Featuring Oakland's Street Economy

For the past couple of weeks, Crosscurrents has been rolling out a special six-part series about the roots and solutions to violence in Oakland.  It is called the Oakland Fault Lines Project, and features a diverse array of perspectives from community leaders, drug dealers, activists, and young people, among others.

Today's installment happens to be related to the economic edge.  Reporter Sarah Gonzalez explores how disappearing formal economy jobs are replaced by the hustle of the street economy.  The conditions of this economy are harsh, competitive, and can quickly lead to crime and violence.  But in Oakland, where the unemployment rate is almost 16%, for many it is the best option.  Click here to listen.


(Photo taken by Reporter Sarah Gonzalez at Youth Alive in Oakland)