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ADVERTISING
SUPPLEMENT
OCTOBER 9, 2020
RichmondLeaders, Innovators & Change Makers
INSIDE
Learning Making history,
from nature building trust
Strengthening The Richmond Clockwise from top left:
community community The Montaño family at their downtown
through access welcomes its restaurant. — 8
to Richmond’s new police chief,
open spaces and Bisa French. She The Richmond Ferry Terminal offers
scenic places. is a first for the improved access to the city. — 9
— 16 department in Craft brewery Armistice Brewing Company,
several ways. was co-founded by Alex Zobel. — 18
— 19
Co-Biz, led by Wesley Alexander, is more
than a co-working space. — 6
2 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
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OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3
Welcome to Richmond!
I
n early 2020 I was honored to start my ten- deep-water port, ferry terminal (San Francisco’s streets, our “maker” culture and creative spirit is
ure as Richmond’s new City Manager. Embarcadero is just 35 minutes away), evident and attracts entrepreneurs from through-
Having worked in economic de- passenger (Amtrak) and multiple ma- out the region.
velopment in multiple Bay Area jor cargo rail lines, multi-modal Layer on top of all this a community that sin-
cities across several counties, I see downtown transit hub (including cerely cares – about one another, about the ser-
the most fantastic business and BART), multiple regional bus ser- vices the City offers, and about supporting our
development opportunities in vices, and two major freeways. local community, especially our business com-
Richmond. Our vibrancy is also exhibited munity. We embrace the “can do” spirit embed-
We can offer you the world! We through the arts – from people’s ded in our rich history, which has helped create
offer unparalleled diversity by any front yards to community gath- a wonderful place where people can enjoy our
measure – architectural, business, ering places, the arts are visible ev- diverse “must-do” offerings including 36 miles
cultural, food, race/ethnic, geograph- erywhere throughout the entire city of the San Francisco Bay Trail, 32 miles of shore-
ic, and neighborhood diversity are Laura Snideman, and supported in many ways and by line, pristine sailing marinas, unparalleled bay
Richmond City
just some examples. We connect you many different sectors of the com- views, wine and beer tasting, and a lighthouse
Manager
to the global economy in a way only munity, including the City itself. B&B —on an island!
a few elite cities can do – through our On buildings, in plazas, and on the Join and enjoy Richmond!
Richmond City Council: (left to right) Ben Choi, Demnlus Johnson III, Jael Myrick, Mayor Tom Butt, Eduardo Martinez, Melvin Willis,
Vice Mayor Nathaniel Bates.
4 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
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STEVEN GOLUBCHIK NICHOLAS BICARDO JONATHAN SCHAEFLER JACK PHIPPS DARREN HOLLAK
VICE CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN MANAGING DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
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OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 5
Point Molate’s 413 acres on the San Francisco Bay will be
developed with 1,260 housing units. The plan includes
preserved open space and shoreline trails.
“We see this
as a future
destination
for people all
around the
area.”
David Soyka,
Vice President, SunCal,
developer of Point
Molate site
POINT MOLATE DEVELOPMENT
New Waterfront Living
Once home to the world’s largest winery, Richmond’s Point Molate More housing in
is being reimagined as an exciting place to live and work the works
In addition to Point Mo-
A
late, the City has been
new plan to revitalize the shoreline area, known ter of Historic Places. SunCal’s redevelopment plan will
working to increase hous-
as Point Molate, will transform Richmond’s for- preserve the historic structures, and rehabilitate them for
ing development to meet
mer Naval Base into a coveted coastline for visi- housing, restaurant, retail, and community use.
a greater demand. Some
tors and residents alike. Point Molate, 413-acres “We see this as a future destination for people all projects include:
of land on the San Francisco Bay, will become a place to around the area,” says Soyka. “You can see the potential
call home for thousands of new residents. Currently, a here as a place where people will want to go, especially ■■ The Terraces at Nevin,
a new 271-unit apart-
minimum of 1,260 housing units are planned for devel- with a Bay Trail connection. To us, it’s a no brainer.”
ment complex on two
opment, including 67 affordable units all with sweep- Point Molate has been in development for more than
city blocks in Central
ing views of the Bay, a Victorian Lighthouse, and 20 years, including completing environmental
Richmond.
Mount Tamalpais. remediation work. Point Molate served as a
An impressive 70 percent of the land
will be preserved for all to enjoy, includ-
70% U.S. Navy fuel storage and transfer facility
before it closed in 1995. SunCal, which
■■ NOMA, a new 193-unit
single family home and
of Point Molate townhome develop-
ing a new waterfront park and more than land will be specializes in brownfield sites, is pre-
ment on Marina Way
3 miles of new trails. “There’s a shoreline preserved as pared to clear the area of approximately 12 South. Close proximity
park that’s open now, but most of the site parks and open fuel storage tanks and develop a complete
space to the Richmond Ferry
has been completely closed since 1996,” says mixed-use community. This is the second Terminal.
