 
Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the weeks ending February 15th and February 22, 2019.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26th.
The Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority begins at 6:25 PM, and the Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council will begin at 6:30 PM.
The agenda may be found by clicking this link: February 26th City Council Agenda.
Black History Celebration: Saturday, February 23rd
The City of Richmond Community Services Department will host its annual Black History Celebration on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. The doors will open for general seating at 12:30 PM. Adult tickets cost $10 which also includes refreshments and children tickets for ages 5-12 cost $5. We will have performances that include: Praise Dancing, Music/Song, Poetry, and Spoken Word. This year, we will also feature a Q&A panel discussion on the achievement gap deficit of black students in the WCCUSD.
Refreshments will be provided by Main Avent Catering: cajun shrimp w/ creamy grits, buttermilk fried chicken & homemade belgian waffles, strawberry lemonade ice tea, lemon water and assorted cupcakes for dessert. More info: (510) 620-6789.
Castro Ranch Rd Rehabilitation Project: Community Meeting, Tues. Feb 26th
Richmond Police Department Promotions
The Richmond Police Department will hold a promotional ceremony at their location on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 10:00 AM. The promotions being celebrated are:
- Timothy Simmons – promoted from Lieutenant to Captain
- Timothy Gard – promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant
- Erik Oliver – promoted from Officer to Sergeant
- Elizabeth Bashan – promoted from Officer to Sergeant
Upon the promotion effective date, March 3, 2019, Captain Simmons, Lieutenant Gard, Sergeant Oliver, and Sergeant Bashan will be assigned to the Policing Bureau, Patrol Division
Fiscal Year 2019-2020 ECIA Grant Program Applications are Available!
In 2014, the Richmond City Council approved the Chevron Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA), which invests $90 million dollars into the Richmond community over 10-years. $6 million of those dollars have been set aside for a competitive grant program, designed for non-profits who serve Richmond in the areas of community, youth, and youth sports. The ECIA has grant awards that range from $2,500, up to $50,000.
Important changes have been made to the grant guidelines, especially the eligibility criteria, so please read them carefully. Of special note, organizations awarded grants of more than $10,000 in FY 18-19 are ineligible to apply in FY 19-20.
To kick-off this opportunity, the City has scheduled two (2) Information and Grant Writing Workshops* to be held on:
· Monday, February 25th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Council Chambers)
· Thursday, February 28th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Council Chambers)
*Both events will be held at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond 94804.
The ECIA Grant Application is due on March 15, 2019 at 5:00 PM.
To access the ECIA Grant Application, Guidelines, and more check out the ECIA Grants webpage: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/eciagrants
New! Free Compost Giveaway Program for Residents
The City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division is pleased to announce that starting February 6th and each first Wednesday of the month thereafter, West County households can pick-up for free 2 cubic yards of compost from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond. Close the loop on your organics recycling by using the finished compost made right here in Richmond. This is self-service only, please bring your own bag, bin or bucket, and shovel to load the material. Valid identification is required.
For questions or additional information please call Republic Services at (510) 231-4200.
New! Free Mattress Drop-off Program for Residents
The City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division is pleased to announce that Republic Services has teamed up with Bye Bye Mattress, A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council, to provide a collection site for old unwanted mattresses or box springs. Starting February 1, 2019, households in the cities of Richmond, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, El Cerrito and unincorporated communities are eligible to bring 3 items per month to be recycled at no cost. Mattresses can be dropped off Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond. Please bring proper identification or utility bill with address of household generating the item(s).
Not Accepted:
- Half mattresses or box springs
- Excessively wet, damaged, partial or soiled mattresses or mattresses with bed bugs
- Car beds
- Fold out sofa beds and futons,
- Waterbeds
- Air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, mattress toppers or other furniture
For a fee, businesses can dispose of mattresses at the Golden Bear Transfer Station. For questions or additional information please call Republic Services at (510) 231-4200.
Coming Soon: EVgo Equal Access Charging Hubs
Rendering of Equal Access Charging Hub
325 Civic Center plaza parking lot
EVgo, the largest public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network in California and across the U.S., has announced plans to build seven “Equal Access Charging Hubs” to serve the residents of disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles Basin.
The City of Richmond was the first city in the San Francisco Bay Area to sign on to the Equal Access Charging Hubs program and EVgo is currently installing two hubs located at:
- 325 Civic Center Plaza Lot (across from the Main Library)
- Public Parking Stalls adjacent to 4100 MacDonald (located on 41st Street adjacent to Mechanic’s Bank) - under construction
In alignment with the state’s transportation electrification goals, these new fast charging stations increase access to electric vehicles in communities designated as disadvantaged by California Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to Senate Bill 535 (De León).
The stations will not only increase access to public fast charging for EV owners in these neighborhoods, but also complements the Transportation Division’s regional planning strategies while expanding citywide EV car sharing and ride sharing services for workplace, commercial and residential locations.
Description
The hubs will be equipped with four 50kW dual-standard (CHAdeMO and SAE Combo) direct current fast charging stations (DCFC). Fast chargers enable you to charge your battery electric vehicle (BEV) quickly, conveniently, and on-the-go. A 50 kW DCFC allows you to charge up to 75 miles in 30 minutes. The stations comply with California ADA requirements and include additional parking per hub (one to two extra parking stalls per hub) to accommodate “overflow parking” which can be dedicated to an electric vehicle carshare or rideshare partner.
Carshare and Rideshare Partnership(s)
These hubs are a critical component to enabling EV carshare and rideshare; providing charges and reserving spaces for carshare and rideshare charging allows for these programs to succeed in the City of Richmond.
For example, Maven Gig, is currently operating in the area and having chargers in Richmond allows Richmond residents to participate in the program and the “gig” economy by driving for rideshare, and food/package delivery services. Maven Gig is GM's dedicated mobility wing, offering weekly to monthly rates for the Chevrolet Bolt EV which includes free charging with EVgo, unlimited miles, maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance.
Community Outreach & Education
The Equal Access Charging Hubs program will be supported by a community outreach and education program led by Citizen Group and the City of Richmond Transportation team. Transportation staff is currently coordinating the official dual station launch for spring 2019.
For more information please call Transportation Services at (510) 621-1718.
Richmond Bulky Item Pick-up
Richmond Single-family, Duplex and Multi-Family (3-19 units) residents can receive a free Bulky Item pick-up. A limited number of items can be collected.
Please contact Republic Services, (510) 262-7100, at least one week in advance to reserve your Clean-up day. Multi-family property owners or managers must call to schedule a collection. Due to space limitations of our waste collection vehicles, Clean-up day scheduling will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Household Hazardous Waste
Richmond residents have two locations for disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) conveniently and for free. Please bring proof of residency.
For more information on acceptable items, visit http://www.recyclemore.com/content/local-hazardous-waste-collection-facility or call (888) 412-9277.
1) West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed: Noon - 12:30 PM)
(888) 412-9277
2) El Cerrito Recycling Center
7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open every Tuesday for HHW Disposal
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
(510) 215-4350
‘Five Free Rides’ Incentive Program
