Murder Figures on Rise After Years of Declines

With 61 killings so far this year, compared with 47 in the same period last year, Oakland is mirroring a countrywide rise in crime after years of declines, authorities said.

At this pace, the city could have more than 100 murders by year’s end for the first time since 1995, officials said. Mayor Jerry Brown, who joined in a recent march of 4,000 people demanding an end to the violence, plans to ask the City Council today for $40 million to $50 million to add 100 officers to Oakland’s streets over the next five years. The money would come from increased parking and hotel taxes.