Workers at billionaire-owned Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center say they want better wages and benefits so patients can get the dignified care they deserve. And in a rare move, a major union opened its strike fund for workers fighting for a union before they have won union recognition.
Brontez Purnell is an Oakland-based writer, musician, and director. His work is raw; his voice unrelenting and lush. Current asked him twelve questions to get down to the bone.
1. What's your hottest take?
I probably shouldn't have been a theater major and just been a plumber.
2. Who is your problematic fave?
Me.
Purnell at home at the drums (Hector Franco / Bay Area Current)
3. Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My mom.
4. What are your sins?
Innumerable.
5. How are you misunderstood?
THIS TARGETED INDIVIDUAL FIRES BACK.
6. If not yourself, who would you be?
I would LOVE to be reincarnated as a piece of kelp in a kelp forest.
7. When do you lie?
When my lips are moving ❤️.
8. Are you modern or postmodern?
I'm more a contemporary kinda gal.
"I'm more a contemporary kinda gal." (Hector Franco / Bay Area Current)
9. What's your greatest fear?
I ain't scared of shit.
10. Two things in your doomsday bunker?
Nothing. I welcome death.
11. You can only save one Bay Area city... which is it?
Antioch. I just always liked the way "Antioch" sounded?
12. Will Al replace you?
I feel like AI is this secret money laundering scheme that in the end will be as disappointing as everything else they shoved down our throats. I've yet to see AI give a deeply funny clap back.
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Justine Rose Armen is Bay Area Current’s culture editor. She is a writer, documentary film professional and nonprofit arts administrator based in Oakland.
Trump threatened the Bay with an ICE surge in October 2025, and working-class people mobilized in opposition. We spoke with those who turned out — here's what they told us.
