Latest News from Richmond City Hall
Catch up on hot items from this week’s Richmond City Council meeting below. If you're interested in making public comments as a member of RPA or getting involved, contact us.
Meetings are primarily held on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.
Celebrating Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
Since 2016, the State of California has recognized American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. We commend the contributions of our diverse community which includes distinguished public servants, leaders, and activists.
A Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) spokesperson shared, "We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the city of Richmond for its recognition of the Richmond Muslim community. The Richmond Muslim appreciation awareness proclamation reflects the dedication of the Muslim community members who have made a positive impact in the Richmond community and beyond it, this recognition is more crucial than ever now, as 2023 was one of the worst years of anti-Muslim hate recorded in CAIR’s 30-year history."
September is Suicide Prevention Month
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-14 and the 12th overall leading cause for all people. LGBTQ youth and high school students are especially at risk — reporting high rates of suicidal thoughts.
The city of Richmond proudly supports this national campaign to empower individuals and their families to seek the support they need.
"At Keyz 2 The Future, we recognize Suicide Awareness Month as a critical time to shed light on mental health struggles within our community. Join us on September 30, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 PM at CoBiz in Richmond, CA, for an informative conversation on suicide prevention and available resources. We are honored to have special guests Rachel, a suicide survivor, and Michael Romero from [the] CCRP/ROCK TEAM, to share their experiences and insights. Together, we can break the stigma and build a stronger support system for those who need it most." — Keycha Gallon, Founder, Keyz 2 the Future
Here are some resources you can use for yourself and your loved ones:
- Call or text 988 — Connect with a trained crisis counselor any time of day. There’s also a 988 Chat Lifeline.
- Video: Learn about 10 common signs of mental health crises
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Visit Contra Costa Health for self-help and referrals
- A3 Crisis Response: 844-844-5544
- Access Line: 888-678-7277
- Contra Costa Crisis Center: 800-833-2900
WINGS for Growth
The Contra Costa Family Justice Center’s Women INspired to Grow and Succeed (WINGS) program is on a mission to empower survivors of interpersonal violence to reach their full potential. Areas of focus include financial wellness, education and career development, entrepreneurship, and emotional support. Each attendee is awarded a $500 stipend.
Taste of Richmond Is Here
Diana Wear, Chair of the Economic Development Commission, invited residents to join the festivities.
"I want to begin by thanking you all for approving funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help stimulate our restaurants and support them in this venture. I'm inviting each of you to come to Taste of Richmond between October 7 and 13th. We're going to have a series of events at each of the restaurants in our districts and across the city, and we would be honored to have each of you [there]."
Learn more about Taste of Richmond at www.tasteofrichmondca.com
Congratulations to New Commissioners
- Kiara Kempski, Richmond Arts and Culture
- Michael Gliksohn, Economic Development Commission
- Eric Moseley, Commission on Aging
- Keri Sullivan, Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
- Alice LoCicero, Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
- Rosie Rendon, Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
- Sahai Burrowes, Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board
- Oscar Flores, Community Police Review Commission
Pedie Perez Avenue Naming Ceremony
Richmond is moving closer to renaming Spring Street South of Cutting Boulevard to Pedie Perez Avenue. Reimagine Richmond organized many community members in favor of the move.
Richard Perez, Pedie’s father, offered remarks. "We need citizens to stay in the accountability of the cops. We can't let them run the scenario just the same way we can't let the criminals run our world. So you know, we have to find some middle ground. And again, my family is very appreciative of the [street’s] name change and all the attention you guys give our family…"
"We are grateful to Councilwoman Sohelia and to all the council members…Eduardo Martinez and to [the] newest chief of police, Lisa French, for standing with Pedie’s family. No matter what any of us does, we cannot bring Pedie back again. But with the many changes that have been made in Richmond, the city has become a leader by implementing cultural competency training, and the five new state senate bills and assembly bills, which have been signed into law. Pedie’s death was not for nothing, and we are sure he will be very proud of these accomplishments brought about through our efforts and working together with other victim’s families."
BBQ Blues
Point Richmond’s Up & Under Pub & Grill is in hot water due to its decision to place a BBQ smoker on the public sidewalk adjacent to the restaurant. Facing fire safety and obstruction complaints, it will be instructed to find another option.
Nathan Trivers, the owner of The Up & Under, expressed concern about other businesses that are operating in a similar manner, yet not facing the same scrutiny. "If I turn in 1,500 small businesses in Richmond for the same codes… I think it's unfair for me to turn in other businesses to make it fair [for me]."
Eric Munson, acting Fire Chief, expressed concern that Trivers was minimizing the fire hazards associated with operating a smoker on a public sidewalk. "Where there's smoke, there's fire. So what he's stating is that there is a container that is attached to the smoker. Yes, it is an indirect process that he's using, but there [are] combustibles that are inside the fire compartment up there, which then allows an open flame…Charcoal is a combustible material, which is essentially wood that is being used in this device."
Several Up & Under employees shared stories about how much they enjoyed working in Richmond. "I truly believe that customers will stop coming because they won't be able to get some food they have been [eating] for years, and that will hurt the business. And that will then hurt our jobs."
An amendment was passed to offer Trivers until December 3, 2024, to present a plan to bring the smoker up to compliance with fire and other safety laws.
