Disgusting

and amazing that the city will do nothing

Where are the owners of these run down houses. What does the city council members do all day? Oakland has not changed in many years. You can't build a stadium and let the rest of the city look like the city dump or if Oakland has it's way it will happen. Disgusting.

the owner of the vacant house on the corner is a Bank - the home was foreclosed on, I believe after the homeowners who had done a lot of work just gave up on getting any help from the city on policing the Plaza

Wow, that is so wrong. Bombard the mayor with letters, letters, and letters.

The City of Oakland Public Works Department has referred this issue to OPD - CALL NON-EMERGENCY, (510) 777-3333. Please contact that department to follow-up (see "Other Helpful Links" at http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm#Links).

Here are some important City of Oakland contact points:
* Abandoned Autos: 510-777-8622 (abandoned vehicles on public street after 3 days)
* Animal Control: 510-535-5602 (live animals) or 510-535-4888 (dead animals)
* Code Enforcement: 510-238-3381 (blighted private properties, deteriorated buildings, inoperable vehicles on private property)
* Drug Hotline: 510-238-3784 (tips) or 510-777-3211 (in progress)
* Parking Citations: 800-500-6484 (parking citation assistance center, pay or appeal a citation) or 510-238-3099 (enforcement)
* Prostitution Hotline: 510-238-2373 (tips) or 510-777-3211 (in progress)

Thank you.

Thanks. We can only hope that something gets done.