The visuals for the song “Granny Said” depict his admiration for his grandmother Isabelle Payne-Brown, who passed away this year.
Author Archives: Ricky Rodas
Ricky Rodas is a member of the 2020 graduating class of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Before joining The Oaklandside, he spent two years reporting on immigrant communities in the Bay Area as a reporter for the local news sites Oakland North, Mission Local, and Richmond Confidential. Rodas, who is Salvadoran American and bilingual, is on The Oaklandside team through a partnership with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.
Posted inBusiness
A Sri Lankan chef says goodbye to her longtime Oakland cafe
Chef Anula Edirisinghe said she’s closing her downtown Oakland restaurant due to rising rent and slow foot traffic in downtown.
Posted inBusiness
Parklets: Oakland seeks public input
The city wants feedback on its rules for when, where, and how businesses can convert parking into outdoor amenities.
Posted inBusiness
A North Oakland game shop builds community through a love of playing
It’s Your Move Games thrives by hosting game nights and summer camps.
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.
Posted inBusiness
Independent truck drivers protest “gig worker law” AB5 at Port of Oakland
The state labor law aims to give contract workers more benefits and protections, but some drivers say “no thanks.”
Posted inArts & Community
Highland Hospital needs your help naming its resident red-tailed hawks
The giant birds have delighted staff and patients with their presence, and now the hospital wants your help naming its feathered celebrities.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
National Night Out returns to Oakland this year with an emphasis on reimagining public safety
The city’s Neighborhood Services Division hopes to organize with residents skeptical of the police-centric block party.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
‘Emerald New Deal’ cannabis tax ballot measure faces skepticism
The Oakland City Council postponed a final decision on the proposed measure following a debate about its merits.
Posted inArts & Community
Juneteenth: Black Oakland creatives sound off on its significance
In its second year as a federally recognized holiday, many celebrations are planned in Oakland.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Will the ‘Emerald New Deal’ make it onto Oakland’s November ballot?
Proponents want cannabis tax revenue dedicated to repairing communities harmed by the drug war. But others are concerned about withdrawing millions from the city’s general fund.
Posted inBusiness
Small businesses can get free website design from Hack the Hood
The Oakland-based nonprofit teaches youth to build websites. Local small businesses can apply now for the program.
Posted inBusiness
‘What Jun did here will not disappear’: Community members mourn slain restaurant owner, call for justice
Lucky Three Seven co-owner Artgel “Jun” Anabo was shot outside of his East Oakland restaurant one week ago. His friends and family gathered there today to honor his legacy.
Posted inArts & Community
Oakland has a new Youth Poet Laureate
18-year-old Nadia Elbgal will represent the city and give voice to her community through poetry and public appearances.
Posted inBusiness
Sagrada, a North Oakland spiritual shop, looks to the future
As owners Mary and Carlo Busby get ready to retire, they reflect on 28 years of business in Temescal.
Posted inBusiness
Family of Lucky Three Seven’s Artgel ‘Jun’ Anabo raising funds for his son’s future
Anabo was killed Wednesday in front of his restaurant. His sister has launched a GoFundMe to support his child.
Posted inArts & Community
Will Oakland festivals bounce back? The city is offering grants to help
Started last year as a response to the pandemic, the “Neighborhood Voices for Festivals” grant program aims to strengthen culture in Oakland.
Posted inArts & Community
‘Born out of this community’: How 2 West Oakland arts nonprofits spotlight Hoover-Durant
Center for ArtEsteem and Bay Area Mural Program’s San Pablo Avenue murals represent the neighborhood’s history and culture.
Posted inBusiness
Montclair Veterinary Hospital closes, blindsiding staff and customers
The pet hospital’s corporate owner gave less than 24 hours’ notice before the shutdown.
Posted inHealth & Environment
‘I’m in between choosing to wear it or not’: Oakland airport workers weigh in on masking
A federal judge ended the mask mandate for air travel. We asked local airport workers what they think.