"Oakland Employers Implement Safety Measures for Workers Amid Crime Surge"

Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente in Oakland have implemented safety measures for employees due to a surge in crime, including staying inside for lunch and arranging rides to work. The move comes after a 21% increase in violent crime in Oakland last year, prompting concerns among residents and business owners. The city has seen a rise in robberies, burglaries, and car thefts, leading to businesses like In-N-Out Burger closing due to safety concerns. Oakland's mayor denies that her policies are the sole cause of rising crime rates, while police officers express frustration with restrictive rules that limit their ability to curb crime.