This story was updated with new information about the bridge lane closure.
1 | Richmond-San Rafael bridge lane closure expected to end, April 2
Caltrans on Thursday announced it’s extending its emergency lane closure until April 2 so it can shore up a steel support damaged by a vehicle on March 19 underneath the Scofield Avenue undercrossing at the Chevron yard. The No. 1 (far left) lane closure is on eastbound Interstate 580, from the west end of the toll plaza parking lot to the Stenmark Drive on-ramp in Richmond.
To help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, the far-right (No. 3) lane, usually reserved for emergencies or bicyclists, can be used by everyone until the work is finished. Eastbound drivers have reported that the closure has resulted in traffic that has extended their evening commute times from San Rafael by more than an hour.
For real-time construction updates, visit Caltrans.
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.