David Soyka, vice president of Irvine-based development in the Bay Area where SunCal is
■■ Richmond Country
SunCal, the developer whose plan the City approved transforming a former Naval site and repurposing it Club, a 94-unit
for the site. “We’ve agreed to complete 1.5 miles of the to address the region’s housing needs. single-family home
Bay Trail on our site,” says Soyka. SunCal will also pro- If all goes as planned, Phase One of the development development under
vide bike lanes on Stenmark Drive between the project will kick off as early as 2022. Part of that plan includes consideration.
site and Interstate 580 to connect to the Richmond-San improving Stenmark Drive, completing the affordable
Rafael Bridge. “We would see that as an awesome amen- housing units, adding a police and fire station on site,
ity, if we could get people out of their cars, on their and starting the rehabilitation of the historic Winehav-
bikes, and coming out to our site,” he adds. en buildings. Emeryville-based Orton Development,
DEVELOPMENT MAP
The Rhineland-style castle known as Winehaven, once which specializes in large-scale rehabilitation and re-
PAGES 14-15
home to the largest winery in the world until it closed development projects, has partnered with SunCal to An overview of
during Prohibition, will also be an exciting architectural redevelop the area. new Richmond
draw for residents and visitors. The abandoned structure, “When you see the views of Mt. Tam, and you see developments and
along with several historic cottages near it, are part of the the bridge, and you can see the San Francisco skyline,” their locations.
Winehaven Historic District, listed on the National Regis- says Soyka, “it’s going to be just phenomenal.”
6 ADVERTISING
ADVERTISINGSUPPLEMENT
SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND
RICHMOND | LEADERS,| INNOVATORS
PRIDE AND PURPOSE
& CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
SAN FRANCISCO
CREATIVE & INCLUSIVE WORKSPACES
The CoBiz workspace has 9,000 square feet of space. Its leader sees its future role as an economic and entrepreneurship recovery center.
Innovation and Community
PHOTOS : SFBT / SPENCER BROWN
More than a co-working space, CoBiz offers
support for local entrepreneurs and creatives
R
ichmond is a city brimming with those paying membership fees. He hopes
entrepreneurial spirit and Co- this approach will not only support the
Biz, a new co-working space and community, but change the narrative of
business incubator, is one way Richmond.
it’s bringing together its small businesses As giant co-working companies
owners, artists, innovators, and freelance scrambled to keep themselves relevant
creatives. Since opening its doors in 2019, during quarantine this year, CoBiz’s
CoBiz has served as a shining example of initial mission of community investment
what co-working can mean when it puts helped them take the transition in stride.
community first. In addition to offering grocery give-
“Richmond is a diverse, immigrant-rich aways, CoBiz began creating webinars
city,” says CoBiz CEO Wesley Alexander. for the community. In the series “Com-
Located in the heart of downtown’s ing Out Stronger,” CoBiz gathers experts
transit center, CoBiz equips local entre- to discuss mental health, PPP loans, and
preneurs and creatives with cutting edge other issues independent workers face in
technologies and collaborative workspac- light of COVID-19.
es. The 9,000-square foot location goes Alexander recognizes that there will
beyond the average co-working space by be a long-lasting shift in how compa-
offering areas for TedX seminars or hack- nies conduct business. In response, he is
ing events, podcast or vlogging gear, and putting together a grant program to re-
ample relaxation and networking spaces. position CoBiz as an economic and en-
There’s an on-site engineer to help navi- trepreneurship recovery center. His ulti-
gate video editing and other tech requests. mate goal is to offer options for those who
In the communal kitchen, a neon sign cannot afford a regular membership, par-
hangs over the sink that reads, “Pride and ticularly after COVID-19, and who need
Purpose,” the City’s motto. the space but are “trying to bounce back
Alexander and his team wanted to use without having to worry about the cost
CoBiz to combat common economic de- of using the space...That’s going to help
velopment pitfalls, such as accessibility us build up our local economy again,” he
and inclusivity. With the help of Chevron’s says. By giving local entrepreneurs and
eQuip initiative, an investment fund dedi- community leaders a chance to thrive, Al-
CoBiz leader Wesley Alexander set out to develop cated to improving Richmond, Alexander exander hopes CoBiz will become “a local
a co-working space that “serves the needs of set out to develop a co-working space that beacon of what is possible in Richmond.”
everyone,” not just those paying membership fees. “serves the needs of everyone,” not just Find out more at cobizrichmond.com.
OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 7
Makers
Welcome
RYSE provides a safe space for
young leaders and innovators to
chart their own path to success The RYSE Commons will offer creative space for Richmond youth.
P
reparing the next generation of in- community,” says Dan Reilly, RYSE’s Direc- this space, and policies that they want to
novators in Richmond is RYSE, an tor of Innovation, “and that’s an equity is- organize around. RYSE also offers intensive
organization dedicated to empower- sue.” In order for the youth of Richmond internship opportunities, field trips, and a
ing Richmond’s next generation. The to have equitable access to systems, insti- partnership with the Hidden Genius Project,
organization is now expanding its campus tutions, and resources in the community, which focuses on coding education and lead-
to give the young people of Richmond a Reilly says, “we have to be the innovators. ership development for young Black men.
place to create, make, and innovate. We have to experiment and grow Reilly believes this bottom-up approach
The new RYSE Commons and find community-based solu- helps youth at RYSE feel a sense of owner-
will be a transformation of the 45K tions to community-based is- ship often lacking in youth spaces. “The idea
original 6,600 square foot
building to a 45,000 square
sq. ft. sues.”
RYSE came to fruition more
of youth ownership is so critical if we’re go-
ing to talk about a safe space and, perhaps
Size of planned
foot campus on the eastside of than 10 years ago, amid na- more importantly, a brave space.”
new RYSE
Macdonald Avenue, with an art Commons tional economic collapse and a When RYSE Commons opens its doors
studio, healing sanctuary, media concern by youth to be heard on next year, Reilly has no doubt that the cam-
production facilities, performance issues related to safety and access to pus will give young people of color ample
theater, computer labs, and a Makerspace resources. According to Reilly, Richmond opportunity to lead us into a brighter future.
with a pop-up shop. An important out- youth organized and identified the need for “What gives me hope is that young folks are
come of the development will be incubating a safe space that wasn’t school, something so visionary,” says Reilly. “You don’t need to
young people’s ideas, launching businesses, they could envision what it looked like and teach a young person how to be innovative.
exploring technology, and connecting with how it worked. “RYSE exists because young They just are. And they have a fresh view of
universities and partners by providing ac- folks of color organized for it,” he says. the world. They are so amazing and power-
cess to high-quality facilities for technology In that spirit, RYSE has continued to posi- ful by nature. That’s nothing that RYSE gives
exploration, workforce development, and tion itself as a youth organization led by the them. That’s what they bring to the table
media production. youth themselves. They’re involved in hiring and bring to all of these conversations.”
