A woman in a pink dress holds a rainbow flag at a anti-trump protest
The El Cerrito No Kings protest on Sat., June 14, 2025 drew an estimated 1,000 participants, according to police. More protests are scheduled for March 28 at several locations. Courtesy of Nancy Rubin

1 | Richmond-San Rafael bridge lane closure expected to end, March 27

The repair-related closure of the No. 1 eastbound lane, from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Toll Plaza to Stenmark Drive, is expected to end by 4 p.m. Fri., March 27, according to Caltrans. Workers have been inspecting and fixing damage caused by a March 19 accident where a vehicle struck the Scofield Avenue undercrossing in Richmond. Eastbound drivers have reported that the closure has extended their evening commute times from San Rafael by more than an hour. 

2 | Free groceries available at CoBiz, April 1

Free food will again be available at a grocery giveaway in downtown Richmond. The distribution is held on the first Wednesday of every month at the CoBiz Richmond office. The event is co-sponsored by CoBiz and the Brothers of International Faith, a nonprofit organization based in Richmond. Those attending are advised to arrive early as supplies generally are exhausted within an hour. The food items include fruits, vegetables, potatoes, desserts, snacks, milk and eggs. At some giveaways, there is also meat and packaged goods such as sandwiches, juices and other drinks. The food comes from establishments such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Pony Express. The Richmond giveaway is one of more than a dozen monthly food distributions organized by Stanley “Mr. Stan” Byias, the co-founder of the Brothers of International Faith. 

Grocery Giveaway 2026, Wed., April 1, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Suite A. Free

3 | Richmond city budget meetings, April 9, April 13 and April 22 

City officials have scheduled community meetings in April to provide Richmond residents with an overview of the 2026-2027 city budget. (See the current mid-year report here.) The community is invited to attend the meetings in person at the city council chambers or join via Zoom. City finance officials will provide budget information as well as listen to questions and input from residents. The first full-length meeting will be on Thur., April 9 with another session on Wed., April 22. City officials will also give a 10-minute presentation at the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council meeting on Mon., April 13 (7 p.m., City Council chambers).

City budget meetings, Thur., April 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Wed. April 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Richmond City Council Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Free

Also check out our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). And add your events to our free community calendar

David Mills writes feature articles for Richmondside, as well as its weekly What's Up column of things to do and know in and around Richmond.

A longtime Bay Area journalist, David most recently worked for Healthline, an information resource on physical and mental health.

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