Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the weekly report for the week ending May 23rd, 2014.

1.       Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, 2014, beginning with Closed Session at 5:45 PM and followed by a regular Council meeting at 6:30 PM.

2.       Oakland A’s Investing in the Richmond Community

The Oakland A’s currently lead in the American League West standings, and the Richmond community has yet another reason to hope for their continued success.  The Richmond Community Foundation, working with the City of Richmond, submitted a grant proposal to the Energize Your Field program sponsored by the Oakland Athletics (Oakland A’s) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in September 2013, for the renovation of the baseball field at Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Park.  In April 2014, we learned that the Oakland A’s, along with the Good Tidings Foundation, will undertake this ballfield renovation. Renovations and work has already begun on the field!

The MLK Park ballfield renovation will be done “turn-key” by the Good Tidings Foundation. Work started on May 7th and will continue until the field dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 31st. 

Part of the Good Tidings Foundation mission is to work in partnership with professional sports franchises throughout the Bay Area, leveraging resources to increase access to enriching opportunities by deserving youth.  They help design, fund and build projects that are maintained and programmed in perpetuity by school districts, recreation departments, or city governments (click here to learn more about this organization).

Please join the City of Richmond, the Richmond Community Foundation, the Oakland A’s, PG&E, Good Tidings, Richmond Little League players, and the community on Saturday, May 31st from 12:00PM to 1:00PM on the newly renovated MLK Baseball Field for the field dedication ceremony! An Oakland A’s player will also be in attendance to have a baseball clinic with the little league players. We hope to see you there! Contact LaShonda White in the City Manager’s Office at (510) 620-6828 or at lashonda_white@ci.richmond.ca.us.

3.       Major Milestone for Richmond Bay Campus

At last week’s University of California Board of Regents meeting, the Regents approved a Long Range Development Plan and Environmental Impact Report for the future site of the UC Berkeley, Richmond Bay Campus.  The Long Range Development Plan envisions the campus as a site for greatly enhanced, multidisciplinary research opportunities for scientists at UC Berkeley and LBNL. It will also enhance opportunities for jobs, beautification and revitalization in the City of Richmond. Both of these documents are vital to moving development forward and facilitating a successful project. UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and LBNL Director Paul Alivisatos have also demonstrated their commitment to the Richmond community with a signed a Joint Statement of Commitment. This commitment is intended to create a framework for continued partnership between the campus, the Lab, the City of Richmond,  neighborhood groups and residents to address community priorities including education, local employment, procurement and workforce training.

If you are interested in viewing the presentation and vote, the Board of Regents video regarding the LRDP begins at the 1:57 mark.

Future site of the Richmond Bay Campus.
(Photo by Doug Lockhart)

4.       National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, and there are exciting activities happening in Richmond throughout the month. Find out more about biking news and activities all through May at www.richmondenvironment.org and http://www.youcanbikethere.org/calendar.
   
Team Bike Challenge

If you enjoy saving money, having fun and being healthy on Bike to Work Day, you don’t have to stop! Those who want to keep biking through May can join the City of Richmond’s team as a part of the Team Bike Challenge or start your own team! The City has a team that will log its miles each week and compete against other cities and organizations in the East Bay. Those who start their own teams (up to five people) can compete for prizes as they log their miles versus other Contra Costa riders. Learn more and join the team at: www.youcanbikethere.org/tbc.

Friday Lunch Rides

Join us every Friday during May at noon as we bike to beautiful locations across Richmond for lunch. We will meet in front of 450 Civic Center before rolling out! Bring your own lunch or grab something from the Farmers Market next door. Riders of all caliber are welcome!

5.       Google Selects Pogo Park as a Finalist in the Bay Area Impact Challenge

The Impact Challenge invited nonprofits to share their bright ideas for a better Bay Area. An impressive roster from fields like education, housing, youth engagement and more came to participate. A panel of community advisors helped review their submissions, and now everyone can vote for the winners.

Nearly 1,000 Bay Area nonprofits applied for the Impact Challenge, and Google selected Richmond’s own Pogo Park as a top 10 finalist. For the next 12 days, anyone, anywhere in the world, can visit the Bay Area Impact Challenge website to vote for their favorite nonprofits.

