Measures J and L offer different visions for how Richmond elections should work. Here’s what to know before you vote.
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
Child of the Iron Triangle: Meet Richmond City Council candidate Jamelia Brown
Jamelia Brown’s platform priorities includes voter education, public safety, economic revitalization.
Posted inCity
From community organizer to political veteran: Meet Richmond City Council candidate Melvin Willis
Melvin Willis never planned to one day become a Richmond City Council member. If you would have told the two-time incumbent who was first elected in 2016 that he would end up on a government body that has made some the of the most significant decisions impacting the city in the past decade, he’d be […]
Posted inCity
‘Tell it like it is;’ Meet Richmond City Council candidate Mark Wassberg
Perennial Richmond City Council candidate Mark Wassberg says he’s unafraid to ‘piss people off.’
Posted inCity
Richmond mayor defends stance on sideshows after cars damaged at Hilltop dealership
People participating in an illegal car meetup caused extensive damage to nine cars at a dealership; city leaders are facing questions on enforcement.
Posted inCity
Richmond makes move to beautify Macdonald Ave./23rd St.; green jobs plan questioned
Richmond City Council awards arts corridor contract to Richmond Renaissance and approves ‘Green-Blue New Deal’ by 3-1 vote.
Posted inCity
District 6 Richmond City Council candidates clash on Chevron settlement, sideshows, smoke shops
Richmond voters crowded a room at Memorial Auditorium to quiz incumbent Claudia Jimenez and challenger Shawn Dunning at an election forum co-hosted by Richmondside.
Posted inCity
North & East locals concerned about 23rd Street parking, homelessness, safety
Some residents don’t plan on voting in the Richmond City Council election, saying it won’t make any difference.
Posted inCity
$550M from Chevron could fund needs of community, but how to involve them?
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, discussion centered on transparency around community engagement. The council also agreed to name a portion of a street to honor Pedie Perez.
Posted inCity
What’s next for Richmond’s $550M Chevron settlement?
One Richmond City Council member wants to hire a consultant while others propose banning behind-the-scenes spending deals.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council candidates quizzed on Chevron, police commission, downtown blight
The Wednesday night election forum at CoBiz was the first of three co-hosted by Richmondside.
Posted inCity
Think fast: 7 Richmond City Council hopefuls hit issue highlights in 30 seconds or less
Candidates debate Chevron deal, Measure U tax, public safety at League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County forum on Wednesday night.
Posted inCity
Police misconduct investigator quits, says Richmond’s oversight board ‘ignores evidence’
In related development, victims of police incidents, including Richmond cowboy, share frustrations about confusing process.
Posted inCity
Iron Triangle/Belding Woods residents say it’s a ‘struggle to flourish’
Richmond City Council District 1 locals say election concerns include food access, affordable housing, safety.
Posted inCity
On the ground with Richmond’s new crisis response leader
Four years after Richmond created a task force to reimagine public safety, Michael Romero is bringing the program to life.
Posted inCity
Richmond a hot spot for copper wire thefts, officials say
Cases jump from 20 to 220 in past year, so law enforcement officials are cracking down, and AT&T is offering $5,000 rewards for crime tips.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s planning manager resigns
Hector Rojas’ departure leaves a key role vacant in a crucial city division handling projects such as the redevelopment of the Hilltop mall area.
Posted inCity
Lawsuit: Rich City Rides, Doria Robinson ‘coerced’ tenant to leave uninhabitable building
Rich City Rides ex-business partner sues Doria Robinson, Najari Smith, Urban Tilth, saying he was paid to leave commercial space he lived in.
Posted inCity
Richmond will get $550M from Chevron to take oil refining tax off ballot
To the disappointment of some environmentalists, Richmond City Council votes unanimously to accept 10-year Chevron payout.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council eyes $550M deal with Chevron to drop refinery tax ballot measureÂ
After legal ruling against refinery tax ballot measure language, city council sets meeting to consider settlement with Chevron.
