Blue Shield of California, The Clorox Company, Kaiser Permanente, and PG&E have pledged to work closely with local police and city officials to establish an Uptown/Downtown Safe Zone.

The partnership aims to complement recent initiatives taken by local law enforcement, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta to address the serious crime issues prevalent in the city. The specific details of the program have not been disclosed, but the companies assure that it will be a meaningful and proactive approach to create a safer environment for employees and residents.

CEO of PG&E Corporation, Patti Poppe, expressed the urgency of taking swift action for the benefit of Oakland's community. Poppe stated, "In the months ahead, we'll learn what works and what more may be needed to support our goal of creating a safer, more prosperous hometown for all."

The upcoming security measures are expected to include increased visible and responsive security personnel in downtown areas. Additionally, funding will be allocated to the Oakland Uptown Downtown Community Benefit District's Ambassador program, providing on-demand buddy escorts for employees to and from local destinations such as offices, restaurants, and points of interest.

The safety partnership is not limited to security measures alone. The companies plan to offer employee safety training programs and subsidized transportation options to and from work and transit hubs, nearby parking lots, and local businesses.

With thousands of employees collectively working in Oakland's downtown area, the program will be effective through 2024 and will be funded by the four employers, sharing the estimated cost of $10 million.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao expressed her gratitude for the collaborative efforts of these renowned companies, hailing it as a stellar example of a strong public-private partnership. Thao enthusiastically stated, "Collectively we share a deep love and commitment to this beautiful city, and linked arm in arm with the Governor and our top CEOs, I know we will be successful in quickly bringing safety, growth, and vibrancy back to our streets."

Meanwhile, Kaiser Permanente has recently prompted some debate by instructing its employees at the downtown Oakland headquarters to stay within the building during their lunch breaks due to concerns over crime. However, some local businesses have objected to this directive, as they rely on the patronage of these employees at their restaurants.

This collaborative effort from Blue Shield of California, The Clorox Company, Kaiser Permanente, and PG&E marks a significant step towards creating a secure and prosperous environment for all residents and employees in downtown Oakland.