 
Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending July 19th, 2019.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd. Closed Session begins at 5:30 P.M., followed by the Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority at 6:20 P.M., then by a Special Joint Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority and City Council. The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council will begin at 6:30 P.M, and the agenda may be found by clicking this link: July 23rd City Council Agenda.
Richmond Main Street presents: 18th Annual Music on the Main *free* Summer Concerts!
And all are invited to come to Downtown Richmond to enjoy the music, food, and fun for the entire family! Music on the Main kicks off on Wednesday, July 24th, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., in the parking lot at Marina Way & Macdonald Avenue, with Richmond’s own Zydeco King Andre Thierry bringing fresh accordion soul rhythms that always keep the crowd dancing and feeling good. Also taking the stage is the Bay Area’s premiere Soul and R&B band, BeauFunk with Michael Jeffries – sure to serenade the crowd with classics that deliver a powerful Funk punch and will have everyone singing and dancing in the street.
Special guest appearance by Grand Marshal Jael Myrick, Richmond Councilmember. Plus food trucks, artisan vendors, refreshing Main Street Margaritas and hometown brews by East Brother Beer Co., dancing, info booths, youth zone, prizes, giveaways, and more!
Admission is free and all are welcome.
 
The celebration continues on Wednesday, August 28th, with a Carnival Explosion of African-Brazilian rhythms and African Diaspora cultural fusion courtesy of SAMBAFUNK! and local favorite GTS Band, serving up authentic Latin Funk and Soul.
For more information visit www.RichmondMainStreet.org or call (510) 236-4049.
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 440 Civic Center Plaza, Basement, Multi-Purpose Room.
- Projects & Priorities - July 31, 2019, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
- 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.
Weekend Ferry Service to begin Saturday, August 3rd.
The Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is proud to announce that summer weekend San Francisco Bay Ferry service between Richmond and San Francisco will launch on Saturday, August 3rd. The trial service will run on weekends throughout the months of August, September, and October and the first weekend of November.
There will be five departures to and from Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing East Bay residents to get to San Francisco quickly, safely, and comfortably and allowing San Franciscans to enjoy Richmond destinations including the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park and Craneway Pavilion, both just steps away from the Richmond Ferry Terminal.
Full details including the schedules and fares are available at https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/richmond
Library Program – Building Financial Confidence
Learn the five steps to financial health. Wells Fargo Banking Specialists will be on hand to provide ideas on how you can better manage money and save for long term goals.
This free program is on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, from 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. at the
Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Please call (510) 620-6561 for more information.
National Night Out Is Coming: August 6, 2019
National Night Out 2019 is upon us. Join your neighbors, public safety, community organizations, and civic leaders as we celebrate community and police partnerships. This year, National Night Out will be on Tuesday, August 6th, in the Target parking lot. Hope to see you there!
Emergency Neighborhood Radio Communications - Tuesday, August 13th
Citizen Advisory Panel on Emergency Readiness & Response (CAPER) is hosting an Emergency Neighborhood Radio Communications information session on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, from 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. in the Richmond Public Library Community Room located at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
After a disaster, cell phones may not be working. Learn about neighborhood emergency radio communications so you can get the help you need and support others. You will learn:
