Azucena Rasilla
@chroniclesofazu.bsky.social
✍🏼👩🏻💻 The Oaklandside’s bilingual arts and community journo
East Oakland gal
DMs are off the record
tips: azucena@oaklandside.org
East Oakland gal
DMs are off the record
tips: azucena@oaklandside.org
Over the past week, I’ve spoken to over two dozen people who were mentored and inspired by Coach Beam. My colleague Jose Fermoso spoke to his colleagues. What an emotional rollercoaster to put this tribute together 😢❤️
The legacy of John Beam through the lives he touched
A former Pittsburgh Steelers player, Skyline alumni, Laney football players, the Oakland Fire Department Chief, and others tell us what Coach Beam meant to them.
oaklandside.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Over the past week, I’ve spoken to over two dozen people who were mentored and inspired by Coach Beam. My colleague Jose Fermoso spoke to his colleagues. What an emotional rollercoaster to put this tribute together 😢❤️
I really should be posting my stories here more often... check out my latest 👇
East Bay artists and businesses team up for a fundraiser to support immigrant services
The “No Crumbs” collective created a 2026 calendar and puzzle showcasing local businesses with proceeds benefitting Centro Legal de la Raza.
oaklandside.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I really should be posting my stories here more often... check out my latest 👇
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
This little road in East Oakland is home to some of the best street food vendors in the Bay Area. @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social and Ximena Natera's guide and full story.
oaklandside.org/2025/09/18/5...
oaklandside.org/2025/09/18/5...
5 things to try from the Coliseum Way food vendors
Gorditas, tacos al vapor, shrimp cocktails … Nosh helps you get started among the East Oakland destination's many options.
oaklandside.org
September 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
This little road in East Oakland is home to some of the best street food vendors in the Bay Area. @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social and Ximena Natera's guide and full story.
oaklandside.org/2025/09/18/5...
oaklandside.org/2025/09/18/5...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
I think there were far more than 10k people in Oakland today for the #NoKings march. Here's some photos —
oaklandside.org/2025/06/14/p...
oaklandside.org/2025/06/14/p...
Photos: the ‘No Kings’ rally in Oakland draws over 10,000 attendees
The event was a peaceful “day of defiance” against the creeping authoritarianism exhibited by Donald Trump.
oaklandside.org
June 15, 2025 at 1:43 AM
I think there were far more than 10k people in Oakland today for the #NoKings march. Here's some photos —
oaklandside.org/2025/06/14/p...
oaklandside.org/2025/06/14/p...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
If you’re undocumented, don’t march tomorrow. Stay home. Let the rest of us get this one.
Solidarity ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼
Solidarity ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼
June 14, 2025 at 2:00 AM
If you’re undocumented, don’t march tomorrow. Stay home. Let the rest of us get this one.
Solidarity ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼
Solidarity ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
SCOOP: The Trump admin has abruptly shifted the focus of its mass deportation campaign, telling ICE officials to largely pause raids and arrests in the agricultural industry, hotels and restaurants, according to an internal email and three officials with knowledge.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/u...
Trump Shifts Deportation Focus, Pausing Raids on Farms, Hotels and Eateries
www.nytimes.com
June 14, 2025 at 2:47 AM
SCOOP: The Trump admin has abruptly shifted the focus of its mass deportation campaign, telling ICE officials to largely pause raids and arrests in the agricultural industry, hotels and restaurants, according to an internal email and three officials with knowledge.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/u...
Immigration attorneys are working around the clock to dispel misinformation and caution the public against sharing rumors on social media.
Yes, ICE has been in Oakland, but large immigration raids have not begun
Immigration attorneys are working around the clock to dispel misinformation and caution the public against sharing rumors on social media.
oaklandside.org
June 14, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Immigration attorneys are working around the clock to dispel misinformation and caution the public against sharing rumors on social media.
Sure, former Mayor Sheng Thao got raided by the FBI, but let me tell you about Mayor Slavic, who was complicit in racist removals, or Houlihan, who embezzled money from an elderly widow.
Darwin and I went through 100 years of controversies.
