Discovery Channel focuses on violence in Oakland tonight, with the first episode in a two-part series called “Gang Wars Oakland.” The channel web site’s calls Oakland “the new frontline in an American gang war” and says, “the murder rate rivals a war zone.”
Oakland’s 77th homicide this year was the shooting of 17 year-old Oakland Tech student Desiree Davis, once again making gun violence a sorrowfully familiar topic around here. The program airs at 9:00 tonight at 9PM on Discovery. “Gang Wars Oakland II” airs September 21 at 9 PM.
—Kate McLean/Oakland North
23 Comments
is there anywhere to watch this online or download? i searched, but can’t find it.
I haven’t found it online anywhere. I do know that part two will be airing next week, Sept 21 at 9PM and Sept 22 at 12AM, on Discovery.
It was 9:50 pm when I read the above notice telling of the show.
I turned on the Discovery Channel and after 5 mins of commercials, it continued with a show unrelated to Oakland gangs. I looked on the Discovery Channel site to see if it was being broadcast or rebroadcast. The schedule indeed said it was on right then (it wasn’t), but no rebroadcast. It seems to me this program didn’t get enough publicity. I am extremely interested in Oakland gangs.
Did you see the program?
Gang Wars Oakland will be re-broadcast on October 8 at 10PM on Discovery.
Thank you. Will the Oct 8th program be Part 2, or Part 1 and 2? Did you see Part 1? If so, when?
Thank you. Is the Oct. 8th program a rebroadcast of Part 1, 2 or both? Did you see Part 1? If so, when was it?
This SFGate.com blog has Part 1, which aired on Monday night.
Thank you, Sam Laird!
I watched it. Thanks. I just wish the Discovery Channel hadn’t amped it up beyond the sober truth of it – what with the hard-driving background music, etc. – almost glamorizing and romanticizing the sensational nature of the topic.
Its on youtube.
I watched the program and I think it portrayed the entire city of Oakland as a war zone. For those of us who live here, we know that is not the case. There are crime-filled areas just as in any major city. I’d hope that the journalists at Oakland North will look into some of the statistics quoted in that television show. It said there are 10,000 gang members in the city and that Oakland is the unofficial crime capital. Where did they get those numbers? There was also a shaky tie made between Latino gangs and car side shows — using obviously old footage in some scenes.
This program just continues to push the idea that Oakland — a largely black and brown city — is a place to be feared in a time when strides are being made to improve it. Sad.
I too cannnot find on line was unable to see but, heard about it! sure would like yo view the whole series. I was born and raised in Oakland and really like to give my honest opinion.
heres search results that includes a handful of link u can use to watch this show.
http://www.mininova.org/search/?search=oakland+gang+wars&cat=0
You can watch the complete series on The Black Hour’s website. http://www.theblackhour.com.
Part 1: Oakland Gang Wars http://theblackhour.blogspot.com/2009/09/watch-gang-wars-oakland-part-i.html
I just wanted to say that I stayed in Oakland for a week back in June. I am from Vermont, and never traveled much. The people who live there treated me with kindness, and gave me direction’s when I got lost. I never once feared for my life! Thank you Oakland!
Youtube has both episodes
Hey I have a question are they going 2 make new episodes of Oakland Gang wars or are they going 2 do another show but for another city please let me know. Is crazy living out there in Oakland but i still got love for my town were i was born and raised at I Love OAKLAND
Grew up in Oakland. Series says that the area is West Oakland…..and one of the gang members lives on 94th street. Interesting since West Oakland does not go that high in street numbers….94th Street is in East Oakland
you guys should show the real east oaklland . all the hustlers and all the money that comes through the part of town.
hey im thinking of moving to oakland, i have seen the discovery viewing but i would like to get some opnions of people who have lived in oakland and experienced it. the school i want to go to is in oakland. where are the safe towns and cities to live in?? can you name a few? thanks
Ive lived in Oakland my whole life, im 18. And i know the Nortenos that came on gang wars. And yeah there are areas where its known as a “gang territory” but if you dont want to run into gang members, just dont go to those places. Simple as that. And if you do that you wont have any problems and it will be like any other city.
loved it it was messed up but i loved it
all really don’t no shit bout oakland but what all hear all of oakland isn’t bad what the fuck
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