Category Archives: Uncategorized

There is no housing crisis in ‘Animal Crossing’

For my Curbed debut, I wrote about playing “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” in quarantine, the homeowner/renter divide, and the affordable housing crisis that doesn’t exist in video games.

“There is no housing crisis in ‘Animal Crossing.’ Between unaffordable rent and a global pandemic, it’s no wonder people are turning to a video-game utopia.”

Animal Crossing island with orange tones.

The Silicon Valley Economy

On Jan. 16, I published my first big feature of the year in Tbe New Republic, looking at how the forces that keep the gig economy humming (undercutting labor, shifting costs on workers and customers) conspired with the issues already plaguing California to destroy what’s left of working- and middle-class communities.

The Silicon Valley Economy is Here. And It’s a Nightmare. | The New Republic

Between a Strike and a Hard Place

Across California, school districts are strapped for cash. On April 8, while announcing a bill that would increase taxation on large companies to create more funding for schools and child care, Oakland Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks stated that California is forty-first in the nation when it comes to per-pupil spending on education. In Sacramento’s case, adding to their financial woes is the looming threat of a state takeover if the district doesn’t make up a $35 million budget deficit by June 20.

My story for The Baffler.

Anchor Workers and Veterinary Specialists Forge Ahead with Union Plans

Longtime workers at Anchor Brewing and the VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists face down attempts to undercut their efforts for better working conditions and wages.

Anchor Union workers and supporters

My report for SF Weekly on the labor disputes taking place at the VCA Veterinarian Specialists and Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco.