Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending June 7th, 2019.

• Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th. Enjoy the next week off!

• Upcoming Events

Spring Clean-Up & Chess in the Park

Calling all green thumbs and chess lovers! Help Richmond Main Street get the Community Green Space ready for summer…then stay to enjoy community, lunch & chess play. The Spring Clean-Up & Chess in the Park will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at the Community Green Space located at Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue. Park beautification starts at 9:00 A.M.; Lunch and chess play is from noon – 1:00 P.M.

Groups are welcome. All ages. Community service hours honored. Tools, gloves & refreshments provided, and volunteers are also welcome to bring their own. For more information and to pledge to volunteer, visit http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/volunteer-sign-up/.

Questions? Contact Alicia at (510) 236-4049 or outreach@richmondmainstreet.org.
Hosted by Richmond Main Street Initiative & West Coast Chess Alliance, with generous support from City of Richmond.

Census 2020 Workshop in Richmond - June 8, 2019, 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
 
The 2020 Decennial Census is fast approaching, and we are hard at work to ensure that all of us in Richmond and Contra Costa are counted!

This effort is important because Census information is used to determine the number of Congress members each state will have and how $675 billion in federal funds flow to tribal, state and local governments. These counts are also crucial to decisions at state and local government levels that affect our communities, e.g. siting of schools, hospitals, libraries, and other public services. 

This is a collective effort! Join us to learn about the importance of the census and how you can make a profound difference in your community. We have two important meetings in West County in June. 

For more information, please visit http://www.cccounty.us/6999/Census-2020 or contact County Planner Kristine Solseng at Kristine.Solseng@dcd.cccounty.us

WHAT: West County 2020 Census Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2019, 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. 
WHERE: Richmond City Council Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza
MORE: Info and RSVP here

WHAT: Census 2020 Community Engagement Forum
WHEN: Thursday, June 13, 2019, 10:00 A.M. to noon 
WHERE: San Pablo Library, 13751 San Pablo Avenue
MORE: For more info, contact Joan Carpenter via email or (510) 231-8690

Community Budget Meeting- Tuesday, June 11th

The Finance Department will be hosting the second community budget meeting on June 11, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chamber. Citizens will receive an overview of the City’s budget process, information on the City’s finances including the current year’s budget, and have a chance to ask questions to staff.

Juneteenth Parade & Festival- Saturday, June 15th

The entire community is welcomed to join this year’s West County Juneteenth Parade and Festival! The event will take place on Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
                                                                                                                               

Richmond Rent Program Community Workshop – Proposed Owner Move-In Eviction Regulation

The Rent Board is considering adoption of a regulation to clarify the intent of the Owner Move-In provisions of the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Home-Owner Protection Ordinance.

The Board is requesting community feedback on topics such as:

• Methods of Tracking Compliance with Owner Move-In Requirements
• Tenant First Right of Refusal Requirement
• Rent Increases for Units Placed Back on the Rental Market
• Ownership Requirements  

Tenant-Focused Session
Saturday, June 22, 2019
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
440 Civic Center Plaza
Multi-Purpose Room
Community Services Building (Basement)
Richmond, CA 94804

Landlord-Focused Session
Saturday, June 22, 2019
2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
440 Civic Center Plaza
Multi-Purpose Room
Community Services Building (Basement)
Richmond, CA 94804

Space is limited - RSVP today: https://rentprogram.eventbrite.com

EVgo Fast Charging Launch Event on June 22nd

The City of Richmond’s Transportation Division is coordinating the electric vehicle (EV) expansion plan by educating the public about EV’s, resources, and charging hubs. In an effort to increase access to public fast charging, the City of Richmond has partnered with EVgo Fast Charging to bring publicly available fast chargers to Richmond.

Fast chargers enable the public to charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) quickly, conveniently, and on-the go. The new fast chargers installed at 325 Civic Center Plaza will allow you to charge up to 90 miles in just 30 minutes!

The City of Richmond, in partnership with EVgo Fast Charging and Stream the Street, will host a launch event to celebrate four new publicly available fast chargers. We invite you to the launch event on Saturday, June 22nd, from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA, to celebrate and learn more about EVs and charging infrastructure.

For questions, please contact Denee Evans at (510) 621-1718.

