While most of us are trying to keep up with, and hopefully enjoy, the holiday season, we do so with the backdrop that our city is under a siege of crime.  In many neighborhoods, including the areas in our district east of the Lake, the robberies and shootings are having a profound impact of everyone's peace of mind and physical safety. Even the hill areas, which have historically had little crime, are seeing rashes of car thefts and break-ins and a significant increase in burglaries. Public safety is a decidedly un-Christmas-y topic, but one that I must address. If you don't want to read this now, save it for January.

The reality that the crime rate has been steadily increasing for over a year is not lost on anyone at City Hall. We know it is a crisis and we are trying hard to figure out how to have some impact quickly as will as over the long term.

Here is what we have initiated so far:

--City Administrator Deanna Santana has hired a law enforcement consultant team to review OPD practices and recommend changes that would make the best use of sworn staff to reduce crime. This team is here now and working with OPD command staff on everything from management practices, crime analysis and work in the field. These folks are policing experts and will help our department implement best practices used by successful police departments in other cities. 

 --We know that a primary factor in the increase of crime is the severe under-staffing of our Police Department. In the very short term, there are several initiatives underway to bolster OPD ranks with officers from outside agencies. The CHP is already assisting. In addition, the City Council will soon vote on a contract with the Alameda County Sheriff's department for some of their officers to do special assignments for OPD.  This proposal is from Councilmember Libby Schaaf and the Police Chief. I heartily support it. The Chief also proposes hiring 20 civilian police technicians immediately.  They would respond to reports of burglaries and collect evidence. This is a task that has often been left undone due to the high level of calls for service. I anticipate broad support among the Councilmembers for these measures. 

I also want to mention that our Measure Y violence prevention programs are working hard at their tasks. These programs are even more under-funded than the police department, but they are having success with the individuals they are able to serve. We can have a policy discussion on that another time, but I wanted to note that they are part of the City's effort to reduce repeat offenses and retaliatory violent crime.

These are all small steps in the right direction. But we must also address the fundamental task of growing the size of the police department on a permanent, sustainable basis to a size that is comparable to other cities. The Council has already approved funds to hold two Police training academies per year, each to yield about 45 officers.  This will grow the department, but not fast enough to deal with our immediate crime problem.  Because of normal attrition, it would take at least four years to get to 800 officers from our current 624. Thus, I see that the City's primary focus during this spring's budget deliberations is to find the funds necessary to hire and train officers even faster. It is likely to require a combination of cuts and a tax measure in the next year or two. This will take a lot of careful planning, education and buy-in from the community.  I will be writing much more about this in the next several months. And I will continue to be in regular communication with our Police Chief and City Administrator in our joint efforts to make Oakland safer.

For now, try to stay safe and enjoy your holiday celebrations.

 

With the holiday season upon us, the Oakland Police Department would like to ensure a safe and happy time for everyone. The Department has increased patrols and will be using a variety of enforcement techniques.

It will continue its partnerships with BART, the California Highway Patrol, Alameda County Sheriff's Office, the California Department of Justice and members of the community to reduce crime.

Even during this season of giving, criminals will take advantage of easy targets. Please keep in mind the following personal safety tips throughout the holidays:

-Always be aware of your surroundings. Don't be distracted by cell

phones and electronic devices.

-Stay in well lit, populated areas.

- Stay alert and keep your shopping bags nearby -don't leave bags

unattended.

- Do not leave packages, shopping bags or other items of value visible in your vehicle.

- Avoid showing large amounts of cash when making purchases.

- Be especially alert when entering and exiting your vehicle.

-Remember to lock your car door after entering your vehicle.

- Let people know when you intend to arrive at your destination, so they can keep an eye out for you.

-If someone or something looks suspicious call the police on OPD's non-emergency number 510.777.3333.

Nixle Tip Watch allows tipsters to send OPD a tip four ways:

1. Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone

2. Call our toll-free tip hotline at 855.TIPS.247 (855.847.7247)

3. Respond to OPD's Nixle messages

As of August 1, 2012 the Superior Court ordered the Economy Inn, located at 122 E. 12th Street to close for one year because of on-going prostitution at the site. The Inn's owner has proposed a new business plan to the court, which will be the subject of the community meeting.  

