Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending April 27th, 2018.

• Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 1st beginning with Closed Session at 5:30 PM, followed by the Regular Meeting of the Successor Agency to the Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency and Richmond City Council at 6:30 PM.  The agenda may be found by clicking this link: Richmond City Council Agenda Packet.

• Administrative Professionals Day

 Administrative Professionals Day was observed in the United States this past Wednesday, April 25th.  When this tradition began, the day was to recognize the contributions of administrative personnel to the economy; however, it has taken on some criticism, perhaps unfairly, in slighting those that are somehow viewed as mere "support staff."

As part of Administrative Professionals Day, I will take the liberty in this report to acknowledge two individuals in the City Manager’s office that are outstanding administrative professionals, and are well beyond any notion of being mere “support staff” in the work that they do.

Shané Johnson is the friendly “front desk” of the City Manager’s office, who provides outstanding staff work in a variety of forms.  While observing her work answering telephones and greeting visitors, one might not appreciate the complexity of tasks that are the regular part of her responsibilities.  But, one task that you might appreciate if you are reading this report is the fact that she prepares its initial draft each and every week, collecting, editing, and formatting the highlights that are identified by the various departments.  For all that she does, and for this weekly report, I offer my thanks to Ms. Johnson.

The other administrative professional in the City Manager’s office is practically a City of Richmond institution:  the City Manager’s Executive Assistant Sue Kadlec.  Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Sue whether she is responding promptly to a service issue that she gets into the hands of the correct department, scheduling a meeting, or taking care of a critical task before you even thought to ask her for help in resolving it.  Her day-to-day responsibilities are complicated and voluminous, and no one could approach them with more grace.  Sue is as accomplished at her job as anyone could ever be in any job that they undertake.

However one defines the role of “Administrative Professional,” I can attest to the fact that Sue and Shané are only two of the many outstanding employees of the City, working in various functions throughout the organization.  Whether I see them in a truck, a car, on a motorcycle, at a pool or a park, handling a sharp tool or a piece of equipment, or at a desk behind a computer screen, it is a privilege to work with them day in and day out, and I thank them for their service.

• The Great Tomato Plant Sale at the Richmond Library is TOMORROW, Saturday April 28th

The University of California Master Gardeners are hosting their annual Great Tomato Plant Sale at the Richmond Main Library this Saturday, April 28th (tomorrow).  This event features a wide variety of tomatoes and other plants and veggies for sale at affordable prices. The Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide free expert advice to make your home garden a success.

Tomorrow’s event is at the Richmond Main Library, at 325 Civic Center Plaza.

Visit  ccmg.ucanr.edu/tomato for more information, including sale locations and variety lists.

• Safe Disposal of Unwanted Prescription Drugs – “Take Back Day” is TOMORROW, Saturday April 28th

On Saturday, April 28th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Richmond Police Department, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs.

Please bring your medications for disposal to the following location:

Richmond Police Department
Hilltop Substation
2200 Hilltop Mall Rd #110
Richmond, CA 94806

This service is free and anonymous – no questions asked. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps - only pills or patches.

This initiative addresses a vital public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods of disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 28th “Take Back Day” event, go to https://takebackday.dea.gov/

• East Bay Contra Contra Costa (EBCC) STEM Games is TOMORROW, Saturday April 28th

Join us on Saturday, April 28th for the East Bay Contra Contra Costa (EBCC) STEM Games! Elementary students are strongly encouraged to sign up for this special event. Scholarships are available!

The games consist of 5 competitive team events which require knowledge of science and math topics applied by engineering and technology skills. The competition, similar to athletic games, captures the commitment, enthusiasm, and interest in STEM careers.

All East Bay and Contra Costa County schools, communities, groups, and organizations can sign up for the competition. Teachers, parents, organization leaders, and adult mentors can participate as coaches.

Participants can register on-site on the day of the event. Registration begins at 9:00 AM and the competition begins at 10:00 AM.

Follow updates and more on our Facebook page!

