Nancy DeVille

Black smoke from Chevron Refinery not a risk, officials say

A dark cloud of smoke rose from Chevron’s Richmond Refinery Thursday morning, alarming some nearby residents, but oil company officials said the smoke resulted from routine maintenance and poses no health risks to the community. Melissa Ritchie, a Chevron spokeswoman, said the occasional flaring is a “normal and important part to keeping the refinery running safely.” The oil company’s fenceline and community air monitors indicate that the flaring has not resulted in any health risks from air quality, Ritchie said. But…

Popular ranger draws crowds to Richmond national park

Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park has been doing brisk business thanks to one of its employee’s international exposure during the 16-day shutdown of the federal government. Visitors are coming to see Betty Reid Soskin, the 92-year-old park ranger that has become an international celebrity. During the federal shutdown, Soskin became the face for thousands of frustrated, furloughed workers, as reporters from around the world sought out her phone number, Facebook page and occasionally showed…