Bay Area briefs

future remains uncertain

FREMONT — A Fremont auto plant is expected to keep building cars for the next few month, but its fate after October is uncertain.

Several hundred union members at the New United Motor Manufacturing plant gathered Sunday to hear an update on the future of the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors.

In June GM said it would leave the Nummi partnership, and Toyota is considering doing the same.

Nummi officials have told the plant’s 4,500 workers that the plant has enough new car orders to keep operating through October thanks in part to the federal government’s "cash for clunkers” initiative that is spurring trade-ins.

Union officials say Nummi could soon be dissolved or file for bankruptcy unless Toyota takes over the plant.

Environmental report for

proposed casino released

RICHMOND — The release of an environmental report for a proposed casino in Richmond is rekindling a debate between supporters and opponents.

The Ukiah-based Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians wants to build a $1.5 billion casino and resort on the shores of Richmond’s San Pablo Bay.

Tribal officials say the proposed casino would create jobs in Richmond, while also providing a land base and economic benefits for the tribe.

But opponents say the project will bring traffic, noise and a host of other problems to the area.

The proposed casino has the backing of the City of Richmond, but is opposed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.

Officials have scheduled public hearings for Aug. 12 and Sept. 17 on the project.

Man confesses to priest,

turns in cash from heist

WALNUT CREEK — A Walnut Creek credit union is getting back $1,200 it lost in a holdup after the robber confessed to a priest.

Police say a man went to a church to confess Sunday night that he had robbed the Walnut Creek branch of the Patelco Credit Union Thursday afternoon.

After confessing, the man handed over to the priest $1,200 and left. The priest then called police.

Walnut Creek police Lt. Shelly James said he didn’t know if the money turned over was the entire amount lost in the robbery, or just a portion of it.