For more information, please contact:

Kymberlyn Carson-Thrower
Kymberlyn_Carson-Thrower@ci.richmond.ca.us
(510) 620-6789

• 3rd Annual National Park Rx Day Hosted by the Community Services Department – THIS SUNDAY

The City of Richmond Community Services Department, ServiceWorks, Contra Costa Health Services, and the National Park Service teamed together to organize 1 of the 14 premier celebrations happening around the Bay Area. We’ll be kicking off National Park Week, parks, healthcare agencies, service providers, and communities nationwide.

Join us as Richmond hosts their 3rd Annual Park Rx Day from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at John F. Kennedy Park.  There will be lots of fun activities such as giveaways, fitness obstacle courses, ‘Walk with a Doc, bike rodeo, health screenings, face painting, mixed martial arts demonstrations and much more!

Interested in volunteering to help the event? Sign up at: tinyurl.com/richmondparkrxday

Park Rx Day is organized by Healthy Parks, Healthy People: Bay Area, a collaborative comprising more than 30 park, health, and community-based organizations united by a vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Bay Area residents, especially those with high health needs, through the regular use and enjoyment of parks and public lands.

For more information, contact Vanessa Chau at Vanessa_Chau@ci.richmond.ca.us or at (510) 620-6552.

• Secondary Clarifier Rehabilitation Begins at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Richmond’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is an aged facility, originally built in 1953, and many process structures have deteriorated and are in immediate need of replacement or rehabilitation.

This past week, the Department of Water Resource Recovery and Veolia, the City’s contract wastewater manager, started the rehabilitation of the secondary clarifier #2 – one of the critical projects at the WWTP.  This work is part of an overall progressive design-build effort with Carollo Engineers and Overaa Construction, and is the second of three clarifiers scheduled to be systematically demolished and rehabilitated with new internal stainless steel components.

Clarifier #1 was completed last year before the rainy season, with #2 and #3 to be completed by this coming October.  Funding for this extremely important work is made possible from the 2017A wastewater revenue bonds issued in August last year.

• City Manager Chronicles

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 during the past week included:

• Met with various staff from the Finance Department, City Manager’s office, and Housing Department to discuss the status of the current FY 2017-18 budget and proposed FY 2018-19 budget for the Richmond Housing Authority;
• Discussed the elements of a draft development “term sheet” for development of “Parcel FM,” the vacant parcel along Richmond Marina Bay, adjacent to Saluté;
• Met with the staff team from the Finance Department, Housing Department, and the City Attorney’s office to review progress on the Housing Authority’s remedial action plan;
• Met with Finance Director Belinda Warner, Budget Administrator Markisha Guillory, and members of the staff budget team to discuss the process and schedule for reviewing and balancing the FY 2018-19 operating budget;
• Attended and made a presentation, along with Environmental Manager Adam Lenz, regarding Richmond’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) meeting, hosted by the Trust for Public Land;
• Met with East Bay Economic Development Association Executive Director Darien Louie, along with Richmond Economic Development Manager Janet Johnson, to discuss Richmond’s participation in this organization;
• Met with Belinda Warner and members of her staff to review the financial reports for March;
• Attended the Richmond Housing Authority staff meeting to provide an update on the organization;
• Attended the West Contra Costa Business Breakfast, at which Mayor Tom Butt and West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Superintendent Matt Duffy were the speakers;
• Attended the celebratory ribbon cutting for the Richmond-Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure Project, which began on the trail in El Cerrito east of San Pablo Avenue, and attended on the trail in Richmond, west of San Pablo Avenue; and
• Participated in my monthly check-in meeting with (WCCUSD) Superintendent Matt Duffy.

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.

• Permit Parking is Available in Your Neighborhood

Last year, the Richmond City Council adopted a new Neighborhood Permit Parking Ordinance RMC 14.56 that allows permit parking within areas impacted by commuter spill over.  Residents adjacent to BART and who live on the following streets are now able to apply for parking permits:

• Barrett Avenue
• 18th Street
• 9th Street
• 20th Street
• 21st Street
• Nevin Avenue
• Livingston Lane

Those interested may apply either in person or online at: https://richmond.getapermit.net. 

Areas with permit parking will have limited short term parking for those without permits between specified hours, and extended parking for residential vehicles displaying area permits within posted times of the day.  Short term visitor and reserved disabled parking permits are also available for purchase.
 
