Record Store Day was April 20 and El Cerrito had two locations celebrating. Both Down Home Music on San Pablo Avenue and Mod Lang on Fairmount Avenue sell vinyl records.
Among the selections available at Down Home is an album by The Goodtime Washboard (they added an extra member), an expanded version of The Goodtime Washboard Three, the trio of former UC Berkeley students who recorded the song “Oakland” 50 years ago this year. The song, a tongue-in-cheek salute to the city that isn’t San Francisco, received considerable airplay in the 1960s. The group even appeared with Bing Crosby on the ABC TV variety show “Hollywood Palace.”
As the lyrics go,
Now where did all the people go
when Frisco burned?
They all went to Oakland and
never returned.

The album available at Down Home is a later version, pressed 11 years after the original, but copies still sealed in shrinkwrap (we can’t call them “new” when they are almost 40 years old) are $9.98 each, a high price for 1974, but a bargain today.

A nice article on the Goodtime Washboard Three and the song that brought their greatest fame can be found here.

Incidentally, the GTW3 performed at the 50th anniversary party for Arhoolie Records, founded by Down Home Music owner Chris Strachwitz, and appear on the label’s anniversary box set.

In case you can’t wait and just want to hear the original version of the song, click here.

The latter day version is here:

Richmond is holding a community visioning meeting to discuss ideas for development along Cutting Boulevard between South 9th Street and Marina Way South from 6 to 8 p.m. April 29 in the multipurpose room at Nystrom Elementary School, 230 Harbour Way South. Light refreshments will be served.
The city and Opticos Design Inc. “will present a draft concept plan based on input received from previously developed documents and at the March 5 community meeting.”
The area in question covers about 5.5 blocks east of Interstate 580.
Details: 510-620-6828 or LaShonda White at lashonda_white@ci.richmond.ca.us.

RICHMOND — Something special happened today in the yellow building tucked amid commercial space in the city’s Hilltop District.

While it’s true that special things happen every day at Making Waves Academy, a public charter school serving 600 middle and high school students, today’s events culminating in Literacy Night were on a different level.

The acclaimed charter school hosted a community assembly, book fair and evening events with local dignitaries to launch a new partnership with the My Very Own Library (MVOL) initiative and Scholastic books, who donated more than $30,000 in books to the student body.

“This is our first partnership outside of New Jersey, and we are happy to help build on the excitement and energy around literacy here,” said Shannon Boehmer, a spokeswoman for New Jersey After 3, a nonprofit created in 2004 to expand learning time through high-quality, cost-effective afterschool programs across urban, suburban and rural communities. 

More than 2,400 books were on display Wednesday, from popular titles like “Hunger Games” to classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird.” 

After a morning ”Kick-Off” ceremony, students entered the MVOL book fair to select three new books each. Students also got meet and get their books signed by award winning Children’s Author – Emma Clayton, who chatted with the students about being an author.

Making Waves was founded in 1989 by John Scully, a computer software executive, and the late Rev. Eugene Farlough, pastor of Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church. That year, the program adopted 46 fifth-graders from two elementary schools in Richmond and proceeded to mentor them for eight years. In 1997, Making Waveswatched its first group graduate from high school. In 2001, the program expanded to schools in San Francisco.

Waves mentors its students, called Wave-Makers, by building upon skills learned in its middle school, high school, and college programs. All students are exposed to benefits such as nutrition education, cultural activities and health care assistance. To date, the program serves more than 1,000 in the Bay Area.

In an adiminstration room at the school, dozens of student-written letters were on display, addressed to Dimarea Young, a 19-year-old who was shot and killed in central Richmond earlier this month.

Later in the evening, MakingWavesAcademy hosted a Family Literacy Event, which included workshops and reading activities for parents and students.

Making Waves was founded in 1989 by John Scully, a computer software executive, and the late Rev. Eugene Farlough, pastor of Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church. That year, the program adopted 46 fifth-graders from two elementary schools in Richmond and proceeded to mentor them for eight years. In 1997, Making Waveswatched its first group graduate from high school. In 2001, the program expanded to schools in San Francisco.

The Contra Costa County Board of Education in 2007 approved Making Waves Education Program’s petition to open a school in Richmond’s Hilltop neighborhood.