Darwin and I went through 100 years of controversies.
Indictments, fires, police scandals, riots: The crises Oakland’s mayors have faced
We looked to see how different mayors dealt with or were doomed by upheavals.
oaklandside.org
March 28, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Sure, former Mayor Sheng Thao got raided by the FBI, but let me tell you about Mayor Slavic, who was complicit in racist removals, or Houlihan, who embezzled money from an elderly widow.
Darwin and I went through 100 years of controversies.
Darwin and I went through 100 years of controversies.
The Oakland premiere of #FreakyTales was amazing because...
I met Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis (my fiancé may or may not think I'm going to leave him for them 😆)
My recap. Photos by Jose Fermoso
I met Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis (my fiancé may or may not think I'm going to leave him for them 😆)
My recap. Photos by Jose Fermoso
Too Short, Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis show up at star-studded Freaky Tales premiere
The action-packed movie, filmed in Oakland, follows four interconnecting stories in 1987. It opens in theaters on April 4.
oaklandside.org
March 21, 2025 at 12:31 AM
The Oakland premiere of #FreakyTales was amazing because...
I met Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis (my fiancé may or may not think I'm going to leave him for them 😆)
My recap. Photos by Jose Fermoso
I met Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis (my fiancé may or may not think I'm going to leave him for them 😆)
My recap. Photos by Jose Fermoso
And now for a fun story about Oakland 🪄🤹🏻♀️🕴️
One of America's oldest magic clubs, Oakland’s Magic Circle, turns 100
The group of magicians hopes a younger generation carries on this peculiar form of entertainment.
oaklandside.org
March 2, 2025 at 1:09 AM
And now for a fun story about Oakland 🪄🤹🏻♀️🕴️
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
@joegarofoli.bsky.social chides @oaklandside.bsky.social for including several Oakland mayor candidates in our forum last night, not just the two "serious" ones.
But then how would we have heard those "smart ideas" from Suz Robinson, a little-known candidate whose profile has risen since our event?
But then how would we have heard those "smart ideas" from Suz Robinson, a little-known candidate whose profile has risen since our event?
The winner of the Oakland mayor’s forum is the candidate who walked out
“It was like a skit from ‘SNL,’” said Carol Strickman, an audience member who moved to Oakland in 1974.
www.sfchronicle.com
February 28, 2025 at 12:52 AM
@joegarofoli.bsky.social chides @oaklandside.bsky.social for including several Oakland mayor candidates in our forum last night, not just the two "serious" ones.
But then how would we have heard those "smart ideas" from Suz Robinson, a little-known candidate whose profile has risen since our event?
But then how would we have heard those "smart ideas" from Suz Robinson, a little-known candidate whose profile has risen since our event?
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Lol just bc you couldn't convince kqed to take on events aggregation... ;)
I love the round up @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social does for Oaklandside every week! oaklandside.org/2025/02/18/o...
I love the round up @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social does for Oaklandside every week! oaklandside.org/2025/02/18/o...
This week in Oakland: Black Joy Parade and Jazz brunch at The Cook and her Farmer
Black Joy Parade, Jazz brunch at The Cook and her Farmer, Writing Women's Lives at Womb House Books and more.
oaklandside.org
February 22, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Lol just bc you couldn't convince kqed to take on events aggregation... ;)
I love the round up @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social does for Oaklandside every week! oaklandside.org/2025/02/18/o...
I love the round up @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social does for Oaklandside every week! oaklandside.org/2025/02/18/o...
My latest:
Loud chants of “Deportations, please say no, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “ICE, shut them down, Oakland is an immigrant town” rang out as the marchers waved flags and handwritten signs.
Loud chants of “Deportations, please say no, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “ICE, shut them down, Oakland is an immigrant town” rang out as the marchers waved flags and handwritten signs.
‘Oakland is an immigrant town:’ Hundreds turn out to rally against Trump’s deportation plans
Multiple community groups participated in the march through Fruitvale on Saturday, Feb. 8.
oaklandside.org
February 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
My latest:
Loud chants of “Deportations, please say no, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “ICE, shut them down, Oakland is an immigrant town” rang out as the marchers waved flags and handwritten signs.
