Gayle in the Media this Year

Gayle in the Media, 2008

To read the articles, click on the headlines.

December 17 , 2008, Richmond Globe:
Mayor McLaughlin Remembers Those Slain in Richmond During 2008
When Mayor Gayle McLaughlin hosted her monthly Meet with the Mayor meeting at the Richmond Library in December, she and community members remembered those killed in the city during 2008 and read the names of the 27 victims.

December 20, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Plan for Hotel-Casino Megaplex a Gamble for Richmond
It is a plan that alternately stirs dreams of a more prosperous Richmond and fears of gambling away the community's future. It is the bold pitch of a private developer, a small American Indian tribe eager to improve its lot and another tribe with casino experience . . . .

December 20, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
State Backs Local Pleas for Trail at Chevron Richmond Refinery
Supporters of a public walking and bicycling path at the Chevron Richmond refinery have secured a powerful political ally: the State Lands Commission. Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, who sits on the three-member body, is helping pull together a financial deal . . . .

December 17 , 2008, Richmond Globe:
Richmond BUILD Honored with National Award from FBI
The Richmond BUILD program, the city’s innovative violence prevention and job training program for local residents, was honored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the agency’s prestigious 2008 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

December 17 , 2008, Richmond Globe:
A Fair Share for Richmond Comes True
This November’s local election brought a welcome influx of funds to the people of Richmond with the passage of Measure T. So many people made this victory possible. For 18 months volunteers worked tirelessly on this grassroots campaign.

December 13, 2008, KCBS Radio:
Richmond Residents Offer Input On Measure T Money
Richmond mayor Gayle McLaughlin kicked off a public effort Friday to determine how to spend millions of dollars that could be raised from Measure T. Community members had a chance to give their input on how the $20 million . . . should be spent.

December 10, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Job-training Program Earns Federal Recognition
The FBI honored a Richmond job-training program Wednesday for its part in reducing crime in the city. RichmondBUILD, a pre-apprenticeship construction trade program that emphasizes solar installation and ecologically friendly building practices, has helped . . . .

December 1 , 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Richmond Mulls How to Spend Measure T Windfall
After Richmond voters approved a citizens initiative last month that requires the Chevron refinery to pay a business license fee estimated at $26.5 million a year, officials of the financially strapped city are figuring out how to implement the new tax and what to spend the windfall on.

November 24, 2007, InsideBayArea.com:
Peter Camejo Honored by Nader, Others at UC Berkeley Tribute
Hundreds gathered Sunday to honor the memory of Peter Camejo, champion of the Green Party, at the university from which he was expelled years ago. "Peter was expelled from Berkeley for unauthorized use of a bullhorn," Camejo's former running mate Ralph Nader said, . . . .

November 21, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
East Bay Mayors File Suit to Block LBAM Spraying
Two East Bay mayors are among the plaintiffs who filed suit in San Francisco Tuesday, taking the battle over Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) spraying into federal court. Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and Albany counterpart Robert Lieber joined with . . . .

October 21, 2008, The Mercury News:
Richmond Police Association Apologizes for Incendiary Flier
The Richmond Police Officers Association yielded to public pressure and issued a statement Tuesday regarding a campaign mailer that some have called racist and offensive. With two weeks to go before the election, the association purchased an advertisement . . . .

October 9, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Richmond Activists Blast Police Union for ‘Racist’ Flyer
A rainbow coalition of Richmond activists on Monday demanded that the city’s powerful police union rescind an electoral mailer they described as a racist hit piece. Members of Richmond Community United for Peace gathered outside the Richmond Police Department . . . .

October 9, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Richmond Tax Measure Would Hit Chevron Hard
The hottest issue on the Richmond ballot next month may not be the City Council election but a measure to levy a huge tax increase that would cost the Chevron refinery an estimated $26.5 million a year - about 440 times more than it now pays the city. Measure T, . . . .

October 2, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Was McCain A Key Player In Point Molate Casino?
Is Republican presidential nominee John McCain the key player in the behind-the-scenes maneuvers that may turn the East Bay into California’s first urban gambling resort? Sunday’s New York Times featured a major investigation of the ties of the Arizona senator . . . .

October 2, 2008, The Mercury News:
Richmond Police Union Mailer Draws Fire
Richmond's police union considered carefully before weighing in on the city's controversial program of driver's license traffic checkpoints, which detractors claim unfairly targets Latino motorists. That effort showed in a four-page political flier that appeared . . . .

September 28, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Citizen Hopefuls Face New Test of U.S. Knowledge
What is the economic system in the United States? "Free market," says Alfonso Aguilar. "While it's not in the Constitution, regardless of your political views, that's the reality in America." The House of Representatives has how many voting members? "Four hundred thirty-five."