- types of radios (FRS, GMRS, & Ham)
- basic radio communication skills
- what might be the best type of radio to have for your situation
- how to connect with others in a disaster
- how you can practice now so when a disaster strikes, you'll have the skills you need
During a major earthquake, phones are not going to work or lines will be overwhelmed. 911 will be unable to handle the volume of calls. Firefighters and first responders are required to do a windshield assessment of the damage before starting to respond. We as a community can help our first responders and ourselves by working together as a neighborhood team to report the location of victims and hazards. This will allow them to start responding faster, which can save lives and property. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neighborhood-emergency-radio-communications-tickets-64333821191.
Kudos to Our New Officer, Officer Shanks
During her short month on solo patrol, Officer Shanks has been very engaging with the public and proactive in her North District assignment. Officer Shanks has already taken two loaded firearms off of the streets, preventing possible future crimes and keeping the residents of Richmond safe.
Department of Children and Youth Oversight Board Application Now Available!
The Richmond Department of Children and Youth is excited to share that the Oversight Board application is now available!
Per Measures E and K, the Mayor and City Councilmembers are responsible for appointing a 15-member Oversight Board that is made up of Richmond and North Richmond residents. The Oversight Board will be responsible for developing rules, processes and procedures, and assisting in the creation of a community needs assessment and strategic investment plan that will guide the development of the Richmond Department of Children and Youth and the allocation of funds for youth-serving organizations.
The Oversight Board application is available in three formats in which applicants can apply through an online form, a fillable pdf, or a paper application that is available at the City Manager’s Office. All of these versions are available in both English and Spanish at www.richmondyouth.org.
For more information on the Department and Oversight Board, please visit our website at www.richmondyouth.org.
City of Richmond and Gotcha Mobility announce Richmond’s First Bike Share Program
With support from Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) funds, the City of Richmond’s Transportation Division and Gotcha Mobility will launch the first public bike share system in Richmond. Bike share is a service that provides bicycles for short term-use for a fee. Richmond residents and visitors will have access to 250 electric assist bikes at 25 stations within the city, available for 24/7 use.
Launching later this year, the bike share system in Richmond will provide a seamless addition to the local and regional transportation network connecting residents, businesses, visitors to jobs, services, and the community. Bike share will enhance public access to destinations; expand mobility options for low income residents, especially with the provision of subsidized memberships for income-eligible residents; improve public health through increased physical activity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants; and support community growth through safer, more vibrant streets.
Gotcha Mobility is a mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) company offering sustainable mico-transit products –100% electric ride share, bike share, electric scooters, and trikes. Gotcha helps communities lead happier, more productive lives through alternative forms of transportation and is committed to being the City of Richmond’s mobility partner. Gotcha invests in communities by having local operations that include local staff. Below are full time positions with benefits which are currently open:
To learn more about Gotcha visit https://ridegotcha.com/
For questions, please contact Misha Kaur at (510) 620-6797.
Transportation Services Division Updates
Are you interested in learning more about what services the City of Richmond’s Transportation Services Division is working on for you?
Subscribe to receive updates: https://www.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx?ListID=374
Or Go To:
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2876/Transportation
      
