Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending August 11th, 2017.
The City Council is on meeting hiatus until Tuesday, September 12th. Enjoy the summer break!
- Don’t Forget Tomorrow’s Rosie Rally!
We can do it!
For one day, August 12th, we have 24 vendors on board to provide discounts and incentives for Rosie Rally participants.
You may go to the City’s mobile app under the BUSINESS icon you will find a Rosie Rally icon listing the vendors and their incentives.
The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store.
- A World Premiere: Richmond’s First Movies in the Plaza!
We’ve waited long enough! Join the community on August 18th from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, for the world premiere of Movies in the Plaza! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and snuggle up as Moana plays on the big screen. Come a bit early and warm up with free Zumba at 7:00 PM. Concessions will be sold (cash only), and info tables will be available. The movie starts at sunset, around 8:00 PM.
More more information, call: 510-620-5503
RSVP on the Movies in the Plaza Facebook event for updates!
Sponsored by the Richmond Community Services Department, East Bay Regional Park District, and the Office of Mayor Tom Butt
- Richmond Promise Update: Students Getting Ready for College & DVC Welcome Day
Students are preparing to begin their first year or return to college this fall. In order to ensure that scholars are ready, Richmond Promise staff members are asking that they complete required paperwork and submit a class schedule to the Promise as soon as possible. If you have a Richmond Promise Scholar in your life, please remind them to check their email and complete these required steps.
DVC Welcome Day
If you know a Richmond Promise Scholar attending Diablo Valley College, please remind them that Saturday, August 12th is Welcome Day! At this event, students can meet other Richmond Promise Scholars, their new College Success Coaches, and make sure they are ready to go for the fall!
Richmond Promise Cohort Welcome
When: Saturday, August 12, 11:00-12:00
Where: HSF-291, Pleasant Hill Campus
RSVP: www.dvcrpwelcome.eventbrite.com
General DVC Welcome Day
When: Saturday, August 12, 12:30-4:00
Where: Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill Campus
RSVP: http://www.dvc.edu/enrollment/welcome/welcomeday.html
Questions or need assistance? Info@richmondpromise.org or 510-761-7231.
- Chill with a Cop ~ Free Ice Cream Social in Downtown Richmond
The community is cordially invited to come downtown to Chill with a Cop! No agenda, just a delicious scoop of free ice cream and great conversation with your neighborhood beat officers on Saturday, August 19th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the Community Green Space at Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue.
Enjoy delicious ice cream, meet your neighborhood beat officers, learn important crime prevention tips, take home free books, and play chess. Plus: watch a Police vs. Fire chess match! Admission is free and all are welcome. The event is sponsored by Richmond Main Street, the Richmond Police Department, West Coast Chess Alliance, and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
For more information: call (510) 236-4049, email admin@richmondmainstreet.org, or visit www.RichmondMainStreet.org.
13th Street Sanitary Sewer Wet Weather Capacity Project Begins
While the Richmond sanitary sewer system is “out of sight; out of mind” for many residents, it is an important part of the City of Richmond being good stewards of the environment and of San Francisco Bay. As part of this effort, the City’s Department of Water Resource Recovery has initiated a project to eliminate repeat sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) during wet weather along 13th Street. These wet weather SSO locations are at the intersections of 13th Street and Costa, Rheem, and Dunn. The 13th Street sanitary sewer wet weather capacity project upsizes the sewer main along 13th Street, and replaces pipes with structural defects in the associated neighborhood.
The project is funded from the recently issued wastewater revenue bonds, managed by the Veolia Capital Program Management team, and will be constructed by local contractor WR Forde. Construction began this week and will last approximately twelve months.
For additional information, you can visit the project page here: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3491/Projects
- Unity Park Artists Selected
The City of Richmond was previously awarded a State of California Proposition 84 grant to develop, beautify, and add amenities to the Unity Park section of the Richmond Greenway, the walking and biking trail that transects the city. The project will include two murals and two sculptures based on themes of unity and diversity.
On August 2nd, six artists presented their proposals to a selection panel. Out of the six applicants, four were chosen to complete their work. These artists are sculptors Archie Held and Richard Muro; and muralists Seren Moran and Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez, all of Richmond. Each of the two muralists will receive $10,000, and the two sculptors will receive $25,000 to complete the work. Budgets for the murals and sculptures will include the design, fabrication, and installation of artwork.
Murals: The site of the two 80’ x 6’ murals will be across from each other at one of the main entrances to the Greenway near 16th Street/Ohio Avenue in Richmond. The artists are required to include one or more of the themes themes of unity and diversity, and must each use six community members to assist with early stages of painting. The estimated date for the mural installation is September 30, 2017.
Sculptures: The site of the two sculptures will be at each of the two main entrances to the Greenway near 16th Street/Ohio Avenue in Richmond. The two sculptors will also be required to include six members of the community in fabrication and installation. Archie Held’s studio is right next to the Greenway.
The maximum sculpture height is between 12’ – 15’ high, and of any width that is both appropriate for the design and sturdy. One sculpture will be made out of metal, and one out of wood. Each sculpture must have a footing securing it to the site. The estimated date for the mural installation is October 31, 2017.
