Bay Area

Homicides in Oakland Fall by 33% in 2024, While Violent Crime Drops by 19%, Says OPD Crime Report

The Oakland Police Department’s most recent crime report indicates that homicides in Oakland are down by 33% compared with the same time last year. Throughout Oakland, 67 homicides occurred so far this year, while at the same point in 2023, there were 100 homicides. The number of violent crimes has declined by 19% in the city in 2024 compared to last year. “This is not an accident,” said Mayor Sheng Thao, who was quoted in Oaklandside, speaking at a press conference. “This is by design. We have reversed a four-year trend of higher crime and more homicides.”

Published

1 month ago

November 3, 2024

Oakland Post

Alameda County courthouse. Courtesy photo.

By Ken Epstein

Oakland has seen a “huge drop” in the numbers of homicides and violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, rapes, and robberies, according to journalists reporting on a new police report.

The number of violent crimes has declined by 19% in the city in 2024 compared to last year.

“This is not an accident,” said Mayor Sheng Thao, who was quoted in Oaklandside, speaking at a press conference. “This is by design. We have reversed a four-year trend of higher crime and more homicides.”

Local reporters point to the magnitude of the decline in crime.

Jaime Omar Yassin, a popular independent online reporter published in the Oakland Observer, wrote on X: “Going into (the) election, Oakland hasn’t had a murder in three weeks, only one murder in the entire month. It’s a staggering nearly 50 murders fewer than the City had under the leadership of (D.A.) O’Malley, (OPD Chief) Armstrong, and (Mayor) Schaaf in late October 2021. On track to have lowest homicides in five years.”

Also writing on X, journalist Ali Winston, a co-author of the book, “The Riders Come Out at Night: Brutality, Corruption, and Cover-up in Oakland,” said:

“Oakland hasn’t seen a commensurate drop in homicides in modern history. When we wrote ‘RIDERS,’ Darwin (BondGraham) and I pored over decades of Oakland crime statistics. This is a huge drop, way beyond the standard deviation.”

While many Oakland residents welcome the news of the drop in crime, some of those who support the recalls of elected officials and seek reasons to portray the city negatively are unwilling to recognize improvements in public safety.

Oakland Post Publisher Paul Cobb said he was deeply concerned that the San Francisco Chronicle has been unwilling to publish the OPD’s latest statistics showing a 33% reduction in Oakland homicides and instead continues to report old statistics that fit a narrative of a failing city.

“It’s upsetting to see a major newspaper that will not report about Oakland accurately and honestly,” he said.

This week, the city was awarded a $2 million grant from Vice President Kamala Harris’ Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Thao said the grant will help the city expand its Ceasefire program, significantly reducing homicides this year.

Ceasefire provides life coaches for people who are in immediate danger of being a perpetrator or victim of a violent crime to break the cycle of retaliation and victimization. The program was discontinued during former Mayor Libby Schaaf’s administration.

“We’re thankful for the significant investment in a strategy that is working in the Department of Violence Prevention (DVP), finally being recognized as critical to Oakland’s long-term strategic, comprehensive approach to community health and safety,” said DVP Chief Holly Joshi.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

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Activism

OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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Bay Area

Richmond’s New Fire Chief Sworn In

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” noted Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi,. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Chief Osorio (far left) was sworn in at a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Hall on Nov. 15. All photos by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

Richmond Fire Chief Aaron Osorio was sworn into his new role in a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Council Chambers on Friday, Nov. 15.

The crowd included Osorio’s family and friends, rank-and-file Richmond firefighters, fellow fire chiefs from Bay Area agencies, elected officials and community members.

Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl provided an introduction and acknowledged Chief Osorio’s “heroic service to Richmond.”

Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi, presented the chief with a Congressional Commendation, citing his 23 years of serving in the fire service in Richmond in numerous positions.

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” Sandhu noted. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

The chief’s wife, Maria, and two sons Roman and Mateo helped perform the badge-pinning.

Richmond City Clerk Pamela Christian then conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Osorio thanked his family, colleagues, and city for their support, calling it “very humbling” to take on leadership of an “amazing organization.”

Once the ceremony was done, the chief stated, “I’m ready to get to work.”