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Undocumented immigrants in Richmond seek help in applying for deferred action

Karina Gutierrez was born in Mexico and was brought to the United States by her parents when she was four years old. She is not a U.S. citizen and has no legal right to be here. Now 24, Gutierrez graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2010, where she double majored in political science and psychology, and is a second-year law student at Golden Gate University, focusing on her favorite topic—the Constitution. Gutierrez says that because of her accomplishments, and because…

Both Eagles and Oilers face Bay Area powerhouses Friday night

The Richmond Oilers (0-3) and Kennedy Eagles (0-2) will be put to the test Friday night as both teams look for their first win of the young season. The Oilers travel south to Fremont for a 5 p.m. kickoff against the California School for the Deaf (2-0), while the Eagles host city foe Salesian Pride (3-0) at 7 p.m. Oilers head coach Tashaka Merriwether said because the JV game had to be canceled, the varsity game was pushed up to…

Richmond man shot, killed near Iron Triangle

A 27-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday night near the Iron Triangle on the 600 block of 17th street. The Contra Costa County Coroner’s office confirmed the victim as Richmond resident Isaiah Thomas, Jr. A woman called 911 around 9:30 p.m. to report the incident. After arriving at the scene, Fire Department personnel performed CPR on the victim, who had been shot once in the chest, Richmond Police Detective Nicole Abetkov said. The victim was pronounced dead at the…

Park searches for funds to build Pinole interpretive center

The East Bay Regional Park District is looking for $5.2 million to fund a first-of-its-kind interpretive center at Point Pinole, which would help tell the environmental and cultural history of the area through educational programs for school children and the public.

Soda sellers decry proposed fee

For Doug Deaver, Richmond’s proposed cent-per-ounce soda tax would mean more paperwork and less profit. While city politicians argue over public health, government overreach and the influence of outside money, Deaver, who owns a vending machine company, worries more about his bottom line. If Measure N passes in November, businesses that sell soda, energy drinks, or other beverages with added sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup would be required to keep tabs on exactly how many ounces of those drinks…

Cut down on salt, sugar and fat

Drinking juice sounds healthy. But even a small bottle of apple juice can contain 10 teaspoons of sugar, a nutritionist told seniors at the Healthy Eating Event at the Richmond Auditorium Wednesday morning. About 50 people attended the free event, organized by the Richmond Commission on Aging and aimed at educating the elderly in Richmond on the benefits of eating and living healthily. “Instead of drinking juice and sweetened drinks, drink water,” said nutritionist Cheryl Davis. “And it’s not just…

Hundreds of volunteers expected this weekend at annual coastal cleanup

Hundreds of volunteers will collect thousands of pounds of trash Saturday at Shimada Friendship Park as part of an annual statewide effort to clean coastlines and educate the public about healthy watersheds. Unlike other ocean contaminants, “Trash is a pollutant you can see, so it’s less abstract,” said Juliana Gonzalez, the Healthy Watersheds Program manager for The Watershed Project, which co-sponsors the event with Supervisor John Gioia and the City of Richmond from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. At noon, volunteers…

New court budget could eliminate Richmond truancy program

A budget that the Contra Costa Superior Court will consider adopting Friday would close six courtrooms, including the Juvenile Law Courtroom in Richmond. For the 2012-2013 fiscal year, more than $7 million is estimated to be cut from the county court’s budget.

Family remembers homicide victim, Javier Campos, as a ‘good man’

The first time Javier Campos saw his sister Barbara Rojas’s new house—just a couple of weeks ago — he pulled up and said, “Oh this is perfect.” Perfect, for BBQs, for big family get-togethers, for the kids. In short, perfect for Campos’ favorite pastime—hanging out with the people he loved. Barbara said her brother had big plans for a Labor Day barbecue at her house. But just days before the party, on Sept. 1, he was shot and killed during…