A large portion of the $356K federal grant will be used to retrofit licensed, home-based childcare facilities in low income, unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.
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
More Richmond rain on Monday; clearer conditions expected for Thanksgiving
Although rain is starting the week off, the National Weather Service expects Thanksgiving to be sunnier.
Richmond Measure J: Switch to primary elections still leading in Friday count
The competing Measure L, which would establish ranked-choice voting, loses because it received fewer “yes” votes.
Richmond City Council D6: RPA incumbent Claudia Jimenez increases lead over Shawn Dunning
Most recent county update Friday shows Jimenez winning.
Richmond City Council D5: Sue Wilson maintains lead over Anderson
Unofficial results posted Nov. 22 show Sue Wilson still leads her race.
Richmond City Council D1: Jamelia Brown’s maintains lead over Willis in Nov. 22 tally
Incumbent Melvin Willis said he ‘accepts it as a loss for now.’ Next results update is Nov. 27.
Gayle McLaughlin says ‘foundation’ strong as RPA gets mixed results in election
Former mayor reflects on political wins, losses and the current state of progressives versus liberals.
Fire along Richmond Greenway damages 6 homes, displaces 10 people
Investigators are still trying determine what caused the vegetation fire that ended up spreading into a residential area.
Richmond father still advocates for police reform 10 years after officer killed ‘Pedie’ Perez
City honored police shooting victim Pedie Perez with artwork and by renaming the street where he grew up.
Community HDC to receive $16M for green upgrades at Pullman Point ApartmentsÂ
The federal grant being given to the Richmond-based corporation is part of a national push to improve low-income housing.
Political committee with police union ties is biggest spender in Richmond elections
Richmond Votes Matters has spent nearly $500K in push to defeat ranked-choice voting. Top city council race fundraiser is Claudia Jimenez.
Richmond street food vendors now have place of their own
New pilot program gets vendors properly licensed and off of 23rd Street, where local businesses say they were stealing customers.
How can Chevron improve its relationship with Richmond residents?
The question was posed Wednesday at a Chevron town hall, the first in a series required under a settlement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
She says she’s trusted: Meet D5 Richmond City Council candidate Sue Wilson
Richmond City Council D5 candidate Sue Wilson’s priorities include traffic safety, spending Chevron money wisely.
He says he’s Richmond’s native son: Meet D5 City Council candidate Ahmad Anderson
Richmond City Council candidate Ahmad Andersoin says Richmond Progressive Alliance-supported candidates, council members, don’t truly represent residents.
District 5 election forum topics: Dangerous streets, police funding, Zeneca site
Richmond City Council D5 candidates Ahmad Anderson and Sue Wilson offer differing approaches to policing, economic development, infrastructure.
She says she’s on the side of unheard voices: Meet D6 Richmond City Council candidate Claudia Jimenez
Candidate Claudia Jimenez’s platform priorities include building a healthy city budget, green jobs and street safety.
Mediating is ‘part of my personality’: Meet D6 Richmond City Council candidate Shawn Dunning
Candidate Shawn Dunning’s platform priorities include collaborating with all parties and public safety.
Primary elections or ranked-choice? Richmond voters will decide on Nov. 5
Measures J and L offer different visions for how Richmond elections should work. Here’s what to know before you vote.
Child of the Iron Triangle: Meet Richmond City Council candidate Jamelia Brown
Jamelia Brown’s platform priorities includes voter education, public safety, economic revitalization.

