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 take a moonlit trail run, get an early start on celebrating Halloween and learn firsthand about the fascinating world of snakes.
In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to take a ghostly tour of Point Richmond, visit a haunted house courtesy of Richmond’s police department and let your kiddos frolic with bubbles.
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings, too.
Fiestas Patrias Parade date moved to September
The annual Richmond/San Pablo Fiestas Patrias Parade will now be permanently held in September instead of on Cinco de Mayo.
The parade celebrating Independence Day in Mexico and in numerous Latin American countries has been traditionally held on May 5. However, the parade this year was delayed due to bad weather until Sept. 14. Organizers say that event was so successful they plan to hold the parade in September annually moving forward.
Tree planting Saturday in Sante Fe neighborhood
You can help beautify Richmond by planting a tree in Richmond.
Community groups, including Groundwork Richmond, the Richmond Urban Forestry Advisory Committee and The Watershed Project, are sponsoring a free tree planting on Sat., Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at South Side Park, 361 South 6th St.
Participants can learn about urban gardening as well as help plant trees at the park and at residences where people have signed up under Richmond’s Adopt-A-Tree program.
“It’s an opportunity to learn about what a tree needs, how to give it a good start and keep it alive for three years until it can make it on its own,” said Janet Flint, the chairperson of the Urban Forest Advisory Committee. “You can learn why trees are so important to human health, and ecological health, how they provide shade and pull carbon out of the air. Studies show that people are happier when they are surrounded by trees.”
Organizers ask participants to bring a reusable water bottle, gloves, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes. The holes for the trees will have already been dug by city workers.
Draft Richmond Parkway to be released this fall
A draft plan for improvements along the Richmond Parkway between Interstate 80 and Interstate 580 is expected to be released soon.
The Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan was drawn up to reduce the negative impacts of traffic on local streets, including air pollution and crashes.
The plan also is designed to encourage more people to use public transit and increase access to regional trails and parks.
The plan is being developed by the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission, which has been seeking input from residents who live along this corridor. The study is funded by a grant from Caltrans.
A draft plan as well as a final plan are scheduled to be released in the next two months.
Full moon trail run in Wildcat Canyon tonight
Enjoy a bright full moon and get in some nighttime exercise during a trail run this evening.
The 5-kilometer run is on Thurs., Oct. 17, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Wildcat Canyon. Participants will meet at McCosker Trail at the Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance on Monte Cresta Avenue in Richmond.
Organizers note there is 685 feet of elevation rise and fall on this loop, but they say the jaunt is for runners of all levels. Wearing headlamps and lighted vests is recommended.
Organizers say the run is a chance to “experience the thrill and beauty of running through the night sky.” (Please note, a red flag fire warning is in effect throughout the Bay Area, including all of Richmond, through Saturday, so check the park district’s closures page for the latest updates.)
Dia de los Muertos Fall Family Day on Saturday
Art and music will come together at a family event this weekend.
The Dia de los Muertos: Fall Family Day will be held on Sat., Oct. 19, from noon to 3 p.m., at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
The free event will celebrate the upcoming Day of the Dead holiday (traditionally celebrated Nov. 1-2) as the center’s galleries and courtyard come alive with music and art-making activities.
There will also be a live performance by Danza Azteca Teokalli, a group that performs traditional Aztec dances and music.
Play with pumpkins in the pool on Saturday
Children can celebrate Halloween a little early this weekend at The Plunge, 1 East Richmond Ave. in Point Richmond.
The swim center is sponsoring a Floating Pumpkin Patch on Sat, Oct. 19, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
During the sessions, children will be able to swim amid pumpkins that are bobbing in the pool waters. Children are allowed to take one pumpkin home with them.
Children age 8 and younger must have an adult in the pool with them. Children older than 8 must have a paying adult supervising them.
Advanced registration is required. The fee for children who live in Richmond is $10. It’s $7 for adults who live in Richmond. For non-residents, the admission charge is $12.50 for children and $8.75 for adults.
Let Halloween inspire your artistic talents this weekend
You can paint pumpkins and rocks at another early Halloween celebration.
A Puff and Paint art session is being held Sat., Oct. 19, from 4:20 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center, 3219 Pierce St.
At this free event, participants can paint faces on pumpkins or dabble in some rock painting. There will also be craft sessions and artists’ pop-ups.
Participants will be able to take their painted pumpkin home. The decorated rocks will be placed in the healing center’s inspirational rock garden.
‘For Goodness Snakes’ seminar at the library on Saturday
Get up close and personal with a variety of snakes at Richmond’s main library this weekend.
The “For Goodness Snakes” program will be held on Sat., Oct. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the main library branch, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
The free event is intended to educate children as well as adults about the fascinating world of snakes.
The program includes an introduction to reptiles as well as a question-and-answer session with an expert and then some hands-on experience with snakes.
‘Fat People’ sponsoring Saturday hike along Richmond shoreline
“Fat People Hiking Bay Area” has organized a 1.8 mile hike on Point Isabel.