For more information and to download forms please go to: 
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3329/Parking-Management-Services or call (510) 621-1718 to schedule an appointment.

• Stand Together Contra Costa

April’s Contra Costa County Mayors Conference featured a presentation by Ali Saidi, Deputy Public Defender Immigration Attorney with the Office of the Contra Costa County Public Defender, who helped develop the Stand Together Contra Costa program, and now serves as the Director of Stand Together CoCo.

As described in its website (www.standtogethercontracosta.org), Stand Together Contra Costa is a rapid response, legal services, and community education project to support safety and justice for immigrant families in Contra Costa County.  The program is a partnership between Contra Costa County, philanthropy, and community-based organizations, and provides culturally competent, no-cost rapid response support, legal defense services, and immigrant rights education and training to support families impacted by anti-immigrant policies and practices affecting Contra Costa County residents.

The mission of Stand Together Contra Costa is to ensure that all people in Contra Costa County, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, are afforded the rights established by the United States Constitution, and are protected from actions or policies that result in disparate, discriminatory, or unlawful treatment.

The 24/7 Stand Together Contra Costa hotline works to provide culturally competent verification and legal observation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Contra Costa County.  As noted on the Stand Together website, “ICE enforcement activity in our community tears apart families while spreading an atmosphere of fear and mistrust of civic institutions and services.  Stand Together Contra Costa will not only provide accurate information and verification regarding suspected ICE activity in Contra Costa County, but will also ensure that our immigrants and immigrant families have access to legal due process regardless of their ability to pay.”

Stand Together Contra Costa will not only provide legal consultation and representation to those facing the complex system of immigration law, but will also provide community-based education, trainings, and workshops to ensure that Contra Costa’s immigrant families have meaningful access to information about our civil rights while promoting more robust civic engagement with the many programs and services available in Contra Costa.

Please see the following for more information regarding Stand Together programs, or visit the website at www.standtogethercontracosta.org.

En Abril la Conferencia de Alcaldes del Condado de Contra Costa presentó una presentación de Ali Saidi, Abogada de Inmigración Defensor Público Adjunta con la Oficina del Defensor Público del Condado de Contra Costa, quien ayudó a desarrollar el programa Stand Together Contra Costa y ahora se desempeña como Directora de Stand Together CoCo .

Como se describe en su sitio web (www.standtogethercontracosta.org), Stand Together Contra Costa es un proyecto de respuesta rápida, servicios legales y educación comunitaria para apoyar la seguridad y la justicia para las familias inmigrantes en el condado de Contra Costa. El programa es una asociación entre el Condado de Contra Costa, filantropía y organizaciones comunitarias, y brinda apoyo de respuesta rápida culturalmente competente, sin costo, servicios de defensa legal y educación y capacitación en derechos de los inmigrantes para apoyar a las familias afectadas por políticas antiinmigrantes y prácticas que afectan a los residentes del Condado de Contra Costa.

La misión de Stand Together Contra Costa es garantizar que todas las personas en el Condado de Contra Costa, independientemente de su estatus migratorio o capacidad de pago, tengan los derechos establecidos por la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, y estén protegidos de acciones o políticas que resulten dispares, trato discriminatorio o ilegal.

La línea directa 24/7 Stand Together Contra Costa trabaja para proporcionar verificación culturalmente competente y observación legal de la actividad de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) en el Condado de Contra Costa. Como se señaló en el sitio web de Stand Together Contra Costa, "la actividad de cumplimiento de ICE en nuestra comunidad separa a las familias a la vez que disemina una atmósfera de temor y desconfianza hacia las instituciones y servicios cívicos. Stand Together Contra Costa no solo proporcionará información precisa y verificación con respecto a la sospecha de actividad de ICE en el condado de Contra Costa, sino que también asegurará que nuestros inmigrantes y familias inmigrantes tengan acceso al debido proceso legal independientemente de su capacidad de pago.”

