Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
In the coming week, you can attend a community prayer breakfast, win prizes just by going for a walk and learn more about snakes at a library seminar.
Also coming soon: It’s time to apply for $650,000 in Chevron-funded community grants; learn about artificial intelligence at a free forum; and join celebrations for Black History Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Chinese New Year.
City announces 2025-26 Chevron community grants
The city of Richmond is accepting applications for its 2025-26 Chevron-funded grant programs to help support community organizations, youths and youth sports.
Both grants have a Feb. 9 application deadline.
The first program is the ECIA Community Grant Program. Grants will range from $5,000 to $500,000.
The second is the Community Services Department (CSD) Mini Grant Program, where the awards range from $5,000 to $10,000.
The programs are funded through a 10-year agreement between the city and Chevron that was founded in 2014 and began in 2016. This year there is $650,000 budgeted for the grants.
City officials have scheduled two Zoom sessions to discuss the ECIA and CSD programs.
The first meeting is set for Tue., Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The second is on Wed., Jan. 15, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Visit the above links for more details.
Apply for vouchers to ride electric bicycles for free
The city of Richmond and its E-bike partner Today are offering vouchers for free electric bicycle rides to make traveling around the city easier and to promote a greener, cleaner environment.
Individuals who live, work or study in Richmond Rising project areas, including the Iron Triangle, Coronado and Santa Fe neighborhoods, can apply for bike ride vouchers using this form.
Under the Electric Bike Share program electric bikes are available for rent from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. at a number of stations citywide.
For those who don’t get a voucher, there are several payment options, including pay by the minute, a 15-minute ride for $2 or a monthly pass for $80.
Riders are asked to stay within Richmond city limits, obey traffic laws, stay in bicycle lanes and wear a helmet.
National Violence Townhall meeting — Jan. 9
A Richmond organization is sponsoring a virtual town hall in an effort to help prevent violence.
The National Violence Townhall is part of a nationwide campaign to help prevent gun violence, gender-based violence, poverty and educational disparities over the next four years.
The Zoom event is being held on Thur., Jan. 9, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Last fall, Richmond became the first city in California to partner with Silence the Violence, a nonprofit organization that is trying to create safer and more equitable communities.
Community prayer breakfast— Jan. 11
The community is invited to enjoy a healthy breakfast and pray together.
The Cultural Community Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for Sat., Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Ave.
Tickets are $17.85, including fees, for adults and $9.31 with fees for children. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Organizers say the gathering is “a morning of reflection, connection and community.”
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to start your year off right with a delicious healthy breakfast and uplifting prayers,” they said. “Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance or simply enjoy coming together with your community, this breakfast is open to all. Let’s share a meal, our goals, our intentions and our hearts.”
Weekly winter walking challenges start Jan. 13
You can get some exercise, promote cleaner air and be entered into drawings for Amazon gift cards just by taking a walk.
The 2025 Winter Walk Challenge will begin the weekly contests on Mon., Jan. 13.
Participants can sign up every week. Those who meet the challenges will be entered into a weekly drawing for $20 gift cards.
The contest lasts until the end of March. Everyone who registers has a chance to win an iPad, the grand prize.
The challenge is sponsored by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Visual artists group receives grant; will meet Jan. 14
A group of Richmond visual artists is one of eight nonprofit arts organizations receiving an operational grant.
The Visual Artists of Richmond has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Arts Contra Costa County (ARTSCCC).
“This is the first-ever District Arts Partner grant for Contra Costa County. As we garner additional support for the Arts community, ARTSCCC seeks to expand the District Arts Partner program,” said Jenny Balisle, ARTSCCC executive founding director.
Visual Artists of Richmond brings together more than 75 visual artists from the community to help celebrate and support their work.
The all-volunteer group holds an artists’ gathering every two months as well as an annual open studio event where artists can display and sell their creations.
The next artists’ gathering is scheduled for Tue., Jan. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Seaport Studios, 4925 Seaport Ave. in Richmond.
The next Richmond Open Studio is set for Sat., Sept. 6, at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Registration for the event opens on March 15. There will be a preview exhibition on July 9.
Snakes slithering back to the library — Jan. 16
You can learn firsthand about snakes at an educational library event.
The free event, titled “For Goodness Snakes,” will be held on Thur., Jan. 16, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
At the family-friendly gathering, experts will educate attendees about snakes as well as dispel myths about the reptiles. There will also be an opportunity for some hands-on experience with the snakes.
