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 some exercise and learn about air pollution, prepare for the Nov. 5 election by attending a Richmond City Council election or school board forum and learn about fall gardening.
In the coming weeks, you can enjoy a beer while raising money for an historic ship, celebrate the legacy of the women who worked at the Richmond Shipyards and help commemorate the Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary.
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings, too.
Clean Air Day bicycle ride, air pollution town hall Sunday
An upcoming Clean Air Day event pairs an opportunity to enjoy spending time outdoors with an event to discuss Richmond’s air quality and its health impacts. The Clean Air Day Ride is Sun., Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It begins at South 12th Street and Maine Avenue.
The free event is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Rich City. Along the route, riders can go on a guided group ride as well as learn about air quality and environmental health at various educational stops. Free bike tune-ups are also available.
Cyclists of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
The event will be followed by a town hall meeting from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of Nystrom Elementary School, 230 Harbour Way South, to discuss asthma and air pollution in the region.
An ongoing Richmondside series is taking an in-depth look at the area’s chronic air pollution and higher-than-average asthma rates, including a look at how area doctors have become advocates for improving local air quality.
Meet Richmond city, school candidates and discuss ballot measures at election forums
Richmond voters will have an opportunity to meet local candidates and hear about ballot measures at several upcoming election forums.
On Monday, Richmondside will co-host the second in a series of three election forums for Richmond City Council candidates. (Read about our District 1 forum here.)
The forum for District 6 candidates is on Mon., Sept. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Bermuda Room at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Please RSVP.
The District 5 event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tue., Oct. 8, at Easter Hill United Methodist Church, 3911 Cutting Blvd. RSVP here. The events are free and will feature light refreshments and Spanish translation.
In addition, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a City Council candidates forum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 2, at Riggers Loft, 1325 Canal Blvd.
On Oct. 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Making Waves Academy, 4123 Lakeside Drive, parents and students will ask candidates running for the Contra Costa County Board of Education and the WCCUSD school board about their vision for the future of public schools.
The forum, which includes dinner, will take place in the Upper Campus Drama Theatre. Visit the RSVP page for more information.
On Thur., Oct. 3, the West Contra Costa Council of Industries will host a forum for voters to meet the candidates. The event is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of The Shops at Hilltop, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road. (Enter on the south side of the mall next to the Richmond police office west of Walmart.)
On Wed., Oct. 9, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County is hosting a forum to discuss two ballot measures that intend to change how Richmond voters choose candidates. That event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City Council chambers, 450 Macdonald Ave. You can watch that forum via Zoom or on Channel 28 TV.
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.
What’s in a name? One-woman show is Saturday
“Names can serve as minefields of misplaced notions, sometimes comical, sad or demeaning.”
— Irma Herrera, pictured in her one-woman show
Courtesy Irma Herrera
The societal prejudices and assumptions people make related to a person’s name will be explored in a one-woman show this weekend.
Irma Herrera will perform “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name” on Sat., Sept. 28, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave.
A repeat performance is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 6, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $28 for general admission and $17 for students.
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.”
Saturday: Learn what you should plant this fall
Unsure what to plant in your yard this fall?
Stop by Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, 740 Market Ave., this Saturday for some tips.
Their expert gardeners will offer advice during their annual Fall Planting Festival, which is Sat., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free gardening talks will be accompanied by face painting, children’s crafts, food and art.
Gardeners’ get-together at the library on Saturday
Gardeners will also be able to share stories and exchange plants at a library event this weekend.
The Fall Plant Swap will be on Sat., Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Richmond’s main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Gardeners are encouraged to bring their varieties of plants, seedlings, clippings and divisions to trade with other plant enthusiasts.
Shows tonight, Saturday at Richmond Memorial Auditorium
Two concerts are being held this week at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The first is a performance by Panteon Roco Inspector Y Mas tonight at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $60 plus a $10 booking fee.
On Sat., Sept. 28, a Richmondland concert gets under way at 5 p.m. It features High Consignment, The Recipe and other groups. General admission tickets are $59.99 plus a $6.50 booking fee.
Filmmaker’s showcase in Albany Saturday
The latest in short films from Albany filmmakers will be shown on an outdoor screen at the Albany FilmFest 2024 Saturday at 1207 Solano Ave.
The event will be on Sat., Sept. 28, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session with the directors.
The festival is free, but organizers note some of the films may not be suitable for young children.
Adoption fair at Jelly’s Place animal rescue
You can get a first-hand look at dogs, puppies, cats and kittens at a pet adoption fair at Jelly’s Place, 2905 San Pablo Dam Road in San Pablo.
