OAKLAND — For so many small business owners, the latest news of the A’s likely departure hurts, not only as fans but also puts their stores in a state of limbo, especially the ones that would have benefited from all the foot traffic some neighborhoods would have seen with the construction of a new ballpark.
Born and raised in Oakland, George Rodriguez has been cutting hair since he was a teenager.
“I started really young. It was a hobby, then became a career,” said Rodriguez. “It’s been a journey.”
Rodriguez opened his first business, Kingsmen Grooming Parlor, last year on 2nd Street in Jack London Square, after nearly two decades of building his clientele.
“It’s a beautiful city. There’s a lot to build here but everyone’s leaving,” said Rodriguez.
The A’s ballpark project at Howard Terminal would have made a significant impact for his employees.
“It would have brought more foot…
