Demographics reporter

Leonardo Castaneda

Leonardo Castañeda is a reporter covering demographics and the income divide as part of The Mercury News’ Living in the Bay Area team. He graduated from San Diego State University with degrees in journalism and economics, and previously reported in America’s Finest City. He also speaks Spanish, holds strong opinions about burritos and can be reached at 408-920-5012.

Spanish-speaking Latinos reported higher rates of food insecurity and job loss but relied on food banks and nonprofits instead of food stamps.

Economy |
‘I was looking at a nightmare:’ Spanish-speakers hard hit by COVID relied on food banks instead of government assistance

July 26, 2021 at 7:11 a.m.

Spanish-speaking Latinos reported higher rates of food insecurity and job loss but relied on food banks and nonprofits instead of food stamps.

Health officers said they hope a recommendation will be enough to spur action.

Bay Area counties urge employers to require vaccinations; Santa Clara will mandate for 22,000 county workers

July 23, 2021 at 6:46 a.m.

Health officers said they hope a recommendation will be enough to spur action.

Increased demand during COVID and cracks in the global supply chain have created a perfect storm for product shortages.

Business |
Shortages in the Bay Area mean furniture, appliances take 'months and months' to arrive

July 9, 2021 at 2:55 p.m.

Increased demand during COVID and cracks in the global supply chain have created a perfect storm for product shortages.

For the first time, there are more remote high-paying job openings than in San Francisco.

Business |
Remote work is now the hottest ‘city’ for high-paying jobs

July 9, 2021 at 12:05 p.m.

For the first time, there are more remote high-paying job openings than in San Francisco.

New and renewing passports are expected to take 18 weeks to process, and congressional offices are seeing an uptick in calls for help.

California News |
Passport application delays are threatening Bay Area residents' travel plans

June 25, 2021 at 5:33 a.m.

New and renewing passports are expected to take 18 weeks to process, and congressional offices are seeing an uptick in calls for help.

California has $1.5 billion in grants for small businesses but entrepreneurs of color have struggled to tap into state and federal funds.

Business |
‘California is coming back:’ Gov. Newsom visits Oakland’s Beastmode Barbershop, makes pizza to promote small business recovery

June 18, 2021 at 9:44 a.m.

California has $1.5 billion in grants for small businesses but entrepreneurs of color have struggled to tap into state and federal funds.

Leonardo Castaneda

All Stories

Economy |
‘I was looking at a nightmare:’ Spanish-speakers hard hit by COVID relied on food banks instead of government assistance

Bay Area counties urge employers to require vaccinations; Santa Clara will mandate for 22,000 county workers

Business |
Shortages in the Bay Area mean furniture, appliances take 'months and months' to arrive

Business |
Remote work is now the hottest ‘city’ for high-paying jobs

California News |
Passport application delays are threatening Bay Area residents' travel plans

Business |
‘California is coming back:’ Gov. Newsom visits Oakland’s Beastmode Barbershop, makes pizza to promote small business recovery

Business |
California’s stricter COVID rules did not hurt the economy: report

Business |
Newsom: Restaurant parklets and to-go cocktails will continue in California through 2021

COVID: Marin, Monterey counties advance to yellow tier

Affordable housing: Rep. Khanna meets with Sunnyvale mobile home owners