Film labs have been disappearing across the country for years. But this West Oakland shop has expanded into a new 7,800-square-foot space.
Author Archives: Brenda Y. Vasquez
Brenda Y. Vasquez is a bilingual reporting intern covering small businesses for The Oaklandside. She is a Bay Area native and a master's student at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
Posted inArts & Community
‘Blood memory’: In Oakland tattoo scene, ink invokes identity
Many local tattoo artists connect with community, roots, and spirit through their work. We talked to three respected practitioners.
Posted inBusiness
How street festivals help Oakland’s small businesses
From First Fridays to the Laurel StreetFair, business owners say Oakland’s rich roster of festivals drive foot traffic and serve as “stewards of public safety.”
Posted inBusiness
A thriving Oakland pipeline to jobs in the trades
The Cypress Mandela Training Center was founded after the Loma Prieta Earthquake to help rebuild the collapsed Cypress Freeway. Now it’s a competitive training program for plumbers, electricians, and more.
Posted inBusiness
Can the World Cup score for Oakland’s economy?
From watch parties to BART travelers to Airbnb bookings, the 2026 FIFA tournament appears to be kicking off business in The Town.
Posted inNature and the City
California historic parks beckon. How to get a free pass
From a Coast Miwok site dating back to 6,000 BC to Jack London’s former cottage in Sonoma County, the pass offers free admission for a year to 33 historic state parks.
Posted inBusiness
Montclair says goodbye to A Great Good Place for Books
After nearly three decades, the independent bookstore’s final day is June 14.