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:
Location |
Address |
Hours |
County Connection |
2477 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord |
Mon – Fri
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. |
Tri-Delta Transit |
801 Wilbur Avenue, Antioch |
Mon – Thurs
7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. |
WestCAT |
601 Walter Avenue, Pinole |
Mon – Fri
7:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. |
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
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
Recycling Tip of the Month
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 the past week included:
- Attended the weekly senior management meeting with department heads and other senior staff to discuss feedback from this week’s council meeting, and also to review and discuss all items for the upcoming July 23, 2019 City Council meeting. In addition, during the week reviewed and approved all staff reports to finalize and post the City Council agenda.
- Attended the regularly scheduled quarterly union meeting and briefed the union representatives on issues of their interest, among them: (1) the city’s financial health: included remarks about the S&P bond rating, costs that put the city’s general fund at risk, revenue generating ideas, and potential opportunities to lower costs; (2) status of development projects such as the Terraces at Nevin, between 22nd and 23rd Street, the NOMA Subdivision at Marina Way and Wright Avenue, the Waterline Subdivision, and other major development projects such as Point Molate, Terminal 1, 12th and McDonald, Hacienda, Metrowalk Phase II, and others; and (3) questions raised by the Richmond Police Officers Association about a variety of financial, organizational, and project development topics.
- Met with Charles Cavness and James Holloway from the Museum of African American to discuss their vision regarding establishing the museum in Richmond, and their current progress towards bringing this idea to life.
- Along Mayor Butt, Mayor’s Office and City Attorney’s Office staff, I attended a meeting with tobacco retailers to hear their concerns regarding the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Retailer License ordinance. The purpose of this proposed amendment to Chapter 7.106 is to prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes which have not received an approved premarket review order from the Food and Drug Administration. The first reading of the ordinance is set to be introduced at the regular City Council meeting of Tuesday, July 23rd and finally passed and adopted at a regular meeting held on September 10, 2019. The ordinance would go into effect 141 days after, January 2, 2020.
- Joined Planning Director Lina Velasco in a meeting with a 23rd street merchant to listen to his concerns regarding an upcoming Planning Commission’s decision regarding his property.
The next Council meeting will be the last regularly scheduled City Council meeting before the August recess. The next Council meeting will be September 10, 2019.
Legislative History
The City’s legislative history including minutes, resolutions, ordinances, meeting content, and other important records, dating back to 1905, are available online 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)
You must call (510) 620-6786 to schedule all appointments.
As of July 11th, the City Clerk’s office now has drop-in hours! Drop-in hours are:
Thursday: 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Bring all required documents and complete all forms before your appointment. Drop-ins will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.
Please recognize that the area is an operational executive office, and a quiet zone.
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
Rosie’s Girls Summer Camp
Rosie’s Girls camp began on June 17, 2019, with a full enrollment of 30 girls and 4 teen mentors. The girls are all from low-income families going into 6th, 7th and 8th grades from Richmond and San Pablo. Before camp started, they were interviewed, given job descriptions, and trained in leadership skills.
The first weeks of camp were a whirlwind of activities. The campers visited the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to learn about the history of women who broke barriers socially as they entered skilled jobs and took on jobs, formerly considered “men’s jobs,” in order to support troops during the war. The girls explored the Visitor Center, took part in team-building activities with rangers, and toured the Red Oak Victory ship to see what women’s efforts in welding, engineering, electrical work, and more had accomplished.
During the first week, they also spent two days at the Richmond Art Center learning to silkscreen their camp T-shirts. The first Friday focused on welding and carpentry safety procedures as the girls met their trade’s instructors for the first time. By the second week, they were deep in workshops, beginning to design their projects, learning the equipment, learning more safety practices, and gaining a sense of accomplishment in mastering new skills.
Field trips included a ropes course at Fort Miley where the girls tested their courage high in the air and balancing on ropes. They visited the Mission Science Center to learn about archeology, natural history, and some of the work and careers of scientists.
The highlight of camp up to this point was Career Day--more than 30 women (and a few men) took part in interactive demonstrations and discussions with the girls. Participants included the Richmond Fire and Police Department, National Park Police (and one of their horses!), construction teams from Overaa, Cahill, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, IBEW 302 electricians, a rocket team from Sonoma State, Ekso Bionics, Sail Drone, the Maritime Museum, a bear management specialist from Yosemite National Park, and more.
 
