Bay Citizen

Driveby in south Richmond leaves 54-year-old man dead

A drive-by shooting in south Richmond Wednesday night left a 54-year-old man dead in the driveway of a home in the 1500 block of Virginia Avenue. More than one hour after the 7:30 p.m. shooting, detectives combed the scene. The man’s body, draped in a white tarp, lay in the driveway of a dilapidated house. Richmond Police Lt. Bisa French said police believe the victim was standing in the driveway with another man when a sedan pulled up slow and…

Man shot, two arrested as federal investigation turns violent near Hilltop Mall

A federal agent shot and critically wounded a man in the parking lot of a restaurant of a Hilltop area restaurant, Richmond police said Wednesday. “Agents were here conducting an investigation involving three suspects,” Richmond Lt. Bisa French said during a curbside press conference about an hour after the 3 p.m. shooting. “At some point, the suspect posed a threat to the federal agent. Shots were fired.” The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant…

Richmond police captain describes intimidation, sabotage in department in 2006-7

A Richmond Police captain described a command staff so toxic with animus and distrust that by the time the chief hosted a September 2006 management meeting aimed at easing tensions, a lawsuit was inevitable. “What we didn’t know was (the plaintiffs) already had attorneys,” Capt. Mark Gagan testified Monday. “I went into the Napa retreat hoping to find resolution, and I was shocked when we imploded. I realized the meeting was orchestrated, manufactured to foster this lawsuit.” Seven high-ranking African…

Deli, Planned Parenthood fill long-empty retail spaces at Transit Village

When downtown Richmond’s Metro Walk was first designed, it was billed as a mixed-use development where residents could live just steps from BART and Amtrak, with retail and restaurants right next door. But for years, the Walk’s three retail spaces – 7,000 square feet total – sat empty. Folks waiting for Amtrak had to hike the two long blocks to the Richmond Shopping Center for a snack. Residents said they wished there was somewhere to duck in for a cup of coffee on their way to the train.

Dueling economics in Richmond police discrimination suit

Just how much money have the seven African-American police commanders suing the city of Richmond lost due to alleged discrimination stalling their promotions? It depends on which economic expert you ask. Whose numbers the jury buys could heavily weigh the outcome the lawsuit against Police Chief Chris Magnus, former Deputy Chief Lori Ritter and the city. In testimony Thursday, a labor economist called by the defense told jurors that the plaintiffs actually stand to benefit, at least financially, from not…

Retired cops, deputy chief, testify to divisions within Richmond police

Two retired white officers and the current second in command testified Wednesday that racial divisions have persisted in the Richmond Police Department for decades, but that Chief Chris Magnus didn’t favor any racial groups over any other. But the testimony of the three defense witnesses did further expose an environment of embittered, highly paid police leaders who cliqued up and engaged in rough talk and petty gossip throughout the early days of the Magnus era, which began in 2006. Ken…

Sewage spill in Point Isabel last week no longer a hazard

After multiple spills from the city sewer system last Thursday and Saturday, residents began noticing warning signs in the Point Isabel region that the water may be contaminated. East Bay Regional Parks workers put the signs up as a precautionary measure to advise people to avoid any contact with the water. “The amount of discharge is unknown,” said Matthew Graul, Water Resources Manager for the parks district, “and that is why we are being protective.” Recent rainstorms overwhelmed the sewer…