The Bay Area Carpool Program is offering a new incentive to help reduce single drivers, emissions, and congestion: Five Free Rides to all new Scoop and Waze carpool riders. Five Free Rides gives new Scoop and Waze Carpool riders the opportunity to experience the ease of carpooling with improved technology. The Scoop and Waze Carpool applications both provide matches, scheduling, and seamless payment.
The promotion started on February 1, 2019 and will run through June 30, 2019. New Scoop users can download the app and the free rides will automatically be placed into their account. New Waze Carpool users should download the app and enter promo code CARPOOL to activate the free rides. On both apps, the offer expires two weeks from download.
Carpooling can reduce peak hour traffic on well-traveled highways and bridges to the region's job hubs. The Bay Area's busiest travel times align with Scoop and Waze Carpool's height of trip requests and available matches, ideal for a new carpooler looking to improve their work commute.
The Bay Area Carpool Program is an initiative of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Five Rides Free is funded by MTC with grants from FHWA and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
If you have additional questions, please contact the City of Richmond Transportation Division at (510) 620-6869.
BART Weekend Single-tracking at Richmond Station in February and March
During the weekends listed below, portions of the platform will be closed to replace the tiles at Richmond Station. This project will replace any broken tiles and also replace the edge strips with solid yellow strips that meet new standards.
There will be no Red Line service on the impacted Saturdays and the Orange Line will have longer trains.
Please be aware of signs and barricades which will guide you to the correct platform.
The work weekends are:
- March 2nd – 3rd
- March 9th – 10th
If you have additional questions, please contact the Lori Reese-Brown at (510) 620-6869.
Ferry to Bridge to Greenway Plan
We are excited to announce that the City of Richmond has begun to develop the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway Plan, an exciting opportunity to improve bicycling and walking to the new Richmond Ferry, the upcoming Richmond-San Rafael Bridge multi-use path, and the Richmond Greenway!
We would like your help in shaping the Plan’s vision and recommendations! Take a quick survey about walking and bicycling in Richmond, simply using your cell phone by texting “active” to (510) 900-5861. Additionally, you can visit https://ferry2bridge2greenway.com/contact/ to sign up for project updates.
We look forward to your input and participation in future project events! For more information, please contact Lori Reese-Brown at (510) 620-6869.
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 organizations deals routinely.
Meetings and events of note during the past week included:
- I attended the CA League of Cities’ City Manager’s Conference in San Diego from Wednesday, February 13 to Friday, February 15, 2019. The conference is an opportunity to exchange information and learn more about ongoing and emerging issues. Multiple City Managers participating, experts and consultants presented best practices and approaches they are implementing and experimenting with to address common issues we are facing. Topics discussed—to mention just a couple—included, collaborative and local approaches and strategies to address homelessness, and legal and financial strategies being explored at the local and state level to address the State and Cities’ increasing California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) liabilities.
- Received a public art tour with Library and Cultural Services Director Katy Curl and Arts and Cultural Services Manager Michele Seville.
- Met with Finance Department staff and our consultant from AvenuInsights & Analytics for the quarterly update on the city’s sales tax revenue. Our sales taxes are coming within projections. Approximately 61 and 82 percent of sales tax collections come from the top 25 and 100 sales tax generators, respectively.
- Participated in recurring meetings with the executive directors of the Human Resources Department, Department of Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations, Police and Finance Department to receive updates related to their staff, current projects, and provided direction for future implementation of their assigned responsibilities.
- Met with representatives of the Richmond Police Officer Association (POA), Department of Finance staff, and members of the Richmond Police Department Leadership Group (RPD) to discuss recommendations identified in the Police Department Executive Leadership Review report to optimize the services provided by the Police Department. We discussed a number of initiatives such as RPD’s Three Year Strategic and Succession Plan, 11/80 Patrol schedule, Patrol lieutenant schedule integration, manager training, replenishing of the vehicle fleet, and other measures aimed at addressing some of POA’s concerns. We also provided the POA information regarding the City’s progress towards establishing a separate POA Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) trust account. The meeting was productive and agreed to continue meeting periodically to improve communication, resolve issues of concern, and together strategize to find way to deliver more efficient services to the community.
- Met with representatives from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, and staff from the City Manager’s Transportation Division to discuss matters pertaining to the release of FY17-18 Half-Cent Sales Tax, Measure J funds related to the R-transit program, and the City’s new contract with Lyft.
- Was introduced to Andres Soto and other staff from Communities for a Better Environment and received an overview of their organization, their history in the City of Richmond, and projects they are currently undertaking.
- Held a meeting with Planning Director Lina Velasco and Police Chief Allwyn Brown to discuss the implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures related to the current Noise Ordinance with the goal of ensuring compliance to control and prevent noise impacts to residential neighborhoods.
- Attended the Marina Bay Landscape & Lighting Maintenance District Advisory Committee meeting and introduced myself to the residents that volunteer their time to represent their neighborhood concerns, and discussed how to continue improving our partnership to provide them transparent financial information, and strategically investing our resources to more efficiently maintain and enhance landscaping and lighting in the District.
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
On Friday, February 1, 2019, approximately 200 people came to the Richmond Plunge to celebrate the re-opening of the facility after a five month closure. During the closure, the entire floor of the pool was re-plastered and re-striped with tiles. The floor re-plastering was needed in order to use the shallow end which was badly damaged. Another big project that was completed during the closure was the repair of the cracks on the west wall where the John Werhle mural was painted. After the cracks were repaired, the muralist, Mr. Werhle, spent weeks re-painting portions of the mural to restore it to its original condition.
During the celebration, those who contributed to the successful completion of the project were thanked, including John Werhle and his crew of painters and artists, the City of Richmond’s Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations staff, Maryn Hurlbut, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Commission; Mayor Tom Butt, the City Attorney’s office, the Aquatics staff, and the Plunge patrons who waited for the job to be completed.
After some short speeches, the Richmond Swims youth Sailfish team were the first to jump into the water for the first workout back at their home pool. Shortly after, dozens of kids and parents splashed around in the shallow end for the first recreation swim session in almost three years. Those who wanted to try out an Aqua Zumba class were treated to a fun mini class with instructor Oscar Solano.
It was a fun evening, and the Plunge is now open for much for fun!
New Plunge, New Classes!
The re-opening of the Plunge has brought about some new options.
- Tot Splash (free play time for parents with their tots 5 & under) is offered three days a week. Little Splashers class (instructor-led parent/child class with circle time songs and games) is offered one day a week.
- Family Recreation Swim is now available on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for all ages.
- For lap swimmers and water walkers/exercisers, the Plunge is now open until 2 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
For days and times, please check the schedule, and then come take a plunge in the newly re-opened Richmond Plunge!
Nevin Community Center
Pikachu made an appearance at the Tiny Hero’s Kids Gym on Valentine’s Day to celebrate the program’s first month of registrants and Valentine’s Day. Fifteen toddlers and preschoolers were treated to food, fun, and games, along with their parents and family members. Pikachu was the hit of the party! Tiny Hero’s Kids gym is offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at the Nevin Community Center.
 
