“What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable,” Mr. Newsom said in a press release announcing the law enforcement surge. “I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve.”
Ramping up security measures in response to rising crime, cleaning products giant Clorox—headquartered in Oakland since 1913—told The Epoch Times in a Feb. 2 statement that the company hired more uniformed security guards to “escort our teammates to and from BART, parking garages, local restaurants and coffee shops, and other destinations around the area.”
Such is needed to maintain a safe working environment, the company said.
“The safety and security of our teammates is our highest priority and we have taken steps to help protect them and our visitors at our Oakland headquarters,” a spokesperson for Clorox said. “We’re actively working with local business leaders to identify ways we can collaborate to make Oakland safer for our collective workforce and the entire community.”
Another company adjusting its strategy to protect employees said while businesses can optimize security practices, help is needed from the Legislature and local officials to address the problem.
“We are providing various options for when they come into the office, including ridesharing services, paid parking and private security,” a spokesperson from Blue Shield told The Epoch Times by email. “We remain hopeful, and we are counting on city, county and state leaders coming together with the community to improve safety and revitalize our city.”
In a memo sent to employees at its Oakland headquarters, healthcare firm Kaiser Permanente advised staying inside for lunch to avoid potential criminal activity on the street.
Violent crime jumped 21 percent in 2023 compared with the year before, according to the Oakland Police Department’s end-of-the-year crime report. Nearly every statistical category of crime shows an increase from 2022 and compared to the five-year average.
Robberies were up 40 percent across the board and by 50 percent for those involving firearms. Residential robberies also spiked—up 71 percent.
Nearly 15,000 cars were stolen for the year, a 45 percent increase from 2022 and a 229 percent jump from 2019. Additionally, approximately 14,000 vehicles were broken into during the year.
Acknowledging the city’s challenges, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said efforts are underway to address the issues.
“The surge of crime and violence that we are seeing in our streets is completely unacceptable,” Ms. Thao said in the governor’s Feb. 6 statement. “The City of Oakland is hard at work turning the tide — increasing law enforcement investigations, increasing police recruitment, and investing in community and violence intervention efforts.”
While some businesses are looking for ways to ensure the safety of their employees and properties, others are abandoning the city. Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and In-N-Out recently announced permanent closures—citing high crime and public safety concerns as the reason.
Denny’s also recently made the decision to shut down after 54 years in the city.
“Closing a restaurant location is never an easy decision or one taken lightly,” a statement posted on the door of the restaurant read. “However, the safety and well-being of Denny’s team members and valued guests is our top priority.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), whose district lies on the Eastern part of the state bordering Nevada, said failed policies are to blame for the crime and for companies leaving, including going back to when Mr. Newsom was mayor of the City by the Bay.
“Reckless laws, de-funded police, and a ‘progressive’ District Attorney: it’s the same formula behind the collapse of Newsom’s San Francisco,” he wrote on social media platform X Feb. 1.
