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  City Manager's Weekly Report for the Two Weeks Ending January 27th, 2012
January 28, 2012
 

Mayor and Councilmembers:

This is the weekly report for the two weeks ending January 27th, 2012.

  • Meeting Notes

 

The next meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th.  Enjoy the night off next Tuesday.

  • LBNL Selects Richmond as Its Second Campus Location

George Miller 

This past Monday, January 23rd, at 8:42 AM, I received a call from Paul Alivisatos, Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, informing me that LBNL has decided to make the Richmond Field Station and the City of Richmond the home for their second campus.
With the announcement by LBNL early this past week, I recalled the welcoming reception and town hall meeting this past July 21st which was hosted by the City of Richmond at the Richmond Auditorium.  The richly diverse Richmond community members that were in attendance at this meeting, numbering in excess of 500, were absolutely united and vocal in their enthusiasm, reflecting on the encouraging changes that are taking place in their city.  It appeared to me that all those in attendance left with a positive outlook toward meeting both the global and local challenges that we face.

The work that led to Richmond’s selection went well beyond this public gathering, however.  In addition to the efforts by the Richmond community, special thanks go to:

  • The Richmond City Council Richmond for being united in its support for this project to help bring LBNL to the City of Richmond;

 

  • Councilmember Jeff Ritterman, who made this a personal project and who spent a great deal of time and energy, to the point where he personally greeted Lab employees as they arrived for work, making sure that they knew they would be welcome in Richmond;
  • Congressman George Miller and his staff, who took a special interest in the project, making a strong connection to LBNL leadership and providing advice and counsel to Richmond staff;

 

  • City of Richmond staff, and especially Shasa Curl, who worked so hard to make sure that the City of Richmond organization and the Richmond community were assets in this decision-making process.
  • UC Berkeley, SKS Development, and WRT, all of whom helped to bring a vision to LBNL of a world class campus on the shoreline in Richmond.

 

Finally, I would like to thank LBNL, and the many people that were involved in this search process, especially Lab Director Paul Alivisatos and Sam Chapman, who helped make this decision and, by their decision, have expressed confidence in the Richmond community.  The City of Richmond’s commitment is to make sure that it is the best possible location decision that could have been made.

View the press release and press conference photos. View www.ci.richmond.ca.us/lbnl for additional information.

Congressman George Miller, Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, and Richmond City Council welcomes LBNL to Richmond
Congressman George Miller, Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, and Richmond City Council welcome LBNL to Richmond at the Monday, January 23, 2012 Press Conference at the Richmond Field Station.

  • Office of Neighborhood Safety Receives National Recognition and the Honor of Attending the State of the Union Address

The Office of Neighborhood Safety’s (ONS) Operation Peacemaker Fellowship program, staff and Fellows were featured and recognized at the National Mentoring Summit 2012 in Washington, D.C.

The ONS Operation Peacemaker Fellowship ("The Fellowship") is a transformative mentoring intervention that helps those most likely to be involved in gun violence transform the attitudes and behaviors that have given rise to their involvement in gun violence. It serves those whose needs go far beyond the traditional mentoring (and services) approach of companionship, confidence-building and minor academic, social or career guidance. This approach emphasizes the importance of building on the positive attributes of those identified to promote their success.

ONS staff shared its approach and testimony with more than 400 conference attendees and speakers that included White House Administration officials Joshua Dubois, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Senior Advisor to the President, Valerie Jarrett.

Additionally, during a Special Summit closing session, ONS Sr. Fellow D'vondre Woodards shared the stage with NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell.  Ms. Mitchell was recognized for her leadership in mentoring, and Mr. Woodards was allowed to ask her questions about her perspectives about mentoring and the President’s State of the Union Address that took place Tuesday night.  Mr. Woodards also presented Ms. Mitchell with an award from MENTOR.

