Erick moved to the Bay in 2012 and loves how it is rich in the things he loves most: dancing, hiking, and eating.
Author Profile
Erick Chavarria is a native of Mexico. He has been navigating Gringolandia ever since he moved to the U.S. at the age of five. He is very compassionate toward social issues and has been active in grassroots movements, particularly those aimed at Immigrant rights and Latino issues. He hopes to shift perspectives through his writing.
We would like to invite you to cover ‘FestaVal, a two day event celebrating the opening of Manifesta in Old Oakland on Friday and Saturday this week, culminating in a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Small Business with Mayor Jean Quan, Rebecca Kaplan and Libby Schaaf participating! The Forum will take place Saturday from 2p.m. to 3p.m.
At Manifesta, we recognize that our success is intrinsically linked to the success of the community around us, especially here in Oakland. It is our belief that doing business collaboratively, instead of competitively, will benefit us mutually. Friday and Saturday, October 24th and 25th from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Manifesta Salon, 831 Broadway, OAK 94607
How: Programming for ‘Festaval includes one day themed around Wellness and Beauty, and a second day themed around small business entrepreneurialism. Both days will include food, music, and speakers from our Manifesta and Old Oakland communities on thematic topics, and booths/kiosks featuring our ‘Festa partners. We are planning to host a “Barber Battle” at the end of day 1, and on day 2 a community-based forum featuring 3 candidates running for Mayor of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, Rebecca Kaplan and Libby Schaaf discussing their positions on small business and economic revitalization in Oakland. Also on the second day, we will facilitate an activity called “Manifesta Mile,” a race/scavenger hunt featuring stops at small businesses and organizations in Old Oakland, with prizes provided by Manifesta.
We hope you will attend – here’s a sample of the topics to be covered:
Friday:
2-2:45pm panel discussion
“Hair and Identity”
Featuring local barber/elite Harpist, local radical educator/social justice activist, and a Manifesta staff member.
3-4pm: Barbering Battle (skirmish/showcase), facilitated by local artist incubator space/barber shop Massive
Saturday 10/25
11-11:45am panel discussion
“Entrepreneurialism in Oakland”
Featuring PopUp Hood founder/Tamarindo Restaurant owner, and owners of Old Oakland businesses Marion and Rose’s Workshop, Crown9, and Umami Mart
12-3pm “Manifesta Mile”: a neighborhood scavenger hunt/foot race
12:15-12:45 talk
“Imagining a New Way: Business and Community”
Featuring a Manifesta founder
2-3pmOakland Mayoral Candidate Forum: “Supporting local small Businesses”
Featuring Mayor Jean Quan, Libby Schaaf and Rebecca Kaplan
To RSVP your attendance, please call or contact Marita at (707) 738-7672 or KC at (415) 269-8650, or email festa.oak@gmail.com.