     

Free holiday parking and a variety of enhancements make it easier to pay for parking, avoid parking tickets and enjoy the offerings of Oakland's vibrant commercial districts. These include:

• A holiday parking promotion to encourage people to shop in Oakland
• New pay-by-phone technology
• A five-minute grace period pilot program
• Self-serve payment kiosks in garages
• New meters that accept credit/debit cards

Free Holiday Parking

To support and stimulate shopping in Oakland's commercial districts this holiday season, there is free parking at meters and in City-owned garages every Saturday through December. Parking at all City-metered spaces throughout Oakland will be free for the time period posted on the meter or kiosk (30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours). The free parking "holidays" apply to both standard meters and the multi-space parking kiosks located in many commercial districts. The free holiday parking also applies to the following City-owned lots equipped with meters:

• Grand Avenue Lot in the 3200 block of Grand Avenue
• Lake Park Lot under I-580 between Grand and Lakeshore avenues
• Parkway Lot on Wayne Avenue near Park Boulevard and E. 18th Street
• Piedmont Avenue Lot on Howe Street between 40th and 41st streets

The free holiday parking program will also offer two hours of free parking on the designated Saturdays at the following City-owned garages:

• Franklin Street Garage, 1719 Franklin Street
• Montclair Parking Garage, 6235 LaSalle Avenue
• Frank G. Mar Garage, 12th & Harrison streets

Standard parking rules and time limits apply. If shoppers need additional parking time, they will need to move their car across the street if it is a two-way street, or park around the block if it is a one-way street. The City will be monitoring parked cars on a regular basis. Stickers on the meters, fliers on the multi-space kiosks and signs or banners at the lots and garages will promote the free Saturday parking. For more information, please visit www.oaklandnet.com.

NEW!  FEED ME: Mobile Food Vending Locations and Schedule. 

Prepare for Wet Weather - Where to Get Sandbags

In preparation for the start of the rainy season, the Oakland Public Works Agency is taking proactive measures to prepare for wet weather. Annually, Public Works crews remove debris from storm drains, inlets, culverts, creeks and drainage structures in preparation for the winter months. Crews are also prepared to address other storm-related issues. In addition, there are opportunities available for volunteers to assist during the rainy season (see below).

A maximum of 20 sandbags and 50 feet of plastic sheeting (per household/business) are be available for pickup at the City's Municipal Service Center and the Public Works Drainage Division facility (see addresses and hours below; proof of Oakland residency is required to obtain sandbags and sheeting).

Oakland Fire Stations will join in storm preparations by distributing sandbags to residents. A limit of five sandbags (per household) will be available for pickup at fire stations (see below for addresses and distribution hours).

During the winter months, just before an expected rain event, Public Works may extend service hours to make sandbags and plastic sheeting available to residents and businesses to help them protect their properties from weather-related damage.

How Residents Can Help

• Check & clean your private drainage systems, including roof gutters & downspouts.
• Keep your curb & gutters free of leaves & debris.
• Do not place leaves, debris or lawn clippings near storm drains.
• Place leaves & green trimmings in your green cart for weekly pickup.
• Keep natural waterways such as creeks & ditches free from obstructions.
• Do not obstruct access to storm drain inlets with your vehicle(s).
• Report flooding problems to Public Works Call Center at 510.615.5566.

Volunteer Opportunities

Public Works is renewing its call for volunteers to join the Oakland Adopt a Spot program and keep a storm drain in their neighborhood free of debris. By keeping storm drains clean, volunteers can help prevent flooding of streets and sidewalks while allowing the City to focus storm-response activities on the most critical problems. Public Works will support volunteer adopters with supplies and debris bags, should they need them, to get the job done. Remember, "if it is plugged, it will flood."  To adopt a storm drain, visit www.oaklandadoptaspot.org or call 510.238.7630.

Sandbags (up to 20) & plastic sheeting (up to 50 feet) can be picked up at the following locations & times when inclement weather is forecasted:

Municipal Service Center, 7101 Edgewater Drive

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

After Hours (in front of entry gate) 4:30 pm to 8:00 am

Drainage Division Facility, 5921 Shepherd Canyon Road

Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

After Hours (in front of entry gate) 4:30 pm to 8:00 am (before inclement weather)

Sandbags can be picked up at these Fire Stations when inclement weather is forecasted:

Fire Station Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Fire Station # 3, 1445 -14th Street

Fire Station # 6, 7080 Colton Boulevard

Fire Station # 7, 1006 Amite Avenue

Fire Station # 8, 463 - 51st Street

Fire Station # 10, 172 Santa Clara Avenue

Fire Station # 16, 3608 -13th Avenue

Fire Station # 17, 3344 High Street

Fire Station # 20, 1408 - 98th Avenue

Fire Station # 21, 13150 Skylines Boulevard

Fire Station # 26, 2611 - 98th Avenue

Fire Station # 28, 4615 Grass Valley Road

In an emergency or to report storm damage, Oakland residents should call the Public Works Agency Call Center at 510.615.5566. 