• Acknowledgments

Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP)

Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) proudly graduated 15 new students on Friday May 10th, at the City Council Chambers. Our graduates included the following students: Santos Alfaro, Alma      Alvarez, Richard Carabajal, Essac Elvin, Miguel Guerrero, Karla Hernandez, Rosa Hernandez, Yerin Hughes, Samuel Lowe, Alexis Luna, Markett Marcus, Elizabeth Nunez, Shelley Saengsourith, Efrain Santarosa, and Samantha Sutton.

The celebration ceremony included words by keynote speaker LeiTasika Faumuina. Ms. Faumuina is a former LEAP student who now attends the University of California at Berkeley and is working toward a degree in Social Work. Ms. Faumuina gave an inspiring speech about overcoming barriers and the importance of perusing education. In addition to Ms. Faumuina’s moving speech, Tammi Edwards, Administrator with Office of Neighborhood Safety, provided words of wisdom to the graduates. In attendance were a host of loved ones and family members along with City Manager Carlos Martinez, Library Director Katy Curl, and representatives from elected officials’ offices to help cheer our newest LEAP graduates on to success.  The ceremony was followed by dinner that was served by a group of LEAP volunteers.

This is a remarkable achievement and we applaud the efforts of our students. The graduation is a celebration of our students’ hard work and a testament to all those, including family, staff, volunteers, funders, and community members who support their efforts. Congratulations!

Richmond Fire Battalion Chief Victor Bontempo and Family Build a Home in One Day for a Family in Need

On Friday, May 31, 2019, Richmond Fire Battalion Chief Victor Bontempo and his family drove from the San Francisco Bay Area to Tijuana (a 500 mile, nine-hour trek)  to participate in building a home in one day for an impoverished family in Baja California, Mexico through the Coraźon Project.

The Build-a-Home in a Day and Small Construction projects ensure children and their families have a safe, secure home to live in. This empowers communities to build, repair, and maintain their homes through training and job skill development.

The Bontempo family learned about this project through their church and joined the effort in 2018. On June 1st, they joined twenty-five other enthusiastic volunteers to build a home in one day (see pictures). The recipient family earns their home by volunteering 500 hours of their own time before applying for a house.

Thank you to Battalion Chief Bontempo and family for your compassion, energies, and dedication towards spreading a helping hand to a family in need across our border.

For more information about the Coraźon Project, visit their website at: https://corazoncrm.org/

• City Manager’s Office

AC Transit Fare Change- Effective July 1, 2019

In order to continue providing safe and efficient service while addressing rising operational costs, AC Transit will adjust the cost of local fares and passes on Monday, July 1, 2019.

Bigger Savings with New Clipper® Discounts
Clipper Adult Single ride and Day Pass will remain the same due to higher discounts implemented after July 1st. When you use Clipper, you will save 25 cents on the Single ride and 50 cents on the Day Pass.

Clipper Youth/Senior/Disabled fares will be adjusted from $1.10 to $1.12.

Visit https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/index.do or call (877) 878-8883 for more information.

Cash Fares
The Adult Single ride cash fare will be adjusted from $2.35 to $2.50. Youth, Senior, and Disabled fares will be adjusted from $1.15 to $1.25. Fares for cash passes will also change.

For complete details on the July 1, 2019 fare change, vist http://www.actransit.org/2019/05/29/fare-change-2019/.

For further questions, including transfers, check out the AC Transit FAQ page:  FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Con el fin de continuar brindando un servicio seguro y eficiente mientras se aborda el aumento de los costos operativos, AC Transit ajustará el costo de las tarifas y pases locales el lunes 1 de julio de 2019.

Mayores ahorros con los nuevos descuentos de Clipper®
El viaje único y el pase diario para adultos con tarjeta Clipper no cambiarán de precio debido a los altos descuentos implementados después del 1 de julio. Cuando use su tarjeta Clipper, ahorrará 25 centavos en el viaje único y 50 centavos en el pase diario. Cámbiese a Clipper para su mejor valor. Haga clic aquí o llame al (877) 878-8883 para obtener más información.
Las tarifas Clipper para jóvenes/personas mayores/discapacitados se ajustarán de $1.10 a $1.12. Puede solicitar una tarjeta Clipper para jóvenes y personas mayores aquí.

