Oakland business “strike” against rampant crime set for Tuesday

Over 200 Oakland Businesses to Go on Strike for Better Public Safety

More than 200 businesses in Oakland are preparing to go on strike on Tuesday, calling for improved public safety. The strike is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to address the rising crime rates in the city.

Strike Details

• Some businesses will be closed all day, while others will be closed from 10 a.m. to noon.
• The strike will include a public press conference outside of Le Cheval restaurant at 10 a.m.
• Le Cheval, a 38-year-old family business, announced its closure due to increased crime.
• The restaurant’s final day of operation will be this Saturday.

Owner Son Tran of Le Cheval confirmed that the restaurant will also participate in the strike.

Community Support

Prior to its planned permanent closure, Le Cheval received support from patrons who gathered at the restaurant. Customers expressed their sadness about the closure and their concerns about the increasing crime rates in Oakland.

One customer, Nancy Ong, shared her experience of feeling unsafe and leaving earlier due to the darkness caused by the rising crime. Another customer, Aaron Burnham, expressed his sadness about the closure and mentioned having a last shot of the restaurant’s famous snake juice.

Owner Son Tran acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to shut down the restaurant but cited financial constraints and the presence of criminals in the area as reasons for closure.

Call for Additional Resources

Local business advocate Carl Chan emphasized the need for additional resources from various law enforcement agencies, including the county sheriff, the California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Chan highlighted the increasing number of repeat offenders targeting businesses and individuals.

The strike comes after city leaders missed a grant deadline that would have provided funding to combat organized retail theft, which has contributed to the challenges faced by local businesses. The businesses are now calling for financial resources from the city, county, and governor to offset their losses.

Public Opinion

A recent poll conducted by the McConnell Group revealed that crime is the top concern for 83% of Oakland residents. The study also found that 92% of residents want city leaders to prioritize crime reduction. Additionally, 74% of respondents believe that Oakland is heading in the wrong direction and that the quality of life has worsened.

Mayor’s Response

In response to the strike, Mayor Sheng Thao issued a statement expressing her office’s commitment to addressing the problem. She mentioned ongoing meetings with small business groups and efforts to fund initiatives that deter crime and promote safe streets. Thao highlighted collaborations with organizations such as the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, and Visit Oakland.

Jose Martinez contributed to this report.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 8.10: Percentage of adults with an account at a bank or other financial institution.
• Indicator for SDG 11.7: Percentage of population with convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator for SDG 16.3: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Based on the article, the issues highlighted are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The specific targets identified are SDG 8.10 (strengthening the capacity of domestic financial institutions), SDG 11.7 (providing universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces), and SDG 16.3 (promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice). The article mentions indicators such as the percentage of adults with a bank account, the percentage of population with convenient access to public transport, and the number of victims of intentional homicide. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: cbsnews.com

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