- Employment and Training Department
City of Richmond Summer Youth Employment Application Opens
Online applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) will be available beginning Friday, February 1, 2019. Only 200 Applications will be accepted, and the program is open to Richmond residents only or students with IEP/504 in West Contra Costa County (proof of residency or IEP will be required).
**Must be Aged 16 – 21 to Participate**
Richmond youth interested in a Career Path Summer employment experience may apply online at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/662/YouthWORKS.
Training slots and employment placement will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 5:00 PM or when the first 200 completed applications are received.
For more information, call (510) 412-2044 or visit us at YouthWORKS, 330 25th Street, Richmond, CA 94804.
- Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)
Engineering Projects
Construction is now completed on the Wall Avenue Storm Drain Improvements Project. This project was funded through the Successor Agency to the City of Richmond Community Redevelopment Agency utilizing state and local funds. The system is built to receive the outfall from the newly day-lighted Baxter Creek at the Miraflores Housing Development Site along with storm water runoff from the I-80 Freeway. The creek will be fully diverted into the storm drain system upon its completion later on in the spring.
Pictured is the prep work for the new driveway, curb and gutter just above the creek connection.
Wall Avenue Storm Drain Improvements Project
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.
The project includes installation of new traffic signals at La Puerta Road and Robert Miller Drive, and installation of sidewalk, bicycle facilities, crosswalks, and lighting improvements along San Pablo Avenue from Rivers Street to La Puerta Road.
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.
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.
The contractor is currently grinding and paving the asphalt on San Pablo Avenue from Rivers Street to La Puerta Road.
Project information is available on the following website: https://www.sanpabloca.gov/1416/San-Pablo-Avenue-Complete-Streets-Project.
Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Jaemin Park, at jpark@park-eng.com or (925) 818-3756.
 
