Janani Ramachandran Archives

Proposition 50 and the battle over California’s political maps

October 31, 2025 Saleem Gilmore

California voters decide on Nov. 4 who will draw election boundaries until 2031.

Oakland artists push back after City Council budget freezes Cultural Affairs role

June 23, 2025 Ayah Ali-Ahmad

City Council cuts key arts role, drawing backlash from cultural organizations and advocates.

Oakland city council adopts budget, freezes hiring to address deficit

October 16, 2024 Yasamin Hatefi

The Oakland City Council adopted a mid-cycle budget, contingent on the sale of Coliseum. To address deficit, vacant positions unfilled.

Oakland Fire Department avoids massive cuts amid local budget deficit

November 15, 2023 Ansel Troy

Federal funds helped Oakland Fire Department sidestep service cuts earlier this year, amid an extraordinary budget deficit.

A Hmong American woman stands next to a Filipino American man on stage at the inauguration ceremony

Sheng Thao Inaugurated as Oakland’s 51st Mayor at Paramount Theatre

January 11, 2023 Momo Chang

On Monday afternoon, Oakland held an inauguration ceremony at the Paramount Theatre. The new mayor of Oakland, Sheng Thao, along with Oakland City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas (District 2), Janani Ramachandran (District 4), Kevin Jenkins