MENTOR is the lead champion for youth mentoring in the United States.  MENTOR’s goal is to help children by providing a public voice, developing and delivering resources to mentoring programs nationwide and promoting quality for mentoring through standards, cutting-edge research and state of-the-art tools.  Founded in 1990, MENTOR is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

While in the nation’s capitol, Congressman George Miller extended an invitation to ONS to be his guest at the State of the Union Address.  Director Boggan selected Sr. Fellow Woodards to attend.  Mr. Woodards has been involved in the Fellowship program for more than a year and has exemplified extraordinary leadership in promoting peace and resolving rival group conflicts without the use of gun violence.

City Photos

  • Mentoring Opportunities in Richmond

 

After reading the above item, you might be asking yourself how you can be involved in youth mentoring.

As it happens, January is National Mentoring Month. This is a great month to fulfill the opportunity to inspire the life of a Richmond child or teen.
In partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District and Be A Mentor, Inc., the City of Richmond is committed to expanding mentoring opportunities to invest in the lives of Richmond youth. You have the ability to unleash the potential of a Richmond youth by spending just one hour a week of your personal time being a positive role model and friend.

You can start your rewarding experience by registering at http://www.beamentor.org/now/.

  • "EASY GO Richmond" Ribbon Cutting

 

On Tuesday, January 10th, the City of Richmond held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its "Easy GO Richmond" project at the Richmond Village development located near 26th and Cutting Boulevard.

In December 2011, the City of Richmond contracted with Trans Metro, Inc. to develop a pilot project to provide transportation mobility alternatives to single-ownership and single-occupancy vehicles.  EASY GO Richmond now consists of a "Kid’s Cab" shuttle service that transports students to and from school and after-school activities for as little as $1 per trip; car sharing that allows drivers to rent electric or hybrid vehicles for $3 an hour, the opportunity for individuals to offer their own vehicles for rent through a peer-to-peer car sharing program; bike sharing for short trips or recreational activities at no cost; van sharing for weekend recreational use for as low as $11 an hour, or free within a 30-mile radius of Richmond City Hall; and free AC Transit bus passes for Richmond Village households.  Currently, the car sharing and bike sharing services are open to the general public while other services are being piloted at Richmond Village.

For additional information, please contact Lori Reese-Brown, City Planner at (510) 620-6869.

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EASY GO Richmond Community Testimonials:

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"I'm just excited cause I don't have to walk to school anymore and I can attend even if it’s bad weather.  I like the Kid’s Cab program a lot."
-Richmond Village Apartment resident

 

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"I'm happy that my kids won’t have to walk to school in the rain and that they won’t miss school when it’s cold.  Thank you."
- Richmond Village Apartment resident

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"Sounds pretty good.  It will help the older folks and kids a lot.”
-Richmond Village Apartment worker

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Observed

 

On January 16th, 15 YouthWORKS service learning participants and three staff members attended Richmond's Day of Service to join in the beautification of the Richmond Greenway.  The event was funded by the City of Richmond and the Bechtel Family Foundation.    Many organizations, including the National Park Service, Urban Tilth and our own CommunityWORKS Service Learning Program came together on this special morning to start the planting of an edible forest full of a variety of trees including avocado and walnut.  Our youth planted trees, shoveled mulch, and participated in a team-building community circle ceremony to end the day’s activities.  The CommunityWORKS Service Learning Program will continue to partner with the National Park Service and Urban Tilth for another tree planting day on the Greenway in the spring.  The day’s total participants exceeded 375, making it one of the largest Martin Luther King, Jr. Day volunteer activity days in Richmond’s history.

YouthWORKS would like to extend a special thanks to National Park Service Rangers, Matt Holmes and Betty Reid-Soskin, and Urban Tilth Director, Doria Robinson, for their commitment to our youth and community!

City Mtg.   City Mtg. events
Events 3

  • Health and Wellness Element - Iron Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day of Service Event

 

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, over 250 volunteers and Richmond residents converged on the 800 block of Sixth Street for “Rebuild Richmond”, a neighborhood revitalization project sponsored by The Lions Clubs of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and Rebuild Together East Bay North.  The innovative project brought residents and stakeholders from the Iron Triangle community, the City of Richmond, Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), and the Iron Triangle Legacy Project. 