Friday, December 14: The Department of Human Services' Hunger Program's Sponsorship of Food Distribution for Low-Income Families and Seniors at Multiple Sites Throughout Oakland

Bags consist of frozen poultry, fresh produce and dried goods and will weigh approximately 15 pounds each. To be eligible, families must reside in one of the seven Community Development (CD) Districts in the City of Oakland. Proof of residence in the CD District of distribution is required. For specific distribution site locations, please visit www2.oaklandnet.com/w/oak038921. Please call specific sites for distribution times. For more information, please contact Mike Church, Program Analyst, at 510.238.6590 or mchurch@oaklandnet.com.

Volunteers and Tube Socks Needed 

Through December, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is partnering with EveryOne Home to collect new packages of adult men's tube socks (both men and women-prefer the men's). A donation bin is located in the lobby of the Wilson Building at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. These socks will be distributed to homeless service users in the community when EveryOne Home conducts its biennial homeless count. 

There is Still Time to Register for the Mayor's Toy Drive

While more than 700 low-income families registered at City Hall recently, there is still time to sign up your children, ages 0-12, for this year's toy drive:
  

Low-income Oakland residents should stop by Oakland City Hall, Oaklander's Assistance Center (1st floor by the 14th Street Entrance) between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm until December 17th.

You must bring the following:

• Bring a picture ID
• Proof of Oakland residence
• Proof of income
• Proof of age for the children you want to sign up for toys. 

To ensure the City can serve the projected 8,000 children this year, your help is needed! Donations can be monetary (donate online here) or you can send a check to:

Oaklanders Assistance Center

1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Room 123

Oakland, CA 94612

you may also bring an unwrapped toy to City Hall that is suitable for a child between the ages of 0-12 to the locations below:

Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Boulevard

Select Retailers and Corporate Partners:

If you are interested in volunteering to bag or distribute toys or know someone in the community who would like to help, please email Toy Drive Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Piper at susangpiper@gmail.com or call 510.548.5729.

This year's Holiday Parade was a success. There was no rain until after the Parade was over! This year, the parade featured a train from Fairyland and Visit Oakland, a BART train, Macy's, many excellent marching bands from around the State, a giant Santa, and many more characters. My staff, volunteers and I had a good work out pushing and steering a giant Bugs Bunny opening a present, and a Christmas ornament from Jefferson Street to Snow Park. The best part was the team work and seeing the excitement from the kids and families as we approached.

 Photo: Pat Kernighan, District 2 staff Sarah Lin, Donna Hom of the Fire Department and  volunteers pulling a giant Bugs Bunny down the parade route.

  Photo: City staff and volunteers from "The Happy Hour" group.

  Photo: A holiday train by Visit Oakland.

The event will be broadcast around the world!

Last Sunday, Councilmember Kernighan and Councilmember-elect Dan Kalb of District 1 joined community members and Mayor Quan at a Menorah Lighting ceremony and Hanukkah party at Splash Park. Some of the themes of Hanukkah that had special meaning for us as Oaklanders were resilience, fighting for good against difficult odds, the preservation of our unique cultures, and the faith that miracles can happen!

Now through Monday, December 31: ZooLights - Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road - 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm  

Hundreds of thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky. Highlights include a candy-cane-lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees in the Children's Zoo, and a light show that is sure to blow out any bah hum bugs. Closed on December 24 and 25. For more information, please visit www.oaklandzoo.org or call 510.632.9525, ext. 100. 

Friday to Sunday, December 14 to December 16: 3rd Annual Crèche Festival, The Cathedral of Christ the Light - 2121 Harrison Street, various times

The Third Annual Crèche Festival celebrates the holiday season with a unique, three-day event in celebration of the nativity scene. Local floral designers and artists will showcase their unique crèche displays in each of the meditation chapels in the Cathedral.

Visit www.ctlcathedral.org/visit/creche11 for more information on the event, the Starlight Festival, Chanticleer Concert, or the San Francisco Boys Chorus Concert.

Monday, December 31: Balloon Drop, Chabot Space and Science Center, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Ring in the New Year without staying up all night and celebrate strokes of midnight around the world at 11am, 1pm, and 4pm! Kids count down and catch colorful balloons as they drop from the ceiling to receive a special prize.

Visit website at www.chabotspace.org for more information.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through January 17, 2013: Learn to Double-Dutch Jump Rope - San Antonio Recreation Center, 1701 E 19th Street