Environment

New regulations in the pipeline for California refineries

Four years after a fire swept through Richmond’s Chevron Refinery, the result of a corroded pipe long neglected, state officials are putting the final touches on a set of regulations they say will make California’s oil industry far safer—but critics say the rules still have far to go.

National Park Service asks for input in designing the Richmond Wellness Trail

National Park Service (NPS) agents in the East Bay have been working with administrators from the city of Richmond and other community partners since last year to create a wellness trail for Richmond as part of their “Park Prescription Initiative.” Their hope is that constructing a wellness trail will revitalize a two-and-a-half mile stretch of primarily unkempt city streets into a walkable path, giving Richmond residents more options for healthy and safe outdoor enjoyment. The trail will incorporate bike lanes,…

Richmond’s Living Legends

“Rosie the Riveter” is the iconic symbol of female independence and strength, celebrating the female workers who played a pivotal role in World War II shipbuilding. The museum, operated by the National Park Service, features photographs, films and educational exhibits all about the welders and other skilled trades taken up by women after the men went off to war duty.

Morrison was one of the “Rosies,” and they are still contributing. Now, they tell first-hand accounts of working at the shipyards just a few yards away.

Richmond nonprofit tackles new approach to urban renewal

James Anderson has a habit of peeking out of his house, day or night, constantly checking on his unofficial front yard. From his front door or upstairs window, he can scan the half-acre park known as Elm Playlot, just to make sure there’s no trouble. He grew up in the Iron Triangle, a notoriously high-crime neighborhood in central Richmond named for the train tracks that create its distinctive borders. More than year ago Anderson started working at Elm Playlot, located…