There is plenty to keep you entertained, educated and civically engaged this week in Richmond and nearby.
Highlights include: A free Thanksgiving dinner, some medicinal music and a community event where you can walk, bike or run to raise awareness about diabetes.
For more, see our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). Also, don’t forget to add your events to our free community calendar.
- Free Thanksgiving meal at Veterans Memorial Hall
- Walk, run or bicycle at community event to raise diabetes awareness
- Music is Medicine: Live performances in downtown Richmond
- Black Resiliency Project website is now live
- Undocumented immigrants urged to sign up for Medi-Cal benefits before rules change
- Preapproved plans now available for accessory dwelling units
- Application deadline approaching for $2,500 scholarships
- Related stories
Free Thanksgiving meal at Veterans Memorial Hall
A free dinner will be part of a community resources gathering today. The Thanksgiving Dinner Event will feature a full dinner with turkey, ham, chicken, macaroni and cheese and potato salad as well as information on community services from local groups.
The holiday dinner gathering is sponsored by House of Loving Hands, a nonprofit organization that assists women and men who have experienced domestic violence.
Thanksgiving Dinner Event, Thur., Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richmond Veterans Memorial Hall, 968 23rd St. Free.
Walk, run or bicycle at community event to raise diabetes awareness
Rich City Rides is hosting a local version of a national event where local residents can use their legs or their wheels to enhance community spirit while raising awareness about diabetes.
The Farr’s Best’s 5th Annual Walk, Run & Ride is designed to encourage health, togetherness and joy.
The free gathering is also being used to support wellness, clean air and community power.
Farr’s Best’s 5th Annual Walk, Run & Ride, Sat., Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to noon, Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park, 1500 Marina Way. Free but the organization requests donations.
Music is Medicine: Live performances in downtown Richmond
Live music will encourage energy and expression during a gathering in downtown Richmond.
Medicinal Music: Music is Medicine will feature Afrobeat, hip-hop, reggaeton and spoken word in an immersive, art-driven atmosphere.
Local vendors will also be on hand.
Medicinal Music, Sun., Nov. 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Rich City Rides offices, 1500 Macdonald Ave. Free.
Black Resiliency Project website is now live
The city of Richmond has launched a web page for its newly formed Black Resiliency Project.
The $1.5 million program was approved by the city council in June as a way to “better serve disproportionately impacted segments of the community and directly address clear inequities and their impact.”
The project will try to address issues involving infrastructure, services, youth development, education, parks, health care, affordable housing and employment.
The web page will be updated regularly with information and opportunities, including how to apply for a seat on the 11-member Community Advisory Committee for the project.
Undocumented immigrants urged to sign up for Medi-Cal benefits before rules change
Contra Costa County officials are recommending that people 19 years and older who have what is officially known as “unsatisfactory immigration status” to sign up for Medi-Cal benefits in December.
That’s because the Medi-Cal rules for undocumented immigrants will change on Jan. 1.
On that date, undocumented immigrants, including seniors, will no longer be able to enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal benefits.
The change in eligibility is the result of state budget cuts.
“We want undocumented members of our community to know they need to act quickly and sign up for Medi-Cal before it’s too late,” said Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen. “Enrolling now will ensure they’re covered when the rules change.”
The new rules will not affect Medi-Cal coverage for children under 19 and pregnant women and their infants. Adults 19 and older who are classified as undocumented will still be able to receive Emergency Medi-Cal, which covers emergency medical treatment.
State residents with undocumented status who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal will be able to keep and renew most of their benefits, although adults 19 and older will lose dental coverage beginning in July of 2026.
In Contra Costa, residents can call EHSD at (866) 663-3225 for information about enrolling in Medi-Cal or apply online at BenefitsCal.com.
More information can be obtained by reading the state Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQs.
Preapproved plans now available for accessory dwelling units
Richmond city planners are making four types of plans available for free for property owners who want to build detached living units.
The preapproved plans for these accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are designed to save homeowners money and time on these projects.
Homeowners must still hire a general contractor or civil engineer to develop their specific plans. These layouts cannot be revised from the designated preapproved plan.
Application deadline approaching for $2,500 scholarships
High school seniors still have another week to apply for an annual scholarship program.
The 73rd Snow Ball Scholarship will award two $2,500 scholarships to Richmond high school graduates.
Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in 2026 from a West Contra Costa Unified School District campus or a charter or private school in the region.
They must also have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (weighted) as well as evidence of being involved in extracurricular activities that highlight pride and purpose in the community.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 5. Finalists will be interviewed by a panel of judges on Dec. 20. The recipients will be announced at a ceremony sometime in 2026.
For more things to do this week, read our weekly Things to Do column and our recurring list of events. You can also post your events in our calendar.