Stand Together Contra Costa no solo brindará asesoramiento legal y representación a quienes enfrentan el complejo sistema de leyes de inmigración, sino que también brindará educación, capacitaciones y talleres basados ​​en la comunidad para garantizar que las familias inmigrantes de Contra Costa tengan acceso significativo a la información sobre nuestras derechos mientras se promueve un compromiso cívico más sólido con los numerosos programas y servicios disponibles en Contra Costa.

Consulte lo siguiente para obtener más información sobre los programas de Stand Together o visite el sitio web en www.standtogethercontracosta.org.

• San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets Project: Construction is Underway!

The San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets Project is a federally funded corridor enhancement project that focuses on multimodal access, safety and connection along San Pablo Avenue between Rumrill Boulevard and La Puerta Road.  The project is a partnership between the cities of San Pablo and Richmond, with major funding ($5.978 million) from a One Bay Area Grant (OBAG).  The City of San Pablo is the lead agency for the project.

Key elements of the project include:

• Modification of the existing road section to add Class 2 bike lanes in both directions of travel;
• Sidewalk installation on the west side of San Pablo Avenue from Rivers Street to La Puerta Road (southbound), and from Rivers Street to Lancaster Drive on the east side (northbound);
• Removal of an existing slip lane into Robert H. Miller Drive and replacement of a right turn pocket;
• Installation of a new traffic signal at La Puerta Road;
• Modification of existing traffic signals at Rivers Street and Robert H. Miller Drive;
• Construction of soil nail and concrete retaining walls to allow the roadway to be widened sufficiently to accommodate the new facilities for non-motorized roadway use;

Public notices have been sent to nearby neighbors, storm water protection measures have been installed, and the contractor is surveying and staking portions of the roadway to prepare for relocating the roadway median. The project is anticipated to last about five months.  San Pablo Avenue will remain open to traffic in both directions at all times; however, for safety reasons, there will be times during construction when only one travel lane in each direction is available for vehicular traffic.

Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Jaemin Park, at jpark@park-eng.com or (925) 818-3756.

This week, construction started with partial demolition of existing roadway to accommodate new roadway alignment.

• Celebrate Bike to Work Day in Richmond & the East Bay

May is National Bike Month! On Thursday, May 10th, the City of Richmond in collaboration with Bike East Bay, 511 Contra Costa, Richmond BPAC, Rich City Rides, and SunPower, will be hosting four Energizer Stations across the Richmond community. Stop by on your way to work for refreshments and a Bike to Work Day bag filled with promotional materials from local businesses.

The Energizer Stations will be located along key bicycle routes and open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM:

• Richmond BART (open 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM)
• Marina Bay Park (along the Bay Trail)
• San Pablo Ave and the Richmond Greenway/Ohlone Bike Trail
• 16th St and Richmond Greenway (between Ohio Ave. and Chanslor Avenue)

For more information about Bike to Work Day in Richmond visit: www.richmondenvironment.org
Visit Bike East Bay’s website for more national Bike Month events happening in the East Bay: https://bikeeastbay.org/events/btwd_2018

• Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services Presents HUD Pre-Purchase Workshop on May 23rd and May 24th

Join the Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services for an informative workshop on home purchasing.  The goal of the workshop is to provide information to assist individuals in navigating the homebuyer process, and bringing them closer to homeownership.  Many community lending First Time Home Buyer (FTHB) programs require this class. Note: This is a two-part series and attendees must attend both classes to receive a HUD completion certificate.

Event Details:
Wednesday, May 23rd & Thursday, May 24th 
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
12972 San Pablo Avenue
Richmond, CA 

For more information: (510) 237-6459 x1601
Register Today! https://tinyurl.com/yb4u9yft

• News from Richmond Promise: Save the Date & Next Steps for College Success 

Save the Date: Richmond Promise Scholars Celebration is Wednesday, May 23rd!
The Scholars Celebration is an annual community-wide event to honor the 500+ vibrant and unstoppable Richmond Scholars in the class of 2018, to recognize their families, and our education and civic partnerships critical to their success, and celebrate what the Promise means to the Richmond community.  Last year, the event drew nearly 1,000 students and families. We hope to see you there! The event is free, but space is limited.

