By this afternoon The National Weather Service had issued heat warnings or advisories for most of the Bay Area, with most of Richmond in the latter category, and North Richmond falling under an “excessive heat alert.”
Contra Costa County’s website advises residents to stay hydrated and limit strenuous activity, and to never leave kids or pets unattended in vehicles. It’s also a good idea to check on neighbors and older adults. The heat warning is expected to be in place through Tuesday, according to a Richmond Fire Department social post.
But finding shelter from the heat is easier said than done for those without an air-conditioned home.
The now-closed Hilltop Mall, once a free spot to escape a hot summer day, is no more, though there’s still a movie theater there if the $13-$18 ticket price is in your budget. In many cities, an afternoon at the local library can offer respite from high temperatures, but Richmond’s main branch downtown is not air-conditioned.
Some folks like to cool off wading in the waves at Keller Beach at the Miller/Knox Regional Park shoreline, but swimmers beware: The water quality as of Tuesday was failing state health standards. The beach remains open, but the East Bay Regional Park District guidelines state that bacteria levels “may cause illness,” and water should not be swallowed. (A safer bet might be one of the city’s two pools: The Richmond Plunge or the Richmond Swim Center.)
While local chilly spots may be limited, Richmondside did find two options: A cooling center opened today in Nevin Park, 589 Nevin Ave., and will remain open through Wednesday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Contra Costa County also opened a cooling center in the Employment and Human Services building, 1305 Macdonald Ave. The center will also remain open through Wednesday, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
For people experiencing homelessness there is also the Greater Richmond Interfaith Faith Program care center, 165 2nd St. (If it’s after hours call 2-1-1.)
To find additional cooling centers throughout the area, such as the San Pablo Library, see the county map below. It also shows which areas fall under heat advisories, with the lighter yellow being an “advisory,” and the darker pink being a warning zone.
