Government
Rosa Arriaga suffers from arthritis and asthma, as well as pain in her neck, hands and knee. She used to have frequent medical checkups to control these conditions, but then her health plan changed and Doctors Medical Center closed.
Critics claim that the indiscriminate use of restraints, particularly when youth are out in public wearing shackles, is damaging and unnecessary. Until recently, probation department drivers carrying minors would park their vehicles in a lot across the street from the Martinez courthouse. The designated curb stop was created amid complaints that the long walk amounted to an unnecessary humiliation.
Last week’s Meeting of the Minds Conference at the Craneway Pavilion brought together social entrepreneurs, politicians and innovation strategists to help Richmond and other cities design more efficient, livable urban environments. Here are four audio interviews of individuals at the forefront of these efforts:
Over a two-day period, conference participants presented projects ranging from the rehabilitation of public parks and arts education to sustainable energy and transportation initiatives. A number of local projects demonstrated how Richmond is being transformed through investment and creative redevelopment.
Following a five hour long meeting Tuesday night, the Richmond City Council delayed voting on who to make eligible for the Richmond Promise scholarship program and how much money students would receive. Councilmembers had trouble reaching consensus on how to expand eligibility and set scholarship levels without running out of money too quickly.
A push to change the way City Council members are elected appears to have resurfaced in Richmond. If successful, the initiative would draw six new districts in the city, each with an elected representative.
Police Chief Chris Magnus may be leaving town for a job in Arizona. Richmond police colleagues have confirmed that Magnus is a finalist seeking the job of police chief in Tucson.
The rent control ordinance set to take effect on September 4th for Richmond renters is officially suspended. The County Clerk elections department validated enough signatures to prevent rent control from becoming law.
A group of environmental, municipal and educational organizations say the eucalyptus trees in the East Bay Hills are a fire hazard that must be gotten rid of. Activists disagree.