Oakland mayor’s chief of communications abruptly quits

(KRON) — Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s chief of communications has resigned from his position, KRON4.com has learned. Francis Zamora told KRON4 he has “resigned his position as Chief of Communication.”

“I thank my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication,” Zamora said. “It was an honor to serve the City of Oakland beside them.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Zamora had been in the job for about nine months.

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Zamora’s abrupt resignation comes one day after the mayor gave a fiery, at times emotional press conference in the wake of an FBI raid on her home last week. During the prepared remarks, after which she took no questions, Thao suggested the raid was part of a coordinated, behind-the-scenes effort involving “rightwing forces,” the media, and organizers of a recall effort currently being levied against her.

Within a few hours of the mayor’s remarks, Thao’s attorney, Tony Brass, announced that he had withdrawn as her counsel. The mayor’s office told KRON4 she had informed Brass on Saturday she would be changing attorneys. Brass disputes the mayor’s office’s account, calling it untrue.

KRON4 reached out to the mayor’s office regarding Zamora and a member of the mayor’s press team confirmed he had resigned his position.

“The office will be seeking his permanent replacement,” a spokesperson said. “There have been no other staffing changes.”

Mayor Thao issued her own statement on Zamora, saying:

“Francis was a valuable member of the team whose contributions are greatly valued and appreciated. I think him for his service and wish him well.”

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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