September 21, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Road Repair in Focus
Richmond's pocked and cracked streets, which landed the city near the bottom of a Bay Area ranking on roads, have residents complaining loudly — and asking for compensation. More than half the claims the public filed with the city from January to June were for flat tires, . . . .

September 5, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Wal-Mart Liquor Plan Opposed by Richmond Officials
Wal-Mart soon will sell alcohol at its Hilltop Mall store if the city of Richmond allows it, much to the chagrin of community groups that claim another liquor vendor in the neighborhood would fuel crime. A company spokesman confirmed this week that Wal-Mart intends . . . .

September 4, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Opponents Sue Richmond, Chevron over Plan to Replace Equipment at Refinery
Three environmental groups sued the city of Richmond and Chevron Corp. on Thursday over the oil company's plan to retrofit its refinery, a project that opponents say could increase pollution and health problems.

September 4, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Cities Have Second Thoughts about ID Cards for Undocumented
RICHMOND — After months of drumming up support for a plan to provide city ID cards to Richmond residents, regardless of their immigration status, advocates are taking a more cautious approach: Let a bigger city try it first.

August 28, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Remembering Susan Prather
WALNUT CREEK — She was uncompromising, unconventional and unabashed.The qualities that made Susan Prather unique were endearing, and sometimes infuriating, to those who met her. "Susan was enormously influential because . . . . "

August 21, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Richmond Casino Pact Illegal, Declares Judge
A Contra Costa County judge dealt a blow to plans for a North Richmond casino Wednesday, saying she intends to strike down an agreement for the City of Richmond to provide police, fire and other services.

August 21, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Try Community Input
WE ARE PLEASED that Chevron is making a major financial contribution to the Richmond community where it operates the Bay Area's largest refinery. But the way the company struck it's $61.6 million community benefits deal smells — . . . .

August 18, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Council Members Helped Craft Chevron Agreement
Several Richmond council members were heavily involved in negotiating a deal for Chevron Corp. to give the city $61.6 million for police, job training and other programs — a deal that the council approved July 17 along with a highly contentious plan to modify its refinery.

July 25, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Reader's Forum: Dissenting View on Chevron Refinery Vote
NOT SINCE 1994 when another billion dollar Chevron project was up for approval, has the Richmond City Council rolled over so completely as it did on July 16 . . . .

June 29, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Steeped in History, Richmond Looks Forward
Home to some 103,000 people in western Contra Costa County, Richmond is the 56th most populous city in the state, just behind Berkeley and ahead of Santa Clara. Composed largely of residential, inner suburbs and heavy industry, it is a major seaport, . . . .

June 20, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Ruling Reversed for Chevron
Richmond's planning commissioners on Thursday reversed a decision to limit the kind of crude oil that Chevron can process at its refinery in the city, a move decried by environmental groups concerned that a planned expansion of the plant would increase air pollution.

June 18, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Planning Ordinance Revisions for Massage Businesses
Richmond city officials plan to revamp the local ordinance for massage businesses, citing public and police concerns that there might be too many in the city — or that some could be fronts for criminal activity.

June 12, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Point Molate Casino Gets Fast-Track Status
Reports of its death having been greatly exaggerated, Richmond’s Point Molate casino is not only alive—it’s being fast-tracked by state and federal agencies. And the tribal venture is being bankrolled, says developer James D. Levine, with the cash of another tribe, . . . .

June 9, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Looks at Updating Regulations as Interest from Biofuel Developers Grows
More developers are calling Richmond City Hall to inquire about opening a biofuel facility, prompting city planners to start updating regulations that were passed before alternative fuels began gaining momentum.

June 6, 2008, News Blaze:
The Largest, Solar-Powered, Affordable Housing Community in the U.S.
The new solar installation at the Crescent Park apartments in Richmond, California will be dedicated on Tuesday, June 10, making this large apartment complex the largest, solar-powered affordable housing community in the United States.

June 5, 2008, ABC 7 News, KGO:
Chevron Talked About Expansion Plans
Hundreds of people packed a high school auditorium in Richmond Thursday night to talk about Chevron's plan to expand its operation there. It's a contentious issue because it would mean hundreds of jobs, but some residents are worried about the trade-offs.

May 19, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Hip-hop Artist's Message to Students is no Bad Rap
To avoid the bullets that whizzed past his south Richmond apartment, a young Stephen Ashford often did homework while lying on his belly.That he tackled his schoolwork at all is commendable, as Ashford had plenty else to fret about.

