AP

Witness describes near-fatal gunshot wounds in Richmond, can’t identify attacker

Two witnesses took the stand Monday to talk about being the victims of violent crimes, but neither implicated the man prosecutors say was the perpetrator. “How did that feel, being shot,” Deputy District Attorney Derek Butts asked one witness, a 32-year-old man Richmond Police have said is a central Richmond gang member. “I didn’t feel it,” the man said, referring to the bullets that ripped through his right arm and into the right side of his chest, nearly killing him…

Richmond Rockets win big, run streak to five

The Richmond Rockets improved to 10-3 on the season with a dominating win over the Sacramento Heatwave Saturday night. The final score was 120-102, with the Rockets leading throughout. The Rockets swept the two-game home set against Sacramento, with Saturday’s win on the heels of a 102-90 drubbing of the Heatwave at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on Friday night. “This win further establishes ourselves as a dominant force in the Pacific North Conference,” team president said Keith Hazell as time…

Officer describes chase, shooting in case against alleged killer of area rapper

Wallace Jensen and his partner Kristian Palma were in the dark, guns drawn. The Richmond police officers had moments earlier sprinted down Cutting Boulevard, hopped a retaining wall and plunged into a narrow alcove in the 500 block of South 18th Street. The city had been rocked by brazen shootings throughout the day, and the officers had just chased a man they say had a gun into a dark, dead-end corridor. Palma was about 10 feet from the man, who…

Testimony in case of murdered rapper centers on day of bloodshed

By the time for the Richmond Police Department’s evening shift change, the city was on high alert. Bloodshed had started just before 9 a.m., when gunfire at the Pullman Apartment complex sent two alleged gang members to Kaiser Hospital. About two hours later, a 30-year-old man and his 10-year-old niece sitting in a green Buick at Eighth and Adeline streets in Oakland came under fire. The man, who had no gang affiliations, was shot five times while shielding his niece…

George Livingston, Richmond leader, laid to rest

If you knew George Livingston, you knew how much he valued a tight, efficient schedule. For years, he was clear and direct to his loved ones and his pastor about how he wanted his send-off to go. “Dad wanted us to keep it short,” said his daughter, Grace Livingston-Nunley. “So we respect that.” More than 500 family, friends, residents, friends and many of the city and region’s biggest civic luminaries descended on St. John Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday for the…

Trial begins in killing of area rapper, Richmond crime spree of ’09

Opening statements were delivered Tuesday in the trial of a Richmond man accused of commiting a 2009 crime spree that left four people wounded and a 21-year-old rap artist dead in incidents six months apart. Jose Blacknell III, age 21, whom prosecutors say is a member of the Easter Hill Boys gang and goes by the nickname “Fatter,” is charged with 22 felony counts in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, including first-degree murder for the March, 2009 killing…

George Livingston viewing draws family, Richmond

George Livingston looked dapper as usual as he lay in repose for a public viewing Monday night. Having devoted much of his 78 years on Earth to public service, it was only fitting that a City of Richmond pin was fastened to the left lapel of his brown suit. “George introduced me to politics” said Councilman Nat Bates, as he offered a few impromptu remarks at a service that allowed friends, family and the public to share their thoughts on…

Marching in honor of King; linking Richmond

The residents who marched in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Saturday morning looked to emphasize a particular aspect of his teachings: Unity. “We are moving in the direction of breaking down the barriers that separate us,” said Otheree Christian, president of the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Association, “barriers that contribute to unnecessary violence.” About 200 residents participated marches that began at Nevin Community Center in central Richmond and in Parchester Village. The groups converged at Shields-Reid Park in North Richmond,…

Kennedy high gym renamed in honor of ‘Dolly’

Dolly Felix made a difference, and now her name graces the building where she touched so many lives. About 300 people packed the John F. Kennedy High School gymnasium Saturday for a ceremony dedicating the hardwood floor facility in the former teacher and coach’s honor. The building was officially dedicated the “Coach Dolly Felix Gym.” A teacher and coach whose career in public education in Richmond spanned more than 50 years, Felix died in June, 2011, after a battle with…