Loud chants of “Deportations, please say no, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “ICE, shut them down, Oakland is an immigrant town” rang out as the marchers waved flags and handwritten signs.
Voters will decide on Oakland’s next mayor in April. We’re convening the candidates on Feb. 26 at Castlemont High for a discussion about public safety, trust in government, and lots more.
Join the Oaklandside for a mayoral candidates forum in East Oakland
We will be asking those running for mayor the hard questions about issues Oakland residents care most about.
oaklandside.org
February 5, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Voters will decide on Oakland’s next mayor in April. We’re convening the candidates on Feb. 26 at Castlemont High for a discussion about public safety, trust in government, and lots more.
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Each #Oakland firehouse is staffed by 3 rotating crews, and all of the members of Station 13’s Shift C are first or second-generation, fully bilingual Latinos. Oaklandside reporter @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social visited Station 13 a few months ago, here is her story. oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
Meet the Bomberos — Oakland's Latino firefighters who helped transform the fire department
Shift C at Station 13 takes pride in being bilingual, serving Fruitvale, and doing community work.
oaklandside.org
January 29, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Each #Oakland firehouse is staffed by 3 rotating crews, and all of the members of Station 13’s Shift C are first or second-generation, fully bilingual Latinos. Oaklandside reporter @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social visited Station 13 a few months ago, here is her story. oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Deep Oakland knowledge and love from @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social and Jose Fermoso reporting on the death of Rickey Henderson @oaklandside.bsky.social oaklandside.org/2024/12/21/r...
Rickey Henderson, Oakland baseball legend, dies at 65
The “Man of Steal,” 10-time All-Star, and Oakland Tech grad, was loved by fans and the city he grew up in.
oaklandside.org
December 21, 2024 at 8:46 PM
Deep Oakland knowledge and love from @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social and Jose Fermoso reporting on the death of Rickey Henderson @oaklandside.bsky.social oaklandside.org/2024/12/21/r...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
“History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes” – Mark Twain.
December 14, 2024 at 3:06 AM
“History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes” – Mark Twain.
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
The city of Oakland has applied for a restraining order against Seneca Scott, a prominent political organizer who ran for mayor in 2022 and was a leader of the recall campaign against Mayor Sheng Thao.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/r...
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/r...
Restraining order sought by city of Oakland against political organizer Seneca Scott
The application alleges that Scott harassed a gay mayoral staffer.
oaklandside.org
December 14, 2024 at 12:48 AM
The city of Oakland has applied for a restraining order against Seneca Scott, a prominent political organizer who ran for mayor in 2022 and was a leader of the recall campaign against Mayor Sheng Thao.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/r...
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/r...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Meet the Bomberos — Oakland’s Latino firefighters who helped transform the fire department. 🧑🚒
✍️by @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social 📸by Carla Hernández Ramírez.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
✍️by @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social 📸by Carla Hernández Ramírez.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
Meet the Bomberos — Oakland's Latino firefighters who helped transform the fire department
Shift C at Station 13 takes pride in being bilingual, serving Fruitvale, and doing community work.
oaklandside.org
December 13, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Meet the Bomberos — Oakland’s Latino firefighters who helped transform the fire department. 🧑🚒
✍️by @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social 📸by Carla Hernández Ramírez.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
✍️by @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social 📸by Carla Hernández Ramírez.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/13/o...
Shift C at Station 13 takes pride in being bilingual, serving Fruitvale, and doing community work.
Meet the Bomberos — Oakland's Latino firefighters who helped transform the fire department
Shift C at Station 13 takes pride in being bilingual, serving Fruitvale, and doing community work.
oaklandside.org
December 13, 2024 at 6:52 PM
Shift C at Station 13 takes pride in being bilingual, serving Fruitvale, and doing community work.
At Monday’s Oakland City Council meeting, where hundreds of people showed up to speak out against sweeping cuts to city programs and services, one of the largest contingents, representing roughly a quarter of all the speakers, was there to defend funding for the cultural affairs division.
