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Richmond residents commemorate anniversary of Japanese American incarceration order

Executive Order 9066, which cleared the way for the incarceration (or “internment”) of Japanese Americans during World War II, may have been signed 75 years ago, but Flora Ninomiya sees eerie parallels with the modern world. “It’s important for you to understand that we have a president today who is issuing executive orders against Muslims, against immigrants,” Ninomiya told an audience assembled in Richmond to commemorate the anniversary. Three speakers, all children when 9066 was signed, recounted their experiences for…

East Bay drinking water reservoirs reach full capacity

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)’s recent announcement that its drinking water reservoirs have reached full capacity might sound alarming after the spillway crisis in Oroville, but staffers say that is actually good news. It means a steady water supply to over a million of its customers in the East Bay, including Oakland and Richmond.

Richmond high schoolers win rare Division I soccer scholarships

Leadership Public School: Richmond had never had a Division I scholarship athlete in their school’s history. That might not be too surprising for a charter school that’s more focused on academics than athletics. But that changed this year. Senior soccer players Nicolas Brenes Jr. and Alonzo Del Mundo both earned Division I scholarships to play soccer at San Jose State University and UC Berkeley, respectively, signing their letters of intent on February 1 in front of friends, family, faculty and…

Richmond community members oppose post office sale

The United States Postal Service says the post office at 1025 Nevin Avenue in downtown Richmond is in “excess and no longer necessary.” Kimberley Savoy-Jackson, wearing a leg brace as she walks up the post office’s steps on a rainy afternoon, disagrees. “You see people coming in all the time,” she said. “I wouldn’t say ‘crowded,’ but it’s flowing, yeah.” On January 25, the United States Postal Service (USPS) put up a notice on the door announcing its intent to…

Possible repeal of Obamacare arouses local concern

As Californians, along with the rest of the nation, brace for a possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Marshawn Harris, an Oakland-based health care insurance broker, had been trying to sign up as many people as possible. “My goal is to get everyone enrolled and make sure they understand that Covered California [the state’s version of the Affordable Care Act] will be around at least until the end of 2017,” Harris said, referring to the state’s version of the Affordable…

Richmond fire victims receiving help from the community

In the small enclave of Point Richmond, members of the community are providing support for restaurant owners Aky and Mohammad Abolghasem following a fire that destroyed their home two weeks ago. Many describe the Abolghasems as being some of the nicest people in town.