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Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Groundbreaking at Boorman Park

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Richmond broke ground on Boorman Park. City Manager Shasa Curl thanked the Public Works and Community Services staff for integrating public feedback as well as securing state and federal funding to create a new vision for the site. Rising Juntos, a coalition focused on building power for Contra Costa children and families, also partnered with the City to transform the park into a safe and welcoming place.

"The revitalization of Boorman Park is a clear example of the community’s vision coming to life. I’m proud that the City can help deliver on these aspirations and ensure our neighborhoods have welcoming, safe, and vibrant spaces to gather and play. And we’re not stopping here—our goal is to bring more park upgrades to all parts of Richmond, so every family can enjoy the benefits of a truly inclusive, well-designed park," said Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez.

"This investment will shape childhoods for generations to come. We are thrilled that Richmond children will have the innovative, fun, and safe places to play outdoors that they deserve. These projects represent what we can accomplish together when we unite residents and key organizations to transform neighborhoods," said Rhea Elina Laughlin, Executive Director of Rising Juntos.

"Boorman Park is the community’s baby. This project reflects over five years of in-depth community planning to represent what we really want and need in a park. Just the planning alone brought the community together. This project gives us inspiration to keep being active in the community. We are so proud of this effort. A brand-new park will mean that the community has finally been heard and our kids will benefit for years," said Maria Isabel Barrera, Rising Juntos member and resident of the Boorman Park area.

Creating More Local Jobs

The Council explored a nearly $2 Million contract from Allied Universal Security Services. Councilmember Sue Wilson raised concerns about contracting security services instead of hiring full-time employees, stating, "​​I also truly do believe that regular employees do a better job." She emphasized the importance of expanding full-time City employment to provide worker protections, retirement benefits, and job security for Richmond residents. Wilson also requested a detailed report from City staff outlining the City's contracting policies and procedures—plus an estimate of what it would take to increase the number of full-time employees.

Councilmember Claudia Jimenez echoed Wilson’s stance on hiring local, full-time employees. Stressing that "City jobs are really good jobs," she highlighted their role in lifting BIPOC communities into the middle class, ensuring access to benefits, retirement, and stable employment. Jimenez urged Richmond to set an example for labor-friendly policies and cited ACCE’s advocacy for shifting Rental Assistance staffing from contractors to full-time City employees as a model for improving service quality and worker protections.

"When inequality is part of the status quo, we tend to not see it," concluded Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Referring to his personal experience with a security contractor worried about job security, he added, "All of the people who serve the City deserve the bounty."

Per Councilmember Wilson’s suggestion, the Council unanimously approved a one-year contract with Allied Universal instead of the three-year term initially proposed.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The Council received an informative overview of the state of human trafficking in Richmond from The Family Justice Center, the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force Director, and the Richmond Police Department. The Council also paid its respects to the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse, Community Violence Solutions, Wendell Action Team, Faith in Action East Bay, The Richmond Rotary Club, and other partners.

LaShara Johnson, Client Services Director at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center began the presentation with an overview of The Family Justice Center. For over a decade, it has offered survivors of gender-based and domestic violence a holistic range of direct support and connective services. These resources range from health and legal support to childcare, public benefits, and ongoing counsel.

Katrina Natale, Human Trafficking Task Force Director at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, expressed heartfelt thanks to the District Attorney’s office for co-developing community-centered solutions to violence. To date, the task force has over 40 multidisciplinary members, ranging from agencies to community-based organizations.

A human rights lawyer by training, Natale emphasized the importance of prevention at the household and school level—" also doing work in schools, with our youth, with parents, with families and with adults around prevention of human trafficking." She explained that the definitions of human tracking extend far beyond sex work, "[It’s] also labor exploitation and labor trafficking." Through extensive local surveys, the 23rd and 24th streets were identified as the main corridors for activity. In partnership with residents, the task force has recommended various measures to enhance a greater sense of community belonging and engagement. These solutions include street calming, enhanced lighting, and social activities. 

After the presentation, Councilmember Jimenez inquired about whether there have been any measured outcomes as the result of more street lighting. She also noted that other forms of exploitation, such as labor trafficking, have exploded in recent years. "I just want to kind of like, hear more of the outcomes, because that is really key for us to know how this is impacting the community as well."

Natale answered that the coalition expects to install up to 100 lights, with 24 already in place. The Council can expect to see a proposal for funding and infrastructure in the following months.