Tarifas en efectivo
El costo en efectivo de un viaje único para adultos se ajustará de $2.35 a $2.50. Las tarifas para jóvenes, personas mayores y discapacitados se ajustarán de $1.15 a $1.25. Las tarifas para los pases en efectivo también cambiarán

Para obtener detalles completos sobre los cambios de tarifas del 1 de julio, haga clic aquí.

Para hacer más preguntas, incluyendo preguntas sobre transferencias, consulte nuestra página de preguntas frecuentes (FAQ):  Preguntas Más Frecuentes (FAQ) 

Apply for the Clean Cars for All Program!

The City of Richmond, in partnership with GRID Alternatives and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, hosted a Clean Cars for All Electric Vehicle event on May 29, 2019. The event featured a solar-powered DJ, low-emission vehicles to view and test drive, and a workshop explaining the program. About 100 Richmond residents and community members attended the workshop and had the opportunity to sign up for the program.

Richmond residents may be eligible for an incentive of up to $9,500 from the Clean Cars for All Program to purchase or lease a low-emission vehicle (or receive a public transportation credit).

To apply for the program or learn more, visit http://www.baaqmd.gov/funding-and-incentives/residents/clean-cars-for-all/apply.

GRID Alternatives’ Solarthon Comes to Richmond

The City of Richmond Community Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division and local residents of Atchison Village partnered with the non-profit GRID Alternatives to expand Richmond’s growing solar-powered energy production. On Saturday, June 1st, community volunteers, leaders from the solar industry, solar clients, residents of Atchison Village, local job trainees, and more all came together to successfully install solar for 18 families.

At Solarthon, more than 30 kilowatts of clean solar energy were installed, saving these families over $228,000 over the systems’ lifespans. The systems will offset more than 430 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of planting nearly 10,000 trees. 

To be eligible for the program, Richmond and North Richmond residents must live in their own home and make less than 80% of area median income. For more information about eligibility, homeowners should contact GRID Alternatives by phone at (510) 731-1333, email (baoutreach@gridalternatives.org), or complete an online form at www.energyforallprogram.org/. Residents may also contact the City of Richmond at (510) 620-6512.

Richmond Ferry to Bridge to Greenway Complete Streets Plan

The City of Richmond has begun initial steps towards completing the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway Plan. This plan is an exciting opportunity to improve active transportation to the new Richmond Ferry, the upcoming Richmond-San Rafael multi-use path, and the Richmond Greenway.
The plan will incorporate abundant local community input, with creative engagement intended to bring a variety of voices to the planning process.

On May 23, 2019, the Placeworks team facilitated the first stakeholder advisory committee meeting at Bridge ARTSpace Film Studio in Richmond, CA. The input collected at the key stakeholder meeting will help guide recommendations that will enhance the Richmond community and provide regional benefits by providing people bicycling and walking the safe, convenient access to important destinations. To learn more about the project, view upcoming events, and sign up to receive project updates, visit www.ferry2bridge2greenway.com.

For more information about this project, please contact the Transportation Division at (510) 620-6869.

Summer Youth Pass

511 Contra Costa is offering a $35 youth pass for youth ages 6-18. This pass gives youth rides on WestCAT, County Connection, and Tri-Delta from June 1st – August 31st. 

To purchase a summer youth pass visit: https://511contracosta.org/youthpass/
You can also purchase a Summer Youth Pass at the following in person sale locations:

If you prefer to pay by check and cannot visit a location you can download a mail order form to order by mail. https://countyconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/mail-order-english-050719.pdf

West Contra Costa County Express Bus Study Identifies Potential Routes and Stops for Public Review

In fall 2018, the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) asked for community input on potential additional express bus service that would connect commuters from West Contra Costa County to destinations in west Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and San Francisco. The expanded express bus service would travel primarily along Interstate 80, to help reduce congestion along this busy corridor and improve direct connections to job centers.

WCCTAC incorporated public feedback and the results of a travel market analysis of existing commute trends to generate potential express bus stop locations. To determine preferred route(s) for implementation, WCCTAC wants input from all potential riders on their preferred bus stop locations. The ultimate express bus route(s) will be designed to serve the greatest number of riders with a minimal amount of pick-up and drop-off locations.

To share your ideas and learn more about this project please visit: bit.ly/wcctacbus. Help choose the future express bus stops! Take the online survey.

To learn more about WCCTAC, please visit www.wcctac.org. To contact the project manager, Leah Greenblat, email LGREENBLAT@wcctac.org.

El Estudio de Autobuses Exprés del Oeste de Contra Costa Identifica Rutas y Paradas Potenciales para su Revisión Pública

En el otoño de 2018, el Comité Asesor de Transporte del Oeste de Contra Costa (WCCTAC, por sus siglas en inglés) solicitó la opinión de la comunidad sobre un posible servicio adicional de autobús exprés que conectaría a los pasajeros del oeste del Condado de Contra Costa con destinos en Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland y San Francisco. El servicio expandido de autobuses exprés transitaría principalmente a lo largo del I-80 para ayudar a reducir la congestión en este corredor y mejorar las conexiones directas a los centros de trabajo.

WCCTAC incorporó la opinión pública y los resultados de un análisis del mercado de las tendencias de viaje existentes para generar las posibles ubicaciones de las paradas. Para determinar la(s) ruta(s) preferida(s) a implementar, WCCTAC desea saber las ubicaciones de las paradas preferidas de todos los pasajeros potenciales. La ruta (o rutas) final se diseñarán con el fin de brindar servicio a la mayor cantidad de pasajeros posible con un número mínimo de paradas.

Para compartir sus ideas y obtener más información sobre este proyecto, visite: bit.ly/wcctacautobus. ¡Ayúdenos a pasar la voz! Avíseles a sus amigos y familiares sobre estas oportunidades para compartir sus ideas. Tome la encuesta.

Para aprender más de WCCTAC, visite www.wcctac.org. Para contactar la directora del proyecto, Leah Greenblat, envíe un correo electrónico a LGREENBLAT@wcctac.org.

Recycling Tip of the Month!

Interested in starting recycling or compost services? Questions about what is recyclable or compostable? Please contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100.

*Please note, paper towels and napkins are not recyclable.

For recycling and compost signs and outreach material visit, www.republicservices.com/municipality/wccc-ca

Free Green Waste Kitchen Pail

Richmond residents that subscribe to compost services may pick-up a free kitchen pail at the West Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility or Richmond City Hall.

West Contra Costa County Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility:
     
101 Pittsburg Avenue                                                  
Richmond, CA 94801
Wednesday through Saturday
9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (Closed Noon - 12:30 P.M.)

For more information about this and additional solid waste programs available to Richmond residents, please visit: www.richmondenvironment.org

Fill out a survey to prioritize $60 million in funding for Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County HOME/CDBG Consortium has begun planning for the expenditure of over $60 million in federal funds in Contra Costa County over the next five years.

The priorities contained in the Consolidated Plan will guide the investment of over $12 million each year in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. These versatile federal funding sources can build new affordable housing, rehabilitate existing affordable housing, modify and rehabilitate homes for lower income and senior homeowners, construct or improve public facilities and parks, improve infrastructure in lower income neighborhoods, provide employment training to lower income workers, offer financial and other assistance to small business owners, fund services to homeless persons, provide funding for a wide variety of services for lower income families and individuals; and much, MUCH more!

Fill out the survey for your voice to be heard:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N9CKWX7
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KNB2GJ5

If you need any other accommodations, please call Teri House at (925) 779-7037.

• City Manager Chronicles

Below are some of the topics for meetings that I attended during the past week in the hope that it provides an idea of the many issues we deal with routinely.

Meetings and events of note during this week included:

