A toxic metal foundry in East Oakland closed after years of community organizing, yet a new polluting operation was allowed to move in with city approval. The situation exposes weak environmental enforcement and poor coordination between city and county agencies. Residents repeatedly filled enforcement gaps through sustained organizing and advocacy to protect their neighborhoods. The pattern reflects broader environmental justice struggles where affected communities push for accountability. Local headlines also cover downtown hotel developments, an East Oakland teacher's observations on students' grasp of power, new coffeeshops, and upcoming arts and weekend events. The Oaklandside operates as an independent nonprofit supported by resident donations and is piloting a weekly news series.
When a toxic metal foundry finally shut down in East Oakland after years of community organizing, residents celebrated a hard-won victory. But as our environmental reporter discovered, a new polluter was allowed to move in with the city's blessing. This story reveals how environmental enforcement works - or doesn't work - in Oakland, and the powerful force of engaged residents fighting for their neighborhoods.
Host Tasneem Raja talks with environmental reporter Callie Rhoades about her investigation into the AB&I foundry saga, the broken coordination between city and county agencies, and the broader pattern of Oakland residents taking environmental justice into their own hands. Plus: Headlines on downtown hotels, an East Oakland teacher's insights about his students' understanding of power, new coffeeshops, and more. Arts reporter Azucena Rasilla rounds out the show with weekend activities and upcoming events.
Collection
[
|
...
]