Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
In the next few days, you can get informed on the upcoming Richmond City Council election, have breakfast on the last remaining World War II Victory ship, spruce up a community garden and cheer the return of roller derby to Richmond.
Next week, you can see amateur wrestlers at an art center, view live bats at the library, help clean up our shoreline and learn about East Bay hills wildfire prevention efforts.
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings as well.
Latin American independence parade is Saturday
The long-awaited Fiestas Patrias parade hits the streets Saturday.
The event, which celebrates Latin American Independence Day, was rescheduled from its original May 5 date due to rain.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, at the intersection of 23rd Street and Barrett Avenue in Richmond. It ends at 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1845 Church Lane in San Pablo.
This is the first Fiestas Patrias co-sponsored by Richmond and San Pablo.
The parade will celebrate the independence anniversaries of many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Brazil.
The event will feature traditional music, dance, colorful costumes and floats representing each nation’s rich cultural heritage.
“This celebration marks a new and exciting chapter in our community’s cultural history,” said Genoveva Calloway, chair of the parade planning committee.
Richmondside election forums
Want to meet the Richmond City Council District 1 candidates and ask them your questions?
You’ll get an opportunity on Wed., Sept. 18, at a candidates forum co-sponsored by Richmondside.
The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Ave. You can RSVP here to the free event, which includes light refreshments and will offer a Spanish translation service. To attend remotely use this Zoom link.
Richmondside is also co-sponsoring election forums for District 5 and District 6 candidates. The District 5 meeting is on Mon., Sept. 30. The District 6 gathering is on Tues., Oct. 8. Please RSVP here for those forums.
If you’re not sure which council district you live in, you can check out this map.
Check out our voter registration guide for more information, including important dates.
Next League of Women Voters election forum is Saturday
The next in a series of League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County Democracy in Action Forums is Sat., Sept. 14, featuring candidates for the Contra Costa County Board of Education and the East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) governing board, as well as for city council elections in El Cerrito, Hercules and Pinole.
That event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richmond City Council Chamber, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
On Wed., Oct. 9, the league is hosting a forum to discuss two ballot measures that will change how Richmond voters choose candidates, the Ranked Choice and Richmond Election Reform Act. That event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the city council chamber.
You can watch that forum via Zoom or on Channel 28 TV.
Fashion show Saturday at NIAD Art Center
A fashion runway show is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, at the NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St.
The runway show will highlight the fashion exhibits currently on display at the NIAD galleries until Sept. 20.
The NIAD exhibit, “The Way We Are, Now,” is a collection of designs from NIAD’s fashion classes.
The runway show will be a multi-sensory gallery experience with dance, opera and spoken word performances.
Several dresses designed by veteran NIAD artist Karen May will be among the designs featured on the catwalk during the runway show.
NIAD artist Julio Del Rio will display sketches and embroidery during the show.
All NIAD events are free to the public.
Nature Day at Miller Knox Saturday
Bring the family to the shoreline for a day outdoors.
The organization YES Nature to Neighborhoods is sponsoring a Nature Day Outing on Sat., Sept. 14.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Miller Knox Regional Shoreline’s Pickleweed Site on the Ferry Point Loop Trail in Richmond.
Activities will include cycling, birding, dancing and games. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
The outing is limited to 35 to 40 people, so pre-registration is encouraged.
Spruce up a community garden on Saturday
You have an opportunity this weekend to help clean up a community garden.
This month’s 2nd Saturday Community Garden Volunteer Day is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14. The volunteer day is held on the second Saturday of each month.
The Greenway Community Garden is located behind Lincoln Elementary School at Sixth Street and Ohio Avenue in the Iron Triangle neighborhood.
The garden includes 1,000 square feet of raised garden growing space as well as a 22-tree citrus orchard and 2,000 square feet called “Berryland,” a section with 350 strawberry plants, 60 raspberry plants and 30 blueberry bushes.
Breakfast on an historic ship on Sunday
You can enjoy a hearty breakfast and get a tour of an historic ship this weekend.
A tiki pancake breakfast is being served on the SS Red Oak Victory from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 15.
The breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon will be accompanied by live music. The price is $15 for adults and $5 for children 8 and under. In addition, the ship’s 1944 radio room will be in operation to send free radiograms to family and friends around the world.
The ship will remain open after breakfast from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A docent tour is available for guests who sign up in advance.
The SS Red Oak Victory is moored at 1377 Canal Blvd. in Point Richmond.
It is the last surviving ship of the 747 vessels built at the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards during World War II.
Roller derby returns to Richmond Saturday
Lace up those skates. The roller derby is returning to Richmond.
The Oakland Outlaws are taking on the San Francisco Rolling Dead beginning at 6 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The contest is organized by Bay Area Derby, a group established in 2004 for women’s flat track roller derby.
The Outlaws and Rolling Dead will face off again at the auditorium on Sat., Oct. 19.
Calling all knaves: Medieval fantasy combat on Sundays
In the mood to swing a foam sword in the company of fellow enthusiasts?
