Minahil Arif

Dec 4, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Jasmine Ascencio |Riley Ramirez |Minahil Arif

In a dimly lit backroom of The Factory Bar, a neighborhood cocktail and beer spot in Richmond, Maria Tuttle and her life partner, Ana Gutierrez, set up prizes and Lotería cards on a small table in the back corner with a banner that bears the name of Tuttle’s organization, Children’s Art Studio Richmond. A year ago, the organization opened and began providing free art classes in English and Spanish to young children, ages 2 to 5 years old, in Richmond.

Nov 29, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Riley Ramirez |Minahil Arif

Early next year, Richmond will begin developing its Sea Level Rise Adaptation and Resiliency Plan to address the risks of rising sea levels. It will involve city officials, environmental scientists, engineers, and community members implementing strategies to protect and restore the Richmond shoreline after decades of heavy industrial activity.

Nov 26, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Edith Matthias |Minahil Arif

Festive music and welcoming smiles filled the parking lot of the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s food distribution center in Richmond Tuesday, where hundreds of people gathered under a gray sky for the annual turkey giveaway. The Rescue Mission, which provides emergency shelter, fresh meals, warm clothing, and support services to the unhoused and those in need, has upheld this  Thanksgiving tradition for over 40 years.

Nov 25, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Minahil Arif

An anticipated tiny house village for young unhoused adults, the first of its kind in Richmond, has been stalled for months, as the project awaited city permits. But organizers and the city say it finally is on track and could be ready for residents soon. The project, led by the nonprofit Tiny Village Spirit, will double the number of emergency housing units for young adults aged 18-24 to two dozen.

Nov 2, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Daniella Jimenez |Minahil Arif |Wen Shao

In the two decades Flor Castro has lived in Richmond, she’s seen many things change. One thing that has remained relatively stable is the $1,500 rent for the three-bedroom apartment she shares with her husband and two children, thanks to the city’s rent control laws. “I’m very grateful to God for everything I have because there are other families that need not just one job, but two jobs,” Castro said in Spanish.