Beginning next year, Contra Costa County will pilot a county-funded guaranteed-income program, placing up to $1,000 monthly in the hands of residents — no strings attached. The Board of Supervisors allocated funding last month for a pilot that will include 250 residents for 18 months, though those numbers could change as the county develops its final plan. Youth transitioning out of foster care, unhoused residents, low-income families with young children and people returning from incarceration will be eligible to apply….
When Karla Martinez heard about Richmond’s new Mobile Vendor Program, which allows vendors to set up shop in four markets per week, she hoped it could help her support her family. Martinez had cleaned houses in Richmond before the pandemic but lost many of her clients to financial hardship. She wanted to work in food, so she purchased $1,000 worth of cooktops, restaurant supplies and ingredients to set up her tent selling pupusas and hotdogs. But after nearly two months…
The Up & Under Pub & Grill has worked hard to distinguish itself for its smoked meat, pleasant outdoor dining experience and commitment to the community. But the Point Richmond restaurant stands to lose both its meat smoker and dining parklet later this year unless it can fix permitting issues that have gone unresolved between the business and the city since 2022. It all started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when owner Nathan Trivers successfully petitioned the city for an outdoor…
As polling wrapped up Tuesday night, Richmond voters talked about what issues swayed their vote. Gloria Space said her concern was about local rent control getting more affordable, low-income housing. “They need to focus on the reform of landlords, so tenants are not treated any kind of way,” she said. The need for affordable housing was reiterated by Philip Slater ,who voted in Marina Bay Harbor. “We have a lot of empty lots in this city, and a lot of…
A measure on the November ballot will ask San Pablo voters if they support a tax on marijuana businesses. If it passes, Measure M would prompt local lawmakers to begin the process of permitting cannabis businesses, which are currently illegal. Several neighboring cities, including Richmond and El Cerrito, have passed similar measures and adopted ordinances allowing cannabis businesses. If Measure M passes, it will amend San Pablo’s business license tax ordinance to include an additional tax of up to 7%…