Supporters Rally for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing a recall campaign amid ongoing budget issues and rising crime concerns, prompting dueling rallies in Chinatown where supporters and opponents voiced their opinions. At a press conference, Thao's supporters emphasized the need for strong leadership, while critics voiced dissatisfaction with her handling of crime and city budget deficits. Thao defended her tenure by highlighting crime reduction efforts and improvements in the city, asserting that Oakland is on the right track despite its challenges. However, some council members warned of a serious budget crisis stemming from the delayed sale of the Oakland Coliseum, which leaves a $48 million gap in the budget. Tensions were high as both groups clashed, with Thao arguing that the recall effort is driven by a small faction and could lead to chaos. The situation continues to escalate ahead of the crucial recall vote in November.