This volunteer-driven effort completed home repairs at six homes to improve the quality of life for residents on this block and to celebrate community pride.  The work completed included basic home, electrical, and plumbing repairs, gardening, energy conservation work, painting, creek clean-up, installation of fences, concrete work, wheelchair ramps, installation of 50 smoke detectors by the Richmond Fire Department.  Over 190 cubic yards of trash, green waste, and recyclables were removed.  Repairs were valued at $4,000 to $12,000 per home.  In addition to home repairs, The Lions Club provided 50 free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and vision.  Those requiring eyeglasses were referred to receive a more extensive eye exam and free eyeglasses.

The value of work performed for the day:   Houses: $60,550; Garden: $4,200; Creek Restoration: $3,000; Debris removal at other locations: $5,000; Smoke detectors in homes that didn't have them: priceless.

Pictures of event can be seen on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/richmondenvironment/sets/72157628920740425/

 

Events 4   Events 5    Events 6

Events 7

  • City Receives Award for its Procurement Expertise

 

On January 12th, the Finance Department’s Purchasing Division, represented by Rose Gibson and Ofelia Alvarez, was presented with the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Purchasing Institute.  This is the second consecutive year that the City has received this award.  Presentation of the award was made at the Annual Conference of the California Association of Public Purchasing Officers in Indian Wells, California.  This prestigious award is earned by those organizations that demonstrate innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement, and leadership attributes.  Congratulations!

Events 8

  • Engineering Services Capital Improvement Project Updates

 

The City and Veolia continue work on the 2011/2012 annual sewer pipeline repair and rehabilitation project.  No paving/striping was completed.  A summary of work in progress is listed below:

Installed Mainlines

Work Scheduled this Week

Work Scheduled Next Week

Work Scheduled Next Week

South 36th Street between Cutting Boulevard and Wall Avenue

Ohio Avenue between South 35th and South 39th Streets

Humboldt Street between Dimm Street and Zara Avenue

Creely Path between Ells Way and Creely Avenue

Delfino Avenue between Cottage and Santa Fe Avenues

Eddy Street between West Richmond and Tewksbury Avenues

Potrero Avenue between Carlson Boulevard and South 41st Street

Bissell Way at Bissell Avenue

 

Alley north of Ripley Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets

Clinton Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets

McBryde Avenue at 37th Street

 

33rd Street between Nevin and Barrett Avenues

Western Drive to Keller Beach Park

 

 

McBryde Avenue between Amador and Kern Streets

Western Drive between Santa Fe Avenue and Cliffside Court

 

 

Edmond Avenue between McLaughlin and Lassen Streets

Cutting Boulevard at South 3rd Street

 

 

McBryde Avenue at 37th Street

 

 

Any questions related to the ongoing 2011/2012 annual sewer pipeline repair and rehabilitation project may be directed to Mr. Fadi Alabbas at (925) 323-8937.  Those interested may also follow our daily Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/CoR_Engineering.

  • Nominations for 2012 Historic Preservation Awards

 

The Planning and Building Services Department is now accepting nominations for the Historic Preservation Commission’s 5th Annual Historic Preservation Awards.

Events 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the awards program is to increase public awareness of Richmond’s heritage by recognizing individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies whose contributions demonstrate outstanding commitment to excellence in historic preservation, local history or promotion of the heritage of the City.  In addition to public and private buildings or structures, eligible historic preservation projects include media, publications, presentations and exhibits, parks, burial grounds, public art, oral history, theater productions, events and video presentations.

If you’re interested in nominating a preservation project or activity to receive an award, nomination forms are available online at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/preservationawards.  You can also pick up a nomination form in person by visiting the Planning and Building Services Department’s information counter (City Hall at 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor) weekdays between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The deadline to submit nomination forms is 5:00 PM on March 30th, 2012. Awards will be presented during the month of May, National Preservation Month.

Last year’s award recipients included the City of Richmond and the Save the Plunge Trust for Rehabilitation of the Richmond Municipal Natatorium.

Please contact Hector Rojas, Associate Planner, at (510) 620-6662 or hector_rojas@ci.richmond.ca.us with any questions about the awards program.

  • Recreation Highlights

 

Donation:  The Recreation Department’s Junior Golf program received a $200 donation from the Richmond Country Club Women’s Association.

