Richmond Confidential

Robert Rogers grew up in Orange County, CA and has a newspaper reporting background (San Bernardino County Sun). After high school, he packed up his ’88 Honda CRX and moved to South Lake Tahoe with dreams of living the mellow life of a snowboarder and a seasonal worker. While there, he developed a love of literature (especially John Steinbeck). In 2005, he graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Political Science. At Berkeley, he hopes to become a multimedia whiz. He also has a weakness for David Halberstam’s history books.

Stories

Recent Comments

• Posted on: Richmond library hosts children's mystery writer

  Thanks for reading and writing! #

  October 24, 2011 at 1:20 pm

• Posted on: Rockets lose home playoff game, look to build toward next season

  Thank you Jean. Your reporting on the Rockets has been great too. Best, Robert Rogers #

  March 19, 2012 at 7:30 pm

• Posted on: Kennedy high gym renamed in honor of 'Dolly'

  We agree, and hope Dolly's legacy can live on in the fullest possible way. Thank you! Best, Robert Rogers #

  January 17, 2012 at 1:30 am

• Posted on: North Richmond man slain, city police on alert

  Thank you all so much for your comments. Losing a young life in Richmond, or anywhere, is always a tragedy. best, robert #

  November 30, 2011 at 12:12 pm

• Posted on: Charlie Reid Christmas draws huge Richmond crowd

  Thanks so much Jean. Charlie Reid's legacy lives on in Richmond, and it's special. Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 21, 2011 at 10:38 pm

• Posted on: Richmond Writes! Poets present their work at city council

  We agree. Thank you for reading and writing Michele! Best, Robert #

  October 31, 2011 at 4:42 pm

• Posted on: Richmond 2011: The year in review

  That is a GREAT explanation of the Silly Parade, Margaret. Thank you! #

  January 2, 2012 at 4:49 pm

• Posted on: Grace Lutheran event Saturday looks to sustain youth music

  Thank you Teresa for this wonderful information. We are always happy to do our small part to help highlight these efforts. Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

• Posted on: Occupy Richmond gains momentum

  Thanks so much, Roger. Yes, I do work with RichmondConfidential.org. We always try to improve, and particularly appreciate the vital feedback that we get from residents like you. We see local news as a collaborative, community effort. Best, Robert #

  November 14, 2011 at 1:03 pm

• Posted on: Marquis Hamilton: Recollections of a life lost

  nojustice, thank you for reading and for your thoughtful and kind comments. best, robert rogers #

  December 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm

• Posted on: Kennedy high gym renamed in honor of 'Dolly'

  Gloria, thank you so much for sharing these sentiments with us all. Best, Robert Rogers #

  January 16, 2012 at 1:28 am

• Posted on: A North Richmond tribute to the man, the 'Fred Jackson Way'

  Yes, that was a memorable and beautiful one too, Felix. Thank you for reading and responding. It was a lovely event. best, robert #

  September 16, 2011 at 5:10 pm

• Posted on: Teen shot and killed in Richmond Tuesday

  At this time, we know of no arrests involving any of the recent homicides. That doesn't mean that there definitely have not been any, but I have asked around and not received any word. I will keep asking. As for the joint task force, we will update that story soon. Thank you for reading and responding. Best, Robert #

  August 25, 2011 at 6:44 pm

• Posted on: Another weekend marred by deadly violence in Richmond

  Thank you for reading and responding, Felix. We at Richmondconfidential.org are always appreciative of our readers contributing information for the benefit of the public. Best, Robert #

  July 20, 2011 at 8:51 am

• Posted on: Marquis Hamilton: Recollections of a life lost

  Thank you for sharing those sentiments Pennie. best, robert rogers #

  December 13, 2011 at 4:17 pm

• Posted on: Dueling economics in Richmond police discrimination suit

  Thanks so much to you all for reading and responding. This is an important topic for the residents of Richmond. Thanks for your compliments, Councilman Ritterman. The positive feedback from dozens of residents who have reached out to express thanks for our honest and consistent coverage is the reward I most appreciate. Thank you, Robert Rogers #

  March 26, 2012 at 12:29 pm

• Posted on: Cops bust illegal night club, close building

  Thank you for reading, responding, and providing tips and perspective. We are committed to bringing you news about your community. best, robert rogers #

