On the Ground

Daly City is betting big on solving the Bay Area’s housing crisis by tripling affordable units at Midway Village—but high costs and mixed opinions show this fight is far from over. I focused on how this project sets a new standard for equity and inclusivity within San Mateo County.

A teacher’s petition for safer sidewalks on Ralston Avenue is rallying strong community support. Belmont educator and parent Tiffany Obayashi recognized that it takes more than a sigh to protect kids walking home every day; it takes action—and maybe a little grit. I’m focusing on how grassroots efforts can turn noise into change, even when the city throws up roadblocks.

Youth in San Mateo’s juvenile hall are being served reheated jail meals—costing $89 each—while complaints of hunger and inadequate portions persist. This raises serious questions about how public funds are spent and whether the system truly prioritizes the well-being of detained youth.

Public outrage erupted after a Redwood City teen was sentenced to just 90 days of electronic monitoring for a crash that killed a married couple—yet most headlines ignored the more than two years he had already spent in juvenile detention. Through interviews with people closely involved in the case, I was able to explore the complicated realities behind the headlines—from grief and justice to how the media shapes public perception.

Belmont’s updated housing plan aims to add nearly 1,800 new units by 2031, but affordable housing for low-income residents remains limited. With housing costs rising faster than incomes, many community members risk being priced out or burdened by high rents. I focused on the gaps in the plan and who’s still left struggling.