What Does Sheng Thao’s Indictment Mean For The Future Of Oakland?

I have a soft spot in my heart for Oakland. It was the first city I can remember living in from childhood, and all the things I was exposed to back then, for better or worse, shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the sardonic shit that I say, Oakland matters to me, and over time, I’ve found myself increasingly exhausted with the endless amount of negative news coverage that surrounds ‘The Town.’ And Sheng Thao’s alleged criminality will just continue the media narrative that Oakland is a failed city that should be avoided at all costs. 

While talking heads continue to criticize Oakland for its lack of public safety, failing commercial sector, abysmal school district, and every other thing that falls under the categorical description of dystopia, the people here suffer. Divesting from a community doesn’t improve it, it compounds the problems that already exist within it. Even if Sheng Thao is proven innocent, the damage is already done. Oakland’s reputation is already permanently damaged due persistent problems with crime, and this federal indictment will add fuel to that fire. 

The indictment alleges that Thao, who was elected as Oakland’s mayor in 2022, conspired to direct city business to companies owned by the Duongs in exchange for monetary benefits and favors. The Duongs (Andy and David Duong) are local business owners that supported Sheng Thao during her campaign. Specifically, it’s claimed that Thao agreed for the city to purchase housing units from one of the Duongs’ companies and to renew the city’s contract with a recycling company owned by David Duong. In return, the Duongs allegedly funded a $75,000 mailer attacking Thao’s political opponents and provided a $300,000 no-show job for Sheng Thao’s boyfriend, Andre Jones. 

These alleged illegal activities reportedly began in October 2022, prior to the November mayoral election. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 35 years in prison. Andy Duong could face an additional five years for allegedly lying to federal agents. 

I personally don’t give a fuck about outcome of the trial, I’m more concerned about the small business owners of Oakland trying to navigate the realities of existing in a city that will naturally experience a reduction in foot traffic due to the fact that most people don’t want to come here as a result of its portrayal as a corrupt cesspool of a city rife with criminality. 

While that portrayal of Oakland isn’t entirely true, there are elements of honesty in every false narrative. When it comes to idea of civic failure, we as citizens and consumers choose to allow cities to fail, so my advice to people around the Bay Area, if you care about Oakland, come to Oakland and spend some fucking money. 

There are several high quality businesses all over Oakland that could desperately use your business. Do you like Chinatown in San Francisco? Well Oakland has the same shit with way less tourists. Do you like the Mission District, but hate hipsters? Welcome to Fruitvale. Are you rich, but want to feel edgy? Boom Temescal. Wanna go on a nice walk? Lake mother fuckin’ Merritt is the spot for you.

Regardless of Sheng Thao, Oakland is struggling, and instead of talking shit, you should embrace it. Because despite all the bullshit, which there is admittedly plenty of, there’s also a beautiful city waiting to be experienced behind it all.

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