Waves mentors its students, called Wave-Makers, by building on skills learned in its middle school, high school, and college programs. All students receive nutrition education, cultural activities and health care assistance. The principal, called “Head of School” in Making Waves parlance, is Irene St. Roseman.

The event was for 5th through 10th graders in the Making Waves Middle School. Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and Schools Superintendent Bruce Harter also attended.

More about the partners:

My Very Own Library (MVOL), proudly supported by the Family & Friends of the late, Anne Feeley (MVOL Originator), in partnership with NJ After 3, and Scholastic Book Fairs, is a literacy initiative aimed at increasing book ownership for thousands of students in Newark, NJ for the past two years. MVOL is proud to make its way across the country –on Wednesday, April 24, so that 600 students at Making Waves Academy in Richmond, California, will walk away with 4 FREE NEW BOOKS to take home to help build their own home libraries!

Lucky Lanes in San Pablo, with its distinctive A-frame entrance, was one of the most beloved of the area’s bowling alleys. According to this post it opened in 1958 and, of course, had a pool room.
Lucky Lanes hosted many grad nights and the Lighthouse restaurant was right across the street.
Lucky Lanes met its end when San Pablo approved construction of what is now the San Pablo Lytton Casino.

Uptown Bowl began as Richmond Bowling Courts in 1938.
Quee Prentice, who later opened Golden Gate Lanes in El Cerrito, owned Uptown Bowl in the 1950s and ’60s.
It later went through other ownership changes and is shown below with its new owner in 1990.
If you have memories or photos to share of Uptown Bowl, please let us know in the comments.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2013

Richmond, CA

Re: Community Empowerment Film

Fundraiser Plans

The Richmond chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) is having a fundraiser at The Nevin Center,

598 Nevin Avenue in Richmond, California on May 15

from 6:30-8:30 PM.

ACCE works in California communities to support people as they fight to keep their homes from illegal bank practices and foreclosure. ACCE also works for Universal Health Care, an end to blight and abandoned property, stands up at the city council meetings and meets with city officials to discuss the needs and issues that face the largely underserved community of Richmond.

“For the past two years I have worked with ACCE and now I am the

State representative for the Richmond Chapter. I am so proud to protect the people I live and work with in Richmond and fight for justice,” explained Doug Gilbert, ACCE activist.

The two short documentary films, “Community Empowerment”, and

“Wells Fargo Protest March” produced by Sharon Collins, Stephanie Slade and Gini Graham Scott of United Media Productions, reflect the story of ACCE, its mission, vision and actions.

In addition to the films, the first ACCE Community Empowerment Award will be presented to honor

Mayor Gayle McLaughlin for her outstanding leadership, producing innovative solutions with an open door to ACCE.

Meet and greet your community leaders. Support the people who work to make

Richmond a better place to live and work. Join the sponsors supporting this important

community event including Unlimited Property Services, Inc., EnviroViews Landscaping,

Collins Management, Slade Digital, Clear View Realty, Changemakers Publishing,

Discolandia, and USCW Union Local 5 and Roots Force Productions. Call Dave Sharples

of ACCE at

415-377-9037 or Sharon Collins at 510-693-7886

for tickets, community

partner tables and sponsorship opportunity.

PRESS RELEASE:

West Contra Costa YMCA Awarded Grant to Expand Efforts to Ensure Healthy Living is Accessible to All in Richmond

The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Heath (REACH) program will allow the West Contra Costa YMCA to deepen its efforts to make health equity a reality in the Richmond community Richmond, CA (March 14, 2013) –

Today, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the nation’s 2700 YMCAs, selected the YMCA of the East Bay to participate in its Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) initiative.

The West Contra Costa branch of the YMCA of the East Bay, headquartered in Richmond, will direct the grant programs. The goal of REACH is to improve health and eliminate disparities related to chronic diseases in African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.

In October, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) REACH initiative awarded Y-USA a cooperative agreement of up to $4 million per year for up to five years to improve our nation’s health and well-being, with a specific focus on addressing gaps between racial and ethnic groups across the country.

Y-USA is re-awarding this grant, selecting up to 16 new communities per year to participate in the REACH initiative in their communities. The Ys receiving funding are serving communities that reflect populations of under 500,000 and have an established relationship with a geographic area that is at least 50 percent African American/Black or Hispanic/Latino or a combination of the both racial/ethnic groups.

