East Oakland residents are disappointed to find out the only “In-N-Out” in the city is cIosing. The popular burger joint blames car break-ins and theft. The restaurant on Oakport Steet is in one of the hotspot areas for cr ime, near 98th Avenue and Hegenberger and it’s an area criminals know they can find unsuspecting tourists coming from the airport.
Although In-N-Out said it’s been a profitabIe location for 18 years, they just can’t ask their employees or customers to work and visit an unsafe environment. While customers aren’t shocked to hear the restaurant is shutting down, many said the city didn’t do enough.
You can’t even leave your car right here to go in there, within one minute your stuff is getting smashed, said Duane Tatum, who was born and raised in East Oakland. The parking Iot is filled with glass.
I love this place. I hate to see it go, said Stanley Simmons, who said his daughter worked at the In-N-Out years ago. On Sunday morning, as In-N-Out executives announced the closure, Oakland police said they arre sted someone for removing an ATM from the wall at the Bank of America less than half a mile away.
Just a couple hundred feet away at the Raising Cane’s on Hegenberger, a manager said the restaurant was forced to cIose their indoor dining area and provide employees with a secure fence for parking, all due to break ins.
It seems like another thing is closing in Oakland, another thing is leaving Oakland, and I get it now – people aren’t trying to deal with this, but we’re the ones, East Oaklanders, that really suffer, said Tatum.
My Boss Terminated Me for Wearing Thrift Store Attire – My Colleagues Came to My Defense and Delivered a Powerful Lesson
When the company owner barged in and abruptly fired me for wearing second-hand clothes, my world imploded. Little did I know, my co-workers were planning an act that would turn everything around and emphasize the true strength of our workplace community.
Never did I think that buying clothes from a thrift store would cost me my job. But life’s full of surprises, especially when you’re a single mother struggling to make ends meet.
It began like any other Tuesday morning. I was at my desk, taking calls and welcoming clients with my usual cheer. The office buzzed with its routine hustle — keys clacking, printers working, and the aroma of fresh coffee in the air.
Kate from HR peeked around the corner. “Hey Claire, how are the kids?”
“Oh, you know,” I chuckled. “Sophie’s engrossed in her science project, and Noah’s set on memorizing every dinosaur name.”
Kate smiled. “Sounds like you have your hands full.”
“Always,” I said. “But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Just then, the elevator chimed. The doors opened to reveal a familiar face I hadn’t seen in over a year — Victor, the company owner.
Panic surged through me. I quickly stood, smoothing my thrift store blouse. “Good morning, Mr. Harrison! Welcome back!”
Victor’s eyes narrowed at me, his expression hardening. “What are you wearing?”
I glanced at my outfit, puzzled. “I — ”
“Is this how you present yourself to our clients?” he demanded loudly. “In these… these rags?”
The office fell silent, every eye on us.
“Mr. Harrison, I — ”
“No excuses,” he interrupted. “A receptionist’s attire should reflect our brand. You’re terminated. Leave immediately.”
My world spun. “But sir, I’m a single mom. I can’t — ”
“Out!” he shouted. “Now!”
Tears stung as I gathered my belongings. Kate tried to intervene, but Victor silenced her with a glare.
The drive home was a blur. How would I explain this to Sophie and Noah? How would we survive? I unlocked our apartment door, and there they were — my little warriors.
Sophie instantly knew something was wrong. “Mom, what happened?”
I hugged them close, the smell of grape juice and play-doh soothing me. “I lost my job today, sweethearts.”
Noah hugged me tighter. “It’s okay, Mommy. We still love you.”
I stifled a sob. “I love you too, munchkins. So much.”
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