Oakland Slow With Help For Broadway Auto Row Dealerships Damaged During Violent May Day Protests
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- It's been over a week since the violent May Day protests in Oakland and Broadway's Auto Row is still in a sorry state.
Dozens of new cars sit damaged on dealership's lots, spray painted with graffiti, windows shattered in testament to the violence and vandalism that night.
Plywood still covers the windows smashed by demonstrators.
Some angry business owners blame the city for not doing enough to prevent the vandalism. Recall the sign outside one dealership that read, "OPD, you failed your city again."
"If they keep getting their windows smashed in, and have to pay more for insurance, they are going to leave. And they're going to take those jobs with them," worries resident Pete Coletto, observing the damage.
Mayor Libby Schaaf said money is short but her office is working to get the businesses repaired as quickly as possible.
That would include putting off permit fees and finding grant money to help shops fix their windows.