Some themes chosen by the Unity Park community were: gardens, natural food, youth learning to grow food, multicultural/diversity images, peace among people of all colors, community participation, unity, peace, history of Richmond (railroads, shipyards, blues, Pullman cars), crime prevention, and art that promotes education.
For more information contact: michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us .
I have listed below some of the topics for meetings that I attended during the past week in the hope that it provides an idea of the varied issues with which our organization deals routinely.
Meetings and events of note this past week included:
- Attended the luncheon to honor Youth Ambassadors, who assisted with litter clean-up and other activities in the area around Macdonald and 23rd Street;
- Met, together with Project Manager Lina Velasco and CIP Manager Yader Bermudez, and the City’s consultants, with area residents to discuss soil issues on the Greenway/Unity Park project;
- Met with representatives from Mercy Housing, along with City consultants Tia Ingram and Olson Lee, to discuss the Hacienda redevelopment project;
- Attended the Building and Trade Business and Construction Expo, co-hosted by the Richmond Employment and Training Department at the Richmond Auditorium, to make introductory remarks;
- Attended the monthly meeting of Contra Costa County city managers;
- Met, along with Port Director Jim Matzorkis, with representatives from Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) and Subaru, to discuss port activities;
- Met with Stan Hakes, the Executive Director of RecycleMore, to discuss various topics;
- Attended the monthly South Shoreline Community Advisory Committee that is working with the Department of Toxic Substances Control on soil remediation issues;
- Attended the Love Your Block First Harvest Feast at Parchester Community Center;
- Met, together with Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, with Nicole Burak, field representative for Senator Kamala Harris.
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.
- LEAP Launches Donation Page for Richmond Resident Scholarships
LEAP, Richmond’s outstanding literacy program, is launching a donation page for Richmond resident scholarships. The LEAP Career Online-High School diploma program, (COHS) first launched in March of this year, and has proven to be a popular and successful option for the 30 enrolled Richmond residents. With three graduates to date and another dozen in the wings, all but two are on track to complete the program and receive their diploma by the end of 2018.
The COHS program is a partnership between the State Library and Gail-Cengage University. The $2,200 priced program is offered at no cost to Richmond residents with scholarships that are paid for by the California State Library and a local match from the Richmond Public Library. LEAP is seeking to raise money for 15 more scholarships.
To qualify, for all students must pass a pre-requisite course. The pre-requisite requires the participant to select a career, review the course work related to the career and pass the final test on the unit. The willingness to work through the pre-requisite is a strong indicator for long term success of this program.
Bottom of Form
Please visit the site: http://leapcohs.causevox.com/ and share out to your friends.
- Richmond Hosts Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Meeting
Richmond’s Department of Water Resource Recovery recently hosted a meeting for stakeholders in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Signed in 2014 by Governor Brown, the Act established a framework for sustainable, local groundwater management for the first time in California history. SGMA requires eligible local agencies overlying certain basins to form Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). GSAs are required to develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP) to make basins sustainable within 20 years of implementation. Richmond lies over the East Bay Plain Subbasin (shown below).
The groundwater beneath the East Bay is an important local resource, and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is stepping up to act as its steward. The City of Richmond and other communities that receive water from EBMUD are supporting them in this effort. Learn more about local SGMA activities here.
- Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) is a national network of government agencies working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Across the country, governmental jurisdictions are:
- Making a commitment to achieving racial equity
- Focusing on the power and influence of their own institutions, and
- Working in partnership with others.
The City of Richmond is an active participant in this program.
This past week, the GARE team hosted a lunch to gather interested Richmond employees in a comfortable and safe space to introduce the topic of advancing racial equity in our City. The GARE Team wishes to thank all who attended for their valuable input and participation.
- West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Facility Now Open on Wednesdays
The West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 101 Pittsburg Road in Richmond, is expanding its hours, and is now open on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (see all available hours below). Richmond residents can also dispose of paint, pharmaceuticals, batteries, automotive fluids, and other Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for FREE at El Cerrito Recycling Center and the West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. A summary list of accepted items is provided below. Please bring proof of residency when dropping off HHW materials.
Please note that it is illegal to put any HHW or electronic waste in the garbage, sink, toilet, or storm drain because they contain toxic materials that can contaminate the soil and water. Visit www.richmondenvironment.org for more information about HHW services available to Richmond residents and businesses. For questions about HHW disposal, please visit the West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility webpage, or call (888) 412-9277.
West Contra Costa County Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
101 Pittsburg Road
Richmond, CA 94801
Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00am – 4pm (Closed Noon-12:30pm)
(888) 412-9277
El Cerrito Recycling Center
7501 Schmidt Lane,
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open Every Tuesday for HHW disposal
8:00am - 5:45pm
(510) 215-4350
Accepted Materials
          
