 
Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the weekly report for the week ending June 6th, 2014.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th, 2014, beginning with Closed Session at 5:00 PM and followed by the regular Council agenda at 6:30 PM. Please enjoy the off night next Tuesday.
- Oakland A’s Investing in the Richmond Community
On Saturday, May 31st, the Oakland Athletics, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Good Tidings Foundation, the City of Richmond, the Richmond Community Foundation, Richmond Little League and the community came together to dedicate the new little league baseball field at Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Park.
The Richmond Community Foundation, working with the City of Richmond, submitted a grant proposal to the Energize Your Field program sponsored by the Oakland A’s and PG&E in September 2013, for the renovation of the baseball field at MLK Park. In April 2014, we learned that the Oakland A’s, along with the Good Tidings Foundation, decided to undertake this ballfield renovation. The field is now complete and has a grass infield, new sprinklers, new dugout benches, new fencing and refurbished bleachers; however, the field will not be open to the public until July 2014 to allow the new turf to take root.
Oakland A’s Outfielder Josh Reddick was in attendance. Mr. Reddick spent time talking to the little league players and even played a short game with them (he pitched and the Richmond Little Leaguers lit him up!). Stomper, the Oakland A’s mascot, also had fun with the kids!
 
We would like to send a special thank you to the Richmond Little League president and coaches, the parents and guardians of the players and all of the wonderful little league players that attended the event! And, of course, a thank you to the Oakland A’s, PG&E, Good Tidings Foundation, and the Richmond Community Foundation!
- Volunteers Organize 4,800 Books for Delivery to Richmond’s Students
This past week, nearly 1,600 transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students received book bags with three new and popular children books from the City of Richmond’s impact volunteering program partner, Bring Me a Book, an organization that aims to strengthen the language and literacy skills of underserved children.
Receipt of these books would not have been possible without the phenomenal support of over 40 volunteers (including City of Richmond employees and fire personnel) who volunteered to sort, sticker and bag approximately 4,800 books. In between service calls, personnel from the Richmond Fire Department stepped in to deliver the book bags to 18 Richmond elementary schools. Thanks to this successful, coordinated effort, Richmond children will jumpstart their summer reading.
For more information regarding Bring Me a Book, please contact mkistin@bringmeabook.org. To find out how you can make a difference in the Richmond community, contact Richmond ESC – Excellence Serving our Community at (510) 620-6511.
  
- Richmond ESC Celebrates Youth Service
On May 30th, the City of Richmond’s impact volunteering program, Richmond ESC – Excellence Serving our Community, celebrated youth volunteers who led or participated in community service. Prior to the recognition ceremony, youth creatively showcased their projects on display boards.
In 2013, Richmond ESC was awarded a grant from Youth Service America to be a lead agency for Global Youth Service Day. For the inaugural year and partnering with the West Contra Costa Unified School District, 350 youth served on 15 service projects.
Keeping the momentum, Richmond ESC expanded its partnership base and connected with Free the Children, an organization that educates, engages, and inspires youth to make a difference in their community and the world. With this added partner, Richmond ESC was able to engage 670 youth, who led and participated in 20 different projects. Some of the youth-led projects included food and book drives; collection of personal kits for the homeless; community, school, and native habitat gardens; childhood obesity prevention; and art mosaics on trash cans. Additionally, youth volunteered to help rebuild Belding Garcia Park, participated at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and served at various community events. Last week, youth volunteers announced that they will broaden their scope of service and help build a school abroad.
To learn more about the youth service initiative, please contact (510) 620-5535.
 
- WriterCoach Connection is Coming to a Richmond High School Near You…
WriterCoach Connection, working in partnership with the City of Richmond’s impact volunteering program, Richmond ESC, and funding from Cities of Service, has recruited over 100 volunteers for Richmond High School in 2013-14 to work with 184 students, and is poised to recruit another hundred volunteers as the program prepares to expand to Kennedy High in the fall of 2014.
WriterCoach brings volunteer writer coaches into classrooms to work one-on-one with high school students to improve their writing skills. The organization has partnered with dynamic teachers, motivated students and talented community partners all working to ensure that students get the support they need to strengthen their writing skills.
All we need now is for you to step up to become a volunteer too!
Upcoming Trainings: Wednesdays, June 11th & June 18th from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
If you are interested in becoming a writing coach, please contact June Pangelinan at june@writercoachconnection.org or (510) 685-7054; or register directly at
http://www.writercoachconnection.org/volunteer.html.
- Chevron Richmond Refinery Proposed Modernization Project Community Workshop #2
The City of Richmond invites you to participate in a follow-up discussion to the May 28th workshop to review recommendations for Chevron-funded health and community benefit initiatives in Richmond. This follow-up will be Thursday, June 12th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium. Your input will inform draft conditions of approval for the proposed Chevron Refinery Modernization Project.
