“I’m not a criminal; I am only a mother”: A grueling journey from Venezuela to the United States ends in uncertainty
Photos by Hiram Duran
A Venezuelan mother embarks on a perilous journey to the United States from Venezuela, fleeing the severe hardships of her home country. Hiking through the Colombian jungle, then through the deserts of Mexico, before making it to the US. Throughout the dangerous trek, she faces physical exhaustion, extortion, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. Upon reaching the U.S., she is not only a victim of gun violence and a life threatening pregnancy, but is also met with the harsh reality of an uncertain immigration process, leaving her future and that of her child in limbo.
A shortage of bilingual educators leaves English learners with too few qualified teachers
Photos by Hiram Duran
A critical shortage of bilingual educators in California is affecting English learners and Spanish-speaking families. Many schools in Contra Costa County face misassignments, where teachers are not properly certified for their roles, leading to an insufficient support system for non-English speaking students. The shortage results in long-term substitutes or underqualified teachers, which strains the educational experience for students like those of Miguel Alvarado and Mirna Mayorquin. Their families have experienced firsthand the challenges of insufficient bilingual education, impacting both student learning and parent involvement. The gap between bilingual teacher certifications and the growing number of bilingual students is a significant concern across the state.
Residents in Bay Point advocate to reopen a local park closed 20 years ago
Photos by Hiram Duran
Residents in Bay Point, California, are advocating to reopen Pacifica Park, a public space closed 20 years ago due to gang violence and vandalism. The park, once a vibrant community area, has since fallen into neglect. Local residents, particularly from the Shore Acres neighborhood, are pushing for action, including a petition for the park's redevelopment. The park's closure has left the community with limited access to green spaces, highlighting the disparity in access to recreational areas for lower-income, predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Efforts to reopen the park are in the early stages, with residents working with local officials to explore possibilities.
Advocates rally to increase food assistance for undocumented people
Photos by Hiram Duran
Advocates are pushing to expand food assistance to undocumented immigrants in California. Currently, a new law set to start in 2025 only extends SNAP benefits to undocumented individuals aged 55 and older. Advocates are rallying for legislation (AB 311 and SB 245) to make all income-eligible residents, regardless of age or immigration status, eligible for food assistance. The need for such assistance is growing, as many undocumented people, particularly in Latino communities, face food insecurity. The Food4All campaign aims to close this gap and ensure all residents have access to necessary resources.
When a lower cost of living comes with an hours-long commute
Photos by Hiram Duran
The high cost of living in the Bay Area is driving low-wage workers to more affordable areas like Contra Costa County. However, this move comes with the downside of long, "extreme" commutes—often over an hour each way—especially for workers like Hector Mejia, who spends nearly three hours commuting to his jobs in San Francisco. While lower rents in these outlying areas offer financial relief, the extended travel times take a toll on physical and mental health, further exacerbating the challenges faced by low-income, predominantly Latino workers.
Concord passes an ordinance to cap rent increases 
Photos by Hiram Duran
Concord City Council has passed an ordinance to cap rent increases at 3% annually or 60% of the consumer price index, whichever is lower, for multi-family complexes built before 1995. The ordinance also introduces just cause eviction policies for most rental units. The move aims to address the rising cost of living and housing instability, particularly in low-income communities. While the policy has garnered support from renters and advocates, it has faced opposition from landlords concerned about its financial impact. The ordinance also includes provisions for relocation assistance in certain eviction cases.
When crowding up is the only choice for low-income renters in Contra Costa County
Photos by Hiram Duran
Low-income renters in Contra Costa County, particularly immigrants, are forced to live in overcrowded conditions due to rising rents. Families like Blanca Colín’s have to share homes with multiple households to afford the rent, often sacrificing safety and comfort. Despite working multiple jobs, many families spend a significant portion of their income on housing, with some enduring poor living conditions like mold and infestations. Rent increases, a low minimum wage, and limited affordable housing options have made decent housing nearly unattainable for these communities.
Landlords and tenants disagree with Concord’s plan to change renter protections
Photos by Hiram Duran
There was a proposed ordinance in Concord to update rent stabilization and just cause eviction laws, which has sparked disagreement between landlords and tenants. The ordinance aims to cap rent increases for some units and extend just cause eviction protections, ensuring tenants are compensated for relocation if displaced. However, tenants argue that the ordinance doesn't go far enough to protect them, while landlords feel it could harm their ability to make a fair return on investment. The city council postponed a vote on the measure due to the strong opposition from both sides.
‘I wonder why me and my family have suffered this much theft.’Photos by Hiram Duran
Valentín Rodríguez's has been the victim of property crime multiple times while living in Contra Costa County, repeatedly having his cars stolen in Concord, California. Over the past year, his family has experienced multiple thefts, including the theft of a car meant to help his daughter with her late-night shifts. Despite installing security cameras and taking other precautions, the thefts continue. Rodríguez reflects on the emotional and financial toll of these crimes and expresses frustration with the police's delayed response. He wonders why his family seems to be specifically targeted, despite living in a relatively quiet neighborhood.
‘Everyone says the city is dead’—but SF’s internet radio stations beg to differ
San Francisco's internet radio stations are thriving despite the city's struggles, including rising living costs. Stations like BFF.FM, Hyde.FM, and Psyched Radio provide a platform for local artists, DJs, and creatives, aiming to bring back the community-based, personalized feel of traditional radio. Although operating as nonprofit ventures, they face financial challenges but continue to foster local culture and creativity. These stations offer an alternative to corporate-controlled media, emphasizing local identity and unique programming in a city often labeled as "dead" due to its current hardships.
Beyond burritos: 5 Latin American staples and where to eat them in San FranciscoIn San Francisco, there are so many more Latin American dishes to satisfy your pallete that aren’t just burritos. These include Salvadoran pupusas, Oaxacan tlayudas, Peruvian lomo saltado, Puerto Rican mofongo, and Chilean empanadas. Each dish is a staple in its respective country, and the article offers recommendations for where to try them in the city, such as Panchita’s Restaurant for pupusas and La Oaxaqueña for tlayudas. San Francisco has a rich and diverse Latin American food scene beyond typical Mexican fare, and I hope you explore these flavorful dishes.
Pastry chef Philippe Delarue serves sweet slices of Paris in outer Richmond
A basket of bread descending from a window sounds like something that only happens in Disney movies. But it is a part of Phillippe Delarue’s weekly routine while running Patisserie on California in the Outer Richmond. His homemade French pastries, including tartes, breads, and cakes, have gained a loyal following, especially after a viral TikTok video boosted his popularity. Delarue’s bakery offers a slice of Parisian flair to locals, reflecting both his culinary expertise and his dedication to bringing high-quality, French-inspired desserts to the community.
Flip the album and order another round at these SF bars dedicated to vinyl records
Are you an audiophile? Do you love the warmth of a vinyl record with a cold drink? Me too! So, I came up with a list of bars in San Francisco that only play vinyl records! Phonobar, The Royal Cuckoo, and 20 Spot each embrace vinyl’s warm, authentic sound. Phonobar features state-of-the-art equipment for audiophiles, while The Royal Cuckoo mixes live performances with vinyl records in a vintage setting. 20 Spot, once a punk record shop, continues its musical legacy by maintaining an extensive vinyl collection. These bars provide a unique blend of music culture and atmosphere, catering to both vinyl enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.