Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
For this week: If you’re job hunting, you might want to stop by Richmond’s annual career fair, taking place today from noon until 4 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. Later this week, given all the rain that’s falling, you might want to check out Saturday’s rain safety course for bicyclists.
In the coming weeks, there will be a “Shark Tank”-like event for Black women entrepreneurs in Contra Costa County held at CoBiz. Speaking of business owners, if your business has been struggling to recover from the pandemic, the city is now accepting eligibility inquiries for COVID relief grants.
Also, be sure to check out our holiday events roundup, which we launched last week. We are highlighting seasonal events and charitable giving opportunities through the start of the new year.
If you or an organization you work with is hosting 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.
Richmond career fair is today
Meet more than 25 employers and employment firms will gather today at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, from noon until 4 p.m. for the city’s annual career fair.
You can bring your resume and meet face-to-face with companies, schools and public safety and government agencies, including Tesla, Chevron, BART, WCCUSD and many more.
Richmond Museum of History and Culture now open on Sundays
The Richmond Museum of History and Culture has expanded its visiting hours to include Sundays. You can now visit Thursdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is at 400 Nevin Ave.
While the museum is compact, there’s plenty of amazing Richmond history packed inside. Richmondside’s calendar team took a tour earlier this year and enjoyed learning about one of the collection centerpieces: the 1941 “Richmond Industrial City” mural whose backstory could make a nice Hollywood movie plot.
The public art piece by Victor Arnautoff, once the artistic director of the murals at Coit Tower in San Francisco and a protégé of famed Mexican painter Diego Rivera, was originally painted in oil on canvas for display at a Richmond post office as a Works Progress Administration project.
But in the 1970s it somehow got ripped from the wall, rolled up and stored in a basement, according to museum Executive Director Evelyn Santos, who said it narrowly escaped being destroyed in a flood.
Fortunately it was restored in 2020 and is currently on view.
Learn to bicycle safely in the rain at seminar Nov. 23
With rain in the forecast local roads — and bicycle tires — could become dangerously slick. Fortunately 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 are how to improve bicycle handling on wet streets, what equipment and clothing to consider wearing and how to make sure you are more visible in the rain and in low-light conditions.
Nov. 24 wine tasting, auction for Salesian school
Enjoy some wine and bid in a silent auction to help support 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.
There will be samples of local and regional wines as well as hors d’oeuvres from Café Soleil. In addition, a silent auction will be open for bidding on items such as art, gift baskets and experiences.
Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the youth club.
Complete AC Transit safety survey for chance to win cash card
AC Transit, which serves portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, is conducting a safety survey to better understand riders’ experiences, particularly regarding any unsafe conditions they might have encountered.
The survey is part of a statewide initiative by large transit agencies mandated by SB 434, passed in 2023. The law requires public transit agencies to collect and share information regarding harassment.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Responses will remain confidential.
Fill out your survey by Dec. 1 for a chance to win a $100 VISA cash card. Forty prizes will be awarded.
CCRP logo contest deadline extended to Dec. 6
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 extended the deadline for its contest asking Richmond youths and young adults to design with a logo for its vans.
Can you design a logo for this white van? The City of Richmond is holding a contest for youths ages 13 to 25 to come up with artwork for its crisis response vans. Courtesy City of Richmond.
The CCRP is now being called “ROCK,” which stands for “reach out with compassion and kindness,” according to the city website.
Artists can win cash prizes and a chance to have their design featured on the vans. Visit the contest page for complete rules and more information.
State agency set to award grant for Point Molate park
It appears Richmond is a one step closer to having a new park.
The California State Coastal Conservancy will hold a hearing today on whether to award a $36 million grant to the East Bay Regional Park District to acquire 52 acres at Point Molate. The acquisition will make EBRPD the largest parks district in the United States.
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.
New COVID relief grants for Richmond businesses
The city of Richmond is offering grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to businesses that began operating before March 24, 2020, and several informational sessions will be offered for business owners.
The Richmond/ARPA Funds Relief Grant program is providing the grants to help businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Informational sessions are being held to provide more information. The first is Thur., Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. via Zoom or at the Richmond Works Center, 330 25th St. 2nd Floor (use the above QR code for more information); and two application office hour sessions will be held at CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Ave. on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Dec. 4, noon to 2:30 p.m.
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.
To apply, businesses must fill out this form to establish their interest and eligibility. Eligible businesses must be located in Richmond, demonstrate a pandemic-related impact, and meet the city’s definition of a small business. Priority may be given to industries hardest hit by COVID. Email eastbay@rencenter.org for more information.
Snow Ball scholarship application deadline is 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 final practice Nov. 24
Ham radio operators in the Marina Bay neighborhood will get another opportunity to test their equipment in the final of a series of recent neighborhood practices.
The West Contra Costa Emergency Radio Group will host a session on Sun., Nov. 24, for residents of the Breakers neighborhood 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., will host its First Friday event on Fri., Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy snacks and drinks from local spots including: Pickles N Smoke, Rocky Island Oyster Co., Mr. Dim Sum and The Factory Bar/
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, features live music almost nightly, with stand-up open mic comedy on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Backyard restaurant, 205 Cutting Blvd., hosts Friday happy hours plus live music and/or DJ tunes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Coming soon
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.
Richmond Art Center 2025: Art of the African Diaspora
The upcoming 2025 exhibit at the Richmond Art Center will be Art of the African Diaspora, Jan. 22 through March 22.
The art center, 2540 Barrett Ave., is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An artistic achievement awardee talk is set for Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by an opening reception from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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. Agendas are usually posted the preceding Friday. The next meeting will be Nov. 26. 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. 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.
