Bryan Jie Wen

Jan 16, 2025 | richmondconfidential.org | Wen Shao |Skylla Mumana |Emily Evans |Bryan Jie Wen

“People of Richmond” is a regular series in which reporters pose a question to people in the community. Answers are presented verbatim, though sometimes edited for brevity. Q: Do you think it would be good for Richmond if Chevron closed the refinery? “With a refinery closing down, we would have to clean up that land. You thought Superfund sites existed now? You have no idea what kind of mess exists there. We’re talking about big changes, but it’s not impossible.

Dec 18, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Bryan Jie Wen

What might drive a person to act on air pollution? Dr. Niyi Omotoso, an Oakland pediatrician has asked himself that question. One answer, he believes, is asthma. Omotoso has treated many children with asthma, especially when he practiced in Richmond and San Pablo for 12 years. He saw how the disease disrupted the lives of the children and their families. A concerning UC San Francisco report confirms his experience: Around 25% of Richmond’s population suffers from asthma, almost double the state rate.

Dec 11, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Bryan Jie Wen

The dedicated bike lane on the upper deck of the Richmond-San Rafael bridge has been a bone of contention between cyclists and motorists since it opened as a four-year pilot project in 2019. While its life has been extended to a fifth year, its days may be numbered. Next month, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission may reduce the bike lane to a weekends-only feature, a move the cycling community opposes.

Nov 13, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Bryan Jie Wen

Richmond City Council has awarded a contract of up to $250,000 to a British consulting firm to help the city make its vehicle fleet emission-free.  The contract, passed unanimously on Oct. 22, entrusts Arup US Inc. with formulating a “Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet and Infrastructure Transition Plan” to replace approximately 400 city vehicles with vehicles that do not burn fossil fuel.

Nov 6, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Christian Baba |Ava Hu |Renee Bartlett-Webber |Bryan Jie Wen

The Richmond Progressive Alliance has held a majority on the City Council since 2020 and held at least half of the seats for the past 10 years. This election, there are three seats up for election, which has the potential to flip the council. Early returns showed two RPA candidates — incumbent Claudia Jiménez and Sue Wilson — leading their opponents.