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7 hours ago

Commission approves 7-unit Ohio Avenue live-work development with conditions The Richmond Planning Commission approved PLN25-0168, a three-story, 7-unit live-work building on Ohio Avenue, 5–0, adding conditions for parkway trees and signage to prevent driveway sidewalk blockage; applicant proposed voluntary on-site affordability commitments to be formalized with staff.

The Richmond Planning Commission just greenlit a new 7-unit live-work development, ensuring it meets community needs with added conditions for trees and accessibility!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #UrbanDevelopment #RichmondHousing #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing

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8 hours ago

Rent Board directs staff to craft real‑estate disclosure ordinance and pursue county recording/lien option After staff research and meetings with escrow and title professionals, the board voted to direct staff to draft a proposed real‑estate disclosure ordinance and to pursue recording fees with the county while simultaneously advancing a proposed lien ordinance to ensure Rent Board fees are disclosed at property transfer.

The Rent Board is taking bold steps to ensure real-estate fees are transparent during property transfers—could this change the game for homebuyers?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RealEstateDisclosure #CitizenPortal #PropertyTransparency #RichmondRentBoard #CountyRecording

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8 hours ago

Richmond Rent Board staff projects higher per‑unit fees as unit count falls and salaries rise Staff told the board that a preliminary FY2026–27 budget and unit reconciliation produced a net decline of 429 covered units and that salary and fringe increases from MOUs, combined with fewer units, would raise per‑unit fees under a status‑quo staffing assumption.

Richmond's Rent Board predicts higher fees as covered units drop by 429 and salaries rise—how will this impact your wallet?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #RichmondRentBoard #HousingAffordability #BudgetReview #CostImpact

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8 hours ago

Richmond staff report finds layered subsidies complicate possible rescission of Regulation 202 exemptions Executive Director Fred Tran told the Rent Board staff has found multiple overlapping subsidy types at many Richmond affordable-housing properties, and that staff identified one property out of compliance while reviewing rent-roll data for about half of 29 properties; the board took the report and requested additional analysis of per‑unit impacts.

Richmond's latest study reveals a tangled web of overlapping subsidies in affordable housing, raising questions about the future of rent regulations and compliance.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #HousingSubsidies #DataAnalysis #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryCompliance

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1 month ago

Richmond directs staff to study 'safe walk zone' for 23rd Street, pairing enforcement with outreach and engineering Council directed the city manager and city attorney to study an ordinance to establish a 'safe walk zone' along the 23rd Street corridor, and asked staff to coordinate with community groups, the DA's human-trafficking unit, public works and outreach/diversion partners to produce an implementation plan with annual reporting.

Richmond City Council is taking action to create a 'safe walk zone' along 23rd Street, combining enforcement with community outreach to protect families and students.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RichmondSafeWalkZone #HumanTraffickingPrevention

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1 month ago

Richmond council introduces tighter tobacco retail rules, including 50-license cap and stronger enforcement City staff introduced amendments to Richmond’s tobacco retailer license ordinance to align with state flavored-tobacco restrictions, set a 50-license cap, preserve 1,000-foot youth buffers and add enforcement tools; council asked staff to study additional public-health recommendations before second reading.

Richmond is taking a bold step to protect youth by introducing stricter tobacco retail rules, including a 50-license cap and enhanced enforcement measures!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #YouthProtection #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #RetailEnforcement #RichmondTobacco

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1 month ago

Community and police unions clash at council as three detectives remain on indefinite leave Dozens of public commenters, including union leaders and activists, urged opposite outcomes after three Richmond detectives were placed on extended administrative leave following officer-involved shootings. Speakers disagreed sharply over transparency, timetables and accountability.

Tensions soared at the Richmond City Council meeting as community advocates clashed with police unions over the fate of three detectives on leave following controversial officer-involved shootings.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #RichmondPolice

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1 month ago

Richmond Rent Board freezes processing of exemption requests after weeks of Monterey Pines tenant complaints The board adopted Resolution 26-01 to temporarily suspend staff processing of Regulation 202 exemptions for 180 days and directed a study session after more than 20 tenants testified about hazardous conditions and unexplained utility charges at Monterey Pines Apartments.

