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Fitness influencers are impressive, but their results may seem unattainable for people who don’t make their living showcasing perfect physiques via posts and reels. What if you could learn from people aren’t fitness pros, but who have figured out how to build healthy habits into demanding lives as entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals? We call them “Goal Models”, and we’ll share their tips and strategies on every episode of BE Health Is Wealth. On this podcast, Schnelle Acevedo, founder of BAM Digital Media, shares how she keeps strength training, running, and high-protein nutrition on her agenda as an entrepreneur, digital media educator, and mother.

Also, on each episode of BE Health Is Wealth we shout out a Black-owned fitness business. Check out fitness apparel company Actively Black.

By Special to The Post

In partnership with Rise East and the 40×40 Council, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee held a special 2026 State of the City East Oakland community conversation on Oct. 14.

The purpose of bringing a State of the City address directly to the community was to celebrate East Oakland, highlight the work underway, and look ahead to what neighbors, local businesses, youth, funders, community organizations, and partners can accomplish together.

Held at the Roots Community Health/Parker Elementary School Campus at 7929 Ney Ave., the event was emceed by special guest Mark Curry, Oakland native, comedian, and actor.

Lee shared how Rise East and the 40×40 Council have brought together the knowledge, relationships, and resources of people and organizations committed to East Oakland.

Residents bring lived experience, community organizations bring trusted relationships and philanthropy, and businesses bring resources and opportunity, she said, then turned to the government’s role: public investment, services and policy.

But, Lee intoned, City Hall has a responsibility to help connect those efforts.

“I am committed to listening to residents, working across departments and sectors, and helping open doors to opportunity. We must connect neighborhood priorities to the decisions we make about housing, economic development, safety, health and our young people.

City Hall “must be accountable for the results,” Lee said.  “The measure of success is what families experience: greater stability, more opportunity and a stronger sense that they belong and have a future here.

“Tonight is an opportunity to listen to the leaders doing this work, learn what is making a difference and identify where we can do more together,” the mayor said.

Lee went on to moderate a ‘fireside chat’ on the theme: Building Oakland’s Future Together — From Neighborhood Investment to Community Empowerment with:

• Selena Wilson, CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center
• Greg Hodge, CEO, Brotherhood of Elders
• Carolyn “CJ” Johnson, CEO,  Black Cultural Zone
• Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO, Roots Health Center

Mayor Barbara Lee’s media relations department provided this report.