“A lot of innovation that focuses on our staff, designing and leading programs, vet- Look out for RYSE Commons and Maker-
community doesn’t actually originate in our ting and identifying partners to bring into space, open summer 2021.
Richmond at Work
The city’s model program to connect new jobs with local workers
R
ichmond has become a center of economic de- companies to hire residents and utilize local businesses
velopment in the Bay Area because of its prox- for procurement of goods and services. One such pol-
imity to major cities, affordable land prices, icy is the Richmond Business Opportunity Ordinance,
welcoming community, and leading workforce which sets as a goal that 20 percent of each City-issued
development staff to expedite local hiring. contract should go to local businesses. For public-pri-
“We’re one of the few cities that actually has an Em- vate partnerships, this model encourages local hiring
ployment and Training Division dedicated to assisting and reduces GHG emissions because it prioritizes people
businesses and residents make connections,” says Sal living and working in the same city.
Vaca, Community Services Director administering “The City makes an effort to mitigate displacement
RichmondWorks. “We have support systems in place through inclusive strategies,” adds Curl. “Richmond’s
for those businesses to relocate, sustain, and then thrive ordinances are in place to act as a crosswalk for promot-
here in our community.” ing new investment that includes the existing commu-
“We have
RichmondWorks is at the center of an extensive net- nity and responds to the community’s needs”. support systems
work of services to combat unemployment that also Vaca says RichmondWorks has had a significant im-
includes RichmondBuild, a nationally recognized job pact on communities such as the City’s immigrant and
in place for
training program. “RichmondBuild is a public and pri- youth population. Literacy for Every Adult Program businesses to
vate partnership focused on developing talent and skills (LEAP), a literacy program that provides literacy ESL,
in the high growth, high wage construction, and renew- GED, and citizenship assistance and classes, has been an thrive here in
able energy fields,” says Richmond Deputy City Manag- active partner in that effort. RichmondWorks also col- our community.”
er, Economic Development, Shasa Curl. RichmondBuild laborates with the local community college to offer class-
job trainees go through an apprenticeship track that es and training to potential workers. The goal is to create Sal Vaca, Community
includes carpentry, hazardous waste removal, energy programs in partnership with the business community Services Director
efficiency, and electrical wiring. and educational institutions to ensure our residents are
As more companies move in, City policies encourage well prepared and trained to earn a living wage.
8 SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
DOWNTOWN RICHMOND
The Montaño
family—
from left, Martin,
Jennifer, Susana
and Viviana—
outside their
restaurant,
SFBT / SPENCER BROWN
El Garage, in
Downtown
Richmond.
Main Street Revival
Richmond’s Downtown is thriving with new business and development
R
ichmond’s Main Street Initia- retail, and commercial office space.
tive is helping turn the City’s Visit Downtown now and you’ll
historic downtown back into find colorful banners inviting you to
a regional arts and cultural “Enjoy Downtown Richmond” de-
destination. Local small businesses signed by local artist Richard Muro
are thriving in this urban core neigh- Salazar. The Rich Clothing Co. sells
borhood, thanks to its close proxim- Richmond-proud tees and hats. Mod-
ity to Kaiser, BART, and the Social ern eateries like Roux, which serves
Security Administration. up Southern-Creole cuisine, and
“Richmond is an innovative com- the acclaimed El Garage, which just
munity, has delicious food, and is a opened outside the Downtown BART,
“Richmond … wonderful place to be,” says Depu- are bringing new flavor to the scene.
is an innovative ty City Manager, Economic Devel- Just one year ago the founders of
opment, Shasa Curl. “Richmond’s El Garage were serving quesabirria
community, has Downtown has seen steady improve- tacos outside their garage, with lines
delicious food, ments and investment, and its prox- around the block. “People would
imity to BART, Amtrak and AC Tran- come from all over. We became
and is a wonderful sit make it an ideal location to live known as this mystery spot,” says
place to be.” and work.” Part of that investment Viviana Montaño, who opened the
includes a new development at five Macdonald Ave. restaurant with her
Shasa Curl, Deputy City Manager, sites with capacity for over 1,500 res-
Economic Development idential units, neighborhood serving continued on next page Stock up on Richmond-themed merch!
OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 9
continued from previous page Initiative, which hosts annual festivals is particularly excited about a new
like Spirit and Soul Festival and Music economic disruption resilience course,
sister Evelyn in July. Montaño, would on the Main, has pivoted to providing which will be available to all businesses
post photos of their fresh and innova- online learning and finding creative interested in locating downtown.
tive tacos on Instagram to entice new ways to implement their mission of Wong hopes that by helping long-
customers, but never left their home addressing the business community’s standing businesses diversify their
address. Word of mouth became strong immediate needs. operations to be more online friendly,
and they started hosting pop-ups at Vivian Wong, the Executive Di- they’ll be able to continue to flourish
local breweries. They became Eater’s rector of Richmond Main Street in the new economy.
