Ekaterina Pechenkina

National City entrepreneurs struggle to keep business afloat during COVID-19 pandemic (with podcast)

A combination of high COVID-19 cases, surging unemployment hinders Highland Avenue’s smallest businesses

Katia Pechenkina, Vicky Pineda, Gabriel Schneider, and Susana Serrano • June 24, 2021

The second oldest city in San Diego County has been hit disproportionately hard by a distressing combination of soaring COVID-19 infection rates and surging unemployment throughout the pandemic.

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Barbershop owner continues his business on his own

La Rumba was forced to shut down two separate times due to COVID-19 restrictions

Susana Serrano, Multimedia Journalist • June 23, 2021

Inside the barbershop, bachata music was blasting and the blue walls were decorated with Dominican Republic memorabilia and posters with the most popular fades, tapers and buzz cuts.

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National City market uses social media, delivery services to survive the pandemic

Family business improvises to keep its catering income coming in

Katia Pechenkina, Multimedia Journalist • June 23, 2021

Rodeo’s Meat Market and Catering stands out on Highland Avenue between an empty parking lot and a smog center. The business originally focused specifically on catering tacos and other Mexican cuisine.

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Tortilleria struggles to keep up with declining sales during COVID-19 pandemic

Owner of El Grano de Oro tried to apply for government grants but was unsuccessful

Susana Serrano, Multimedia Journalist • June 23, 2021

The smell of freshly made corn tortillas was in the air of Tortilleria El Grano de Oro, a family-owned business on Seventh Street and Highland Avenue that has been open for 33 years.

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National City entrepreneur balances two different businesses during the pandemic

The owner of a flower shop and novelty gift store gets creative to keep customers coming back

Gabriel Schneider, Multimedia Journalist • June 23, 2021

In a corner lot on Highland Avenue and E 16th Street sits a circular-shaped flower store called Angel Petals, which shares a parking lot with Dream Crystals Gifts that sells many eclectic merchandise.

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City College alumna uses skills to tell stories during the pandemic

Shooting and editing video helped Bethany McKee to explore new projects

Kathy Archibald, Contributor • June 11, 2021

McKee uncovered skills during her time at City College in 2018 that have come in especially handy during the pandemic and a cross-country move.

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BREAKING: SDCCD mandates COVID-19 vaccine for fall 2021

The decision comes almost a month after major university systems in the state announce their vaccination requirements

Katia Pechenkina, News Editor • May 19, 2021

San Diego Community College District will require students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for in-person learning for the fall semester, according to a statement shared on social media.

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MAGAZINE: Jazz radio returns after the lockdown

The station is on-air Monday through Friday

Katia Pechenkina, News Editor • May 17, 2021

KSDS-FM Jazz 88.3, San Diego’s award-winning only full-time jazz radio station since 1985, went back to live broadcasting in January of 2021.

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City College shares a space for students with chronic illness

"As I Am" meetings are held every Monday from 11 a.m to 12 p.m.

Candise Berry, Multimedia Journalist • April 23, 2021

The San Diego City College Health Center and Disability Support Programs & Services presents As I Am, a welcoming space for students dealing with chronic medical challenges.

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VIDEO: #CityCookingChallenge made America’s favorite dessert apple pie

Today's #CityCookingChallenge includes apple pie, America's favorite dessert

Jesus Lopez, Multimedia Journalist • April 20, 2021

City Times reporter Jesus Lopez is back with #CityCookingChallenge at San Diego City College Hunger Action Day. The food was donated by San Diego Food Bank.

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SDCCD’s chancellor-elect draws inspiration from the views of his guru

Carlos Turner Cortez speaks in first interview after being appointed chancellor-elect

Gabriel Schneider, Editor-in-Chief • March 26, 2021

Carlos Turner Cortez won the vote to become San Diego Community College’s new chancellor yesterday, in the Board of Trustees meeting.

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Art, community and social change a part of Social Justice Conference

Four experts come together to show how the three are inextricably linked

Kathryn Gray, Multimedia Journalist • March 26, 2021

Producing art provides the opportunity to create social change and community throughout the creative process, according to a panel of talented artists that have experiences to prove it.

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