  September 28, 2011 at 1:52 pm

• Posted on: North Richmond's struggle to decide who will lead

  Mr. Bey declines to give his address, but has not disputed public declarations by others that he is an Oakland resident. He also does not dispute complaints that he does not live in Richmond or North Richmond. Also, reporters for the ChaunceyBaileyproject reported that Bey is an Oakland resident. Mr. Bey does, however, make his case that his address is not the measure of his commitment to the community. He is quoted on that point in this story. Thank you for reading and responding, Felix. Best, Robert #

  September 28, 2011 at 1:41 pm

• Posted on: Fred Jackson, North Richmond leader, dead at 73

  We will work to bring that information to you and we will cover Mr. Jackson's funeral to bring his story to you, our readers. Thank you for reading and responding. best, robert rogers #

  September 9, 2011 at 9:47 am

• Posted on: Rockets lose home playoff game, look to build toward next season

  Wonderful Dina, In order for me to tag the photo with your name, we have to be facebook friends. i sent you a friend request. Thank you, Robert Rogers #

  March 18, 2012 at 10:01 pm

• Posted on: Public safety leaders seek peace - among themselves

  Thank you both so much for reading and responding. We agree with you that this issue, and city agencies and their partners being able to work well together, is vital for the public safety of our community. Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 23, 2011 at 10:11 pm

• Posted on: Premiere of part 4 in North Richmond film saga draws crowd

  Happy to be there to cover this wonderful event. #

  February 23, 2012 at 9:36 pm

• Posted on: Marching in honor of King; linking Richmond

  Thank you so much Barbara. We agree, a thing of beauty! Best, Robert #

  January 16, 2012 at 1:30 pm

• Posted on: Kennedy high gym renamed in honor of 'Dolly'

  Thank you for reading and responding, Don. It was a beautiful gathering. Best, Robert Rogers #

  January 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm

• Posted on: Part 3: North Richmond blues

  Thank you so much for reading and replying. The richness of North Richmond's history is a treasure. Best, Robert #

  June 17, 2011 at 12:50 pm

• Posted on: Betty Reid-Soskin leads tour of Richmond's treasures

  Thank you so much for reading, responding and sharing, Betty. We cherish your insights, and are humbled by your compliments. Best wishes, Robert Rogers #

  March 8, 2012 at 7:52 pm

• Posted on: Richmond united in Silly Parade

  Thanks for reading and responding. It was our pleasure to be able to come out and cover this local event! #

  April 5, 2011 at 1:54 pm

• Posted on: Richmond united in Silly Parade

  Thanks for reading and responding. It was a silly - and great - day in Richmond! #

  April 5, 2011 at 1:54 pm

• Posted on: ‘Nacho’ defaces city, leaves few clues

  Thank you for your comment. I should note that the story is in no way an attempt to incite "fear," but to tell a little story about a reality in the community: Graffiti vandalism continues to cost time and money. Thank you again for reading and responding. We will try to stay focused on issues that are important to you. Best, Robert #

  February 25, 2011 at 3:38 pm

• Posted on: Anti-violence forum draws Richmond leaders, raises concerns

  Thank you for reading and responding. Indeed, that quote was part of a longer thought. My notes were not good at that portion of the meeting, and I worked with what I had. Chief Magnus was, as usual, a clear speaker who demonstrated command of the issues at this meeting. Best, Robert #

  June 30, 2011 at 5:14 pm

• Posted on: Part 6: North Richmond's unceasing struggle

  Thanks so much for reading and replying, David. To answer your question, the homicides that occur in unincorporated North Richmond (31 since 2005) do not count toward the city of Richmond's total. Last year, for instance, there were 21 killings in the city of Richmond, and 6 more in North Richmond. As for the question about people being hit by gunfire, yes, I believe we can get those figures from the Sheriff's Department, and I will try ASAP. Thank you again sir and we will work to get more information about our community. Best, Robert #

  July 13, 2011 at 11:38 pm

• Posted on: Part 1: North Richmond, a neighborhood on the brink

  Wow, what a great idea. It would be a glorious turn of events for North Richmond to have a rebirth of its cultural, musical heritage. Thank you for reading and responding. #

  June 3, 2011 at 11:45 am

• Posted on: Retail plastic bag ban discussed at community meeting

  Mr. Beer, Thank you for your valuable insight. We have amended the article to correct the spelling of your name. Thank you again for reading and responding. Best, Robert #

  February 20, 2011 at 10:48 pm

• Posted on: Plaintiff Pickett re-takes stand to refute allegations into his own conduct in Richmond police case

  Thanks so much, Councilman Ritterman. Along with the staff here at RichmondConfidential.org, I am doing my best to help provide important information to our readers. Best, Robert #

