A Castro Valley Patch Facebook post about a new business opening at Bay Fair Center got this response: "We don't go to Bay Fair because it's ghetto."
It surprised me a little. When I lived in Oakland in the late 1990s Bay Fair was our go-to shopping spot, mainly for Macy's, though I dined at the food court and bought music at a chain store there. I remember it was big news when the "modern" movie theater opened about 10 years ago, and I certainly never felt in danger there.
So this week we asked San Leandro Patch Facebook fans whether Bay Fair has gone downhill in recent years and how it compares to neighboring malls in Hayward or Pleasanton. We got more than 90 comments, with the vast majority of posters in agreement with their CV neighbors.
There were a few die-hard mall supporters but most said they only shop at the Big Box stores on the lot and rarely go inside or after dark.
Here are some of the best comments. Let us know what you think!
Mall Critics
"I got held up in [the] parking lot for 20 bucks."
"One time, I went there to meet up with some friends at the mall, then go to the movies. And while I was waiting, four guys started fighting. Apparently rival gang-members. They threw chairs around and one had a knuckle brace that made another guy bleed a lot. Securities? Nowhere to be found."
"I would say unpleasant shopping experiences due to a lot of rowdy, disrespectful younger generation crowds, crazy drivers and parking lot issues. The areas near (the stores) are not the best and safest neighborhoods. But I would agree that Southland is worse. I choose Stoneridge over both malls unless I really have no time to make the drive to Pleasanton."
"The inside of the mall has nothing to offer. I am surprised Barons Jewelers stuck around as long as they did. I go to Target, Chili's, the movie theater and once in a while Kohl's and BB&B. The mall I remember going to as a child and hanging out many a time as a teenager is sadly no more. Times change, but you always hope for the better. Bayfair changed for the worse."
"The fact that it is gangster has nothing to do with it. The stores there don't have the same selection as Southland or the (Pleasanton) mall."
"Yes, It is ghetto and I only go to Target and the big boxes outside. The center is kind of scary and the mall inside is low-end and unpleasant, no reason to go or shop. STONERIDGE for MALL stores."
Mall Supporters
"Please. I am tired of this complaint. There are hundreds of us who enjoy shopping at Kohls, Macy's, Target, Staples, PetsMart, etc., and we are glad to have these shopping opportunities close by. Not too strangely, I don't run into any of the 'gangsta' types in any of those places, and the parking is great. What's not to like?"
"Stoneridge is a suburban mall. Durant Square is the ghetto mall (with some good deals). Bayfair is an urban mall and a lot better than what it used to be after Wards closed."
"I usually shop at Target or Kohls. The stores inside of the mall are not very interesting. I go inside once in a while to see what's new. My kids like to play in the kiddie play area on rainy days. I never had any problems whatsoever. But then, there is barely anybody in there when I walk thru. It is a bit of a dreary place."
"I live close and go there often. We were there a couple weekends ago waiting for our yummy food from Diggers, the new "diner," and I actually commented to my husband that it actually looks like a mall. All kinds of people, food court packed, kid area packed....I'd say Southland is more 'ghetto.' I didn't see ANY bangers like there used to be. It has really cleaned up."
What do you think? What sort of stores would bring you back to Bay Fair? Tell us in the comments below.
Doesn't make anyone enjoy strolling around there.
harassment scandals with the security guards,they are more disciplined than police officers,because guard can be fired in one minute without any explanations. i can't even imagine a security guard with his legs on chair,drinking coffee,as i saw the police officer in a court last week,and you will be harassed immed. if you try to make any remark about the officer's absence of respect to public
One of the major things that really soured me and my soulmate to the Bayfair Mall and Macy's was learning about significant public money from redevelopment funds going towards subsidizing rent, parking, and "reviving" the center. If the mall can be said to have been "revived," I suspect manifests itself on a financial balance sheet (if that). It certainly isn't a pleasant place to be except on Saturdays outside at the year round Farmer's Market. Will City Have To Pay $70,000-A-Month To Subsidize Bay Fair? A lawsuit says the city is on the hook for rent that the mall's owner isn't paying for the parking lot where the Farmer's Market is held. http://sanleandro.patch.com/articles/suit-says-city-must-pay-70-000-a-month-for-bay-fair-lot
Thomas I do go to Bayfair (for pet food only) and the thugs that roam around the grounds there are a bit intimidating. I used to shop at Macy's but the selection at that store is pathetic compared to Stoneridge. The fact is that street crime of all types is up remarkably in San Leandro (except aggravated assault) See the SLPD crime stats http://www.sanleandro.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=5081 There are a few things you can do to protect yourself: 1. PAY ATTENTION! Stay OFF your cell phone and don't listen to your music player. 2. Make eye contact - Only police and criminals make eye contact (this not not mean a nasty glare - just an awareness that you are alert) 3. FBI statistics show that 80% of crime against individuals happens within 20'of their vehicle - stay focused on whats around you - constantly scan the area for potential threats. 4. Always stay is a state of relaxed awareness. (that would be "condition yellow" from the color code on mental awareness) The Color Code of Mental Awareness can save your life armed or not. See http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/blog/the-color-code-of-awareness.htm
Your recommendations for avoiding being a victim are very good. You can add general posture. Eyes up and alert are real strong anti-victim signals, as are keys in your hands, perhaps a roll of quarters in your hand or a whistle or both. If you have a cell phone camera, have it available as well. Victims are everywhere and it is good to remember that the crime rates of the 1980's and 1990's were much higher than they are today. The difference is that we know about the problems much faster and with greater accuracy.
Nathan, I have no interest in being a victim of either the violence or the fear engendered by way too much focus on bad things happening. I am prepared. If you choose not to be prepared then that is certainly your choice. Just not mine.
Emeryville Bay Street Mall! Correct?
I use the mental code of awareness ALL the time, yes even when I am in Stoneridge. Taking photos with a camera or cell phone camera could be dangerous unless you have the means to defend yourself. Another tip, if something looks amiss, return to the store or head the other way. Don't put yourself in harms way needlessly. Never wear jewelry,especially gold chains in public. A lot of crime can be mitigated simply by situational awareness. Criminals prefer distracted, unengaged victims. Don't make yourself a target.
I'd like to see a teen voice feature on Patch to get a wide range of youth perspectives. When we were teens, we'd hang out at the mall and look for work summers and after school. It was considered a safe, fun, if also sterile, place to be. What do San Leandro teens do for fun during their down time?
Your right it all comes down to security and safety. Where are the SLPD? Why do they not patrol the mall hourly?
I always shop at Stoneridge Mall for safety reasons.
The last time we were leaving Bay Fair we were very politely informed by a person hanging out in the parking lot that he would wait to go to the bathroom until we were in our car. Sure enough once in our car and pulling out of our parking space, he unzipped and did his business against a light pole. We are so done with Bay Fair.