"California Official Dismissed Over Controversial Note on 'Tokens' Claims Misunderstanding Amidst Political Rivalry"

A recently dismissed Oakland city official, Leigh Hanson, addressed the controversy surrounding handwritten notes where she labeled Black individuals as "tokens." Fired for these remarks, Hanson clarified that the notes were taken during an anti-recall meeting regarding former Mayor Sheng Thao's strategies. She emphasized the context, asserting they reflected observations, not strategies. Following her termination, Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins plans staff changes as part of a broader shift leading to an upcoming election. The situation highlights the challenges in contemporary political discourse.