Hello Richmondside readers. Some highlights of this week’s What’s Up column include: Pick up a free sign warning that fireworks are illegal, apply to become Richmond’s next poet laureate and finish up Pride Month with a roller derby game.
Also: Check out a ham radio demonstration, help Richmond expand its tool lending library and learn about the health and ecological risks posed by the toxic Heckathorn Superfund site.
And finally, don’t miss this preview of Richmond summer events as well as a roundup of where to go swimming and ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free).
Things to know and do
Things to know
Hate illegal fireworks? Get a free sign to warn about the dangers
Help publicize the dangers of (and fines for) setting off fireworks by picking up a free yard sign at city hall or by downloading a printable version to post wherever you’d like.
City officials will also be installing signs around town to help spread the word that all fireworks are illegal.
Stop Illegal Fireworks is making signs available that you can post in your windows. You can download one from the group’s website.
“We designed the signs so our neighbors can feel they have some way to let everyone know they want to put a stop to illegal fireworks,” said Julie Freestone, one of the founders of the group. “There is a definite fire danger, plus fireworks can be a trigger for trauma, frighten pets and cause injuries.
“Each of us plays a role in educating our community about the dangers and encouraging safer ways to celebrate holidays,” she added.
Meanwhile, the city of Richmond is stepping up its anti-fireworks efforts, according to city council member Soheila Bana, who said in a recent email that enforcement and prevention activities will include:
- Deploying unmanned aerial police drones to catch those setting fireworks off.
- Putting extra police officers on duty on July 4.
- Posting reminders on social media.
Learn about health risks of EPA Superfund site in Richmond
Federal officials are holding the second in a series of online public meetings about the ongoing cleanup of a polluted site along the Richmond shoreline.
The session at 6:30 p.m. this evening will focus on assessing the human health and ecological risks at the United Heckathorn Company site.
Future meetings are set for:
- July 29: Cleanup technologies
- Aug. 27: Understanding the Superfund process
- Sept. 24: Topic to be determined
The Superfund site is an area made up of two parcels on the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay in an industrial area of Richmond.
Officials at the Environmental Protection Agency say several companies used this land in the 1940s through 1960s to process, package, and ship pesticides. They say that “poor management and housekeeping practices during the site’s use as a pesticide processing facility released contaminants of concern (DDT and dieldrin) to upland soils and marine sediments.”
A call to the muse in Richmond: City seeking its next poet laureate
If you’re a poet and you know it, the city of Richmond is looking for you!
Officials are now accepting applications for the position of poet laureate. The deadline to apply is July 15.
The two-year post pays $1,500 each year. The poet laureate attends various events and helps provide a focus and appreciation of poetry in Richmond.
The current Richmond poet laureate is Stephen Sharpe, a performer of spoken word and an advocate for literacy.
“We recognize that poetry is accessible to people from all walks of life, gives voice, and speaks to the hearts, minds and souls of children, youth and adults in our community. Poetry is an important part of our culture and history, reflecting our experiences in deep ways that connect humans together emotionally and spiritually,” city officials said.
Provide input to help expand Richmond tool lending library
You can let the city know how to improve its tool lending program
City officials have set up a Richmond Tool Library Needs Assessment survey for residents to weigh in on when the program should be open, what kind of tools should be available and other issues.
The program allows Richmond residents to borrow tools for free to do home improvements, repairs, gardening and other projects. Comments are being accepted until Monday, June 30.
The city has two tool lending locations:
The Richmond Tool Library, 3230 Macdonald Ave., is open on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The North Richmond Mobile Tool Library, 1401 Fred Jackson Way, is available on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Tool reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
Things to do
Bourbon and BBQ festival raising money for children’s program
Put on your best western garb and head on over to a fundraising barbecue this weekend.
The Wild West Bourbon and Barbecue festival will feature food prepared by eight grill masters. Festival attendees can then vote on their favorite barbecue dishes.
There will also be a contest for the best western outfits as well as live music and raffle prizes.
Proceeds will go to Just Imagine Kidz, a local non-profit that empowers children through education-based programs focused on Black and Hispanic/Latinx history.
Tickets are $60 before the event and $65 at the door.
The Wild West Bourbon and Barbecue is set for Sat., June 28, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Multicultural Books, 260 Broadway in Richmond.
