Six candidates filed campaign finance disclosures by Thursday’s deadline. The latest data shows East Bay Working Families has spent the most, $104,000.
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
Richmond is first California city to oppose a carbon dioxide waste pipeline
The city council voted to recommend the EPA and other relevant land use agencies reject a proposed project that would transport carbon dioxide from Bay Area refineries — including Chevron’s Richmond facility — to an underground injection site in the Solano County wetlands.
Posted inCity
Richmond green-lights improvements to one street. Some say it’s the wrong one
In a 4-3 vote, the city council allocated $2 million for Richmond Parkway work, but some council members say residential streets with known safety hazards are being left out.
Posted inPublic Safety
Update: Person found dead in harbor killed in car crash
Car recovered from water near Canal Drive, where a body was found on Saturday.
Posted in2026 Election
Cheese Park, cops, community: Richmond’s District 4 candidates pitch their priorities
District 4 incumbent Soheila Bana defended her track record, Keycha Gallon wants grassroots collaboration, and Jamin Pursell wants a closer police station.
Posted in2026 Election
Richmond council candidates ‘wave wand’ and imagine how Chevron money could help District 3
Incumbent Doria Robinson and challenger Brandon Evans appeared before about 35 residents in the second of three election forums hosted by Richmondside for the June 2 primary.
Posted in2026 Election
Meet your Richmond City Council District 4 candidates — in their own words
Soheila Bana, Keycha Gallon and Jamin Pursell discuss ways their neighborhoods feel isolated from some city services and resources.
Posted inCity
City’s lean staffing leaves workers scrambling to get their work done, they say
A preview of Richmond’s $275 million budget shows personnel costs expected to increase more than 37% from 2021.
Posted inCity
Will the SS Red Oak Victory ship be docked somewhere new? A $300K study will try to find out
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
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 “separate” from the general fund.
Posted in2026 Election
Meet your Richmond City Council District 3 candidates — 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 to take back control of Craneway Pavilion due to high maintenance costs
City council members who voted against the deal didn’t 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 didn’t 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
Richmond’s 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 — 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.
