RICHMOND
Richmond Art Center (RAC) officials are delighted to announce that the center’s Holiday Arts Festival will return from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. In its 62nd year, the festival continues to be all about art as an experience for all to explore, make and purchase affordably by featuring local artisans and free art-making activities.
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The heart of the festival is the Arts and Crafts Marketplace, showcasing one-of-a-kind designs, artisanal products and handmade treasures.
“We’re thrilled to welcome over 50 vendors this year,” says José Rivera, the RAC’s executive director. “These talented makers from across the Bay Area — including many from Richmond — offer a fantastic opportunity to shop for creative gifts (or treat yourself) while supporting independent artists and small businesses.”
New to the festival in 2024 is the Zine Zone, a dedicated space for independent magazines, print, comics and indie artists. The Zine Zone celebrates these art forms as powerful tools for expression and social justice.
Additional highlights include the popular Ceramics Studio Sale featuring an array of handmade, functional ceramics at unbeatable prices, free drop-in art-making activities, pop-ups from Richmond-based community partners and live music throughout the day.
The Holiday Arts Festival will takes place at the RAC’s address, 2540 Barrett Ave. in Richmond. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.
— RAC
Groups receive Neighborhood Builders funding, training
Two Bay Area nonprofits were recently honored as Bank of America 2024 Neighborhood Builders, a prominent 20-year-old program and one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development.
Richmond Area Multi-Services Inc. (RAMS) and Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. (RNHS) were each awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, along with comprehensive leadership training for each organization’s executive director and an emerging leader.
Recipient RAMS, which provides and advocates for mental health and wellness services for those living in underserved areas of Alameda and San Francisco counties, will apply its Neighborhood Builders grant toward hiring staff, building maintenance and technology upgrades.
RNHS plans to use its grant funds to hire leadership staff and expand its Emerging Developers Program and Restoring Neighborhoods initiative. RNHS promotes investment in and revitalization of under-resourced communities in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties.
Since the program’s inception in 2004, 59 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in San Francisco and the East Bay, with the bank investing nearly $12 million in philanthropic capital into these local organizations.
— Bank of America
ALBANY
Community center to host Winter Wonderland on Sunday
Join the city of Albany for Winter Wonderland, a free community event this Sunday with a festive live concert by the Albany Jazz Band. Enjoy yummy refreshments and kids’ activities organized by the Recreation & Community Services Department and the Albany Library.
Winter Wonderland will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Community Center at 1249 Marin Ave. For details, visit bit.ly/41jPXw3 online.
— city of Albany
BERKELEY
Trees left whole on curb after holidays won’t be picked up
When selecting your tree this holiday season, consider a plan that reduces waste and fits the city’s disposal rules for when the season is over. Trees left whole on the curb won’t get picked up, as they can damage city side-loader collection trucks. If you get a cut tree or other type of holiday tree, know which ones can be composted and which go to your trash bin.
Consider buying a living tree to plant in your yard after the holidays and avoid waste altogether. Whatever tree you choose, aim for an option that minimizes waste and contributes to Berkeley’s efforts to reduce landfill contributions.
If you’re considering a cut tree, know that the city only composts the tree itself. Avoid trees that have been “flocked” — covered with chemicals mimicking snow. Flocked trees cannot be composted and must either fit in your trash bin or be taken to the city’s Transfer Station.
To dispose of a compostable tree, cut the tree to fit inside your green compost cart with the lid closed. Make sure to remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, plastic bags and plastic tree stands. If it doesn’t all fit, ask a neighbor if they have space or wait until the following week to dispose of the rest.
If you don’t have the tools to cut your tree, free tool rental is available through the Berkeley Tool Lending Library, located at 1901 Russell Street. Renters must provide proof of Berkeley residency before checking out tools. For more details visit bit.ly/3ODUXUD online.
— city of Berkeley
EL CERRITO
Christmas tree collection for three weeks to start Dec. 26
Clean, natural, non-flocked Christmas trees will be picked up by the East Bay Sanitary Co. (ebsan.com/holiday-information) on El Cerrito residents’ regularly scheduled service days for three weeks starting Dec. 26.
Place each Christmas tree next to your cart or cut up the tree and place it inside the green, compost cart for curbside collection. If placed in the green cart, the lid must fully close. Before you recycle your real Christmas tree, make sure that it is free of all ornaments, lights, tinsel and stands.
After Jan. 14th, trees & flocked trees can be picked up for a fee. To schedule, contact East Bay Sanitary at 510-237-4321 or email info@ebsan.com.
Trees may also be taken for a fee to a local transfer station in Berkeley or Richmond where green waste is accepted. For questions, please contact the Berkeley Transfer Station at 510-981-6300 or Golden Bear Transfer Station in Richmond at 510-970-7260. For more information, visit el-cerrito.org/869/Whats-New online.
— city of El Cerrito
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