In its second year as a federally recognized holiday, many celebrations are planned in Oakland.
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 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.
Posted inArts & Community
In East Oakland, a garden reconnects Laotian elders with their past
Local elders have been growing mustard greens, sugar cane stalks, and snap peas at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park since 2003.
Posted inBusiness
Fruitvale businesses meet with local officials over public safety concerns
Small business owners and others called on Oakland police, BART, and city officials to do more about crime in the neighborhood.
Posted inBusiness
Creating styles and community at Showin’ Out Hair Gallery in Oakland’s Laurel District
We’re highlighting Laurel businesses like LuTillian Hudson’s 30-year salon, a magnet for longtime residents.
Posted inBusiness
Helping Oakland’s immigrant business owners get online—and get to the next level
Unity Council’s Onward Oakland: Adelante Oakland program helps Fruitvale entrepreneurs build their digital presence, apply for permits, and more.
Posted inBusiness
Laurel Cyclery, a haven for Oakland youth who love bikes
The bike shop is intentional about hiring locally and found it needed to grow fast in the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness
Laurel’s Mischief gives local BIPOC artists a place of their own
Co-owner Don Johnson always dreamed of owning a business in the neighborhood he grew up in. Now, he and his wife Tiffany are living out that dream together.
Posted inBusiness
Parklets are here to stay. Will East Oakland get to enjoy more of them?
From safety concerns to better outreach, shop owners along MacArthur, International, and other East Oakland corridors reflect on why Flex Streets aren’t as popular near them.
Posted inBusiness
Dimond and Laurel business owners meet with attorney general, OPD chief to talk crime concerns
Shop owners questioned AG Rob Bonta, Chief LeRonne Armstrong, and councilmembers Sheng Thao and Noel Gallo about longstanding problems like property crime, and the recent spike in shootings.
Posted inBusiness
Parklets forever? Oakland could make Flex Streets permanent
The program has helped local businesses stay afloat during the pandemic, but it’s been less active in East Oakland.
