The historic ship, which operates as a nonprofit museum, has been at Point Potrero since 1998, but there’s an effort to relocate it to Ford Point near the Rosie the Riveter visitor center to boost
Author Archives: Joel Umanzor
Joel Umanzor Richmondside's city reporter.
What I cover: I report on what happens in local government, including attending City Council meetings, analyzing the issues that are debated, shedding light on the elected officials who represent Richmond residents, and examining how legislation that is passed will impact Richmonders.
My background: I joined Richmondside in May 2024 as a reporter covering city government and public safety. Before that I was a breaking-news and general-assignment reporter for The San Francisco Standard, The Houston Chronicle and The San Francisco Chronicle. I grew up in Richmond and live locally.
Contact: joel@richmondside.org
Posted inCity
Chevron settlement: Richmond picks consultant to lead spending conversation
Mayor Eduardo Martinez said he voted against hiring the consultant because he did not agree with describing the settlement as āseparateā from the general fund.
Posted in2026 Election
Meet your Richmond City Council District 3 candidates ā in their own words
Brandon Evans and Doria Robinson weigh in on topics such as the Chevron settlement negotiations, crime and business development.
Posted in2026 Election
Three Richmond mayoral candidates receive donations from entities doing business with city, records show
While not illegal in Richmond, a state law could require Mayor Eduardo Martinez to return some money. Meanwhile candidate Ahmad Anderson has raised the most among all the council candidates.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond mayoral candidates take stances on green jobs, safety and life beyond Chevron
In the first of three Richmondside candidate forums, the five mayoral candidates discuss their visions for a better city.
Posted inCity
Richmond refuses toĀ take back control of Craneway Pavilion due to high maintenance costs
City council members who voted against the deal didnāt want the city to inherit tens of millions in potential expenses for the historic waterfront facility.
Posted inCity
Richmond city manager Shasa Curl tells police union she won’t be ‘bullied’ as she announces retirement
The police union is threatening legal action, saying Shasa Curl didnāt reinstate officers involved in fatal shootings fast enough. Curl has held the position since 2022.
Posted inPublic Safety
Police investigating suspected murder-suicide in East Richmond
Richmond police found a pair of people dead inside a home during a wellness check on Friday morning, marking the second homicide investigation in as many days.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond council candidates clash over police staffing and shorter public meetings
Incumbents and challengers sparred over public safety issues and how to make city council more accessible to residents at a recent election forum.
Posted inPublic Safety
Richmondās first 2026 homicide: One dead in Fairmede-Hilltop shooting
A pair of people shot at each other Thursday morning, leaving one person dead and another injured, according to Richmond police.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond mayoral candidates on why they’re running ā in their own words
From tensions with the police department to rebranding the city’s image, the five people running for mayor discuss their platforms.
Posted inCity
Richmond strengthens proposed ‘ICE-free’ law that would go into effect in May
Ordinance also sets up a system for alerting residents when “verified” ICE activity is happening.
Posted inCity
Richmond will give $99M over 10 years to support youths. It’s a big win for local nonprofits
Some city council members would like a more detailed audit of how the money, approved by voters in 2018, is being spent.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s Flock license plate readers will be turned back on through 2026
The city council voted to extend the contract after the cameras were taken offline due to concerns about potential data breaches.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond mayoral candidates go after incumbent for controversial remarks
A recent forum ahead of the June primary started off with all four of Mayor Eduardo Martinez’s challengers critiquing his performance.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond mayoral candidates clash over Flock cameras, crime, Chevron funds
Mayoral hopefuls sparred about the Chevron settlement and license plate readers during an online election forum hosted by the Marina Bay Neighborhood Council.
Posted in2026 Election
Will Richmondās next mayor be a progressive, a moderate or a staunch conservative?
The decision voters make in June could shape the city for decades, say candidates and political observers.
Posted in2026 Election
Two Richmond Progressive Alliance members officially running for mayor
District 2 council member Cesar Zepeda will run unopposed while RPA-endorsed Claudia Jimenez and three others will try to unseat RPA-member Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Posted inCity
Richmond residents debate whether Flock license plate cameras should be back online
City council members ran out of time to discuss it while Police Chief Timothy Simmons said delaying a decision hampers their ability to solve time-critical cases, such as one involving a missing minor believed to be a sex trafficking victim.
Posted inPublic Safety
Richmond officers cleared for fatally shooting man in mental health crisis
Marine reservist Angel MontaƱo, 27, was shot and killed last August by police officers responding to a call for help from his family.