Being selected for the REACH program will allow the West Contra Costa YMCA to address barriers to healthy living in its community.

“As a leading nonprofit committed to healthy living, the Y believes that everyone at the West Contra Costa Y in Richmond deserves to live life to its fullest regardless of where they live or the color of their skin,” said Don Lau, Executive Vice President, YMCA of the East Bay. “The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health funding helps ensure our programs and initiatives are helping those individuals who face the greatest barriers to healthy living.”

Many preventable risk factors—tobacco use, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity—are more common in communities of color, often resulting in higher prevalence of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and asthma, among others. Chronic disease contributes to roughly 75 percent of the $2.5 trillion spent annually on health care in the United States.

To achieve the REACH goals, communities implement targeted interventions that address the specific needs of African American/ Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.

The critical need strategies that the West Contra Costa Y will be working on in their community, include: being able to be physically active live in places that encourage emotional well-being

“Where you live should not affect your health,” said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA. “Yet, too many communities lack the resources for individuals to access opportunities for physical activity and healthy foods and improve their health and well-being. The Y’s longstanding partnership with CDC has allowed us to strengthen communities through programs and initiatives that create environments where all people have the opportunity to make a healthy choice. These funds enable us to continue this work and expand it to communities that need it most.”

The YMCA of the East Bay one of 16 Ys selected to receive funds through REACH.

Ys who will receive funds are: YMCA of Silicon Valley Gilroy/San Martin, CA YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South Memphis, TN YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI YMCA of Greater Kansas City Wyandotte County, KS YMCA of Greater Whittier Whittier, CA YMCA of the East Bay Richmond, CA Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA Longmont; Boulder County, CO YMCA of Yonkers Yonkers; Westchester County, NY YMCA of Western North Carolina Inc. Shiloh, NC Florida’s First Coast YMCA Duval County, FL Merrimack Valley YMCA Lawrence, MA Greater Syracuse YMCA Syracuse, NY YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford Hartford, CT Old Colony YMCA Stoughton; Brockton, MA YMCA of the Triangle Area SE Raleigh, NC York & York County YMCA York, PA Several other national organizations will work with Y-USA to help achieve the goals of the cooperative agreement. Partners include the American Psychological Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of La Raza and California State University at Long Beach Center for Latino Community Health.

All of the organizations funded through the REACH program bring the resources, dedication, and experience as leaders in this effort to create health equity across the country. To learn more about the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health program, including previous funded programs, visit www.cdc.gov/reach.

###

About the East Bay Y System: The YMCA of the East Bay is one of Northern California’s largest non-profit trainers and deployers of volunteers. Last year the East Bay YMCA trained more than 500 volunteers in programs ranging from childcare to teen enrichment, health and wellness and cultural harmony. With nine branches and almost 50 childcare centers in operation from Fremont to the Yolo County, the East Bay YMCA Association also has the largest geographic reach of any YMCA operation in North America. Formed as a 501 (c) (3) corporation on July 20, 1879, the not-for-profit East Bay YMCA operates branches in downtown Oakland, Fremont, Newark, Hayward, Castro Valley, Richmond, and Dublin, as well as camps in Livermore, Pescadero (San Mateo County) and Redway (Humboldt County). All locations are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. About the Y: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net 100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 233 North Broadway, CA 94596 P: (925) 930-9848 F: (925) 930-9903 www.gallen.com

Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin will be one of the speakers at the “Tibetan National Uprising Day” observance and protest on Sunday in San Francisco.
The event marking the 54th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day will also feature San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos as a speaker.
From the press release sent by the Rainforest Action Network:

MARCH TO SAVE LIVES, PROTEST IN SOLIDARITY FOR THE 107 SELF-IMMOLATORS, PRAY FOR THOSE IN TIBET

Speakers Include: SF Supervisor John Avalos and Mayor of Richmond, Gayle McGlaughlin
Global Protests Mark 54th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day