• Participated in a monthly meeting with Information Technology Director Sue Hartman and discussed the Open Data policy and the progress we are making to continue providing information on our Open Data platform online; additionally, we discussed the revisions to the online payment process for business licenses, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Community Wi-Fi Grant, and the upcoming Summer Minecraft Camp that serves youth ages 10-14 to develop problem solving skills, computer design and program.
• Met with Hector Infante, Corporate Affairs Manager for Chevron, to discuss items of mutual interest and current status of both city and Chevron activities.
• Attended the monthly Richmond Heights Neighborhood Council meeting and presented an overview of the city’s budget process to attendees.
• Attended the Quarterly Disaster Council meeting with representatives from Richmond Fire and Police Departments, as well as such as East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD), Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), Alameda County representatives, and others. Topics of discussion were updates on operations related to the Butte Fire Field Response, emergency management program updates, and more.
• Met with City staff to prepare material to provide the Mayor, Council members, union leaders and staff, our progress regarding closing the City’s budget gap.
• This week I and other City staff from Finance and the City Attorney’s office participated in multiple conference calls with multiple parties, including our Financial Advisor, Bond Counsel, and Lead Underwriters to coordinate the timing to go to market with bonds for the City’s Wastewater Enterprise, the Port and Civic Center.
• The City has identified a number of projects to renovate, rehabilitate and improve the sewer collection facilities of the Enterprise and comply with regulatory requirements as well as obligations of the City under the 2018 Baykeeper Settlement Agreement. The City estimates that the total cost of these improvements over approximately five years will be approximately $175.4 million, with funding from net proceeds from the issuance of the Series 2019 Bonds in the approximate amount of $25.1 million that will be backed by sewer rates, and additional funding anticipated to be derived from a combination of pay-as-you-go sources, a California Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan in the approximate amount of $36 million (the “State Loan”), the proceeds of which are expected to be received during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2019-20, and the issuance of Additional Bonds.
• The release of the Preliminary Official Statements (POS) for the Civic Center and Port bonds are planned for release on June 18th to go to pre-pricing on June 25th upon City Council approval of a balanced budget. These bonds are expected to generate up to $1.3 million in savings to the City’s General Fund.

• City Clerk’s Office

Legislative History

The City’s legislative history including minutes, resolutions, ordinances, meeting content, and other important records, dating back to 1905, are available on line at: http://sireweb.ci.richmond.ca.us/sirepub/docs.aspx.

Election News!

Contra Costa Elections is now offering a super simple texting option for polling place voters to switch to Vote by Mail.  Simply text COCOBALLOT to 28683 (or 2VOTE).
The service was launched on Friday, May 10, 2019; see this East Bay Times article for more information.

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 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Wednesday: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Friday: 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
(Closed 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. – 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 Department

Boorman Park Community Workshop

On Monday, June 3rd, the Community Services Department and Parks and Landscaping Division teamed up with the West County Regional Group, First 5 Contra Costa, and Healthy and Active Before 5 for the Boorman Park Community Workshop. The event was the latest in a series of community workshops that are part of the Richmond Parks Assessment, which began in September 2018. Out of 25 Richmond parks, Boorman Park was identified by residents as a priority for improvement.

Residents toured the park to visualize the final proposed park design. During the tour, they provided input on details of the final design such as the soccer field, fitness zone, multi-use trail, and children’s play structures. The design will be adjusted based on the community input received and presented to City Council later this month.

Sante Fe Annual Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast

The Santa Fe Neighborhood Council had their annual pancake breakfast on Friday, May 24, 2019, at the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. They donated and delivered 20 hot breakfasts to the senior center. The seniors were happy to get a warm breakfast.

We thank the Santa Fe Neighborhood Council for their generosity!

El Cerrito Royale Birthday Celebration!

Current Richmond Annex Senior Center (‘Annex’) board members and participants went to the El Cerrito Royale, an assisted living facility, on May 24th to celebrate Rose Texara’s birthday with her. Rose was a past Annex board member and participant for over 10 years. Rose had a wonderful day surrounded by friends.

Special thanks to the El Cerrito Royale for all their help!

Aqua Zumba!

Aqua Zumba is a fun class available at both City of Richmond pools. It's a drop-in class for ages 18+. No experience or swimming ability is required, but participants should feel comfortable in chest-high water. Fees are $8 for Richmond residents and $10 for non-Richmond residents. 

At the Richmond Plunge (1 E. Richmond Avenue in Pt. Richmond), classes are held on Mondays from 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M., and Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

At the Richmond Swim Center (4300 Cutting Boulevard @ S. 45th Street) classes are held on Fridays from 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

For any questions regarding Aquatics program, please call either pool during open hours. For more information and pool schedules, visit the Aquatics page on the City of Richmond’s website.

• Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)

Streets Division

Paving crews made base repairs on 17th Street and Maine Avenue and in front of 3200 Blume Drive, setup equipment operator testing, and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City.

Grinder Operations on Blume Drive

Bobcat Operations on Blume Drive

Paver Operations on Blume Drive

Roller Operations on Blume Drive

Paving Work on Blume Drive


Duracurb Installation on 7th Street

Street Sweeping

Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the first Monday through Friday in the Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Carriage Hills north side, El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Hansford Heights, Via Verda, San Pablo Dam Road, Bristole Cone, May Valley, Vista View, and Clinton Hill I neighborhood areas.