Decriminalizing Survivors of Trafficking

Councilmember Jimenez was also concerned about the potential criminalization of survivors due to having to interact with law enforcement. The presenters assured her that the task force was taking steps to protect survivors, including Vacatur Relief. Vacatur Relief is a pathway to seal any nonviolent arrest records, convictions, or juvenile adjudications for individuals who have been trafficked, as well as survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.

Other forms of justice being explored for survivors of trafficking include workplace issues and labor trafficking. The Family Justice Center will be releasing a comprehensive public campaign including billboards, educational materials, and events. 

How Informed Observers Can Help

Councilmember Wilson asked for best practices for any community member who may feel that they might be witnessing sex trafficking themselves. As a first step, residents are encouraged to contact The Family Justice Center. For immediate assistance, you can also call the county hotline for human trafficking: 925-957-8658. For suspected child abuse, dial 877-881-1116.

Condolences for Local Activist Julie Perez

The RPA extends its deepest condolences to the family of Julie Perez, a regular presence at Council meetings, and the mother of Pedie Perez. Along with her husband, Richard, Julie sought justice from the City of Richmond for the 2014 shooting of her only son by Richmond police officer Wallace Jensen.

Julie’s legacy lives on in the national movement to hold law enforcement accountable for their brutality and on the streets of Richmond—which recently renamed a portion of Spring Street to Pedie Perez Avenue.

Public Comments

Enhanced Protections for Undocumented Residents

Kathleen Weimer, a Richmond resident, expressed interest in enhanced protections for local undocumented families and individuals. "What are we going to do when MediCal gets reamed and other protections that our neighbors and leaders in the community will suffer?" she wondered. Weimer also noted that the increasingly progressive Council has made significant strides—making the City a better place to live—from increased minimum wage and rent control. 

Sara Cantor, a Richmond resident, also shared support for strengthening protections for the undocumented community. She suggested that the City explore physical safe zones that can be accessed during raids, as well as clear prohibitions on City employees—including police—collaborating with ICE. She added that while Stand Together Contra Costa is a great county resource, there may be an opportunity for Richmond to develop its rapid response team. She added, "I'm glad that we are, as a City, doing everything that we can to make sure that our residents stay here and that our neighbors stay here and stay safe."

Addressing Sideshows

Richmond Resident Joe Puglio thanked Councilmembers for their efforts to address sideshows, including barriers and direct action against offenders. "Congratulations on the measures you are taking now. I hope they’re effective."

 

Upcoming Events

Town Hall: African American Holistic Resource and Wellness Hub

When: February 5, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 PM

Where: 1503 Macdonald Ave., Suite A, Richmond, CA 94801

Join Supervisor John Gioia and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice to shape the future of wellness services for the African American community in District 1.

Click To Register Here 

 

Celebrate the Rheem Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project

When: February 8, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Celebrate the hard work of community members and organizations who have come together to restore Rheem Creek.

Click To Register Here 

 

Help Shape Richmond’s Tobacco Retail Policies

When: February 11, 2025 | 3:30 PM

Where: Bermuda and Catalina Rooms | 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804

The City of Richmond is gathering community input to design new tobacco retail regulations that promote public health and well-being.

 

A Powerful Conversation on DACA & Immigrant Stories

When: February 12, 2025 | 6:30-8:00 PM

Where: West Side Branch Library | 135 Washington Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Jose F. Ordonez, alongside fellow DACA recipients, has compiled a book sharing their lived experiences—navigating school, work, and life in the U.S., the only home they've ever known.

Click To Register Here

 

Carlson Crosstown Project

When: February 12, 2025 | 6:30 PM

Where: Richmond Recreation Complex | 3230 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA 94804

 

SOS Open House

When: February 14, 2025 | 9:00-11:00 AM

Where: 32 Harbour Way, Richmond, CA 94801

SOS has transitioned from its Richmond Yard under the I-580 Freeway to a new home with a roof, but its commitment to street-level engagement remains unwavering. This new space will house The Warm Hand Wellness & Resource Center. Community members and partners are invited to tour the new space.

 

Black History Month Celebration

When: February 22, 2025 | 1:00-5:00 PM

Where: Richmond Memorial Auditorium | 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804

Attend this celebration of Black History in Richmond. Featuring live entertainment, dancing, and delicious local eats.

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Updating Richmond’s Aging Sewage Infrastructure

February 19, 2025

Latest News from Richmond City Hall Catch up on hot items from the last 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,...

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Goals of the Settlement

February 18, 2025

Understanding the Chevron Settlement Richmond, CA – Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez's statement regarding the Chevron Settlement: There’s been significant interest and positive feedback regarding the Chevron settlement funds secured in 2024. However, it’s important to clarify that the $550 million is not a lump...

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