Cecilia Lei - COYOTE

Cecilia Lei is a reporter and producer, as well as an audio and live events host based in the East Bay. She covers immigration, the criminal legal system, AAPI issues, as well as other Bay Area communities.

5 articles

The entrance to Pacific East Mall, a shopping center, at dusk.

Culture

What the ‘Asian Market Boom’ Is Missing: An Ode to Pacific East Mall

As shiny, new Asian grocery stores are hailed as retail "saviors," the decades-old Pacific East Mall in Richmond shows how immigrant cultural spaces matter beyond their economic benefits.

Cecilia Lei Jan 9, 2026

Several protesters hold signs on top of a bus.

Power

First Aid Kit: How to Stay Safe at a Protest

Know your rights, know the risks, and know what to do if you’re arrested.

Cecilia Lei Nov 24, 2025

a green image with a cartoon coyote reading a book and words like 'local' and 'arts & culture' and 'food' around it

Life

COYOTE Calendar: November 20–November 26

This week we’ve got vinyl record swaps, a nighttime art experience featuring box trucks, and free bowls of pho.

Cecilia Lei Nov 19, 2025

A person holds four sandwich halves: the top halves have lettuce and a saucy filling, while the bottom is mostly cheesy.

Life

Sandwich Terrorism Is Now Legal. Also, Here Are Some Sandwiches We Like

COYOTE does not condone violence, only sandwiches.

Soleil Ho, Emma Silvers, Nuala Bishari, Cecilia Lei Nov 10, 2025

people are seen from behind standing on a street corner holding banners that read 'stop starving gaza' and waving a Palestinian flag

Power

Albany and El Cerrito Weren't Known for Protest ... Until Now

In two quiet Bay Area towns, organizers for Palestine are getting loud — and forming deep friendships along the way.

Cecilia Lei Sep 24, 2025