Community leaders gather in Richmond on the 109th birthday of the National Park Service to emphasize the need to safeguard the country’s stories.
Author Archives: Jana Kadah
What I cover: I write about Richmond schools and youth issues, Contra Costa College, the county Board of Education and other general topics.
My background: I made my way to the East Bay after covering city hall at San Jose Spotlight where I earned several first-place awards for my local government, business/economy and public service reporting from the California News Publishers Association. Before that, I was a reporter for Bay City News, where I wrote about issues ranging from homelessness to the environment and education.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD teachers could authorize strike this fall, union says
West Contra Costa teachers union declares “impasse” over issues including salary, workload and class sizes.
Posted inSchools
Richmond students go back to school with optimism as district reports some progress
From new leadership and programs to playground joy and campus renovations, the new school year marks a fresh start for many in WCCUSD.
Posted inSchools
New WCCUSD superintendent launches 100-day plan to rebuild trust, stabilize district
Superintendent Cheryl Cotton, a product of Richmond schools, said transparency and community input are keys to fixing entrenched challenges such as absenteeism, staffing shortages and budget cuts.
Posted inCommunity
Angel Montaño, AKA ‘Carrot,’ remembered as goofy, gentle, loyal, caring
Man shot by police during an apparent mental health crisis was active in high school sports and clubs and known as a “deeply intelligent.”
Posted inSchools
Voices charter school in Richmond gets 2nd campus amid WCCUSD board red flags
WCCUSD school board OKs second site for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classes but raised concerns about finances, diversity and transparency.
Posted inSchools
From shiny like-new gym floors to a ‘cafeterium,’ take a peek at school upgrades
As Stege Elementary is fully rebuilt, Kennedy and Richmond high schools each get $280 million overhaul.
Posted inCommunity
Accessing Richmond’s Point Molate will be easier once new trail is built
After decades of waiting, residents will soon enjoy scenic trails, restored habitats, cultural programming and eventually a regional park with the Richmond-San Rafael bridge as a backdrop.
Posted inCity
New Richmond tiny home project doubles number of county beds for unhoused youths to 25
The new downtown community was built with the help of donations and hundreds of volunteers, many of them high schoolers from around the East Bay.
Posted inSchools
‘We’re here for them’: WCCUSD takes extra steps to protect immigrant families against ICE raids
New mandatory training for administrators is part of an updated policy on how the district responds when ICE shows up on campus.
Posted inSchools
Books for babies: How Richmond families are building home libraries, one delivery at a time
A Berkeley nonprofit is delivering age-appropriate books to children under five in Richmond and San Pablo, helping them start kindergarten ready to read — no matter their family’s income.
Posted inSchools
Photos: Mr. Pierce, beloved De Anza principal, remembered for serving from the heart
Hundreds gathered Friday night for a celebration of life for Chris Pierce, former WCCUSD student, teacher and administrator.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD school community remembers beloved principal who ‘helped make dreams come true’
Christopher Pierce, former De Anza High principal, died on July 4, just as he stepped into his role as principal at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School. He was 45.
Posted inCommunity
He survived one of the Bay Area’s most horrific dog attacks. But that’s not his legacy
At age 10 Shawn Jones’ story made national headlines, but the former Richmond resident has a new tale to tell: He’s championing the needs of disabled people in the workplace.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD school board OKs budget that cuts positions, could increase class sizes
The West Contra Costa Unified School District board approves its $458 million 2025-26 spending plan on Wednesday.
Posted inSchools
Richmond school staffer who inspires kids to show up is also uplifting parents
Meet Your Neighbor: Verde K-8 School’s Marta Nieto teaches immigrant moms how to get involved while also improving attendance.
Posted inSchools
Contra Costa Community College staff protest top execs getting 8% pay raise
College leaders, including at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, to make $297,000 to $447,000 a year while classified staff members say they’ve faced layoffs and a custodian shortage.
Posted inCommunity
Outdoor-focused nonprofit hopes to help more Richmonders by building a new center
Yes Nature to Neighborhoods, which teaches youths leadership skills through outdoor recreation and environmental action, is building a new center across from Nicholl Park on Macdonald Avenue.
Posted inCommunity
A new free class at Latina Center has Richmond youths building more than just robots
Future Latin Tech program will run for three years at center that got its start helping domestic violence survivors.
Posted inSchools
Una nueva clase gratuita en Latina Center permite a los jóvenes de Richmond constuir más que solo robots
Free educational robotics program will run for the next three years at the Latina Center.