Celebrate Pride Month at a special roller derby match
You can watch two Bay Area teams clash on the roller derby rink while paying tribute to Pride Month.
The Bay Area Derby Pride Game will feature the San Francisco Rolling Dead and the Oakland Outlaws.
The game will feature a roller derby battle between the two all-female teams as well as a variety of vendors. Ticket prices range from $39 to $55 per person with fees.
The two teams are part of Bay Area Derby, a league with four home teams and two competitive traveling teams as well as a recreational learn-to-skate program.
The Bay Area Pride Game is scheduled for Sat., June 28, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza.
Head to the hills for hike celebrating Pride Month
You can take in some scenic views of San Francisco Bay while enjoying a hike this weekend.
The annual Pride Hike at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline has been organized by the East Bay Regional Park District.
The free hike will be led by park ranger Paula Urtecho. There are some short but steep hills, so sturdy shoes and a plentiful supply of water are recommended.
The Pride Hike is Sat., June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline on Dornan Drive in Richmond.
Have a field day with ham radio operators
You can learn about ham radio operations and chat with people across the country at a special event this weekend.
The Amateur Radio Field Day will feature ham radio operators demonstrating emergency communications and will give visitors a chance to test out the equipment.
The event is sponsored by local radio clubs KARO ECHO of Kensington and EBARC in Richmond.
The Amateur Radio Field Day is set for Sat., June 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kensington Park on Arlington Avenue.
Get up close and personal with reptiles
You have two chances to learn firsthand about reptiles in Richmond next week.
The For Goodness Snakes seminars feature an expert talking to visitors about reptiles, including snakes. The sessions also include a chance to touch the critters.
The first program is set for Tue., July 1, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at Richmond’s main library at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
The second session is on Wed., July 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Point Richmond Community Room, 139 Washington Ave.
The For Goodness Snakes seminars are being held on Tuesday at Richmond’s main library and Wednesday at the Point Richmond Community Room.
Look for birds on nature walk in Richmond
You can search for a variety of birds while walking around a lake in an urban part of Richmond.
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance is sponsoring a bird watching jaunt next week near the former Hilltop mall.
The walk is along a paved trail. Parking is available at the Richmond Parkway YMCA, 4300 Lakeside Drive. The birds you might spot in the area include woodpeckers, wrens, hummingbirds and raptors.
The hike is free but is limited to 20 participants. You must sign up in advance. The deadline is Monday, June 30.
The Golden Gate Alliance bird watching hike is scheduled for Wed., July 2, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Hilltop Lake Park in Richmond.
Live music and more at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live music, entertainment and other events each week.
The Armistice Brewing Company, 845 Marina Bay Parkway, Ste. 1, hosts a bingo night every Tuesday as well as free trivia games on Wednesday evenings and free game nights on Thursday evenings.
The Backyard, 205 Cutting Blvd., is a kid and dog friendly outdoor beer and wine garden with food and live music. This weekend’s lineup includes the Bay Area All Stars, who will bring their contemporary sounds to the stage on Sat., June 28, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sun., June 29, vinyl reggae tunes will be spinning from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The East Brother Beer Company, a child-friendly and dog-friendly taproom at 1001 Canal Blvd., C-2, hosts food trucks Wednesdays through Sundays.
The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., which features indoor and dog friendly outdoor patio seating, hosts food trucks and pop-up eateries most evenings. On Thur., June 26, special musical guests Duane Patton and Mikelle Morgan will perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and there’s a comedy on Wed., July 2, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The waterfront Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., will have live music starting on Thur., June 26, when The Neoriffs will share the stage with Key Change from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Fri., June 27, the hard rock band Sourflower will play from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is a $5 music cover charge. On Sun., June 29, Fake Melody will fill the air with jazz from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The outdoor waterfront Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, with views of San Francisco Bay at San Pablo Harbor, will feature live music this weekend. On Fri., June 27, guitarist Brendan A Schwarz will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Sat., June 28, Mike Rufo and No Exit will take the stage from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Sun., June 29,, guitarist Tom Conneely will play a solo set from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting a pizza and oysters night on Sun., June 29, with live entertainment from The Buzzy Frets from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Add your events to our free calendar.
