Building community through local journalism

Latest news about Cityside

Veteran investigative editor Esther Kaplan joins The Oaklandside

July 24, 2025

Tasneem Raja

More News >

Building a new model for local news

Trusted, independent local journalism has never been more important, yet the resources for strong civic reporting are in ever shorter supply. Cityside is determined to change that dynamic.

As a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization committed to building community, we offer a model for sustainable local journalism that fosters civic engagement, enriches people’s lives and contributes to a healthy democracy.

Civic-minded local journalism

Trustworthy, informative reporting
Coverage that spurs engagement
Journalists who hold institutions to account
Reporting that helps locals enjoy their city
An open dialogue with readers

Helping underserved communities

Stories that reflect the diversity of our cities
Articles that reshape harmful narratives
Reporting that amplifies local voices
Commitment to driving important conversations
Partnerships with local organizations

serve our communities

Our Newsrooms

We believe access to local news is a right, not a privilege. That’s why Cityside’s work is free to everyone. The generosity of our donors, members, sponsors, and funders makes this possible.

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Our newsrooms

Berkeleyside

A pioneering independent digital news platform reporting on Berkeley.

Take me to Berkeley

The Oaklandside

Where Oaklanders stay informed, discover fresh perspectives, and connect with their city.

Let’s go to Oakland

Richmondside

Independent, trustworthy news and information for the community of Richmond

Let's go to Richmond

Nosh

Award-winning coverage of the East Bay’s vibrant food and drink scene.

Feed me

Cityside's leadership team

We bring decades of experience to our mission of providing high-impact journalism to the communities we serve.

Jacob Simas

Community Journalism Director

Senior Development Director

Vice President, Client Partnerships

Tasneem Raja

Chief Strategy Officer, Cityside and Editor-in-Chief

Tracey Taylor

Chief Content Officer

Meet some of our team

Jacob Simas Community Journalism Director , The Oaklandside

Throughout his career, Jacob has been motivated by a mission to work with groups whose experiences are often overlooked and misrepresented in the media.

Before he joined The Oaklandside in April 2020, Jacob worked at Univision, the largest provider of Spanish-language content in the U.S. He led social-impact initiatives and established the Rise Up: Be Heard journalism training program for young people and community organizers in underserved areas of California. Jacob was also a senior editor and director of youth and community media at New America Media, where he ran a community news network that amplified student and youth reporting in California news deserts.

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In the news

Sustaining Service Journalism in the Bay Area

Autumn Brewington