The plan has a number of good ideas but it falls so short of what I believe can work I cannot support it. Please step back for a moment and remember what Lake Merritt Park is: a wildlife preserve and natural setting in the midst of a large city. It was not created as a fairground or flea market space. Using it as such, even during a pandemic will destroy the Park and the Lake. In addition to very serious threats to water quality, which is mandated by the State and Coastal Commission, the scene no longer provides a green quiet place to be outdoors and enjoy nature. I observed many happy families (most of color) enjoying the park on Saturday afternoon- picnicking, hosting children's parties, enjoying the playgrounds. The loud noise and food vending is not consistent with family gatherings or a chance to walk or sit in a quiet peaceful environment. At night, the nightmare of overly loud music, fires, drugs, violence makes the park inhospitable to all but the fearless or criminals. Last night's fire was heartbreaking. Once again, a space for children was sacrificed because Oakland refused to enforce its own ordinances. Why not use the farmer's market space all day Sunday for vendors? Do not permit any kind of food vendors or drug and alcohol vendors to join the market If kept on Embarcadero, and limited to non food non alcohol, maybe a happy consensus could be reached. Why has authority to permit? What are the limitations? Please save the park!!!

I've lived in major metropolitan areas my entire life, both in the US and abroad. What has transpired around the lake the past 2-3 years is a tragic embarrassment. The absolute disregard for common decency, respect for fellow citizens and the environment is truly astounding. But, what have the officials done to help matters...NOTHING! If anything, it's much worse today than it was last summer. Yes, I read the proposed plan put out by the council yesterday BUT they've missed one very big fact - Lakeshore and Grand Ave were NOT developed to host an ongoing flea market and festival venue. It doesn't matter what "regulations" you attempt to enforce - which I question if they can/will be enforced - the neighborhood and the lake was never meant to be utilized in this manner.
There's zero police presence, not even in the adjacent streets, to help curb speeding through stop signs and cars doing donuts in the middle of a residential intersection.
WAKE UP! This isn't about not wanting people to have access to the lake. This is about quality of life and respecting citizens who have lived and raised family in this neighborhood for decades.

I live in 2316 Lakeshore and I support this initiative.
In the last 4 years, the East side of the lake (specifically between El Embarcadero and Hanover), are bombarded with vendors and partiers, and as a result, the area is now experiencing air pollution (from frying cat fish), loud noises, tremendous trash, illegal firework, feces and urine and traffic congestion resulting from illegal parking. There is a lack of park enforcement, and twice the fire trucks cannot get through. We have a crisis at the lake, and it is no longer safe due to the conditions mentioned above.
While the neighbors and I care about equal access to the lake. Without enforcement, it becomes, “anyone can do whatever they want to the lake”. Enforcing rules is to ensure everyone can live in a civil society with respect and consideration for all. Also we understand vendors need to make a living during COVID, but the city needs to think of an appropriate place for the venue.
Thanks, Dora Chow

Lake Merritt is a bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge. Where is the environmental impact report? Isn't that required before you destroy it? There should be no market of any kind at Lake Merritt. Our tax dollars were not spent for that purpose, they were spent to restore it not ruin/trash it. What about the unbearable noise on Lakeshore from motorcycles and cars seemingly without mufflers that goes on all afternoon and night? What will be done to mitigate that? Use jack London square for the flea market. Leave the lake to its original purpose. You know that there is nothing that will stop the excesses except arrests and tickets and toes and you don't want to do that, or you are afraid.
Color has nothing to do with it, this is intolerable behavior by anyone. Move the vendors away.

I support the budget, but we must get more money whenever possible to police the raucous crowd at the lake all weekends as well as additional times. Please, Mayor Schaff, do all you can to back policies that help our dear lake merritt. The lake is being degraded by huge crowds of people who care nothing about the quality of life, or quality of the environment and natural life at the lake.

