Q&A with Omar Rodriguez, Co-Founder of EASTSIDE Magazine
About EASTSIDE Magazine:
EASTSIDE Magazine was created to capture the heart of East San José by highlighting the community’s deeply rooted history, cultural vibrancy, ample assets and considerable resources. The magazine features the important work of organizations in East San José and stories of commitment and determination that contribute to the community’s growth and strength.
Through this magazine, they aim to emphasize a sense of pride, appreciation, and understanding of East San José as not just an important point of destination, but a home with a rich cultural legacy as the heart of San José.
See the current issue of EASTSIDE Magazine here.
Project Funded by The Health Trust:
Launched in 2020, EASTSIDE Magazine is celebrating their first anniversary and the release of their sixth issue with En Movimiento, a free community celebration and virtual fundraiser, on April 21. The Health Trust is proud to sponsor the event through a Community Grant and help uplift voices from East San Jose through their work.
Q1: EASTSIDE Magazine shines a light on the resiliency of the East San Jose community. Can you share the inspiration behind EASTSIDE Magazine?
From the very beginning Eastside Magazine was released as a collective voice, a platform with a vision to build an army of guerreros that fight the challenges of our community. It is my hope that by all of us coming together we can create a movement that is driven by a passion for a common goal.
Q2: Why is it important to feature the voices of the East San Jose community?
Eastside Magazine emphasizes the pride, appreciation, and understanding of East San José as a dynamic space and place that surfaces the importance of this neighborhood and its significance as the heart of San Jose. The stories are by, about, and for our communities, and often offering a different lens and an opportunity to connect.
Q3: What is the impact you hope EASTSIDE Magazine will have in the community and beyond?
My hope is to create a movement of folks committed to relentlessly keeping East San José a vibrant and culturally rich home with corazón. I also realize that in order to make a meaningful lasting impact we need to advocate, organize, fight, and push in the same direction to secure, define, and shape our own future in the communities that we live, work and love so much.
Q4: What is your vision for the future of Eastside Magazine?
My vision for the future of the magazine is to reach every household in East San José. For everyone in the community to join us in this journey of impact, inspiration, and power alongside each other. Our everyday lives are inspirational and our stories connect us across generations to stand in our power and admire the vibrancy of the community we call home. Aquí estamos y no nos vamos.
Q5: How can we learn more and support EASTSIDE Magazine?
Have a story to tell? A nonprofit you’d like to share more about? A skill you’d like to highlight? Send us a message! We are also calling on graphic designers, artists, photographers, writers, storytellers of all ages, and anyone that is ready to take action to join us on this journey of telling our own stories. If you feel inspired by the stories, the magazine, please subscribe for FREE digital access. www.kooltura.com/subscribe
