El Cerrito, CA — In a community that thrives on diversity and creativity, a local gem has emerged to captivate home, music, and design enthusiasts alike: Freddie's Lifestyle Shop. This distinctive store, with its carefully curated assortment of fine furniture, music, and unique home goods, offers a unique flair likely to inspire everyone who steps through its doors.

Freddie's is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jon Amolo and Linda Hong, who are committed not just to running a business but to nurturing their family in El Cerrito. Their passion for discovering hidden treasures and revitalizing them with a modern twist is reflected in an array of pre-loved and well-crafted items, epitomizing a playful and bespoke lifestyle that resonates with the local community.

The shop operates both as an online storefront and a welcoming physical location at 7523 Fairmount Ave, which is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 6 PM. The brick-and-mortar shop has been running for about two years, but owners Amolo and Hong have been collecting for decades, with deep roots in the Bay Area. Their background and experience offer a unique aesthetic, with one-of-a-kind curation.

A notable highlight of Freddie's is its role as a distributor of USM Haller units, renowned for their modular and timeless designs. The store offers a selection of custom new and used pieces, complete with free delivery in the Bay Area and affordable shipping options nationwide. Shoppers can explore a variety of storage units and credenzas, with items frequently on sale.

One customer discovered a USM unit on Freddie’s Instagram account, which showcases their latest finds (@freddies.shoppe), only to find that Freddie’s shop was right around the corner from her house. She was able to walk in, photo in hand, and make her vision a reality with a custom-built turntable for her record collection. She could have conveniently browsed for new records while she was there. With a new stylish storage unit, might as well add a classic music selection to the mix.

In addition to its furniture offerings, Freddie's Lifestyle Shop features an eclectic mix of designer chairs, beautiful rugs, and a variety of home accessories that can enhance any living space. Music aficionados will find a treasure trove of vinyl records featuring classics from legendary artists such as John Coltrane and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

For those seeking the perfect gift for design and music lovers, Freddie's offers convenient gift cards. Whether shopping for a new favorite piece for your home or expanding your music collection, Freddie's Lifestyle Shop invites the community to discover something special. With its convenient online shopping and a welcoming physical location, they make the shopping experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible. For more information or to start shopping online, visit the Freddie's Lifestyle Shop website https://freddies.shop/

By Austin Garon

Richmond Pizza House, a beloved local eatery, continues to draw a significant following with its gourmet pizzas and inviting atmosphere. Boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating on Yelp, based on over 400 reviews, it stands out as one of the area's most cherished dining destinations. Indeed, I am now one of the many who can attest to the excellence of this establishment.

When I walked into the colorful, brick-framed eatery that sits on San Pablo Avenue just south of the I-80 overpass, the mouth-watering aroma presaged some sumptuous pizza pies. The first bite didn’t disappoint. The freshness hit my taste buds first. The salami had a robust, salty, savory flavor, and the red onions lent a nice crunch, balanced with a hint of sweetness. The decadent mozzarella was melty and rich. The marinara sauce had a fresh, tangy flavor that accented the toppings.

The locally sourced, quality ingredients help set Richmond Pizza House apart. The crust was deftly crisped on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Overall, this pizza, dubbed the "Jay Special" in honor of its creator, was a masterpiece – salty, cheesy, a trifle sweet, and bursting with flavor without feeling too heavy.

Beyond its outstanding pizzas, Richmond Pizza House takes pride in its meticulous cleanliness, creative menu, and the exceptional friendliness of its staff. The ambiance is casually inviting, making it a versatile spot suitable for a quick lunch, a serene dinner, or a lively gathering with friends and family.

In summary, Richmond Pizza House offers a truly delightful pizza experience, with the "Jay Special" being a must-try. Its winning combination of flavorful crust, fresh toppings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere firmly establishes it as a must-visit for any pizza enthusiast. Pick out your own pizza at richmondpizzahouse.com

The Farmers Market at El Cerrito Plaza is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. It was established as a certified market over 30 years ago, but a tragic loss ultimately led to a moment of renewal. After a careful vetting process, a new operator was chosen to run the market as of May 2025. Regional Farmers' Market Association will operate our cherished local market. 

Nestled alongside El Cerrito, the Multicultural Bookstore has become a cherished sanctuary for book lovers and a vibrant hub for community engagement. Embracing its mission to "Learn, Develop, Grow!" this enchanting bookstore celebrates the richness of diverse literature while fostering cultural awareness and education through its carefully curated collection. The El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce is proud to count the bookstore as one of our members.

Honored by Oprah's Magazine, the Multicultural Bookstore has been recognized not once but twice as an exemplary small Black-owned bookstore deserving of community support. Its profound impact is highlighted in an article that underscores the vital role local businesses play in enriching the community.

At the Multicultural Bookstore, customers can dive into an expansive selection that caters to a wide range of ages, from infants to adults. The store proudly showcases a remarkable array of literature featuring voices and stories from African American, Latino, Native American, Asian/South Asian, Filipino, and many other backgrounds. Readers can explore genres that encompass LGBTQ themes, disability awareness, and vital topics of diversity, history, language, and social justice.

Beyond its extraordinary selection of books, the Multicultural Bookstore creates an inviting and warm atmosphere. Visitors can savor complimentary coffee or tea paired with a delectable pastry while enjoying the lively ambiance. The bookstore also offers free WiFi, making it an ideal oasis for those looking to unwind or get some work done in a cozy setting.

The owners warmly invite the community to explore the store, which operates from Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. For those seeking specific titles not currently in stock, the bookstore encourages customers to connect and request special orders, ensuring that everyone’s literary wishes can be fulfilled.

Tamara, the passionate owner of the bookstore and an author, is rewriting her beloved children’s book series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World? This inspiring series shines a light on the indispensable contributions of African American inventors and scientists. The project stems from Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists, followed by three companion volumes, including a coloring book and an engaging activity book. Deeply committed to education and sparking inspiration in others, she consistently participates in speaking events that emphasize the importance of teaching Black history throughout the year.

The Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts stands as a powerful testament to cultural pride and the transformative power of literature, inviting everyone in the community to explore, learn, and grow together. For more information visit their website https://www.multiculturalbookstore.com/