Phillip Gums III is a former model turned amateur chef and now owner of III Antiques & Thangs in Fruitvale, where his passion for art, glamour, and creativity is on display.
Author Archives: Roselyn Romero
Roselyn Romero covers small businesses for The Oaklandside as a 2023-24 Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellow. Previously, she was an investigative intern at NBC Bay Area and the inaugural intern for the global investigations team of The Associated Press through a partnership with the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. Roselyn graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in Spanish, ethnic studies, and women's and gender studies. She is a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants and was born and raised in Oxnard, California.
West Oakland’s 7th Street was once a Black cultural hub. A new plan aims to restore it
A collective of Bay Area nonprofits, residents, and small businesses—known as 7th Street Thrives—released a report in late September laying out a plan to revitalize West Oakland’s storied Seventh Street corridor.
As other longtime bike shops shutter, Westside Joe’s expands to Oakland
With its first location still up and running in Alameda, Westside Joe’s Bikes opened a second storefront in early August on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, making it the only East Bay bicycle shop—and the only woman-owned bike store in the Bay Area—with two locations, according to the owner.
Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles to permanently close Oakland, Philadelphia locations
Longtime used furniture store Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles is set to close its Oakland and Philadelphia locations due to financial hardship. The Black-owned storefront’s last day on Grand Avenue will be Oct. 22.
Some Oakland businesses joined a symbolic strike to voice public-safety concerns
Organizers said over 200 businesses were participating in Tuesday’s action, though some merchants and leaders of Oakland business districts said they were not aware of it.
You can get $10,000 to host an Oakland event. Here’s how
Through the Activate Oakland grant program, anyone can apply to host anything from a block party to an exercise class in one of the city’s business districts.
Are Oakland community ambassadors making a difference?
“There’s this misconception that, because we can’t stop a violent crime, there’s this ineffectualness of the program when it is so much deeper.”
4 women-owned Oakland shops with impressive collections of vintage clothing
Whether you’re hunting down the perfect pair of Levi’s jeans or a designer bag for a quarter of the original price, these stores provide a thrifty alternative to fast fashion.
A longtime Oakland restaurant owner steps away after break-ins
Amir Asli relinquished his stake in Persian Nights on Grand Avenue, but his former business partner is keeping the restaurant open.
New 10-year initiative aims to help Black families thrive in East Oakland
Rise East, a $100 million philanthropic effort, will tackle longstanding systemic issues facing residents in a 40-square-block area.
Black-owned Temple of Earth Apothecary soft-opens near Lake Merritt
The Grand Avenue co-op is more than an herb shop—it’s also a school and community healing space centering Black and Indigenous ancestral medicine.
3 Filipino restaurants in Oakland serving up classic comfort and innovative fusion
Whether you’re craving authentic dishes or itching for something new, these spots can satisfy your urge.
Got ideas for making Oakland better? Take this new city survey
Mayor Sheng Thao is asking residents to give City Hall feedback on critical issues like affordable housing, public safety, and economic development.