Street Sweeping Operations

Signs and Lines

Signs and Lines staff installed three new signs and poles at various locations, fabricated seven new signs, installed a ‘Slow School Crossing’ pavement marking on Harbour Way and Florida Avenue, and painted 561’ of curbs and zoning.

Pavement Marking Installation

Curb Refresh

• Finance Department 

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals

• Fire Department

Richmond Fire Community Wildfire Protection Plan Project

The Richmond Fire Department received a California Fire Foundation grant to team with the Diablo Fire Safe Council to develop our Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). We welcome members of the Richmond community to attend on the dates listed below. Location of the work sessions is in City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Basement-Multi-Purpose Room; work sessions are from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

• Projects & Priorities - July 10, 2019
• Action Plan & assessment strategy -  August 21, 2019
• Plan Review - October 4, 2019

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a collaboratively developed plan that identifies wildland fire hazards, prioritizes ways to reduce those hazards, and recommends measures for homeowners and communities to mitigate the ignitability of structures.
Diablo Fire Safe Council will assist Richmond Fire Department to build off the adopted Contra Costa County Plan. Plan development will be during 2019, with the collaboration of our community members and agency partners.

As a stakeholder or agency land manager, Richmond Fire would like your help to identify areas with high fire hazards, and input on prioritizing future projects.  This action plan will build off agency plans and the Contra Costa Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to develop joint strategies for future activities and grant funding efforts.

Our working session will summarize wildfire assessments, recent projects, and future project ideas. Please bring current plans and preliminary designs for future projects or programs.

We hope you can join us to update this action plan to reduce the impact of wildfire in Richmond.

Should questions arise, please contact Fire Marshal Eric Govan via email eric_govan@ci.richmond.ca.us or call (510) 307-8038.

• Housing Authority (RHA)

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Transfer (Section 8)

The Richmond Housing Authority’s (RHA) Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) will be transferred to the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County (HACCC) effective July 1, 2019.  A formal public announcement of the transfer occurred on June 1, 2019.  HACCC also sent individual notices to all affected applicants, participants and landlords. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) were posted to RHA’s and HACCC’s websites. Through June 30th, RHA staff will continue to administer the program in accordance with their current job duties. 
The following key activities are scheduled for the upcoming weeks:

June 1, 2019                                                      Public Notice of the program transfer will be posted.  Additional information can also be found on the RHA website including FAQs.

June 1, 2019                                                      Individual notices from HACCC will be mailed to all affected applicants, participants and landlords.  FAQs will also be posted on HACCC’s website as of this date.

June 12, 2019: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.                An Informational Meeting for the general public will be held in the City Council Chambers.

June 12, 2019: 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.                      An Informational Meeting for Landlords will be held in the City Council Chambers.

June 13, 2019: 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.                 An Informational Meeting for current RHA voucher holders will be held in the City Council Chambers.

June 24, 2019                                                    Moving of the physical files will commence.

July 1, 2019                                                        A satellite office is being opened for Richmond residents at 2324 College Lane, San Pablo, CA 94806.
Questions regarding the HCV Program Transfer? Please call: (510) 621-1300.

• Information Technology

City of Richmond Business License Online payment process

Improvements are underway to create a simplified Business License process that will improve the walk-in application process and allow for new applications to be made online. City staff subject matter experts continue to meet and refine the process to help develop workflow and a streamlined online application in the City’s TRAKiT system. These planned improvements are targeted to go live in July 2019.  Please stay tuned.

Website and Facebook Statistics

• Video views increased by 700%
• Post Engagements increased by 505%

Website Statistics for the week of June 7, 2019

KCRT DATANETS FOR THE WEEK

• Infrastructure and Maintenance Operations (DIMO)

Facilities Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool inspections and chemistry tests on three swimming pools, performed routine rounds at Civic Center Plaza, facilitated engineers at Shields Reid and Nevin Community Centers for HVAC maintenance, installed serviced sewer pumps at Marina Green restrooms, repaired swinging glass door at the City Manager’s office, replaced a toilet in the men’s restroom at the Corporation Yard, and completed the safety checklist at the Auditorium.

