Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
For the upcoming spooky holiday, see our list of 13 things to do for Halloween in Richmond.
If Halloween isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do, including a Filipino dance festival, a pop-up vegan food market and the opening of a nature photography exhibit featuring the splendor of west Marin spaces such as Point Reyes.
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings, too.
Exhibit highlighting nature photos opens Saturday
The Point Richmond Gallery is opening a new exhibit featuring photographs of nature from western Marin County.
An opening reception for “The Spirit of West Marin” will be held on Sat., Oct. 26, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the gallery located at 145 W. Richmond Ave.
The free exhibit spotlights the photography of Bill Johnston, Marsha Kirschbaum, Don Melandry and Steve Napoli.
These photographers have met weekly for five years to share their love of photography and highlights from their photographic field trips.
The photos in this exhibit capture natural scenes from the communities of Nicasio and Point Reyes Station as well as the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Hike and a story along Richmond shoreline today
The East Bay Regional Park District has organized a hike with a themed story time along the Richmond coastline.
The free event is set 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 Saturday
A dance performance designed to show the beauty and splendor of Filipino culture is coming to the Richmond library.
The Kariktan Dance exhibition 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.
Vegan pop-up market raising money for Jelly’s Place
A vegan farmers market will pop up this weekend in Richmond with some of the proceeds helping some furry friends.
The market will be open on Sun., Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. at Exit Now, 3223 Pierce St.
It will feature plant-based foods and plates served up by East Bay chefs. In addition, 10% of the proceeds will support Jelly’s Place, an animal rescue facility in San Pablo that may be losing its lease.
Author discusses novel, poetry on Saturday
An Oakland author and poet will present a theatrical reading and discuss his latest novel at a Richmond bookstore this weekend.
The free event with J. R. Rice is on Sat., Oct. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts, 260 Broadway.
Rice will discuss his award-winning novel, Broken Pencils, as well as his spoken word poetry.
Community discussion on environment, art and justice issues
A discussion on art, environment, justice and queerness will be held this weekend.
Bridging Realities will be held on Sun., Oct. 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at a home at 6538 Claremont Ave. in Richmond.
The free event will feature an open discussion on the intersection of art, environmental activism and identity.
Two guest speakers are lined up: Sarawi Andrango, a Kayambi poet and indigenous leader from Ecuador, and Camilo Villa, a Colombian artist and educator.
The conversation will be moderated by Lorena Rodriguez, an artist, environmental activist and community organizer.
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.
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 Nuñez, who both engage 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, toy and food drives are underway
The Richmond Fire Youth Academy has launched its annual food, toy and coat drives.
The organization is accepting donations to help support families in need during the holiday season.
Food and coat donations can be dropped off on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Richmond Youth Academy, 3510 Cutting Blvd., 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.
The toy drive will be held through Dec. 27.
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 classes to teach participants about quilting and how to 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.
Apply for African American holistic wellness program grant by Oct. 31
Contra Costa County’s Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice is 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.
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.
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 and Sunday this weekend.
Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting live jazz music on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Saturday and Sunday.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, will feature live music Thursday through Tuesday 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 third annual Halloween Fest and Backyard Anniversary Party on Sun., Oct. 27, from noon to 8 p.m.
Coming soon
80th anniversary celebration for the SS Red Oak historic ship
The Port of Richmond is throwing a party for an historic ship.
An 80th anniversary party is being held for the SS Red Oak Victory Ship on Sat., Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the ship that is docked at the end of Canal Boulevard in Point Richmond.
The celebration will include dinner and dancing on board the ship. The vessel will also be open for tours. You can visit the bridge, the captain’s quarters, the original radio room and the deck guns.
Tickets are $108.55, including fees, for individuals and $642.09, including fees, for a table of six. Proceeds go to the Red Oak Victory as well as the Richmond Museum Association, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The SS Red Oak is the last survivor of the 747 ships that were built at the Richmond shipyards during World War II.
It was launched from Richmond harbor on Nov. 9, 1944, and served in the final year of the Pacific Theater.
‘Kickback’ program to support mental health resources
An afternoon of music and wellness activities to help promote mental health programs is coming to Richmond.
The Rich City Kickback 2024 will be held on Sat., Nov. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond City Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
The free event for all ages will feature music and dance performances as well as raffles, wellness activities, resource information and a community art activity.
Members of the YES Teaching Racial Environmental Empowerment Series (TREES) program will present information and detail a call to action for the city to provide mental health and healing resources for young adults.
In addition, local community organizations will facilitate activities and share wellness resources.
The gathering is sponsored by the adult leadership team at YES Nature to Neighborhood.
Celebrate trees and the Earth at a temple garden
A gathering in the forest will be held to honor nature and the search for compassion.
The 1000 Goddess Gathering & The Global Tree Love Ceremony will be held on Sat., Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at My Temple Garden in Richmond. The exact address for this free event is given to participants after they register.
The festivities are organized by My Temple Garden and SHE Living Ministry. The local event will be linked up with more than 200 other celebrations around the globe.
The event will begin with a circle of sharing, meditation and prayer. It will be followed by a drum circle. Participants will then be invited to commune with the surrounding trees.
“Trees and Forests are under tremendous stress due to climate change and deforestation,” event organizers said. “They wish to be sung to, danced to, drummed to, and loved. We will offer our prayers, love and light to the beloved Standing Ones/Tree People so that they can heal.”
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 1 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 there 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.
● A Music and Movement Storytime is offered 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 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. It is also offered on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Harnett Ave. as well as on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event features a story time session with a Richmond librarian.
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 Nov. 19. 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 scheduled for Nov. 7.
● 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 Nov. 5.
● 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 five 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.
