Richmond Progressive Alliance Draws Fire Over $2 Million Winery Dispute as Business Owners Decry City Hall
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 6
Richmond Progressive Alliance Draws Fire Over $2 Million Winery Dispute as Business Owners Decry City Hall
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 6
Summary
$2 million invested by former Riggers Loft CEO Kevin Brown became a flashpoint in Richmond, where he and other entrepreneurs say the Richmond Progressive Alliance has made City Hall hostile to business.
Brown said his waterfront winery was pushed out after a fight over deferred COVID-era rent, while the city said the company owed nearly $400,000, violated its lease and faced two unlawful-detainer cases after failed settlement efforts.
Along 23rd Street, owners of immigrant-run businesses voiced similar complaints, saying permit delays and weak city support are hurting small firms beyond Richmond's long-running clashes with Chevron.
Former Mayor Tom Butt said the alliance helped on climate and energy issues before shifting further left in the mid-2010s, leaving Richmond less business-friendly even as it sought to curb Chevron's political influence.
Mayor Eduardo Martinez rejected the anti-business label, arguing Richmond backs responsible companies and uses its progressive politics to protect residents, workers and the environment from corporate abuse.