A 68-year-old business owner was fatally shot on February 3 while working at his auto repair shop, Bay City Alternators, located on International Boulevard near 88th Avenue in Oakland, California.
Aristeo Zambrano, a respected member of the community and a former farmworker who once collaborated with Cesar Chavez, was nearing retirement after dedicating over three decades to his business.
Born in Mexico, Zambrano immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, where he became involved in the United Farm Workers movement, advocating for wage increases and better working conditions. His journey from farmworker to entrepreneur exemplified his determination and hard work, eventually leading him to set up Bay City Alternators in Oakland, a city he called home for nearly 30 years.
The incident that led to Zambrano’s death occurred shortly before noon, marking the tenth homicide in Oakland for the year. The police have yet to release information about arrests or a motive behind the shooting.
Family members had expressed their concerns for Zambrano’s safety in the past, given the shop’s location in a neighborhood plagued by crime. Despite their fears, Zambrano remained dedicated to his work and community.
Zambrano is survived by three daughters, six grandchildren, and a community that admired him for his generosity, leadership, and commitment to service. His contributions to the labor movement and the local economy have left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
In the wake of Zambrano’s death, there has been increased scrutiny of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and the rising crime rates in Oakland. The city has experienced a nearly 20% increase in violent crime from 2019 to 2023, with businesses and residents feeling the impact.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to deploy state attorneys to Oakland and the East Bay to bolster law enforcement efforts in addressing violent, property, and drug-related crimes.
As the investigation into Aristeo Zambrano’s death continues, his family and the community await justice, hoping for answers and actions that will address the underlying issues contributing to the violence in Oakland.
