Every week, Radio Free Richmond highlights events in the city. Here is what's happening from December 12th through the 18th. Want to learn about more events happening in the city? Click here to check out our new calendar of events!

2014 End of Year Memorial for Lives Lost to Violence
What: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is holding a memorial for lives lost to violence this year.
When: Friday, December 12, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: Whittlesey Community Room (next to Richmond Main Library), 325 Civic Center Plaza 
Why: In Mayor McLaughlin’s invitation to the event, she states that “[Richmond has] experienced 13 homicides in 2014 -- a 72% decrease compared to 2007 -- yet we will never be satisfied until there are no homicides.” Come out to remember in solidarity the lives lost to violence this year.

Peter Case
What: Peter Case returns to Point Richmond for a night of acoustic music
When: Friday, December 12 at 7:30 pm
Where: 201 Marina St, Point Richmond
Why: It was standing room only last time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Peter Case performed in Point Richmond, so make sure you arrive early to hear the acoustic stylings of the renowned artist.
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Bayside Birds at Landfill Loop
What: Birdwatching along the Bay Trail’s Landfill Loop with naturalist Anthony Fisher
When: Saturday, December 13th, from 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Landfill Loop. Meet at the staging area, at the western end of Parr Boulevard
Why: Each of the dozens of species in the Bay Area has its own unique call and habitat along the Bay. Come out to the trail to learn about this complex world with an expert.
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Two Dozen Trees for Planting
What: Richmond Trees’ December Tree planting event
When: Sunday, December 14th, from 8:30 am to 12 pm
Where: 3007 Maricopa Ave, Richmond
Why: Richmond Trees will be planting two dozen trees in the North and East neighborhood. Join their effort to help make Richmond a greener city by volunteering and helping spread the canopy of trees.
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Holiday Pop Up Fair at Catahoula
What: Catahoula Coffee is hosting a pop up fair for the holidays.
When: Sunday, December 14th, from 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Featuring Richmond Gold, Urban Tilth, handmade jewelry, and, of course, Catahoula coffee, this pop up fair hosts many local vendors for morning of mingling and holiday cheer.

Forgiveness and Letting Go at the Craneway
What: Best selling author and ‘"Fix My  Life,” Iyanla Vanzant hosts “Abundant Life Class: Forgiveness: Letting Go to Live,” an afternoon of self-empowerment to benefit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
When: Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm
Where: The Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way S.
Why: Hosted by Patrick Wearver and featuring talks from Iyanla Vanzant, music from Vicki Yohe and much more, this afternoon is a moment to focus on finding inner-strength in the beautiful Craneway Pavilion.
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A Holiday Festival Downtown
What: The annual Downtown Holiday Festival from the Richmond Main Street Initiative and the East Bay Center for Performing Arts
When: Wednesday, December 17, from 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: The East Bay Center for Performing Arts’ Winters Building, 339 11st St, Richmond
Why: Every year the interior of the historic Winters Building is transformed into a winter wonderland. Featuring Santa Claus, caroling, performances, and much more, the free holiday festival is a great chance to dive into the holiday season.
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Stories of Richmond’s Renaissance with Healthy Richmond
What: Healthy Richmond’s annual year-end event. This year’s focus is on stories that put Richmond on the map.
When: Thursday, December 18, from 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: East Bay Center for Performing Arts, 339 11th St
Why: Exploring in a very literal sense what put Richmond on the map, the Healthy Richmond End of Year Celebration will feature an interactive mapping project, performances, art, and much more. Come out to celebrate a year of progress with Healthy Richmond.
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Cocktail Making at Assemble
What: The monthly cocktail making class at Assemble
When: Thursday, December 18, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Assemble Restaurant, 1414 Harbour Way South
Why: Focusing this month on holiday cocktails, learn how to make specialty drinks that will impress friends and family this holiday season.
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