San Pablo Avenue Complete Streets Project
Streets Division
For the week ending February 15th, paving crews made base repairs at El Portal Drive and San Pablo Dam Road and at Point Molate, and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the city. In addition, streets staff responded to several flood-related calls due to the heavy rainfall.
Work at El Portal Drive
Work at Point Molate
Flooded Areas within the City
Street sweeping staff performed residential sweeping services for the second Monday through Thursday and third Friday in May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I, Clinton Hill II, Clinton Hill III, Clinton Hill IV, East Richmond, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff repaired six signs and poles, installed 13 new signs, and painted 443’ of curbs and zoning.
For the week ending February 22nd, crews installed a new street name sign on the electrolier at 23rd Street and Burbeck Avenue, installed new signs on Tewksbury Avenue and Castro Street, installed a new directional sign on Blume Drive and Klose Way, and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City.
New Street Name Sign Installation on 23rd Street
New Sign Installation on Tewksbury Avenue
New Directional Sign Installation on Blume Drive
Street sweeping staff performed residential sweeping services for the third Monday through Thursday and fourth Friday in 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 repaired 4 signs and poles, installed 14 new signs, and painted 620’ of curbs and zoning.
Website Statistics for the week of February 15, 2019
Facebook Statistics
Total Page Views increased by 103%
Page Likes increase 200%
Followers are up!
Twitter Statistics
Profile Visits up by 25.7%
Mentions up by 84.6%
KCRT DATANETS FOR THE WEEK
Website Statistics for the week of February 22, 2019
Facebook Statistics
Total Actions on Facebook increased by 100%
Video views increased by 50%
Twitter Statistics
KCRT HISTORY PHOTO FOR THE WEEK
This is a photo of the Pierce Street Giants, taken in the early 1920s. They played at a baseball diamond on 1st Street and Macdonald Avenue.
Image provided by Melinda McCrary,
Richmond Museum and the Richmond Public Library
KCRT DATANETS FOR THE WEEK
- Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations (DIMO)
Abatement
Abatement crews removed debris from the homeless encampment adjacent to Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), assisted the Police Department with vehicle abatement, completed after-hours board ups, and removed trash and graffiti from various locations throughout the City.
   
