Oakland, CA – Prominent Oakland activist and former mayoral candidate Seneca Scott recently posted a critical message on social media, asserting that the city is now facing consequences for not heeding past warnings. In a tweet, Scott stated, > "We warned y’all about these people. But Oakland ain’t listen." The post reflects his long-standing criticism of the city's leadership and progressive policies, particularly concerning public safety and urban management.
Scott, known for his leadership of Neighbors Together Oakland, has been a vocal opponent of what he terms the "woke left" and "phony progressives" in Oakland's political landscape. He has consistently argued that certain city policies, including those related to police funding and homelessness, have contributed to a decline in public order and safety. His activism includes a significant role in the successful campaign to recall former Mayor Sheng Thao.
The recall effort against Mayor Thao, which officially qualified for the ballot in May 2024, was largely fueled by widespread public frustration over rising crime rates and the city's handling of homelessness. Critics, including Scott, contended that Thao's administration failed to adequately address these pressing issues. Scott, who previously identified as a "leftie," has publicly stated that his views shifted after realizing "how deep the damage was" from policies he once supported.
Oakland's crime statistics for 2023 presented a mixed picture, with a 17% reduction in homicides and an 8% decrease in overall violent crime compared to 2022. However, property crime surged by 21% in the same period, driven by significant increases in burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. The first quarter of 2024, however, showed a more positive trend, with overall crime dropping by 33%, including decreases in both violent and property offenses.
Scott's tweet underscores his belief that the city's past policy decisions have led to current difficulties, particularly the surge in property crime that concerned many residents. He has consistently advocated for increased police resources and a more stringent approach to public safety and encampment management, contrasting with the policies he attributes to the "people" Oakland allegedly failed to heed warnings about.