Jennifer Baires

It’s official: Richmond City Council seeks new member

During Richmond City Council’s special meeting on Thursday, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin formally announced councilmember-elect Gary Bell’s seat as vacant—despite the opposition of absent Councilmembers Corky Booze and Nat Bates—and the council set a quick timetable for filling it, either by appointment in early February or by a special election in June. The meeting was in many ways both a return to November’s contentious election and a preview of the fight to come. Even the timing of the meeting was controversial….

La Perla Mexican Deli ending 63-year run

The decision to close La Perla Mexican Deli wasn’t made because of rising taxes, slim profits, or a change in the community. These are all things the family business has seen and overcome in the 63 years it’s been operating in the Iron Triangle. The building is owned by the family, the revenue is enough for them to pay their own bills, and through the riots of the ‘60s, the restaurant stayed put. Though time has made the family restaurant…

Three shootings over the weekend, none resulting in homicides

Three shootings occurred in Richmond over the weekend. None appear to be gang-related, police said, and all of the victims are expected to live. On Friday, shortly after 8 p.m., police responded to a call for a shooting on the 3400 block of Richmond Parkway. A man was transported to a local hospital with gunshot injuries to his abdomen. Police have one person in custody. The second shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the 2700 block of Macdonald. A…

Toy donations abound in one school, fall short at a children’s center

It was a good day to be giving away coats. The air was biting cold and rain dribbled intermittently. On the last day of school before winter break, students at Verde Elementary School would be leaving with a new coat and a present. The school was running its annual toy and coat drive, an event that’s put together by individuals at churches, public offices, and others in Richmond. Members of the Davis Chapel left toys and coats at their church….

After years of dark, Richmond’s main street gets festive lights back

With the flick of a switch Wednesday night, Macdonald Avenue transformed into a downtown vision that many in the city have long wanted to see. “I always dreamed of having lights on Macdonald,” Finance Director James Goins said, standing at the corner of Macdonald and 11th. The East Bay Performing Arts Center and Richmond Main Street Initiative collaborated this year to host the annual Downtown Holiday Festival. This was the first time the newly renovated arts center held the event,…

Mormon church in Richmond draws in Latino converts

In the last decade, the Mormon church has increased its membership by nearly 2 million people, making it the fastest-growing religion in the world. At the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Richmond, its members demonstrate the success the church has made in Latin America, the place of origin for many new converts.