If you have questions, call (510) 620-6512.
For information on the proposed Chevron Refinery Modernization Project and to RSVP visit http://www.chevronmodernization.com.
- Public Hearing on Impacts of Potential Downgrade or Closure of Hospital Emergency Services at Doctors Medical Center
On Monday, June 9th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Contra Costa Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division will hold a public hearing on the impacts of the potential downgrade or closure of hospital emergency services at Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo. The purpose of this hearing is not to determine whether or not the hospital will close. The hearing is part of the legally-mandated process whenever changes to hospital emergency services are proposed. Contra Costa EMS is required by state law to hold the hearing to collect public comment on the impacts and to submit the public comment in a report this month to the state Health and Human Services Agency.
Time: Monday, June 9th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Maple Hall, 13831 San Pablo Ave., San Pablo
Website: www.cchealth.org/dmc
Written comments must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on June 9th in order to be included in the impact report. Written comments will be accepted via email to EMS Director Pat Frost at Patricia.Frost@hsd.cccounty.us, fax: (925) 313-8389, or mail: Contra Costa EMS, 1340 Arnold Drive, Suite 126, Martinez, CA 94553.
- 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 June 2nd, roadway excavation and storm drain installation continued, completing the bulk of excavation work within the roadway. Additionally, restoration work at the Department of Public Health campus was substantially completed and sidewalks within the campus were reopened.
For the week of June 9th, roadway excavation will be completed within the roadway area, while excavation of Jetty Drive and the pump station will continue.
The fourth 24-hour a day weekend closure window will take place the weekend of 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, a concrete fascia beam will be installed, and waterproofing materials will be placed on the bridge underneath the tracks. Work can be expected from 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 14th through 6:00 AM Monday, June 16th. The approach slabs are scheduled to be installed beginning Saturday evening. The railroad will be also be performing work of their own during this closure window, in order to minimize disruption to the community.
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.
- Parchester Park Project 2014
Please join Parchester Neighborhood Council on Wednesday, July 16th at 5:30 PM to help design a new play space at Parchester Park. The planning team continues to meet every Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON at Parchester Community Center. Together City personnel are working with Parchester residents, Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante, and NSP3 playground company to identify ideas to present to the residents at Design Day!
On Wednesday, May 28th Richmond Fire companies responded to an early morning house fire on Ocean Avenue in Point Richmond. Below is a link to the Richmond Standard which acquired some edited helmet camera footage from Captain Marc Lucero as he worked that fire. The video footage provides a first-hand look at excellent interior firefighting and the different challenges faced when extinguishing a fire. It is worth watching!
http://richmondstandard.com/2014/06/video-watch-richmond-firefighters-battle-two-alarm-fire-helmet-cam/
- Free Mural Classes for Teens at the Richmond Art Center
The Richmond Art Center is offering a free mural painting class for teens, age 13 - 18. Teens will learn traditional and urban mural painting techniques from leading Bay Area muralist Fred Alvarado. Mr. Alvarado will lead teens in designing and painting a Richmond-themed mural. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Class will be held from June 9th - July 31st on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free class is part of the Richmond Art Center's traveling Art in the Community Program which brings art experiences to people all across Richmond.
Learn more and apply at: http://www.therac.org/mural.html or call (510) 620-6772.
- More Richmond Art Center (RAC) News: RAC Wins Three Top Awards in Contra Costa County!
The Parents Press poll results were -- win, win and win again for the Richmond Art Center (RAC)! Here are their poll results:
- Gold in Best Art Classes in Contra Costa County;
- Gold in Best Enrichment & After School Programs in Contra Costa County;
- And they tied for Silver in Best Arts Camp in Contra Costa County.
Congratulations go out to the RAC’s great instructors, including Kiki Rostad and Lisa di Prima, the Education staff, Art in the Community staff, and all of the volunteers who make the RAC’s kids classes so successful and fun.
I have listed below some of the topics for meetings that I have recently attended in the hope that it provides an idea of the varied issues with which our organization deals routinely.
Activities and meeting topics during the past week have included:
- Met with National Park Services Superintendent Tom Leatherman (our regular, bi-monthly coordination meeting);
- Spent substantial time working on development of the City’s FY 2014-15 budget;
- Participated in an informal consultation with HUD officials regarding the City’s compliance with regulations for CDBG programs;
- Discussed preparations for the second community workshop on the Chevron Refinery modernization project community benefit conditions of approval;
- Met with Fire Chief Michael Banks, Human Resources Director Lisa Stephenson, and representatives from Local 188 to discuss ways to reduce overtime costs;
- Met with representatives from Richmond Sanitary Service to discuss proposed amendments to the Golden Bear Transfer Station franchise agreement;
- Attended the quarterly City of Richmond/East Bay Regional Park District liaison meeting.
