Possible repeal of Obamacare arouses local concern

Covered California agents sign up new customers at the open enrollment event held at Richmond City Hall on January 15, 2016. Photo by Julia Vassey.

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…

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Community members voice concerns over raising rents in Richmond

Dozens of Richmond residents come together to discuss the current issue of rent control. (Photo by Brittany Kirstin)

More than a dozen Richmond residents complained of big rent increases during a community forum last week. Richmond’s City Council enacted rent control legislation in July, and the controls were due to take effect in late August. Instead, the ordinance was suspended. Now, some Richmond tenants say they are suffering a consequence that nobody at City Hall may have intended.

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State refinery safety bill hailed by legislators draws concern from a free speech group

A new bill aimed at increasing transparency in California oil refineries has an unexpected opponent –a free speech rights group. The First Amendment Coalition raised concerns over SB 1300, a bill they claim will actually allow oil companies to hide some information as “trade secrets.” “It sets a dangerous precedent,” said Peter Scheer, the coalition’s…

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Funding priorities for mitigation fee revenue to remain largely unchanged

North Richmond’s share of landfill mitigation funding for 2012-2013 is likely to be doled out in proportions roughly similar to previous years, the mitigation committee suggested in a meeting last Friday. County leaders offered an early glimpse at an expenditure plan that would provide the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the community with an estimated…

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