Check Out Next Steps for College Success!
Award notifications for the Richmond Promise Scholarship will be emailed to students by May 1st. The Richmond Promise is here to support students through a successful college transition. We are currently hosting “Next Steps” workshops across all eligible high schools. This June and July, we will be hosting a series of Summer Success Workshops. Check out next steps for ALL Richmond Promise Scholars, and specific next-steps for top 10 colleges on our website: https://richmondpromise.org/nextsteps/

Need Help? Have a Question? Call or email Gaby Urías, Richmond Promise Outreach Coordinator, if you would like to schedule time for 1-on-1 assistance with enrollment steps, financial aid, or anything else related to college! gurias@richmondpromise.org | (510) 761-7231  

• Second Annual “Taste of Richmond”

Don't miss out on this “TASTEFUL” event!

Join us in celebrating the diverse food, beverage, music, and culture of Richmond at the second annual “Taste of Richmond”.  This event will feature samples from Richmond’s diverse food and beverage scene, and will introduce guests to spectacular sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and Richmond's treasured shoreline. Local restaurants, caterers, and beverage establishments will offer limited tastes of both food and beverages.

The Second Annual Taste of Richmond will be held on Sunday, May 20th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Riggers Loft Winery in the Historic Point Richmond Ship Building District, presented by the City of Richmond Economic Development Commission.

All samples and tastes are included in the Early Bird (before May 1st) single admission price of $15 or two tickets for $25. After May 1st, ticket prices will increase to $20 each and will be sold as single admission only.  Children 10 years and under are admitted free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.TasteOfRichmond2018.Eventbrite.com.

• Sign-Up Workshop for Free Home Solar Systems for Qualifying Richmond Residents!!

Richmond homeowners can now qualify for a FREE solar program funded by the City of Richmond and State of California, through the non-profit GRID Alternatives. Qualifying homeowners are invited to attend the City of Richmond and GRID Alternatives' sign-up event on Wednesday, May 9th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Richmond City Council Chambers located at 440 Civic Center Plaza. Light snacks will be provided.

GRID Alternatives is a national non-profit organization that makes solar energy accessible to homeowners who need the savings the most, while providing hands-on solar installation training. You could save 60-90% on your electric bill and help our community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by participating in the program.

To be eligible, Richmond and North Richmond residents must live in their own home and make less than 80% of area median income (income limits are included in the flyer below and at http://www.richmondenvironment.org/).

To enroll at the workshop please bring copies of:
1) Proof of income for all adults in the home (2017 income taxes, W2s, SSI)
2) Most recent PG&E bill
3) Proof of homeownership (property taxes or mortgage statement)

For more information, please contact GRID Alternatives at (510) 731-1333 or visit http://www.gridsolar.org/richmond. Residents may also contact the City of Richmond at (510) 621-1541.

• Apply for Your U.S. Passport at Richmond City Hall!

The City of Richmond City Clerk’s Office is accepting passport applications on behalf of the United States Department of State.  United States citizens planning international travel may apply for their passport at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, during the following hours by appointment only:

Monday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday:  10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
(Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – days of operation only)

Please recognize that the area is an operational executive office, and a quiet zone.  No drop in service for same day appointments or scheduling future appointments is available at this time; you must call (510) 620-6786 to schedule all appointments. 

For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information – travel.state.gov.

For more information about the City of Richmond Passport Acceptance Facility, please visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/passports.

• Community Services Highlights

Upcoming Events and Program Activities

Richmond Senior Center
Join us for the 36th Annual Senior Information & Health Faire on Wednesday, May 9th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Richmond Auditorium. 

Senior Nite Out
Mark your calendars for an evening of dining and dancing on Saturday, May 12th  at the Senior Nite Out Program.  Tickets can be purchased from the Community Services Department at 3230 Macdonald Avenue.  Call (510) 620-6793 for ticket information.

Commission on Aging Recruitment

The Richmond Commission on Aging is looking for seniors age 55 or over to become a member of the Commission.  The purpose of the Commission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults with an emphasis on health, wellness and independence.  If you are age 55 or older and reside in the West Contra Costa County which includes areas within WCCUSD boundaries, consider joining this active Commission that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of seniors.  Please contact Chair, Myrtle Braxton, at (510) 233-0777 for additional information.