The group Wyvern’s Spur has you covered.
The organization holds weekly sessions Sundays at Marina Bay Park at Regatta Boulevard and Marina Bay Parkway in Richmond.
Wyvern’s Spur is the Northern California chapter of the national group Amtgard. The local group has been around since 2001.
The participants engage in medieval fantasy combat games. They use foam weapons to whack each other as they recreate medieval fighting.
Anyone ages13 and older is welcome to attend.
Beer-iversary Saturday for Armistice Brewing Co.
Armistice Brewing Company is having a 7th anniversary block party and you’re invited.
The brewery is celebrating its business anniversary from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, at its Richmond taproom, 845 Marina Bay Parkway.
The folks at Armistice say they are brewing up a couple of brand new beers and putting some long-standing favorites in cans.
In the late afternoon, DJ SVNSUN will spin a variety of tunes. A maker’s market featuring local food, clothes and art will also be available.
Coffee and music at the Listening Lounge Sunday
You can sip on an iced latte and take in some tunes on Sunday morning.
A Coffee + Music Pop-Up will be shaking from 9 a.m. to noon on Sun., Sept. 15, at the Richmond Listening Lounge, 951 Marina Way South, Unit G.
Along with iced lattes featuring Chula Coffee will be live music from DJ UC BUU, a spin master who specializes in old school hip hop and jazz as well as rhythm and blues.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond are featuring live entertainment in the coming week.
The Sailing Goat restaurant at 1900 Stenmark Drive will have live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant at 135 Park Place will feature live music Thursday through Monday.
The Factory Bar at 12517 San Pablo Ave. features stand-up comedy acts on Monday and Tuesday.
Jazz music will be on tap at the Windchaser Wine Company at 1352 S. 49th St. on Sunday afternoon.
Heads up! Roadwork on Interstate 80
Caltrans is continuing its roadwork to upgrade the median barrier and install safety lighting along Interstate 80 from the Alameda County border all the way to the Carquinez Bridge.
The reconstruction is currently taking place in Richmond and San Pablo from the San Pablo exit to the El Portal exit.
Lane and ramp closures will be necessary occasionally but no full freeway closures are expected. Caltrans officials say they are taking measures to help mitigate noise levels from the construction.
Meet a live bat at the main library Sept. 19
Things will be a little batty at the Richmond Main Library next week.
A presentation on bats and the harmful myths that surround these flying mammals will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thur., Sept. 19, in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Room at the library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Some live bats of California native species will be present for viewing.
Members of NorCalBats will be on hand to discuss the importance of bats in our environment. The organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats as well as to educating the public.
Coming later this month and next month
New art exhibits get a boost from wrestlers Sept. 20
A group of wrestling celebrities will help promote some new exhibits at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
On Fri., Sept. 20, members of the Oasis Pro Lucha Libre Wrestlers will be at a Sunset Social sponsored by the art center.
The free event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the art center. It will also feature photographs of the wrestlers taken by Anthony Delgado as well as custom cocktails from The Factory Bar and music from DJ Graham LP.
The new works will be on display until Nov. 21. The art center galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept. 21
You can help beautify the Richmond shoreline at an event next weekend.
Richmond volunteers will be participating in the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sat, Sept. 21.
The local group will meet at Shimada Friendship Park, 79 Harbor View Drive, at 9 a.m. They will pick up litter and other trash between 9 a.m. and noon.
Volunteers are advised to wear a hat and sunscreen. They are also asked to bring a bucket, reusable gloves and a water bottle.
Artist Erin McCluskey will be doing her part. She will be picking up beach litter for material to incorporate into her mixed media work.
5K run to raise money for brain cancer research is Sept. 21
Marina Bay resident Stanley Currier, who was diagnosed with oligodendroglioma in 2021, is working to raise awareness of, and funds for, the rare brain cancer. Credit: David Buechner
You can walk or run along the Richmond shoreline to help raise funds for brain cancer research.
The Fast Track to a Cure 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 21, at Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park. The course goes out and back along the San Francisco Bay Trail.
The event will feature music, food and prize giveaways.
The funds raised go to Oligo Nation, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and money for research into oligodendroglioma.
The 5K run/walk is organized by Stanley Currier, a Richmond resident who was diagnosed with this form of brain cancer more than three years ago.
First LGBTQ+ pride celebration in El Sobrante is Sept. 22
History will soon be made in El Sobrante.
The community’s first LGBTQ+ Pride celebration will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 22, at La Moine Park, 3444-3530 Morningside Drive.
The event will feature food trucks, local vendors and community booths as well as music from DJ Page Hodel, drag queen bingo and speeches from local leaders.
Children can enjoy the park’s two playgrounds as well as a petting zoo.
“For years, we’ve chanted ‘We are everywhere’ at big city pride celebrations and, now, we’re bringing that spirit to El Sobrante,” said the Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain, a pastor at The Good Table United Church of Christ, a sponsor of the event. “This is our time to shine, to come together and to show that love has no boundaries — even in semi-rural places like El Sobrante.”
