Public safety is paramount in any society, and how it’s achieved and sustained must be woven into the very fabric of the community. My plan for Oakland emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and the Mayor’s/Council Member’s Office to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach. By fostering open communication and cooperation among these key entities, we can more effectively address crime, strengthen community policing, and implement preventive measures that safeguard all residents.

While city officials may make symbolic gestures like hosting a town hall to address the community, I believe the real work lies in overcoming the cross-departmental discord that has contributed to our current safety challenges. As the African proverb wisely states, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” We must focus on unity and decisive action to prevent our communities from suffering due to inaction or conflicts between departments.