A number of city agencies, such as libraries and community centers, and local nonprofits are expanding their hours to help families impacted by the WCCUSD strike.
While all schools remain open, the majority of students did not attend classes on Thursday, the first day of the strike. Estimates were that only 10% of the 25,000-population student body attended.
The Richmond City Council on Tuesday approved $50,000 in emergency funding to help extend community services, as local last-minute child care appears to be difficult to find.
The city announced Thursday that all library branches will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the strike, with math and reading tutoring offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
In a social media post Thursday night, Mayor Eduardo Martinez said so far only the Nevin Community Center, 598 Nevin Ave., saw an uptick in registrations. But he said staff at other community centers are standing by to assist. (See a list of all of them here.)
Here are some those resources, and you can also check the city’s website. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
RYSE Youth Center
Age: 13- to 21-year-olds; can accommodate up to 100 youths
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays during strike
Details: Light breakfast and lunch will be served. Art, music, sports equipment will be provided
Contact: 510-374-3401
Richmond Public Library
Age: 8 years and older can be in the library without a parent, though supervision is not provided.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. during strike
Details: Math/reading tutoring 3 p.m.-5 p.m. for K-8 students at Bayview and Westside branches
Contact: 510-620-6561
City recreation programs
Age: 6 months and up. Online sign up is required, programs can be 1-2 hours long
Hours: Afterschool with evening and weekend hours
Details: A variety of after school activities are available to sign up for.
West County Salesian Youth Club
Age: 1st through 12th graders
Hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays
Details: Art room, music room, homework help. $75 annual fee
Contact: 510-215-4646
Richmond Police Activities League
Age: 7 to 17, $30 for a year membership
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 30 spots available.
Details: Breakfast and lunch will be served. Variety of activities, including sports.
Contact: 510-621-1221
Richmond Art Center
Age: Grades K-12
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 16 spots available
Details: Winter art program sessions Dec. 10, 11 and 12 but may be extended.
Contact: 510-620-6772