- Concert Helpers Wanted for Music on the Main Events on August 23rd
Are you a fan of live music and outdoor concerts? Do you like working behind-the-scenes at events? If you answered “yes”, then helping out at the 16th annual Music on the Main summer concerts is for you!
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 23th
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Volunteers needed: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM (two shifts available: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Activities may include tasks related to: venue set-up; assembling produce bags; managing vendor and volunteer check-in; monitoring traffic and parking; conducting surveys; hosting youth zone activities and giveaway stations; backstage manager; and venue clean-up.
Additional Details, Requirements, and Preferences:
- No prior experience needed—orientation and training provided onsite by staff
- Small groups or pairs encouraged!
- Community service hours honored
- Minimum participation: two hours; three hours preferred
- Minimum age: 16, unless accompanied by guardian or approved by event coordinator
- Interests: community, arts & culture, special events, youth
- Skills: customer service, bilingual language (Spanish, Chinese) a plus; ability to stand for extended periods of time and/or lift 30 pounds preferred.
Sign-up online here.
For more information: Contact Alicia, outreach@richmondmainstreet.org or (510) 236-4049.
- The Youth Leadership Committee is Back!
Are you a high school or college student looking to become a leader in your community, or do you know someone who is? Are you interested in learning how to create a community service project to create positive change? Join the YLC for the upcoming school year! Applications are now open with workshops to begin in the fall. We’ll have field trips to local excursions and workshop topics on public speaking, presentations, financial literacy, networking, resume-building, and more!
Application open here: tinyurl.com/RichmondYLC17
Contact Guadalupe Morales at guadalupe_morales@ci.richmond.ca.us or call 510-620-6553 for more info.
On Wednesday, September 13th, from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the City of Richmond will be co-hosting, along with the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, an Electric Car Test Drive event. The event will be held at the parking lot across from the Richmond Library adjacent to the Civic Center Plaza. Attendees will be able to experience various types of clean, electric vehicles and get information about available incentives.
- Community Services Highlights
Coming attractions:
Literacy Luau
On August 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa is inviting children (of all ages), families, and community members to participate in their end of summer Literacy Luau. Free books, food and entertainment will be provided!
Register on Eventbrite here!
For more information, please contact Cristal Banagan at mailto:cristal.b@girlsinc-wcc.org.
Richmond Back to School Carnival
Join us for the annual Richmond Back to School Carnival an August 25th – 27th at the Richmond Civic Center. Enjoy a weekend full of amusement rides, carnival games, fair food, family entertainment, info booths, and so much more! Plus, come early on Saturday for our free school supplies giveaway!*
Other highlights:
New Tennis Courts at Nicholl Park!
The Richmond Tennis Association (RTA) is pleased to announce the completion of the reconstruction of two very old and previously unusable tennis courts at Nicholl Park. This was been made possible by a generous $10,000 facility grant from the US Tennis Association (USTA) and a $2,888 donation from RTA.
A White Pony in Richmond
On Saturday, August 5th, the White Pony Express partnered with our Community Services Department to host a very successful free mobile boutique and grocery giveaway to over 200 families of children attending the Summer Camp program. The families found delight in shopping for new and lightly used clothes, shoes, toys, and books. The mobile grocery provided free fresh produce and groceries to the families. This event was supported by the wonderful volunteers and staff.
Website Statistics for the Week Ending 08-10-2017
Tweets and Facebook followers are up!
- Post Engagement is up 203%
- Profile visits are up 7.5%
- Tweet impressions are up 28%
KCRT DATANETS OF THE WEEK
 
