Events

RPD discrimination lawsuit prepares for Federal Court

Five months after a jury cleared Richmond Police Chief Chris Magnus of racial discrimination allegations, the case is now set to reappear in federal court in November. The plaintiffs — seven prominent African-American police officers — originally filed a suit in 2007 that alleged that Magnus discriminated by race when choosing officers for promotion. In April a jury cleared the chief, deputy chief and city of any wrongdoing. But immediately after the verdict, plaintiff’s attorney Stephan Jaffe said that his…

Contra Costa tables controversial jail expansion

Contra Costa officials announced at an emotionally-charged meeting Thursday morning that they would postpone a decision to build more jail beds and instead look into alternative solutions to reduce prison populations, a move that was applauded by Richmond residents, nonprofits, faith leaders, and government groups. Buses drove Richmond leaders and residents to the meeting at the county probation department in Martinez early Thursday morning. At the meeting, public attendants held signs stating “Invest in people, not prisons” and “Stop honoring…

Eagles and Oilers to see gridiron action this weekend

The Kennedy Eagles and Richmond Oilers will both see action this weekend, as the two teams take on neighborhood rivals. The Eagles host the El Cerrito Gauchos on Friday night, while the Oilers visit Salesian Pride on Saturday for a matinee affair. Eagles head coach Mark Carminer and his staff will try and slow down El Cerrito’s high-powered offense, as the Gouchos come into the game beating San Lorenzo and Newark Memorial by a combined score of 106-14. Prior to…

West County celebrates the grand opening of a new health center

Health workers, politicians and residents celebrated on Tuesday the opening of a $45 million, LEED-silver certified medical center that will serve West County residents and replace the aging Richmond Health Center. Located within a block of Doctors Hospital and Brookside Health Center in San Pablo, the state-of-the-art facility completes a medical hub.

Baykeeper to launch massive toxic debris cleanup at Point Molate

About 125 tons of toxic debris cluttering the shoreline between Point Molate and Point San Pablo will be removed this fall by the San Francisco marine watchdog Baykeeper. With the help of volunteers and some heavy machinery, the nonprofit group plans to clean up trash and take out hundreds of pilings soaked with creosote, a wood preservative and possible human carcinogen, starting in late September or early October. “There are old derelict docks and piers along Point Richmond and Point…

A first look at the November City Council candidates

Eleven people successfully filed and qualified to be on the Nov. 6 ballot for the City Council. Nine out of the eleven candidates also submitted statements of qualifications by the Aug. 15 deadline. These statements are limited to 200 words, and they are an opportunity for candidates to provide personal information and also write why they are qualified for the specific position. The submitted statements are available to view online and deputy City Clerk Ursula Deloa said in an email,…

Kennedy comes up just short, loses tough one to Joseph Bethel

Joseph Bethel defeated Kennedy 27-16 in Vallejo Friday night, as both teams tried to shake off some early season rust. On its first two possessions of the game, Kennedy fumbled the ball deep in its own territory. The two turnovers lead to an early 6-0 Bethel lead. In the second quarter both teams struggled to muster much offense. The game went back and forth with a couple quick punts by Kennedy and a lost fumble by Bethel. As the first-half…

Gary Bell throws name into Richmond political hat

Gary Bell knows how to make people feel at ease. He also knows a little bit about money and business principles. And at a campaign kickoff Thursday night at the Courtyard Marriott at Hilltop Mall, the president and CEO of Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union in Berkeley declared his intent to bring civility and leadership back to the City Council. This isn’t Bell’s first political rodeo. He was a Richmond city councilmember in 1999, and ran for mayor in 2006….