Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
With the election over (whew), you can perhaps look forward to a day off Monday in honor of Veterans Day. Plus Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 28, will be here soon along with more holiday merriment in December. Speaking of holidays, if you or an organization you work with plans to host a holiday-related event in Richmond or nearby, including food or clothing drives, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing hello@richmondside.org. You can also post your events in our free calendar.
For this week, learn how to start a home cooking business, meet a live bat and get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting local artists at upcoming crafts fairs.
A bit later this month you can join a group of bicyclists celebrating the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike lane, help clean up a park in west Richmond and learn how to safely ride your bicycle in the rain.
Veterans Day events honor those who’ve served
Two events will take place in west Contra Costa County to honor those who have served in the military.
A Veterans Day celebration will be held today, Nov. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Church Lane Senior Center, 1943 Church Lane in San Pablo.
On Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11, the El Cerrito Lions Club will honor service members with its annual placing of the flags at Sunset View Cemetery, 101 Colusa Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Lions Club members will hold a brief ceremony before passing out flags and cemetery maps for participants to place flags on the graves of veterans.
How to sell food made in your home kitchen
Are you a home cook who would like to sell food you make in your kitchen? Learn how to do it at an upcoming webinar.
An online seminar for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) will be held on Sat., Nov. 9, beginning at 11 a.m.
The MEHKO program allows California residents to sell a limited amount of food prepared at home. Organizers of the online session say the program can provide cooks with an affordable way to enter the food industry.
The free webinar will provide information on permits, safety, sales limits and community impact.
You can register for the seminar at this site.
80th anniversary celebration for SS Red Oak historic ship
The Port of Richmond is celebrating a milestone 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. aboard the ship at the end of Canal Boulevard in Point Richmond.
The celebration will include dinner and dancing in the ship’s event area. 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 $100 for individuals and $600 for a table of six. Proceeds go to the Red Oak Victory, which supporters want to move to a new location, 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 of World War II.
‘Kickback’ program Saturday supports mental health resources
An afternoon of music and wellness activities will be held to promote mental health programs.
The Rich City Kickback 2024 is 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.
Young adult members of the YES Teaching Racial Environmental Empowerment Series (TREES) program will present information and lead a panel discussion covering the importance of healthy coping mechanisms.
In addition, local community organizations will facilitate activities and share wellness resources.
The TREES project is part of the YES Nature to Neighborhood organization, which is celebrating its 25th year.
“[At the event] the community gets to experience a small part of what it’s like being a participant in the TREES Program through different wellness activities offered,” said Michelle Nguyen, the young adults program supervising coordinator for Yes Nature to Neighborhood. “We want for mental health and wellness to be accessible so we ensure that all resources and activities are free to the community such as barbering, free clothes, yoga, plant medicine, and more.”
Mr. Elephant to sing for children at library Saturday
Children can be entertained by family-friendly songs at a free special musical event at the library this weekend.
Speech therapist Paul Oliphant, who goes by the stage name Mr. Elephant, will sing for children on Sat., Nov. 9, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the Richmond main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Mr. Elephant’s original songs range from rock to reggae to beats to bossa nova.
He says his songs help children communicate with each other.
Live bats returning to library Nov. 13
Bats will be making an encore appearance next week at the Richmond library.
A free seminar on the winged mammals will be held on Wed., Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Side Branch library, 135 Washington Ave.
Experts will discuss the importance of bats to the environment and dispel harmful myths about the creatures.
Some rescued California native species of bats will also be on display.
Artsy gifts and crafts for sale Saturday
You can pick up some arts and crafts for yourself or someone else at a holiday gift fair this weekend.
The 3rd Annual Atchison Village Arts & Crafts Show & Sale is Sat., Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 270 Curry St.
Items for sale include beaded jewelry, functional and decorative ceramics, handmade dog houses, fused glass, one-of-a-kind T-shirts, hand-painted silks, sewn items, greeting cards, ornaments and dried flower wreaths.
The event is free and wheelchair-accessible. Snacks will be served.
Artists holiday shop at art center on Saturday
Starting this weekend, the holiday shop will begin filling up at the NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St.
An opening reception for the More than Enough NIAD Holiday Shop will be held on Sat., Nov. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the holidays, the shop will feature crocheted Afghan blankets and scarves as well as abstract paintings, ceramics, hanging lamps made from paper and other unique gifts.
Local artists earn a 50 percent commission from all items they sell.
Ham radio operators hold neighborhood practices this month
Ham radio operators in the Marina Bay neighborhood will get a chance to test their equipment at several neighborhood practices.
The West Contra Costa Emergency Radio Group will host these sessions over the next three Sundays.
On Sun., Nov. 10, Marina Bay Condos operators with tall high-gain antennas can interact with each other at 6 p.m.
On Sun., Nov. 17, Shores neighborhood residents will get their turn to connect with other radio operators beginning at 10 a.m.
On Sun., Nov. 24, residents of the Breakers area can practice their skills beginning at 10 a.m.
On the first Wednesday of every month, the radio group also hosts a session to help people in west Contra Costa neighborhoods learn how to integrate ham, GMRS and FRS radio communications in emergencies.
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.”
