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The 'pothole vigilantes' were at it again Monday night

By Cristina Rendon, KTVU
Published  May 7, 2019 8:57pm PDT
News
KTVU FOX 2

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Oakland City Council is meeting Tuesday to vote on a transportation plan that would invest $100 million to pave streets over the next three years.

The focus would be on smaller, local roads, according to Sean Maher, spokesman for the Public Works and Transportation Department.

The most recent city data shows street conditions on major thoroughfares have improved since 2012, but neighborhood streets have gotten worse. The data shows the majority of neighborhood streets are in poor condition. The three-year paving plan would prioritize these roads.

But some people said they’ve waited long enough and are taking matter into their own hands. Two men who have dubbed themselves the “pothole vigilantes” were out again on Monday night, covertly filling potholes at Perkins and Palm Avenue, Perkins and Orange Street, and on 38th Street.

“We’ve received a huge amount of overwhelming support,” the pothole vigilantes said. “It's been wild, bigger than we thought. The community is reaching out, they’re donating, they're asking how they can get involved. It’s really great to see.”

The duo said they will soon release a “how-to” guide on their Instagram page for other members of the community who want to fill potholes too. Maher said the city does not condone this type of work and is advising against it due to safety issues. Still, the men said they will continue their work in hopes of helping city crews who they feel should focus on repaving entire streets.

“We actually put some pen to paper on the numbers and we think we could fill all the potholes in Oakland with probably $1 million dollars in one to two months,” the pothole vigilantes said.

The Pothole Vigilantes have raised more than $2,000 on their GoFundMe page, which they use to buy materials.

Mayor Libby Schaaf’s proposed budget includes $110 million for infrastructure improvements. Roughly $75 million would be allocated to the first two years of the three year paving plan. The remaining year would have to be funded in the next budget cycle.