP endorsement. I am so grateful for the support of Sacramento County Peace and Freedom Party, as I am whenever we have the opportunity to work together. This November, I need your help. My city is in crisis -- through sweltering heat waves, a global pandemic, and now smoke-filled air for days on end, our un-housed community has no emergency shelter, inadequate sanitation services, no access to water, or showers. With gyms closed, drinking fountains closed, there are few options for day-to-day survival. It’s time for Citrus Heights to have a City Council who cares harder, and who will work harder to ensure that our most vulnerable can get the assistance they need and want, and that they may be treated with dignity and be given a voice in the solutions the city constructs. Additionally, one of the biggest goals of this campaign is the possibility of having a council member elected, who has a realistic chance of introducing this small city to the concept of Ranked Choice Voting. We have a much better chance of passing this with an elected member, but even if we can’t do it yet, we would be setting a record, discussing it publicly and officially, and giving important electoral reforms exposure. Read more: PFP Sacramento County endorses Nicole Castor for Citrus Heights City Council district 1