Some residents don’t plan on voting in the Richmond City Council election, saying it won’t make any difference.
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
$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.
Posted inCity
Judge tentatively orders Richmond to change refinery tax ballot measure
Ruling agrees with Chevron’s argument that ballot wording was “misleading.” City will have opportunity to present oral arguments against ruling in Wednesday hearing.
Posted inCommunity
Comedian, historian reinvents life in Point Richmond
Meet Your Neighbor: Former Senate page, daughter of ex-Mormon reflects on journey from childhood in Haight-Ashbury to Richmond.
Posted inCity
Richmond City Council Election: Here’s who’s running
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.
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.
