Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
This week you can learn more about artificial intelligence, help spruce up the Richmond Greenway and learn about Black parenting issues.
Happening later this month: Join a free event designed to provide Asian American and Pacific Islander residents with resources and tools for better mental health and wellness; Join a bird-watching hike with older adults along Richmond’s shoreline; and attend a meeting about reducing Richmond’s reliance on the fossil fuel economy.
Richmond will get $9 million to improve streets, make communities safer
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi has announced that Richmond will receive more than $9 million from the federal government’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program.
The money will be used to complete street improvement projects that “mitigate barriers to mobility and connectivity, making our community safer and better connected,” according to a press release from Garamendi’s office.
The improvements will include retrofitting arterial roads and crossings; incorporating traffic safety measures such as lane reductions; adding bicycle and pedestrian improvements that connect to regional transportation hubs and shoreline recreational areas; and installing stormwater management features.
“The Reconnecting Communities Pilot award is a critical part of advancing transformational transportation projects in Richmond to bridge long-standing divides in our most historically disadvantaged communities,” the press release stated. “Through infrastructure improvements to Harbour Way and Ohio Avenue, including implementation of ADA-compliant sidewalks, Class II and IV bike lanes, improved street lighting, lane reductions, and green infrastructure, the projects funded by this award will address environmental and social inequities and help foster economic and climate resilience.”
City leaders said the grant money will be beneficial to many Richmond neighborhoods.
“This will help encourage healthy and sustainable methods of transportation while increasing access to the benefits of Richmond’s beautiful shoreline,” said Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Snakes slithering back to the library — Jan. 16
You can learn firsthand about snakes at an educational library event today.
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.
Event spotlights book about Black parenting – Jan. 18
A woman who grew up in Richmond’s Iron Triangle neighborhood will discuss her book on parenting at a special gathering this weekend.
The Sip and Sign Event is scheduled for Sat., Jan. 18, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the offices of Keyz 2 The Future, 322 Harbour Way, Ste. 26.
Author Keycha Gallon will sign copies of her book, “Navigating Parenthood While Black,” and discuss her history as a gun violence survivor, teen mother and first- generation college graduate.
Gallon is the founder of Keyz 2 The Future, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting young people affected by gun violence.
Learn about AI at library workshop — Jan. 18
Adults and children are invited to 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.
Volunteer crews will be cleaning up and performing maintenance from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The gathering point is at 63 S. Eighth St.
A community lunch will be held afterward 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.
47th county commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy — 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.
25th anniversary of Richmond’s Cuba sister city relationship honored with art display — Jan. 21
You can view artwork portraying the history of the Cuban revolution at a special reception honoring the 25th anniversary of the Richmond-Regla, Cuba sister city relationship.
Antonio Canet‘s artwork will be displayed during a reception on Tue., Jan. 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Richmond City Council chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
The 96-print series traces the history of the Cuban Revolution.
Canet, who died in 2008, donated the prints to the United States in 2003, asking the Richmond-Regla Friendship Committee to serve as its guardian.
Regla is where Canet lived and worked.
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.
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 as well as a comedy night on Monday evening.
The Factory Bar will host a Golden Gate Bistro food truck on Thursday with live music as well as on Friday. Other specialty food trucks will be there Saturday through Tuesday. Another Whiskey Wednesday event is also on the schedule.
The Riggers Loft, 1325 Canal Blvd., will feature live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Coming soon
Winter Wellness Festival — Jan. 25
A day of workshops will focus on the well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
The AA&PI Winter Wellness Festival is set for Sat., Jan. 25, from noon to 5 p.m. at the RYSE Youth Center, 3939 Bissell Ave.
The free event is designed to provide Asian American and Pacific Islander residents with resources and tools as well as provide options for practicing mental health and wellness.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Space is limited in each workshop.
Food is provided along with activities, speakers and performers.
Bird watching along the Richmond shoreline – Jan. 27
The East Bay Regional Park District is sponsoring a bird-watching expedition along the Richmond shoreline.
The free event is set for Mon., Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. It starts at the Dornan Drive parking lot at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline.
Instructor Jenna Collins will lead the walk to explore the birds, habitat and plants of the area.
Hike in Point Pinole for older adults — Jan. 28
Hikers ages 55 years and older are invited to join an excursion at Point Pinole Regional Park along Richmond’s shoreline.
The free Over the Hills Gang walk is scheduled for Tue., Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The mostly flat course begins at the Atlas staging area.
Anthony Fisher will lead the excursion sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District.
Community meeting on reduction in fossil fuel use — Jan. 29
The California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission are holding a forum in Richmond to discuss how the community can transition away from its reliance on fossil fuels.
The meeting is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 29, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Nevin Community Center, 598 Nevin Ave.
The discussion is centered on how California can create a reliable, safe, equitable and affordable transition away from petroleum fuels in line with declining in-state petroleum demand.
The public’s feedback will help in the development of a statewide Transportation Fuels Transition Plan.
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.
Learn about local habitats from EBRPD naturalist — Jan. 30
You can learn about local habitats as well as natural science at another event at the local library.
The free seminar is scheduled for Thur., Jan. 30, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at Richmond’s main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
East Bay Regional Park District naturalist Melissa Fowlks will conduct the discussion, which is designed for children as well as adults.
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.
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.
Auction to help animal foundation — Feb. 23
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.
Ongoing
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 as well as 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.
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.
Chevron community grant deadline — Feb. 9
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.
Youth Hall of Fame nomination deadline — Feb. 25
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.
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.
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.
Art class registration still open at Richmond Art Center
Registration remains 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.
Weekly winter walking challenges — through March
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 began Jan. 13 and continues through the end of March.
Participants can sign up every week. Those who meet the challenges will be entered into a weekly drawing for $20 gift cards.
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.
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 local chapter of the Amtgard fantasy fighting group holds weekly contests. The Wyvern’s Spur gathers every Sunday at noon at Marina Bay Park in the Richmond Marina. The group engages in live action role playing based on the games Dungeon & Dragons and World of Warcraft. They use foam-covered weapons and cast “spells” as part of their games. Participants 13 years and older are welcome, although minors should have a parent or guardian accompany them.
● 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. The library is closed on Mon., Jan. 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
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 scheduled for 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. 29. 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. 21.
● 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 one volunteer to serve on its 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.
