In a sequence of events mirrored across the United States, the city of Richmond, California went from having a fat budget surplus before 9/11 to an enormous deficit by the year 2004, as the depredations on the economy of wars and corporate looting hit home. State money is not available, investments are in the toilet, and the resultant stripping of the budget-padding leave financial mismanagement and finagling lying bare and exposed.

Layoffs of large percentages of Richmond city staff and cutting of public services are shocking residents. Richmond’s once-excellent public library has had its hours slashed and is now in danger of closing completely due to layoffs of most of the staff (branch libraries ARE closed as of 4/7/04). Some firestations had been shut down, and police and fire staff have been cut, as well as 400 other unionized city-infrastructure jobs, such as street, equipment and park maintenance, and community center staff. Half the city’s recreational centers are closing.

All this bodes ill for a city with a population already in trouble over low income levels. Massive layoffs will inevitably result in more homeless and desperate people on the streets.

Recall the Richmond City Council, for not doing the honorable thing, not even meeting with their staff (as did the Council of Berkeley at several face-to-face sit-down meetings) to discuss ideas and options, but instead hiring ultra expensive consultants to act as a barrier between them and the public.

On March 23, after allowing some 60 people to speak in public forum, begging, and pleading with them not to cut services that will hurt the children and the future of Richmond, the Council announced that they had already voted in closed session -- thereby violating the Brown Act. Neighbors are outraged and are getting together to discuss their options.

For a step toward an alternative, check out http://www.richmondprogressivealliance.net