Family Chess Night – Weekly!

Job and Volunteer Opportunities

ServiceWorks Richmond – Volunteers Needed

ServiceWorks, in conjunction with the City of Richmond Community Services Department, Points of Light, AmeriCorps and Citi Foundation, is actively recruiting volunteers to assist with groundbreaking programming. The program’s primary goal is to engage young adults (16-24 years of age) and bring educational modules that drive skill building, volunteering, and success coaching as strategies to help address barriers to youth economic opportunity.

The program offers the opportunity for participants, also known as Service Scholars, to gain valuable college and career experience to which they may not have easy access. Through developing their own service projects and team exercises, Service Scholars will have the opportunity to gain a range of skills.

Volunteers are vital to the success of this program. We are looking for all who wish to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth within our community. Whether it is for a week, a day, or even just a few hours in a month, you can help empower the service scholars to face any obstacle that they may block their path towards sustainable community development.

ServiceWorks gives youth the keys to unlock their future; we are looking for volunteers who will give them the means to open the door.

For more information, please contact: Nicholas Delgado (510) 621-1834, or email: Nicholas_Delgado@ci.richmond.ca.us.

Highlights

ServiceWorks and Earth Day

ServiceWorks Richmond had a capstone project for Earth Day this past weekend. They spent the weekend building a community garden at the Booker T. Anderson Park with their scholars who attend the Leadership-in-Training Program at the park’s community center.

We are very proud of this group of young leaders who were able to plan this project and see it through to the end. Using tools that were borrowed from the Richmond Tool Library, several youth volunteers helped build the planter boxes and till the soil. They were able to plant an assortment of herbs and vegetables with seeds they acquired from the Richmond Seed Lending Library.

It was a successful event and the community is excited to tend to the garden and harvest the many foods that will grow. Our scholars are hoping to expand the garden in the future with the help of other community leaders.

Love Your Block

This past weekend, community members in Richmond painted a mural in honor of Earth Day at the Rancho Market on Market Avenue near 5th Street.

Check out this cool video posted on KTVU made about the event! http://www.ktvu.com/news/mural-in-richmond-gives-nod-to-jazz-culture-agricultural-roots

In addition to the Rancho Market Community Paint Day event, Love Your Block had their #loveyourblock chalkboard art installation up at Shields-Reid Park. The new Love North Richmond Resident Leaders Driscoll, Clarence, Ziana, and Karen led this activity. They asked residents, "How would you make a difference in North Richmond?"

A huge thank you to More Than A Game US for putting together this beautiful video that captures how the art installation engaged #NorthRichmondCA community members and residents:

https://www.facebook.com/morethanagameus/posts/2041621576092449

• Information Technology

Website Statistics for the Week Ending 04-27-2018

• Total page views increased by 86%
• Videos viewed increased by 100%

KCRT DATANET OF THE WEEK

• I-80 Central Avenue Operations Improvement Project (I-80 and Central Avenue)

This past week, contractors began forming the barrier rails on the over-crossing bridge and posting traffic signs at the Rydin Road and Central Avenue interchange.  Next week, the contractors will complete forming and pouring barrier rails.
On May 8th, a new traffic signal will be activated at Rydin Road and Central Avenue.  Please proceed with caution and expect delays in this area between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM while construction crews are working in the area.
Please visit the project webpage for more information: www.ccta.net/projects/project/36 or call Community Outreach Representative Jacqueline Majors at (510) 882-1603; or email: I80CentralAve@gmail.com.  

• Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)

The Richmond Ferry construction continues progress as scheduled with pier anchorage completed and work being performed on the pier deck. Additionally, parking areas are being formed for concrete pours which are scheduled for Saturday, April 28th.

• Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations (DIMO)

Abatement:
Abatement crews abated and secured private properties in the Parchester Village & the Eastshore Neighborhoods, assisted 30 seniors in the Iron Triangle/Atchison Village clean-up, abated weeds on City-owned alleyways, and continued to remove tons of illegal dumping and graffiti throughout the City.

