For a walk down memory lane on what Richmond City government was like back in the good old days when Bates and Ziesenhenne were both on the City Council and the Firefighters Local 188 ran the City through Darrell Reese, see "The White Shadow" in 2001 by Will Harper...

I’m not sure whether I should be flattered or offended as the subject of a special October 7 missive from the Chamber of Commerce (see below) labeling me as an “anti-establishment radical progressive” and challenging my selection of the Chamber of Commerce and Chevron...

Unions' attack on Richmond mayor a power play Chip Johnson Friday, October 8, 2010 It's the loss of political power and influence - not a noticeable lapse in professional judgment or behavior - that compelled Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin's political opponents to...

Police and fire unions also investigated Beckles By: David Ferry | October 8, 2010 – 8:23 pm | Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is not the only candidate the police and firefighter unions are interested in investigating. According to the most recent campaign filing from...

The following is a letter to the editor of the Contra Costa Times from mayor McLaughlin: Regarding the Oct. 5 article on Richmond's City Manager, I want to state clearly that I am an enthusiastic supporter of Bill Lindsay and think he is doing an outstanding job as...

Lacking a compelling campaign issue and trailing in the polls, mayoral challenger Nat Bates closed his eyes and heaved off a dirt bomb for the end zone. In a matter that is a bit of old news to many, Nat Bates dredged up and circulated via email yesterday a decade-old...

Join your neighbors in Richmond and people around the world in a global work day to combat climate change. Richmond's event will feature lots of fun, useful actions such as a compost giveaway, bike ride, gardening workdays, plant & produce swaps, workshops, food...

Following is a sample of the feedback from my E-FORUM coverage of the attempt to use Gayle’s personal history before she came to Richmond against her. There were two press conferences today, one at 2:00 PM put on by the Richmond Police Officers Association and the...

San Pablo Council Member Breaks Down Reasons to Support Prop 22 Guest Feature: Leonard McNeil, Council member, San Pablo The following op-ed is in opposition to an editorial that appeared in the West County Times that urged a “no” vote on Proposition 22. Council...

Richmond residents celebrate Rosie By: Emily Bender, Julia Chan, and Christopher Connelly | October 2, 2010 – 10:00 pm | Hundreds of people took a step back in time Friday night to celebrate Richmond’s role in World War II. Organizers of the Rosie the Riveter 1940s...

Richmond council wants city manager to stay By Katherine Tam Contra Costa Times Posted: 10/04/2010 02:59:11 PM PDT Updated: 10/04/2010 03:09:19 PM PDT The contract for Richmond's city manager ends in four months -- and a council majority is poised to keep him here....

Community preps for millions in health funds Residents meet with health experts to talk about the Healthy Richmond initiative (photo by Julia Landau) By: Julia Landau | September 27, 2010 – 6:54 pm | Filed Under: Environment, Featured, Front, Health, Uncategorized...

Everybody has a right to engage in political campaigning and exercise their first amendment rights. In Richmond, however, we have laws that require individuals or organizations other than candidates to disclose who they are, where their funding comes from and where...

Today’s mail carried yet another violation of Richmond Fair Elections Ordinance in a mailer entitled “He’ll Roll Up His Sleeves” advocating for Nat Bates. The mailer paid for by “Get Richmond Working” lists the major funder as “Chevron Corporation” but does not list...

Solano Playlot fans, Just a quick reminder to vote EVERY DAY for the Solano Playlot to win $25k of new play equipment. It will make such a difference for Richmond's kids. We are still in 4th place, but only the top 3 parks will win. Please help us move into 3rd place....

Several people have emailed me about a letter they were surprised to receive yesterday from West County Toxics Coalition (WCTC) Executive Director Dr. Henry Clark advocating for support of Measure U and defending the casino project based on public access and...

The Strategic Growth Council awarded grants for Urban Greening PLANNING at their September 1st meeting, Richmond was selected for a grant for $225,040 to “Implement neighborhood design standards, ensure survivability of trees, develop private tree planting program in...

I received three today. The largest, entitled “Jump Start,” features Myrna Lopez. Note that it was paid for by “Jobs Now, a Coalition Supporting Lopez and Viramontes for City Council in 2010, Major Funding by Chevron Corporation,” This is what is called an...

Q-and-A: John Ziesenhenne, Richmond mayoral candidate Contra Costa Times Posted: 09/26/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT Updated: 09/30/2010 02:36:31 PM PDT Q: Reducing crime A: Increase CCTV coverage to more areas of Richmond including additional Shotspotters and update...

The Upper Rheem Neighborhood Watch will be hosting a Richmond mayoral candidates debate next Monday, October 4th. The meeting starts at 7:00 and will be held at the Living Hope Neighborhood Church on the corner of 28th and Rheem. The meeting will give each candidate...