Presentation:  On Wednesday, January 11th, Recreation Aquatics Coordinator, Arecia Yee, gave a presentation to the Marina Bay Neighborhood Council, highlighting programs, staffing and future plans for the Plunge.

  • Public Works Updates

 

Parks and Landscaping Division:  On Friday, January 13th, a pre-bid conference for the rehabilitation of Burg Park was held.  Potential bidders attended to understand the scope of potential improvements.

During the week of January 16th, crews performed drainage improvements along the Bay Trail on Sea Cliff Drive; irrigation maintenance at Shields-Reid and Lucas Parks; worked on the pathway at Booker T. Anderson Park; performed renovations to the San Pablo Avenue median landscape; and completed the turf maintenance at Valley View School and Marina Green Park.

The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on:  Blume Drive; 37th Street and Barrett Avenue; Roosevelt, Nevin, and Andrade Avenues as well as at Booker T. Anderson Park.

This week, crews performed turf renovation at Shields-Reid Park; Monterey Park and John F. Kennedy Park vegetation including, clean up and mulching; completed drainage improvements and wildflower seeding along Sea Cliff Drive; weed abatement on the Richmond Parkway; back stop and fence repair at various fields; fence repair on the Greenway; and the installation of “Tree City USA” signs.

Events 10
Sea Cliff Drive Seeding and Drainage Improvements

The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on: Andrade Avenue, Butte Street, Burlingame Avenue and Maricopa Avenue, as well as a leaning tree at Booker T. Anderson Park.

Next week, crews will continue with the turf renovation at Shields-Reid Park; weed abatement along Atlas Road; various maintenance at Marina Green Park; and the tree crew will conduct maintenance on Tehama Avenue, Western Drive and Roosevelt Avenue.

Facilities Maintenance Division:  The carpenters completed the new flooring in the Main Library in the foyer; cleaned the gutters at the Disabled People’s Recreation Center (DPRC); and completed various repairs at the Richmond Police Department.

Events 11
Foyer at the Main Library

The stationary engineers removed oil from the underground tank at the Richmond Plunge; repaired a heater at the Corporation Yard; and posted a Request for Proposals for the lateral replacement at the Bayview Branch Library.

The utility workers waxed floors at the Booker T. Anderson and May Valley Community Centers; cleaned the carpet at the Westside Library; and addressed safety issues at the Senior Center Annex as well as at the DPRC.

Electricians have repaired the lighting at the tennis courts near the Marina Bay Parkway; begun repairs on the elevated section of the Richmond Parkway lighting due to wire theft; and connected the new Opticom Emergency System at various traffic signals.

Facilities Maintenance Division:  The carpenters completed the new pedestrian gate at the Police Department; resolved the safety report at Booker T. Anderson Community Center; and pressure washed areas of Civic Center Plaza. Painters completed painting the interior at Fire Station #66.

The stationary engineers repaired the heater in the gymnasium at the Richmond Recreation Complex; completed repairs at various fire stations; and repaired a steam line at the Main Library.

The utility workers addressed safety issues at the Senior Center Annex as well as at the DPRC.

Electricians have restored power to fourteen street lights on Research and Lakeside Drives; returned 15 intersections to functional after the storms; and removed the holiday lighting at Civic Center Plaza.

Streets Division:  During the week of January 16th, crews completed the resurfacing of Roosevelt Avenue from Harbour Way to the east end of the street.

This week, crews completed resurfacing Maine Avenue from South 22nd to South 23rd Street; Florida Avenue from South 22nd to South 23rd Street; and Virginia Avenue from South 22nd to South 23rd Street.

Next week, 42nd Street from Barrett to Wilson Avenue will be resurfaced.

Equipment Services Division:  Crews have placed the new stencil truck in service; decommissioned 10 vehicles; and serviced various fleet vehicles.

 

*           *           *           *           *

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Have a great week!

 

You can sign up to receive the City Manager’s weekly report and other information from the City of Richmond by visiting:

www.ci.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx

Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804-1630
Phone:  510-620-6512
Fax:  510-620-6542
E-mail:  bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us

 

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