We scoured Bay Area Air District records to find out who the worst violators are.
Author Archives: Brian Krans
Brian Krans is an award-winning local news and investigative journalist who began freelance reporting for Cityside in 2020. With The Oaklandside, he helped residents find available vaccine doses at the height of the COVID pandemic, created an audio documentary on the lessons learned 30 years after the 1991 Oakland Hills wildfire, and reported on topics ranging from goats to rollerblading. Krans, a Richmond resident, has also previously reported for KQED News and was a founding member of the Vallejo Sun.
Posted inCity
Chevron agrees to pay air district $900,000 for air monitoring failures
The latest settlement brings Chevron Richmond’s total penalties paid to the air district over the last decade to over $13M for more than 1,000 violation notices.
Posted inCity
Chevron payments make up nearly 24% of Richmond general fund, city reveals accidentally
The city, in response to a public records request, has disclosed for the first time Chevron’s 2024 tax and settlement payments — nearly $59 million — showing its dependency on the refinery.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s interim police misconduct investigator faces backlog of 26 cases
City council on Tuesday approved hiring a retired El Segundo police chief known for “unbiased policing.” His predecessor accused Richmond’s police commission of bias.
Posted inCity
Contra Costa refinery closures bring labor unions and green activists together
An unlikely alliance of labor and environmental-justice groups is working to ensure the region is prepared for a future without big oil.
Posted inCity
Richmond won’t investigate alleged police commission bias
City council members say former investigator’s claims were “weak” but agreed commissioners need training as soon as possible.
Posted inCity
Will Richmond always be a refinery town? Mounting evidence says no
Statewide trends and new studies suggest Contra Costa County’s refineries won’t be around forever. But transitioning could be a messy process.
Posted inCommunity
Over 100 protesters at Chevron refinery demand big oil pay for climate disasters
LA fire victims joined the Richmond rally and brought ashes from the homes they lost.
Posted inCity
After refinery fire, Martinez activists look to follow Richmond’s example
Residents are still seeking answers after an explosion at the Martinez Refinery Company, and say Richmond’s history of civic activism is one they’re trying to emulate.
Posted inCity
7 years in, Richmond’s ‘Path to Clean Air’ is at pivotal stage
California’s AB 617 helped Richmond identify its worst polluters. What are the next steps in improving air quality?
Posted inCommunity
In Atchison Village, residents split expenses and share concerns about air pollution
Residents of Richmond’s Atchison Village say there’s much to love about their housing co-op despite being next door to the Chevron refinery.
Posted inCity
What to know about flaring at the Chevron refinery
Flaring is routine at the Richmond refinery. But what exactly is it, how often does it happen, and how harmful is it? We investigated.
Posted inCommunity
A pollution-fighting urban forest in Richmond? You could help plant it
Groundwork Richmond is looking for young people to help plant 3,000 trees over the next four years.
Posted inCity
Air pollution is hard to avoid in Richmond. But this guide can help
How to have safer air at home, track local pollution levels, file a complaint, and get care for asthma in Richmond.
Posted inCommunity
La contaminación del aire es difícil de evitar en Richmond. Esta guía puede ayudar
Cómo tener un aire más seguro en casa, rastrear los niveles de contaminación local, presentar una queja y obtener atención para el asma en Richmond.
Posted inCommunity
Feeling powerless to prevent asthma, Richmond doctors turn to advocacy
After witnessing the impacts of local air pollution, family doctors are looking outside their clinics for solutions.
Posted inCity
What’s in Richmond’s air? New studies provide clarity on pollution and its sources
Local air pollution levels often fall short of what public health agencies say is safe. We looked at existing data and video mapped major sources.
