California’s lack of mental health infrastructure is leaving some of our neediest people on the streets or to languish in jails and prisons which simply exacerbate their conditions. James Ramsey, who had repeated issues with mental health and problematic run-ins with law enforcement, received advocacy for long-term care by the Anti-Police Terror Project for years to no avail, as a result of over-crowded social support systems. Without that material and ongoing support, James Ramsey ended up on the streets, and his name appeared in the newspaper for having assaulted an Asian elder. Joining us this morning to discuss the lack of services and infrastructure in California to take care of our community members with high needs – especially those with criminal convictions – is Emily Hoeven, an Opinion columnist at The Chronicle. She previously wrote for non-profit newsroom CalMatters on California politics and policy.
Then, we go to San Francisco, where on July 26th, in broad daylight, the San Francisco Police Department shot and killed Ryant Blueford in front of his Bayview-Hunters Point community amidst pleas from bystanders not to shoot. Joining us to discuss is his first cousin L’Oreal Earle.
Our Resistance in Residence Artist this week is multi-hyphenated artist, actress, producing director, playwright, poet, dramaturg, performance consultant, educator, and community advocate Ayodele Nzinga. Ayodele is also Oakland’s poet laureate.
Check out Ayodele Nzinga’s website: ayodelenzinga.com
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