Ongoing
Free historic bricks at Point Richmond condominium complex
The Brickyard Landing Homeowners Association is giving away 6,000 historic bricks to local civic and nonprofit organizations as well as Richmond residents.
The bricks are from an historic chimney and kiln that were demolished for safety reasons.
The association has set aside 3,000 bricks for groups and 3,000 for residents.
Anyone interested can contact the association at office@brickyardlanding.org. Interested parties can inspect the bricks and select which ones they want to take. The association notes they cannot help load or transport bricks.
Brickyard Landing is a four-story condominium complex with 310 units that was built in Point Richmond in 1986.
Apply for COVID business grant — Jan. 20 deadline
The city of Richmond is offering 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.
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.
Youth Hall of Fame nominations — Feb. 25 deadline
Do you know a teenager whose selfless actions deserve recognition?
You can nominate them for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards.
The awards are handed out annually to county residents between 12 and 18 years of age who exhibit exemplary behavior.
The nominees should demonstrate qualities in at least one of six categories: Good Samaritanism, volunteerism, teamwork, leadership/civic engagement, perseverance and innovation/empowerment.
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 25. The youths selected for these awards will be honored at the 31st annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration on April 1 at the Board of Supervisors Chambers in Martinez.
Art class registration at Richmond Art Center
Registration is open for a variety of winter session classes for adults and children at the Richmond Art Center, though some classes have limited spots or wait lists.
The winter session runs through March.
Adult classes include weaving, glass beads, floral expressions and woodblock printmaking. Class fees range from $100 to $400.
Children’s classes include visual storytelling and block printing basics. Class fees range from $125 to $160.
Apply for Richmond Promise scholarship — March 14 deadline
Richmond high school seniors can now apply for the 2025 Richmond Promise Scholarship.
The program provides a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education that can be renewed for up to six years.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a Richmond resident;
- Have attended a school within the boundaries of the West Contra Costa Unified School District from ninth to 12th grade and have graduated from an eligible school within the past academic year (or be planning to graduate) or have obtained a GED/high school equivalency certificate;
- Complete the appropriate applications; and
- Apply by March 14.
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.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, will feature live music on Thursday through Sunday and Wednesday.
The Factory Bar will host a Golden Gate Bistro food truck on Thursday and Friday as well as a Whey on Wheels food truck on Sunday. Another Whiskey Wednesday event is also on the schedule.
The Riggers Loft, 1325 Canal Blvd., will feature live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Saturday.
Coming soon
Learn about artificial intelligence at library workshop — Jan. 18
Adults and children alike can learn more about artificial intelligence (AI) at a family-oriented seminar.
The free workshop is set for Sat., Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room in the Richmond Main Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Experts from the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley will explain how artificial intelligence works and the role AI can play in society.
There will also be hands-on exhibits that show how machines can mimic human tasks, including recognizing facial expressions.
“Unleash your curiosity and learn how AI works in surprising and playful ways,” library officials said.
Greenway cleanup to celebrate MLK Day — Jan. 20
A greenway sprucing up and a community lunch will highlight a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
The Day of Service is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along the Richmond Greenway.
The activities start along the Greenway where volunteer crews will be cleaning up and performing maintenance from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The gathering point is at 63 South Eighth St.
It will be followed by a community lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unity Park at 16th Street and the Greenway.
The event is sponsored by the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District.
County supervisors to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on Jan. 21
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will hold its annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a theme of “Celebrating Our Shared Humanity.”
The hour-long ceremony is scheduled for Tue., Jan. 21, beginning at 11 a.m. in the board chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez.
As part of the gathering, the board will honor the adult humanitarian of the year as well as two student humanitarians. There will also be a performance by a high school choir, an invocation and a reading from Stephen Smith, the poet laureate for the city of Richmond.
RYSE Center spring program begins — Jan. 21
Classes, workshops, field trips and other opportunities for young people begin anew on Jan. 21 at the RYSE Center, 3939 Bissell Ave. in Richmond.
The spring program runs from Jan. 21 to June 11 and is available for youths ages 13 to 21.
Among the free offerings are cooking classes, art workshops, school and career counseling, outdoor and arcade games, studio and poetry workshops, and wellness and health resources.
“Step into a space where youth can come together to organize, learn about their expressive freedom, identities, and create new connections within their community,” organizers said.
The RYSE Center has been operating for 16 years and has served more than 10,000 young people.