The free hike is on Sat., Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. No registration is required. It starts at the Rydin Road Staging Area and follows the Richmond shoreline to Marina Park.
“Fat People Hiking Bay Area” is an organization of women and gender-expansive people with larger bodies who embrace the word “fat.” The hikes are designed to bring this community together to connect over their love for the outdoors.
An encore performance for roller derby teams this weekend
Roller derby is returning to Richmond for another battle between two Bay Area teams.
The Oakland Outlaws will take on the San Francisco Rolling Dead on Sat., Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. at the
Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The battle is the final contest in a three-game series between the two all-female teams.
A special exhibition performance by the junior roller derby team BAD Seeds will precede the main event. It begins at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $44.52, including fees.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live entertainment and other events each week.
Music and comedy are staples at the Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd. Live music is on tap on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting live music on Friday and Sunday.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, will feature live music Thursday through Monday with stand-up open mic comedy on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Backyard restaurant, 205 Cutting Blvd., will have live music on Saturday and Sunday. There is also the second annual Fairy Princess Party on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 is deadline to enter CCRP logo design contest
Richmond’s Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP), a new city team that’s trained to intervene in emergency situations so police don’t have to be called, has a new name and is holding a contest asking Richmond youths and young adults to come up with a logo for its new vans.
The CCRP is now “ROCK,” which stands for “reach out with compassion and kindness,” according to the city website.
Young people can compete for cash prizes and to have their design featured on the vans. Visit the contest page for complete rules and more information.
Coming soon: Lots of spooky fun is afoot
Escape room puzzles at the library on Wednesdays
The Richmond library system is celebrating Halloween every Wednesday this month with free escape room-style puzzle-solving events.
The next BreakOut E.D. Boo is being held on Wed., Oct. 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the main mibrary, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Another free session will be held on Oct. 30, also at the main branch.
The puzzles are designed for middle school and high school students, but all ages are welcome to give them a try.
“BreakOut EDU are portable escape room challenges and puzzles that are designed for educators to help students to build social-emotional skills like teamwork, empathy, problem-solving, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Each week we are offering a different fun spooktacular challenge. Participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, bring their friends, and see how fast they can solve the puzzles,” library officials said.
Point Richmond history comes alive on annual Halloween hike
Courtesy Karen Buchanan. Credit: Courtesy Karen Buchanan
You can learn some spooky history about Point Richmond during a walk through the Point Richmond downtown area later this month.
The 8th Annual Haunted Halloween History Hike will take place on Sat., Oct. 26, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will gather at “The Sentinel” statue in the downtown triangle at Park Place and Washington Avenue to start the kid-friendly, dog-friendly tour. The hike, led by local comedian and history buff Karen Buchanan, ends at the Biancoverde Restaurant at Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave.
Along the way, you can learn about famous Point Richmond characters such as Juan Bautista Alvarado and Martha Crichett from costumed actors. There will also be ghost stories about some of the historic buildings. The story of the Ghost of the Bathing Lady will be told at the Biancoverde Restaurant where you can enjoy a spooky cocktail.
Tickets are $20 in advance.
Girl Scouts hosting Bubblefest for younger children
The Girl Scouts are holding a Bubblefest for families interested in joining their organization.
The free event takes place on Sat., Oct. 26, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Solano Playlot at 38th Street and Solano Avenue in Richmond.
The Bubblefest is for children from transitional kindergarten to third grade.
During the festival, children will create soapy bubbles that they can release into the sky.
Pre-registration is required. It’s recommended that participants wear clothing that can get wet and soapy.
“At this event, your child will get a taste of how fun and enriching Girl Scouts is. Additionally, adults will receive the necessary information about how to join an existing troop, or join with friends to form a new troop at their school or in their community,” event organizers said.
Hiking and storytelling along the Richmond shoreline
The East Bay Regional Park District has organized a hike with a themed story time along the Richmond coastline.
The free event is slated for Thursday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., starting in the Big Meadow Picnic Area at Miller Knox Park, 900 Doman Drive.
Participants will be led to Keller Beach by EBRPD naturalist Melissa Fowlks. Once there, librarians will present a story session.
No registration is required. Participants can just show up at the scheduled time and place.
Filipino dance festival coming to the library
A dance performance designed to show the beauty and splendor of Filipino culture is coming to the Richmond library.
The Kariktan Dance performance will highlight traditional dances often performed at fiestas in rural regions.
The free event is being held on Sat., Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at Richmond’s main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Richmond Police hosting haunted house
Richmond Police are organizing a little frightful fun for the Halloween season.
The Richmond Cops and Goblins haunted house will be open on Sat., Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police station at 1701 Regatta Blvd.
The free event includes a barbecue lunch cooked up by police grill masters as well as trick-or-treating opportunities for children and, of course, a trip through a makeshift haunted house.
There will also be an outdoor resource fair providing information for community members.
Halloween costume party at PRAM
A potluck and costume contest will be part of a Halloween party in Point Richmond.
