Government

Council takes on alcohol billboards, solar costs and free Internet

Richmond city council voted unanimously to ban alcohol advertisements on billboards near schools and other public institutions. City officials hope the new law will prevent minors from drinking before they can make informed, mature decisions. The council also lowered solar-power fees, and began looking into options to provide Internet to low-income residents.

Federal programs covered for at least a month

Thousands of women and children around the country have stopped receiving support by the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, commonly known as WIC. Some are scrambling for childcare as federal money dries up for Head Start. But Richmond residents do not have to worry. Yet.

Proposed charter school sparks heated debate

Summit Public Schools had their petition to open a new high school in El Cerrito denied by the West Contra Costa Unified School District – a decision which the Richmond City Council backed. The result: a heated debate about educational opportunity in Richmond, and what effect a new high school might have on existing schools.

Richmond students caught in the middle of two tests

Public school students and teachers in Richmond are caught in the middle between divergent sets of testing standards. Students are required to take and pass two types of assessments – the often criticized Standardized Testing and Reporting model and the incoming critical thinking standards of Common Core. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a statement, “It’s simply wrong to expect schools to prepare our students for the future while continuing to ask them to use tests that…

Greenhouse gas mitigation discussion stalled

The city council was hoping to hear public input on possible greenhouse gas mitigation measures relating to Chevron’s “Revised Renewal Project,” but Tuesday’s meeting ended before the council reached the comment period.