#2,122 - Oakland Kaiser Permanente tells employees not to leave the building for lunch - too dangerous

Amidst rising crime concerns in Oakland, Kaiser Permanente, a major employer in the area, has issued a stark warning to its employees: stay indoors during lunch hours for safety. This advisory reflects a growing public safety crisis in the city. Employees at Kaiser's Oakland facilities, including the medical center on Broadway, have been advised to bring their own lunches or use delivery services, avoiding exposure to the escalating street crime. The situation has reached a point where personal security measures like car kill switches and escorted walks to cars have become necessary. Other large corporations in Oakland, such as Clorox and Blue Shield, have also resorted to providing private security for their employees. The impact of these measures is notably visible in the quietness of downtown Oakland, particularly during lunch hours, signifying a decline in public safety and a challenge to local businesses. Kaiser's stance, while controversial to some, underscores a broader issue of urban safety and the need for effective crime reduction strategies.