The City of Oakland has lost the chance to receive millions of dollars to help fight retail crime in the city. The reason why? Because city officials missed a deadline to apply for a special state grant.

“We need every nickel and dime that we can get. But by us not applying – I can’t believe we would miss that opportunity,” said Noel Gallo.

Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo says the city is currently suffering through multiple crises.

The worst, he says, he’s ever seen in his lifetime.

“By the city administration making excuses that we didn’t apply on time or submit the proper paperwork – that’s just an excuse that the residents and businesses are not going to accept,” Gallo said.