"Shiba Ramen, co-owned by Jake Freed, is facing significant challenges due to high commercial rents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant, located in Oakland and Emeryville, has been struggling with rent payments as their revenue has drastically decreased. Freed argues that rent abatement, rather than deferment, is necessary to prevent closures. The situation is exacerbated by a landlord's proposal to increase rents and demand immediate repayment, which Freed finds unrealistic and unfair." - Luke Tsai
