Posts Tagged ‘AP’
Fire Department investigating home explosion
The Richmond Fire Department is working to determine the cause of an in-home explosion that happened early Tuesday morning. Chief Michael Banks said that firefighters received a call about an explosion at 2:22 a.m. Tuesday on the 3000 block of Ohio Street. By the time they arrived the fire was small, he said, but damage…
Read MoreShotSpotter grows, maintains confidence of police leaders
The gunshot detection and location system is an invaluable investigative and response tool, police leaders say, but it has not been credited with nabbing any homicide suspects. Still, reduced costs and technological advances mean that the system is likely to be a long-term feature in Richmond.
Read MoreResidents told to expect flaring as Chevron refinery begins maintenance
Residents near Chevron’s Richmond Refinery can expect to see flames at the plant’s flare stacks over the next month and a half, as the refinery enters one of its occasional maintenance periods. On Monday, the refinery began work that will bring an additional 1,650 contractors into Richmond over the next four to six weeks. That…
Read MoreSchool Board recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month
The West Contra Costa County School Board recognized Hispanic Heritage Month at its Tuesday meeting with lively music and dance performances that were a stark contrast to the usually formal board proceedings. The month is celebrated nationally as a time to recognize the contributions and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Each year the board…
Read MoreCity attorney Randy Riddle will step down
Richmond City Attorney Randy Riddle — who became the city’s attorney after a protracted search that ended in 2007 — will be leaving his position early next year. The city has hired an executive search firm to find a replacement. “Randy has been a great city attorney,” Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay said on Tuesday. “He…
Read MoreScenes from the grand opening of Richmond’s Spokeshop Bike Lounge
On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Spokeshop Bike Lounge — billed as Richmond’s first full service professional bike shop — officially opened its doors after three years of planning. The Spokeshop plans to offer new and used bikes, and will offer apprenticeships for Richmond youth. Richmond Confidential was there at the opening to bring you scenes…
Read MoreContra Costa homeless shelters unsure about effects of realignment
As the state starts to release prisoners into the supervision of the counties, Contra Costa County’s homeless shelters – where former prisoners often end up because they don’t have family or their identity reestablished upon their release – aren’t sure what to expect. Cynthia Belon, the Contra Costa Director of Behavioral Health Services, said it’s…
Read MoreRichmond moves to ban the box
On the first page of the application to work for the city of Richmond, question 14 stands out in capital letters: “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” By the end of the month, that question will be gone. The change is the first step in a campaign to “ban the box” in Richmond…
Read MoreRelease Point: California’s Overcrowded Prisons
Saturday marked the first day of a two-year effort by the state of California to remove 110,000 inmates from its overcrowded prisons. Contra Costa County will take on 215 inmates in the next nine months, while also keeping more criminals in-county after their convictions. Release Point is an in-depth look at how this shift affects Richmond.
Read MoreChanging California’s prison population
Continued overcrowding in California’s state prisons brought about a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that the state’s efforts to cram in more prisoners constituted cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the Eighth Amendment. The state responded with legislation that shifts responsibility for state parolees to counties and redefines what constitutes a prison-worthy offense. That realignment…
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