City council also finds money to fund new Black Resiliency project by dipping into city’s vehicle budget.
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 nonprofit persuades city to chip in $3M to help finish large Iron Triangle park
Some Richmond City Council members seemed hesitant about the ask, but the nonprofit says potential large donors don’t want to give unless the city is contributing, too.
Posted inCommunity
Richmond woman sues former laundromat boss for paying her $7.14/hour
Undocumented woman didn’t realize she was being paid about half the minimum wage at 23rd Street Launderland. She’s seeking $750,000 from the owner, a former San Jose State professor.
Posted inCity
Richmond officials vow to not panic as they denounce Concord Immigration Court arrests
Immigration advocates say residents should know their rights and avoid spreading unverified information about ICE.
Posted inCity
City mulls budget that leaves jobs unfilled, projects unfunded, federal impacts unknown
Richmond City Council will consider setting aside some of its Chevron settlement money as an emergency fund.
Posted inCity
Richmond police commission misconduct allegations should be investigated, council members say
Who is on the police commission, why was it formed and why are some members still serving after their terms ended?
Posted inCity
Richmond should hire more police officers, grand jury says
Civil grand jury investigation finds that violent crimes increased while city diverted money from hiring police to alternative policing programs.
Posted inPublic Safety
Richmond neighborhoods added to wildfire hazard map
May Valley and East Richmond Heights are now listed on the state wildfire hazard map while Point Richmond is no longer included.
Posted inCity
State orders cleanup of Richmond’s former Blair Southern Pacific Landfill
Although there is said to be no immediate hazard for residents near the fence line, the DTSC warns that radioactive waste at the site poses an “unacceptable long-term risk.”
Posted inCity
Council rejects mayor’s committee to review police commission reforms
City Council member Soheila Bana led opposition, saying the mayor’s proposed ad hoc committee had conflicts of interest as she rehashed former commission investigator’s accusations of bias.
Posted inCommunity
Iron Triangle residents are designing their own parks
Pogo Park put park design into Richmond residents’ hands. Now their second project, the $28 million remodel of Harbour-8, is shaping up.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s new plan for prioritizing capital projects draws criticism
Proponents say the new formula increases transparency. But District 4 council member Soheila Bana said it favors certain districts over hers.
Posted inCity
Richmond can hire community crisis team now that police union dispute is squashed
Police union wanted to represent new jobs — city says that sends the wrong message to Richmond residents.
Posted inPublic Safety
UPDATE: 1 carjacking suspect eludes police after Richmond Annex standoff
The reported carjacking occurred at about 11 p.m. Monday near a gas station at the corner of Central Avenue and Pierce Street in Richmond.
Posted inCity
Richmond suspects Chevron isn’t paying enough in taxes
The city council on Tuesday will consider issuing a subpoena to force Chevron to turn over its financial records.
Posted inCity
Parchester Village, known for pioneering Black home ownership, is in disrepair
City of Richmond estimates it needs up to $50 million just to fix chronic flooding. Utility systems, streets also need work.
Posted inCity
Richmond can’t fill 8 crisis prevention jobs amid police union dispute
Police leaders say newly created jobs belong in their union; city says duties differ so they belong in non-sworn union.
Posted inCity
Richmond is planning its next budget. Here’s how you can weigh in
The city is hosting three public meetings this month, where residents can learn about the budgeting process and give input on priorities.
Posted inCity
Richmond to start ticketing cars citywide that block street sweepers
New signs installed in 15 neighborhoods as city council approves additional funding to evaluate all of the city’s street signs.
Posted inPublic Safety
Strong rotten odor plaguing Richmond neighborhood isn’t a danger, officials say
Parchester residents say the smell from a landfill material processing facility has worsened. Bay Area Air District says it issued multiple violations.