The top four organizations with the most votes will receive a $500,000 grant, support from Google, and access to co-working space to bring their ideas to life. In total, 25 organizations will receive funding to help create a better Bay Area. Help support Pogo Park in this amazing challenge by casting your vote below!

CLICK HERE to vote! Voting ends June 2, 2014.

6.       Chevron Refinery Modernization Project Community Workshop

On Wednesday, May 28th, the City of Richmond invites you to participate in a Community Workshop to develop recommendations for Chevron’s health and community benefits initiatives in Richmond. The ideas formulated at this meeting will be used to inform the Conditions of Approval for the Chevron Refinery Modernization Project. The workshop will take at the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Doors will open at 5:30PM with light refreshments.

Please visit www.ChevronModernization.com for more information and to RSVP. Please call (510) 620-6512 for more information.

7.       Improvements to the San Pablo Dam Road Interchange at I-80

In preparation for future improvements to the San Pablo Dam Road Interchange at I-80, El Portal Drive, near Glenlock Street in the City of San Pablo, will be temporarily closed to allow for the advance relocation of underground utilities.

The roadway closure is anticipated to begin in late May 2014 and continue into August 2014. The closure limits on El Portal Drive will be between Glenlock Street and the entrance ramp to westbound I-80 (towards San Francisco), near the Shell Gas Station.  Access to/from Glenlock Street from/to El Portal Drive and all entrance and exit ramps will remain open at all times during construction.  The sidewalk on El Portal Drive within the road closure segment will remain open at all times, except as needed, when construction activities require temporary closure for public safety.

Detour signs will be posted to inform drivers of alternative routes to reach their destination during the roadway closure (see map below).  Electronic changeable message signs will be placed in strategic locations on city streets to minimize traffic delays and public inconvenience.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and project partners, including the cities of San Pablo and Richmond, Contra Costa County, and Caltrans, are making every effort to provide opportunities for project neighbors to stay informed about this construction work.  More information about the project can be found at:
http://www.ccta.net/projects/project/38.

The Project hotline’s number is (510) 277-0444.

Thank you for your cooperation during this essential work.

8.       Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System Modernization Project Final Report

This is a reminder to all interested parties that the Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System Modernization Project Final Report will be presented to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors on June 3, 2014.  Two service level changes that were being proposed in earlier drafts of the EMS Report that will impact Richmond residents included 1) increasing ambulance response times in Richmond by 60 seconds; and 2) changing ambulance transport staffing from two paramedics, to one paramedic and one EMT.

If you are unable to attend the presentation or view via streaming video, it will be recorded and available for viewing on the Board of Supervisors website after the meeting.  Board agendas, materials and recorded sessions are posted at http://www.cccounty.us/4664/Board-Meeting-Agendas-and-Videos.

If you need to catch up on how the study has been progressing and preliminary recommendations, visit the EMS Modernization study webpage at http://cchealth.org/ems/system-review.php#simpleContained3.  If you have questions or comments, please contact Pat Frost, RN, MS, PNP, Director Emergency Medical Services at Patricia.Frost@hsd.cccounty.us or 925-646-4690. 

9.       Officer Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project Update

The Bradley A. Moody Memorial Underpass Project involves the construction of a roadway underpass on Marina Bay Parkway between Meeker Avenue and Regatta Boulevard, and is intended to resolve long-standing access limitations to the Marina Bay area caused by frequent train crossings.  In early September 2013, Marina Bay Parkway was closed to traffic.  This closure is planned to remain in place until early May 2015. 

During the week of May 19th, while roadway excavation continued, crews installed new electrical service equipment for streetlights, signals and irrigation, completed restoration of electrical infrastructure at the Department of Public Health campus, excavated a third level of the stormwater pump station and began installation of storm drain facilities north of the railroad tracks.

For the week of May 26th, additional roadway excavation will continue to final street sub-grade, installation of temporary struts will be completed south of the railroad tracks, and restoration of landscaping at the Department of Health Services campus will begin.

The fourth 24-hour a day weekend closure window has been tentatively scheduled for the weekend of June 7th, however, railroad activity may require this work to be performed the following weekend (beginning June 14th).  During this closure window, a crane will be placed on the new railroad bridge for placement of two 14 foot long approach slabs, made of precast concrete and weighting 18,000 lbs. each.  Also during this window, waterproofing materials will be placed on the bridge, and the railroad will be performing maintenance work of their own during this period to minimize disruption to the community.  Additional information regarding the dates and times of this work will follow as details are confirmed.