  March 30, 2012 at 6:33 pm

• Posted on: Police Chief Magnus, Richmond, cleared of wrongdoing in racial discrimination suit

  We respect and appreciate all points of view on this public issue. Thank you all for responding. We ask that the discourse here remain respectful. Thank you, Robert Rogers #

  April 12, 2012 at 2:31 pm

• Posted on: North Richmond: A photo essay

  Annie, Thanks so much for the good advice. We will come back and look at the community from a different perspective and find some brighter sides of this story. Thank you, Robert #

  January 14, 2011 at 10:30 am

• Posted on: Singh hopes to bring harmony to council

  Thank you, Mr. Martinez. We agree that providing fair and detailed information to the public is crucial to a strong and resilient democracy. We are a diverse team of student journalists who love exploring and reporting on this great town. Best, Robert Rogers #

  October 28, 2010 at 6:05 pm

• Posted on: 'Most of my childhood memories were tragic events'

  Thanks so much to everyone who read and responded. Thanks also to Phon and the RYSE Youth Center for sharing with the community. We hope this is the beginning of a more robust effort to attract and publish input from community members on richmondconfidential.org, especially for local youth. Best, Robert Rogers #

  April 12, 2010 at 10:46 am

• Posted on: L.I.F.E. in the Iron Triangle

  Stephanie and Mr. Hawkins, Thanks so much for reading and responding. Young Mr. Hawkins, yes, keep up the grades and you can be the big man at Cal in a few years. Also, send me your email address and I can send you a whole bunch more photos of you that I got that day. my email is rrogers@berkeley.edu Best, Robert #

  April 4, 2010 at 1:05 pm

• Posted on: Former Obama official weighs in on Richmond

  Jackie, Thanks so much for reading, responding, and reporting those important details. Best, Robert #

  April 19, 2010 at 3:56 pm

• Posted on: City honors publisher of local black newspaper

  Lady Cage and Kelly, Thank you so much for reading and responding. Mr. Whitmore's work in this community has left a lasting positive legacy. Best, Robert #

  March 19, 2010 at 11:14 am

• Posted on: Black men take to streets with message of peace

  Lydia, Thanks so much for reading and writing. Loud and proud, indeed! As you may imagine, Rev. Pinkard prefaced his comments by assuring me that present company was excluded from his unsparing criticism. Best, Robert #

  March 2, 2010 at 9:40 am

• Posted on: Local public activists honored for service

  Corky, Thank you for reading and responding. Reporting in this community is my pleasure. Best, Robert #

  February 25, 2010 at 9:25 pm

• Posted on: Local public activists honored for service

  Lydia, Thanks so much. I really enjoy reporting in this community. Look forward to meeting you too. Best, Robert #

  February 22, 2010 at 8:39 am

• Posted on: Richmond Tale: Local building tells story on its wall

  Jean, Thanks so much for that detail. I wish I had picked up on that before. Thanks again, Robert #

  February 21, 2010 at 8:38 pm

• Posted on: Women gather to celebrate the past - and the future

  Bianca Butler, Thanks so much for reading and responding. We love this kind of feedback, because it helps us to improve. We hope to continue to improve in our ability to bring visitors a fresh, uplifting look at this community. Best, Robert Rogers #

  March 23, 2010 at 5:03 pm

• Posted on: Peace march draws up to 1,000 to church, civic center

  I want to thank everyone for reading and sharing their comments. Richmond Confidential continues to grow in readership and range of issues. Thank you, Robert rrogers@berkeley.edu #

  March 7, 2010 at 8:09 pm

• Posted on: Story time for a special season

  Thanks so much for reading and commenting. We'll keep an eye out and try to bring you fresh looks at future library programs. Best, Robert #

  December 31, 2009 at 5:49 pm

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  JT, No offense taken. Thanks again for taking the time to read, write and generally engage with us here at Richmond Confidential. It is appreciated. Thank you, Robert #

  November 18, 2009 at 5:03 pm

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  Nikki, Thanks very much for reading and responding. At Richmond Confidential, we are experimenting with fresh approaches to storytelling. In this case, for instance, the aim is for the multimedia elements to work together in a symbiotic way, with the direct quotes, etc., provided in the video element, while the text element is an unorthodox recap that glimpses aspects not captured in the visuals or audio. At least those were the aims here. I wish to provide some insight into our methods and intent as a way of being as transparent, open and engaging to our growing readership as possible. We think these are the kinds of innovations that traditional media must make. We hope, through effort and experimentation, to continue to advance beyond traditional storytelling conventions. Whether our efforts are effective is a determination, of course, left ultimately up to you, the readers/viewers. Thanks again, Robert #