Pop-Up of the Year in 2019. Initiative, says businesses come to And with partners like Leftside “We take our local
“Without social media right now them for “branding, marketing, pro- Printing, which goes beyond printing
businesses, write
people really can’t reach you, especial- motional events, and getting grant services, offering free banner printing
ly during these times,” says Montaño, funding to support any of their pro- to businesses during COVID-19, and a about them in our
Takeout business has been good at the
new spot, but the Montanos look for-
posed ideas to enhance the district.”
To keep long-term business owners
host of organizations ready to support
new businesses with educational and
email marketing...
ward to sharing the El Garage experi- thriving for the long haul, Wong and incubator services, including CoBiz we message across
ence with customers again. “We would her team created a digital marketing Richmond, Renaissance Center Rich-
have this big Mexican backyard party. plan: “We take our local business- mond, and SparkPoint, the Richmond
Facebook, Instagram,
We’d play anything from banda to hip es, write about them in our email Main Street Initiative will continue to LinkedIn, Twitter, you
hop to rock and everyone would have marketing and on our blog, then we elevate the small business communi-
a good time. We’re excited to get this message across Facebook, Instagram, ty and ensure Richmond’s downtown name it.”
party going again,” she adds. LinkedIn, Twitter, you name it.” district continues to prosper.
Vivian Wong, Executive Director
While life remains largely virtu- Despite uncertainty, Wong has To find out more, visit richmond-
of Richmond Main Street Initiative
al these days, Richmond Main Street ambitious plans for the year. She mainstreet.org
All Aboard! Ferry service lets residents get off
congested freeways and out on the Bay
A
nyone who has traveled on I-80
from Richmond to San Francisco
during rush hour knows that 17.8
short miles never felt so long. That’s
why a new ferry service that would get
more drivers off the interstate and onto the
Bay made sense for the City of Richmond
and the San Francisco Water Emergency
Transportation Authority (WETA).
“Richmond has more coastline than any
other city in the Bay Area,” says Thomas
Hall, WETA Public Information and Market-
ing Manager. “Everyone knew it was a great
bet all along and it just needed to get done. It
was something that we’ve been working on
as long as there’s been a WETA.”
WETA was able to secure the funding to
build the terminal and the boats needed to
run the service thanks to strong support from
Richmond Mayor Tom Butt and the passing
WETA
of Contra Costa County Measure J transporta-
tion sales tax, as well as other sources. The ferry arrives at Richmond’s new terminal.
The $20 million terminal located near
the Craneway Pavilion opened its doors in throughout 2019. In addition, WETA pilot- ies even beyond its Bay Area borders. “The
January 2019, with a new ADA-compliant ed weekend service for the summer of 2019 Richmond Multi-modal Transit Station is
gangway and ramping system, passenger which significantly increased ridership. the only station in the San Francisco Bay
shelter, 362 spaces of free parking, and a “A lot of passengers are able to Area to provide direct connections
new ADA-compliant kayak launch ramp. walk, or ride their bikes, or ride to the region’s commuter rail
The ferry ride directly to the San Francisco
Ferry Building offers stunning one-of-a-
easy transit to their homes from
the ferry terminal,” says Hall.
726 system, Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART), AC transit rapid bus
Average daily
kind views of the San Francisco Bay. “And compared to driving, it’s boarding during service, and Amtrak/Capitol
“The ferry adds to the attractiveness of just like a complete life chang- Richmond ferry’s Corridor, providing unparal-
Richmond’s Southern waterfront for high er. We heard from people when first year of leled access to the greater Bay
service
density, mixed-use development. It offers we first started service, telling us Area and beyond,” says Rich-
commuters a relaxing 35 minute journey about how much it truly changed mond Deputy City Manager, Eco-
between the two cities.” says Lina Velasco, their lives because they weren’t stressed nomic Development, Shasa Curl. “In
Community Development Director. out from sitting on I-80 for an hour and a half addition, the new Ferry Terminal connects
Ferry ridership performed well above at the end of their day.” Richmond to San Francisco and miles of
expectations in the first year of service, Richmond has been a hub for public bike paths connect Richmond to cities all
with an average of 726 daily boardings transit in all its forms, connecting to cit- over the Bay Area.”
10 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
NIAD
Art Center
NURTURING INDEPENDENCE
THROUGH CONTEMPORARY ART
A 501c3 nonprofit promoting creative
expression, independence, dignity, and
community integration for neurodiverse
artists in downtown Richmond since 1982.
Each week, NIAD’s 70 artists engage with
Community, Studio, and Exhibitions Programs
at NIAD.
OUR VISION
A unified community where everyone is included,
and art makes the individual and their story visible.
EXHIBITIONS COMMUNITY HYBRID STUDIO PROGRAM
All studio artists exhibit and sell work Working with NIAD’s community NIAD’s weekday studio program
alongside contemporary artists from integration program, artists have supports 70 artists’ practices in
the broader community each year, opportunities to lead workshops, ceramics, textiles, printmaking,
whether in weekly online exhibitions, sell at craft fairs, visit museums and painting, dance, exhibitions, and
monthly shows in our galleries, or landmarks, and give artist talks. sculpture, and a Virtual Studio
with art world partners from New online, facilitated by our professional
York to Portland. teaching artists.
JOIN US:
• SPONSORSHIP • ATTEND EVENTS • VISIT NIAD
• SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES • BECOME A DONOR
• COLLECT NIAD ART • VOLUNTEER
@niadartcenter @NIADArtCenter Learn more at niadart.org
Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development | 551 23rd Street | Richmond CA 94804 | niadart.org | 510-620-0290OCTOBER 9, 2020 11
OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 11
MCE
The 10.5-megawatt solar farm in Richmond is expected to eliminate 3,234 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution each year.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Leading
the Charge
RCF COMMONS
Richmond is designing for a more
equitable and sustainable future RCF Connects rehabilitates homes, including solar and energy efficiency
features, and makes them available to first-time home buyers.