Private Property Board-Up/Abatement

Neighborhood Clean-Up

Alley Abatement

Illegal Dumping

Graffiti Abatement

Code Enforcement:
Code Enforcement staff has received numerous complaints about occupants of a property using a generator to power the residence and large amounts of trash and debris in the back yard. An inspection was conducted and the habitants of the property had no documentation of the legal right to occupy the property.  The residence also had no utilities. The home was red tagged and the occupants were removed. There was a notice issued and compliance was not met. A warrant was obtained to board, secure, and clean the exterior of the property. With the assistance of the Abatement division, the home was secured and the exterior was cleaned.

Before and After

Facilities Maintenance Division:
Stationary Engineers performed routine pool tests and boiler inspections, installed new bollard in front of the gas meter at Fire Station #64, replaced the thermostat in the child care area of the Recreation Complex, installed a utility sink at Fire Station #67, cleared the main sewer line at the Recreation Complex, placed lockers at the Art Center, cleared a clogged sink in the women’s restroom at the Recreation Complex, and installed a new keyboard tray for staff.

Bollard Installation

Utility Workers cleaned the Transit Center, scrubbed floors at the Richmond Swim Center, changed light bulbs at 440 Civic Center Plaza, continued to perform court yard clean up at Civic Center Plaza, set-up various rooms for events, set-up the Council Chambers and maintained 29 City-owned facilities.

Parks and Landscaping Division:
General Maintenance crews performed irrigation repair on the medians of San Pablo Avenue, repaired play equipment at Wendell Park, installed new rule signs at Kern, Solano, Burg and Humboldt Parks, weed-whipped the medians on Cutting Boulevard from South 37th Street to South 41st Street, and weeded Kern Park and the Clinton Avenue soundwall.

Cutting Boulevard Maintenance

The tree crew removed or trimmed trees on: 30th Street, 32nd Street, 37th Street, Costa Avenue, Macdonald Avenue, and Huntington Avenue.

Tree Trimming on Huntington Avenue

Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, continued clean-up on the Richmond Parkway, and started weed abatement at Bay Vista, Country Club Vista, and Vista Del Mar Parks.

Richmond Parkway Weeding

Marina District crews continued with the Regatta Boulevard improvements on the medians, repaired a portion of the sidewalk in the area, mulched beds for weed control, and performed weed abatement throughout the location.  Crews also abated the Esplanade trail and performed weed abatement at Lucretia Edwards Park.

Trail 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

See below to see options for connecting with the City of Richmond.

Connecting with the City of Richmond

Connect with the City of Richmond

To contact us by phone:

The City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) provides a department and staff directory at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/Directory.aspx.

If you’re not sure which department you need to contact, or, if you don’t receive a call back (which should not happen) from your original call or message, we encourage you to phone the City Manager’s office at (510) 620-6512.

Using the CORConnect Application on the City’s Website:
You can use the CORConnect button on the City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) to report a concern, pose a question, or acknowledge the City’s work in some way.  These CORConnect issues go directly to the responsible department, and the city manager reviews reported issues on a regular basis to determine if City staff members are responding appropriately.  If you do not feel that you have received a satisfactory response, please contact the City Manager’s office at (510) 620-6512.
To access CORConnect select the CORConnect button on the homepage of the City website.

Alternatively you can select the COR Connect button on any other webpage on the left hand side of the page.

On the next screen under Report an Issue select Report Issue/Concern to create a report or Search Issue/Concerns to look up a previously reported issue.  You can also look up previously submitted issues to check on the current status if you provided you name, phone number or email when you submitted it. 

On the page, you can also look up information on a parcel, see permits issued and look up business license information.  If you have a current business license you can pay to renew it online with a credit card.
The recommended browsers are: Microsoft Edge, or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 11 using the compatibility mode. It can be found in the upper right corner of Internet Explorer: click on the "gear" icon and select Compatibility View Settings, then add the site to the list and click "Close".
The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on CORConnect. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
Using the City of Richmond Mobile Application:
The City of Richmond mobile app provides Richmond’s community members with one-stop access to City services and information via mobile devices. The app allows quick and real-time reporting of neighborhood-related issues; viewing the City’s events calendar; finding addresses and phone numbers of local businesses, city departments and council members.  The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store. 


We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us