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Cash buyers rule Richmond real estate market

The Richmond real estate market, like the rest of the state, is on the rebound. And some of that recovery is thanks to investors who are able to buy homes without taking out a loan. That’s great news for both sellers and real estate agents, but it leaves limited selection for buyers who don’t have access to a lot of cash.

Richmond Bay Campus faces delays

In forty years, a humble scattering of buildings along Richmond’s south shoreline could become an internationally recognized hub for scientific research. But presently the site remains just a small cluster of offices, warehouses, and labs, primarily used by UC Berkeley for engineering projects, and many in Richmond are asking when will the project get underway.

Team to assist mentally disabled in Richmond

Health-care professionals have partnered with law enforcement officers and community organizations to locate and assist the mentally ill. The newly formed joint team, called the Forensic Multidisciplinary Team, will work together to intervene and provide treatment and refer those in need to services that include food, clothing or temporary housing, said Erika Barrow, an administrative service analyst with Contra Costa Health Services. “We just had our first meeting and we are excited to get it started,” Barrow said, referring to…

Ized Stewart, “Bag Man,” dies at sixty-four

Joseph Newkirk recalls seeing the weathered face of Ized Stewart often along Barrett Avenue. Known to some as George, and known to others in the Richmond community as “the bag man,” Stewart was a fixture in the neighborhood. Stewart had a distinctive look. He wore layers of tattered clothes. He had a scraggly beard and long dreadlocks often hidden beneath some sort of bag.  His eyes were a distant, faded blue. Since his death of respiratory failure at the age…

Water costs will continue to rise

Ten years ago, the average East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) consumer was paying $26.09 per month for water. By July 1st of 2014, that number will have nearly doubled to $48.60. The next two years alone will see rates rise 9.75 percent ($3.96 per month) in 2014 and 9.5 percent ($4.19 per month) in 2015. At last week’s City Council meeting, Richmond resident Leonard Taylor complained about the hikes, saying he may have to stop doing his laundry and…

City, county settle Chevron tax disputes

Richmond and Contra Costa County have decided to wipe the slate clean with Chevron after nine years of ongoing property tax disputes involving millions of dollars in revenue. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a settlement regarding the county assessor’s property valuations of the Richmond refinery for the years 2004 to 2012. Chevron agreed to dismiss all of its appeals of the assessed property values of its refinery for these years. The City of Richmond also approved…