Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
You can learn about the effects of plastics on the environment, take a group bicycle ride across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and sample the latest fall release of local natural wines.
In the coming weeks, you can help raise money for a children’s arts program by playing a traditional Mexican card game or enjoy the sounds of Contra Costa Chorale performing works by some of the world’s greatest composers.
Also, be sure to check out our seasonal events roundup, which launched this week. We are highlighting holiday things to do and charitable giving opportunities through the start of the new year.
If you or an organization you work with plans to host a holiday-related event in Richmond or nearby, or if you’re organizing food or clothing drives, please let us know by emailing hello@richmondside.org and by adding it to our free calendar.
Kayakers to protest against coal dust Saturday
A group of kayakers from Rich City Rays will hold a group paddle at the Richmond Marina this weekend to protest the release of coal dust into the community.
The No Coal Coast to Coast event will take place on Sat., Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the Richmond shoreline.
The “kayaktivists,” who focus on climate justice, will launch their protest between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. from 1340 Marina Way South. The paddlers will return between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Barbara and Jay Vincent Park along the San Francisco Bay Trail. A community picnic will be held at the park until 2 p.m.
The protest centers around an agreement reached in 2021 by Richmond city officials and the Levin-Richmond Terminal to phase out the storage of coal and petcoke there by the end of 2026.
Members of Rich City Rays say coal dust has been a major contributor to the high rates of respiratory illnesses experienced by Richmond residents. Learn more about this problem in Richmondside’s ongoing air pollution series.
The Saturday demonstration centers on the organization’s desire to have alternative, renewable energy sources replace coal at the terminal.
New COVID relief grants for Richmond businesses
The city of Richmond will be providing grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to businesses that began operating before March 24, 2020.
The Richmond/ARPA Funds Relief Grant program is providing the grants to help businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Grant amounts vary from $5,000 for solo entrepreneurs to $7,500 for businesses with two to five employees and $10,000 for businesses with more than five employees.
The program administered by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. Business owners can apply for the grants via the website.
Free Saturday seminar on effects of plastic
An artist and a scientist will discuss the harmful effects of plastics on the environment.
The free seminar, “Plastic Life,” will be held on Sat., Nov. 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
Erin McCluskey Wheeler, an artist at Right Here, Right Now, Richmond, and Daniel Westcott, the founder and chief executive officer of Matched Materials, will discuss petrochemical plastics and the health effects those products have on the environment and public health.
Group bicycle ride across Richmond bridge on Saturday
Don’t drive across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Bike across it. That’s the focus of a group ride being held on Sat., 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.
Participants will have an opportunity 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.
Saturday natural wine fair features vintners, music and food
Sample some wine, listen to some tunes and enjoy a variety of food.
That will all be available at the By The Way wine fair on Sat., Nov. 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Purity Wine/The Study Wine Bar, 1401 Marina Way South #280.
The fair will feature more than 25 natural wine producers who will showcase two to four wines each, including new fall releases.
There will also be food from an array of vendors. Live jazz/funk music will be provided by The TQ Collective.
Tickets are $49.87 per person. The paid admission includes two to four pours of wine from participating producers.
Park clean-up by Fierce Advocates is Saturday
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 cleanup 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 services. As of last summer, a nonprofit was working to turn part of the space into the city’s first universally accessible public park.
The organization sponsors a community cleanup the third Saturday of every month.
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.
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 a couple of neighborhood practices.
The West Contra Costa Emergency Radio Group will host these sessions over the next two Sundays.
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.
Free ferry rides on Fridays from Richmond to San Francisco
Between now and the end of the year, passengers can ride the San Francisco Bay Ferry for 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.”
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 Friday 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 Wednesday 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
State agency poised to award grant to create new coastal park
It appears Richmond is a big step closer to having a new park.
The California State Coastal Conservancy will hold a hearing on whether to award a $36 million grant to the East Bay Regional Park District to acquire 52 acres at Point Molate. The acquisition would ensure the land along the Point San Pablo Peninsula remains open space.
The hearing will be held on Thur., Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Coastal Conservancy’s office at 1515 Clay St., Room 2, in Oakland.
In July, the Richmond City Council approved a three-party agreement with the park district and the Guidiville Rancheria of California to transfer the land to the park district.
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 wearing and how to make sure you are seen in the rain and in low-light conditions.
Wine tasting, auction helps Richmond youth program
Enjoy some wine and bid in a silent auction as you help a Richmond youth organization.
The West County Salesian Youth Club is hosting a wine tasting on Sun., Nov. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Salesian College Preparatory school, 2851 Salesian Ave. in Richmond.
There will be samples of local and regional wines as well as hors d’oeuvres from Café Soleil. In addition, a silent auction for bidding on items such as art, gift baskets and experiences.
Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the youth club.
Loteria event benefits children’s arts program
Enjoy a Mexican card game while helping a children’s arts program at a fun-filled event later this month.
The Richmond Rotary Club is sponsoring a Noche de Loteria children’s art exhibit on Fri., Nov. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave.
The event will include games of Loteria as well as a raffle for prizes.
Loteria cards are $10 each. Raffle tickets are $5 apiece. Proceeds go to the Children’s Art Studio Richmond.
Loteria is a card game similar to bingo that originated in Europe and came to Mexico via Spain in the 1700s.
Singing group presenting music from famous composers
The Contra Costa Chorale will sing the music of some of the greatest composers from Vienna, Austria, next month.
The group is based in El Cerrito and consists of singers of all ages and backgrounds.
The concert will be held on Fri., Dec. 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, which is located at 1 Lawson Road in Kensington.
The performance will include music from composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms.
Advance tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors/students/accessible. Tickets at the door are $30 for general admission and $25 for seniors/students/accessible. Children under 12 are admitted free.
Black women entrepreneurs to pitch business ideas
A “Shark Tank”-like event has been organized for Black women entrepreneurs in Contra Costa County.
The Taking Flight Pitch Competition, hosted by the Equity for Black Women & Girls Initiative, will be held on Sat., Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave.
At the free event, Black women from all over the county will pitch their business ideas in sessions designed to support, guide and help fund these entrepreneurs.
The 14 competitors are from the Sistas SOAR (Success Opportunities Apprenticeship Resilience) project, a 24-week incubator program that provides workshops to teach skills and prepare these entrepreneurs for success.
Each of the 14 participants receives $1,000 with additional prizes of $5,000 for first place, $3,500 for second place and $2,000 for third place.
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 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 three library 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.
● 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 Thurs., Nov. 28, and Fri., Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving.
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 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 Dec. 3.
● 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 their 10-member 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.
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.