  November 18, 2009 at 1:17 pm

• Posted on: Councilman Butt visits Berkeley, sounds off on issues

  Richmond resident, Thanks so much for reading and responding. Your input is valued. We are striving to better serve the city's readers. I did mention Butt's e-communications, although it was brief and near the end of the article. It reads: "Butt, who maintains his own slickly-produced Web site and writes a popular e-newsletter to thousands of constituents, said both government and media had potential to become more transparent and interactive through use of the Internet." As for the vagueness, we may be guilty. My article was careful not to say that Butt's answers were vague, but that "some" of the student reporters viewed it that way. As for our questions, again, you may very well have a point that they lacked some clarity. I probably should have included something about the substance of the questions. Thanks again. We are lucky to have readers as insightful as yourself. Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 18, 2009 at 1:09 pm

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  Thanks for reading and commenting. I will say that there is an argument to be made for speaking of Richmond as a single unit, ie. a city, that struggles with problems such as violent crime. I'm not sure whether it's a good idea to suggest that these problems are those of some communities within the city and not others. While residents in some neighborhoods may fear violent crime less, their tax dollars and elected leaders are engaged with these problems. Dozens of homicides have occurred outside the Iron Triangle this year. We will continue to strive to be responsible, specific journalists. Thank you. Robert #

  November 30, 2009 at 11:14 am

• Posted on: City agency looks to stop violence before it starts

  Shyla, thanks for reading and commenting. This agency certainly has potential for improving the city based on the success of similar programs in other parts of the country. Robert #

  November 13, 2009 at 6:08 pm

• Posted on: Local police lead major drug bust in 'Iron Triangle'

  Thanks for reading and commenting. I will say this. You may indeed be right that the police's number is inflated. I do not know. This short news article is not the place to parse the finer details of street value estimates. As for your cocktail-napkin calculations, I fear that they are far more questionable than the police figures. Leaving aside your "cost per gram" estimates, you give no mention whatsoever of production techniques that bulk up the quantity of the product. How much does one gram of uncut cocaine yield? Is its quantity doubled by "cutting" it with cheap additives? Tripled? Not sure. Neither are you. So, in short, the number may be inflated. I just don't know. Maybe I should do a big story on the city's efforts in the war on drugs? Of course, you don't know either. While relying on official sources for estimates has its own drawbacks, certitude in your own inexpert estimate is much more dubious. Reporters should tread on such ground with extreme care. Thank you again for reading and writing, Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 28, 2009 at 12:47 pm

• Posted on: Chevron Corp. steps up donations to local groups

  Jeff, Thanks for reading and commenting. Chevron's press release does not list any contributions to that entity. However, it does show that Chevron gave Build it Green and Solar Richmond a total of $200,000. Thanks again, Robert #

  March 15, 2010 at 10:28 am

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  Lee, You can see for yourself how big the hole is at 1:07, among other frames during the video. My estimate was a quarter. Maybe it was a tad smaller. That's possible. Thanks for reading and responding! Robert #

  November 22, 2009 at 10:30 am

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  Felix, Thank you for reading and providing a resident's perspective. At its core, this is a service-learning project meant to benefit the community of Richmond and the field of journalism. Thanks again. Your input is appreciated. Robert #

  November 19, 2009 at 4:25 pm

• Posted on: A look ahead at November's mayoral prospects

  Councilman, We have addressed those points. Thank you, Robert #

  January 18, 2010 at 12:55 pm

• Posted on: In a city where shooting is routine, residents unruffled by gunfire

  I'll not bore anyone further by detailing the different forms, styles and perspectives that journalism takes, nor will I take more than a second in alerting readers to the video images that sit directly above this short story. As the images unquestionably confirm, this is no piece of fiction. Please continue to read and comment. Hopefully future articles will be more to your liking. Best, Robert #

  November 17, 2009 at 5:07 pm

• Posted on: Councilman Butt visits Berkeley, sounds off on issues

  Councilman Butt, Thank you for being willing to have this conversation. Hopefully, the benefits of this learning experience will continue to be passed on to our Richmond readers. Best, Robert Rogers #

  December 16, 2009 at 10:59 am

• Posted on: Struggle between Chevron and city intensifies

  David, I'm not exactly sure why that line strikes you as "one-sided reporting." Can you explain? Thanks for reading and writing, Best, Robert #

  December 31, 2009 at 2:53 pm

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