This November, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will face a recall election, prompted by growing dissatisfaction among residents with her handling of increasing crime rates.
This event is unprecedented, as Thao is the first mayor in Oakland’s history to potentially be recalled.
Overwhelming Call for Change
Over 40,000 signatures have been gathered by the Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao (OUST) campaign, reflecting a widespread desire for new leadership.
The group accuses Thao of “incompetence and dishonesty,” blaming these traits for accelerating the city’s downturn.
A Surge in City Crime
Oakland’s crime rate has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with homicides rising from 78 in 2019 to 126 last year.
Overall crime spiked by 18% in 2023, fueling a palpable tension and increasing unease among the city’s residents.
Home Invasions Hit New High
In the early months of 2024, Oakland reported a 118% increase in residential robberies compared to the previous year.
This alarming trend is raising serious concerns about public safety and the city’s strategy to address crime.
Car Thefts Soar
Last year, Oakland faced an extraordinary wave of auto thefts, with one in every 30 cars being stolen.
This staggering rate of theft poses significant challenges for community safety and well-being.
Businesses Flee Over Safety Concerns
Several major companies have left Oakland, driven away by a significant rise in retail theft and employee safety concerns.
Their departure signals a troubling loss of confidence in the city’s governance and its impact on the local economy.
A City’s Struggle with Violence
A chilling event in August 2023 saw a woman being brutally robbed and dragged by assailants.
This violent act, caught on video, has become a symbol of the severe crime wave sweeping through Oakland, sparking outrage and fear among the populace.
Iconic Burger Joint Closes Doors
After nearly two decades, the only In-N-Out Burger in Oakland has closed, citing safety concerns for its staff and patrons despite its continued profitability.
This closure reflects the worsening security environment in the city.
Dining Under Lockdown
In response to the escalating violence, local fast food restaurants like Taco Bell have stopped offering indoor dining to protect their customers and employees.
This step marks a significant shift in business operations due to the city’s safety challenges.
Corporate Investment in Safety
In an effort to safeguard their employees amid rising crime, leading corporations including Kaiser, PG&E, Clorox, and Blue Shield have invested $10 million in enhanced security measures.
This move illustrates the businesses’ proactive stance in a city struggling with effective crime response.
Unconventional Tactics to Curb Violence
Mayor Thao has proposed unique solutions, such as life coaching, to combat the city’s rising crime rates.
These proposals have faced criticism, however, with many doubting their efficacy in dealing with serious crimes, including homicides.
A Community’s Plea for Accountability
Oakland’s citizens are clamoring for Mayor Thao’s recall, deeply unsatisfied with her leadership amidst the city’s growing public safety crisis.
The OUST campaign sharply criticizes her, saying, “You created a public safety crisis by systematically dismantling the Oakland Police Department, leading to the city’s reputation as one of the most dangerous in America.”
