Changes at 35th and MacArthur

by Bobbie Bond

Last school year, as one student put it, high-school students felt that the corner of 35th and MacArthur was "their playground." They disrupted traffic, terrorized pedestrians and customers at the businesses in the area, and, on one occasion, there was a shooting at the corner. Taco Bell had to close from three to five every day because the students threatened the customers and had fights in their parking lot. For several years there had been a problem at this intersection because of too many students, up to 1500 students from various schools, being dropped at that corner by the buses.

The area merchants, residents, parents, and NCPC members demanded change. An ad hoc group went to Dick Spees and asked that the Public Safety Committee be made aware of the problem. A Task Force was then established consisting of Oakland Police Lieutenant Jordan, head of Oakland Schools Police, and representatives from AC Transit, the Sheriff's Department, Skyline High School Administration, Laurel Merchants Association, and the NCPC, and parents of students. This Task Force met at Oakland School Superintendent Dennis Chaconas' Office, and he often participated.

As a result of the problem being brought to the Public Safety Committee, after many Task Force meetings, action was taken as follows: There will soon be cameras on the corner of 35th and MacArthur to monitor student behavior. Dick Spees said that he would pay for the cameras with PAYGO money. There will be continuing police presence for the school year at the intersection by both Oakland Police and Alameda Sheriffs. AC Transit will change some of their bus routes so there will not be such a great congregation of students at this corner. A letter went out to the parents of students who ride the buses stating that where there are incidents of vandalism on buses, AC Transit intends to pursue restitution from individuals. This letter also informed the parents that the Oakland Police Department will take appropriate action if there is violence on the buses. The letter also stated that the School District will monitor incidents that occur on buses while students are traveling to and from school, and appropriate disciplinary action by school will be taken as needed.

The Task Force will continue to meet once a month to monitor the situation.