Is the city of Oakland rejecting all forms of law enforcement? Just days after the mayor of the city forewarned the citizens of a looming ICE raid (and left 840 felonious illegal immigrants on the streets), it seems some of her citizens are taking her lead.
A barista at an employee-owned coffee shop in Oakland, Calif. ignited a controversy a few weeks ago when they asked a police officer to leave the shop because of a new policy that prohibits employees from serving police officers in uniform.
As NBC Bay Area reports, a lengthy instagram post written in Spanish titled “Talk to your neighbors, not the police” explains the coffee shop’s policy and provides some context for the employees’ decision to turn away a uniformed police officer on Feb. 16. The post very clearly states: “We have a policy of asking police to leave for the physical and emotional safety of our customers and ourselves.”
KTVU reported that the officer – who was not named by the media – said he traveled to the coffee shop to pick up a cup of coffee and to introduce himself.
In an effort to extend an olive branch to the community and assuage customers’ fears relating to the police, the Oakland Police Officers Association sent the shop a letter asking to open a dialogue about its policy.
The sergeant who was turned away said he was surprised by the request, but left without incident – and without any coffee (KTVU joked that police officers are now “personae non java” at Hasta Muerte). The officer told NBChe’s looking forward to speaking with the employee-owners to build a better relationship with them.
Unsurprisingly, many area residents – including Latinos and people of color – said they felt the policy didn’t make sense.
“I don’t know what they got against them,” said Roberto Lopez.
Another resident, who wished only to be identified as “T,” agreed, saying, “I think it’s cold blooded. I don’t understand that.”
A third woman said the policy is silly: “If somebody is breaking in [to the coffee shop], who are they gonna call?”
The cafe hasn’t responded to the police union’s letter sent two weeks ago requesting an explanation. Cafe managers declined to comment to KTVU.
But Oakland City Council member Noel Gallo, who represents the Fruitvale District, said she spoke to the cafe managers on Thursday and confirmed that it’s still the shop’s unwritten policy not to serve men and women in uniform.
“My understanding is they’re not going to serve police officers,” Gallo said.
“I don’t agree with that, 100 percent,” Gallo added. “I think we need to work together, not against each other.”
The cafe opened several months ago at the corner of East 27th Street and Fruitvale Avenue.
As KTVU points out, the shop is a “worker-owned collective” with an anti-establishment bent that seeks to combat the militarization of police.
Still, one area resident said she supports the ban.
“I think that if a group of people don’t feel safe with a police officer currently on duty, coming into a space, they want people in this neighborhood to be able to feel safe, coming into their space. Then that is a choice they should be able to make,” said Tenaya Gunter Brown.
For now, police patrolling the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland will need to get their coffee fix at the Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Shop up the street.
One wonders if, after the courts ruled against two Orgeon bakers who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple (due to their religious beliefs), can the cops file suit against the Oakland coffee shop for refusing to serve them (due to the barista’s feelings being hurt)? (of course, as we were reminded, those who ‘protect and serve’ are not a ‘protected’ class).
On principle, they do have the right to refuse service to any one they want, for what ever reason they want to. Period. However, the flip side is we have every right NOT to patronize their store and encourage others to do the same. That way their is a one to one relationship between their actions and their consequences. BTW, I do hope the coffee shop does get sued, and sued often
“BTW, I do hope the coffee shop does get sued, and sued often”
Why?
Do you not mind the cops killing Americans daily “out of fear” their lives are in danger, and only getting reprimanded to be put back on the streets to be “afraid” which justifies killing us?
The shop owners logic is straight in line with the cops. “I feared for my life therefor I shot and killed this unarmed American.”
The shop owner wants their customers to feel comfortable, not to be afraid, if you will.
“In an effort to extend an olive branch to the community and assuage customers’ fears relating to the police,”…..
The communities fears of the cops are justified. 987 deaths by police in 2017 and it appears 2018 is on track for a similar # of deaths with 195 already.
Perfect….
.
“On principle, they do have the right to refuse service to any one they want, for what ever reason they want to.”
Even for custom cakes?
Yes even for custom cakes. Now, time to pass a slice of humble pie to me. I’ve reconsidered the position calling for that store to be sued. I was wrong.
As for dealing with the police, there several You Tube videos regarding how a citizen ought to interact with them. When dealing with them, politely and respectfully inform them you will NOT talk to them or answer any questions unless directed by your attorney. EVERYTHING you say to them can be used against you. Never talk to the police. Also make it clear that you do NOT consent to any searches of your person and property. Always ask, and make them answer the direct question: Am I being detained?
To all you cops/LEOs out there, the public does not care if you are one of the “good cops”. Just as it takes just one “aww shit” to negate a thousand “atta boys” ; it takes just one You Tube video showing a bad cop to negate a thousand good cops. Just one. Especially when that cop is outfitted as a soldier ready for combat. I view ALL cops and security guards as psycho family dog killers. If it is ok to kill a family’s dog, then that same cop will with zero remorse shot a citizen and for the same reason.
Good man, you’ve got my respect.
I will say attorneys are to be non existent in our republic. Members of the BAR, NOT here.
Good call.
You may want to rethink the ‘citizen’ thing, however.
Good, F*** ALL cops
Exactly. The more people that learn that cops are NOT your friend – and really more the enemy – the better
Eff ‘The Revenuers’…PolicyMen
.
I would not want to work there unless you can carry because we all know the lawmen will not be there if a rober show up
….or if a BRICK is thrown through their store window.
https://s9.postimg.org/g2lj8b4of/m_badges.jpg
nice protractors…yeah, protractors
I got no problem with this
Maybe this store will have a more relaxed atmosphere
Besides your protection is your responsibility
Not some pig in a costume
If some thug were to come in there to rob the place or shoot it up
The pig would probably run outside and wait by the door until it’s over anyways
Our job is to deal with the assholes in society
Including the assholes in uniforms
WILL THEY MARCH IN TRUMPS PARADE?????????????