So far, I have received 98 responses to my invitation to weigh in on LED billboards in Richmond (LED Billboards Coming to Richmond Highways and Byways?, March 10, 2014). Eighty-seven persons are opposed, and nine persons support, most with conditions. The biggest...

I asked E-FORUM Readers to respond to Your Thoughts on Increasing the Minimum Wage in Richmond? March 06, 2014, with their suggestions of what a minimum wage should be, and if we should even go there. The item is supposed to appear on the March 18 agenda. I got 58...

I have been among the few who has looked at HUD funding as the root cause of the RHA problems instead of pillaring RHA Director Tim Jones and his staff or various City Council members. I have always agreed that the RHA needs to make improvements, and they have come a...

Richmond is now an open city for marijuana cultivation on an industrial scale. The precedent was set by an industrial grower in a M-1 zoned district across the street from an elementary school. Richmond has a generous marijuana ordinance that allows six dispensaries...

OPINION: Richmond’s investment in youth development is path to ending gun violence By DeVone BogganPosted February 27, 2014 12:00 pm When I arrived here seven years ago as Neighborhood Safety Director, Richmond was under (gun)fire, literally. Since that time, city...

I hope you will sign up again this year to attend the annual fundraiser for Rosie the Riveter Trust. invitation is shown below. Every year, Rosie the Riveter Trust calls on supporters of Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park to contribute to the...

According to Jean Buckley, the City's financial advisor, S&P upgraded the City’s Issuer Credit Rating by one notch from A+ to AA- , classified as “high grade,” and further defined as “An obligor has VERY STRONG capacity to meet its financial commitments. It...

The soulful sounds of folk duo Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman return to Point Richmond Acoustic on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8 pm. Winners of seven SAMMY Awards, the duo’s notable appearances include The Today Show, A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, Big Top...

Probably before the end of 2014, the Richmond City Council will be grappling with the issue of LED (light emitting diode) billboards in Richmond. Pressure is mounting from more than one source. I am requesting E-FORUM readers to let me know whether you support or...

Eye on the East Bay: Richmond council grouchiness reaches another nadir Contra Costa Times Posted: 03/09/2014 12:00:00 AM PST "SHUT 'EM DOWN!": Election year is upon us in Richmond, which means The Eye must endure dysfunction beyond the usual circus at City Council...

Mayor and City Councilmembers: This is the weekly report for the week ending March 7, 2014. Meeting Notes The next meeting of the City Council meeting is a special meeting of the Housing Authority, scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th at 6:30 PM. Personnel Notes: Chris...

The reality of Richmond’s public housing is a lot like the parable of “feeling the elephant,” an ancient tale wherein a group of blind men (or men in the dark) touch an elephant to learn what it is like. Each one feels a different part, but only one part, such as the...

A “food desert” is a trendy term for an area that might have lots of grocery stores, typically corner markets, but have a serious lack of nutritious food offerings. Instead they may offer junk food, soda, liquor and tobacco products. What we have in Richmond is a...

Apparently, on March 18, the City Council will be asked to approve placing a ballot measure on the November ballot that would increase the minimum wage in Richmond. There are three potential levels proposed: · $11.00/hour · $12.30/hour · $15.00/hour Businesses with...

Attached is a flyer discussing the AltCar Conference on March 14-15 that ABAG is helping to sponsor. ABAG would like to extend invitation to use the promo code "ABAGAC14" during the registration process. Some of the topics covered: -Best Practices for Deployment of...

Richmond to hire independent investigator to audit troubled housing agency By Robert Rogers Contra Costa Times Posted: 03/04/2014 09:33:09 PM PST Updated: 03/04/2014 09:33:09 PM PST RICHMOND -- Faced with systemic problems throughout its public housing authority and a...

Another heated election looms in Richmond By Robert Rogers Contra Costa Times Posted: 02/28/2014 08:44:05 PM PST Updated: 02/28/2014 10:56:36 PM PST RICHMOND -- Two years ago, when the behemoth beverage industry set up shop here and poured millions into local politics...

Usually I really like what Robert Rogers writes, especially his Facebook movie reviews. But, hey, every once in a while even the best have the journalistic equivalent of a bad hair day. February 28 was Robert’s. Regarding the story below, Let’s start with his quoted...

Mayor and City Councilmembers: This is the weekly report for the week ending February 28th, 2014. 1. Meeting Notes The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th beginning with a Housing Authority Commission meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by the...

The Agenda/Packet for the Tuesday, March 4, 2014, Regular Richmond City Council Meeting is on the web. Follow the link below to view: http://sireweb.ci.richmond.ca.us/sirepub/meet.aspx Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM and other action alerts on Richmond political and...