Incumbent Claudia Jimenez leads fundraising in race to keep District 6 seat while Melvin Willis faces two challengers in District 1. District 5 is head-to-head race to succeed Gayle McLaughlin.
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
Refinery tax lawsuit: Richmond says ballot measure not misleading
City says proposed oil refining tax ballot label is fair and impartial, refuting Chevron employee’s bias claims.
Posted inCommunity
Rich City Rides wasn’t burglarized, police say, pointing to possible dispute between business partners
Richmond police say they are investigating whether any other crimes occurred related to handling of business assets.
Posted inCity
Chevron calls Richmond’s proposed refinery tax ‘exhorbitant’
Chevron slams Richmond’s proposed refinery tax ballot measure at a Thursday press briefing, calling it an attack on California manufacturing.
Posted inCity
$20 billion affordable housing bond on November ballot
Contra Costa County would be eligible to receive $1.9B if voters pass bond measure.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD hit with civil rights lawsuit for teacher shortages, school facility issues
Lawsuit, on behalf of parents, teachers, students, says district failed to remedy problems at Stege, John F. Kennedy High and Helms Middle School.
Posted inCity
East Bay Regional Park District moves closer to purchase of Point Molate
The EBRPD board unanimously approved a letter of intent to begin the process of acquiring the Richmond property for $40 million.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council approves agreement for $40M Point Molate park
Council meeting attendees cheer for deal allowing East Bay Regional Park District to acquire historic waterfront property, ending decades of development disputes.
Posted inCity
Point Molate could become regional park
The Richmond City Council will meet Friday morning to vote on a Letter of Intent that could lead to the creation of a regional park at Point Molate, ending decades of questions about how the shorefront area should be developed. The intent letter also needs to be agreed upon by the East Bay Regional Park […]
Posted inCity
Richmond won’t poll voters about bond to fix city buildings
City councilmember says 3 ballot measures are plenty. City to look at assessing an estimated $34M in needed upgrades.
Posted inCity
Do Richmonders want bond for new public safety building and fire station, library updates?
On Tuesday, Richmond City Council will consider hiring a pollster to query voters about a bond measure that would raise money for city infrastructure projects.
Posted inCity
City Council approves 2024-25 budget, including $7.8M for policing alternatives
Homeless services were reduced by $1 million, but officials hope to make up the difference with unspent funds and are eying a refinery tax to boost future revenue.
Posted inCity
Need help paying rent? Contra Costa’s housing voucher waitlist deadline is Thursday
However, competition is stiff for limited spaces so make sure you’re prepared to verify that you qualify.
Posted inCity
City Council: How it works and ways to get involved
The who, what, when, and where of the Richmond City Council.
