Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
This week you can bicycle along the shoreline, attend a Chinese New Year celebration and support a Richmond drummer injured in an accident.
Happening later this month: Put your talents on display at an open mic show, help with a habitat restoration and celebrate Black History Month.
Free breakfast, lunch for all WCCUSD students
Officials at the West Contra Costa Unified School District have announced that every student at every school is eligible for a free breakfast and lunch on school days.
The program is part of the Community Eligible Provision of the federal National School Lunch and School Breakfast services.
Every student can get a free healthy breakfast and lunch during the 2024-2025 school yearn — and that’s a treat given that the district has been cooking from scratch using more locally sourced fresh ingredients.
No application is required and there are no fees.
For more information, contact the district at 510-307-4580, visit the WCCUSD Nutrition Center at 750 Bissell Ave. or email the district at bjellison@wccusd.net.
Get a special edition historic brick — Jan. 31
The Brickyard Landing Homeowners Association, which has been giving away historic bricks, is adding some civic pride to its free brick program at a special event.
On Fri., Jan. 31, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Brickyard Landing condominium complex, 1223 Brickyard Cove Lane, 3,000 bricks stamped with “RICHMOND” will be distributed to local nonprofit and civic organizations.
The bricks were originally manufactured by the Los Angeles Brick Company in Point Richmond, a company that produced bricks used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. They were used in prominent buildings as well as on streets.
The event also highlights an ongoing collaboration with the Richmond Historical Preservation Commission. The group is working to stabilize one of the original kilns used in the brickyard that is still standing on the property.
Bike along the Pinole, Hercules shoreline — Feb. 1
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance has organized an eight-mile bicycle ride along the western Contra Costa County shoreline.
The free event is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cyclists will meet at Bayfront Park off of Tennett Avenue in Pinole.
Participants will have a chance to observe a variety of waterfowl as well as birds such as woodpeckers and raptors.
City hosts 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 began on Jan. 29 and celebrations last until Feb. 16. This year is the Year of the Wood Snake.
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 sign copies of her book, “We are the Builders!” The picture book centers on a community day in a town. In the story, the children wonder where they will fit in.
Snacks and refreshments will be served.
Benefit concert for Richmond drummer — Feb.2
A number of well-known Bay Area musicians will perform a benefit show Sunday to raise money for Richmond drummer Valentino Pellizzer-Salgado, who may have to permanently retire his sticks following a November accident that left him with multiple broken bones in his hands and arms.
More than a dozen performers are gathering Sunday night at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley for “Tunes for Tino,” a fundraiser to help cover his medical and living expenses.
Organized by Jim Hogan, a founding member of Gamelan Sekar Jaya who spent more than four decades as executive director of the California Youth Symphony, the talent-packed program includes soul-steeped vocalists Destani Wolf, Tiffany Austin, Luqman Frank and Valerie Troutt, tenor saxophonist Howard Wiley, and drummer Josh Jones. Performing regularly as the Hogan Brothers, Jim Hogan’s sons — pianist/keyboardist Colin Hogan, bassist Steve Hogan and drummer Julian Hogan — make up the house band, while Rico Pabon will serve as MC.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30.
Lunar New Year parade in Hercules — Feb. 2
A parade to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year will make its way down the streets of Hercules.
The parade will be on Sun., Feb. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will travel along Refugio Valley Road between Hercules Middle School and Hercules High School.
After the parade, there will be entertainment, crafts, games, a photo booth, face painting and snack vendors at the Hercules Community Center, 2001 Refugio Valley Road.
The free event is organized by the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce, which represents Hercules, Pinole and Rodeo.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live entertainment and other events each week.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, will feature live music on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The monthly Car-B-Que is set for Sunday as well as a comedy night on Monday evening.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will feature live music on Saturday.
The Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd, will have live music on Friday and Sunday.
The Factory Bar will host live music on Thursday. Food trucks are also at the establishment every evening. Karaoke is set for Tuesday evening with Whiskey Wednesday and a comedy double header the following night.
Coming soon
Poetry reading at NIAD center — Feb. 8
You can experience the power of poetry at a special reading and art show.
The “Poetry is Everywhere” opening reception is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the NIAD Art Gallery, 551 23rd St.
The free reception will include a poetry reading and being offered in tandem with a new art exhibit. The exhibit will be on display until March 21.
Next open mic talent show at CoBiz — Feb. 20
Can you sing? Dance? Tell jokes? Recite poetry?
Would you like to show off those talents?
You can get the chance every third Thursday of the month in downtown Richmond.
That’s when the Afterword Press Presents Talent Night open mic events are held.
The next open mic, which is hosted by the city of Richmond’s poet laureate Stephen Sharpe, is scheduled for Thur., Feb. 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Ste. A.
Cost is $12.51 with fees. Food and beverages will be available.
The event is open to anyone with the courage to sign up and step up on the stage.
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
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, 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
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.
WCCUSD open enrollment deadline — Feb. 14
Parents can sign up their children now for the 2025-2026 school year in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
The open enrollment period began on Jan. 21 and ends Feb. 14. Parents and guardians can register their children online for the upcoming school year.
Families can also use the district’s SchoolSite Locator to find their local school based on their home address. There’s also a new Age Calculator tool that will help determine the appropriate grade level for their child.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District serves the cities of El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, and Hercules, as well as the unincorporated areas of Bayview-Montalvin Manor, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Kensington, North Richmond, and Tara Hills. Learn more in our guide to the school district.
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.
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 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.
Richmond Art Center winter shows — through March 22
Richmond Art Center Courtesy Richmond Art Center
The Richmond Art Center’s latest exhibits run through March 22, 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.
Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. It’s located at 2540 Barrett Ave.
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.
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.
● 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 scheduled for Feb. 4. 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 Feb. 6 meeting has been cancelled.
● 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 Feb. 12. 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 Feb. 4.
● 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.
*The Advisory Council on Equal Employment is searching for two new members for its 13-member board. The terms are for three years. The council assists with the implementation of the county’s Equal Employment Opportunities and Contracting programs and serves as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors.
*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.
