In 1947 Oakland homicides rose dramatically over the preceding year, from 21 to 25. The population of the city then was approximately 365,000 people, compared with about 400,000 today.

This year homicides are running ahead of 2007 and could reach 150.

Are the days of 1947 long gone? Only in Oakland. Last year, for example, homicides in New York City, adjusted to the population of Oakland, were only 24.

(Oakland historical numbers from Marilynn S. Johnson, The Second Gold Rush, UC Press, 1993)