The fair will be at the animal rescue and adoption organization’s facility on Sun., Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to adopting a pet, visitors can also enjoy rock painting and bracelet making.
Family nature outing walk
The organization YES Nature to Neighborhoods is sponsoring a Nature Day Outing on Sat., Sept. 28.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
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.
Nighttime lane closures on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
Heads up if you plan to cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge at night in the near future.
Caltrans crews have begun overnight repaving work that will last until Fri., Oct. 4. The work is scheduled to be done on weekdays between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. on the upper westbound deck and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the lower eastbound deck.
The work will require some lane closures during hours and could also impact the bicycle lane. Speed limit signs of 40 mph will be posted.
You can check real-time traffic congestion using Caltrans’ QuickMap.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live entertainment each week.
Music and comedy are on tap at Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., on Sat., Sept. 28. First on the schedule is The Elmwoods, a pop, reggae and rockabilly band. They perform from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. Then, comedian Dan “Gonzo” Machanik will present his stand-up act from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no cover charge, but reservations are required.
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 today through Monday.
Coming soon: Celebrate Chamber, Red Oak ship, Rosies and more
Richmond Chamber of Commerce celebrating 100 years
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a century of helping local businesses.
The chamber is hosting a 100 Year Anniversary Celebration on Fri., Oct. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Riggers Loft, 1325 Canal Blvd.
The event will honor dignitaries and look back at how the chamber has grown along with Richmond since it was founded in 1924.
Tickets to the event are $100.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of the chamber but a testament to our community’s resilience, dedication and success,” chamber officials say.
Beer festival to raise money for historic ship
A variety of craft beers will be available during tours of the historic SS Red Oak Victory ship at a fundraiser next month.
The Battlestar Classic 8 Craft Brew Festival Fundraiser will be on Sat., Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., aboard the SS Red Oak, which is docked at 1337 Canal Blvd., in Point Richmond.
More than 30 craft breweries will be on hand to provide beer samples to visitors 21 years and older.
There will also be food trucks as well as live music. Visitors can board the SS Red Oak for a self-guided tour.
Tickets for the brew festival purchased in advance are $65 plus fees. Day-of tickets are $75.
Advance tickets for people under 21 and those who don’t wish to drink alcohol are $10 plus fees in advance or $15 on the day of the event.
The craft beer festival has been held for the past seven years on the USS Hornet in Alameda. This year, it was moved to the SS Red Oak to raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of the historic ship as well as to celebrate the legacy of the Rosie the Riveter workforce and the Richmond Shipyards.
The SS Red Oak is the last surviving vessel of the 747 ships that were built in the Richmond Shipyards during World War II. The ship is generally only open to the public on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gala dinner to benefit Rosie the Riveter Trust Fund
Come celebrate the history of the women who worked at the Richmond Shipyards at an elegant evening event.
The Rosie the Riveter Trust 2024 Gala dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 5, at the West County Salesian Youth Center & Gym, 2801 Moran Ave.
The gala will feature a three-course dinner from Blue Heron Catering in Hayward.
The keynote speaker will be Tracey Panek, a historian and director of archives for Levi Strauss & Company. Panek has studied and met with some of the women who worked at the shipyards during World War II and were known by the nickname Rosie the Riveter.
Panek, whose company outfitted some of the shipyard workers, is also a frequent visitor to the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front Historical Park in Richmond.
Proceeds from the gala dinner go to the Rosie the Riveter Trust, which helps operate the park and preserve the history of this group.
Walk to support programs fighting hunger
You can literally take some steps in the right direction early next month to help support the fight against hunger and homelessness in the Richmond area.
The 38th annual Harmony Walk is set for Sat., Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 nonprofit organization that serves 15,000 people annually in western Contra Costa County.
Cost is $38 per person and $12 for each additional individual signed up with the original registration.
Sign up now for Richmond Art Center’s Holiday Arts Festival
You have until Wed., Oct. 2, to sign up to be a vendor at the Holiday Arts Festival 2024 at the Richmond Art Center.
The 62nd annual festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 8, at the art center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
The fair will feature handmade gifts from more than 50 local artists and craftspeople. There will also be a ceramics studio sale as well as free art activities.
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the festival.
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.
● Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Center 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 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s 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 are meetings are held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Agendas are usually posted the preceding Friday. The next meeting is Oct. 1. Learn more in our guide to the City Council.
● The Richmond Planning Commission 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. The next meeting is Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. 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 Contra Costa Board of Supervisors usually meets on Tuesdays beginning at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1.
● 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.