Oakland arts and cultural organizations worry that proposed city cuts will be crippling
The Oakland City Council is considering cutting the entire grants and festival funding to help close the city’s budget gap.
oaklandside.org
December 11, 2024 at 10:49 PM
At Monday’s Oakland City Council meeting, where hundreds of people showed up to speak out against sweeping cuts to city programs and services, one of the largest contingents, representing roughly a quarter of all the speakers, was there to defend funding for the cultural affairs division.
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Oakland's Duong family, CWS, and a security company allegedly paid for 2022 election hit pieces to help elect Sheng Thao, according to the Alameda County DA's office.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/10/d...
oaklandside.org/2024/12/10/d...
Duong family allegedly paid for 2022 election hit pieces to help elect Sheng Thao
New court documents allege Fruitvale businessman Mario Juarez orchestrated an election scheme paid for by 2 powerful city contractors.
oaklandside.org
December 10, 2024 at 11:38 PM
Oakland's Duong family, CWS, and a security company allegedly paid for 2022 election hit pieces to help elect Sheng Thao, according to the Alameda County DA's office.
oaklandside.org/2024/12/10/d...
oaklandside.org/2024/12/10/d...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Oakland City Council meeting is getting underway. 🧵
At the top, Council Prez Nikki Bas says it's an informational meeting. They'll not be taking major actions.
But the discussion will center on the city's rocky budget situation.
At the top, Council Prez Nikki Bas says it's an informational meeting. They'll not be taking major actions.
But the discussion will center on the city's rocky budget situation.
December 9, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Oakland City Council meeting is getting underway. 🧵
At the top, Council Prez Nikki Bas says it's an informational meeting. They'll not be taking major actions.
But the discussion will center on the city's rocky budget situation.
At the top, Council Prez Nikki Bas says it's an informational meeting. They'll not be taking major actions.
But the discussion will center on the city's rocky budget situation.
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
Oakland is cutting services to balance its budget deficit.
Here's some of what's on the chopping block:
$25M in OPD overtime
Canceling 2 police academies
Temporarily closing 2 fire companies
And more....
oaklandside.org/2024/12/06/o...
Here's some of what's on the chopping block:
$25M in OPD overtime
Canceling 2 police academies
Temporarily closing 2 fire companies
And more....
oaklandside.org/2024/12/06/o...
Oakland budget cuts: police overtime, firehouses, and potentially dozens of city jobs
Find out what the city is planning to trim to balance a $129M deficit.
oaklandside.org
December 6, 2024 at 11:57 PM
Oakland is cutting services to balance its budget deficit.
Here's some of what's on the chopping block:
$25M in OPD overtime
Canceling 2 police academies
Temporarily closing 2 fire companies
And more....
oaklandside.org/2024/12/06/o...
Here's some of what's on the chopping block:
$25M in OPD overtime
Canceling 2 police academies
Temporarily closing 2 fire companies
And more....
oaklandside.org/2024/12/06/o...
Reposted by Azucena Rasilla
This is a dangerous and closed-minded view of journalism. There are never two sides to a story—there are multitudes. Our job is to deliver context, expert analysis and facts so readers have enough insight to make up their own minds. Dumbing down info and rating it leaves little room for nuance.
LA Times owner plans to add AI-powered ‘bias meter’ on news stories, sparking newsroom backlash. www.cnn.com/2024/12/05/m... "The reader can press a button and get both sides of that exact same story," says the owner.
If you think "critical of" equals "biased about" then you may enjoy this machine.
If you think "critical of" equals "biased about" then you may enjoy this machine.
LA Times owner plans to add AI-powered ‘bias meter’ on news stories, sparking newsroom backlash | CNN Business
Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, who blocked the newspaper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris and plans to overhaul its editorial board, says he will implement an artificial intelligence-power...
www.cnn.com
December 6, 2024 at 6:25 PM
This is a dangerous and closed-minded view of journalism. There are never two sides to a story—there are multitudes. Our job is to deliver context, expert analysis and facts so readers have enough insight to make up their own minds. Dumbing down info and rating it leaves little room for nuance.