Police release photo of “person of interest” in Nov. 17 killing where victim was shot in back walking near his home.
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 inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Pickets to continue Friday. No formal offer made after negotiations
About 1,500 supporters gathered this morning at Veterans Memorial Park. At schools, workers formed picket lines and district officials warned against blocking entrances.
Posted inCity
Richmond will expand city services to help families impacted by WCCUSD teachers strike
The city council on Tuesday approved $50,000 in emergency funding to extend community center hours and offer more recreation programs as teachers and Teamsters prepare to picket Thursday.
Posted inCity
Update: Richmond’s incoming police chief says he expects officers to protect residents like they’re family
Richmond Police Department Assistant Chief Timothy Simmons, who’s worked in the department for 17 years, will become Richmond’s top cop in January, according to a press release.
Posted inCity
In first-ever Richmond primary election, more candidates joining races early
Four mayoral and six council hopefuls have already begun campaigning ahead of the June election — even though the filing period doesn’t open until February.
Posted inNosh
Dish of the week: Pan con pollo from Xinia’s Bakery
Panes con pavo is a Salvadoran tradition for Thanksgiving but you can get those flavors all year long in El Sobrante.
Posted inCity
Richmond police now have 24 hours after shooting someone to say what happened
City is also hiring a consultant to conduct citywide mental health assessment to improve services, address care gaps.
Posted inPublic Safety
Update: Family of Monday’s fatal shooting victim remember him as ‘humble young man’
In a GoFundMe, family members say 23-year-old Josue Cornejo was the person police said was fatally shot near Marina Way and Bissell Avenue in downtown Richmond.
Posted inCommunity
With SNAP benefits in limbo, Contra Costa to give CalFresh recipients food money
County to spend $21M on pre-loaded debit cards while visitors to a soup kitchen say they’re fasting, skipping meals and shopping at Dollar Tree to survive.
Posted inCity
‘Yes’ on Prop. 50 voters in Richmond say Trump is driving them to polls
At early in-person voting for redistricting proposition, Richmond residents weigh the country’s current divisive political landscape.
Posted inCity
‘Can I go outside?’ Richmond immigrants voice ICE fears as city launches legal aid
Community advocates increase patrols and warn against spreading ICE rumors as three nonprofits are chosen to provide legal services and emergency aid to immigrant families.
Posted inCity
Historic marine terminal at Richmond port needs $228 million in repairs, report says
Assessment finds World War II-era port suffers from broken beams, missing piles and severe structural damage.
Posted inCity
Unhoused, undocumented families in Richmond avoid seeking help due to fears of ICE
Local nonprofit GRIP is seeing a shift in its shelter population: For the first time, the shelter is housing a majority white population.
Posted inCity
Richmond no longer financially unstable, state says
California auditor credits city’s three-year effort to build reserves, eliminate deficits and implement budget reforms.
Posted inPublic Safety
Dos hombres murieron tras ser sedados mientras la policía de Richmond los sujetaba. Estas son sus historias
Un resumen de la investigación especial de cinco partes de Richmondside.
Posted inCity
Crónica de 3 años de un reportero para esclarecer la muerte de dos hombres sometidos a sedación forzada
El reportero de Richmondside Joel Umanzor cuenta cómo utilizó registros públicos y se valió de sus relaciones personales para contar sus historias.
Posted inPublic Safety
Richmond police investigate death of person found near DeJean Middle School
Body found Friday at 33rd Street and Macdonald Avenue near DeJean Middle School.
Posted inCommunity
Rollingwood man finds peace on his mission to clean up creeks
Meet Your Neighbor: Salvador Valle, 46, says pulling out mattresses, electronics and other dumped junk from San Pablo Creek is reconnecting him to nature and lessening his anxiety.
Posted inNosh
Riggers Loft Winery, embroiled in legal battle with Richmond, is closing
The decade-old waterfront venue and winery says any court victory would be “too late to save the business.”
Posted inCity
Richmond police told to issue statements within 24 hours of in-custody deaths
After fatal Angel Montaño shooting and complaints from transparency hawks, Richmond police also directed to release unedited body camera footage.
