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East Bay Animal PAC Endorsements for Special Election April 2025

The East Bay Animal PAC is proud to announce our endorsements for candidates who align with our mission to protect animals, promoting animal-friendly legislation, and educate public officials on issues related to animal protection and welfare.

After careful consideration of each candidate’s track record, positions, and commitment to animal welfare, we are pleased to endorse the following.


Harold Lowe — Oakland City Council, District 2

The East Bay Animal Political Action Committee (PAC) is thrilled to announce our unanimous endorsement of Harold Lowe for Oakland City Council, District 2. Of all the candidates in this special election, Harold demonstrated the clearest, most thoughtful understanding of the critical role that Oakland Animal Services (OAS) plays in our city—and the devastating consequences that budget cuts will have on animals and residents alike.

He articulated with depth and clarity how these cuts will harm Oakland’s most vulnerable animals—wildlife, domesticated animals, unhoused animals, and injured animals—as well as the people who rely on OAS for support, resources, and intervention. He also recognized the broader implications: how failing to adequately fund animal services affects public safety, community well-being, and the city’s ability to uphold humane policies.

Harold Lowe’s commitment to ensuring that Oakland prioritizes animal welfare through both policy and funding aligns with our mission to promote legislation that protects animals and strengthens the city’s response to their needs. We encourage voters to make him their #1 choice on their ranked-choice ballot for Oakland City Council, District 2.


Kara Murray-Badal — Oakland City Council, District 2

Additionally, we found Kara Murray-Badal to be aligned on many issues, particularly in recognizing the importance of protecting and advocating for Oakland’s animals. She, too, expressed an understanding of the challenges facing Oakland Animal Services and the need for better support and funding. We also deeply appreciate her personal commitment to animal welfare through fostering animals in need, demonstrating not just policy alignment but hands-on dedication. For these reasons, we recommend her as a strong second-choice candidate on your ranked-choice ballot.


Barbara Lee — Oakland Mayor

Our first-choice endorsement is for Barbara Lee. Throughout her career, Lee has been a strong advocate for justice, equity, and policies that promote the well-being of both people and animals. Her leadership and commitment to progressive change make her the ideal candidate to lead Oakland.


Loren Taylor — Oakland Mayor

For ranked-choice voting, we also endorse Loren Taylor. Taylor has demonstrated a thoughtful approach to governance and an openness to advancing policies that improve the lives of both human and non-human residents of Oakland.


As we approach the election, we encourage voters to take advantage of ranked-choice voting, which allows you to rank candidates in order of preference—ensuring your vote has the greatest impact.

Thank you for supporting candidates who are committed to a more compassionate, sustainable, and just East Bay.

📢 Make your voice heard! Vote in the upcoming election, and become a member of the East Bay Animal PAC!

animal-friendly candidates 2024

Vote for Animal-Friendly Candidates in the 2024 Election!

The The East Bay Animal PAC members have voted!! Thanks to everyone who came out to our endorsement event, and thanks again to Temescal Works for hosting us so generously and beautifully!

With mail-in ballots already being sent out, we wanted to make sure you know what animal-friendly candidates we’re endorsing. We’re proud to endorse the following candidates in Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda for the November 2024 election:

  • Kate Harrison for Berkeley Mayor
  • Terry Taplin for Berkeley City Council, District 2
  • Andy Katz for Berkeley City Council, District 6
  • Jesse Arreguin for California State Senate, District 7
  • John Bauters for Alameda County Supervisor, District 5
  • Zac Unger for Oakland City Council, District 1
  • Noel Gallo for Oakland City Council, District 5
  • Merika Goolsby for Oakland City Council, District 7
  • Charlene Wang for Oakland City Council, At-Large
  • Francisco Zermeño for Hayward City Council
  • Sukhdeep Kaur for Emeryville City Council
  • Ed Hernandez for San Leandro City Council, District 2
  • Robert Bulatao for San Leandro City Council, District 6
  • Casey Farmer for East Bay Regional Park District, Ward 2
  • Taryn Edwards for East Bay Regional Park District, Ward 4

Please share this news to help support their campaigns! And don’t forget to join other East Bay Animal PAC members in helping to elect animal-friendly candidates! (As a member, you have voting privileges!)