The Richmond Rent Board has put a 180-day freeze on exemption requests after alarming tenant testimonies reveal hazardous living conditions and skyrocketing utility bills at Monterey Pines Apartments.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #TenantRights #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Watershed Project seeks community input for Richmond sea-level-rise resilience plan The Watershed Project and city partners outlined a community-driven sea-level-rise resilience planning effort for Richmond’s shoreline. Staff asked residents to help confirm vulnerable assets and priorities; the plan will move to design and funding phases and is expected to span several years.

Richmond is launching a community-driven plan to tackle sea-level rise, and they need your input to identify vulnerable sites and priorities!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #ClimateAdaptation #CitizenPortal #RichmondResilience #CommunityInput #InfrastructureSafety

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1 month ago

Committee highlights copper-theft damage to EV chargers; cites Assembly Bill 425 as new enforcement tool Committee members said theft and vandalism of EV-charger and shared-vehicle infrastructure has repeatedly taken chargers offline; they pointed to California Assembly Bill 425 as newly strengthened law that tightens recycler records, increases fines and criminalizes organized metal theft.

Recurring theft is wreaking havoc on EV chargers, costing the city tens of thousands in repairs—can new legislation finally put a stop to this vandalism?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #RichmondEVInfrastructure #LegislationReform #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Council approves $2 million increase in city loan to convert Civic Center motel into 49 permanent supportive housing units The council unanimously approved increasing the city's loan to the Homekey conversion of a motel into 49 permanent supportive housing units (4 25 Civic Center LP), raising the city loan from $8.3M to up to $10.3M to cover construction change orders and capital needs; staff said full repayment through residual receipts is unlikely but the project aims for occupancy and service delivery by 06/30/2026.

Richmond City Council just approved a $2 million loan increase to transform a motel into 49 supportive housing units for the chronically homeless—what’s next for this ambitious project?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment

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1 month ago

Richmond residents and police association press council to return three officers and approve a marketable contract Multiple speakers representing the Richmond Police Officers Association urged the city council to return Officers Remick, Stocking and Hodges to duty and to approve a competitive contract, arguing prolonged administrative removals have damaged morale and exposed the city to legal risk; supporters and some residents urged caution pending investigations.

Richmond police officers and their families are demanding the reinstatement of three officers, arguing that prolonged removals are hurting morale and risking legal consequences for the city.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #RichmondPolice #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Richmond delays decision on Red Oak Victory relocation study, asks for more fiscal and legal analysis A proposal to hire Liftech Consultants for $299,797 to study relocating the historic SS Red Oak Victory prompted sharp public debate about costs, ownership and public subsidies. Council voted to rehear the item and return in two months with additional information including National Park Service input and funding options.

Richmond City Council has hit pause on the SS Red Oak Victory relocation study, sparking heated debates over costs and community impact.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #RichmondHistory #HeritagePreservation #PublicDebate

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2 months ago

Council asks city attorney to review proposed limits on corporate homeownership The Sustainable Economies Law Center presented a draft ordinance to limit corporate purchases of single-family and small multiunit homes; council directed the city attorney to evaluate legal risks and collaborate with the group on feasibility and next steps.

Richmond City Council is taking a stand against corporate land grabs by considering a bold new ordinance to protect homeownership for first-time buyers!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RichmondHousing #CitizenPortal #CorporateAccountability #HomeownershipStability

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2 months ago

Richmond council orders staff to craft ICE‑free zone ordinance after broad public outcry After dozens of residents urged action to protect immigrant communities, the Richmond City Council directed staff to report March 3 on current protocols and to return within 45 days with a proposed ICE‑free zone ordinance, including signage, reporting and preparedness measures; the motion passed with one abstention.

The Richmond City Council is taking a bold step towards protecting immigrant communities by crafting an "ICE-free zone" ordinance after hearing passionate pleas from residents and advocates.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Richmond crime-prevention manager lays out who to call for emergencies, mental-health crises and neighborhood problems Michelle Milam, Richmond Police Department crime prevention manager, summarized when to call 911 versus dispatch, introduced the forthcoming ROQ community crisis response team, described CORE and SOS Richmond services for unhoused residents, and listed city hotlines and reporting channels.