For additional information and to be added to the project update contact list, please see the project website at www.moodyup.com.  You can also follow the project on twitter: @moodyunderpass, or contact the project’s public outreach coordinator Jacqueline Majors at (925) 949-6196.

10.   Mayor Taylor Bike Fiesta at Lincoln Elementary School

On Saturday, May 24th, Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) Richmond Collaborative hosts The Major Taylor Bike Fiesta. This event is a product of the collaboration with local government and community organization to provide Richmond residents with the support and resources they need to be happy, healthy, and informed. Bike Fiesta encourages safe bike riding, family bonding, healthy lifestyle choices, and access to community resources. At this event there will be free bike repairs, exercise classes, interactive games, and entertainment will be offered for families to enjoy.

When: Saturday, May 24th                    
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Lincoln Elementary School, 29 6th Street Richmond, 94801

BBK is looking for volunteers for the Major Taylor Bike Fiesta to help lead fun games and activities along with setting up for the event. This volunteer opportunity can count as community service hours for students, for more information from BBK and to register go to http://tinyurl.com/bikefiesta. If you have any questions feel free to call (510) 932-6031.

11.   Call for Poets!

The City of Richmond is now accepting applications from poets interested in serving as the City’s Poet Laureate. This is a two-year program that began in April 2012. Dwayne Parish served as our first Poet Laureate and has just concluded his term.
The purpose of the Poet Laureate program is to provide a focus for the appreciation and dissemination of poetry in Richmond, promote the knowledge of poetry among our youth, and act as a spokesperson for the growing number of poets and writers in Richmond. We recognize poetry as an important part of our culture and history, and believe that it enhances our ability in vocabulary, critical analytical skills, and reading comprehension.

Poet applicants shall submit the following by June 6, 2014:
1) Evidence of a body of work, whether published, self-published or unpublished
2) Evidence of a history of advocacy for poetry
3) Selections from their works, not to exceed ten pages
4) Two personal or professional references
5) Proof of current residency in Richmond
6) A statement of availability for the two-year term
DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS: The Richmond Poet Laureate shall be appointed for a term of two years, beginning April 1 and ending April 30 two years later.
An annual $1,000 stipend is offered for the position. The Richmond Poet Laureate will be required to participate in various events and activities, including but not limited to the following:
1)      Visit schools and attend city, library and school functions as needed;
2)      Write a poem about Richmond that will be placed in a notebook to be available at the library;
3)      Write a summation of his/her impressions and experiences as Poet Laureate six months prior to the end of the two-year term, with the purpose of providing information that will help to improve, adjust or adapt the parameters of the post and/or the application process;
4)      Give a reading at a special event at the beginning of the two-year term;
5)      If deemed appropriate by the committee, and if funding is available, the Poet Laureate may be asked to edit a chapbook consisting of his/her work or of the collected work of Richmond poets;
6)      Write a poem for, and/or participate in, National Poetry Month (April);
7)      Serve as a judge for the annual Richmond Writes! student poetry writing contest;
8)      Write a poem for, and/or participate in, National Arts and Humanities Month (October).
If the Poet Laureate is not able to complete a full term, the Poet Laureate Committee shall accept applications for a replacement, and their replacement will complete the remaining portion of the two-year term. If approved by the Poet Laureate Committee, the successor may serve another term.
Selection Criteria:
·         Written copies of poems by the applicant and/or poetry publications
·         Public speaking ability
·         Writing skills
The Poet Laureate sub-committee is appointed by the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission and the Public Art Advisory Committee, and will preside over the appointment process. The sub-committee is responsible for selecting the poet for the 2014-15 term. Finalists will read their poetry before the panel, and will be interviewed by them.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  JUNE 6, 2014
Applications should be sent either by email or regular mail to the following:
Michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us or
Michele Seville
Arts & Culture Manager
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804

12.   Richmond Police Department and Fire Department Help Lost Man Return Home

On Saturday, May 17th, Richmond Police Officers and Firefighters assisted a man with disabilities return home. It’s a terrific story about providing outstanding service to a community member in need. Please read the full story in the Richmond Standard.

13.   Recreation Highlights

Summer Programs

Registration for summer programs is now open! Check out the summer/fall 2014 Activity Guide online at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/recreation.

