“People of Richmond” is a regular series in which reporters pose a question to people in the community. Answers are presented verbatim, though sometimes edited for brevity. Q: Do you think Richmond has enough police officers? Chris Zarete “No. I don’t think so. I think they can definitely beef up a little bit maybe for their safety and for others’ safety as well. There’s certain areas of Richmond where it’s not really safe. And I’m sure as a police officer,…
Carlson Boulevard may look like any other residential street on a calm day, but according to residents and city officials, it has become a hotspot for reckless speeding, near-misses and accidents. Data from the Richmond Police Department shows close to 50 collisions on Carlson Boulevard this year alone. Antonio Davis was involved in one of those accidents, near Huntington Park, as he tried to enter Interstate 80. “Six, seven months ago, I was in an accident because someone rushed a turn…
The Richmond Art Center buzzed Sunday with visitors, as they explored handcrafted goods and engaged with artists and artisans at the Holiday Arts Festival. The festival began 62 years ago as a craft-focused event and has blossomed into an annual tradition, celebrating the spirit of creativity, said Amy Spencer, the community engagement director who helps organize the event. Richmond Art Center has expanded its vision of bringing the community together to support independent artists and small businesses. “Nearly half the participating…
Richmond Memorial Auditorium transformed Wednesday into a festive wonderland for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting, where a chilly rain did not dampen the spirits of a couple hundred people who came to the event. Instead of a single towering tree, the venue was adorned with several smaller, glittering trees, all synced to light up at once, creating a magical display that set the tone for the evening. On a small stage at the heart of the auditorium, children from…
The final crate tapped into place, the truck bed was packed and ready. Inside were all the essentials. Freshly sharpened pruners, a couple of aprons, gloves and sturdy ladders. The checklist was second nature by now, each tool in its slot, each slot serving a purpose. With everything in order, Bruno Lara, the Orchard for ALL! project manager took a moment to survey the packed truck, mentally preparing for the day ahead. Today, it would just be him on the…
“People of Richmond” is a regular series in which reporters pose a question to people in the community. Answers are presented verbatim, though sometimes edited for brevity. Q: What should Richmond do with the $550 million Chevron has agreed to pay over the next decade? Ricardo Sanchez “They could be major funders for the school district because schools are generally understaffed all the time. And there’s also not enough funds for kids to have their supplies. Sometimes they don’t have…
“People of Richmond” is a regular series in which reporters pose a question to people in the community. Answers are presented verbatim, though sometimes edited for brevity. Q: Have you noticed a difference in BART’s service now that the fleet has all new trains? “They have certainly got more aesthetic appeal which I appreciate. In terms of service being better, worse or same, I’d say same. I’m always struck by how few riders there are, which just shocks me. I’d…