Richmond residents, are you unsure who to call for emergencies or quality-of-life issues?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #EmergencyResponse #CommunityOutreach #MentalHealthSupport #RichmondPublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Richmond council directs manager to develop funding plan for Advanced Life Support paramedic program After a six‑month update, Richmond officials approved staff direction to develop revenue and financing options to implement a phased Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic program, citing a preliminary five‑year implementation cost of about $20.46 million and significant facility and apparatus expenses that will require additional revenue sources or financing.

Richmond City Council is taking a bold step towards enhancing public safety by planning a phased rollout of a $20.46 million Advanced Life Support program for its fire department!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RichmondPublicSafety #HealthInAllPolicies #CommunityFinancing

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2 months ago

Richmond council approves consultant‑led community process for $550M Chevron settlement, keeps funds invested during planning The council voted to engage a consultant to lead broad, citywide community engagement and to gather input on spending strategies for the $550 million Chevron settlement; an amendment directs that the funds remain invested while the process proceeds. The motion passed with one no and one abstention after extensive public comment.

Richmond City Council just voted to harness a massive $550 million Chevron settlement for community-led initiatives, ensuring that every voice is heard in this once-in-a-generation opportunity for change.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityEngagement

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2 months ago

WestEd evaluation: Richmond Fund for Children and Youth reached tens of thousands but needs stronger data and capacity supports, council hears WestEd told the council its FY21–24 evaluation of the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth found 56 grants and over 58,000 youth encounters across 121 sites, with high participant satisfaction and recommendations to increase technical assistance and consistent data collection; council members pressed for clearer unique‑participant counts and objective outcome measures.

The Richmond Fund for Children and Youth has made a significant impact, reaching over 58,000 youth, but calls for stronger data tracking and support for smaller grantees highlight areas for improvement.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CommunitySupport #DataTransparency

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2 months ago

Port of Richmond outlines enterprise fund strategy, $20M reserves and planned strategic‑planning work Port staff told the council the Port of Richmond operates as an enterprise fund with roughly $20 million in reserves, steady lease revenues, a reduced general‑fund loan balance of about $7.5 million after a $4.5 million payment, and plans for a multi‑year strategic plan including an offshore wind study funded by the CEC.

The Port of Richmond is charting a bold financial future with $20 million in reserves and innovative plans for sustainable growth, including an offshore wind study!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RichmondPort #EconomicPlanning #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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2 months ago

Mayor Martinez presents State of the City: Richmond cites fiscal stabilization, drop in index crimes and downtown investment Mayor Eduardo Martinez told the Richmond City Council the city is financially stronger, citing a balanced FY24–25 budget, Measure U revenue, a 17% drop in index crimes, and progress on downtown redevelopment, housing and environmental protections including Point Milotti's permanent protection.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez announced a brighter future for Richmond, showcasing fiscal stability, a historic drop in crime, and exciting downtown developments!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #EconomicDevelopment #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #RichmondCity

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2 months ago

After heated public comment, Richmond council acknowledges mayor's restorative steps and training; amendment to censure fails Following extensive public comment about earlier social‑media posts, Mayor Eduardo Martinez read a public apology and offered a restorative program; the council voted to acknowledge his participation in recommended training (most council members volunteered to attend). A separate proposed amendment to formally censure the mayor failed in a roll‑call vote.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez's public apology for sharing antisemitic content sparked a heated debate and a divided council vote on accountability measures.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RestorativeJustice #CommunityDialogue #RichmondCommunity #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Commission reviews Chevron modernization annual compliance report; consultants report no net increase in emissions and fewer flaring events in 2024 Staff and Ramboll presented Chevron's eighth annual compliance report for its modernization project (2024 operations). Presenters said there was no net increase in criteria pollutants, utilization was 84% (below a 93% mitigation trigger) and flaring events fell from 25 in 2023 to 11 in 2024; staff proposed shifting public presentations to every three years unless changes occur.

