Updates

AJM Demands That Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Ensure Safety of Residents of Westlake Christian Terrace

July 19, 2024

Mayor Sheng Thao
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza #3
Oakland, CA 94612
officeofthemayor@oaklandca.gov

	Re:	Demands to Ensure the Safety of Residents of Westlake Christian Terrace

Dear Mayor Thao:

	The Asian Justice Movement (AJM) stands with the Westlake Christian Terrace Resident Council to demand that you take immediate steps to ensure safety for the residents of Westlake Christian Terrace. Nearly 30 violent attacks and robberies have occurred within the proximate area of the residences, and 15 of the victims are from Westlake Christian Terrace, including 14 Asian Americans. These crimes have resulted in loss of property and serious injuries.

	Many of the residents of Westlake Christian Terrace live in fear of conducting daily life activities, such as traveling to grocery stores, banks, or senior centers. More than 500 elders reside at the two buildings of Westlake Christian Terrace, which is an affordable housing community where residents live independently. Because the residents live without assistance, basic safety is a must. These basics are a need and a right. Without them, residents may be forced to move to facilities with higher levels of support that their families cannot afford. 

	All citizens of Oakland deserve to live in safety. In particular, crime targeting the most vulnerable in our community is unacceptable. We demand that you explain in detail your plans for ensuring the safety of the residents of Westlake Christian Terrace, which plans should include the following:

1. Your commitment to the permanent placement of police vehicles at the locations where residents are targeted by crime, including 27th and Valdez and 28th and Valdez;

2. Your commitment to coordinate chaperoning service for all residents who wish to travel for necessities such as food and banking; and

3. Your commitment to devote sufficient resources to ensure security at the two buildings of Westlake Christian Terrace. 

	Please respond by no later than noon on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. 

ASIAN JUSTICE MOVEMENT

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN TERRACE RESIDENT COUNCIL

cc: 	Floyd Mitchell, Chief of Police, Oakland Police Department
	Pamela Y. Price, District Attorney, Alameda County
	Cynthia Alvarez, CEO, Christian Church Homes of Northern California 
	Rafael Nicolescu, Director of Property Management