Safety
North Oakland car owners have been reporting a new kind of thief–the stealing is done from underneath the car. Click here for the story.
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council members look for help with some of the ongoing trouble spots. Click here for the story.
By MAGGIE FAZELI FARD SEPT. 29 — Against the backdrop of Oakland’s highly publicized homicide rate, City Attorney John Russo introduced a new crime-fighting team this morning–a group of three city prosecutors charged with investigating crimes like disorderly conduct, graffiti and cockfights, in hopes of improving quality of life for residents all over Oakland. “These crimes are not as shocking or evil as homicide or rape,” said Russo, “but they have a chilling effect on quality of life.”
by MELANIE MASON “The first thing you do in municipal government is take care of public safety.” That was a quote from Oakland resident Charles Pine, who runs the community group Oakland Residents for Peaceful Neighborhoods. But it was also, almost verbatim, a quote from City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente. And a quote from Mayor Ron Dellums’ spokesman, Paul Rose. There is consensus among Oakland officials and residents, almost down to exact choice of words, that safety and…
By CHRISTINA SALERNO audio slide show by HENRY JONES and CHRISTINA SALERNO Sept. 16 — With fewer than 200 people a month using the bright yellow call boxes that dot Bay Area freeways, transportation authorities are turning to a different device to help stranded motorists: cell phones. Drivers with a flat tire, empty gas tank or broken radiator can now dial 511 from their cell phones and ask for “freeway aid” when prompted. That connects them with a San Francisco-based operator…
by CLARE MAJOR RICHMOND, Sept. 6—Critics of Bay Area immigration policy and a panel of local city officials crowded into a Richmond church cafeteria today to address issues affecting undocumented workers. The Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition (BAIRC), which organized the four-hour midday meeting, asked the panel of officials from Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, San Pablo, San Francisco, and Marin county to respond to four specific issues. Attendees gave five local counties “failing grades” for their protection of immigrant rights, accusing…