Jessica Blough

Dec 14, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Jessica Blough

Beginning next year, Contra Costa County will pilot a county-funded guaranteed-income program, placing up to $1,000 monthly in the hands of residents — no strings attached. The Board of Supervisors allocated funding last month for a pilot that will include 250 residents for 18 months, though those numbers could change as the county develops its final plan.

Dec 9, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Jessica Blough

When Karla Martinez heard about Richmond’s new Mobile Vendor Program, which allows vendors to set up shop in four markets per week, she hoped it could help her support her family. Martinez had cleaned houses in Richmond before the pandemic but lost many of her clients to financial hardship. She wanted to work in food, so she purchased $1,000 worth of cooktops, restaurant supplies and ingredients to set up her tent selling pupusas and hotdogs.

Nov 18, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Jessica Blough |Riley Ramirez

The Up & Under Pub & Grill has worked hard to distinguish itself for its smoked meat, pleasant outdoor dining experience and commitment to the community. But the Point Richmond restaurant stands to lose both its meat smoker and dining parklet later this year unless it can fix permitting issues that have gone unresolved between the business and the city since 2022.

Oct 21, 2024 | richmondconfidential.org | Jessica Blough |Riley Ramirez |Anasooya Thorakkattu

A measure on the November ballot will ask San Pablo voters if they support a tax on marijuana businesses. If it passes, Measure M would prompt local lawmakers to begin the process of permitting cannabis businesses, which are currently illegal. Several neighboring cities, including Richmond and El Cerrito, have passed similar measures and adopted ordinances allowing cannabis businesses.