Chevron's refinery modernization is showing promising results with no net increase in emissions and a significant drop in flaring events for 2024!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CommunityInvestments #AirQualityManagement #EnvironmentalCompliance #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Richmond seeks collaborators for Bay Area Air Quality Management District catalyst grant The City of Richmond invited nonprofit and agency partners to collaborate on a Bay Area Air Quality Management District catalyst grant (estimated $10–$15 million) and requested project details be submitted by Jan. 15 via a questionnaire and QR code.

The City of Richmond is on the hunt for innovative partners to seize a $10 million–$15 million grant opportunity aimed at enhancing air quality—are you ready to collaborate?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CommunityEngagement #GrantFunding #AirQualityInitiatives

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3 months ago

Programas juveniles, plantación de árboles y robo de cobre en estaciones de bicicletas: el comité pide más reportes y una presentación sobre prevención El comité escuchó informes de programas juveniles y de plantación de árboles, documentó actos de vandalismo en Coronado y discutió el robo de cobre en estaciones de bicicletas; se citó una ley que entró en vigor el 1 de enero que obliga a recicladores a reportar el origen del cobre.

Los programas juveniles en Richmond están floreciendo con la plantación de árboles y actividades emocionantes, pero enfrentan desafíos críticos como el vandalismo y el robo de cobre.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #EnvironmentalConservation #RichmondPrograms #YouthEmpowerment

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3 months ago

Richmond announces ARPA business grants, housing site negotiations and programs City staff said the ARPA small-business support program distributed $350,000 to 48 Richmond businesses; the Richmond Housing Authority said it is negotiating a disposition and development agreement for Phase 1 of a 100-unit Richmond Village replacement and preparing required environmental studies.

Richmond is making strides in economic development with $350K in grants for local businesses and exciting housing plans for a new 100-unit community!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RichmondHousing #CommunitySupport #EconomicDevelopment #HousingInnovation #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Richmond Rising partners report progress, budgets and community outreach plans Partners in the Richmond Rising collaborative gave monthly status updates Jan. 7, reporting expenditures and remaining budgets across multiple projects, announcing a $10 million RM3 award for two projects, and flagging community outreach events and tree vandalism in Coronado.

Richmond's collaborative efforts are gaining momentum with new funding, community projects, and exciting outreach events on the horizon!

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #CommunityOutreach #RichmondCommunity #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #UrbanGreening

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3 months ago

Richmond Fire Department reports 2025 totals, describes 3-alarm Public Storage fire and demolition plan Fire Chief reported 14,284 incident responses in 2025 (about a 5.5% drop from 2024) and detailed a three-alarm fire at a Public Storage facility on Carlson Boulevard; the city is reviewing a demolition permit filed Jan. 7 and investigations remain ongoing.

Richmond's Fire Chief reveals a dramatic three-alarm fire at Public Storage and a significant drop in incidents for 2025—what's next for the community?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #FirePrevention #RichmondFire #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CommunityResilience

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3 months ago

Richmond police chief cites recent rise in shootings, says ALPR system was disabled after outside access found Chief Tim Simmons told neighborhood presidents the department saw about 50 shooting incidents in the past 90 days and temporarily disabled the Flock automated license-plate reader (ALPR) when it became clear data had been accessible to outside agencies; he said Flock is working on remedies and he expects to bring the issue to council in early February.

Richmond's police chief reveals a staggering rise in violent crime, prompting the shutdown of a controversial surveillance system to protect community trust.

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #DataPrivacy #RichmondNeighborhood #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust

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3 months ago

Richmond anuncia convocatoria para subvención de $35,000,000 para proyectos locales La ciudad de Richmond informó sobre una oportunidad de subvención por $35,000,000 destinada a proyectos en Santa Fe, Coronado y el triángulo de Hielo; la fecha límite para enviar información y acceder al cuestionario es el 15 de enero.

Richmond is set to distribute $35 million in grants for air quality and community revitalization projects—could your organization be the next beneficiary?

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#RichmondContraCostaCounty #CA #RichmondProjects #AirQuality #CommunityRevitalization #CitizenPortal