Title: Oakland Business Owners Launch Strike Over Rising Crime, Demand Better Protection and Support
Date: [Insert Date]
Byline: [Author’s Name]
Oakland, California – Store and restaurant owners in downtown Oakland took a stand on Tuesday morning, going on strike to protest against the surge in crime rates. Frustrated by the lack of protection and support from City Hall, these business owners aimed to send a powerful message about the urgent need for change.
The strike, organized by participating merchants, attracted numerous businesses that gathered in front of Le Cheval to voice their concerns. The iconic restaurant, which has been a staple in the community for over 30 years, announced its closure at the end of the month due to crime-related issues and decreased sales following the pandemic.
The strike participants highlighted the detrimental impact of car break-ins, carjackings, robberies, and assaults on their businesses. As crime rates continue to rise, insurance companies are even refusing to renew policies for Oakland businesses, classifying the area as “high-risk.”
“We are not okay with the prevailing violence and crime in Oakland. We want safety, functionality, and a city that we can proudly call our own,” said Nigel Jones, owner of Kingston 11 and Calabash restaurant, addressing the crowd during the news conference.
Jennifer Tran, Ph.D., President of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for governments at the city, state, and federal levels to fulfill their obligation to ensure basic safety on the streets. She also highlighted the fact that without safety, there can be no business, community, or city.
The strike organizers presented a list of demands, including a meeting with Governor Gavin Newsom and small business owners, state grants to support struggling businesses, and increased police presence. They urged city officials to take immediate action, drawing attention to the current situation in Oakland compared to nearby cities like Richmond.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao responded to the strike, acknowledging the frustration and emphasizing the city’s commitment to making communities safer. She expressed openness to meeting with business owners to collaborate on finding collective safety solutions.
The city of Oakland cited ongoing efforts to combat crime, such as expanding police foot patrols in commercial districts, involving the California Highway Patrol in traffic enforcement, and investing $2.5 million in improving the 911 response system. Additionally, various small business assistance programs have been implemented.
Despite the strike involving approximately 213 businesses, with 80% participating in a half-day strike, there were some establishments, such as Senor Sisig restaurant, that chose to remain open. The strike organizers stressed the urgency for effective action by city leadership, considering the potential devastating impact on businesses amid a global pandemic recovery.
Kaumudi Misra, an Assistant Professor of Management at Cal State East Bay, described the strike as uncommon but warranted. Misra emphasized the need for the city to acknowledge the severe consequences of rising crime rates and the immediate need for adjusted strategies.
Ali Albasiery, a strike organizer and business owner, expressed confidence in the strike’s effectiveness, stating that every voice counts and that it is essential for the community to be heard.
The strike also highlighted Oakland’s missed opportunity to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for retail crime prevention after the city failed to meet the application deadline. Business owners called on various government levels, including city, county, state, and federal, to provide public safety measures and assistance.
One of the key demands was to increase the number of officers in the Oakland Police Department to 1,000. Furthermore, the organizers urged city officials to declare a state of emergency to garner additional resources from external agencies like the county sheriff, California Highway Patrol, FBI, and ATF.
Today’s strike primarily took place between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., allowing merchants to avoid missing out on a full day of sales, although some businesses opted to close for the entirety of the strike.
The city of Oakland released a statement addressing the concerns raised by the business community, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen community safety and emphasizing engagement with businesses and collaboration to address these issues.
As the strike concluded, the business owners hope their collective voice will prompt city officials to prioritize public safety and work towards providing adequate protection and support for Oakland’s vibrant business community.