The issue is congestion, alcohol, unbearable noise into the wee hours especially on the Lakeshore side of our beloved lake. And TRASH, always trash.
Ambassadors, mounted police, more receptacles and cleaning are welcome suggestions. Enforce reasonable rules.
Another important issue is support for our citizens in financial need. Markets, monthly festivals, regulated vending are worth trying. Thanks to the Black Vendors Association for their cooperation!
Oakland’s greatest advantage has been the diversity, friendliness, and creativity of Oaklanders. Let’s harness that power to come to a solution, and, crucially, implement it! The sooner we start the easier it will be.
Come on Oaklanders, let’s have a picnic by the lake and get to know each other better so we can help each other.

As a 10 year Eastlake resident and woman of color attorney, I oppose this proposal. Authorizing $1.5 million in OPD overtime to police the Lake because of traffic and sanitation issues makes no sense during a pandemic when the City is cash strapped and people are economically hurting. These are functions best left to municipal workers, Public Works, Parks and Rec and Park Ambassadors. It is particular upsetting this is being discussed on the day the Derick Chauvin trial opens in Minneapolis, MN. Have we learned nothing from last years demonstrations against police brutality? I am tired of seeing OPD harass working class BIPOC communities that visit the Lake like any Oakland resident should be able to do without fear of detention, arrest, or criminalization. It has to stop!

Good morning,

I took a walk around the lake today. I haven’t been walking the lake for several months because it’s too upsetting to see the amount of trash and damage to the Crown Jewel of Oakland because of the “flea market” that it has become.

I don’t support vending at Lake Merritt. This is the Crown Jewel of Oakland. It’s a bird sanctuary. It’s a place to gather in small groups to enjoy the outdoors. It’s not a place for vending every single weekend from early in the morning until late at night. One of the things I like most about the Farmers Market are the very limited hours.

The vendors permitted or not should be completely removed from Lakeshore and Grand Avenue. No vending at Lake Merritt. No exceptions. Move them to a different location where there is more open space, and no residents to be impacted.

What is happening around our beautiful lake is cruel to the animals that call it home. While walking around the lake this morning and seeing all the trash that is left strewn all over the street and grass and overflowing the garbage cans it makes me very, very sad, that we have allowed this to happen to the Crown Jewel of our city. This flea market atmosphere has taken away the joy and pleasure of the lake from everyone.

Please enforce the laws that we have in our town.

Thank you

I've lived by the Lake for 33 years. It has deteriorated. Loud amplified music. Vendors selling alcoholic drinks. Drug products. Leaving feces and urine and trash. Traffic nightmare. The City of Oakland is negligent in terms of enforcing the laws. Please do something.

We all agree.Something MUST done to restore Lake Merritt for all Oaklanders to enjoy as a park and a residential area with thousands of people living on the perimeter of the lake or nearby streets. The current proposal does not go far enough, does not have enough power to effectively calm the mayhem in Lake Park . I see some value in supporting it so that funds can be allocated to help those residents who are suffering greatly, unable to work or sleep,and the vistors unable to enjoy recreation, relaxation and appreciation of nature that the park was designed for. Of great concern is that politicians seem to want to support pop up vendors, food trucks and DJs rather than the people who actually live in their districts. The “Pilot Program” is not sustainable or containable. I oppose commercialization of the lake grounds. I support the Bas proposal IF it covers Grand,Bellevue,Boathouse and yes Lakeshore. I urge the City to establish another location for a lively, weekly, outdoor market with music, food and drink, merchandise and entertainment.Clearly there is a need for it and it will be popular. The City should use the tools (funding,permits,promotion through news and social mediato build up an ALTERNATE opportunity) With the exception of limited “festivals” the park should be returned to park-like activity without vending, amplified music or “cruising” cars & motor cycles so citizens who reside and those who visit can much needed place of restorative peace and well being.

