Oakland Misses Deadline for Grant Funds to Combat Retail Theft
Oakland, California – Local frustration has flared as the city of Oakland missed a crucial deadline to secure grant funds dedicated to combating retail theft, a persistent issue plaguing not only the Bay Area but also various parts of the state. Cynthia Adams, President of the Oakland chapter of the NAACP, expressed dismay during a press conference on Monday, stating, “Oakland got nothing.”
Joining Adams in their call for action were local leaders, including Carl Chan, a prominent figure in the Chinatown community. Their collective demand was clear: they urged Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao to declare a state of emergency regarding public safety, as reported by Fox San Francisco.
Chan voiced his concerns about the prevailing situation, highlighting the impact on businesses and individuals alike, saying, “It’s sad to see that many businesses are suffering along with people, whether you’re driving down a street, carjacking, home invasion. It’s not fair. They feel unsafe. Many of the employees working in all businesses, they feel that they are very, very unsafe.”
The consequences of Oakland missing the grant deadline are significant. The city lost out on a share of $200 million in state grant funds that were allocated to assist various cities and counties in tackling organized retail theft, often referred to as smash-and-grab robberies. Oakland had intended to use these funds for additional police patrols, squad cars, automated license plate readers, and other resources aimed at tracking down suspected criminals, according to the news outlet.
In stark contrast, last week, San Francisco successfully secured $17 million in grant funding for similar purposes. As a sign of their distress, local businesses in Oakland are planning a one-day strike to draw attention to the ongoing crisis, stating that they feel “under siege,” as reported by the news.
This missed deadline coincides with mounting pressure on Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, who faces a recall effort due to her progressive policies. Fox News Digital has reached out to the city for further comment on the situation.