Hello Richmondside readers. Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week and beyond.
Upcoming events include: Free rabies vaccinations for your pets, registration for annual Christmas bird count, an 18-mile bike ride, the unveiling of Richmond’s official community cookbook and quilt and winter stories and hot chocolate at the library.
With Christmas less than two weeks away — and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa starting Dec. 26, there are plenty of upcoming holiday events that we’re featuring in our holiday events roundup. Highlights include where to buy a Christmas tree and charitable giving opportunities through the start of the new year.
Memorial service for former city council member Jim McMillan on Dec. 13
The city of Richmond is holding a memorial service for former city council member James “Jim” McMillan.
The remembrance will be on Fri., Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium at 403 Civic Center Plaza.
McMillan died on Nov. 28, one day short of his 97th birthday.
A Texas native, McMillan moved to Richmond in 1960. He established McMillan’s Pharmacy on Sixth Street, a business that became a cornerstone of the community.
He also served for 12 years on the City Council, beginning in 1983. On the council, he championed economic empowerment and helped establish neighborhood councils.
In addition, he was the co-founder of the Black American Political Action Committee in Richmond and a Golden Heritage member of the NAACP.
Free vaccinations for dogs, cats on Dec. 14
Pet owners can bring their dogs and cats to Richmond City Hall this weekend for free rabies vaccinations and microchipping.
The event is being held on Sat., Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
The pets will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs must be on leash, and cats must be in carriers. Animals must be at least 6 weeks old.
Pet owners need to be at least 18 years of age and live in Contra Costa County. Please bring your pet’s vaccination record.
The event is organized by Joybound People & Pets, formerly known as the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF).
Winter stories and hot chocolate at the library on Dec. 14
Listen to some chilly weather themed stories while you warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at a special event at the Richmond library.
The free Winter Storytime and Hot Chocolate Party will be held on Sat., Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
The gathering will feature stories, songs, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and iceless skating.
Learn to fix that flat bicycle tire — Dec. 14
If you’ve ever had a fun bicycle ride disrupted by an annoying flat tire, we’ve got a class for you.
Bike East Bay is sponsoring a seminar on how to fix a bicycle tire while you’re on the road.
The free workshop is on Sat., Dec. 14, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library — Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, 1901 Russell St.
Experts will teach participants how to fix a flat as well as how to patch an inner tube. The class is funded by the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
Drink while you draw at sketching session on Dec. 14
Artists will be able to taste some bubbly drinks while sketching a clothed model at an artistic event this weekend.
The free Sip and Sketch will be held on Sat., Dec. 14, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Point Richmond Gallery, 145 W. Richmond Ave.
Participants will join artists Larraine Seiden and Judith Williams (both of whom are exhibiting at the gallery through Dec. 22) for the casual drawing sessions. Supplies and drinks are provided.
Bicycle ride along Richmond coastline is Dec. 15
Assuming the weather cooperates (rain is forecast for Saturday), you can enjoy views along the Richmond shoreline during an 18-mile bicycle ride on Sunday.
The SF Bay Trail Monthly Ride is set for Sun., Dec. 15, beginning at about 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Rydin Road and Central Avenue.
The course follows the San Francisco Bay Trail to the old Ford Assembly plant at the Craneway Pavilion. From there, cyclists will follow local roads through Point Richmond with the turnaround point at Kaleidoscope Coffee. The cyclists return to the starting point via the Dornan Tunnel and the bike trails to Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Park and Brickyard Cove.
If you’d prefer a longer trek, there is also a 28-mile bike ride that begins at about 10 a.m. at the Emeryville Police Department station, 2449 Powell St. That group will meet up with the 18-mile cyclists.
Register for Richmond’s Christmas Bird Count — Dec. 15
The Richmond Christmas bird count is a free community event where you can engage in community science by counting all birds (by species) within a 15-mile-diameter called the Richmond Count Circle. Part of a larger national effort to contribute important conservation data on bird species’ populations, the Richmond bird count is one of three counts hosted by the Golden Gate Bird Alliance.
All interested individuals are welcome to join, regardless of birding skill level or city of residence. There are two options:
- Sign up as a “field observer” to be put on a team based on your registration preferences (including area covered, see this map). As a field observer you can expect to count birds with a group of others from roughly before dawn until dusk.
- If you live within the Richmond Count Circle, you can participate as a “feeder watcher” by counting birds in your yard on the day of the count. You’ll need to devote a minimum of 15 minutes and count birds in a slightly different way to contribute.
Persian love story on Central Stage — through Dec. 15
An epic Persian tale of two star-crossed lovers is being presented on stage in Richmond.
“Leili & Majnun” is being performed at Richmond’s Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., through Sun. Dec. 15. Shows start at 8 p.m. or 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $25 to $50.
Hike and journal at Point Pinole on Dec. 16
You can record your thoughts while hiking along the Richmond shoreline at a special hike this month.
A nature journal walk is being sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District on Mon., Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Atlas Staging Area at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park, 5551 Giant Highway.
