Part 6/9:
Community Responses and Wider Implications
Ken Houston, Executive Director of the Oakland Beautification Council, has defended Curry, arguing that not all business closures stem from crime. Nevertheless, comments from residents suggest a belief that Curry’s prioritization of safety expresses a deeper truth about conditions in Oakland. Many locals are frustrated that they live in an area often characterized by negative media portrayals, drawing both embarrassment and anger as they grapple with the real circumstances of their community.