Qinghui Kong

As COVID-19 infections rise, is this year’s ski season as safe as people think?

On Nov. 25, one day before Thanksgiving, Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe ushered in the first day of the snow season. At 9 a.m., the parking lot was already more than half full, with about 2,000 cars. People wearing their ski boots and helmets lined up in the 34-degree temperature to collect their season passes. It looks like any other snow season—except this year, everyone is standing six feet apart and wearing masks. Lake Tahoe offers world-class skiing and is…

New China travel policy makes travel uncertain for Oakland residents

Sally Wang wanted to take her three year-old child to China in early March to spend time with her family. But the ticket prices were too high, so she opted to wait.  “I’ve been waiting for eight months to learn about the travel policy, get the paperwork, and check ticket prices,” she says. Wong was very excited about going back home to see her parents after two years when she finally got to book the tickets. But then the Chinese…

Oakland voters weigh in on rent control

Two years after California voters rejected Proposition 10, rent control supporters are trying again. This November, voters are considering Proposition 21, which would allow cities to set and manage rent control provisions. If Proposition 21 passes, local governments could establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old. It would also allow rent increases on properties of up to 15% more than the previous tenant’s rent. The new rules would not apply to those who own fewer than two…