Bay Area health officers order labs to unveil all COVID-19 test results
By Colette Wright
Seven Bay Area jurisdictions have ordered that labs testing for COVID-19 report not just the positive tests, but all the results as public health officials aim to get a full grasp of...
Keeping the faith in Richmond during COVID-19 pandemic
By Mike Kinney
Prayers abound for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The question remains, however, how the shelter-in-place order is impacting local faith communities.
"You're not just dealing with faith, but culture," said Michelle Milam,...
Richmond Main Street rolls out COVID-19 business & community resources
By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond Main Street Initiative (RMSI) is stepping up during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in an effort to support the city’s downtown, as well as the community as a whole.
In response to the...
![While many residents are losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Redwood City's city manager and city attorney may get a 6 percent pay raise. That's not sitting right with some in the community. At its meeting Tuesday, the City Council agenda includes a proposal to increase City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz's annual salary to $316,104, and to increase City Attorney Veronica Ramirez's salary to $266,928. The hikes are part of an annual review of compensation that adjusts for cost of living and rewards performance. Last year, Diaz received a 5.86 percent raise and Ramirez received a one time bonus of 5 percent, both of which also drew criticism as they were awarded only months after the city pushed for, and passed, a half-cent sales tax to plug projected city budget deficits. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing businesses to close and lay off workers, community members are again questioning the timing of the pay hikes. "People are hurting and struggling and facing very uncertain financial futures," Redwood City resident and activist Johanna Rasmussen stated in the Facebook group, Redwood City Says What. "Let's hope this [city council agenda] item was an oversight and it will be pulled. Rasmussen questioned whether the agenda item was appropriate given Redwood City Mayor Diane Howard's recent community declaration that council will only address urgent matters that don't require significant public input during the COVID-19 lockdown.](https://richmondstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/planetfitness1-324x235.jpg "Planet Fitness freezes all memberships during COVID-19 lockdown")
Planet Fitness freezes all memberships during COVID-19 lockdown
Planet Fitness has proactively frozen all memberships and will not charge members during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
"You will not be charged any fees during this time," the company announced. "Unfortunately, the timing of mandates...
BART reducing service starting Monday as ridership nosedives
BART is reducing its service starting Monday due to a vast reduction in ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a Bay Area shelter-in-place order.
Starting Monday, BART service will provide service Monday to Friday from...
Arrest in Richmond connected to Berkeley homicide
A Richmond man was arrested Saturday in connection with a homicide in Berkeley, police said.
A Standard reader sent over photos from the scene of the arrest Saturday. The reader said a heavily armed SWAT...
AC Transit nixes fares, implements rear-door boarding
AC Transit is providing free bus service and allowing only rear door boarding during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, effective today.
The transit agency says it is committed to continuing to provide regular service, except for...
Annie’s Annuals & Perennials a safe, springtime escape
By Kathy Chouteau
Just in time for spring, Richmond’s Annie’s Annuals & Perennials has announced it remains open during California’s shelter-at-home order. The 2.5 acre plant nursery is open to customers from 9 a.m. to...
Salesian reports success in first week of distance learning
Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond is reporting success in the first week of using its distance learning program, Schoology.
The program launched Tuesday as schools closed in compliance with the coronavirus-related shelter-in-place order. After a...
Contra Costa County Library offers free access to movies and more
By Kathy Chouteau
The Contra Costa County Library is offering sweet relief for members seeking an escape during California’s shelter-at-home order. Even better? You can file this free golden opportunity under “cultural enrichment.”
For the next...
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Contra Costa stay-at-home order extension has new restrictions
Contra Costa County and five other Bay Area counties extended a previous stay-at-home order through May 3 and added restrictions on activities in order...
Richmond public safety heroes: Brandon Hodges
Day and night our public safety heroes answer the call, working tirelessly to prevent crime and save lives. When they’re not doing that, they’re...
Richmond Virtual Rec Center a remedy for shelter-at-home doldrums
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Public Library and Community Services Department have an antidote for anyone suffering the COVID-19 shelter-at-home doldrums: A Virtual Recreation Center.
The...