“Tibetan National Uprising Day” Schedule – Sunday, March 10, 2013, San Francisco

10:00am – Opening ceremony and cultural exposition at SF City Hall
March & Demonstration:
12:00pm-1:00pm – March to Chinese Consulate, via Van Ness Ave & Geary Blvd
1:00pm-2:30pm – Rally & Demonstration at Chinese Consulate, 1450 Laguna St
2:30pm-4:30pm – March to SF Union Square via Geary Blvd & Market St
5:00pm-8:00pm – Rally and Political Theater at SF Union Square

[San Francisco, CA] Thousands of Tibetans and Tibet supporters across the globe will take to the streets on March 10, 2013. This day commemorates the 1959 National Uprising when tens of thousands of Tibetans rose up to demand an end to China’s occupation. As this sensitive day approaches and protests in Tibet increase, Chinese forces have intensified security measures (detaining Tibetans without cause) and surveillance of Tibetan activities, including religious rites. In the face of Beijing’s stranglehold, a new generation of Tibetans has risen up, defying Chinese authority. A growing number of Tibetans are engaged in simple yet powerful actions like speaking only Tibetan, and exclusively patronizing Tibetan-owned businesses.[1] They are also embracing nonviolent resistance tactics; these courageous Tibetans have strengthened their Tibetan identity and inspired hope.
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The West Contra Costa Science Fair has announced the results of this year’s competition:

The West Contra Costa Science Fair held an Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 28, in the Knox Performing Arts Center. Dr. Donna Floyd, Interim Vice President of Contra Costa College, told the audience the first WCCSF was held 55 years ago on this site. Dr. Bruce Harter, Superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and former secondary science teacher, described some of the projects that caught his eye such as the one about texting on a keyboard vs. a flat screen and another on how to shut down WiFi. Dr. Mayra Padilla, Direct of STEM & METAS Program at Contra Costa College encouraged the students to look into the opportunities for high school students at CCC.
A total of 96 awards were presented to 85 students in grades 7 through 12 from eight West Contra Costa Unified schools: Crespi, DeJean, Helms, and Portola Junior High Schools; Mira Vista and Stewart K-8 Schools; as well as El Cerrito and Pinole Valley High Schools.
Of the 152 projects on display in the Gym Annex Room 40 from Monday, February 25, until just after the Awards Ceremony, 90% came from 7th and 8th graders. However, of the 10% that came from the high schools, 93% were winners of first- through fourth-places and special awards while only 51% of the 7th and 8th grade projects won the awards. There were no 9th grade projects.
Of the four categories, 57% of the projects were in Physical Science; 24% were in Biological Science; 16% in Behavioral Science and only 3% in Mathematics.
Portola Junior High students won the most awards with 29 garnered from the 32 projects submitted. Their awards included two 1st places, six 2nd places, eight 3rd places, ten 4th places and three special awards.
Overall there were 6 first-place winners, 14 second-place winners, 23 third-place winners, 42 fourth-place winners and 11 special awards.
The first-place winners also each received a Bio-Rad cash award: seventh-grader Colm Hayden (“Can Redwood Absorb and Release Fog?”) from Portola; seventh-grader Nicole Stokowski (“How Do Differences in Mass Affect Conservation of Angular Momentum?”) from Mira Vista; eighth-grader Jacqueline Rojas (“What Abilities Does Your Brain Have?”) from Helms; eighth-grader Nora Gest (“Which Nuts Have the Most Calories?”) from Portola; tenth-grader Andrew Brodsky (“The Effects of Barrel Size on Projectile Velocity”) from El Cerrito High;and eleventh-grader Sydney Gallion (“Natural Frequency and Length”) from El Cerrito High.
Other special awards included math puzzle books Dennis Claudio presented to the seventh-graders Minahil Khan (“Reverse the Multiplication”) and Paulo Del Rosario (“Switch or Stay?”) both from Crespi; as well as a book on graph theory presented to Mark Ohlmann (“Can You Run Out of Luck?”) from Pinole Valley High, The Hal Magarian Memorial Award went to seventh-grader Julia Walker (“Rosemary’s pH Preference”) from Portola Junior High. The Bill Tobin Award was given to Mark Ohlmann from Pinole Valley High.
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Nibs Restaurant, a popular dining spot on San Pablo Avenue that is in Richmond but has an El Cerrito street address, will be closed for several weeks to repair damage from a grill fire on March 2.
John Stashik was passing the restaurant about 10 p.m. when he saw the emergency equipment and took these photos.