The Police union representing rank-and-file officers in Oakland, California, is demanding proof of initial payments related to the sale of the former Oakland Athletics baseball team’s home, citing possible cuts to public safety during a time when the city is already struggling to combat crime and facing potential budget crises. The African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) is set to pay $105 million in one payment to the city for its 50% share of the Oakland Coliseum, with an additional $125 million being paid to acquire the venue’s other half ownership from the A’s. Concerns have been raised about the promised initial $15 million payment not being received, leading to potential cuts in police staffing and fire stations due to the lack of revenue from the deal.
City Council members and the police union are demanding verification of payments made for the sale, as reports have indicated that the promised initial payment may not have been received. If the payments are not received, a contingency budget approved by lawmakers would go into effect, leading to cuts in police staffing, temporary closures of fire stations, and pausing of city contracts. The California Highway Patrol has been assisting the city in combating crime, with some officials attributing the minimization of crime rates to their presence in Oakland. Mayor Sheng Thao maintains that the AASEG deal is on track, and no contingencies have been triggered that were not already in place.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, currently facing a recall election in November, reassures that the AASEG deal is proceeding as planned, and no contingencies have been activated outside of those that were previously in place. However, concerns remain about the lack of proof of payments being made by the new owners, with the Oakland Police Officers’ Association and City Council members demanding transparency regarding the sale. AASEG’s Ray Bobbitt has claimed that all required payments have been made; however, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of the deal, and the City Attorney’s Office has declined to comment on the matter, further fueling the apprehension surrounding the sale.
The Oakland Athletics played their final game at the Oakland Coliseum last week before owner John Fisher decided to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas, ending a long-standing dispute between the team and the city. The team had called the stadium home since 1968, marking the end of an era for the team in Oakland. The sale of the Coliseum to AASEG represents a significant financial transaction for the city, with the potential revenue from the deal being earmarked for city workers and operating costs. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the payments has created tension among city officials and the police union, with fears of budget cuts and implications for public safety in Oakland.
In light of the lack of proof of payments for the sale, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on public safety and city operations in Oakland. The contingency budget approved by lawmakers could lead to significant cuts in police staffing, closure of fire stations, and suspension of city contracts if the required payments are not received. The California Highway Patrol has been assisting in combating crime in Oakland, with some attributing the maintenance of crime rates to their presence. With ongoing uncertainty over the status of the payments and differing statements from city officials, transparency regarding the sale and the financial transactions involved is crucial to ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in the management of city assets.
