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Soren Hemmila

soren at grandviewindependent dot com

Soren Hemmila's Work 463 Articles
News   -   Sep 17, 2025 Richmond police union direct action highlights low staffing as council meeting boils over
Richmond police union direct action highlights low staffing as council meeting boils over

A Richmond City Council meeting erupted in tension Tuesday night as dozens of police officers and their supporters rallied to protest low staffing and what they described as political attacks, while friends and relatives of a young man fatally shot by police demanded accountability and transparency. The rally, organized by

by Soren Hemmila
Food   -   Sep 16, 2025 On the Richmond Burger Trail: Macdonald Avenue's 2207
On the Richmond Burger Trail: Macdonald Avenue's 2207

We have learned that when chasing burgers across Richmond, the best discoveries are often found in the most unexpected places. At first glance, 2207, a small takeout spot tucked along Macdonald Avenue, does not read like a burger destination. This is not a dedicated burger joint. In fact, its menu

by Soren Hemmila
Crime in the City   -   Sep 15, 2025 Violent crimes, drug busts, and vehicle thefts reported across Richmond
Violent crimes, drug busts, and vehicle thefts reported across Richmond

Richmond police responded to a range of incidents between September 8 and September 14, including armed robberies, violent assaults, drug trafficking arrests, and a series of vehicle thefts and recoveries. The week also saw multiple domestic violence incidents, business burglaries, and several cases of contempt of court across various neighborhoods.

by Soren Hemmila
Weekend Feature   -   Sep 13, 2025 Fiesta Patrias Parade brings music, culture to 23rd Street in Richmond and San Pablo
Fiesta Patrias Parade brings music, culture to 23rd Street in Richmond and San Pablo

Richmond and San Pablo came alive on Saturday along the shared 23rd Street corridor, where music, dance, and vibrant displays of culture were celebrated as the annual Fiesta Patrias Parade marked the independence days of several Latin American countries. Leading the procession as Grand Marshal was Eugene Rodríguez, director of

by Soren Hemmila
City Council Updates   -   Sep 12, 2025 On the agenda: Hilltop Mall redevelopment and police communication overhaul
On the agenda: Hilltop Mall redevelopment and police communication overhaul

The Richmond City Council will meet Tuesday to review a sweeping redevelopment plan for the 143-acre Hilltop Mall site, consider new rules for public communication and counseling services after officer-involved shootings, and receive updates on rising property crime. The agenda also includes designating delegates for the League of California Cities

by Soren Hemmila
News   -   Sep 11, 2025 Richmond Police Chief Bisa French to retire after 27 years of service
Richmond Police Chief Bisa French to retire after 27 years of service

Richmond Police Chief Bisa French announced Thursday she will retire next January, ending a 27-year career with the department marked by historic firsts and a focus on community engagement. French, who joined the Richmond Police Department in 1998, made history in 2020 when she became the first woman and the

by Soren Hemmila
Education   -   Sep 11, 2025 West Contra Costa Unified School District presents 90-day fiscal stabilization plan
West Contra Costa Unified School District presents 90-day fiscal stabilization plan

The West Contra Costa Unified School District launched a 90-day fiscal stabilization plan on Wednesday to address a multi-million-dollar deficit and prevent the district from again falling under state control, as labor leaders warned that unresolved disputes could undermine student success. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton presented the plan during a school

by Soren Hemmila
Weather   -   Sep 09, 2025 The day Richmond woke to an apocalyptic orange sky
The day Richmond woke to an apocalyptic orange sky

On September 9, 2020, Richmond residents experienced an unforgettable and unsettling sight: the sky turned a deep, fiery orange. This phenomenon, which came to be known as "Orange Skies Day," was caused by smoke from the North Complex Fire and over 20 other wildfires burning more than 2

by Soren Hemmila
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