W
ith stunning views of the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays launched a citywide Open Data and Performance Reporting Portal called
and nearly 300 acres of parkland, the City of Richmond has Transparent Richmond (www.transparentrichmond.org). The open
invested in a long-term plan to protect community health, data platform currently contains more than 300 datasets, visualizations,
while also becoming a study in the future of cities in the and performance measures, many of which feature monthly, weekly, or
era of climate change. The City is working with numerous partners to daily updates. All Climate Action Plan goals and data are reported on the
achieve its community-driven vision of sustainable health and envi- platform to track and share progress with the public.
ronmental goals laid out in the Richmond General Plan 2030. “Richmond is a community where environmental issues are at the
Partners, such as RCF Connects and the ZNE Alliance, have put its fo- forefront of the decision-making process,” says MCE’s Communica-
cus on Zero Net Carbon Ready and Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) single-family tions Manager Jenna Famular. Solar One, is Richmond’s 10.5-mega-
homes and new developments through the installation of solar panels, watt solar farm and the largest one completed to-date in California
all electric energy-efficient appliances, and water saving features. “Any- with a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), which brings customers
thing we can do to shift to clean energy sources and reduce consumption together to leverage individual purchasing power within a defined
is consequential in terms of mitigating [climate change],” says jurisdiction. A part of Chevron’s Modernization project, the
Richard Schorske, executive director of the ZNE Alliance, award-winning solar farm “is expected to eliminate 3,234
RCF Connects rehabilitates once-neglected properties metric tons of carbon dioxide each year while repur-
into affordable ZNC or ZNC-ready single-family homes posing 60 acres of a remediated brownfield site,” says
making them available to first time home buyers of low Famular.
to moderate income through a program called Spark- Pass by the site now, and you’ll see rows of sprawl-
Point. “We have made the commitment to provide the ing solar panels, enough to power over 3,900 homes
highest level of green efficiency in our new and remod- annually. The project also partnered with the local
eled homes,” says Jim Becker, President and CEO of RCF employment program, RichmondBUILD, to create 341
Connects. “We want to show the world that green effi- jobs for residents, while also utilizing local contractors.
ciency makes sense for houses in affordable neighbor- “As we roll out more electric vehicle charging sta-
hoods, and is not just a feature of luxury homes.”
“We have made tions in the City of Richmond, there is the need for
Richmond’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a path to jobs in that sector, such as installing and maintain-
how the City will actively reduce greenhouse gas emis- the commitment ing those stations,” says Sal Vaca, Community Ser-
sions by 2030. The CAP works in conjunction with the
City’s Health in All Policies Strategy to improve the so-
to provide the vices Director.
While Richmond has undoubtedly felt the effects
cial determinants of health. highest level of of COVID-19, the City has not let the situation stop
“The City recognizes that the environment is an im- it from launching new programs and services to
portant determinant in community health, and is com-
green efficiency help residents. Many community events have been
mitted to improving safety, sustainability, and health in our new and moved to online platforms. “We’re also transitioning
for all Richmond residents,” says Deputy City Manager, our energy efficiency services to be more COVID-19
Economic Development, Shasa Curl. Whatever the fu- remodeled sensitive, including our new Direct Install program
ture may hold, Richmond plans to continue meeting homes.” that sends easy-to-install energy and water savings
and surpassing environmental benchmarks with their upgrades directly to customers’ homes,” says Fam-
bold programs. Jim Becker, President and ular. Qualified customers can sign-up on the MCE
In an effort to increase transparency, Richmond CEO of RCF Connects website (www.mcecleanenergy.org).12 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
SFBT / TODD JOHNSON
Leslie Lundin of LBG Real Estate at the updated Hilltop by the Bay.
HILLTOP MALL
Scientific
Approach
In a changing retail landscape, Hilltop by the Bay “We’re doing
pivots to focus on tech, biotech and housing something that
will bring in
R
ichmond’s proximity to San Francisco top Mall, located adjacent to the I-80, into the
and convenient transportation options Shops at Hilltop with the idea of turning it into a tax dollars and
make it an attractive place to locate multi-cultural, mixed-use center for dining, the- capital. The City
for innovative clean tech and biotech atre, retail, hotel, housing, and office space. “Ob-
companies. JOINN Innovation Park, Sangamo viously, entertainment, retail, and restaurants has been really
Therapeutics, Alstem, the innovative don’t make a lot of economic sense right supportive of
1M
eksoBionics, and an additional host of now,” says Lundin. Instead, LBG took
life science and clean tech firms all a 180 and headed straight into the our strategy.”
call Richmond home. “The biotech
sector, in fact, is one of fastest
sq. ft. office space phase of its plan with a
focus on life sciences and tech. Leslie Lundin, general
Unmet demand partner, LBG Real Estate
growing job markets in the area,” “That’s a place where there’s
for space in the Companies
says Sal Vaca, Community Services life sciences growing demand, and COVID-19 has
Director. “I suspect there are several market spurred this quite a bit,” says Lundin.
reasons for that. One, it’s a great city to With a million square feet of unmet
do business in, but also its proximity to San demand in the life sciences market and giv-
Francisco is a big, big plus, and now with ferry en Richmond is a strong industrial market with
service in place, the connection is even stronger.” the experience and expertise in accommodating
The developers at LBG Real Estate Compa- industrial use spaces, the idea was a win-win.
nies set out to reimagine the 77-acre site in 2017. “What we’re doing is important for the City of
“Richmond is an undiscovered gem,” says Leslie Richmond,” says Lundin. “We’re doing some-
Lundin, general partner at LBG. “It’s in a phe- thing that will bring in tax dollars and capital. The
nomenal location if you think of where it is and City has been really supportive of our strategy.”
how easy it is to get places.” To learn more about Hilltop by the Bay, visit
Originally, LBG rebranded the outdated Hill- eastbayscienceandtechnology.comOCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 13
Image: Fadhili Rauf looks at artwork from Art of the African Diaspora, including a ceramic piece by Renata Gray (2019). Photo by Richmond Art Center.
