Richmondside reporter Joel Umanzor shares how he used public records and drew on personal relationships to tell the stories of Jose Luis Lopez and Ivan Gutzalenko.
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
It’s official: Point Molate preserved as public parkland
The East Bay Regional Park District announced Tuesday that a long-awaited final land acquisition was completed.
Posted inCity
Richmond is giving citizens’ commission more oversight over police
The city council voted unanimously to OK seven recommendations that boost civilian police oversight but must still negotiate changes with police union.
Posted inCity
Man charged in Point Richmond sexual battery attacks
Ronald Bryant of Richmond faces multiple charges, including sexual battery and false imprisonment, in connection with three incidents near the Point Richmond Tunnel in June and July.
Posted inCommunity
Angel Montaño, AKA ‘Carrot,’ remembered as goofy, gentle, loyal, caring
Man shot by police during an apparent mental health crisis was active in high school sports and clubs and known as a “deeply intelligent.”
Posted inCity
ICE agents arrest Richmond resident, local officials confirm
The arrest was reportedly in connection to a criminal warrant, police said.
Posted inCommunity
Contra Costa immigrant advocates push for county sanctuary status
Local organizers flooded Tuesday’s county Board of Supervisors meeting, saying July incident where ICE detainee was taken to John Muir hospital is “painful reminder” that agency “operates freely” in county.
Posted inCity
Police shooting: Body cam video shows moment armed man rushed at officers
Police chief says family had long tried to get him help for mental health problems before the Aug. 4 incident.
Posted inCity
Richmond officer who killed armed man Monday shot to death a suspect in February
Richmond police officers Nicholas Remick and Colton Stocking were identified in documents obtained by Richmondside as the two officers who shot to death Angel Montano, a 27-year-old Marine.
Posted inCity
Update: Man fatally shot by Richmond police identified by family as a Marine
This is the second officer-involved shooting in the past six months.
Posted inCommunity
Bike advocates hoped a plan to limit access to the Richmond bridge would die. It didn’t
Officials plan to vote this week on limiting bike-ped lane access to improve traffic flow. Bicycle commuters say it has been a vital asset.
Posted inCity
Mistaken alert about flaring at Richmond Chevron refinery sparks confusion
The refinery accidentally issued a Level 2 warning Tuesday afternoon, prompting an automated advisory about respiratory risks.
Posted inCity
Contra Costa DA Diana Becton recall campaign gets $50K boost from sheriff’s union
The campaign has also brought on board consultant Richard Schlackman who worked on the successful recall campaigns of former DAs Chesa Boudin and Pamela Price.
Posted inCity
Point Richmond fire was arson, not illegal fireworks
One of the 2 men who set the July 5 Nicholl Knob fire was arrested after crashing his vehicle into a fire truck that was responding to the blaze.
Posted inCity
Police warn about sexual assaults in Point Richmond Tunnel
Incidents have occurred at all hours, primarily targeting people jogging or exercising alone along popular walking paths, police say.
Posted inCity
Garbage strike ends: Republic Services and union come to agreement
Local officials announced Friday evening that the company will resume normal trash pickups starting Monday.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s first homicide of 2025: Man shot to death in Iron Triangle
Officers found the victim near the Triangle Court housing complex Thursday morning.
Posted inCity
Richmond’s first primary election is next June
You’ll recognize some familiar faces preparing to enter the races for mayor, city council but some haven’t confirmed they’re running.
Posted inCity
Richmond council debates its response to grand jury’s call for more police officers
Some city leaders say police union is using report as leverage during labor negotiations; others felt their perspectives weren’t represented.
Posted inCommunity
The Tacos El Rulas story: From an ice cream cart to a taqueria raved about on social media
Meet Your Neighbor: How an immigrant from Mexico went from pushing an ice cream cart around Richmond to owning his own restaurant.
