One thing Gavin Newsom hates and seldom does is to get involved in local politics. He may have his own personal feelings, but as the Governor of California, he can’t, and shouldn’t, take sides in divisive local issues. But if you’ve been following events, he’s closely involved himself in Oakland’s misfortunes, sending in the CHP and helping to install 500 high-tech traffic cameras here. Now, he’s taken a definitive step in our efforts to recall Pamela Price.
It’s not like he came out and supported the Recall. He can’t do that. But what he just did has enormous symbolic value and lends a needed boost to Price’s critics. Newsom “is rescinding an offer to dispatch attorneys to help prosecute drug crimes in Oakland, accusing Alameda County’s embattled progressive District Attorney Pamela Price of effectively refusing the state’s help.”
This is an unprecedented reproach to a District Attorney by a Governor, and it will not go unnoticed by the voters on Nov. 5.
Last February, Newsom had made an offer to Price “to increase [her] capacity [as District Attorney] to prosecute suspects involved in violent crimes, serious drug-related crimes, and property crimes--including retail theft and auto burglary--in Oakland and the East Bay.” It was part of Newsom’s “surge operation” to prosecute criminal suspects in the East Bay, since it was obvious that Price wasn’t up to the job. “An arrest isn’t enough. Justice demands that suspects are appropriately prosecuted,” Newsom announced, in a not-so-subtle jab at Price.
But today, in revealing the offer’s revocation, Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary wrote Price, “Despite our outreach, your office has yet to make use of these resources.” Price has had more than five months to take advantage of the offer, but has done nothing.
It’s impossible to interpret this as anything other than a stunning rebuke of Price by the highest elected official in California. I’m hoping, and have urged, leaders of the Price recall to publicize this. It only adds to Price’s deserved reputation as incompetent and racially biased, and not motivated to prosecute criminals.
Following the announcement yesterday morning, Newsom held a rare impromptu press conference in Oakland. With new Police Chief Floyd Mitchell by his side, he underscored his commitment to Oakland, evoking an emotional side he doesn’t often reveal. “I love Oakland. Deep roots here,” he said, announcing the deployment of yet more California Highway Patrol officers, who will work “seven days a week” for at least the next four months on special operations, including sideshow street takeovers, street racing, and DUI checkpoints. “You matter, Oakland and Alameda County,” Newsom said. “People have lived here all their lives and they’ve never seen anything like this. Oakland deserves support, and we’re going to provide it.”
The Governor carefully avoided answering questions about the Price recall, but when pressed, he told reporters, “You can perhaps read between the lines why we’re back in Oakland.” Reading between the lines, Newsom’s message was loud and clear: I support recalling Pamela Price.
Steve Heimoff