Smoke from a Monday morning refinery fire could potentially impact parts of Contra Costa and Solano counties.
Author Archives: Kari Hulac
Kari Hulac is the Editor-in-Chief of Richmondside.
What I cover: As Editor-in-Chief, I oversee all of Richmondside's journalism.
My background: A Bay Area resident for most of my life, and an East Bay reporter and editor for 15 years, I have worn many hats in a journalism career spanning 25+ years. I held several editorial leadership positions at the Bay Area News Group between 1997 and 2010, including editor of The (Hayward) Daily Review and features editor of The Oakland Tribune. I was a senior editor and assistant West Coast Editorial Director at local online news network Patch, and in 2015 was a part-time breaking news editor at Bay City News.
I started my career as an education reporter in Corvallis, Ore., and I still love writing feature stories today. When I'm not leading the newsroom, you might find me swimming in the bay, hiking the East Bay hills or headed out for a camping trip.
High winds and temps in 80s spark fire concerns
East Bay residents are advised to be cautious as wind gusts are drying out fuel for potential fires.
‘External volatility’ threatens Contra Costa County’s $7B balanced budget
While the county’s proposed budget meets healthy fiscal standards, state and federal uncertainties could have “significant” impacts.
Ruling means WCCUSD can keep using short-term subs to fill teaching spots
The plaintiffs, a group of teachers and parents, plan to appeal, saying use of temporary subs harms students.
After 25 years of giving free books to community, West County Reads may not survive
The nonprofit, which has given nearly 500,000 free books to locals and WCCUSD schools, has to find a new home or write its final chapter.
Jelly’s Place animal shelter has potential home but needs money to move
Shelter housing about 100 animals says it has land but must quickly raise $200,000 for site work and the relocation.
We’re hiring: Richmondside is seeking an education reporter
Join our nonprofit newsroom and help Richmond residents understand how the West Contra Costa Unified School District works by telling compelling stories about the issues affecting students and teachers.
Emotional week as WCCUSD community voices budget cut outrage
Richmond students walked out of classes Tuesday, marched to the district office Wednesday and showed up en masse at the school board meeting to fight staffing cuts and other budget reductions.
WCCUSD group seeks new trial over ‘illegally’ staffed classrooms
The plaintiffs, a group of teachers and parents, say the district made “misstatements” about transferring credentialed teachers to fill vacancies.
Transcript of moments before Richmond police fatal shooting
A transcript of police radio traffic shows how a pursuit unfolded on the train tracks along Carlson Boulevard where officers shot and killed a man.
Richmonder’s film of dancers 30 feet up in redwoods is playing atop SF’s tallest building
Cherie Carson, director of UpSwing Aerial Dance Company in Berkeley, hopes film at Salesforce Tower in San Francisco brings joy and raises environmental awareness.
Richmond’s Rodney Brown: From rapper, author, barber to humanitarian of year
The Soulful Softball founder is honored in spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for all he’s given to the community fpr more than a decade.
LA wildfires: How to help and how to be prepared at home
Richmond City Council member Soheila Bana uses LA fires as opportunity to remind Richmonders of fire issues here.
Richmondside’s Top 10 stories of 2024
The sudden closure (and fortunate reopening) of beloved Richmond garden store Annie’s Annuals was our most popular story of 2024.
Richmond police chief proposes incentive plan to recruit officers
Richmond Police Chief Bisa French says department is too understaffed to address “quality of life” issues.
What’s up: Meet Chevron, Safeway, Tesla and others at job fair
Other Richmond events: Wet weather bike safety workshop, museum now open Sundays.
This Richmond church hopes to send all its souls to the polls
Easter Hill United Methodist Church embodies its justice ministry mission by reminding congregation to vote.
Where to vote early in Richmond Monday
Get answers to your basic voting questions and find links to Richmondside’s local election stories.
Photos: These (costumed) dogs wish you Happy Halloween from Point Isabel
The Point Isabel Dog Owners Barktoberfest celebration is a reminder of how the Richmond park came to be in 1985.
Richmond election roundup: A quick guide to local races
From voting by mail to finding a polling place near you on Election Day, here’s everything you need to know to cast a ballot.