The free event is on Thurs., Oct. 31, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Parents, Resources and More (PRAM) RC Fieldhouse facility at 110 E. Richmond Ave.
Participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share as well as dress up in their favorite Halloween costume.
Prizes will be awarded in the following age categories: Baby, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13. The best family costume will also be recognized.
Costume contest going to the dogs Oct. 27
The Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO) organization, a volunteer nonprofit group that helps support the off-leash use of the Point Isabel open space, is sponsoring a Halloween costume contest for dogs.
The Barktoberfest celebration is on Sun., Oct. 27, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. There is a parade in addition to the costume contest.
The event is free to PIDO members and their friends.
Participants are asked to gather in the field north of the Mudpuppy’s Sit and Stay Café at 1 Isabel St.
Contest categories will include small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large dogs as well as a grand prize.
Apply for African American holistic wellness program grant by Oct. 31
Contra Costa County’s Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice has started accepting applications for grants to help fund programs that promote African-American holistic wellness programs.
The office will be distributing one-time grants of up to $880,000 to community-based service organizations to existing programs to help expand services to increase the number of people served, the programs offered and the length of the programs.
The five service categories eligible under the grants are: Behavioral support, food and/or housing insecurity, maternal and infant health, youth development support and community healing support, particularly from trauma due to police violence.
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31.
Storytelling art exhibit through Nov. 15 at NIAD center
An art exhibit that promises to visually transport viewers to other worlds is on display through Nov. 15 at the NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St.
The exhibit features the work of artists Heather Hamann and Michael Nunez, who both are engaging in the art of storytelling.
“Storytelling has been a constant in human history. When we share a story with others, it breathes life into a room, filling it with dialogue and mysterious beings. It can also be a way to combat today’s heaviness, transporting us to other places and timelines, whether real or imagined, exhibit organizers said.
“The works in this exhibition function like a book, where we cease to exist in the everyday world and become part of a shared illusion.”
Holiday coat and food drives are underway
The Richmond Fire Youth Academy has launched its annual food and coat drives.
The organization is accepting donations to help support families in need during the holiday season.
Food and coats can be dropped off on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Richmond Youth Academy, 3510 Cutting Blvd. Donations are being accepted until Nov. 23.
Donors are asked to bring gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves as well as canned vegetables, instant potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix and other holiday essentials.
Library cookbook submissions due Nov. 30
The folks at the Richmond Library have cooked up a way to distribute a variety of recipes throughout Richmond’s neighborhoods. They’re going to publish a community cookbook.
Residents will be allowed to submit one recipe for consideration. Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 30. Submitting a recipe doesn’t guarantee it will be included.
The goal of the cookbook is to showcase the variety of cuisines in Richmond.
Library officials are also coordinating a community quilt in which local residents can submit a patch to be part of the project. The library has been sponsoring quilt art classes to teach participants about quilting and contribute to the community project.
The book and the quilt are scheduled to be unveiled at a special event on Dec. 19.
“A community quilt helps us all share of ourselves and come together to represent the rich tapestry of Richmond’s communities, and a community cookbook lets us share our many cultures through the art of cooking,” library officials said.
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 is open every Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The Marina Bay Farmers Market is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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.
●You can now sample a variety of food at several outdoor locations citywide, thanks to Richmond’s new mobile food vendor program, open on various days at three locations. One is held on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the downtown city public lot at 1401 Macdonald Ave. City officials, including Mayor Eduardo Martinez, are scheduled to be at that location on Thur., Oct. 24 at noon for a celebratory ribbon cutting. The street vendors are also open for business on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Marina Bay Park off Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square. The marketplaces include everything from tacos to sandwiches to pupusas to refreshing drinks. The program is co-sponsored by the city of Richmond and the Richmond Farmers Market.
● 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 on Mondays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. On Thursdays, the Bear Claw Café & Bakery, 2340 San Pablo Ave. in Pinole, hosts chess games every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Fridays, games are held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Pablo Library, 13751 San Pablo Ave.
● The Homework Help program has returned to Richmond’s libraries, at the Main, Bayview and West Side branches. The free sessions are held Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at all three locations. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can receive assistance with their homework from the Bay Area Tutoring Association on a first-come, first-served basis.
● 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 are from 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 is on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the 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, although all ages of children are welcome.
● Family Storytime is on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event features 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.
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. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22. Agendas are usually posted the preceding Friday. 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 meeting is on Thurs., Oct. 17.
● 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. There is a community budget forum on Oct. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at De Anza High School, 5000 Valley View Road Richmond. It will also be broadcast on Zoom. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6. 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. 22.
● 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.
● The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Advisory Fire Commission is looking for two volunteers to serve as an at-large member on the board. The Commission is responsible for confirming the cost of abatement reports; conducting weed abatement appeal hearings; approving surplus equipment declarations; and advising the fire chief on district service matters. The commission meets on the second Monday of even-numbered months at 7 p.m. in Concord.
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.
