CCA News
Mehserle Trial Verdict Warrants Extra Caution in Oakland
Posted on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, by Jim Norrena
With the pending verdict in the Johannes Mehserle trial, which involved a fatal shooting at an East Bay BART station, many Oakland neighborhoods are concerned about violence and vandalism erupting.
While CCA's Oakland campus is outside the center of the area wherein riots occurred at the time of the shooting, we are nonetheless taking precautionary measures to safeguard our community. We have added Public Safety officers to enhance the scope of our normal patrols and to serve as escorts to students, staff, and faculty for short distances off campus. The extra officers are on duty 24/7 until the situation subsides and tensions have eased in the wake of the verdict.
It is unknown to what degree the neighborhood around the Oakland campus will be affected following the verdict. Please review the following recommendations:
- Park as close as possible to campus and watch your surroundings going to and from your vehicle
- Travel in groups of at least two persons whenever possible
- Avoid any unnecessary trips off campus following the verdict announcement
- Avoid downtown Oakland
- Store CCA's Public Safety 24-hr. cell number in your cell phone: 510.385.1821. (If you're asked to leave a message due call volume, leave your phone number, full name, exact location, and the reason for your call.)
- Stay informed about the situation: ABC Channel 7 news
CCA will assist in all possible ways to safeguard those who frequent our campus. Please use the college's Public Safety services, be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and be vigilant for the well-being of your fellow CCA community members.
Please use good judgment and take this situation seriously—it’s in everyone’s best interest to watch out for each other's safety.
Deborah Feldmann, Chief Facilities Officer
California College of the Arts
Oakland & San Francisco
510.594.3606