Richmond wins statewide award for community programs
Richmond is one of 12 California cities the League of California Cities honored this year with a Helen Putnam Award for Excellence. The league recognized Richmond for collaborating with community groups to form Richmond Rising, a coordinated initiative to build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Established in 1982, the Putnam award spotlights outstanding achievements by California cities. The league selected this year’s 12 honorees from 161 submissions.
Ribbon cutting marks former Motel 6’s conversion into affordable housing
The city will hold a ribbon cutting today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Civic Center Apartments, 425 24th St., to mark the transformation of a former Motel 6 that was converted into 48 studio apartments. City officials describe the units as permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The $14 million project received funding from California’s Homekey program.
Community forum tackles refinery flaring in Richmond
Richmond Renaissance will host a community forum Mon., Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Multicultural Bookstore, 260 Broadway, addressing what chemicals are released during flaring incidents at the Chevron refinery and other industrial facilities. Greg Karras, a principal at Community Energy reSource, will speak at the forum titled Curious Conversations Refinery Flaring: What Are We Breathing? Karras will explain what flaring actually is, what gets released when it happens, who in the community feels it most, and what can be done about it.
City, county offer tips on energy efficiency at community workshop
The city of Richmond, Contra Costa County, and the Bay Area Regional Energy Network will host a residential energy efficiency workshop on Thur., Oct. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Richmond City Council Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza. The workshop will cover available energy-efficiency programs, help attendees find the best options, and offer tips on saving energy and lowering utility bills this fall and winter. The event is free, though organizers encourage pre-registration.
Contra Costa County launches transit program for older adults
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has launched Transit Ready, a program to help older adults and people with disabilities learn to confidently use public transportation. The program offers hands-on practice with the actual steps involved in taking transit, from understanding schedules and using Clipper cards to boarding an accessible bus and learning how different transportation services work together. County officials say census figures show about 19% of the county’s population is now 65 or older, and project that, by 2030, nearly 25% of residents will be 60 or older. Residents can register for an upcoming introductory session to learn more.
Urban Tilth offers low-cost, locally grown food for home delivery
The nonprofit Urban Tilth has launched a program delivering locally grown food to residents’ doorsteps. Farm to Table CSA brings fresh, seasonal produce from BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQIA+-owned farms within 200 miles of Richmond directly to recipients, while also providing hands-on food system job training for local youths. The standard price is $50 per week, with a subsidized rate of $15 per week available for individuals and families with limited financial resources.
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