- Engineering/CIP Departments
The Greenway Ohlone Gap Closure project is continuing on schedule. Crews completed the installation of a prefabricated pedestrian bridge that crosses the riprap. A riprap is when concrete/rock line an area to prevent erosion and along the Gap, it is lining the drainage area.
Bridge and Riprap Installation
Transit Station Project leading to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Nevin Avenue entrance is developing nicely. The new stairs have been built, the elevator is almost complete and the handicap ramp is open.
 
New Stairs
Streets Division:
Paving crews ground and paved Maine Avenue from South 23rd Street to South 28th Street and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City.
Paving on Maine Avenue
Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the first Monday and second Tuesday through Friday in the; Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Clinton Hill II – IV and East Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff repaired 7 signs and poles, installed 9 new signs and poles, installed 7 pavement markings and painted 519’ of curbs and zoning.
- Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations
Abatement:
Abatement crews performed weed abatement at various City locations, cleared homeless encampments from public view, and removed graffiti and tons of illegal dumping throughout the city.
 
 
Illegal Dumping (Creek along 6th St & Enterprise)
 
Illegal Dumping (Miraflores property)
 
   
Private Property Weed Abatement
 
Weed Abatement on Carlson Boulevard
 
Illegal Dumping
Facilities Maintenance:
Carpenters applied sheathing to the new tennis storage at Nicholl Park and repaired the entrance doors to the Social Hall at the Recreation Complex.
Painters completed the rear equipment room of the Auditorium and repaired and painted a wall in the Museum.
Stationary Engineers repaired the washer at Fire Station #63, cleared the sewer lines at Nicholl Park, cleared the sink trap at the Art Center, made keys for the Recreation Complex and Library, replaced tank valves, cleared the sink drain at the Family Justice Center, replaced vandalized lock at the Native American building and replaced the sink shut off valve at the Fire Training Center.
Parks and Landscaping Division:
Tree crews trimmed or cut trees on: Chanslor Avenue, Van Fleet Avenue, Maine Avenue, 38 trees on Cutting Boulevard and at Civic Center Plaza.
Hilltop District crews continued maintenance around Hilltop Mall business area, continued with the Richmond Country Club Vista landscaping project and continued weed abatement on the center medians of Richmond Parkway.
Richmond Parkway Median Maintenance
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!
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 |
