During a recent government meeting, community advocate Goolsbee expressed deep concerns regarding the decision-making processes affecting East Oakland. As the Northern California director of Communities For A Better Environment, Goolsbee highlighted the perceived lack of transparency and community involvement in significant land deals that could impact the area.
Goolsbee emphasized the importance of understanding how these decisions are made, referencing previous discussions on the need for transparency in environmental assessments. He criticized the notion that the community must sacrifice its assets for development projects, arguing that many decision-makers do not reside in or engage with East Oakland, leading to a disconnect between the community's needs and the actions taken by authorities.
The remarks underscore ongoing tensions regarding land use and community representation in East Oakland, raising questions about the priorities of local governance and the impact of external interests on vulnerable neighborhoods.