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Oakland Hosts Town Halls on Public Safety to Discuss Concerns with Residents

The City of Oakland held a series of town halls on public safety this week to discuss and address residents’ biggest concerns about strategies city leaders are implementing to make the town a safer place. To kickoff the series, the public safety leadership team met at Beth Eden Baptist Church, where pews were filled with people ready to ask questions of city officials they don’t often get to interact with.

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Oakland Public Safety Leadership team held a series of town halls to discuss and answer concerns around public safety strategies and initiatives by city leaders. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.
Oakland Public Safety Leadership team held a series of town halls to discuss and answer concerns around public safety strategies and initiatives by city leaders. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

By Magaly Muñoz

 The City of Oakland held a series of town halls on public safety this week to discuss and address residents’ biggest concerns about strategies city leaders are implementing to make the town a safer place.

To kickoff the series, the public safety leadership team met at Beth Eden Baptist Church, where pews were filled with people ready to ask questions of city officials they don’t often get to interact with.

“I want [this town hall discussion] to be honest. I want this to be productive and solutions oriented,” Mayor Sheng Thao said.

On the leadership team with Thao were Police Chief Floyd Mitchell, City Administrator Jestin Johnson, Department of Violence Prevention Chief Holly Joshi, and Fire Chief Damon Covington. Director of the Department of Transportation Josh Rowan and Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey also joined the panel on Friday evening.

City officials have faced harsh criticism on the public safety front, with many Oakland residents reporting frustration and disappointment that they do not feel comfortable stepping out of their homes or going to work everyday.

Strategies like Ceasefire, a program used from 2012 to 2019 to reduce violent gun crimes, were highlighted to show that reinvestment in such initiatives makes it possible to reduce gun violence by at least 50%.

Programs like Ceasefire, which look to prevent crime at the source, such as gangs or individuals with histories of crime, are inter-agency. The Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) also largely looks at how to reduce and prevent violent crime and guide victims through their trauma.

Joshi explained that the department takes a community-based approach to tackling organized violent crimes in the city. These strategies include conversations with community members and grassroots organizations, providing resources and social services to those most at risk for crimes, and identifying who is most likely to commit crimes so that root problems can be tackled head on instead of waiting for these individuals to fall through the cracks.

As of August 24, violent crime is down 15% across the city from 2023 to 2024, according to police data. A major change from the 2022 to 2023 annual data that showed violent crime was up 21% and assault with a firearm was also up 12% in that same timeframe. Assault with a firearm is down 33% from last year.

“I understand that crime is not going down fast enough. I understand that you are not feeling safe enough. But we’re working extremely diligently to reimplement the things that we know work in the city of Oakland,” Joshi said.

Despite these changes in data and reinvestments into public safety programs, attendees did not appear satisfied with the results, saying they see more crime now than they did years ago when they were growing up in Oakland.

One of the main topics of discussion was related to the police department.

Attendees wanted to know when OPD would be receiving more police officers as there are currently only 691 sworn members to the nearly 431,000 in city population. OPD had 712 officers on the force before budget constraints cut positions.

Business owners and residents reported waiting hours after a crime is committed in their area before an officer shows up to take a report. Some local entrepreneurs claimed that police officers sometimes watch as crimes occur because they are not allowed to pursue potential offenders unless they believe that suspect has committed a violent crime, per OPD policy.

Mitchell explained that they are hoping to use the attrition of almost-retired officers in order to hire cadets who complete and pass police training from the local academies.

The Oakland police union revealed in a press conference earlier this month that there are only 105 officers a day over three shifts patrolling the city, meaning only 35 officers are on the streets at any given moment. The union added that to work more efficiently, 300 officers on patrol a day is the minimum in order to answer more calls and reports.

Homelessness was another popular topic during Friday’s discussion.

Residents wanted to know what the city is doing to enforce the removal of encampments and abandoned vehicles lined down major streets in Oakland.

Panel leaders said they often find it difficult to remove large encampments because advocates and lawyers will flood the scene and claim the city is violating human rights laws, putting a barrier on sweeps.

Johnson suggested that if people in the area are upset with these encampments and with advocates getting in the way of doing their jobs, residents should show up and provide support to city workers during sweeps.

Attendees did not respond well to the suggestion, saying that it was not their job to help the city and that officials should do more to clean up the neighborhoods.

Thao said she would be announcing an executive order soon related to homeless encampment sweeps, hoping to tackle one of the many public safety issues plaguing the city.

Activism

Over 500 Join Interfaith Rally in Solidarity with Los Angeles Resistance to Trump Invasion

Over 500 people attended the Tuesday evening rally in Oakland, which was held simultaneously with a prayer vigil in Los Angeles, where rabbis, pastors, Muslim faith leaders, and indigenous spiritual leaders gathered to pray and speak out about the federal government’s abuses of power.

