Oakland’s left-wing mayor, Barbara Lee, is trying her hand at common-sense policies, for once; namely, attempting to hire more cops. However, the back-the-blue rebrand may be nothing but smoke and mirrors.

A former congresswoman, Lee has taken strides to clean up her city since taking office in April. She has initiated a comprehensive cleanup of homeless encampments and spearheaded efforts to bolster police hiring. For the first time since 2002, all 25 Oakland firehouses are operational, according to the Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) glowing profile, published Monday. Her “Keep the Town Clean” program has cleared over 30 tons of illegally dumped waste and contributed to a visible reduction of homeless encampments along major thoroughfares, the WSJ reported. The city council has also moved to tackle a $265 million budget shortfall over two years by slashing funds for certain animal and neighborhood services. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a free weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)

But on the policing front, her rebranding is far more complicated than the WSJ’s story makes it out to be. In fact, it might be smoke and mirrors, a cynical attempt to win a PR battle for her office. Despite a crackdown on “sideshows” — wherein lawless goons hold street racing competitions, blocking entire streets and endangering everyday citizens — the police department is still struggling.

Glowing @WSJ piece — “After recalling a mayor later indicted on federal corruption charges, Oakland appears to be turning the corner under her successor—former congresswoman

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