May 15, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Green Goals Take Hiring, City Advised
Richmond needs to hire more staff dedicated to creating and developing environmental programs if it wants to be as green as it says it wants to be, a consultant told the city. A new environmental manager came on board in January, but one person isn't enough, . . . . "

May 15, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Berkeley, Richmond Council Target Berkeley Lab Projects
While Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has made minor changes to its plans for its planned biofuel lab, the project’s recently released environmental impact review (EIR) rejects any move to another site.

May 11, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Stop the Secret Oil Deal
The Richmond City Council decision to enter a secrecy deal with the Chevron refinery should offend anyone in the Bay Area who values open government. The refinery is seeking permission to replace its hydrogen plant, power plant and reformer.

May 7, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Adds Another Consultant to Study, Advise on Chevron Project
Richmond has hired an outside consultant to help determine what kind of crude oil the Chevron refinery processes and whether a series of proposed upgrades would allow the company to process heavier crude. Both questions are at the forefront of the public debate . . . .

April 27, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Groups Fighting for Local ID Cards
A group of immigrant rights organizations in Contra Costa County is looking to create a municipal identification card in the East Bay, encouraged by adoption of a similar program in San Francisco. Their Board of Supervisors approved a local ID card in November.

April 22, 2008, News Blaze:
Green Party Elected Officials Oppose State Aerial Spraying Plan
Green Party elected officials in Bay Area cities are helping oppose a $74 million plan by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to conduct aerial spraying of a pheromone pesticide to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth, scheduled to start this summer.

April 21, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Equal Passion, Disparate Styles
The Richmond fracas over a proposed $1 billion Chevron oil refinery upgrade illuminates the disparate styles of the City Council's two most powerful women and offers a window into a prospective 2010 mayoral contest.

April 20, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Hits its Local-hiring Goals
As Richmond pushes its contractors to hire more local residents, a Times review of city records showed that the city itself meets the goals it set: A third of Richmond public employees live within its borders. The city requires that at least 20 percent to 30 percent of the workforce be local.

April 3, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Council Members to have Say on Public Comments
Richmond City Council members now can respond to "erroneous" charges leveled against them by speakers during public meetings. Under the policy adopted Tuesday, council members are permitted to make a statement of up to 1 minute after all public speakers are finished.

April 3, 2008, KCBS Radio:
More Cities Oppose Aerial Spraying
More Bay Area cities are expressing their opposition to the state's plan for aerial spraying to kill off the light brown apple moth. State officials insist their plan is safe, and will proceed as scheduled this summer.

April 3, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Says No to Moth Spraying
Richmond has joined the growing chorus of local governments denouncing a state plan to use an aerial spray to eradicate the light brown apple moth. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously opposed the spray, saying that the state must study the health effects first.

April 2, 2008, Richmond Globe:
McLaughlin, ACLU Representatives Discuss Immigration Reform with Residents
Mayor Gayle McLaughlin recently joined ACLU representatives and community members to discuss immigration reform and immigrant rights during a public forum at the Richmond library. The event was designed to inform the public about current immigration laws.

April 2, 2008, Richmond Globe:
Richmond Public Library Unveils New Community Garden
Inspired by the young adult novel Seedfolks, city of Richmond employees, community volunteers, literacy students, seniors and library users celebrated the creation of a community garden last week at the Richmond Public Library.

April 1, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Red Car Used in Deadly Church Shooting Found
The car used by the gunman who shot and killed a homeless man outside a Richmond church and wounded four other people was recovered Monday, police said as city and community leaders gathered at the house of worship to condemn the violence.

March 29, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond May Shift Rules for Special-event Permits
Richmond city officials are looking at changing what residents need to do to host a block party, parade, march or other event. The proposed changes are designed to clarify the guidelines and expectations for events.

March 18, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Mayor Aside, Richmond No Match for Chevron
The Richmond Planning Commission will likely approve Chevron Oil Co.'s expansion plan this week but without one lone vote - Mayor Gayle McLaughlin. If the permit is approved, she expects it to be appealed by at least one of its opponents to the Richmond City Council.

March 16, 2008, San Francisco Chronicle:
Protest Against War and Oil Profits at Chevron's Gate
More than 300 people marched from downtown Point Richmond to the Chevron refinery today to protest the company they say is profiting from the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Twenty-four demonstrators were later arrested after entering refinery property and linking arms.

March 16, 2008, The Mercury News:
24 Arrested at Chevron Protest
Two dozen people were arrested peacefully outside the Bay Area's largest oil refinery late Saturday at the end of a daylong protest aimed at the war in Iraq and a planned upgrade of the plant. "Chevron is profiting at the expense of people you love, . . . .

