Air district asking for public comment on plan to prevent refinery flaring
The Bay Area Air District has released the 2026 Flare Minimization Plan Annual Updates for public review and comment. Five Bay Area refineries, including Chevron’s Richmond refinery, have prepared plans that include new preventative measures that were identified based on investigations of flaring incidents between July 2025 and June 2026. The public can now read them on Bay Area Air District’s website. The public comment period is open until Nov. 5.
Project aims to make Richmond wastewater plant a ‘green’ facility
Officials at the West County Wastewater District have announced a milestone toward turning their Richmond Parkway sewage treatment plant into a “clean and green” energy facility. The project, which is being overseen by OPTERRA Energy Services, has installed solar facilities, a cogeneration system, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient lighting upgrades and an expansion of the treatment plant’s equalization basins. Officials said the improvements will allow the district to transform its wastewater residuals into a potentially reusable source of fertilizer. The upgrades are also expected to bring $83 million in savings over the life of the project as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. West County Wastewater serves several communities in the Richmond area, providing wastewater collection and treatment to about 34,000 homes and 900 commercial and industrial businesses.
What do you want to see in a city manager? Richmond wants to know
Richmond will host a public meeting next week to hear what residents are looking for in a city manager, the person who runs the day to day operations at the direction of the city council. The city says that it is seeking “a strong, experienced, and highly relational leader who understands that effective municipal leadership begins with listening, building trust, and bringing people together.” Applications will be accepted until Nov. 1 via the recruitment firm, apply@bobmurrayassoc.com. The salary is “negotiable,” ranging between $205,600 and $380,000 annually.
A survey has also been sent out. You can fill it out here. The meeting will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 28 inside the council chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Free lunch and childcare will be provided. A third online meeting will be held on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Zoom.
Community forum focuses on Black healing
What does it take for people as well as communities to overcome generational trauma and the weight of everyday systematic harm? That question will be the focus of Curious Conversations: Black Healing Matters, a talk hosted by Multicultural Bookstore. The forum will be led by Patrick Brown, who works with government agencies, nonprofits and corporations to help create better outcomes for their employees and clients. The free forum will take place on Fri., Oct. 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the book store, 260 Broadway.
Panel discussion on legacy of Black Panther Party
A panel will discuss the history and impact of the Black Panther Party, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, at a community forum. The event, Black Panther Party: Legacy, Liberty & A More Just Tomorrow, is organized by Richmond Black Historical Legacy Project and the Richmond Museum of History & Culture. The discussion will examine the Black Panther Party’s contributions to political education, community organizing, social justice and programs addressing the needs of underserved communities. The free discussion is on Sat., Oct. 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shields-Reid Community Center, 1410 Kelsey St.
Forum on homelessness among older adults
The Contra Costa Forum on Older Adult Homelessness is hosting a forum focusing on issues facing older adults. Speakers include Dr. Grant Colfax, health director for Contra Costa County and Dr. Margot Kushel, the director of the Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative. The free forum will be held on Fri., Nov. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the first floor conference rooms at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez.
Supervisors seeking a volunteer to serve on East Bay Regional Parks committee
Contra Costa County supervisors are looking for a volunteer to serve as the county’s representative on the East Bay Regional Park District’s Park Advisory Committee. The 21-member citizens advisory group makes recommendations to the park district on issues such as livestock grazing, dogs and bicycles on trails as well the district’s budget. This two-year term will run from Jan.1, 2027 to Dec. 31, 2028. The group meets on the fourth Monday of the month. Learn more and apply here.
