1 | Mayoral candidates forum hosted by District 4 residents
A community mayoral candidates forum has been organized by Richmond District 4 city council member Soheila Bana and Jayne Dean-McGilpin, with former Richmond Police Chief Bisa French and Marilyn Saarni moderating.
Incumbent Mayor Eduardo Martinez is facing four challengers in the June 2 primary election. The forum will focus on issues specific to the District 4 area, according to Bana, with pre-submitted questions and a limited opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
Richmond mayoral candidates forum, Wed., April 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way. Send questions to mesaarni@gmail.com. Free
2 | Registration for children’s summer camps begins
The city is opening registration May 1 for two summer camp programs. The Achieve Summer Camp program includes activities, field trips and learning opportunities at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, Nevin Community Center, Parchester Community Center and Shields-Reid Community Center. The Summer Camp Elevate 2026 program includes arts, crafts, group games, movement activities, field trips and enrichment activities at the May Valley Community Center and Richmond Recreation Complex. Fees vary depending on the activity, and both programs are expected to fill up quickly.
Camps run weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 15 to Aug. 7. To register for the Achieve camp, visit one of the Achieve camp locations starting May 1. You can sign up for the Elevate program online or at the city recreation complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave. For more information about either program, call (510) 620-6793. $20 to $125 per month
3 | Richmond Art Center seeks personal stories to celebrate 90th anniversary
The Richmond Art Center is inviting the community to submit stories about what the facility has meant to them — personal memories, meaningful moments, thoughts on what makes the center important and suggestions for its future. The Richmond Art Center was founded in 1936 as a federal Works Progress Administration initiative during the Great Depression. Today it is the largest community art center of its kind in the East Bay. The center also has opened enrollment for its summer classes and workshops, with courses ranging from painting to pottery to photography.
4 | Directory launched to help Richmond artists get connected
The Richmond Renaissance organization has launched a free arts directory to help local artists sell their work, find events, and connect with venues around the city. Organizers call it an “inside pass to the city’s creative scene.” The directory is part of the Richmond Arts Corridor program, which aims to revitalize the 23rd Street and Macdonald Avenue downtown corridors.
5 | San Pablo becomes first California city with fully electric waste collection fleet
San Pablo has become the first city in California with a fully electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet, according to a press release. San Pablo city officials announced a partnership with Republic Services to roll out zero-emission recycling and waste vehicles across the city. The fleet includes five McNeilus Volterra EVs, the industry’s first fully integrated electric recycling and waste trucks. The initiative is part of San Pablo’s Climate Action Plan, which sets a goal of cutting emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2035.