Wildfire coalition board meeting is Sept. 23
The East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments will hold its next regular meeting
from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 23, at El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave.
The coalition was launched in April 2024 as a way for city, county and fire district officials to coordinate wildfire prevention strategies for the East Bay hills.
Registration open for walk to support hunger programs
You can literally take some steps in the right direction early next month to help end hunger and homelessness in the Richmond area.
The 38th annual Harmony Walk is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 5, at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
The event will feature food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities.
It is sponsored by the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), a non-profit organization that serves 15,000 people annually in West Contra Costa County.
Registration for the event is now open. Cost is $38 per person and $12 for each additional individual signed up with the original registration.
“The Harmony Walk brings together the community in a vibrant celebration of GRIP’s work in Richmond,” said Jilly de la Torre, the Harmony Walk chair. “We’re thrilled to put on this event and to bring people together to celebrate the amazing work happening around Richmond and Contra Costa to uplift our community members in need.”
What’s in a name? A one-woman show is Sept. 28, Oct. 6
Irma Herrera will explore the societal prejudices and assumptions in a person’s name in a one-woman show later this month
Herrera will perform “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name” from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 28, at the Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave. in Richmond.
A repeat performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 6.
In her show, Herrera portrays more than 20 characters, including herself at different ages, as well as her parents and teachers.
She says these characters “collectively illustrate how names can serve as minefields of misplaced notions, sometimes comical, sad or demeaning, and which speak volumes about where we stand as a diverse and highly divided nation.”
Ongoing events
Every week, local agencies and organizations host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and add your local events for free.
- Two farmers markets are held weekly in Richmond. The Civic Center Farmers Market runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday in front of the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The Marina Bay Farmers Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at Marina Bay Park in the parking lot near Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square.
- A farmers market is also held weekly in El Sobrante. The market, organized by Planting Justice, is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5166 Sobrante Ave.
- The West Coast Chess Alliance sponsors a number of weekly chess events throughout west Contra Costa County. The Richmond Senior Center, 2525 Macdonald Ave., hosts games on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chess enthusiasts can also gather from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. On Fridays games are held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Pablo Library, 13751 San Pablo Ave.
- Visit a museum, get a free transit ride. The Contra Costa Library is offering free $20 Clipper cards to residents when they make a reservation to visit a museum. There are nearly 30 museums in the Bay Area that qualify under the program. Offer is limited to two Clipper cards per household. The program runs through the end of December.
- Did you know that children can gain fluency and confidence in their reading skills with the help of a dog? The Read to a Dog program is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. every second Tuesday and every third Wednesday in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Each child gets 15 minutes to read to a dog. Call (510) 620-6557 to reserve a spot.
- Every Thursday the Seniors Network Activity Program hosts free Tai Chi from 11 a.m to noon at Lifelong William Jenkins Wellness Center, 150 Harbour Way. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sessions are open to both seated and standing participants. For more information call (510) 684-9266.
- Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3230 Macdonald Ave., enjoy instructional activities such as Zumba, soccer, basketball, and chess Visit the website to register. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant & Toddler Music and Movement Storytime, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, but all ages of children are welcome.
- Family Storytime, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Childrens Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event is a storytime session with a Richmond librarian.
- The Knit ‘n’ Needle Club meets Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave. The gathering is for knitters, crochet and needleworkers of all levels. The meeting is a chance for people who enjoy this craft to get together while they work.
- Are you able to “eat, drink and think?” Test your knowledge of obscure facts at a weekly trivia night, Head Games Trivia, on Wednesdays at East Brother Beer Company, 1001 Canal Blvd., in Point Richmond.
Get involved in your community: Civic meetings and committees
- The Richmond City Council usually meets on the first, third and fourth Tuesday of every month. The meetings are held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Agendas are usually posted the preceding Friday. Learn more in our guide to the City Council. The council cancelled its regularly scheduled Sept. 17 and Nov. 5 meetings.
- The Richmond Planning Commission usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The meetings are usually held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza. The next scheduled meeting is Oct. 3.
- The West Contra Costa Unified School District board usually meets twice a month, often on Wednesday nights, in the multipurpose room of Lovonya DeJean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Visit the WCCUSD calendar for the most current meeting information and for the agenda, which is posted a couple of days before the meeting. Read our guide to the school board for more information.
- The Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for three open seats on the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee. The 10-member commission is seeking two new at-large members as well as an at-large alternate member. Applications are due by Nov. 4. Applicants must be residents of Contra Costa County.
- There is also a vacancy on the North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council. The term is for four years. The seven-member council advises the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors on issues affecting the North Richmond area.
- The county is also seeking to appoint four new members to its 15-member Mental Health Commission. The term length is three years. Each of the county’s five supervisorial districts has three members. The commission advises county supervisors on their community’s needs and services. The commission usually meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
- The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District will soon have three openings on its five-member board of directors. County officials are seeking applicants for those positions. The district’s mission is to carry out natural resource conservation projects. The board usually meets on the third Thursday of every month.
Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org at least two weeks in advance if possible.