History lesson on women, people of color after World War II — Jan. 22
A history expert will discuss what happened to women and people of color in Richmond after World War II.
The free lecture is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave.
Karen Buchanan, the board president of the Richmond Museum Association, will present the talk.
The event is sponsored by the Richmond Public Library and the Point Richmond History Association.
Richmond Art Center winter exhibitions open — Jan. 22
Starting Jan. 22 through March 22, the Richmond Art Center will host three new exhibits showcasing work that “bursts with color, meaning, and inventive materials,” according to gallery officials.
In its 28th year, “Art of the African Diaspora” honors the creative achievements of artists of African descent. More than 150 local Black artists will showcase their work in the Main Gallery in what the art center said is the Bay Area’s largest non-juried exhibition of its kind. The adjacent West Gallery highlights work by featured artists Deborah Butler, Kim Champion, and Carrie Lee McClish.
In the South Gallery, Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert unveils a new iteration of his “Upcycled Garden,” a project born during the pandemic. In 2021, faced with lockdown challenges, Attaboy began repurposing materials such as pizza boxes, COVID test kits, shipping boxes, and house paint to create whimsical organic forms. The work has been seen at 10 U.S. venues and now can be viewed in Richmond, Seifert’s hometown.
The Community Gallery will feature work by the art center’s students. ”Across Land and Sea” will include mixed media and pastel works on paper by students from Jennifer Linderman’s fall art classes at Richmond Art Center, along with works by Linderman.
An opening reception for all the shows will be held on Sat., Jan. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 2540 Barrett Ave. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Puzzle swap returns to the library — Jan. 29
Looking for a new puzzle to solve?
If so, then head to the library to trade games with other puzzle enthusiasts.
The free puzzle swap is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room in the Richmond Main Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for community members to exchange puzzles they’ve already conquered for fresh challenges,” library officials said.
Book signing for “We Are the Builders” — Feb. 1
The author of a book on the roles children can play in their community will be featured at a book signing.
The free event will be held on Sat., Feb. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. at Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts, 260 Broadway in Richmond.
Author Deepa Iyer will be there to sign copies of her book, “We are the Builders!” The picture book centers on a community day in a town with the children wondering where they will fit in.
Snacks and refreshments will be served during the event.
City hosting Chinese New Year luncheon — Feb. 1
Richmond officials will host a luncheon to celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year.
The event is being held on Sat., Feb. 1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The luncheon is free, but advance registration is required. No outside food is allowed. Light refreshments and entertainment will be provided.
The Chinese New Year begins on Jan. 29, and celebrations are held until Feb. 16. This year is the Year of the Wood Snake.
Auction to help animal foundation — Feb. 9
also places animals in foster care or with adoptive families. Courtesy Stitch in Time Animal Rescue
NOTE: This item was edited to reflect a date and start time change for the event.
An afternoon of music, food and a live auction will raise money to help stray animals.
The Citizens for Rescue Auction event, organized by Animal Advocates of Contra Costa County, has been rescheduled. It will be held Sun., Feb. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a local private residence. The address of the fundraiser is provided after tickets are purchased.
Tickets cost between $75 and $125.
Items to be auctioned range from Oakland Zoo tickets to SF MOMA, DeYoung and symphony tickets to pet-related items and more.
Proceeds go to Stitch in Time Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization that helps provide vet care and homes for animals in Contra Costa County.
Event organizers are still seeking donated items for the auction. Contact animaladvocates.info@gmail.com for more information.
Black History Month celebration — Feb. 22
A celebration of Black History Month will be held in late February.
The event is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
The cost is $15 per person. Advanced registration is required, and no outside food is allowed.
There will be food, music and line dancing as well as a recognition of local leaders who have contributed to the community.
Black History Month was started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It initially was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln. It is now held from Feb. 1 to March 1.
Urban Farm Fair and soil check — Feb. 22
You can pick up gardening tips and check the health of your soil at an educational event next month.
The Urban Farm Fair will be held on Sat., Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Urban Tilth North Richmond Farm, 323 Brookside Drive.
The free event is for gardeners of all levels. Participants can get advice about water conservation and urban gardening.
You can also bring in a soil sample from your yard to have it tested for lead contamination and nutrient levels.
Recurring 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. The program is expected to resume after a winter break later this month.
● 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.
● 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: 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 regular meeting is expected to be on Jan. 21. 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 meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15. 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 Jan. 14.
● The county is also seeking to appoint six 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 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 15 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.