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Hundreds gathered at Fruitvale Plaza in Oakland on June 10 in solidarity with immigrants and opposed to Trump’s use of armed federal agents in Los Angeles. Photo by Beth LaBerge/KQED.
Hundreds gathered at Fruitvale Plaza in Oakland on June 10 in solidarity with immigrants and opposed to Trump’s use of armed federal agents in Los Angeles. Photo by Beth LaBerge/KQED.

By Post Staff

n response to last week’s “invasion” of Los Angeles by armed and masked federal agents, East Bay faith leaders and community members, joined by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, held an Interfaith vigil Tuesday evening at Oakland’s Fruitvale Plaza in support of Los Angeles residents and immigrant communities across the country.

Over 500 people attended the Tuesday evening rally in Oakland, which was held simultaneously with a prayer vigil in Los Angeles, where rabbis, pastors, Muslim faith leaders, and indigenous spiritual leaders gathered to pray and speak out about the federal government’s abuses of power.

Earlier on the same day, hundreds of protesters at San Francisco and Concord immigration courts shut down the courts after masked, plainclothes federal ICE agents detained people seeking asylum attending their court hearings.

“Too many families in Los Angeles torn apart by this invasion still do not have access to a lawyer — and that’s not an accident. We, the people, the community, are here to say, ‘Enough!’ We must keep organizing and demand that ICE and our government respect the rights of all people and uphold the principle of due process,” said Andrés Pomart with Trabajadores Unidos Workers United.

“We know that when we organize, we win. That’s why our communities – Black, Brown, and working-class – are coming together to support each other in solidarity. Together, as immigrant communities and as a united working class, we will not be divided nor intimidated nor live in fear,” Pomart said.

“Immigrant communities — yes, our immigrant communities — are the heartbeat of Oakland, enriching our neighborhoods with diverse cultures, languages and experience, and deserve the quality of life that every human being deserves. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.  “Your city remains committed to protecting our immigrant neighbors,” said Mayor Lee.

“When Trump’s armed goons come for our families and communities, when they trample on our shared values of freedom and opportunity, when they make a mockery of our rights to due process, we are called to step up for our neighbors,” said Supervisor Bas. “This is not just an immigration story. It’s a story about who we are — and how we respond when our neighbors are under attack and when the president of the United States abuses his powers. When they come for one of us, they come for all of us.”

Said Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, the Oakland teachers’ union president, “It is time for us to say, ‘Not in our city.’ We will stop, we will block, we will drive out ICE. We will protect our classrooms. We will protect our streets. We will protect our homes. Together, we rise for the dignity of our families and our right to live without fear.”

“I feel that the president and the current administration is grossly overstepping and abusing their power,” Rabbi Chai Levy, speaking to KQED. “I feel that, as a religious person, communities of faith need to show up and stand in solidarity with immigrants who are threatened and afraid. “It’s important to show up as people of conscience and morality and say that we’re against what our government is doing.”

The vigil was hosted by Bay Resistance, and co-sponsoring organizations included the Alameda Labor Council, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Faith in Action East Bay, Restore Oakland, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE), Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Oakland Rising, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy, SEIU Local 1021, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ), SEIU United Service Workers West, Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area, Jobs with Justice San Francisco, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Urban Peace Movement, and Trabajadores Unidos Workers United.

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Activism

Oak Temple Hill Hosts Interfaith Leaders from Across the Bay Area

Distinguished faith leaders Rev. Ken Chambers, executive director the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC); Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; and Dr. Ejaz Naqzi, president of the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council addressed the group on key issues including homelessness, food insecurity, immigration, and meaningful opportunities to care for individuals and communities in need. 

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Troy McCombs (from the state of Washington), Elder Mark Mortensen (from Irvine, CA), Michael Pappas, Rev. Ken Chambers, Dr. Ejaz Naqvi, Elder Sigfried Nauman (from the state of Washington), and Richard Kopf. Courtesy photo.
Troy McCombs (from the state of Washington), Elder Mark Mortensen (from Irvine, CA), Michael Pappas, Rev. Ken Chambers, Dr. Ejaz Naqvi, Elder Sigfried Nauman (from the state of Washington), and Richard Kopf. Courtesy photo.

Special to the Post

Interfaith leaders from the Bay Area participated in a panel discussion at the annual meeting of communication leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held on Temple Hill in Oakland on May 31. Distinguished faith leaders Rev. Ken Chambers, executive director the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC); Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; and Dr. Ejaz Naqzi, president of the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council addressed the group on key issues including homelessness, food insecurity, immigration, and meaningful opportunities to care for individuals and communities in need.

