Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Ousted in November Recall Election

After calls for her resignation after a number of incidents, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was recalled from her office in this November’s election.  She has to vacate her office after the election is officially certified, sometime between December 5 and December 17. A special election for Oakland mayor will be held within 120 days to select Oakland’s new mayor.

Frustration with crime was a major factor in Thao’s recall in Oakland and in California in general. Proposition 36 was approved, increasing penalties for retail theft. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also recalled over crime.  How she handled the Jasper Wu shooting left many incensed, particularly when she said she proposed pursuing non-jail options for the three men involved in the toddler’s death. Ironically, crime in Oakland has recently trended down.