Art of the African Diaspora, in partnership with Richmond Art Center, supports artists of
African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and
building a creative community.
For program information and to show your support:
aotad.org richmondartcenter.org14 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
McNears
Beach
San
Rafael
1. Point Pinole Phase III 3 . Parkway Commerce Center
Richmond Development San
DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
Project Address Units/SF Ownership
COMMERCIAL/DISTRIBUTION
1. Point Pinole Business Park Terminus of Giant Rd. 2 warehouses Lease
Phase III north of Atlas Rd. =302,700 SF
2. UPS Expansion 1601 Atlas Rd. 350,000 SF Own
expansion
(410,00 SF total)
3. Parkway Commerce Center Collins Ave. 111,000 SF Lease
4. Klose Commercial 3190 Klose Way 7,000 SF Lease
Development
5. LLM William Jenkins Health 150 Harbour Way 33,742 SF Own
Center
6. Harbour Way South 912 Harbour Way South 182,000 SF Lease
Industrial Park
7. Home2 Suite Hotel 2121 Meeker Ave. 102 rooms Own
8
MIXED USE
8. Point Molate Stenmark Dr. 1,452 units, Lease/own
624,572 SF
commercial
9. Metro Walk Phase II Nevin Ave and 19th St. 600+ Lease
10. 12th and Macdonald 12th St and Macdonald Ave. 361 Lease
11. The Point Apartments 403 S Garrard Blvd. 27 Lease
R ic h
m o n d -San
12. NOMA 830 Marina Way South Ra193
fael Br g Own
St
t ro
RESIDENTIAL
as
13. Richmond Country Club Markovich Lane 94 Own C
14. Hilltop Apartments 3080 Hilltop Mall Rd. 180 Lease
15. Garrity Apartments 3189 Garrity Way 98 Lease
16. The Terraces at Nevin Nevin Ave between 271 Lease 11
21st and 23rd Streets
17. The Quarry Canal Blvd. 193 Own
18. Waterline Seacliff Dr. 60 Own
19. Terminal 1 1500 Dorman Dr. 316 Own
20. Cascade 5620 Central Ave. 46 Own
Point
Richmond
19
Brickyard
Cove
P r adi
a
se Dr
7. Home2 Suite Hotel 8. Point Molate
maps4news.com/©HERE4
OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 15
Hercules
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Ho16 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
BUILDING COMMUNITY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YES NATURE TO NEIGHBORHOODS
YES Nature to Neighborhoods program uses nature as a way to bridge communities and foster leadership.
The Great
Outdoors
Strengthening community
through access to Richmond’s
open spaces and scenic places
R
ichmond’s best kept secret is that it has 32 miles of shoreline
—more than any other city in the Bay Area—and a 36-mile-
long Bay Trail with views of the San Francisco and San
Pablo Bays. The City’s extensive bike infrastructure, which
includes a new bike lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, has
served Richmond residents and employees, traveling from other
parts of the Bay Area via ferry or BART. Waterfront amenities such The YES program brings local kids to Richmond’s outdoor spaces.
as the Richmond Marina and the Marina Inner Harbor Basin of-
fer sweeping views of the Bay, the latter being an ideal location for holm, Executive Director of YES Nature to Neighborhoods. “We’re
paddling and kayaking. The City’s green spaces and scenic coastal really finding that a lot of people are gravitating toward the outdoor
paths have become a retreat during a time when residents and em- space now, even more so than before.”
ployees need it most. YES was designed 21 years ago as a nature camp for local kids.
“Nature is the one place where you can go and be with other Since its founding, the organization has shifted from a summer
people and still remain safe from a virus perspective,” says Eric Aa- camp to year-round programs for adults and families, using na-
ture as a way to bridge communities and foster leadership at a
“There’s a real sense of young age.
Now YES offers camp-like outings at nearby regional parks, like
community and learning Point Isabel and Miller/Knox along the shoreline, in family pods
that can happen when while practicing social distancing. But the impact of COVID-19
hasn’t changed its goal. “We really feel like nature and the outdoor
people come together space grounds us and exposes us to new ideas, new ways of think-
in outdoor spaces.” ing, new ways of being,” says Aaholm. “There’s a real sense of com-
munity and learning that can happen when people come together
Eric Aaholm, Executive Director, in outdoor spaces.”
YES Nature to Neighborhoods To learn more about YES, visit yesfamilies.org.OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 17
Taking S
ystemic inequities became front and center
worldwide when COVID-19 hit, and a growing
concern of the pandemic’s impact on low-in-
come communities in Richmond inspired
Action
community and government leaders to act fast to de-
velop a plan to protect the City’s most vulnerable.
