community
United Teachers of Richmond is currently in negotiations with the West Contra Costa Unified School District school board for said salary raise and smaller class sizes. The proposal comes after the union called for an increase in teacher retention rates.
Ada Recinos, 26, recently became the youngest city councilmember in Richmond’s history. She has faced doubt due to her age and perceived lack of policy knowledge, but is ready to leave her mark on the position.
Rubicon Programs has worked to end poverty in the East Bay for over 40 years. Today, the group supports the formerly incarcerated and families in poverty.
After drawing a tube of blood from the front left leg of Diana, an 8-year-old American bulldog, outreach coordinator John Fonseca commended her as she laid on the bench at the adoption center of Milo Foundation, an animal rescue group based in Point Richmond. “You did good, Diana,” Fonseca said. Bethany Sullivan, Diana’s foster parent, was constantly caressing the dog’s abdomen. Although Sullivan’s own dog was sitting on the ground a couple of yards away, the deep concerns on her…
The NIAD Art Center is a space where people with disabilities can learn how to paint, sculpt, sew, and explore their creativity.
Richmond Police Sgt. Florencio Rivera lifts a thick leather belt from the trunk of his police cruiser. He points to several objects dangling from it — pepper spray, handcuffs, riot baton, pistol, Taser — and explains: These are just stand-ins. The baton is made of foam, the Taser is unloaded, and the pistol fires Airsoft pellets. Together, they represent a pretend version of the “duty kit” carried by Richmond officers. Rivera is supervising a mock scenario as part of the…
Jazmine Wilson describes herself as a “hairstylist, but as a braider first.” Customers often sit in her chair for four or more hours. She has spent years perfecting her craft and sees it as something that brings women in the community together. To hear more about the art of braiding, check out Jazmine’s story on Tracks/Borders episode of our Tales of Two Cities podcast, in collaboration with Oakland North.
As part of the Richmond Chess Initiative, the West Coast Chess Alliance hosted the first annual chess festival in Richmond. Their aim is to bring the game into the community and help bridge the enrichment and academic gap in the city’s youth.
In this episode of “Tale of Two Cities”, we explore how everyday people are transforming their lives and communities in creative ways. From reporter Caron Creighton, we hear about how Phat Beets Produce is improving access to fresh produce in low income communities in North Oakland. Next, reporter Alondra De La Cruz takes us to Starline Social Club, a bar in downtown Oakland where the owner organizes rent parties to help homeless people. Then, Sarah El Safty reports from a…