Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The Richmond City Council grappled with a complex donation agreement for the Craneway Pavilion that would accept a building with millions in deferred maintenance costs. Orton Entertainment LLC offered to donate the lease and pay $80,000 to the city, but the building needs approximately $12 million in repairs over the next 10 years according to a consultant's report. Special counsel David Aleshire warned that Orton had given the council until May 1st to decide or he would donate the building to an unnamed marine nonprofit instead.

During open forum earlier in the meeting, residents raised concerns about multiple issues affecting Richmond neighborhoods. Ben Tero from the Richmond Police Officers Association criticized the city for having only 147 officers and called for proper contract negotiations. Multiple speakers from Marina Bay complained about lack of responsiveness from their council member and cumulative impacts from industrial projects. Elizabeth Woods presented photos alleging serious structural problems at Nevin Plaza that were covered up during renovations.

The council unanimously approved moving forward with polling for a potential November 2026 ballot measure to fund advanced life support paramedic services and fire station improvements. Fire Chief Osorio explained that Richmond is the last agency in Contra Costa County without paramedics on fire engines. The program would cost approximately $4.1 million annually during a five-year implementation period, with additional capital costs of roughly $100 million for fire station replacements and upgrades.

Supervisor John Gioia offered potential county partnership funding that could reduce costs by changing Richmond's ambulance response time requirements. Finance Director Emily Combmes outlined revenue options including parcel taxes that could generate $1.6 million to $4.9 million annually depending on the rate. Council members questioned how the financing would work and whether fees could be charged to patients receiving emergency services.

After extensive debate about the Craneway Pavilion, Council Member Bana challenged the wisdom of accepting $12 million in liability and criticized excluding the city manager from negotiations. Council Member Wilson argued the building would eventually come back to the city anyway through litigation or bankruptcy, making immediate acceptance preferable. Council Member Robinson expressed concern about taking on additional responsibilities when the city already has significant deferred maintenance needs.

The council ultimately rejected the Craneway donation agreement by a 4-3 vote, with Council Members Brown, Bana, Robinson, and Zepeda voting against acceptance. The decision means Orton will likely proceed with donating the building to the alternative marine nonprofit, potentially complicating future city access to the historic waterfront venue.