The Oakland City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on a six-month pilot program that would temporarily close several side streets off International Boulevard in an effort to combat sex trafficking. The proposal, introduced by District 2 City Council member Charlene Wang, targets a notori ous stretch of the boulevard known locally as “The Blade.” If approved, the city would use plastic barriers to block through traffic on the north side of Ninth, 10th and 11th avenues between International Boulevard and East 15th Street. Wang said the goal is to funnel buyer behavior onto the main boulevard, allowing the Oakland Police Department to conduct enforcement operations more effectively. Alongside the road closures, she is pushing for increased police presence and expanded services for trafficking victims. Noting that a similar strategy helped reduce human trafficking in Houston, Wang acknowledged the barricades might simply displace the activity. However, she argued action is necessary to protect a nearby elementary school and health clinic. “Children should not have to face this activity,” Wang said. “If that (displacement) happens, I think that is better than what we have now.” The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Some residents, who note sex trafficking has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, welcome the plan. Oakland resident Iggy Svoboda said he hopes the barriers will reduce demand and “keep some people out of being trafficked.” But the measure faces pushback from local merchants who say they are already struggling with crime and worry the detours will drive away their remaining customers. Several business owners argued that stronger enforcement — not road closures — is the answer. Adrian Sanchez Acosta, owner of Adrian’s Custom Auto, expressed concern that the barricades would create more issues than they solve given the challenging economic climate for small businesses. Another business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, noted that while the current illicit activity scares customers, the proposed road blockages would cause further inconvenience. The potential traffic impacts have also raised concerns for local schools. Oakland Unified School District Board President Jennifer Brouhard warned the closures could create bottlenecks and eliminate crucial street parking for school staff. She urged the city to collaborate more closely with the district on a solution. If the City Council approves the pilot program and it proves successful in reducing trafficking, officials said more permanent changes — including the installation of metal gates — could follow. ...read more read less