As Oakland faces a $260 million budget deficit over the next two years, city leaders are asking residents to weigh in on a proposed spending plan that some said underfunds public safety, while others argued it falls short on addressing homelessness.
In the Fruitvale neighborhood, lifelong resident Alba Alvarado has watched encampments grow around her community, particularly RVs parked near a local school. It’s an issue that has persisted for a few years and remains a top concern.
“The children are always my concern. I have neighbors stating that they have to walk around the corner in order to get to the school to avoid the RV encampments,” Alvarado said…