Taqueria La Bamba is the type of restaurant where diners can get in and get out fast, or grab a burrito to sit and relax. Serving a hybrid of Salvadorian and Mexican cuisine, the menu presents familiar staples like burritos and tacos just across the page from a dishes like tamal de elote frito, a deep fried sweet corn tamale with sour cream and refried beans. La Bamba is a staple of San Pablo Avenue, and for nearly twenty-five years the restaurant has served a loyal following of diners who come back time and time again. Continue reading

Richmond's commercial real estate market is in an upswing. In the first half of 2014, warehouse vacancy dropped down from 6.8% to 4.3%, and the manufacturing market is tightening, too: the amount of available space is down to 6.5% from 8.8% at the start of the year. Previously, the manufacturing market had been stagnating between 10% to 13% availability. At the same time, there are many new companies in the process of moving into Richmond. With these commercial spaces filling up, questions arise about who is moving in, why they are doing so, and what the impact will be on Richmond. Continue reading

RICHMOND -- Food businesses are booming here, with large warehouse-based companies such as Blue Apron and Whole Foods expanding their operations in the past year, and mid-size businesses like Galaxy Desserts and Zoe's Cookies also flourishing. Continue reading

For two out of three elections, last Friday saw the filing deadline for candidates running for office in Richmond. The exception is the full term City Council election, the deadline for which was extended to Wednesday, August 13th. Here is a breakdown of who is running for what as listed on Friday's filing deadline. Continue reading

The leader of a respected Richmond environmental justice organization says he was disinvited from speaking at a local event Saturday by activist groups because he  supported the final version of the Chevron Richmond Refinery Modernization Project, which was approved last month by City Council. Continue reading

Every week Radio Free Richmond provides an offering of events in the city. Here is what's happening from August 8th through the 15th. Continue reading

Deep reddish-brown wood -- in the hardwood floors, tabletops, and along the ceiling -- welcome the guests of Kao Sarn to the restaurant. That, and large, leafy plants arranged by the host's table, hand-carved mirrors and wall hangings, and brightly colored antique paintings. The Point Richmond Thai restaurant is well decorated, but that's not their only appeal: Kao Sarn offers distinctive takes on well-known Thai dishes that make it stand out in a sea of similar restaurants. For that, Kao Sarn deserves a visit. Continue reading

Residents of western Contra Costa County needing emergency ambulance rides will have to look farther then Doctors Medical Center, as the cash-strapped San Pablo hospital will no longer be accepting ambulances as of Thursday. Continue reading

For the Ivy League Connection, a local community organization, getting the kids of West Contra Costa County into college can be a challenge. Getting them into Ivy League institutions can be even more difficult, but that's exactly the task they set for themselves. Continue reading

Vice Mayor Beckles: people do not attack you because of your personal matters, but instead because of the way you conduct yourself in the City Council. You shut people down and then go on tirades and kick people out when they don't agree with you. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.  Continue reading