{"id":349126,"date":"2026-06-06T05:18:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/349126\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T05:18:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:18:08","slug":"oakland-police-and-mayor-vow-crackdown-on-post-first-friday-crime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/349126\/","title":{"rendered":"Oakland police and mayor vow crackdown on post-First Friday crime"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Law \"Law <\/p>\n

OAKLAND, Calif. – All eyes are on Oakland<\/a> police and city officials this weekend after they unveiled a beefed-up security plan to avoid a repeat of the violence that broke out after previous First Friday events<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The free event on the first Friday of each month<\/a> has drawn thousands to downtown and has been deemed largely a success over its 20-year history. However, in recent months, shootings and a serious car crash after the event have led some sponsors to pull out.<\/p>\n

“I think they should shut it down. Or regulate it better,” a man who wished only to be identified as C said on Friday near 19th Street and Telegraph Avenue, hours before the event.<\/p>\n

“What happens afterwards is connected to First Friday. It’s the same. It’s a reaction. It’s an effect, direct effect,” C said.<\/p>\n

Previous events marred by violence afterward <\/p>\n

The backstory:<\/p>\n

In May, seven pedestrians were hurt when a car drove up onto the sidewalk near the Fox Theater<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In March, two people were shot and killed at a bar<\/a> near 14th and Franklin streets.<\/p>\n

In both cases, the violence broke out after First Friday had ended.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Right now, it seems like the city is scrambling, but doing what they need to do in conversation with us as well, to try to get it together,” said Sequoya Lee, who co-owns Night Heron<\/a> cocktail bar.<\/p>\n

On First Fridays, the bar closes at midnight, an hour early, because of past problems. But she says the event itself is safe.<\/p>\n

“First Friday is not the issue,” Lee said. “It happens to be a date of the month that people want to congregate and are taking advantage, I think, of a moment in time, post-pandemic, where there has not been enough enforcement.<\/p>\n

Beefed-up security plan <\/p>\n

Big picture view:<\/p>\n

On Thursday, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and other city officials reiterated safety upgrades first announced in March, integrating law enforcement, violence prevention, public works and traffic management.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Since day one, we’ve worked very hard bringing departments together, breaking down silos and determined to send a clear message\u2026that violence is not an option,” Lee said.<\/p>\n

The safety plan will be in effect on Friday and Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Interim Police Chief James Beere said no issue will be too small, from drunk driving to bad parking to illegal drug and food sales.<\/p>\n

“We’re going to target the vendors that are selling alcohol and drugs to our youth. You’re going to go to jail. We’re going to seize your products and we’re going to take your equipment,” Beere said.<\/p>\n

Three law enforcement agencies to patrol area <\/p>\n

What they’re saying:<\/p>\n

Oakland police \u2014 including Beere himself \u2014 will focus their efforts along Telegraph Avenue, while Broadway will be saturated by Alameda County sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers.<\/p>\n

“If anyone engages in violence, you will go to jail. So, that being said,” the chief, pivoting with a smile, “I do want everybody to enjoy Friday and Saturday morning.” The comment drew laughs. The chief added, “I will see you out there.”<\/p>\n

Henry Lee is a KTVU crime reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on X @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com\/henrykleefan<\/p>\n

The Source: KTVU reporting, Oakland police and city officials<\/p>\n

News<\/a>Crime and Public Safety<\/a>Oakland<\/a>