Hanson, who served as chief of staff in 2023, told jurors that Jones showed up without an invitation to a Zoom interview for an important position in the administration. She also recounted a dispute over a meeting with Jones, Thao and the city attorney. Hanson said she left because she believed Jones’ presence as a non-employee could jeopardize attorney-client privilege.

Afterward, Jones threatened her position, Hanson testified, telling her: “We’ll see which one is left at the end of the day.” Hanson was later fired by Thao’s interim successor, after Thao was recalled from office.

Prosecutors have indicted Thao and Jones, along with recycling executives David and Andy Duong, on charges including bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud. The Duongs own California Waste Solutions, Oakland’s recycling contractor. Prosecutors allege Thao helped the company obtain future city contracts in exchange for support in her mayoral campaign and payments to Jones. The defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Hanson also testified that Thao overruled her objections and hired Larry Gallegos as deputy director of housing. Prosecutors allege Gallegos was to help arrange a city purchase of 100 housing units from Evolutionary Homes, one of the companies tied to the alleged scheme.

Hanson is the first witness in a case in which prosecutors could call as many as 68 witnesses. The trial will examine allegations involving city contracting, political support and the role of people without formal city positions in Oakland’s administration.