Second Chance Youth Garden: Winter 2021

Earlier this year, a group of teens from Second Chance, a reentry program for youth and adults dealing with abuse, addiction or a criminal record, began an eight week program at the Peace Garden. “The peace garden was started by volunteers. All the work in the garden, that’s all volunteer work. The food that they […]

How One Local Theater Company Got Creative During Quarantine

After a year in lockdown, theater companies are more determined than ever to keep connecting with their audiences. SFBATCO shares its new approach to theater. Read more at YR Media.

Testing And Limited Seating Continues As High School Football Reaches Midseason

Weekly COVID-19 testing and limited spectators have become the norm for varsity high school football teams in California’s West Contra Costa Unified School District. Every Monday, student athletes playing football must be tested before they can go on the field to practice. “I feel safer. It is for myself and others,” said athlete Manuel Guillen. […]

Coming Out During Quarantine: 3 Trans Teens Share Their Stories

It’s never easy coming out, but the pandemic adds a whole other layer. Without the in-person aspect, it doesn’t necessarily feel easier or harder — it’s still complicated. Explore an interactive featuring teen coming out stories on YR Media. #TransVisibility

Looking After Our Asian Parents When The Rest of the World Won’t

In many Asian American families right now, the focus is on safety and staying connected. For young adults like Amber Ly, she’s trying to spend more time supporting her parents who own a donut shop. “There are a lot of kids like me, who grew up playing at our parents’ nail salons, restaurants, laundromats, and […]

The Angel That Left Too Soon

Lauren Webb was living a normal life for a 21 year old. Then, her best friend died of cancer. In this heartbreaking note, Webb says her final goodbyes. “You are an inspiration to everyone you’ve touched with your contagious spirit. I’m so blessed to have the privilege to say you were my best friend and […]

‘Rolling In Solidarity’: Skating With Joy And Social Justice

Roller skaters in Richmond have found a way to be together, even during a pandemic. Tania Pulido, along with a group of five other Richmond advocates, founded Rich City Rollers, a club for roller skating enthusiasts that combines community with social justice work. “We’re rolling in solidarity, and it’s about many movements, many fronts, one […]

A Trans Experience

Ashens Limon reflects on his experience as a transgender man and the challenges he faces because of his identity. “Just last year, the principal of my school told me and another trans student that we were not allowed to use the male dressing room for theatre. He tried to force us to use the staff […]

Black Californians Urged To ‘Trust Science,’ Get Vaccinated

When Deena Mangrum first heard about the COVID vaccine, she wasn’t completely sold on the idea. But after speaking to a doctor and close friend, she realized she had little choice in the matter. “She said I was making a choice. ‘Either you’re gonna get COVID, or you’re gonna get the vaccine,’” said Mangrum. Now, […]

Zoomiversary: School on Screens

We’re marking a year of quarantine and #Covid19 lockdowns. As students and teachers, we’re reflecting on how the last year in #VirtualLearning has been and how we feel about going back to school. “I would describe my online learning experience as a plane ride that makes it to its destination, but experiences turbulence along the […]