Just Announced-Public Safety Action to come Quickly

Ten additional Alameda County Sheriff Deputies should be patrolling the streets of Oakland as early as February 2, according to Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.  The Mayor, joined by Police Chief Jordan and City Administrator Deanna Santana, held a press conference at City Hall this afternoon to discuss the public safety votes of the City Council the night before.  When asked when Bill Bratton would come to Oakland, Chief Jordan said he would expect at least 3 visits to the city by Bratton, the first to come in mid-February, depending on the former LA and NY City Police Chief’s availability.  

Jordan also took the chance to address concerns about “stop and frisk policing”.  Jordan said Oakland police engage in Constitutional policing.  He said that phrase “stop and frisk” comes from a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1968, Terry v. Ohio.  In that case the Court established police may, stop, question and frisk a person the officer has a reasonable suspicion to believe has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime.  He emphasized that racial profiling is not the policy of the Oakland Police Department.    

Mayor Quan lunches with Chamber Board

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan joined the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Board at its year end lunch meeting today to discuss the future of Oakland.  The Mayor covered a number of topics from the city budget and public safety to education and promoting business and international trade.

The Mayor told us that the budget while difficult after years of declining revenue was more transparent and better set up with reserves than had been true in the past.  She appreciated the concessions made by labor groups and was confident that the loss of the parcel tax (Measure I) would not imperil city services.  Quan indicated she expects to continue to streamline city services to make the most out of city resources.  The Mayor also expressed confidence in her new management team, City Administrator Deanna Santana and Assistant City Administrators Scott Johnson and Fred Blackwell, all three of whom have been with the city for just the last 3-4 months.

On public safety she talked about hiring police officers and focusing on 100 blocks that have suffered the worst crime problems.  She has confidence in new Police Chief Howard Jordan who has held the post since mid-October. The Mayor and City Administrator Santana meet weekly with federal monitors to avoid a federal takeover of OPD.  One particular law enforcement tool the Mayor cited as effective and that she wants to see more of is cameras especially in commercial zones.  She says the data shows that where the cameras exist, crime gets pushed away and so she wants to expand the areas covered.

Mayor Quan indicated she has promoted trade in her efforts on various national groups, trips to China and conferences, including the Regional Export Initiative signed by her and other area mayors at the Chambers MegaRegion event earlier this year. 

The Mayor talked about her efforts to keep the city’s sport franchises and attract retail to town.  She talked about her 25% solution, the idea that even just a 25% increase of local shopping by Oaklanders could create jobs and improve city finances.

The Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with Mayor Quan to promote economic growth and job creation in Oakland!

A Salute to Oakland City Leaders

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce salutes the elected and appointed leaders of Oakland, including Mayor Jean Quan, Police Chief Howard Jordan, City Administrator Deanna Santana, the City Council, the Oakland Police Department, and everyone within the City Government for the peaceful and successful clearing of Frank Ogawa Plaza this morning.

It is a move that helps secure the plaza for all citizens to enjoy and removes the many safety and health hazards that were growing as overnight camping was allowed to continue. Now Oakland can move forward.

We concur with Mayor Quan’s comments at her press conference this morning when she asked that we all respect the city’s decision to close the camp and not hurt the city.

Moving forward, we commit to work with everyone who wants to grow our local economy. Local shops, restaurants and offices that have suffered lost business eagerly want to see their customers return.

Oakland is a great city and working together we can make it even better.