Free ferry rides on Fridays between Richmond and San Francisco
Between now and the end of the year, passengers can ride the San Francisco Bay Ferry free between downtown San Francisco and Richmond on Fridays.
The Free on Fridays program includes roundtrip passage between Richmond and San Francisco. No reservations are required.
The cost for a ferry ride is usually $4.70 each way for most adult passengers and $2.30 one way for youths, seniors and passengers with disabilities. Children under 5 can ride free.
The program is being offered in partnership with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. The CCTA is using Measure J sales tax revenue to pay for the project.
Visit the San Francisco Ferry website for schedule information.
“CCTA is proud to provide funding for the SF Bay Ferry’s free rides from Richmond to San Francisco, which encourages people to consider alternative transportation options that are practical, safe and fun,” said Tim Haile, executive director of the CCTA. “Initiatives like this support the economic vitality of the entire Bay Area by reducing congestion, improving mobility, and fostering greater regional connectivity — and of course, there’s just something special about seeing the Bay from the deck of a ferry.”
Snow Ball scholarship application period open until Nov. 22
High school seniors in the West Contra Costa Unified School District can now apply for a college scholarship.
The Richmond Community Services-Recreation Department is accepting applications for the annual Snow Ball Scholarship competition until Nov. 22.
There are two $2,500 scholarships available. There are 20 application slots available, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants must be WCCUSD high school seniors, have a weighted grade point average of 3.5 or above and be involved in extracurricular community activities.
A panel will interview finalists in early December. The scholarship recipients will be honored during a ceremony sometime early next year.
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 its weekly barbecue and music on Fri., Nov. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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 9:30 p.m.
The Backyard restaurant, 205 Cutting Blvd., will have live music on Saturday and Sunday.
Coming soon
Group bicycle ride across the Richmond bridge on Nov. 16
Don’t drive across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Bike across it. That’s the focus of a group ride being held Nov. 16.
For the 5th Annual Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail Ride cyclists will gather at 10 a.m. at the bus terminal side of the Richmond BART station, 1700 Nevin Ave
“This ride celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail, a key section of multi-use San Francisco Bay Trail linking the East Bay and North Bay,” said Bruce Beyaert, the chair of the Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC). “Bicyclists and pedestrians have enjoyed almost 420,000 trips across the bridge to date. For cyclists, it is the most popular of the six state-owned toll bridges over the Bay.”
The ride is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. The route will take cyclists through the City Central district before rolling along Ohio Avenue and eventually onto the bicycle lanes that lead onto the bridge.
The ride is sponsored by TRAC, Bike East Bay, Rich City Rides and other organizations.
Members from those groups will be asking participants to sign a petition opposing a proposed plan to close the bridge bike trail four days a week to make room for a car breakdown shoulder.
Park clean-up scheduled by Fierce Advocates for Nov. 16
A community cleanup is on the calendar for a park in west Richmond.
The free event is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unity Park, 1605 Ohio Ave.
The clean-up is sponsored by Fierce Advocates, which supports parents and caregivers of color to help them provide a quality education as well as health and wellness.
The organization sponsors a community cleanup the third Saturday of every month.
Learn to bicycle safely in the rain at Berkeley seminar Nov. 23
With winter rains on their way that means slick roads and wet bicycle tires.
You can learn how to ride your bicycle safely in wet weather at an upcoming seminar.
Bike East Bay is hosting a free workshop on Sat., Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library branch at 1901 Russell St.
Among the topics covered in the seminar are how to improve bicycle handling on wet streets, what equipment and clothing to consider, and how to make sure you are seen in the rain and in low-light conditions.
Holiday Faire Nov. 23 features arts, crafts from local artists
The Arts of Point Richmond (AOPR) is hosting a Holiday Faire on Sat., Nov. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Point Richmond Community Center, 139 Washington Ave.
The free event will showcase arts and crafts from 15 AOPR artists.
The handmade items will include jewelry, fused glass, ornaments, oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, pressed flower greeting cards and upcycled clothing.
Nearby, the West Side Library Branch will be open for youth crafts. There are also plenty of food options in the Point Richmond neighborhood.
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.
● Three 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. In addition, there is a farmers market at Kaiser Richmond, 901 Nevin Ave., on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that features produce, honey and ethnic foods.
● 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 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, 1401 Macdonald Ave. 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 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 is available most weeks at 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 eighth-grade can receive assistance with their homework from the Bay Area Tutoring Association on a first-come, first-served basis. The sessions will not be held on Mon., Nov. 11, due to the Veterans Day holiday.
● 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 there are classes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 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, fingerplay 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.
*Note: All Richmond libraries are closed on Veterans Day, Mon., Nov. 11.
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. However, meetings have been canceled because the body has not had a quorum.
● 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 regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20. 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. 12.
● 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.
● The Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging will be appointing 14 new members to its 40-person board. The terms are for two years. The council advises the county board of supervisors on planning, developing and administering programs for older adults.
*The Advisory Council on Equal Employment Opportunity is looking for four new members to serve on its 13-person board. Another four seats will also be open soon. The council advises the board of supervisors and helps implement equal employment programs.
You can check into other advisory commissions and their need for new board members on this county government website.
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.
