Economy
Richmond’s effort to pass a minimum wage hike has stalled. A general increase to the minimum wage gained support from the city council on March 19, but the proposed ordinance failed to pass a second reading after some councilmembers felt the wage hike deserved more input from small businesses.
City releases a draft Environmental Impact Report of Chevron’s Modernization Project.
Richmond is headed for a new record: the highest minimum wage in the Bay Area. The plan is for a minimum wage of $12.30 per hour to be phased in over the next four years. The City Council voted 6-1 to pass the first reading of the ordinance with Councilmember Tom Butt voting no.
Ross Woodbury’s one-screen art film theater, The Magick Lantern isn’t making any money one year after opening. While many people show up for the free Thursday classic movie screenings, crowds are hit-and-miss for the $7 art and foreign film screenings during the weekend.
Councilwoman Jovanka Beckles sponsored a resolution at Tuesday night’s council meeting, to direct city staff to draft three possible minimum wage hikes – $11, $12.30 or $15. The options could come back to the council for consideration within 60 days.
A Richmond council member is seeking to put a measure on the November ballot that could raise the city’s minimum wage to at least $11, potentially making it the region’s highest. Councilwoman Jovanka Beckles sponsored the resolution, scheduled to be heard at Tuesday night’s council meeting, to direct city staff to draft three possible minimum wage hikes – $11, $12.30 or $15. The options could come back to the council for consideration within 60 days. If the council approves one…
With a new year approaching, it’s time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next one. For Richmond, 2013 was one for the history books.
City leaders recently took trips to Cuba, China, and Japan. While councilmembers say the trips foster economic growth and spur innovative thinking, some resident are wary of footing the bill to send city leaders overseas while Richmond grapples with a sizable budget shortfall.
Richmond isn’t the only town in the Bay Area that’s in the midst of approving a major oil project. Other nearby refineries are also upgrading. And surrounding communities are looking to Richmond for lessons on how to insure that environmental standards are met.