These meetings were in addition to attending the regular management staff meeting, agenda planning, reviewing staff reports to the City Council, doing department head “check-ins,” having discussions on various personnel matters, and having short discussions with staff, community members, members of the press, etc.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the substance of these or any other topics.
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 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
Using technology, Adult Morning Participants mapped the environment for their Thursday luncheon activity at Sizzlers. They checked the route for the best way to get to their destination and then looked at the menu to choose their lunch and figure out how much money they would need. When the day finally came to go on the excursion, they were able to recall the route and learn all the names of the shopping centers in the vicinity. Each one of them did an excellent job. The manager and staff of Sizzlers were highly impressed.
May Valley
As the final excursion of the school year, May Valley Community Center Kids in Motion After School Program took a trip to Kennedy Grove Regional Park. Everyone enjoyed hiking the trails and participating in group games in the picnic area. Staff demonstrated several outdoor skills and how to use them. During the hikes, some of the youth witnessed grazing cattle, sheep and goats helping control the ecosystem.
Participants of the Early Recreation Program (youth ages 4-6) took a trip of their own to Fairyland in Oakland. Staff led the children to many fun storybook sets, kiddie size rides, cute animals and beautiful gardens.
Tennis
Recreation participants, Cassidy Clark (age 10) and Cienna Clark (age 14) both won Unites States Tennis Association tournaments this past weekend at the Blackhawk Country Club. Cassidy won the 10&under age group and Cienna won the 14&under. Lauren Ross (age 12) reached the semi-finals of the 12&under.
The USTA's National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) has awarded the Richmond program 6 tennis scholarships (3 boys/3 girls) for the USTA summer tennis camp at Sonoma State University in July. Players must be age 12-17 and an advanced, intermediate, or better player. Participants, Cienna Clark, Chandani Battle, Lauren Ross, Rishab Vaidhyanathan and Michael Viscara will all receive the scholarship. These players have all in the youth tennis program. They have also played Team Tennis with the Richmond Recreation the past 2 summers.
Facilities Mainenance Division: The Richmond Swim Center is undergoing major renovations through a combined effort of the City of Richmond and the West Contra Costa County Unified School District. The site is currently in the demolition phase. Renovations include better ventilation, a new deck, installation of a slide, swim lanes and an opening roof.
Richmond Swim Center Demolition Phase
Carpenters installed safety bollards around the Eyewash Stations and Fuel Readers at the Corporation Yard, repaired the wall assembly in the Child Care area of the Recreation Complex, inspected first aid stations, and completed safety inspection at the Main Library and at Employement and Training.
Bollard Installation
Painters continued painting the canopy framework at Civic Center Plaza, as well as the columns, and made repairs to the elevator lobby at 450 Civic Center Plaza.
Canopy Painting
Stationary Engineers installed new water fountains at the Recreation Complex, completed emergency repairs to the main waste lines at the Auditorium, serviced all Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) units at all Fire Stations, upgraded the HVAC controls at the Nevin Center, and cleared the waste lines at Fire Station #64 and the Bayview Branch Library.
Utility Workers cleaned carpets in 450 Civic Center Plaza, cleaned the windows at Civic Center Plaza and maintained 29 City-owned buildings.
Window Cleaning in Civic Center Plaza
Electricians installed new plugs in the Auditorium, repaired loop wires at Marina Bay Parkway and Meeker Avenue, repaired the stage lights in the Auditorium, and performed upgrades to the electrical panel at the Main Library.
Auditorium Lighting Repairs
Parks and Landscaping Division: Crews provided support for the Community Works Party at the Solano Playlot, continued work cutting in the High Fire Severity Zones, cleaned medians on Carlson Boulevard, continued with the work on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park baseball rehabilitation project, and continued work on the pathway project along the Richmond Parkway.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Baseball Field
High Fire Severity Zone Clearing
Tree crews cut, trimmed or removed trees on 22nd Street, 23rd Street, 21st Street, at State Court Park and at Booker T. Anderson Park.
Streets Division: Staff worked on a driveway approach on 32nd Street, raised manholes on Harrison Drive, and worked from the outstanding pothole and sidewalk list.
Street sweeping performed commercial sweeping services for the first Monday through Friday in the Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Carriage Hills North Side, El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Hansford Heights, Via Verda, San Pablo Dam Road, Bristole Cone, May Valley, Vista View and Clinton Hill I neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff fabricated 14 signs, installed 40 new signs and poles, repaired 86 signs and poles, reinstalled 5 pavement delineations and repainted 74 feet of curbs.
New Street Signs
*************************************************
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
Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us
|