Adults as well as children 5 years old and older accompanied by a parent are welcome on this free adventure.
EBRPD instructor Martha Cerda will lead the 1.5-mile hike. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the scenery on the flatlands and write their observations and impressions in a journal.
Reception for colorful art exhibit at CoBiz — Dec. 17
See colorful oil paintings at an exhibit adorning the walls of a co-working space in Richmond’s downtown.
Color Currents is on view at CoBiz, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Ste. A, until Feb. 21.
An official reception will be held on Tues., Dec. 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bay Area artist Usha Shukla will be there to discuss her exhibit of vibrant colors that “capture the energy, beauty, and subtle interplay of nature’s hues.”
Free ferry rides on Fridays from Richmond to San Francisco — until Dec. 27
Between now and the end of the year, passengers can ride the San Francisco Bay Ferry for free between downtown San Francisco and Richmond on Fridays.
The Free on Fridays program includes roundtrip passage between Richmond and San Francisco. No reservations are required.
The cost for a ferry ride is usually $4.70 each way for most adult passengers and $2.30 one way for youths, seniors and passengers with disabilities. Children under 5 can ride free.
The program is being offered in partnership with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. The CCTA is using Measure J sales tax revenue to pay for the project.
Visit the San Francisco Ferry website for schedule information.
“CCTA is proud to provide funding for the SF Bay Ferry’s free rides from Richmond to San Francisco, which encourages people to consider alternative transportation options that are practical, safe and fun,” said Tim Haile, executive director of the CCTA. “Initiatives like this support the economic vitality of the entire Bay Area by reducing congestion, improving mobility, and fostering greater regional connectivity — and of course, there’s just something special about seeing the Bay from the deck of a ferry.”
Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll increases on Jan. 1
Get ready to pay more if you drive across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
The toll for most cars will increase on Jan. 1 by $1 to $8 per vehicle.
The toll hike was approved by Bay Area voters in 2018 as part of Regional Measure 3, which started increasing tolls in 2019 and 2022 to raise more than $4 billion in transportation funding.
The toll increase is for all state-owned bridges in the Bay Area. The Golden Gate Bridge is part of a special district and does not fall under the measure.
The Bay Area Toll Authority is expected to vote Dec. 18 on a proposal that would further increase bridge tolls in 2026 and 2030.
Richmond Promise scholarship application period is open
Richmond high school seniors can now apply for the 2025 Richmond Promise Scholarship.
The program provides a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education that can be renewed for up to six years.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a Richmond resident;
- Have attended a school within the boundaries of the West Contra Costa Unified School District from ninth to 12th grade and have graduated from an eligible school within the past academic year (or be planning to graduate) or have obtained a GED/high school equivalency certificate;
- Complete the appropriate applications; and
- Apply by March 14.
Youth Hall of Fame nominations — through Feb. 25
Do you know a teenager whose selfless actions deserve recognition?
You can nominate them for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards.
The awards are handed out annually to county residents between 12 and 18 years of age who exhibit exemplary behavior.
The nominees should demonstrate qualities in at least one of six categories: Good Samaritanism, volunteerism, teamwork, leadership/civic engagement, perseverance and innovation/empowerment.
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 25. The youths selected for these awards will be honored at the 31st annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Celebration on April 1 at the Board of Supervisors Chambers in Martinez.
Apply for COVID business grant — by Jan. 20
The city of Richmond is offering grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to businesses that began operating before March 24, 2020.
The Richmond/ARPA Funds Relief Grant program is providing the grants to help businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Grant amounts vary from $5,000 for solo entrepreneurs to $7,500 for businesses with two to five employees and $10,000 for businesses with more than five employees.
To apply, businesses must fill out this form to establish their interest and eligibility. Eligible businesses must be located in Richmond, demonstrate a pandemic-related impact, and meet the city’s definition of a small business. Priority may be given to industries hardest hit by COVID. Email eastbay@rencenter.org for more information.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live entertainment and other events each week.
Music and comedy are staples at the Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd. Live music is on tap on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., will feature live jazz music with pizza pop-up Pie on the Fly on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will have live music on Saturday and Sunday.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place, features live music on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, with stand-up open mic comedy on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Coming soon
Richmond community cookbook unveiling — Dec. 19
A community cookbook of recipes from Richmonders will be unveiled at a special ceremony later this month.
The Community Cookbook celebration will be held at the main library on Thur., Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza. For more information call: (510) 620-6561. (The timeframe for recipe submissions has been closed.)
The project is designed to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of Richmond and help to create new ones.
A community quilt is also being stitched together from patches sent to project organizers. The quilt will be unveiled along with the cookbook.
This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Bats are back at the library on Dec. 30
Bats will swoop back into the library for an educational session in late December.
Members of NorCal Bats will be on hand for the free Bats in the Library seminar, which will be held on Mon., Dec. 30, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bayview branch, 5100 Harnett Ave.
