The Secret Behind the City Council's Mysterious Settlement

It was a routine bit of business, item 11 on the City Council agenda for Dec. 7, 2021. “A resolution authorizing and directing the city attorney to compromise and settle the case of Oakland vs. California Waste Solutions,” it read. A short presentation was made. Some pleasantries were exchanged. At-large Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan declared herself happy to “get relief for a local business and relief for our public.” Councilmembers passed the item unanimously, 8-0.

Thus concluded a five-year legal battle, full of jabbing and counterjabbing. With no public debate and no fanfare whatsoever, the city of Oakland approved a settlement whereby millions of dollars would change hands.

Today, CWS is better known for something other than its handling of Oakland's waste. On June 20, the FBI raided the CWS offices and residences belonging to the company’s owners, along with the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. We don't know what investigators were looking for, and the grand jury subpoenas handed down since then have offered only a few clues.

What do you think?

• Was the settlement between Oakland and CWS fair?
• Should the FBI investigation into CWS and Oakland continue?
• Do you believe there was corruption involved in the settlement?