Chambers, said he is thankful for the leadership and support of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints’ global ministry, which recently worked with the interfaith congregations of ICAC to help Yasjmine Oeveraas a homeless Norwegian mother and her family find shelter and access to government services.

Oeveraas told the story of how she was assisted by ICAC to the Oakland Post. “I’m a Norwegian citizen who escaped an abusive marriage with nowhere to go. We’ve been homeless in Florida since January 2024. Recently, we came to California for my son’s passport, but my plan to drive for Uber fell through, leaving us homeless again. Through 2-1-1, I was connected to Rev. Ken Chambers, pastor of the West Side Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, and his car park program, which changed our lives. We spent about a week-and-a-half living in our car before being blessed with a trailer. After four years of uncertainty and 18 months of homelessness, this program has given us stability and hope again.

“Now, both my son and I have the opportunity to continue our education. I’m pursuing cyber analytics, something I couldn’t do while living in the car. My son can also complete his education, which is a huge relief. This program has given us the space to focus and regain our dignity. I am working harder than ever to reach my goals and give back to others in need.”

Richard Kopf, communication director for The Church of Jesus Christ in the Bay Area stated: “As followers of Jesus Christ, we embrace interfaith cooperation and are united in our efforts to show God’s love for all of his children.”

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Alameda County

Council Approves Budget to Invest in Core City Services, Save Fire Stations, Invest in Economic Development

I am most proud of our ability to fund these critical city services without the use of one-time fixes. We are still suffering the consequences of last year’s budget, where a majority of the Council, myself not included, chose to incorporate anticipated proceeds from the sale of the Coliseum to fund essential services. Since the sale has still not yet been completed, the lack of funds led to drastic cuts in city services, including the temporary closure of fire stations, staff layoffs, and the cancellations of many service contracts.

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District 4 Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran. Photo courtesy City of Oakland.
District 4 Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran. Photo courtesy City of Oakland.

By Janani Ramachandran, District 4 Oakland City Councilmember

On Wednesday, June 11, City Council took a bold step to prioritize investing in essential city services to get our beautiful Town back on track. As Chair of the Finance Committee, I am proud to have led a collaborative process, alongside Councilmembers Rowena Brown, Zac Unger, and Charlene Wang, to develop a set of amendments to the proposed FY 2025-2027 budget which passed successfully with a vote of 6 – 1. Despite facing a $265 million structural budget deficit, we were able to restore funding to ensure that all 25 fire stations remain open, fund 5 police academies, invest millions of dollars to combat illegal dumping and sideshow prevention, improve our permitting processes, fund a “business incentives” program to revitalize our commercial corridors, improve upon our homelessness prevention work, amplify the city’s anti-trafficking programs, re-instate our tree services division, staff up our Auditor’s office – all while preventing any layoffs of city staff, keeping our senior centers and after-school programs open, and crisis services like MACRO funded.

I am most proud of our ability to fund these critical city services without the use of one-time fixes. We are still suffering the consequences of last year’s budget, where a majority of the Council, myself not included, chose to incorporate anticipated proceeds from the sale of the Coliseum to fund essential services. Since the sale has still not yet been completed, the lack of funds led to drastic cuts in city services, including the temporary closure of fire stations, staff layoffs, and the cancellations of many service contracts. The budget that we passed this week proudly does not fund recurring expenses with anticipated one-time revenue – and moves our city towards being fiscally responsible with our taxpayers’ funds.

Our budget comes in response to the widespread and consistent calls from across Oakland’s diverse communities asking us to prioritize funding solutions to the issues that have most directly impacted our residents’ safety and quality of life. Our priorities are also inspired by our belief that Oakland is on the way not only to financial recovery, but also to global recognition. Oakland can attract and preserve businesses of all sizes with safer, cleaner streets. We can and will have more large-scale festivals that celebrate our culture, concerts that uplift our incredible local musicians, conferences that attract patrons from across the world, and award-winning restaurants that top national charts. We are on our way to rebuilding a thriving economy and having a cultural renaissance will create more jobs for Oaklanders while also generating more revenue for the City through sales and business taxes.

I am grateful for the close partnership with our new Mayor Barbara Lee, and know that she shares our values of ensuring we are prioritizing keeping Oakland’s residents safe, our streets clean, and our businesses prosperous in an open and fiscally responsible manner. I am also thankful to our City Administrator, Jestin Johnson, and former Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins’ efforts to produce the initial proposal that our Council budget team used as a starting point for our amendments, and for their shared commitment to transparency and ethical government. I am especially grateful for every resident that took the time to make their voice heard throughout this rigorous budget process. I have no doubt that we are on the verge of true change, and that together we will bring Oakland back to being the world-class city I know it can be.

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