This week, Oakland Public Works has been diligently fixing the Montclair sidewalks. Many dilapidated areas are getting new concrete poured, and it’s going to make a big difference.

Why now? Chalk one up for CBS 5, which aired a news story about our buckled sidewalks (click here). Montclair’s problems were clearly illustrated by people falling flat on their faces!

In the story, an Oakland official bemoaned his paltry $1 million budget and $20 million backlog. Yet he and other city officials were spurred by CBS 5, and dispatched workers out of sheer embarrassment.

The outcome is pretty sweet – bless the power of the press.