I just have to say, I am shocked and alarmed that Oakland city officials have allowed the activities at Lake Merritt and the surrounding park to degenerate into the chaos that makes life completely unbearable every day of the week for local residents. What does equitable use of the lake mean? That we lower the health and safety and quality of life around here to the lowest common denominator? Or that we elevate people by sharing a beautiful, quiet place with everyone in Oakland. What draws people to Lake Merritt now? Not the beauty of this 'gem' in the middle of a city. Not the sanctity of the oldest bird sanctuary in the country. Not the lovely expansive grassy areas for family picnics. Or the opportunity to throw bread crumbs to the ducks and geese. What draws people to Lake Merritt now, is the fact that there is no police enforcement of any illegal activity. You can come from anywhere and sell drugs and alcohol or whatever you want on the grass that was intended for family picnics. You can party loudly all night long and amplify your music so residents can't sleep. You can do whatever you want here, so why go someplace where there are laws that are enforced? This has nothing to do with 'equitable use.' It has to do with lack of will to protect your own citizens. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

I strongly support the recommendations put forth by Council-member Bas and urge unanimous support from the council. As a working class black homeowner on Lakeshore with a 2-month old newborn, this situation has reached its breaking point. The illegal vending, sideshows, drag racing, parking, selling of alcohol, cannabis, and drugs (LSD & Mushrooms) etc, has created and environment that is truly safe for resident on Lakeshore and Grand Ave. I can no longer keep my newborn in her room due to noise that rattles her window preventing from sleeping. We cant get out of home on weekends because cars and motorcycles park in our driveway and or are double/triple parked in front of it. It also is actively preventing emergency services from access Lakeshore which is a major public safety risk. This plan helps prioritize safety for residents and those who want to enjoy the lake responsibly. This is not simply an issue of "rich white people complaining about being around people of color". Many working class people of color live here and these conditions are actively displacing, marginalizing and disenfranchising us as it has truly become unlivable to be here. This need to be a priority for the Mayor and the council and be including in long term planning

I have lived at Lake Merritt for 21 years. Over the years, I have seen conditions gradually improve until about a year ago when there was a dramatic decline in lake enjoyment. What I experience now is a disgusting abundance of trash on any day of the week, very loud noise (music, loud voices) both in the late hours of the night and during the day, cars & motorcycles driving by making so much noise that it is very difficult to have a conversation inside my home. When I walk for exercise or to patronize local businesses, I use extreme caution knowing that armed robberies & assaults occur on a daily basis.

The lake (park) does not have the infrastructure to support numerous vendors; a "carnival" atmosphere is not the intent of the lake & its park. The traffic, the noise, & the crowds create situations that are not conducive to a wildlife preserve and a place for individuals to enjoy outdoor space. Many of us who live near the lake stay away from the lake especially on weekends when the vendors are there.

The noise, the trash, the crime are all happening because there are no negative consequences to the people involved - they know that they can get away with it so they continue. It is time for Oakland leadership to take action -NOW- to resolve these issues for the benefit of all of Oakland.

I urge the City Council to support the proposed budget allocation put forth by Councilperson Bas. We must have immediate support to reset the tone of the lake AND long term funding to ensure Lake Merritt is safe and accessible to all Oakland residents.

Mayor, you must also include a budget plan to support the Lake Merritt area. The status quo has resulted in a dangerous and unhealthy public situation for residents and visitors.

I strongly support the recommendations put forth by the Lake Merritt Working Group in order to provide a safer and more equitable use of the Lake. Conditions have deteriorated greatly during the last year and appear to be getting worse. Councilmember Bas and the working group have come up with fair plan for vendors and for those who live around the lake.

I’m urging City Council to vote unanimously to support the budget allocation recommended for interventions at Lake Merritt to support safe and equitable use of the lake during the pandemic and beyond. The lack of immediate, well-funded, and sustained interventions at Lake Merritt is harming the safety and health of residents of color and making it almost impossible to stay in our homes.