“There was a strong focus and recognition on what
was happening around COVID-19, and recognizing
how that breaks down racially and economically. Peo-
ple who are low income, people of color, are going to
Through R3F, experience this a lot worse,” says Jasmine Jones, exec-
a coalition of utive director of West Contra Costa Public Education
Fund, or EdFUND West.
community leaders RYSE Center, EdFUND West, City of Richmond,
organize to meet Building Blocks for Kids, and Richmond Promise
banded together to develop what is now known as the
the needs of those Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F). “We've never East Brother Beer company is donating part ot the
seen a fund developed from the ground up. This idea sales of its special edition beer to R3F.
hit hardest by the of a community-driven, participatory decision-making
pandemic process that’s super collaborative, and just centered on East Brother Beer Company, a Richmond-based
community,” says Jones. brewery, donated 20 percent of the gross sales of a spe-
R3F will provide funding, food, rent assistance, cial edition brew to R3F. “We decided to call it Pride and
health and mental health services, and social and le- Purpose, which is the motto of the city of Richmond,”
$10M
gal services to locals who need them most during this says co-owner Rob Lightner. “It’s good to look at the
time. After receiving a planning grant from the Hell- broader needs of the community and try to acknowl-
Fundraising goal man Foundation and $25,000 from the Mayor’s Com- edge the gratitude that we feel for people continuing to
for response to the munity Fund, the coalition set a fundraising goal of $10 support us.”
COVID-19
crisis
million to respond to the community during the crisis Soon after the fund was developed, the injustice
and plan for a more equitable recovery. Phase 1’s goal of what happened to George Floyd became interna-
has been to provide $500 direct disbursements to Rich- tional news. “Everyone was heartbroken,” says Jones.
mond residents who qualify. “It made us realize that this fund is bigger than just-
“The idea is to be able to connect residents with COVID-19. This work is allowing us to continue to in-
other resources too, so we do light case management,” terrupt systems of inequities and racial oppression and
says Jones. That means connecting recipients with ad- ensure folks can have an equitable recovery.”
ditional services, such as mental health services, food- To learn more about R3F, and to donate, visit
services, and domestic violence protection. richmondresponsefund.org.
Proud Partner of the
City of Richmond
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FUTURE
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Project/Construction & Cost Management in the Built Environment18 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
Alex Zobel (left) and her
brother Gregory founded
ARMISTICE BREWERY
Armistice Brewing
Company.
R
ichmond’s vast industrial ware- has permitted, and I personally don’t
WOMEN WHO BREW house space, along the waterfront know of another one in the nine coun-
to boot, has made it a win-win des- ties.” Before COVID-19, Baker says 99 per-
tination for those in the business cent of her business was selling wholesale
of brewing beer or winemaking. “It was to pubs and cafes with some direct sales to
Yes She
the best decision we made coming here customers like kegs and growlers. “That’s
to Richmond,” says Alex Zobel, who owns been completely flipped now,” she says,
Armistice Brewing Company with her with most of her business, which she
brother Gregory. runs outside her home, selling
Can! 4%
“As the older sibling, I sort of growlers of her “contemporary
shepherded him through the versions of beers that have
crappy beer-drinking days. Of brewers withstood the test of time” to
And in return, he got me this at active U.S. individuals.
little home brewer’s kit.” After breweries are Female brewers are few and
women
Craft brewers in Richmond throwing regular pizza parties
for friends and family to share
far between in the U.S. A Stan-
ford University study found that
find new ways to deliver a their homemade brews, the siblings out of 1,700 active breweries, only 4
decided to make a business out of it. “I was percent had a female brewer, yet women
fresh pint while breaking not into the idea of shipping my beer all the account for 32 percent of American craft
beer-making barriers way across the country,” says Zobel. “I re- beer consumption. It’s fitting then that two
ally wanted to be a part of that experience. out of the three craft breweries in Rich-
I wanted to see the look on their face and mond, a city known for cracking open the
get the feedback and know that the beer is door to civil and women’s rights following
helping them facilitate a conversation with the WWII home front effort, are women.
someone that they’ve maybe just met or Rosie the Riveter and her “We Can Do It”
maybe have loved for a long time.” motto came to symbolize all women Home
That led to opening a small brewery that Front workers.
has its own taproom on Marina Bay Park- “I don’t meet a lot of female brewers,”
way and an add-on tasting room to a big says Zobel. “I don’t meet a ton of brewers
industrial warehouse. “You might not even of color. A lot of breweries like to talk about
know that we’re making beer in the back how they have gender parity, but most of
because it just feels like a throwback to an the time, all the women are in the front,
English pub,” says Zobel, who was working and all the men are in back,” says Zobel.
on her doctorate in 16th century English Armistice is just a stone’s throw from
literature when she decided to take the leap the Kaiser Shipyards, “where Rosies of all
into brewing professionally. colors and backgrounds collaborated to
ORIGIN BREWER
While near the waterfront is an ideal build the ships that would bring World
spot for kicking back with a brew, Michele War II to a close,” writes Zobel on the web-
Baker, owner and brewer at Origin Brew- site. “We like to think that we’re brewing
Brewer Michele Baker runs Origin Brewer out of her er, had an innovative idea. “This is actually beer with the same spirit of peace, collab-
backyard. the first backyard brewery that Richmond oration, and inclusion.”OCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 19
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Meet
Richmond’s
Police Chief
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BISA FRENCH
Bisa French takes on a historic
role during a pivotal time for
police forces everywhere Chief French sees law enforcement as a partnership with the community.