Register for programs in any of the following ways:
·         On-line at https://online.activenetwork.com/richmond 
·         by phone at 510-620-6793
·         by faxing a completed registration form to 510-620-6583
·         by mailing a completed registration form to 3230 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
·         by visiting the registration office in the 1st floor lobby at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave

Aquatics

The Richmond Plunge will be hosting its second annual Aqua Zumba Fitness Party Saturday, May 31st, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.  Tickets are available now for $15 or $18 at the door. With the amazing turnout last year of over 80 participants, get your tickets early! We’ll see you at the party!

Disabled People’s Recreation Center

With the planter boxes complete, participants from both the adult and youth programs began the process of germinating seeds. They chose basil, cucumbers, beef steak tomatoes, green onions and sugar daddy peas for planting. They will observe the growth of the seeds each day and determine when they are ready to be planted. It has been a fun activity for all.

Pt. Richmond

Members of the Point Richmond History Association held their annual meeting with 51 attendees.

Shields-Reid

On Saturday, May 17th, Lamar Williams received the Contra Costa County Juvenile Justice Outstanding Community Volunteer Award for his work with coaching youth in North Richmond and the Shields Reid Community Center.  Lamar’s son and daughter attend the afterschool program at Shields-Reid Community Center, and he has been instrumental in helping build Shields Reid’s basketball and Jr. Giants program.

14.   Public Works Updates

Facilities Mainenance Division:  The scoreboard at the North Richmond Ball field has been installed and is fully functional, this completes the renovations and the field is ready for play.

New Scoreboard at the North Richmond Ballfield

Carpenters resolved ADA deficiencies within the Plunge, replaced a window and window screens in Fire Station #66, replaced the apparatus door in Fire Station #66, repaired light fixtures in the Recreation Director’s office, and resolved safety issues at Booker T. Anderson Community Center.

Painters completed curb painting around Civic Center Plaza, painted apparatus doors at Fire Station #62, pained the Coordinator’s office at the Recreation Complex, and recycled 47 gallons of hazardous waste.

Stationary Engineers repaired the automatic gate at the Corporation Yard, repaired the apparatus door at Fire Station #62, upgraded the women’s restroom fixtures at Booker T. Anderson Communtiy Center, upgraded the former dark room of Booker T. Anderson Community Center, repaired the stove at Fire Station #68, replaced the dishwasher at Fire Station #62, replaced the filter grill at Fire station #63, and repaired the water closet in Fire Station #63.

Utility Workers cleaned carpets at the Hilltop sub-station, scrubbed floors at the Plunge, set up Council Chambers for testing, and maintained 29 City-owned buildings.

Electricians replaced control breakers at Nichol Park Ballfield #2, repaired loose traffic signal and opticom controls at San Pablo Avenue and Esmond Avenue, repaired lighting damage at the Police Department, repaired parking lot lights at the Ford Building, and relamped the street lights on Seacliff Drive and Canal Boulevard.

Parks and Landscaping Division:  Crews removed fencing from the Leona fuel station, completed pruning around the Civic Center, performed landscaping around the Family Justice and Communications Center, restored benches in Vincent Park, worked in High Fire Severity Zones, and continued with the pathway project on the Richmond Parkway.

Bench Restoration

Richmond Parkway Pathway Project

Tree crews cut, trimmed or removed trees on Creely Avenue, McBryde Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, Prather Avenue, and Maricopa Avenue.

Tree Trimming on Maricopa Avenue

Streets Division:  Staff grinded and paved Harrison Drive and worked from the outstanding pothole and sidewalk list.

Paving on Harrison Drive

Street sweeping performed commercial sweeping services for the third Monday through Wednesday and the fourth Thursday and Friday in the North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Richmond Annex, Parkview, Panhandle Annex, and Eastshore neighborhood council areas.

Signs and Lines staff fabricated 26 signs and emblems, created 240 new emblems, installed 20 new signs, repaired 44 poles, reinstalled 18 pavement delineations, and repainted 744 feet of curbs.

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

Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us

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

S o c o   M o n t o r e
C I T Y  O F  R I C H M O N D |City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300 | Richmond, CA 94804
Tel: 510-620-5458 | Fax: 510-620-6542 | soco_montore@ci.richmond.ca.us |
www.ci.richmond.ca.us

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