The ballot battle over whether to recall both Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price turned into more than just a political debate Tuesday.
As recall supporters rallied and called for businesses to strike in support of their effort, the scene turned into a screaming match after recall opponents showed up.
Resign or recall was the message as the group of Oakland business owners shut down their businesses to gather for the recall rally at city hall. The crowd represented a mix of business owners, individuals running for office, and recall supporters looking to oust both Thao and Price.
“We need to bring the attention to how severe and drastic the situation is,” said Edward Escobar of Coalition for Community Engagement/Citizens United. “Businesses are not succeeding. They are barely surviving.”
Then, a handful of Thao’s supporters and members of her reject the recall campaign showed up. …