T
he first woman and woman of color to lead the Richmond Po- the case. “Before a lot of people were scared, they were scared and dis-
lice Department in its 110-year history was selected after 22 years trustful of us, they were distrustful of their neighbors. And a change I
with the department. Chief Bisa French is the youngest ever, see is that people are more willing now to get involved and make
at 45, to lead the department. The Richmond communi- a difference,” she adds.
ty warmly welcomed Chief French into her new role, which
came after she served as Police Chief in a 10-month interim
22 Chief French holds an undergraduate degree in Public Ad-
ministration, a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Man-
Number of years
position prior to the appointment. agement, and graduated from the Police Executive Research
Chief Bisa French
“It feels good that I was able to break this barrier and has been on the Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).
bring something to a department that’s never been here be- Richmond force “I think that being a person of color and just being here for
fore,” says Chief French. 22 years and building relationships over those 22 years, peo-
The appointment came during a pivotal time for police de- ple know who I am,” says Chief French. “They know my heart,
partments everywhere as Black Lives Matter protests mounted they know that I’m here not just with a police department, but to do
across the country. The call for reform across the country has grown what’s in the best interest of the police department and the community.”
louder, and Richmond has shown it will continue to partner with com-
munity members to lead the way.
The department has reduced crime significantly in recent years,
thanks to community engagement and other reforms. “It’s
been changing our philosophy and our model from being a
department that had only several community policing of-
ficers to being a department where everything we do is
ingrained in community policing,” says Chief French. “When you
Building trust with the community has been the
department’s North Star to overcoming a divided build trust,
past. “When you build trust, people are more will- people are more
ing to come forward and talk to you about the issues
that they’re facing. That’s really how we are able to lower our willing to come
crime rate here,” she adds.
forward and talk to
Representation also matters and having a woman of color lead
could have a lasting impact on creating an empathetic police force. you about the issues
“My philosophy is you can have all the diversity in the world, but if
you don’t have inclusion and cultural competency, then diversity isn’t
that they’re facing.
going to change anything,” says Chief French. “We have rich histo- That’s really how we
ry and deep history. We have to understand the history and the harm
that’s been done in some communities over time, so that you can have
are able to lower our
some compassion and understand how we can move forward.” crime rate.”
One of the initiatives Chief French has taken on since her
interim role as Police Chief is establishing a com- Bisa French
munity advisory board where leaders from Richmond
various community groups are available Police Chief
to train officers in cultural competen-
cy and other needs as the force works
toward community building.
“People are much more en-
gaged. People want to have a say
in what happens in this city.
You get a lot of participation
in our neighborhood coun-
cil meetings,” says Chief
French, which wasn’t always20 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS TIMES
Michelle Obama Elementary School
Building
Richmond Richmond BART Parking Structure
since 1907.
Richmond Parkway Distribution Center
Construction
200 Parr Blvd, Richmond, CA 94801
510 234-0926 | www.overaa.com
Heritage Point HousingOCTOBER 9, 2020 RICHMOND | LEADERS, INNOVATORS & CHANGE MAKERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 21
COMMUNITY PROFILE
For the
Record
A memoir and documentary
share the extraordinary life
of local legend and national
treasure Betty Reid Soskin
F
ew women have as diverse a career history as Betty
Reid Soskin, especially for a woman who launched
her career when few women could work. Soskin
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE / LUTHER BAILY
has been a business owner (of Reid’s Records in
Berkeley, which is still running), a songwriter, a blogger,
an activist and at 99 years old she is the oldest serving
park ranger in the U.S.
“I don’t know that I ever intended to be a ranger,” says
Soskin. “But I became sold on the story of Rosie.”
That Rosie is the fictional Rosie the Riveter who repre-
sented the 6 million women who entered the workforce
during WWII. Soskin was in her 20s at that time and work-
ing as a file clerk at the all-African American Boilermakers Betty Reid Soskin serves as a National Park Service Ranger at the Rosie the Riveter Museum.
Union A36. She witnessed a pivotal change in our nation’s
history firsthand at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond and “It was a way to record my life for my kids,” she says of her blog
subsequently during the Civil Rights and Women’s Movements that CBreaux Speaks. “It was my way of explaining me to myself.” While
that change inspired. She continues to call Richmond her home to- she jokes that she didn’t know whether anyone would be interested,
day. “Richmond has been absolutely wonderful to me. I’ve loved ev- everyone took notice, including a publisher.
ery minute,” she said. Her blog was turned into her memoir, Sign My Name to Freedom,
Decades later, as a field rep for California State Assembly- which came out in 2018. She writes about her family from Lou-
women Dion Aroner and Loni Hancock, Soskin isiana, including her great grandmother who was born a slave
became involved in the early plan- and died in the 1940s at the age of 102; her upbringing in the
ning stages of Richmond’s Rosie Bay Area and her experience with racism as more southerners
the Riveter National Historical migrated west; and her role as an activist throughout the na-
Park, which would memorialize tion’s most turbulent times. She attended President Obama’s
the WWII Rosies for generations to inauguration and was invited to officiate at the White House
come. As a park ranger of the park, Tree Lighting Ceremony with President Obama, receiving a
Soskin has become a beloved story- presidential coin to honor her service. A new documentary,
teller, sharing countless stories of the No Time to Waste, about her life was released in 2019.
women, especially women of color “Overwhelmed,” she says of her first viewing. “It had
who faced greater challenges because taken six years and by that time I was used to [the pro-
of their race during that time. Demon- ducers] following me around but when the film finally
strating her mastery for beautiful story- came out, it was so much more than I expected it to be.”
telling, Soskin also picked up blogging at Visit www.rosietheriveter.org to view No Time
the age of 81. to Waste.
CITY OF RICHMOND
Reading and book signing by Betty Reid Soskin at the Richmond Food Hall in Downtown Richmond.You can also read
