Residents petition Oakland for speed bumps near corner where a beloved teacher was killed

Following the tragic death of educator Marvin Boomer, residents in Clinton petitioned for speed bumps at the dangerous intersection of East 21st Street and 12th Avenue. The petition, supported by over 67% of nearby residents, aims to address reckless driving and enhance safety for children and pedestrians. Josh Rowan, the OakDOT director, indicated that the approval process for speed bumps could take more than a year, while alternatives like diverters might be implemented in a matter of months. Residents shared personal accounts of near-misses and past accidents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Councilmember Charlene Wang emphasized her commitment to advocating for safety measures in her district.

Rowan acknowledged the ongoing issue of speeding in the area, describing the streets as dangerous highways for local families. The community expressed a desire to beautify any future installations with a tribute to Boomer. Local leaders are now focused on finding effective solutions to prevent further tragedies.