Dino Mangananza

And what will be The Machine’s excuse or deflection then? Peidmont Billionaires? 🤦🏽‍♂️ No worries, 🐦‍⬛ Oakland Watch is about to expose it all!

MEDIA ALERT | PRESS CONFERENCE $61 MILLION CONTRACT CONTROVERSY ROCKS OAKLAND CITY HALL AS SHENG THAO CORRUPTION TRIAL CONTINUES Answers Demanded from Mayor Barbara Lee, City Attorney Ryan Richardson over missing procurement records, unexplained contract awards, and a three-year transparency failure. OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Watch will hold a press conference Thursday outside the federal courthouse where recalled Mayor Sheng Thao is standing trial on corruption charges. The press conference follows the release of a long-overdue city contracting report revealing approximately $61.2 million in contracts awarded without prior City Council review, including $31 million in awards for which the report identifies no procurement method. The findings were detailed in an October 30 investigation by Oakland Report, which also uncovered a $26.5 million discrepancy between the report's stated totals and its underlying contract records, after apparent duplicates were removed. “Oakland’s culture of corruption must come to an end before our city can realize its full potential as a safe, prosperous, and thriving American city. Oakland Watch is here to see that through,” says Oakland Watch founder Seneca Scott. Five major concerns will be addressed: $31 million in contracts without identified procurement methods. A $26.5 million discrepancy in reported contract totals. Seven vendors receiving cumulative annual awards above $250,000. Three consecutive years of missed public reporting obligations. $27.2 million in contracts awarded without individual Council votes during Mayor Lee's tenure. Oakland Watch will demand answers concerning Mayor Lee's unfulfilled forensic audit campaign pledge and City Attorney Ryan Richardson's responsibilities under City Charter §401(6), which requires legal review of city contracts before execution. "SHENG THAO IS ON TRIAL. BUT WHO IS HOLDING OAKLAND CITY HALL ACCOUNTABLE?" The press conference follows Oakland Watch's previous demand for overdue contracting records and an end to City Hall corruption. Last week's trial raised alarming new questions when star witness Mario Juarez alleged having "connections in the City Attorney's Office" that helped navigate emergency powers and avoid competitive bidding. Regardless of Thao's verdict, Oakland deserves answers about who else was involved and whether these practices continue today. PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS WHAT: Oakland Watch Demands Answers on $61 Million Contracting Controversy WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., or during the trial's morning recess WHERE: Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland MEETING POINT: Public sidewalk outside the Clay Street entrance WHO: Oakland Watch, Oakland recall leaders, and community accountability advocates WHY: Demand an independent forensic audit, complete procurement disclosures, and accountability from Mayor Barbara Lee, City Attorney Ryan Richardson, and city officials. MEDIA CONTACT Seneca Scott (626) 688-5328 [email protected] oaklandcityattorney.org/wp-c… oaklandreport.org/p/oakland-…