The GoFundMe appeal to our neighbors for money to put up barriers to dissuade campers from parking their RVs in front of our homes and parks is attracting the right kind of attention. The effort was featured on two segments of NBC news on August 7th, 2025.
We were interviewed ont he 7 o’clock news:
Interview on 7 o’clock news
Earlier on the 5 o’clock news Reporter Valena Jones came down to the neighborhood and checked out the RV situation:
Segment on 5 o’clock news
When the reporter, cameraperson and security person arrived at the South Prescott Park at 3rd and Center Street, I could see the expressions on their faces fall in real-time. They appeared to be shocked and trying to make sense of the situation where people camping in the park had made it largely unusable. “So, you can’t really go in the park, then?” Valena Jones asked me. “Well, are kids can’t really play there.”
I don’t think the folks at City Hall are really aware of how much the situation with illegal dumping, encampments and RV camping on the street is lowering the quality of life here in West Oakland. This kind of news coverage is really helpful to educating the people who can help us about the challenges of the housed and unhoused people in the neighborhood.
This earned media was the result of a group effort. Jules started the GoFundMe and Shu pei did a lot of the coordination. I’m excited to make things happen by working together. One major lesson of this effort is that I did not have at hand answers to a number of questions: Who have you talked to at City Hall? How about the DOT? Although I know many of you individually have talked to parking enforcement or the Department of Transportation or Councilmember Fife’s office, we don’t know when, how many times or what was communicated. If we are going to successfully advocate for the neighborhood and the District, we need know these facts.
How hard have we pushed the city for solutions or resources? When did we do it and what did we ask for? We need neighbors to step into some lead roles of being the contact with the Department of Transportation or the Contact with the Parks Department. We need to keep records of our communications and their responses. This is a great part-time volunteer opportunity for you. Step up and make things happen.
This kind of thing is a lot easier than it sounds. You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or getting off on the wrong foot. We’ll put together talking points and fact sheets, so you have your story straight. As long as you stick to the script(for the most part) your going to be effective. Choose yourself! I look forward to working with you.
