Update from City of Oakland: Anticipated Demonstrations This WeekendJuly 19, 2013
We are proud of downtown Oakland’s nationally recognized renaissance. Our businesses, residents and workers
have come together to build a dynamic community. While we value diverse opinions and free expression,
we will not tolerate violence, vandalism or acts of destruction that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our community.
A thriving downtown is key to economic prosperity, social justice and public safety for all of Oakland. –Mayor Jean Quan
Dear Oakland Community,
We are disappointed that this week a small number of protesters have dishonored the memory of Trayvon Martin and his family by engaging in violence and vandalism. They have endangered innocent people, damaged locally owned businesses that provide jobs for Oaklanders, and hurt our growing economy.
The Oakland Police Department has studied the recent tactics used by the vandals and has reorganized to respond to situations should they arise. To increase this weekend’s staffing, police days off have been cancelled and OPD will be assisted by outside law enforcement.
This weekend several rallies and demonstrations are planned to occur in Oakland. Keeping peace on our streets and protecting the safety of Oakland residents and businesses is our top priority. Although we don’t anticipate problems to occur, in the event that the demonstrations and protests become unlawful, the Oakland Police Department is prepared to swiftly address any criminal behavior that would damage property or jeopardize the safety of the public or police officers. Individuals engaging in such behavior are subject to arrest and prosecution.
We provide this update with the intent to inform and educate about these potential events, not to alarm, so that you may plan ahead. Feel free to share this letter with your employees, neighbors and tenants. The following is some general information about known dates and times:
Tonight, Friday, July 19:
6 pm: March from Frank Ogawa Plaza to Fruitvale BART station
Saturday, July 20:
12 – 4 pm: Rallies and demonstrations at Federal Building and Frank Ogawa Plaza
5 pm: Bike rally starting at Perkins/Grand Avenue and going to 7th Street and Peralta
Traffic in downtown and West Oakland and along the march routes may be intermittently displaced as the marches and rallies occur.
Help Us Make Additional ArrestsThis week the Oakland Police Department arrested and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office filed charges against three men for crimes connected with the Trayvon Martin protests in Oakland. OPD is asking for media and community assistance to help identify additional suspects responsible for criminal acts of vandalism during recent protests. If you have any video surveillance, photos or information about individuals who have committed a crime related to protests, please contact Sergeant Clifford Wong at (510)238-3951 or via email cwong@oaklandnet.com. For more information, go to: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/OPD/index.htm
Below is information about how to report illegal activity, receive emergency assistance, and stay informed.
Emergency Assistance
From a landline: call 911
From a cell phone: call (510) 777-3211 (pre-program this number now so it is handy in an emergency)
Anonymously Report Illegal Activity
Call OPD’s anonymous toll-free tip hotline: (855) TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)
Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your text-enabled cell phone
Go to www.bit.ly/PFxk7D to anonymously submit photos of illegal activity using the online submission form
Stay InformedThe City will use a variety of communication channels to keep the business community and the public informed of developments as they occur:
● Website: www.oaklandnet.com
● Subscribe to Email or Text Alerts
Enter your email address in the “Email Updates” section on the City’s home page, www.oaklandnet.com. To receive wireless alerts via mobile phone, check the “Send Wireless Alerts to this address” box.● Public Safety Notifications
Receive notifications from OPD through text/SMS, mobile applications, email and Internet posts. Sign up at www.nixle.com.● Twitter
For general City of Oakland news, follow @CityofOaklandCA.
For public safety news, follow OPD @oaklandpoliceca.● Business Support
Contact the City of Oakland’s Business Assistance Center at (510) 238-7952 or visit www.OaklandBAC.com.● Telephone: call (510) 444-CITY for information and/or recorded updates.
● Transit Updates
Visit www.511.org or call 511 for up-to-date traffic and transit information.
For BART information, call (510) 465-2278 or visit www.bart.gov. Sign up for mobile service alerts at www.bart.gov/news/alerts.
Simple Tips for Everyday Safety
Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for information.
If possible, park your car in a secure, off-street location.
Remove or secure trash receptacles.
Be sure your business is well lit. Good lighting increases visibility—and also increases the effectiveness of any closed circuit TV system.
If you have a closed circuit TV system, be sure it is in good working order and is turned on. Save recordings of documented criminal activity.
Make sure your building has good quality locks on the doors and windows. Deadbolt locks are a must for exterior doors.
All exterior doors with a gap should be covered with a steel plate to prevent the door from being pried open.
Leave the cash drawer empty and open after business hours.
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CFN - California Fire News 2013
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