In our new series, we’re talking to people like Itzel Diaz-Romo, who watched several members of her family contract COVID-19, about how they decided to get the shot and how they got an appointment.
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
Small business owners now have extra time to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan
The Biden administration extended the deadline to March 9, and opened the program to people who didn’t qualify before.
Posted inBusiness
Lost work during the pandemic? Oakland is offering free job-training courses online
Over 180 professional certifications can be obtained through the online learning platform.
Posted inBusiness
‘We’re like a little family here’: Dimond District small biz owners lean on community to persevere
We spoke to several shop owners in the neighborhood to see how they’re faring nearly one year into the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness
Oakland fortune tellers predict the future in an uncertain time
Local psychics are struggling due to COVID-19, but we spoke with two who’ve found success.
Posted inOaklandside
Los propietarios de peluquerías de Oakland están agradecidos de volver a trabajar
Las peluquerías y los salones de belleza han pasado por un sube y baja emocional desde el comienzo de la pandemia. Platicamos con dos estilistas del este de Oakland para ver cómo les está yendo.
Posted inBusiness
‘Flex Streets’ has more Oakland businesses operating outdoors. Will it last?
We asked small business owners and city officials whether they think the COVID-19 business initiative will continue beyond the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness
Oakland adopts new rules to help local small businesses compete for city contracts
A recent study found that Black-owned businesses are “under-utilized” by the city. New rules aim to change that.
Posted inBusiness
Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla may not reopen because of building code issues
Health inspectors say La Perla’s owner, Jose Ortiz, needs to fix the kitchen floor. Ortiz says he doesn’t have the money to do it.
Posted inBusiness
Chinatown vendors hope to get a boost from Lunar New Year shopping event
The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce will host a “shopping spree” this weekend to support struggling merchants.
Posted inBusiness
Oakland approves $5 per-hour hazard pay for grocery workers
Grocery workers are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Advocates say they deserve to be fairly compensated for working in hazardous environments.
Posted inBusiness
‘Things are going to turn around’: Oakland hair salon owners are grateful to be back at work
Barbershops and beauty salons have been on a rollercoaster since the start of the pandemic. We checked in with two hair stylists in East Oakland to see how they’re faring.
Posted inBusiness
Oakland small businesses can apply for state COVID-19 relief grants, starting February 2
California will give up to $25,000 to qualifying businesses impacted by the pandemic. Here’s how to apply.
Posted inBusiness
Owners of Phnom Penh Restaurant honor their past by serving Cambodian refugees
Political turmoil in Cambodia split the Do family apart. Running a restaurant in Oakland helped bring them together.
Posted inBusiness
Sammy’s Pupusas serves free vegan food to unhoused seniors in East Oakland
The owners of the pop-up, Samar Nassar and Raul Jacobo, cook healthy meals for residents at Operation HomeBase, a trailer park community.
Posted inNosh
Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla, a hidden gem in Oakland, moves to a bigger location
Chef Jose “Cheo” Ortiz and his sons also hope to expand their business, while staying rooted in Oakland.
Posted inOaklandside
En El Huarache Azteca, una madre y una hija de Oakland sirven delicias de la Ciudad de México
Eva Saavedra y su esposo Juan Chávez solían vender comida en el garaje de su casa en Fruitvale. 20 años después, Eva y su hija Mayra mantienen el negocio a flote.
Posted inBusiness
Oakland small businesses have two more days to apply for COVID-19 relief grants
Problems with the state’s website prompted officials to extend the application deadline to Jan. 13.
Posted inBusiness
At El Huarache Azteca, an Oakland mother and daughter serve up Mexico City delicacies
Eva Saavedra and her husband Juan Chavez used to sell food out of their garage in Fruitvale. 20 years later, Eva and her daughter Mayra are keeping the business afloat.
Posted inArts & Community
Toy, food, and supply drives you can still donate to in Oakland this holiday season
These Oakland volunteer efforts and nonprofits want you to know they’re still accepting in-kind or cash donations for winter efforts.
