In reading the Yahoo! Message Boards, a constant plug for Yahoo! when I type this, I see a constant pattern of targeting some African American businesses: The Golden Bear and The Seranader, both bars, are mentioned.
I've not seen any examples of the kind of crime that has come to plague some downtown Oakland establishments. Rather, some of the people writing on the boards undoubtedly make assumptions about "those people" because they are black, and in the case of the Seranader, have patrons who ride motorcycles.
I hope this pattern of racial targeting stops. Having people with different, yet safe habits has historically given texture and vibe to the Lake Merritt culture. There's no reason to try to force some businesses to close under the guise of safety when the real, underlying reason, is skin color.
I have several friends -- white -- who regularly go to these establishments and have a great time.
There's no reason anyone else who lives in Adams Point can't either.
That written, if a large group of residents of Adams Point has a problem with some of the activity that once-in-a-while happens in front of those establishments, I'll bet you the owners agree as well.
Let's help them stay open.
I've not seen any examples of the kind of crime that has come to plague some downtown Oakland establishments. Rather, some of the people writing on the boards undoubtedly make assumptions about "those people" because they are black, and in the case of the Seranader, have patrons who ride motorcycles.
I hope this pattern of racial targeting stops. Having people with different, yet safe habits has historically given texture and vibe to the Lake Merritt culture. There's no reason to try to force some businesses to close under the guise of safety when the real, underlying reason, is skin color.
I have several friends -- white -- who regularly go to these establishments and have a great time.
There's no reason anyone else who lives in Adams Point can't either.
That written, if a large group of residents of Adams Point has a problem with some of the activity that once-in-a-while happens in front of those establishments, I'll bet you the owners agree as well.
Let's help them stay open.
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