OAKLAND — For many small business owners, the latest news of A’s possible departure hurts, not only as fans but also puts their stores in a state of limbo, especially who will benefit from all the foot traffic that some neighborhoods may see with the construction of a new ballpark.
Born and raised in Oakland, George Rodriguez has been cutting hair since he was a teenager.
“I started very young. It was a hobby, then it became a career,” said Rodriguez. “It’s a journey.”
Rodriguez opened his first business, Kingsmen Grooming Parlor, last year on 2nd Street in Jack London Square, after nearly two decades of building his clientele.
“This is a beautiful city. There is a lot to build here but everyone is leaving,” said Rodriguez.
The A’s ballpark project at Howard Terminal would have made a big impact on his employees.
“It would bring more foot traffic and the barbers here would be more successful,” said Rodriguez.
Nearby, Eurydice Manning expanded her small business, James and the Giant Cupcake, with a second location and production facility in Jack London Square in 2018, knowing it could grow even more with the A’s as new neighbors.
“It’s always ‘Hey, just wait until the A’s get here it’s going to be good with a lot of new customers,'” Manning said. “We’re just waiting for that.”
Economists predict the billion-dollar project will create about 2,000 construction jobs, many going to local workers and businesses.
“It’s a significant hit,” said Michael Bernick, a labor attorney and former director of the California Department of Employment Development. “For businesses in that area especially those that come to that area with the expectation that the stadium will be built it’s a big deal.”
For young entrepreneurs like Rodriguez, they can only hone their skills despite a setback, but it’s still hard to see an opportunity passing quickly.
“Why is it called ‘Rooted in Oakland?’ Why? Now they are leaving,” said Rodriguez.