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Author Archives: Jacob Simas
Jacob Simas is the Community Journalism Director at Cityside and Managing Editor of The Oaklandside. He joined us from Univision, where he led social-impact initiatives and established the Rise Up: Be Heard journalism training program at Fusion for young people and community organizers in underserved areas of California. He was a senior editor and director of youth and community media at New America Media, where he led a community news network that amplified student and youth reporting in California news deserts. He is an advisory board member for Youth Beat, a graduate of UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and a former producer with KPFA's First Voice apprenticeship program.
Posted inCommunity
Cityside is launching an independent, nonprofit newsroom for Richmond
After speaking with Richmond residents about their news and information needs, Richmondside will make its debut in spring 2024.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Photos: Oakland Kaiser workers join nationwide strike
Roughly 75,000 Kaiser employees in 5 states took to the picket lines on Wednesday in what will be the largest health-care workers strike in U.S. history.
Posted inEducation Equity
Chabot Elementary evacuated, school canceled due to bomb threat
The Oakland school was deluged with harassment and racist threats after conservatives on social media criticized a “playdate social” event. Classes resumed on Wednesday.
Posted inNosh
Where to watch the 2023 Women’s World Cup in the East Bay
Oakland is quickly becoming a soccer town. We’ve compiled a list of restaurants and bars where anyone can enjoy the global tourney, happening July 20 – Aug. 20.
Posted inEducation Equity
Oakland teachers strike continues, with negotiations stalled
OUSD says non-salary demands are holding up negotiations, while OEA claims the district is refusing to bargain.
Posted inHow We Work
We want to hear more from Oaklanders, in their own words. Here’s how
Since 2020, our “Amplify Oakland” series has featured personal stories by community members navigating COVID, gun violence, homelessness, prison reentry, and more.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
East Oakland shooting kills teen, injures 7 people
The shootout occurred around 6 p.m. Monday on MacArthur Boulevard and Seminary Avenue.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Libby Schaaf to lead nonprofit developing women politicians
Oakland’s former mayor was named interim executive director at Emerge California, an incubator for women leaders in the Democratic Party.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Timeline: How the Alameda County Registrar of Voters ran—and fumbled—the November election
Two months after Election Day, a school board race is still undecided. Lawsuits and a possible recount loom. The Oaklandside reconstructed how we got here.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
How can Oakland reduce gun violence? Community advocate John Jones III sees a path forward
The East Oakland native talks about his work interrupting violence before it happens, what a new mayor can and can’t do, and restoring community networks in neighborhoods wounded by gun violence.
Posted inArts & Community
In ‘Oakland Belonging,’ youth explore the history of Swan’s Market
The storytelling and podcast project, led by Chapter 510 and produced by high school students, uses oral histories and personal reflections to examine the meaning of community at one of Oakland’s oldest marketplaces.
Posted inEducation Equity
Free enrollment at Laney College to continue this spring
The Oakland community college is waiving tuition for a second straight semester, with the help of COVID-relief funds.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
‘Dear Oakland politicians’: Letters from students at Fremont High
10th-graders share their messages for Oakland’s next mayor, City Council, and school board members.
Posted inEducation Equity
What we know, and don’t know, about the shooting at Rudsdale High School
A month ago, the East Oakland hills campus saw another violent incident.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Shooting on school campus in East Oakland hills injures 6
Students and staff were injured on Wednesday on the King Estates campus.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Carroll Fife
The D3 rep talks about going from activism to policy making, what’s possible at Wood Street, her role in shaping MACRO, and more.
Posted inHealth & Environment
How do you prepare for wildfires in Oakland? Get answers in our guide
We’ve updated our Oakland Wildfire Guide with preparation advice, evacuation guidance, and answers to your questions about air quality, power outages, and property defense.
Posted inHow We Work
We’re partnering with Laney College and The Lede to support Oakland’s next-gen journalists
The Oaklandside launched a reporting internship this summer to give local journalism students hands-on experience.
Posted inArts & Community
As a brutal civil war rages, Ethiopians in Oakland ask why the world isn’t tuning in
With the world’s eyes on Ukraine, Bay Area Tigrayans, Amharas, and other Ethiopians are fighting to be heard.