Full comment here: https://bit.ly/3u2PD0F

Additional comment submitted for last week's LEC meeting here: https://bit.ly/393SvTd

I have been an Oakland resident for over 30 years. I have lived on the Perkins side of Lake Merritt for the last 10. The City has already conceded that the conditions at the Lake--all around the Lake--are dangerous, unhealthy and present a public health and safety crisis that must be fixed, starting NOW. The budget allocation proposal by CM Bas to address some immediate threats should be passed by the City Council today. It is clearly not enough, but it is a start.

The fire at the Junior Center last night is tragic, and yet symbolic. Our park infrastructure and environment is being burned down and safe spaces for our youth is no longer a priority. Somehow the commercial desires of few have taken center stage over the park needs of many. Vending should be moved away from the Lake to more suitable venues. Madam Mayor, be prepared to sharpen your budget pencil and include fulsome funding in the next budget cycle to enforce existing public safety laws and restore this lake as an equitable PARK where Oakland families can return to picnic, learn about nature and recreate.

My name is Vivian Romero and I’ve lived in Adams Point for 30 years.

I’m encouraged to know that Nikki Fortunato Bas not only seems to be aware of the problems threatening our Lake Merritt watershed and the oldest wildlife sanctuary in the country, but she is seeking action. I support Ms Bas actions and hope that city leaders will too.

Let Ms Bas actions inspire city leaders to abandon their helplessness and be driven to serve and protect our community and its wildlife.

Thank you,
Vivian

Let me start by saying I am a woman of color that has been living on the lake for close to 10 years. I have seen the racial effects of BBQ Becky BUT what is happening at the lake now is not an issue of racism! What it is, is an infringement of BASIC rights for ALL Citizens of the Bay Area. Infringement of rules and regulations that have been set in place WAY before BBQ Becky and even before COVID for a reason and needs to be upheld!
1. Illegal Vending-I think its time to do away with this "pilot" program. Have ALL vendors abide by the same standards all other vendors including the farmers market have to abide by: Business License, Sellers Permit, Health Certifications etc. There is a concern for people getting sick from unsafe food, unsafe handing (as most vendors are not wearing masks or gloves), even allergic reactions from ingredients not listed. How are citizens supposed to track these vendors in the event of an emergency or issue? Vendors also need to pay taxes and vending fees that goes towards the upkeep of the garbage, the grass, the bathrooms etc at the lake. Create a "Lake Market"Sundays by the library at set time and enforce it.
2. Traffic Enforcement-It wasn't a great idea to close the lake in one direction on weekends. It sent tons of cars speeding up side streets, some of which were deemed "slow streets". Illegally parked cars in red zones bus stops and sadly several residents driveways. Add timed parking meters lake side and add traffic enforcement ALL WEEKEND!

Since BBQ Becky, the growth rate at which Lake Merritt residents have been failed by local leadership has been catastrophic and I believe that we have yet to experience the worst of it. BBQ Becky was in May 2018 and 35 months later --while multiple, intersectional pandemics are being battled -- local leadership has mistaken their do-nothing approach for performative equity + inclusion. Your imbalanced approach to basic law enforcement and regulation, especially over these past 12 months, have only further harmed Oakland residents wellness and exacerbated underlying racial and socioeconomic tensions throughout the city.

It has been common practice to host open markets in areas where residential neighborhoods are least impacted -- Lake Merritt should be no exception. This repeated reference to supporting local Black + Brown vendors is hollow as it is misrepresentative of the vendors currently consuming the majority of the green space around the lake -- they are not local or licensed business operators. There is also a repeated reference to ensuring access and enjoyment at the lake for/by all, yet now barriers to access and joy have literally been raised (read: tents covering 80% of green space and vehicles blocking traffic) -- only individuals lacking civility and judgment, who HAPPEN to be Black + Brown, can "access and enjoy".

Stop the performative allyship to Black + Brown communities, it is deadly and has never been welcomed by Oakland.