Important Message from the City of Oakland about Planned Protests on August 8

*Alert re: Protests in Downtown Oakland on August 8*

Dear Oakland Community,

The City of Oakland is aware of planned demonstrations and protests in downtown Oakland on Saturday, August 8, including a protest at 7:30 pm at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.

We are providing this update to keep you informed so that you may plan accordingly. Please share this information with your employees, neighbors and tenants.

Over the past month we have continued to facilitate peaceful protests and expressions of outrage about social injustice and racial inequality. The Oakland Police Department has increased staffing to provide safe space for the demonstrations to occur and will facilitate free speech while maintaining public safety.

We celebrate passionate protest, but remind Oaklanders that when they attend protests after dark they may be providing cover for agitators who are more intent on vandalism and stoking civil unrest than advancing social justice.

OPD uses a free, web-based application called NIXLE to provide timely updates to our community about traffic disruptions or suggested alternate transportation routes. If you have not yet signed up for NIXLE, we encourage you to do so. Text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in, or visit www.nixle.com.

Sincerely,

Ed Reiskin
City Administrator