Mail service had declined rapidly in Richmond this week. One explanation was reported on the North and East Neighborhood Council Yahoo Groups website (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/North_and_East_News/) from USPS Safety Coordinator Maria Cannon (510/232-9582), who...

ChevronTexaco delivered a revised offer to City Hall today, an executive summary of which is attached. Each ChevronTexaco offer has improved the previous one, but there remain serious gaps that must be fleshed out. Following are my comments on the latest offer: 1. The...

Following are recent excerpts from local media. Also, "Richmond Politics Forum" Yahoo Group has opened up that is accessible to all at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richmond_politics/. It claims to have 29 registered members but is probably monitored by more. East bay...

Do something really different that is both free and good. Diane Anderson is entering a video into Oprah's Wildest Dream contest. She"s nominating our community in an effort to Save Our Plunge. On Saturday, Oct 30, at 3pm, she needs as many people as possible to gather...

Maybe you have noticed the dearth of letters published in the West County Times about the current Richmond election. There is a reason for this. If you send a letter through the Contra Costa Times website that is set up for letters to the editor ("send a letter to the...

As the City Council campaign enters the final week, we are looking for volunteers who will make phone calls to voters in their own neighborhoods. We will provide calling lists, and calls can be made from volunteers" homes or from Friends of Tom Butt Campaign...

Several people have asked me how I feel about being mentioned, pictured and/or endorsed in a mailing piece that is negative in content or could be described as a "hit piece." I do not condone negative campaigning or hit pieces. I have been the victim of dozens of the...

The National Park Service is gearing up to roll out its alternative master plans for public scrutiny and comment in November. The Rosie the Riveter World War II/Home Front National Historical Park has to complete the major hurdle of a Congress approved General Master...

The Richmond Museum of History celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall kicked off today with an afternoon event at Veteran"s Hall. For additional information visit the website at http://www.richmondmuseumofhistory.org/. Sunday, October 24, 2:00 PM: Celebration of...

After some confusion regarding a premature release for which I was subsequently, but perhaps unfairly, chastised, I am pleased to announce that the prospects for agreements with the City"s six bargaining units are now public. The Agenda for October 26, 2004, which...

An informational meeting on Stege Marsh Restoration project will be held by the Regional Water Quality Control Board on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, 960 South 47th Street, Richmond, CA 94804. Learn about: Marsh Cleanup Plan...

RICHMOND City councilman under investigation for 2001 mailer - Cecilia M. Vega, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, October 22, 2004 The state's political watchdog agency is investigating Richmond City Councilman Nat Bates for an American flag mailer that he sent during...

The Campus Bay/Zeneca Site: Does the State Process Guarantee Safe Cleanup? Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, The Environmental & Toxic Materials Committee Assemblyman John Laird, Chair & The Select Committee on Environmental Justice Assemblywoman Cindy Monta"ez,...

Prop. 1A is an initiative on the November ballot that would prevent the state legislature from taking and using local tax dollars that are currently go to local governments to provide essential services. The state has taken more than $40 billion from local governments...

I am voting YES on Measure CC, a parcel tax of only $12/yr for homeowners and $8.28/yr for apartment dwellers in western Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, i.e. west of the Berkeley Hills in the cities running from El Sobrante, San Pablo and Richmond to Oakland and...

Today, a citizen asked me: "Mr. Butt, where can I find the city ordinances online or otherwise? I am most concerned with loitering, loud house and car music, cars parked on lawns and overloading of trash bins at apartments. I would like to know who to call or write to...

The Richmond Environmental Defense Fund is an organization that will enable you to put your political power and your money where your mouth is. All are invited to the Annual Meeting, especially those who may be interested in joining or participating in the coming...

One of the highest priorities of the City Council"s financial recovery plan was to regain control of skyrocketing employee medical insurance and retirement contribution costs. After months of negotiations and weeks of mediation facilitated by Micki Callahan, Division...

The information in an earlier E-Forum today "CITY AND UNIONS IN LANDMARK AGREEMENT" was unofficial and premature. Contrary to any statement or discussions in the E-Forum or otherwise the City has made no official announcement regarding the status of negotiations with...

The Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council, which represents 32 Richmond neighborhood councils, adopted and communicated to the City Council the following positions in the September 2004 RNCC monthly meeting: Reinstate the Rental Unit Inspection Ordinance (The...