Crime and COVID concerns are hurting Oakland Chinatown businesses at a time when sidewalks would normally be packed with people shopping in preparation for the Lunar New Year. ChineseNewYear
concerns are hurting Oakland Chinatown businesses at a time when sidewalks would normally be packed with people shopping in preparation for the Lunar New Year.
Chau said COVID and crime concerns are keeping away customers. People getting their hair done before Chinese New Year is a custom. Still, "the business is very slow compared to a few years ago," said Chau."A little bit scary. Scary for me. Something bad," owner Ann Voong said she's been in business here for 30 years, but that the last two have been difficult.Voong explained that business had dropped drastically and that no one is walking out on the streets.
A person shoved her, causing her to fall to the ground. A witness said the victim suffered minor injuries.Despite this attack, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce said the police presence is a deterrent.Elderly woman shoved to ground in Oakland Chinatown, police looking for victim and attacker He urged people not to carry a large amount of cash as they shop for Chinese New Year and for merchants to accept forms of payment other than cash.