Investigation into Berkeley pharmacy heist continues

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Dec 16, 2008 | by Anonymous

Berkeley

Investigation into Elephant Pharmacy heist continues: Police are continuing to investigate a narcotics heist at the Elephant Pharmacy on Shattuck Avenue at Cedar Street. Police have released video of the three men who stole several hundred prescription pills, with a street value of more than $10,000, during the early morning burglary last week, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

The pills, including OxyContin, were stolen from the retail pharmacy at 1607 Shattuck Ave. about 1 a.m. Dec. 9. Police said three men dressed in dark clothing were captured on store surveillance cameras.

The suspects arrived in a two-door, 1990s model white sedan, possibly an Acura Integra, and pried open the back door of the store. Police said the suspects covered their faces during the heist and wore gloves.

Anyone with information about the theft can call the Police Department's property crimes division at 510-981-5737. To remain anonymous, call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-222- 8477.

--Kristin Bender

Oakland

mayor, education officials outline program for dropouts: Mayor Ron Dellums joined interim schools superintendent Roberta Mayor and other education officials Tuesday in outlining a program to bring students who have dropped out of school back into the classroom.

The city and the Oakland Unified School District join with Peralta Colleges and nonprofit organizations to work with dropouts on what services they need to finish their education, officials said. They will launch the effort in early 2009.

"Why do young people drop out?" Dellums said. "They don't just suddenly walk into the principal's office and say, 'I'm dropping out.' One day at a time, they either leave school because they're having problems with math, or their family needs them, or a range of issues -- someone they're afraid of that chooses to want to fight with them at school, or they lack financial resources, they lack bus money."

Officials will host an Options Fair at City Hall on Jan. 17. The event is aimed at bringing students back to school and offering educational opportunities to them. America's Promise Alliance, an organization founded by Colin Powell, has offered $10,000 to help run the event, said Kitty Kelly Epstein, Dellums' top aide on education issues.

The effort also will include parent education classes and a "youth advocate" program that pairs adults with children at risk for dropping out.

For details on how to participate in the programs, visit www.mayorrondellums.org.

-- Kelly Rayburn