Dear Dimond Neighbors,
We are writing to you as members of Dimond's merchant community in need of your support. Since opening Tango Gelato last year, we're disappointed to let you know that we recently saw our first instance of petty theft. And increasingly we're starting to get harassed from groups of youths. But thanks to Monday night's Neighborhood Crime Prevention Committee meeting we're hopeful that things can change.
We believe the main problem stems from the departure of our outstanding Walking Patrol Officer Frank Morrow. To everyone Officer Morrow was just "Frank." He knew all the shopkeepers on Fruitvale and MacArthur on a first name basis and we had his cell phone number in case anything happened. He was committed to our neighborhood and in his presence, kids knew they couldn't create trouble and get away with it; and people treated our streets and each other with a little more respect.
Now that he is gone and the Dimond District no longer has its own walking patrol officer, we've had some problems that we didn't have before. A couple of months ago, a group of about 5 or 6 kids entered our store, started arguing with our staff and then made off with a couple of dollars from our tip jar. This was while there were customers in our store. On other occasions, the same or a different group of kids walk by our shop and knock down our outdoor chairs or bang on our windows. Now these incidents are hardly worth mentioning in and of themselves. But if this kind of behavior is allowed to continue, we fear what might come next.
So we'd like to ask you to email our city officials, let them know you're concerned. Tell them that you'd like either Frank to return or someone of his caliber, who can demonstrate the same dedication to our neighborhood and ability to gain respect from all members of the community. These are the people who should receive your email. Or you can call them directly, but as I learned at the meeting, email is more effective since it serves as documentation.
Police Chief Richard Word
rword@oaklandnet.com
238.3365Commander Lt. John Denson
jdenson@oaklandnet.com
238.3209Captain Jeffrey Israel
jisrael@oaklandnet.com
238.3552You can also sign a petition that Dimond Merchants' Association President Shari has thoughtfully created, requesting that a walking patrol officer be assigned to our neighborhood. We will keep a copy of that petition at our shop and encourage other merchants to do so as well.
Together, we can make the Dimond safe again, so families can enjoy the streets at any time of the day and businesses will want to invest in our neighborhood.
Thank you for your support.
Best,
Joaquin Pochat and Schauleh Sahba