Experts from NorCal Bats will explain the importance of bats to the environment as well as dispel harmful myths about the flying mammals. Participants also will get a chance to meet live California native bats.
Richmond Art Center winter exhibitions open — Jan. 22
Starting Jan. 22 through March 22, the Richmond Art Center will host three new exhibits showcasing work that “bursts with color, meaning, and inventive materials,” according to gallery officials.
In its 28th year, “Art of the African Diaspora” honors the creative achievements of artists of African descent. More than 150 local Black artists will showcase their work in the Main Gallery in what the art center said is the Bay Area’s largest non-juried exhibition of its kind. The adjacent West Gallery highlights work by featured artists Deborah Butler, Kim Champion, and Carrie Lee McClish.
In the South Gallery, Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert unveils a new iteration of his “Upcycled Garden,” a project born during the pandemic. In 2021, faced with lockdown challenges, Attaboy began repurposing materials such as pizza boxes, COVID test kits, shipping boxes, and house paint to create whimsical organic forms. The work has been seen at 10 U.S. venues and now can be viewed in Richmond, Seifert’s hometown.
The Community Gallery will feature work by the art center’s students. ”Across Land and Sea” will include mixed media and pastel works on paper by students from Jennifer Linderman’s fall art classes at Richmond Art Center, along with works by Linderman.
An opening reception for all the shows will be held on Sat., Jan. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 2540 Barrett Ave. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Ongoing events
Every week, local agencies and organizations host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and add your local events for free.
● Three farmers markets are held weekly in Richmond. The Civic Center Farmers Market is open every Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The Marina Bay Farmers Market is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marina Bay Park in the parking lot near Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square. In addition, there is a farmers market at Kaiser Richmond, 901 Nevin Ave., on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that features produce, honey and ethnic foods.
● A farmers market is also held weekly in El Sobrante. The market, organized by Planting Justice, is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5166 Sobrante Ave.
● You can sample a variety of food at several outdoor locations citywide, thanks to Richmond’s mobile food vendor program, open on various days at three locations. One is held on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the downtown city public lot, 1401 Macdonald Ave. The street vendors are also open for business on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Marina Bay Park off Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square. The marketplaces include everything from tacos to sandwiches to pupusas to refreshing drinks. The program is co-sponsored by the city of Richmond and the Richmond Farmers Market.
● The West Coast Chess Alliance sponsors a number of weekly chess events throughout West Contra Costa County. The Richmond Senior Center, 2525 Macdonald Ave., hosts games on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chess enthusiasts can also gather on Mondays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. On Thursdays, the Bear Claw Café & Bakery, 2340 San Pablo Ave. in Pinole, hosts chess games from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Fridays, games are held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Pablo Library, 13751 San Pablo Ave.
● The Homework Help program is available most weeks at Richmond three library branches. The free sessions are held Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at all three locations. Students from kindergarten through eighth-grade can receive assistance with their homework from the Bay Area Tutoring Association on a first-come, first-served basis.
● Did you know that children can gain fluency and confidence in their reading skills with the help of a dog? The Read to a Dog program is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. every second Tuesday and every third Wednesday in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Each child gets 15 minutes to read to a dog. Call (510) 620-6557 to reserve a spot.
● Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Center there are classes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3230 Macdonald Ave. Enjoy instructional activities such as Zumba, soccer, basketball, and chess. Visit the website to register. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
● A Music and Movement Storytime is offered on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplay and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, although all ages are welcome.
● Family Storytime is on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. It is also offered on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Harnett Ave. as well as on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event features a story time session with a Richmond librarian.
Get involved in your community: Civic meetings and committees
● The Richmond City Council usually meets on the first, third and fourth Tuesday of every month. The meetings are held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Agendas are usually posted the preceding Friday. The next meeting will be Dec. 17. Learn more in our guide to the City Council.
● The Richmond Planning Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The meetings are usually held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
● The West Contra Costa Unified School District board usually meets twice a month, often on Wednesday nights, in the multipurpose room of Lovonya DeJean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18. Visit the WCCUSD calendar for the most current meeting information and for the agenda, which is posted a couple of days before the meeting. Read our guide to the school board for more information.
● The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors usually meets on Tuesdays beginning at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.
● The county is also seeking to appoint six new members to its 15-member Mental Health Commission. The term length is three years. Each of the county’s five supervisorial districts has three members. The commission advises county supervisors on their community’s needs and services. The commission usually meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
● The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Advisory Fire Commission is looking for two volunteers to serve as an at-large member on their 10-member board. The Commission is responsible for confirming the cost of abatement reports; conducting weed abatement appeal hearings; approving surplus equipment declarations; and advising the fire chief on district service matters. The commission meets on the second Monday of even-numbered months at 7 p.m. in Concord.
● The Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging will be appointing 15 new members to its 40-person board. The terms are for two years. The council advises the county board of supervisors on planning, developing and administering programs for older adults. You can check into other advisory commissions and their need for new board members on this county government website.
Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org at least two weeks in advance if possible.
