State transit officials want more time to explore alternative ways of alleviating traffic jams so the bike-ped lane can remain open all week.
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 strengthens sanctuary city law despite risk of Trump’s ire
The city attorney acknowledged the risk of losing federal funding, but council members said they ‘can’t hide from a tyrant.’
Posted inCity
Keller Beach has stunning views but forget building a home there
There’s no solution in sight for homebuilders as city tries to figure out how to fix aging, maxed out sewer line.
Posted inCity
Richmond wants stronger ‘sanctuary city’ law restricting cooperation with ICE
The city council on Tuesday plans to discuss law more like SF’s, adding protections for undocumented community members.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council OKs $1 million for undocumented legal help, education
With calls to a Contra Costa County hotline up 330%, the money will also help educate undocumented people about their rights.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council wants to create a $1M legal fund to help undocumented residents
The fund, which will be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting, would be administered via a community organization to ensure immigrants are educated about their rights and have access to legal assistance.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council to test 5 p.m. meeting start time
In an effort to end its meetings earlier, the council is starting 90 minutes earlier beginning Tuesday despite attorney’s advice to vote on it.
Posted inCity
‘Refuges of hope and faith:’ Churches rally in Richmond to support undocumented residents
Dozens gathered Friday for an interfaith vigil at St. Mark’s Catholic Church; City council to review stronger sanctuary ordinance and $1M legal defense fund.
Posted inCity
Richmond drivers beware: Parking near a crosswalk can get you a ticket, red curb or not
City will paint curbs or install signs explaining new state parking law on case-by-case basis.
Posted inCity
Richmond is seeking to strengthen its ‘weak’ sanctuary city rules
As Trump threatens mass deportations, city officials are looking to places like San Francisco and Chicago, where immigrant protections are more robust.
Posted inCity
Transcript of moments before Richmond police fatal shooting
A transcript of police radio traffic shows how a pursuit unfolded on the train tracks along Carlson Boulevard where officers shot and killed a man.
Posted inCity
Man killed by Richmond police identified by family
Family members said Jose De Jesus Mendez was shot by Richmond police after they tried to arrest him for violating a domestic violence order.
Posted inCity
Richmond police shoot man with sheath, saying they thought it was knife
Police fatally shot the man after a 30-minute standoff, saying he rushed at officers. The names of the man and the officers involved have not been released.
Posted inCommunity
Richmond protest draws more than 200 in support of immigrants
Participants encouraged march attendees to join Monday’s “A Day Without Immigrants” national strike.
Posted inCommunity
‘Immigrants Make America Great’ march set for Sunday in Richmond
Richmond students are planning a peaceful march in solidarity with the city’s undocumented residents, amid rising deportation fears.
Posted inCommunity
Julie Perez, who advocated for police accountability after her son’s killing, has died
Richmond mother of police shooting victim Richard “Pedie” Perez died of cancer on Jan. 22. Services to be held Friday.
Posted inPublic Safety
Community rallies around Richmond food truck owner critically hurt in shooting
Nearly $15K raised for Hilario ‘Layo’ Martinez, owner of Mariscos El Layo, who was shot while working at his food truck in Vallejo.
Posted inCommunity
Remembering Phil Lawson, Richmond pastor and Civil Rights leader who marched with MLK Jr.
The longtime Bay Area activist championed social justice and spent decades advocating for racial equality, housing rights and the migrant community. He was 92.
Posted inCommunity
New SOS center to expand warmth, wellness and job help for the unhoused
The organization, which was previously working out of an RV under a freeway, now has a physical space downtown so it can expand services for homeless people.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s Boorman Park is getting $12M renovation
Groundbreaking ceremony is Thursday; project will add skate area, trail, basketball court and more.