GRIP
 
 
 
Vehicle Abatement
 
After Hours Board-Up
 
 
   
Illegal Dumping
 
   
 
Graffiti Abatement
 
Sign Removal
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement staff responded to a complaint about an accumulation and storage of furniture, debris, discarded personal items, paint containers, and pallets in the rear yard of a residence. Staff issued a Notice of Violation and a Demand to Abate letter to the property owner, allowing ten days to correct the violation. A compliance inspection was conducted and the property owner corrected the violation.
 
Before and After
Code Enforcement received complaints regarding items being stored in public view. Staff issued a Notice of Violation along with several Administrative Citations. The property was not brought into compliance and staff obtained a warrant to remove the debris. Code Enforcement and Abatement staff removed the items and brought the property into compliance.
 
Before and After
Code Enforcement staff received a complaint of a boat and trailer blocking the sidewalk, a public right of way. A Notice of Violation, as well as an Administrative Citation, was issued to the property owner and the violation was corrected.
 
Before and After
Code Enforcement investigated a complaint of an accumulation of trash and debris on a residential property. During that inspection, an inoperable vehicle was observed blocking the sidewalk. The Code Enforcement Officer spoke to the tennant of the property and issued a Notice of Violation to the property owner. A reinspection was conducted and the violations were corrected.
 