For the animals,
The East Bay Animal PAC Board

You’re Invited to our 2024 Endorsement Event!

Join us for the 2024 Animal PAC Endorsement Meeting at Temescal Works!

WHEN: Wednesday, September 25 · 6 – 9pm PDT

WHERE: Temescal Works — 490 43rd Street Oakland, CA 94609

WHAT: This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow animal lovers and advocates and learn more about local 2024 candidates whose policies will directly impact the animals in our homes and in our environs. Bring your thoughts and questions, and help us decide which candidates deserve our endorsement by becoming a voting member.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference for animals in the upcoming election! Animals don’t need us to be involved only at the national level. They need us to act on their behalf locally, as well.

PLEASE consider becoming a PAC member to VOTE for candidates and to support our work ensuring animal-friendly candidates, policies, appointments, and laws in the SF Bay Area: CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER!


East Bay Animal PAC Endorses John Bauters for Alameda County Supervisor — District 5

The East Bay Animal PAC is proud to endorse former Emeryville mayor and current councilmember John Bauters for Alameda County Supervisor, District 5.

Over and over again, John has demonstrated his commitment to animals:

  • Emeryville Pollinator & Biodiversity Program
    • Introduced ordinances to ban harmful pesticides, restrict rodenticides, and promote wildflowering for a safer habitat for bees and birds.
  • Bird-Safe Building Design Guidelines:
    • Proposed and secured unanimous approval for guidelines ensuring bird safety in building design, including bird-safe glass and lighting requirements.
  • Southern Sea Otter Reintroduction:
    • Advocated for the reintroduction of Southern Sea Otters to the Bay Area, partnering with the US Fish & Wildlife Services.
  • Animal Testing Advocacy:
    • Collaborated with BioCom California to urge the FDA to modernize testing standards, supporting efforts for the FDA Modernization Act 3.0.
  • Opposition to Animal Testing Facility:
    • Opposed a vivarium proposal for animal testing in Alameda, preventing the approval of Science Corp’s lease for public property.
  • Wildlife Rescue and Volunteering:
    • Actively involved in wildlife rescue efforts, referring injured animals to Lindsay Wildlife and assisting in rescues, such as a turkey vulture.
    • Tweet
  • Owl House Volunteer:
    • Volunteers as an Owl House builder, creating safe spaces for predatory birds and donating houses to organizations like Marin WildCare.
  • Rescue Dog Month Celebration:
    • Celebrated Rescue Dog Month at City Hall, partnering with Rocket Dog Rescue, offering to pay adoption fees for families adopting dogs.
  • Pet-Friendly City Designation:
    • Successfully worked to get Emeryville designated as a Pet-Friendly City by Better Cities for Pets, emphasizing park updates and new dog parks.
  • Napa Fires Volunteer Efforts:
    • Volunteered with Napa CART during the Napa Fires, assisting in rescuing and relocating hundreds of horses affected by toxic wildfire conditions.
  • Emeryville Shoreline Cleanup:
    • Actively participated in every Emeryville Shoreline cleanup event since 2012, contributing to local environmental efforts.

We are proud to endorse him and wish him all the best!

Kicking off 2023 with our first in-person event for animals!

Join us for our first in-person event of 2023!

We will be celebrating some recent wins for animals as well as identifying where our attention is most needed to protect animals in this coming year.

Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran is our guest speaker, who will share her own story of compassionate leadership and answer your questions related to animal-friendly legislation.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP for free, but please consider making a donation or becoming a member to support our work being done to protect animals.

Date and time

Wed, February 22, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PST

Location

Temescal Works 490 43rd Street Oakland, CA 94609

Vote for Animal-Friendly Candidates in June Elections

The East Bay Animal PAC is proud to endorse the following candidates in the June 2022 elections:

*Rebecca Kaplan, Alameda County Supervisor, District 3
*Mia Bonta, California State Assembly, District 18
*Aisha Wahab, California State Senate, District 10
*Alex Lee, California State Assembly, District 24
*Yesenia Sanchez, Alameda County Sheriff
*Kate Harrison, Berkeley City Council (early endorsement)

Thanks to all the candidates who completed our questionnaire and participated in our interview process. We so appreciate your responsive answers and thoughtful engagement during the Q&A. We were truly impressed with the quality of people of running for office.


