Saint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church and East Oakland Community
Want Partners on the Streets Now to Reduce Homicides

More than 200 OCO leaders filled the gym of Saint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church on Monday, November 12 th , to press city officials to commit money and resources targeting high-risk youth in their community. After Fr. Jesus Hernandez gave the opening prayer, OCO leader Alicia Melero shared her personal tragedy of losing her son. Wearing a t-shirt with a photo of her now deceased son, Ms. Melero spoke of the pain of losing 19 year old Tomas Melero-Smith. A recent high school graduate, he was gunned down in the early evening this past September, just blocks from St. Louis Bertrand. "Over one hundred murders in a city is not normal," Ms. Melero said. "Worrying about the safety of your children in broad daylight is not normal. Drastic measures need to be taken now." Ms. Melero stood in front of the crowd and asked the city to commit more money to violence prevention. The City Council needs to get the Measure Y money out there. Other testimony came from an emotional Eduardo Correa, holding back tears. He talked about his son being shot in front of their house, and how his son is no longer the same little boy he used to be. Now he is afraid to go outside and play with his brother. No family should have to experience this.

With the crowd in tears and angry, they said they were fed up with the high levels of violence in their community, and asked a panel that included Police Chief Wayne Tucker, Strategic Area Command Capt. David Kozicki, Martha Toscano from Senator Don Perata's office, Public Safety Director Lenore Anderson, and City Councilman Larry Reid to commit to the "Oakland Strategy," a violence crime reduction program that would target troubled youth and employ street outreach workers to resolve conflicts, and connect youth with services and jobs. OCO leader Isidro Carrillo said he would like to see the "Oakland Strategy", which is based on Boston's successful violence reduction model, implemented.

The homicide rate has nearly doubled in the East Oakland community over the last two years, with 11 homicides so far in 2007 . Citywide, the homicide rate now stands at 111. OPD Public Information Officer Roland Holmgren thinks the strategy and partnerships are exactly the kind of community policing the city is trying to do more of. "Who has a better finger on the pulse of a community than the people who live there", said Officer Holmgren. Both Chief Tucker and Officer Holmgren agreed that funding would come through for the pilot program, and that the "action stage" would begin before the end of the year.

"We got their attention", OCO leader Isidro Carrillo said about the response from city officials. "They made commitments. That has real meaning for the community."

OCO leaders plan to meet with Ms. Anderson before the year is up to firm up the city's commitment for the project.

Stonehurst Parents Gather for Better Police Patrol at Schools

With over a 100 parents and community leaders in attendance, OCO school leaders (Esperanza Elementary and Korematsu Discovery Academy) from East Oakland held a press conference demanding better security for their children. Last Wednesday (10/10), many of the 600 children leaving school witnessed two young men shooting at each other in the middle of the day, "Something must be done", said Rodriguez. "This community feels it is being ignored by city officials in providing a safe environment for our families"

Parents reported that every other day there has been an assault on someone, with the hot spots being; 105th, 106th, and 107th avenue. "These are the blocks mothers have to walk with their kids to school. The streets are plagued by crime and it escalates after 1:30pm when the children are walking home from school", said who. Parents also voiced concerns about the liquor store located only 100 feet from the schools saying it can be a magnet for continuing crime and drug dealing.

The parents pleaded to Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, who was in attendance, and he promised to ask the city's police department to provide an officer for the area.

The community has planned and action for Monday, November 12th at 7:00PM at St. Louis Bertrand Church to continue the discussion of crime and an increase of policing. For more information please contact the OCO office at 510.639.1444.