Before and After
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, attended training, replaced a pipe on boiler #4 in 440 Civic Center Plaza, cleaned fan rooms at multiple locations, repaired heaters at the Corporation Yard, boarded a vandalized window at the Main Library, assisted with a gas meter replacement, fixed the heater on the women’s side of the Swim Center, cleaned roof drains at Nevin Community Center, replaced furnace filters at the May Valley Community Center, and placed the Museum roof air handler unit back in service.
Roof Handler Maintenance
Utility Workers replaced bulbs at the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) building, replaced water filters in break rooms, removed old furniture, attended training, set-up tables for meetings, and maintained 29 city-owned facilities.
Furniture Removal
Parks and Landscaping
During the week of February 15th, general fund crews cut and removed weeds from Ells Lane, moved and replaced refuse cans along Canal Boulevard, removed graffiti at Boorman Park, removed debris from multiple parks, installed wood fiber for playground resurfacing at multiple parks, mowed parks, repaired the gate at Nevin Park, inspected play equipment, performed gopher control at Hilltop Park, repaired picnic tables at Humboldt Park, weeded Solano Playlot, repaired bleachers at Judge Carroll Park, assisted with sheet mulching at the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) Garden, and assisted the tree crew with fallen branches.
Bench Repair
Bleacher Repair
During the week of February 22nd, crews cut and removed weeds from Humboldt Park, performed irrigation repair at Nicholl Park, repaired bleachers and other seating arrangements at Judge Carroll Park, cleaned fallen leaves from tennis courts and cleared the v-ditch at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, removed branches and debris from Baxter Creek, removed debris from the Fire Training Center, collected litter from Belding-Garcia Park, performed storm patrol, cleaned right of ways throughout the city, and replaced signs at Boat Ramp Street Park.
Litter Removal at Belding-Garcia Park
Tree Crews cut or trimmed trees on: South 2nd Street, South 33rd Street, Virginia Avenue, Maine Avenue, Kelsey Street, Merced Street, Garvin Avenue, South 45th Street, Lakeside Drive, Richmond Parkway, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Washington Avenue.
Tree Trimming on Garvin Avenue
Tree Trimming on Pennsylvania Avenue
Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, completed weed abatement on Blume Drive between the Auto Plaza intersections, started weed abatement at Country Club Vista and Bay Vista Parks, and continued weed abatement on Hilltop Drive and Richmond Parkway on/off ramps.
Richmond Parkway Maintenance
Richmond Parkway Ramp Maintenance
Marina District crews continued with the Esplanade Landscape Project, performed weed abatement and mulching at the lot of Marina Green Park, removed planters, pruned the median trees, planted additional trees in Marina Bay Park, cleaned the beach area near the Rosie the Riveter Monument, repaired the restroom at Barbara Jay Vincent Park, installed dog bag containers, removed graffiti, and performed storm patrol.
Mulch Installation
- Library and Cultural Services
Immigration Lawyer at the Main Library
Speak with an immigration lawyer for free on the 4th Monday of each month from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Sign-in at the Adult Reference Desk at 4:15 PM on the day of.
Space is limited. This free program is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Bar Association and takes place at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch located at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Call (510) 620-6561 or visit www.richmondlibrary.org for more information.
Richmond Library Teens SAT Preparation Workshop
Richmond Public Library Teens division is offering the 23rd annual SAT Preparation Workshop, March 2nd – April 30th, 2019. The seven-week program consists of a pre-
test, five weeks of live instruction by Princeton Review, and a post-test. High school students who live in Richmond and those that attend schools in the West Contra Costa Costa Unified School District are eligible to apply to the program.
The cost of the workshop is $50 and includes a student manual and online supplemental practice for two months.
Registration forms and additional details can be downloaded from the library website at www.richmondlibrary.org. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants.
New Library Service - Knowledge City
Knowledge City offers exclusive online training in five categories: business, computer, safety, compliance, and finance. With over 13,000 online videos, this resource offers up-to-date skills training. Modules are crafted by experienced instructors, college professors and industry experts from around the world. Users have unlimited access from any internet-connected device 24/7. Certificates of Completion are offered at the end of each course as tests are designed to ensure users fully grasp the key take-aways of each course. Knowledge City is also available in Spanish. Best of all, Knowledge City is free and accessible with a Richmond Public Library card.
For more information visit www.richmondlibrary.org and click the Knowledge City icon. You may also call the Main Library Reference Desk at (510) 620-6561 for more information.
- Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS)
Sam Vaughn, ONS Program Manager and an ONS Operation Peacemaker Fellow (OPF) attended and participated in a panel discussion at the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance, a two-day convening in Oakland that brought together the growing network of MBK Communities, elected officials, cross-sector leaders, and young men of color and the organizations working hard to help them achieve their dreams. The training commenced with a Day of Service and Community Dinner on Monday, February 18th and was followed by two full days of main stage sessions, breakout sessions, and evening events. Speakers at the MBK Alliance event included: President Barak Obama, Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, John Legend, Singer-song writer, Karamo Brown, Star of Netflix’s “Queen Eye” .
 
