Schaaf seeks to keep stores, shoppers safe

Outgoing Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has announced plans to install more lights and crack down on illegal vending in the city’s retail districts, an effort to lure holiday shoppers back to businesses that wilted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nearly $800,000 program aims to bolster security measures in shopping areas including downtown, Fruitvale, Lakeshore, Montclair, Rockridge, Temescal and other retail neighborhoods.

“We want to create a deep sense of safety for everyone,” Schaaf said at a news conference Wednesday. “We know these last few years have been difficult. People have felt unsettled, and we want you to know that the city is here to welcome you back to enjoy your shopping.”

As in many other cities, the coronavirus crisis slowed foot traffic to Oakland businesses, while the city further struggled with a sharp increase in homicides and other crimes over the past two years.

Schaaf’s initiative will bolster security by increasing the number of civilian ambassadors, security guards and traffic control officers, among other safety protocols.

The city’s effort was welcomed by small businesses. Justin Ford, who co-owns a Black-owned apparel business in the Fruitvale neighborhood called Oakland’s Own, said the mayor’s move is much needed.

“It gets dark now at 5 p.m. My safety measure is locking my door,” Ford said. “I don’t want to hide my business from community, and going into holiday season any kind of added safety effort like this is a positive.”

Ford said he’s had numerous instances of broken windows and doors and other vandalism at his store, which worsened over the pandemic. Having neighborhood stores boarded up and not seeing people on the streets encourages thieves to break in, Ford said.

Schaaf said a special session will be held Tuesday to announce grants for small businesses that can be used for additional safety measures, as well as for window, glass and other types of repairs.

“Our businesses have been hit hard not only because of the pandemic but because of the issues that we’ve had surrounding crime,” Cathy Adams, the chief executive of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, said at the news conference.

“This grant will lift us up, it will make us feel safer to come out,” she said.