Inviting more people to the Grand Lake area needs to be done only with improvements to protect Lakeside Park and the water quality of Lake Merritt. Specifically, curb inlet filters on all storm drains in the area; elimination of illegal activities in the park, enforced by a park ranger like we used to have; a rose garden across from Ahn's Burgers to prevent another homeless camp there; permits for pop up vendors require them to leave the area as clean or cleaner than when they came (with a revocable bond to enforce it); a fence around the boating center to prevent burglary, vandalism, arson etc.; a security station between the lawn bowling area and bandstand beach; 24/7 cameras on park and nearby light poles; license plate reading cameras in the park; etc. Then maybe they won't continue stealing the utility light poles!
Oakland needs a new set of politicians, but after the Herculean effort to recall the mayor, the city seems to be intent on giving Barbara Lee the job. Lee was Ron Dellums' protege and most people can remember how that worked out. One and done. I have to think that city employees' threat to quit their jobs if they have to actually work in the office is a negotiating tool. Most of them could be easily replaced.
Stop the social engineering with traffic calming and other nonsense that makes getting around the city more difficult. Such programs turn away potential customers for businesses.
Inviting more people to the Grand Lake area needs to be done only with improvements to protect Lakeside Park and the water quality of Lake Merritt. Specifically, curb inlet filters on all storm drains in the area; elimination of illegal activities in the park, enforced by a park ranger like we used to have; a rose garden across from Ahn's Burgers to prevent another homeless camp there; permits for pop up vendors require them to leave the area as clean or cleaner than when they came (with a revocable bond to enforce it); a fence around the boating center to prevent burglary, vandalism, arson etc.; a security station between the lawn bowling area and bandstand beach; 24/7 cameras on park and nearby light poles; license plate reading cameras in the park; etc. Then maybe they won't continue stealing the utility light poles!
Require city employees to be in the office 5 days a week. Don’t sugar coat it.
Oakland needs a new set of politicians, but after the Herculean effort to recall the mayor, the city seems to be intent on giving Barbara Lee the job. Lee was Ron Dellums' protege and most people can remember how that worked out. One and done. I have to think that city employees' threat to quit their jobs if they have to actually work in the office is a negotiating tool. Most of them could be easily replaced.
Until Oakland leadership takes the laws and public safety seriously, we'll never improve the quality of life (and the tax revenues).
Stop the social engineering with traffic calming and other nonsense that makes getting around the city more difficult. Such programs turn away potential customers for businesses.