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Soren Hemmila

soren at grandviewindependent dot com

Soren Hemmila's Work 528 Articles
Crime in the City   -   Aug 28, 2025 Richmond man charged with attempted murder in bus driver attack
Richmond man charged with attempted murder in bus driver attack

A Richmond man has been charged with attempted murder after prosecutors say he attacked his spouse, an AC Transit bus driver, with a knife and pepper spray aboard a bus near the Richmond BART station earlier this week. Mandingo Alfroconus Hayes, 54, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including attempted

by Soren Hemmila
Crime in the City   -   Aug 27, 2025 San Pablo police arrest high school student after shooting near elementary school
San Pablo police arrest high school student after shooting near elementary school

A 16-year-old Richmond High School student was arrested Tuesday after a shooting near Downer Elementary School prompted a lockdown on the campus, according to the San Pablo Police Department. Officers responded at 9:42 a.m. to reports of gunfire at 20th Street and Sanford Avenue, about a block from

by Soren Hemmila
City Council Updates   -   Aug 27, 2025 Richmond council approves sister city partnership, explores ban on corporate home purchases
Richmond council approves sister city partnership, explores ban on corporate home purchases

The Richmond City Council voted Tuesday to establish a sister city partnership with Sebastia, an ancient town in the West Bank, making it the city’s fourth international sister city. The 5–1 vote came after a detailed discussion and some emotional testimony. Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda cast the lone

by Soren Hemmila
News   -   Aug 26, 2025 East Bay Regional Park District announces purchase of 82 acres at Point Molate
East Bay Regional Park District announces purchase of 82 acres at Point Molate

After decades of debate over the future of Point Molate, the East Bay Regional Park District has finalized the purchase of 82 acres of shoreline property on the Point San Pablo Peninsula, clearing the way for a new regional park. The $40 million deal, completed Tuesday, transfers the land from

by Soren Hemmila
Burger Trail   -   Aug 26, 2025 On the Richmond Burger Trail: The Point's Johnny Boi Smash Burger makes its case
On the Richmond Burger Trail: The Point's Johnny Boi Smash Burger makes its case

Johnny Boi Smash Burger doesn’t hide what it is. The somewhat new spot in Point Richmond is designed for maximum effect: a clean, mural-bright interior with a neon “Pick Up” sign, polished wood tables plastered with stickers, and TVs tuned to football. Modern heartland country hums in the background

by Soren Hemmila
Crime in the City   -   Aug 25, 2025 A week of thefts, violence, and unusual crimes across the city
A week of thefts, violence, and unusual crimes across the city

Richmond saw a busy week of police activity spanning everything from late-night car thefts and vandalism to drug busts and armed assaults. Officers responded to incidents across the city’s neighborhoods, including multiple break-ins at businesses, domestic violence cases, vehicle recoveries, and sideshow activity. Here’s a day-by-day look at

by Soren Hemmila
Weekend Feature   -   Aug 24, 2025 Rich City Rides reopens Macdonald Avenue bike shop
Rich City Rides reopens Macdonald Avenue bike shop

Rich City Rides is back on Macdonald Avenue, and the community bike collective is opening its doors with an even bigger vision for cycling and neighborhood connection. “It’s really good to have the gift and bike shop open,” said Najari Smith, founder and executive director of Rich City Rides,

by Soren Hemmila
City Council Updates   -   Aug 23, 2025 On the agenda: land grab ban, Sister City proposal, and cafeteria renovation
On the agenda: land grab ban, Sister City proposal, and cafeteria renovation

The Richmond City Council’s next meeting will feature an agenda covering everything from international travel and proclamations to multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects. There are only two study and action items on the August 26, 2025, agenda. Councilmember Soheila Bana’s item that would Ban Land Grabs in Richmond and a

by Soren Hemmila
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