1 | Shape Nicholl Park’s future at community design day
Richmond community leaders want residents to tell them how to improve the city’s largest park. Nicholl Park Design Day will give Richmonders a chance to weigh in on improvements such as new amenities, sports fields and safety enhancements. The event also includes food, live entertainment and children’s games. The gathering is part of the Richmond Park Equity Project, an initiative funded by the Hellman Foundation, which has contributed $12.5 million to ensure that the city’s parks are safe, equitable and well-maintained for all residents.
Nicholl Park Design Day, Sat., May 16, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free
2 | 13th annual Anti-Chevron Day
Community organizations, environmental justice advocates and international groups are hosting events this week to mark the 13th annual Anti-Chevron Day, culminating in a public festival and march in Richmond.
There will be public film screenings Wednesday and Thursday in Oakland; a community panel at the Richmond Art Center on Friday; and the festival on Sunday, which begins with an indigenous opening ceremony at Keller Beach, with the arrival of indigenous canoes from the Salish peoples and kayaks arriving at the Point Richmond beach. A community-built monument entitled “The Gift of Pride and Purpose,” will be delivered to the refinery gates on a float that doubles as a performance stage.
Speakers will highlight the global impacts of Chevron’s operations, including human rights concerns, environmental harm, and the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, as well as envisioning a future beyond fossil fuels.
Fossil Free Future Festival: Joyful Resistance to Chevron, Sun., May 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free
3 | Deadline to register to vote in June primary election is Monday
The deadline to register to vote in the June 2 primary is Mon., May 18. To be eligible to vote in Richmond, you must be a U.S. citizen, a city resident and at least 18 by June 2. Richmond voters will cast ballots for local, state and Contra Costa County offices as well as a county sales tax increase to help pay for healthcare services.
4 | High school seniors can check eligibility for $1,500 scholarships
CalKIDS is urging high school seniors to check their eligibility for a $1,500 scholarship to further their education. The organization estimates that more than 40% of public high school students in Contra Costa County qualify, with more than $38 million in scholarships available countywide. Funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs for expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, rent and computer equipment. Students can check their eligibility on the CalKIDS website.
5 | Richmond Art Center executive director retiring
The Richmond Art Center is looking for a new executive director after the retirement this month of Jose Rivera, who plans to consult for nonprofit organizations. Rivera was named executive director in 2020 and led the Richmond Art Center through the pandemic and its reopening in the fall of 2021. “He brought steady leadership and a commitment to staff and community, prioritizing strong partnerships and community-responsive programming,” art center officials said in a press release. Jeff Nathanson will serve as interim executive director during the search for a new leader.
