Special Projects
Aside from the four years he served in the Marine Corps, Henry Avila has spent his life in Richmond’s Iron Triangle. Avila, 59, says that it hasn’t always been easy for him—growing up there was a lot of crime in the neighborhood and a work-site accident in his late 20s left him permanently disabled. The years and experiences are etched in the lines on his face. His salt and pepper hair is bunched in a haphazard ponytail that grazes his…
Sometime this year, all BART police officers will begin wearing cameras to record their actions. The policy is in the process of being finalized, but Shante Barnes, a training specialist officer, said that trainers travelled to Arizona in mid-October to study proper usage and video storage of the camera. After the official launch date each BART patrol officer will be assigned a camera to wear on duty, and once they engage with a person they must turn on the camera…
Richmond’s roller derby team, the Wrecking Belles, boasts the most wins the Bay Area Derby Girls league’s history. The women kicked off their season at the end of February. Richmond Confidential reporter Lexi Pandell and former Richmond Confidential reporters Stacey Kennelly and Byron Wilkes (now of North Gate Radio and CNS News, respectively) visited the derby girls’ headquarters and the Belles’ first game of the season to bring you this special report. Click around and enjoy!
Byron Wilkes gives a glimpse inside the world of Bay Area roller derby and the Richmond Wrecking Belles.
North Gate Radio’s Stacey Kennelly takes you to the Richmond Wrecking Belle’s practice space and to their first game of the 2012 season. 20120306_derby_sk.mp3
Sculpting our bedroom lives. Turning gas tanks into robots. Finding beauty in roadkill. Four artists open their homes to Richmond Confidential.
Over the last century, as industry grew and the population exploded in Richmond, conflicts between construction and restoration have been inevitable. Development and the natural landscape all over Richmond have been at odds.
You cooked for us, now we’ll cook for you! We debuted Richmond Cooks on this day last year, featuring several recipes from the kitchens of Richmond Confidential readers. This year, our staff has compiled some of our own favorite recipes. You’ll find a few “family recipes” from cultural backgrounds including Greek and Italian, as well as a few recipes that meet special dietary needs (think vegan and gluten-free!). And, of course, we’ve included some of our favorite all-American holiday eats….
The scene isn’t new, but the way the police officer driving by views them might be. Richmond is taking the lead on a county-wide project that views prostitutes as victims of their pimps.