Who is on the police commission, why was it formed and why are some members still serving after their terms ended?
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 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.
Posted inCommunity
Cyclists cheer as Richmond-San Rafael bridge bike lane vote is delayed again
While bike lane advocates see this as a win, transportation agencies say they need more time to “materially amend” their proposal.
Posted inCity
City pursues early pension debt payoff to free up funds for services
Richmond City Council member Jamelia Brown says community input needed and people should be prioritized over “book-balancing.”
Posted inCity
Richmond to consider using Chevron settlement to pay off pension debt
City employees’ union will present city council with proposed pay-off plan that proponents say would save taxpayers $117 million.
Posted inCommunity
Surviving ‘Rosies’ celebrate park’s 25th year while lawmaker urges support amid cutbacks
While Rosie the Riveter park has so far avoided federal National Park Service layoffs, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi says supporters should ‘advocate, speak up’ at this moment in history.
Posted inCity
Richmond sues banks to recover millions it says were lost to financial contracts
The city says derivative contracts diverted public dollars with no benefit in a lawsuit filed against its former financial advisors and JPMorgan Chase and Royal Bank of Canada.
