Chief of De-Policed Oakland Goes to Church

After shooters opened fire on people milling around a church service, Oakland police chief Wayne Tucker told a community meeting that he cannot provide police protection, but he will attend the next two masses himself.

The ceremonies, held Monday evening, March 24, 2008 at St. Anthony's Church in Oakland's San Antonio district, were for Jose Luis Buenrostro-Gonzalez, 15, whom police shot March 19 when he pointed a sawed-off rifle at them. During the Monday memorial service, two passing cars fired on the crowd outside, hitting one boy in the foot.

Police determined that Buenrostro-Gonzalez was involved in a gang. The church is located in turf claimed by a rival gang. Their members are suspected of the drive-by attack at the church. The outdoor crowd was "drinking alcoholic beverages and wearing T-shirts advocating the killing of police officers." (San Francisco Chronicle, March 26, 2008)

The priest of St. Anthony's called a community meeting two evenings later, where police chief Wayne Tucker told the residents he could not post an officer at upcoming services, but he would personally attend the next two masses.

Charles Pine, co-founder of Oakland Residents for Peaceful Neighborhoods, said, "I personally know San Antonio district residents who are trying to live a peaceful life, improve the neighborhood, and contribute to its prosperity. The inability of OPD to ensure public safety here proves once again, this City needs to commit to a police force of at least 1,100 officers." The current staffing of OPD at 730 officers leaves Oakland with half a police department compared with Atlanta, Boston, St. Louis and most major cities.