OAKLAND<\/p>\n
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Oakland, released the statement below over the weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe president launched a war last night without the consent of Congress. That is unconstitutional and illegal. Three weeks ago, Congressman Jim McGovern brought a War Powers resolution to the House floor to prevent exactly this. It failed 211 to 213. Two votes. I voted for the resolution, which would have directed President Trump to cease hostilities in Venezuela, because I knew this moment was coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast night, the United States bombed a sovereign nation and seized its president to stand trial in New York. This is illegal under the Constitution. The administration claims this is about drugs. On December 17, the President said on camera that he wants Venezuela\u2019s oil back. His words: \u2018They took our oil rights. We want it back.\u2019 This is a war being sold to the American people under false pretenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost exactly 36 years ago, the U.S. invaded Panama and arrested Manuel Noriega. 24,000 U.S. troops were sent to Panama. Same \u2018justification.\u2019 Same playbook. The UN General Assembly condemned U.S. invasion as a violation of international law. Hundreds of civilians died. We learned nothing. Now the U.S. is committing the same mistakes, invading a nation of 30 million people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis administration tells Americans there is no money for housing. No money for health care. No money to feed hungry children. But there is always money for war. Congress must reassert its Constitutional power to declare war and reign in this administration. We must use every tool to hold this president accountable and to defend the principle that in the U.S., we do not let one man choose war.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 U.S. Rep. Simon\u2019s office<\/p>\n
Montclair Cares Club seeks new members to boost district<\/p>\n
The Montclair Cares Club (MCC) works to create meaningful community connections, support cultural expression and improve the overall quality of life for people in Oakland\u2019s Montclair Village commercial district.<\/p>\n
The club\u2019s immediate focus is to fund and support the safety ambassadors for its Shop Safe program. We also focus on free, family-friendly outdoor events (i.e., the Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival, Holiday Stroll, Picnic on the Plaza, outdoor cinema nights, Halloween events and the Montclair Art Walk), including additional community-building activities yet to be launched.<\/p>\n
The goal is to include some \u2014 or all \u2014 of the following features: performances, community connections, supporting our merchants, networking\/connecting, youth programs, kids\u2019 activities. art commissions and educational opportunities. In addition to events and social activities, the MCC would lead or support projects in Montclair Village that positively enhance the experience of being there.<\/p>\n
The recent development of the new and improved Village Plaza is just one example of how community members \u2014 working together \u2014 can uplift, connect and create to \u201cBuild a Better Village.\u201d An MCC annual membership is $120. Membership will renew yearly but can be canceled anytime and is tax-deductible. For details online, visit montclairvillage.com\/cares-club<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Montclair Village Association<\/p>\n PIEDMONT The Piedmont Police Department lobby reopened in December after completion of the city\u2019s new 911 dispatch center \u2014 Piedmont\u2019s most significant\u00a0 public safety investment in decades. The $3.1 million, 18-month project, was completed on-budget and leveraged $2.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.<\/p>\n While the new dispatch center is the most visible outcome, most of the project focused on strengthening the underlying infrastructure required to support modern public safety operations. Previously, the nearly 80-year-old Police Department building was powered by a 200-amp electrical panel \u2014 a capacity more typical of a single-family home than a 24\/7 public safety\u00a0 facility \u2014 and lacked dedicated backup power.<\/p>\n This project delivered a modern electrical core designed for today\u2019s public safety operations, including secure, independent backup power, ensuring that the Police Department and dispatch center can remain operational during extended power outages or major emergencies. For more information, visit bit.ly\/4su5xAj<\/a>\u00a0online.<\/p>\n \u2014 city of Piedmont<\/p>\n Piedmont Adult School offers \u2018Stages to Aging\u2019 class series<\/p>\n Aging is a universal journey, yet many people feel unprepared for the transitions it brings. Piedmont Adult School this winter is offering \u201cStages to Aging,\u201d a class series designed to provide clear guidance, practical insight, and confidence as adults plan for their own aging or to support loved ones.<\/p>\n Participants will explore the five stages of aging \u2014 from self-sufficiency and interdependence to dependency, crisis management and end-of-life planning. The series focuses on understanding available services, learning how to access resources and making informed decisions at every stage of life. Class sessions will take place at 6 to 7:30 p.m. from Jan. 20 through Feb. 1 and from March 3 through March 24. Both sessions cost $140.<\/p>\n Each class meeting will feature an industry expert addressing a specific aging-related topic. The January\u2013February and March sessions cover different subject matter, allowing participants to benefit from taking one session or both. The course is taught by Jennise Mendoza, who founded STAGES for Life and has worked with older adults for more than 17 years. For more details, call 510-594-2655 or visit bit.ly\/4svIncU<\/a>\u00a0online.<\/p>\n \u2014 Piedmont Adult School<\/p>\n To submit an item for the Montclarion and Piedmonter\u2019s \u201cIn brief\u201d section, which is now usually published in print on each month\u2019s second Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com<\/a>. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"OAKLAND U.S. Rep. 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\nPolice Department lobby reopens after renovations<\/p>\n