2020 Census Jobs
In advance of the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people for temporary jobs across the country.
These positions provide the perfect opportunity to earn some extra income while helping your community. The results of the 2020 Census will help determine each state’s representation in Congress, as well as how certain funds are spent for schools, hospitals, roads, and more. This is your chance to play a part in history and help ensure that everyone in your community is counted!
For job qualifications, how to apply, what to expect, timeline, and more information, please contact the United States Census Bureau.
Community Safety Academy
The Richmond Police Department will begin Spring 2019 session of the Community Safety Academy (CSA) that aims to educate, empower and engage residents from within our community. This academy is another way for us to reach deeper into our community, to forge an even stronger relationship that encompasses the core values of community policing.
The venue for the academy is at the Richmond Police Department (with occasional field trips) on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM and every other Saturday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The academy will commence on March 28, 2019 and end on May 16, 2019.
If you are a Richmond resident, 16 years or older, not on probation or parole, and have not been convicted of a felony, please click on the link below and fill out the application:
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/FormCenter/Police-Department-10/Community-Safety-Academy-65
Strategic Planning Effort
The Richmond Police Department is embarking on a strategic planning effort. The department identified four key internal and external organizational areas of focus. The effort includes engaging community partners in prioritizing community policing practices in alignment with the department goals. The community is invited to attend a series of focus groups to share feedback. If sessions fill, more will be added.
The sessions are listed as follows:
€ Monday, February 11th from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
€ Saturday, February 23rd from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
€ Monday, February 25th from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
You can register online and get details by using the following links:
Registration: https://ww04.elbowspace.com/secure/20150928122426963885
Mobile Friendly Registration Link: https://ww04.elbowspace.com/secure/m20150928122426963885
Celebrating Black History Month
RPD’s media team produced a video talking with RPD Bravo Officer Terrell about what Black History Month means to her. The video was distrubuted out via our social media channels. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNQ-E25A-Eg to view the video.
RPD Community Meet and Greet
On February 21, 2019, several Richmond community members attended a ‘Meet and Greet’ session at the Richmond Community Recreational Complex. Members of the RPD command staff took the opportunity to learn more about community members and hear first-hand their commentary on topics of importance to them.
Rent Program Community Workshops: Rights and Responsibilities for Richmond Tenants and Landlords
City of Richmond Rent Program Community Workshops are held one Saturday each month to inform community members about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The full schedule of 2019 Community Workshops may be accessed at www.richmondrent.org.
The next workshop will take place on February 23, 2019:
Landlord-Oriented Workshop
Saturday, February 23, 2019
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
City Council Chambers
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Topics for discussion will include:
· Overview of the Rent Ordinance
· Properties subject to the Rent Ordinance
· Rent Control overview
· Just Cause for Eviction requirements
· The Rent Adjustment process
· Overview of Important California Civil Codes
Space is limited - RSVP today: https://rentprogram.eventbrite.com
2019 Richmond Promise Scholarship Application is DUE SOON! Application Deadline is March 8th!
Our 2019 Richmond Promise Scholarship application is available to complete at our website, richmondpromise.org
If you meet the following eligibility requirements you can receive a max amount of $1500 each year for up to 4 years of college.
To be eligible for the Richmond Promise Scholarship, a student must:
- Be a resident of Richmond or North Richmond (i.e. have a Richmond home address)
- Have graduated from an eligible High School within the West Contra Costa Unified School District boundary area or received your General Educational Development/High School equivalency between June 2018-19
- Have attended an eligible High School at least 9th-12th grade consecutively
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid/Dream Act by the March 2nd California Grant deadline
Once again, the application can be found on the Richmond Promise website:
https://richmondpromise.org/the-scholarship-application/
If you have any questions feel free to contact our college access coordinator, Miguel Molina, at 530-794-8326 and/or mmolina@richmondpromise.org
Please share this opportunity with eligible students in your life!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for financial aid can be found at https://fafsa.ed.gov/, and for students who are not Citizens or Residents, they can apply for the California
Dream Act application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.
Friendly reminder that The California Deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act is on March 2nd!
Reissuance of Wastewater Permit Approved by Regional Water Board
The Regional Water Quality Control Board approved the City of Richmond and Richmond Municipal Sewer District, West County Wastewater District, and West County Agency National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES No. CA0038539) permit at its regular monthly meeting this past Wednesday morning. When the final document is distributed, it will be posted on the Water Resource Recovery Department web page.
Cutting/Carlson & Hoffman Wet Weather Improvement Projects
In October 2018, construction began on the pipeline replacement projects at Cutting/Carlson & Hoffman Boulevards in the City of Richmond. These $8.8 million projects will replace 4.5 miles of aging and damaged collector sewer pipelines in neighborhoods upstream of the Cutting Boulevard, First Street, and 23rd Street Interceptors; the goal is to reduce inflow and infiltration and associated surcharging and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The Contractor, WR Forde, has three crews going to accomplish the project work which is expected to be completed in September 2019.
Juliga Woods Avenue & Cutting Blvd.
Crew measured and shot elevations of the median before removing;
installed 180 linear feet of pipe and one lateral.
S. 37th Street & Cutting Blvd.
Crew removed existing clay pipe and installed 426 linear feet of
new polyvinyl chloride pipe.
S. 37th Street & Cutting Blvd.
Crew hand dug to install sanitary line (green pipe) under 2 large 115 kV electrical lines.
For additional information on any capital projects, please contact the Veolia Capital Program Management team at (510) 412-2001, ext. 33106.
Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.
Thank You!
Carlos Martinez
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
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 for options to connect with the City of Richmond.
Connecting 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, 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 any comments, questions or concerns regarding the work being done by City staff. The 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
Carlos Martinez
City Manager
450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 620-6976
Fax: (510) 620-6542 |
