Richmond Faces

Around the Way: Rhythmic Metals

Ed Lay is a computer programmer and a metals teacher at Richmond Art Center. Learn how he found his passion for teaching metal artworks to the community in the first of Richmond Confidential’s ‘Around the Way’ video series.

Rosies’ stories still riveting

Rosie the Riveter was a US cultural icon, most commonly associated with the famous poster featuring a woman wearing a red bandanna, denim shirt, and one arm curled into a flexed muscle. Half a dozen of Richmond’s Rosies still visit the historic Shipyards, but no longer as welders—they’re volunteers for the Rosie the Riveter Trust Visitor Center.

Locally Richmond: Fairy wing maker goes national

Locally Richmond is an occasional series of profiles that highlights the small businesses that contribute to making Richmond a unique community.  When does an artist know she has reached a milestone in her career? For Angela Jarman, she knew the minute her work was worn by models strutting down the catwalk of Victoria’s Secret fashion shows. Jarman makes fairy wings—small or big, as intricate or as simple as the client requests—and she is making a name for herself and her niche….

Two Richmond residents collaborate on separate unique art businesses under the same roof

There is no task too big or small or obscure for Brandy Esparza and Kyle Silber, who know how to market an artisanal stamp for a doughnut wrapper, a latex mask for a life-sized Buddha, or a seal for an architect to sign for his or her work. Together they operate two businesses, Underdog Press and Painted Wonderland, out of their home in Richmond, California Esparza started independent contracting work about 10 years ago doing face painting, special effects for…

Introducing the Tales of Two Cities Podcast, radio stories from Richmond and Oakland

Dear Readers/Listeners, The combined staff of Oakland North and Richmond Confidential is excited to announce a new bi-weekly podcast featuring radio stories from Richmond and Oakland, as well as interviews with our reporters, community leaders and other news-worthy characters. Every two weeks until June, we will bring you radio stories focused on a theme or issue affecting these two cities. You will also hear from our reporters to get a behind the scenes look at our news room. Every other Thursday, check our sites for new…

School district holds town hall meeting to discuss funding, school services and Common Core

Peres Elementary School’s auditorium was filled with low murmurs of conversation Saturday morning as West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) held its second community town hall meeting of the year. Armed with questions, parents trickled in around 9 am, dropping off their children at the daycare service the district provided. Coffee and pastries were munched as community members, teachers, staff, parents and Spanish translators split off into four groups for light discussions. Each group discussed changes in the district…