OAKLAND (KCBS RADIO) – While recent shootings in the city of Oakland have residents on edge, things were even worse last summer.
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This time last year, the number of homicides in the city were 24% higher.
According to Mayor Libby Schaaf, a factor that may be contributing to the drop in killings could be the return of city-sponsored events.
Events like Oakland's Summer Town Nights can draw big crowds. "There have been DJs, spinning – when I walk in they tend to play 'Blow the Whistle,' by Too Short," said Schaaf.
"To recognize that I had him play it at my inauguration," she said.
Summer Town Nights were introduced by the city's Department of Violence Prevention this year, with events throughout June and July, offering free food, games, sports and entertainment, according to the city's website.
Events like this one and others throughout the city are helpful in curbing violence, according to Schaaf. "These are positive, family-friendly events at nine different locations throughout the city in every community that has been most impacted by crime and violence," she said.
But even with the improvement this year, current numbers are still too high, said Schaaf. "Even with a 24% reduction in shootings and homicides combined, that still has left us with far too much harm and death," she said.
But as summer reaches full swing and more events are held throughout the city, she’s hopeful that the downward trend will continue.
"These kinds of positive, peaceful activities, that is also helping drive peace in the city of Oakland," she said.
This message comes just after three people were shot outside the Fox Theater earlier this week, with one person dying and two others injured.
That shooting marked the 65th homicide so far this year in Oakland, when last year there were 72.
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