					
				
	

East Bay Animal PAC Endorses Mia Bonta

Those of you in California in the 18th Assembly District, you may know we had a special general election. After interviewing the two leading candidates and vetting their questionnaire responses, The East Bay Animal PAC was thrilled to announce our endorsement of Mia Bonta

The good news is Mia won, and we’re so pleased! Don’t forget to join other East Bay Animal PAC members in helping to elect animal-friendly candidates! Become a member today!

For the animals,
The East Bay Animal PAC Board

Attend our Virtual Happy Hour with Ann Dunn, Director of Oakland Animal Services

Ann Dunn, founder of Cat Town and now the director of Oakland Animal Services, will be sharing her vision for ALL of Oakland’s animals. Don’t miss this chance to connect with one of the most effective leaders in animal welfare. Q&A will follow Ann’s presentation.

Once you register, you’ll receive recipes for some easy-to-make plant-based nibbles and cocktails (perhaps a SALTY DOG or BEE’S KNEES?) so we can pretend we’re all in the same room.

WHEN: Friday, March 12, 2021 — 5:00-6:00 p.m. PT
WHERE: Online!
WHO: Ann Dunn, founder of Cat Town and now the director of Oakland Animal Services, will be sharing her vision for ALL of Oakland’s animals. Don’t miss this chance to connect with one of the most effective leaders in animal production. Q&A will follow.
WHY: To further our mission of protecting animals and creating community.

Once you register, you’ll receive recipes for some easy-to-make plant-based nibbles and cocktails (perhaps a SALTY DOG or BEE’S KNEES?) so we can pretend we’re all in the same room.

You can also begin submitting your questions now by leaving comments below! We will be sure to add them to our Q&A section!

East Bay Animal PAC Board Urges Parks to Stop Shooting Cats

Upon learning of the East Bay Regional Park’s inhumane policy of shooting free-roaming cats, we issued a letter to the board. There is a better, non-violent solution to this problem.

Dear President Corbett,

I am writing to you on behalf of the East Bay Animal PAC regarding a recent report on ABC7 News that the East Bay Regional Park District has a policy whereby they can shoot and kill free-roaming cats, which may be abandoned, lost, or feral cats that they deem a risk to wildlife. ABC7 filed a California Public Records Act request and confirmed that at least 18 cats have been shot this year.

We find this policy highly troubling, as the Bay Area has model programs for rescuing cats, spaying them and placing them in safe environments, including the city’s own animal services, which was never contacted to find a humane solution.

We understand and care about wild birds who may be threatened by feral cats; however, studies have shown that cats and birds can coexist in natural habitats. When threats occur, it is vital that decision-makers ensure that proper resources exist and that they are utilized to capture and spay cats, rather than shoot them.

We encourage the district to adopt a policy that prevents the killing of cats except under extreme circumstances. We further suggest that the District work with local cat and animal agencies and organizations to learn about proper adoption, spaying and placement programs.

Thank you,
Michael Colbruno
Chair
East Bay Animal PAC

Vote for Animal-Friendly Candidates in the 2020 Election!

With early voting already underway and mail-in ballots already being sent out, we wanted to make sure you know what animal-friendly candidates we’re endorsing. The East Bay Animal PAC membership has voted, and we’re proud to endorse the following candidates in Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda for the November 2020 election:

  • *Jesse Arreguin for Berkeley Mayor
  • *Jovanka Beckles for AC Transit Board
  • *Malia Vella for Alameda City Council
  • *Jim Oddie for Alameda City Council
  • *Terry Taplin for Berkeley City Council, District 2
  • *Ben Bartlett for Berkeley City Council, District 3
  • *Elizabeth Echols for East Bay Regional Parks Board 2020
  • *Dan Kalb for Oakland City Council, District 1
  • *Noel Gallo for Oakland City Council, District 5
  • *Barbara Parker for Oakland City Attorney
  • *Rebecca Kaplan for Oakland City Council at Large
  • *Elena Condes for Alameda County Judge

Please share this news to help support their campaigns! And don’t forget to join other East Bay Animal PAC members in helping to elect animal-friendly candidates! (As a member, you have voting privileges!)

For the animals,
The East Bay Animal PAC Board