Mobile Food Vendor Program
In partnership with the Richmond Farmers Market, the city is excited to introduce a mobile vendor program. A grand opening is scheduled for October 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM at 1401 McDonald Avenue.
Debate on Community Outreach Styles: $550 Million Chevron Tax
Richmond city departments and organizations are dreaming up ways to benefit from the $550 million Chevron settlement. Councilmember Bana presented an amendment (P1) to hire a team of consultants to conduct outreach on the best-fit uses for the new funding. However, the mayor and other council members cited an existing proposal to define the city’s Chevron Settlement Fund Intentions (P2). The council ultimately decided "yes" on P2 and "no" on P1, with councilmember Bana dissenting.
Here’s what the community had to say:
"We want a community-led, open, and democratic process to distribute the funds in a way that represents the interests of all Richmond community members — not just the people we organize, but beyond that. We want a process that transitions power back into the hands of the people this 550 million can invest in…essential services and infrastructure, as well as bring new solutions that will tangibly improve the quality of life of Richmond residents…" — Lazuli Trujano, Community Organizer, CBE Action
"I frequently have conversations with our young people of Richmond who are concerned about emergency and firefighting services, the desire for more community spaces, and for improvement of our public buildings and schools. Young people have continued to express concerns about the city's reliability on tax money from Chevron and what would happen in its inevitable closure. This intent resolution, item P2, directly addresses these issues and gives us hope. Thank you for opening the door to transparent conversations where people of all ages have opportunities for engagement. We as a city are making waves in our fight against big oil and are creating a safety net for the future of our young leaders…" — Katherine Lee, Youth Organizer, APEN Action
"Our community center was torn down by probably 2016, 2017. We remember everything that happened with that, right? The Martin Luther King Community Center. There’s been many promises about it coming back…We’ve been waiting. When is it going to come back?" — Lejon Reese, Founder, Motivated 2 Help Others
"We’re talking about helping Richmond? [There’s] no help for my people. And this is 128 signatures for families right now that need help," added Myeshia Woodard, who noted the city could benefit from addressing direct needs in addition to funding a just transition.
"Public input and a recent assessment are important, but a rush process for public input controlled by a private contractor hired by the city manager's office is not an appropriate solution. That's why we support the alternative approach of resolution P2 — which prioritizes continued robust funding of state services that residents need, coupled with a better process to be determined by community input and community-led decision-making." — John Varga, Representative, IFPTE Local 21
"As a youth in Richmond, I want to see Chevron money invested in much needed services, programs such as sustainable, healthy, affordable housing and community air filters for public buildings and schools." — Richmond, CA Youth Speaker
Upcoming Agenda Items:
A Just Transition Away From Natural Gas
According to the American Lung Association, natural gas exposure from stoves can make children severely sick, especially those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
In response to overwhelming scientific evidence and public interest, Richmond passed an ordinance in 2021 to ban natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. Banned infrastructure currently includes "fuel gas piping, other than service pipe, in or in connection with a building, structure or within the property lines of premises."
The council will review a proposal to repeal this prohibition.
Report on 2021 Chevron Richmond Refinery Oil Spill
In 2021, a "nickel-sized" hole in Chevron’s Richmond Long Wharf pipeline emptied almost 800 gallons of a diesel fuel mixture into the Richmond Shoreline. The spill led to the closure of Keller Beach and raised public alarm about the refinery’s lax inspection policies.
In addition to paying a $200,000 fine, Chevron was tasked with repairing its pipeline corrosion. The council is set to receive a presentation to formally close the leak repair project.
Nepotism on City Boards and Commissions
The council will discuss a proposed amendment to limit the percentage of members of boards and commissioners that represent any one political advocacy group or organization.
"Requiring people who apply to serve as volunteers on a city board or commission to disclose their "political affiliations "unless they are Democrats or Republicans is UN-democratic. This is very reminiscent of the McCarthy era in this country when people were harassed for their "political affiliations." The City of Richmond should NOT be allowed to ask, demand, or keep track of in any way people's political affiliations. Volunteering for these positions should be encouraged not curtailed." — Tarnel Abbott, Richmond Resident
"Richmond is a strong city manager city, with the city manager hiring and overseeing all City departments. In most aspects of government, the mayor has no more power than each city council member, namely one vote out of seven on City policies. One area where the mayor does have a prerogative is in the appointment of Richmond residents to boards and commissions, with concurrence by the city council. We elect mayors in whom we have confidence to exercise this power responsibly." — Marilyn Langlois, Former Human Rights and Human Relations Commissioner, Former Staff of Former Mayor McLaughlin, and Former Planning Commissioner
Upcoming Events
Richmond Shoreline Summit
Save the date for a public discussion on how Richmond is gearing up for climate change across our 32 miles of shoreline.
Date: September 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 PM
Location: 440 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, CA 94804
RSVP to Attend In-Person or Online
Clean Air Day Ride & Town Hall Meeting on Asthma
Urban Tilth is celebrating Clean Air Day with Rich City Rides. This full-day event includes a guided bike tour, prizes and giveaways, and a town hall meeting on Asthma in Richmond. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Date: September 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Voter Education Week at Contra Costa College
Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM