Public Safety Archives

City

Richmond can hire community crisis team now that police union dispute is squashed

by Joel Umanzor April 23, 2025, 5:23 p.m.April 25, 2025, 9:04 a.m.

Police union wanted to represent new jobs — city says that sends the wrong message to Richmond residents.

a home with a window broken from a police device

Public Safety

UPDATE: 1 carjacking suspect eludes police after Richmond Annex standoff

by Joel Umanzor April 22, 2025, 10:21 a.m.April 23, 2025, 7:17 a.m.

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.

Public Safety

New gun ad billboards are sparking debate

by Roselyn Romero April 21, 2025, 6:00 a.m.April 24, 2025, 11:26 a.m.

A Turkish firearms maker advertising a California-compliant pistol on Bay Area freeways has taken some by surprise.

City

Richmond can’t fill 8 crisis prevention jobs amid police union dispute

by Joel Umanzor April 14, 2025, 6:00 a.m.April 19, 2025, 7:50 a.m.

Police leaders say newly created jobs belong in their union; city says duties differ so they belong in non-sworn union.

Public Safety

Strong rotten odor plaguing Richmond neighborhood isn’t a danger, officials say

by Joel Umanzor March 31, 2025, 6:00 a.m.March 28, 2025, 4:51 p.m.

Parchester residents say the smell from a landfill material processing facility has worsened. Bay Area Air District says it issued multiple violations.

Public Safety

Without an illegal fireworks solution in sight, residents self-organize

by Karina Ioffee March 28, 2025, 6:00 a.m.July 9, 2025, 1:04 p.m.

Small group of Richmonders, worried about fire and health risks of fireworks and discouraged by city’s nonresponsiveness, seek own solutions.

Public Safety

RYSE says it can’t fully use solar-powered emergency shelter due to PG&E delays

by Taylor Barton March 21, 2025, 6:00 a.m.March 21, 2025, 6:21 a.m.

Richmond youth center’s community hub for climate-related emergencies is missing out on cost savings due to connection delays, officials say.

a group photo of people who want to recall the district attorney

Community

Crime victims’ families behind DA Diana Becton recall say she failed them

by Richmondside staff March 20, 2025, 2:51 p.m.March 20, 2025, 5:05 p.m.

If successful she would be third Bay Area DA recalled. Proponents include two Richmond murder victims’ families.

Community

Vote on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike lane postponed

by Joel Umanzor March 18, 2025, 7:45 a.m.March 18, 2025, 7:45 a.m.

State transit officials want more time to explore alternative ways of alleviating traffic jams so the bike-ped lane can remain open all week.

City

After refinery fire, Martinez activists look to follow Richmond’s example

by Brian Krans March 5, 2025, 6:00 a.m.April 17, 2025, 2:17 p.m.

Residents are still seeking answers after an explosion at the Martinez Refinery Company, and say Richmond’s history of civic activism is one they’re trying to emulate.

An aerial view of an urban creek lined by houses.

Community

Rheem Creek restoration expected to reduce flooding in Richmond neighborhood

by David Mills March 4, 2025, 6:00 a.m.March 4, 2025, 12:57 p.m.

Urban stream that wreaked havoc in Rollingwood area now flows peacefully through a small canyon, newly planted with native species.

Aerial photo of site of planned new Sutter hospital in Emeryville

Community

Alta Bates hospital in Berkeley will be replaced by new Sutter medical campus in Emeryville

by Kate Darby Rauch Feb. 20, 2025, 9:34 a.m.Feb. 20, 2025, 6:36 p.m.

New $1B facility gives Richmond residents a medical care option that’s at least closer than downtown Oakland, officials say.

Paper plates on which are deadly fungus at the Tilden Fungus Festival on Feb. 2

Community

Know your deadly mushrooms this rainy season

by Iris Kwok Feb. 17, 2025, 6:00 a.m.Feb. 17, 2025, 7:45 a.m.

The death cap and western destroying angel are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in a park near you right now.

City

Transcript of moments before Richmond police fatal shooting

by Joel Umanzor and Kari Hulac Feb. 7, 2025, 7:03 p.m.Sept. 29, 2025, 3:20 p.m.

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.

City

Man killed by Richmond police identified by family

by Joel Umanzor Feb. 7, 2025, 6:02 p.m.Sept. 29, 2025, 3:19 p.m.

Family members said Jose De Jesus Mendez was shot by Richmond police after they tried to arrest him for violating a domestic violence order.

a sign saying Richmond Police Department

City

Richmond police shoot man with sheath, saying they thought it was knife

by Joel Umanzor Feb. 5, 2025, 1:29 p.m.Feb. 6, 2025, 9:26 p.m.

Police fatally shot the man after a 30-minute standoff, saying he rushed at officers. The names of the man and the officers involved have not been released.