Research

Paycheck Protection Program: Unequal Loan Distribution and Increasing Racial Disparities

Michael Diaz
2021
Michael Diaz, Sociology and Chicano Studies, Class of 2023

Internship Office: Office of Senator Monique Limon

In 2020, Latinx-owned businesses had their PPP loans approved nearly half the rate of white-owned businesses, 10% compared to 17%. The food service industry remains one of the hardest hit sectors of the pandemic which has resulted in large decreases in revenue, reduced employee hours, and increased employee lay-offs.Through an analysis of PPP loan distribution by the Small Business Administration in California and interviews with Latinx restaurant owners, this op-ed...

Swap Meet Vendors: An Exploration of Neglected Voices

Pedro Adrian De Anda Plascencia
2021
Pedro Adrian De Anda Plascencia, Political Science and English, Class of 2021

Internship Office: Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

COVID-19 has without a doubt disproportionately impacted small businesses and businesses owned by members of marginalized communities; however, much of the literature that exists on this sector fails to account for the impact of the pandemic on swap meet vendors. Through first-hand interviews with seven Southern California swap meet vendors, this op-ed highlights the narratives and experiences of undocumented vendors, vendors of color,...

The Mountain of Waste: How Small Businesses Have Managed Food Packaging Practices During the COVID-19 Era(link is external)

Layla Dargahi
2021
Layla Dargahi, Global Studies, Class of 2022

Internship Office: California Department of Food and Agriculture

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many restaurants to struggle as dining-in no longer became an option, causing a reduction in customers. Restaurants were forced to quickly adjust, resulting in a huge increase in disposable packaging for meals as most meal options were only offered as takeout. The op-ed explores the various effects of increased packaging in BIPOC Oakland based restaurants as they navigate costs, government guidelines, and other challenges to stay afloat.

Oakland’s Cannabis Social Equity Program: Reversing The War on Drugs

Nabil Aziz
2021
Nabil Aziz, Political Science, Class of 2021

Internship Office: Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, the marijuana market could exceed the $70 billion market for U.S wine by 2030. However, many racial minorities are often unable to reap the benefits of this emerging, yet highly exclusive industry. By analyzing the City of Oakland's Cannabis Social Equity Program and conducting interviews with applicants of the program, this op-ed emphasizes the significant policy measures taken to ensure racial equity within the cannabis industry...