Defund and disband OPD, and redirect funds to equitable community enrichment and reparations.
Defund OPD: My name is Kusum Crimmel, and I have lived in Oakland for 20 years, worked for OUSD for the past 11 years and raising my 11 year old daughter in Oakland schools. As a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), a restorative justice facilitator and conflict mediator, I have witnessed and participated in de-escalation and mental health support literally saving people's lives and diverting people from a system of harm. As city council members, you are being asked to make budget decisions that impact the ENTIRE CITY. Black and Brown communities in this city have been the heaviest hit as gentrification has pushed thousands of families out, has stripped people of viable employment opportunities and the economically struggling school system is harming students all the time. The police have WAY too much money, WAY too many responsibilities and WAY too much power. They are killing people. They are being called upon to deal with issues they don't have the training or capacity to deal with. WHY ARE WE STILL GIVING THEM SO MUCH MONEY??? This is a time in history that has BLATANTLY shown the deadly impact of police on Black and Brown communities, specifically. You are the people who make decision that impact everyone. I implore you to vote while thinking about all the people of Oakland. This city needs community programs, affordable housing, job opportunities and job training. People are in need of basic services. You have a moral obligation to make budget decisions that uplift and support the people the most heavily impacted by systemic oppression. How we treat the most vulnerable, is a direct relationship to how we are as a society. Oakland is greater because of the diversity of Black and Brown people in all their brilliance and beauty. Continuing to fund the police as it has in the past is allowing continued surveillance, trauma, state sanctioned violence and murder. Defund the OPD and resource flatland communities and neighborhoods.
support the spirit of the proposal by Nikki Fortunato Bas: "to reallocate (from the police budget) at least $25 million towards improving safety and providing the services our residents really need," but this proposal does NOT go far enough!
As Oakland residents, we, therefore, demand that you take immediate action to ensure the following:
- Reduce OPD’s allocation from the General Fund by 50% (roughly $150 Million)
- Disallow unauthorized overtime by OPD
- Discontinue use of general fund dollars to pay for settlements due to police murder, misconduct, and negligence
- Invest in housing, jobs, youth programs, restorative justice, and mental health workers to keep the community safe.
16 and 17 years old's want to vote in School Board elections.
I am an Oakland resident And Claremont Hotel employee. My concern is that without paid sick leave, people can't afford to take time off when ill, thus jeopardizing everyone's health , especially during the Covid-19 pandemic
My name is Edee Moore and I am an employee at Hilton Oakland Airport. I support emergency paid sick leave for Oakland employees.
Over the next 10 years, medical services, pharma, medtech and related industries are going to become increasingly important and lucrative. Act now to put Oakland on the map as a major bio / medical operations and research zone.
http://www.bcnecologia.net/en/conceptual-model/superblocks <-- see here. These areas promote health and civic connections and discourse.
Abandoned Cars
Many decisions are made about city operations and services that affect the quality of life of residents. It would be helpful if residents had opportunities for public feedback and education at the earliest points of consideration - before matters are voted on by the Council.