Richmond Port installs barriers at General Warehouse to prevent sideshows
The Port of Richmond is stepping up efforts to curb reckless driving by installing barriers, fencing, and other traffic calming measures at key locations, including the General Warehouse.
Port officials are working with operators to address ongoing issues such as speeding, sideshows, and illegal dumping, which have plagued the area. Recent changes include pavement maintenance, berms at turnout areas, and modified gates to deter illegal activity. The crackdown follows a January police operation that used drones to disrupt a sideshow, resulting in vehicle impoundments and multiple citations.
According to Richmond Port Director Charles Gerard, the parking lot behind the General Warehouse, part of a leased section used for Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) employee parking, has seen recent changes.
Linda Hemmila
“We have been working with AWC and other operators at the port on traffic calming measures to help us stop or minimize side shows, speeding, and garbage dumping,” Gerard said.
Gerard said recent changes at the port include pavement maintenance, the addition of berms at turnout areas, and modifications to gates in some parking sections to deter sideshows and other illegal activities.
“There was some pavement maintenance needed on the terminals and on the road, and we installed berms at turnout areas and gates in some parking areas to also try to stop the side shows,” Gerard said.
The shipyards are part of the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park. Shipyard Number Three is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark.
The General Warehouse, built in 1942, is a historic landmark that is currently unused and covered with graffiti. It has also been the site of sideshow activity.
In January, Richmond police used a drone to help break up an illegal sideshow in front of the General Warehouse, leading to two vehicle impoundments and multiple citations.
Officers responding to reports of reckless driving deployed a drone to survey the scene and identify two primary vehicles involved. As officers moved in to take enforcement action, one driver attempted to flee but was stopped when their vehicle sustained three flat tires.
Both vehicles were impounded for 30 days, and their drivers were cited. Additionally, police said one of the vehicles would be required to undergo an inspection by the state smog referee before being released from impound.
“We have zero tolerance for reckless driving in our city,” the Richmond Police Department said in a statement.
Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible.
If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting local journalism with a Grandview Independent subscription. Click to see our monthly and annual subscription plans.
Copyright © 2025 Grandview Independent, all rights reserved.