Installing Sewer Pumps

Utility Workers removed IT e-waste, hung pictures in City Council Chambers, detail-cleaned the Planning Department offices, replaced broken hand towel dispenser at the Disabled Persons’ Recreation Center, and completed Blood-borne Pathogens Training.

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews weeded the following locations:  Civic Center Plaza, Main Library, Point Richmond Triangle, Huntington Senior Center, Cutting Boulevard medians between 23rd and 37th Streets, Plaza Way median, Macdonald Avenue bulb outs between 39th & 45th Streets, and Martin Luther King Junior Park, trimmed hedges around Pt. Richmond Library and Fire Station, installed drinking fountain at Judge Carroll Park, repaired irrigation at Nicholl Park, removed illegal dumping and assisted with setup of community event at Boorman Park, completed demolition of hazardous play equipment and surfacing at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and oversaw installation of new climber feature by a contractor at Nicholl Park Playground.

Weed Abatement on Cutting Boulevard

Nicholl Park Irrigation Repair

Hilltop District crewsmowed turf at Country Club Vista and Bay Vista Park, performed weed abatement at Hilltop Lake and on Hilltop Drive, the on/off ramps from Giant Road to the Richmond Parkway, and at Vista Del Mar Park.

Marina District crews conducted weed abatement, tree and shrub pruning along the Bay Trail, Marina Bay Park and parking lot, lawn maintenance, turf edging, string trimming and mowing at Marina Bay Park, irrigation auditing and programming throughout the district, mowing all LUC lots within the district, graffiti removal at various locations, park furnishing maintenance, and prepped Marina Green for weekly festivals.

Pride Festival

• Library and Cultural Services Department

Library Speaker Series – UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County

Join us the second Thursday of the month from June to September for a series of free gardening talks taking place at the Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond.  The UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County will be on hand presenting various topics.  Whether you are a beginner gardener or are already a master gardener, drop by for a chance to meet others who love gardening too.

For more information call the Main Reference Desk at (510) 620-6561. 

Library – Adult Summer Reading Program

The Adult Summer Reading game is back!  It’s time to play tic-tac-toe with a new twist!

Check out books (eBooks and audiobooks count too) from the Richmond Public Library.  Complete three squares in a row.  See game card for complete instructions.  Return completed game card to any of the three Richmond Public Library locations for a chance to win a prize.  The game starts June 6th and the last day to turn in completed games cards is 7:00 P.M. on August 19th. Prize drawing will be held on August 27th.  The grand prize is a Kindle Fire.

Visit www.richmondlibrary.org to print-out your game card or come see us at the library.  Any questions, call the Main Adult Reference Desk at (510) 620-6561.

• Planning & Building

Automated Phone Inspection Scheduling System - Planning and Building Services

The Building Division has expanded its permit inspection scheduling services to include an Automated Phone Inspection Scheduling System. This new system allows our customers to call (800) 231-6881 and schedule or cancel inspections as well as retrieve inspection results via touch-tone telephone. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Instructional pamphlets are available at the permit services counter and on the Building Division webpage.

• Richmond Promise

We're hiring an Advancement Manager/Director!

As Advancement Manager, you will play a key role in helping us advance our mission and keep our promise to future generations of Richmond students. You will guide the development of the Richmond Promise fundraising strategy, build our donor base, and drive fundraising programs to meet contributed revenue goals. You will help us achieve our fundraising goal to grow the scholarship fund and build a strong foundation of support with a goal towards organizational sustainability beyond our seed funding. We will help you grow your career through professional development opportunities and competitive responsibility ladder. We are committed to investing in your professional trajectory and leadership.

Learn more about this opportunity here:
https://richmondpromise.org/jobopenings/

To Apply: Please email the documents below to Jessie Stewart jessie.stewart@richmondpromise.org and write “Advancement Manager/Director (your last name)” in the subject line. Position is open until filled. Send:

1) Cover Letter that specifically outlines why you are a good fit for this position
2) Resume
3) Salary requirements
4) The names of three professional references (names and titles) who can speak to your skills and abilities as they relate to this position. We will only contact them after speaking with you and if you are a finalist for this position.

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

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

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

Carlos Martinez
City Manager
450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 620-6976
Fax: (510) 620-6542