March 15, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
24 Arrested at War Protest Outside Chevron
Two dozen people were arrested peacefully outside the Bay Area's largest oil refinery late Saturday at the end of a daylong protest aimed at a planned upgrade of the plant and the war in Iraq. They were later booked on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing.

March 15, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth (GAYLE McLAUGHLIN From City Hall)
On Aug. 11, the Times published my guest commentary "Chevron can do better; Richmond should demand it." In that commentary, I pointed out that Richmond residents have suffered decades of severe consequences from the presence of the Chevron Refinery, . . . .

March 12, 2008, The Advocate:
City Pays Homage to Women
Residents and organizations from Richmond came together Saturday to hold its first annual International Women's Day luncheon. Organized by Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and the Mayor's Office, the event drew a crowd of about 200 people, including numerous civic leaders.

March 12, 2008, Richmond Globe:
Richmond Holds Women in Solidarity Event on International Women’s Day
Nearly 200 people attended Richmond’s first annual Women in Solidarity event at Lavonya DeJean Middle School on Saturday, International Women’s Day, to celebrate, network and share information.

February 20, 2008, Richmond Globe:
McLaughlin Issues Proclamation in Honor of Black History Month
During Tuesday night’s Richmond City Council meeting, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin issued a proclamation in honor of Black History Month. "Black History month is an opportunity . . . to pay tribute to the contributions and struggles of African Americans . . . ."

February 19, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Richmond Improvement Agency Offers a Faith-Based Approach
For Rev. Andre Shumake Sr., head of a faith-based community alliance in the East Bay’s most troubled city, Richmond’s Green Party mayor has proved a strong ally. "Thank God we have someone who’s listening," said the man who heads the Richmond Improvement Alliance.

February 8, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Violence Marks Start of CHP Fight against Richmond Gangs
California Highway Patrol officers joined Richmond Police on patrol this week in a three-month concerted effort to stem the bloodshed that has plagued the city in recent months. murder is the third leading cause of death among African American men in Richmond.

February 5, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Richmond Design Board Gives Qualified Nod to Chevron Plans
Richmond’s Design Review Board (DRB) voted to approve Chevron’s plans to upgrade its refinery, but before the vote was taken Thursday night, few folks had anything nice to say about the world’s seventh largest corporation.

February 1, 2008, BayCrossings:
East Bay Coalition Aims to Incubate Green Corridor
The buzz of activity at a typical city hall grinds to a halt between Thanksgiving and January 2. But the mayors of Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and Emeryville were determined not to let the holiday season slow the momentum of their joint plan to nurture a strong, regional green economy.

January 29, 2008, Berkeley Daily Planet:
Richmond Refinery Plans Face Strong Opposition
Richmond’s Design Review Board this week will take up major renovation plans for the city’s Chevron Refinery, using an environmental impact report (EIR) one city councilmember calls "really pathetic." Too many questions remain unanswered.

January 25, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Officials Target Housing Crisis
With the number of home foreclosures climbing, West County officials are backing a six-month moratorium on foreclosures to give residents on the verge of eviction time to work out agreements with mortgage lenders.

January 24, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Mayor Envisions a Greener, Less Violent City
Richmond took steps last year to reduce street violence and become more environmentally friendly, a road the city must continue down in 2008, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin said. In her State of the City address, McLaughlin discussed pathways to healing and violence prevention.

January 23, 2008, Richmond Globe:
Mayor Gayle McLaughlin Delivers State of the City Address
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin addressed the City Council and the public during her second State of the City address, noting that 2007 was a year of contrasts. "It was a very good year in many ways, and a very, very difficult year in other ways," said McLaughlin.

January 23, 2008, Richmond Globe:
McLaughlin Presents MLK Community Leadership and Service Awards
During Tuesday night’s Richmond City Council meeting, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin presented the Martin Luther King Jr. Richmond Community Leadership and Service Awards to a select group of organizations.

January 17, 2008, Contra Costa Times:
Richmond Mayor Joins Call for Foreclosure Moratorium
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin on Thursday added her support to a nonbinding county resolution that seeks a six-month moratorium on home foreclosures by subprime mortgage lenders, saying she will bring a similar measure before the Richmond City Council.

January 6, 2008, The News-Times
Danbury's Proposed ICE Deal Doesn't Hold Water
Gayle McLaughlin refuses to buy into the immigration witch hunt. McLaughlin, the mayor of Richmond, Calif., refuses to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a blank check to storm her city and throw anyone it wants into the back of a van.

Go to "Gayle in the Media" articles published in 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004