Nystrom Catchment Summer Sports
The Community Services Department, in collaboration with the Nystrom Catchment Summer Sports program, is providing instructional Tennis and Soccer to 120 elementary school kids’ ages 8 to 12 years old at the MLK Park. This four-week program started on July 1st at the MLK Park and ends on Thursday, July 26th. Instructions are held Monday through Thursday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with a lunch break from 11:30 A.M. to noon.
The kids in this program learn the basics of tennis and soccer such as forehand, backhand, volley, serve drill, soccer ball control, kicks, passing and receiving among others.
One facet of this program involves helping kids find the leverage to try new things, the resilience to work through new challenges and the long term vision to build skills and meet goals.
 
Recreation Complex Summer Camp
The Community Services Department’s summer camp program at the Recreation Complex averages about 50 kids per week. This program runs from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Some of the fun and exciting activities the kids available to the kids include: Lego Robotics on Mondays, Swimming at the Richmond Swim Center on Tuesdays, and Chess on Wednesdays. Field trip days to the regional parks, water parks, and museums are on Thursdays and Fridays and are set for BBQ and water play.
These kids are having a summer blast!
 
- Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)
Engineering Projects
The Hilltop Gateway Signage Project is under construction and work is continuing on schedule.
 
Hilltop Gateway Sign #1
Streets Division
Paving crews prepped and paved on 37th Street from Macdonald Avenue to Chanslor Avenue.
 
Paving Work on 37th Street
Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the third Monday through Friday in the North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood areas.
Sweeper Operations
Traffic Signs and Lines
Traffic Signs and Lines staff installed 10 new signs and poles, repaired one sign, and painted 1,400’ of curbs and zoning. Staff also striped the parking lot of the Recreation Center.
 
Recreation Center Parking Lot
General Accounting
For Fiscal Year 2017-2018, the City engaged Maze & Associates, an independent Certified Public Accounting firm, to perform the annual audit of the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The results of the audit were presented to City Council on June 25, 2019.
In addition to the CAFR, the auditors also provided a presentation to City Council on July 16, 2019 on: (1) Memorandum on Internal Control (MOIC); (2) Required Communications; (3) the Independent Accountant’s Report on Applying Agreed upon Procedures for Compliance with the Proposition 111 2017-2018 Appropriations Limit Increment; and (4) Single Audit and the Joint Powers Financial Authority Component Unit for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018.
Maze and Associates CPA continues to perform the interim audit work and staff is providing additional information as requested for the FY2019 audit.
Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals
Department |
Project |
Date Due |
Rent Program |
Collection Agency Services for City of Richmond Rent Program |
7/19/19 |
Water Resource Recovery |
Expose Two Discharge pipes and install a Temporary 8" PVC Sludge Pipe Line |
7/22/19 |
Police Department |
Police Body Armor |
7/23/19 |
DIMO |
2019 Utility Vehicles WRR |
7/24/19 |
DIMO |
2020 Ford Hybrid Utility Police Interceptors (Admin) |
7/26/19 |
DIMO |
2020 Ford Hybrid Utility Police Interceptors (Patrol) |
7/26/19 |
City Manager |
Bus Lease/Purchase Agreement |
8/1/19 |
City Manager |
Redevelopment and Operations of Nevin Plaza |
8/16/19 |
Stairwell Evacuation Chairs Installed in 2400 Nevin
The Richmond Fire Department provided the resident board of 2400 Nevin with initial training on the use of stairwell evacuation chairs. The evacuation chairs are installed on each floor, two through six, and are located outside each stairwell (East and West).
Designed for use during emergency situations, an evacuation chair enables the efficient evacuation of non-ambulatory persons down the stairwell by providing a smoother descent, and can be used by first responders, ambulance companies, or residents.
For more information, please contact the Richmond Fire Department by calling (510) 307-8031.
 
Richmond Fire Department Hosted a Dispatcher for Ride-Along
This past weekend, the Richmond Fire Department hosted an emergency dispatcher from the Richmond Communications Center for a ride-along. She learned about fire apparatus typing, fire department response procedures, and gained familiarity with equipment locations and staffing. The department enjoys opportunities to cross-train with the City’s emergency dispatchers.
 
 
Website Statistics for the week of July 19, 2019
KCRT DATANET OF THE WEEK
 
- Infrastructure and Maintenance Operations (DIMO)
Abatement
Abatement crews abated weeds from backyards in vacant/disabled units in Nystrom Village, removed homeless encampments from public view, hosted the bi-annual Point Richmond Neighborhood Clean-up event, assisted several seniors from the neighborhood, and removed trash and graffiti from various locations throughout the city.
 
 
 
Abatement at Nystrom Village
 
 
Homeless Encampment Removals
 
 
Neighborhood Clean-Up
 
 
 
 
Illegal Dumping & Graffiti
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed routine daily rounds in the Civic Center Plaza buildings, routine daily inspections and chemistry on three swimming pools, replaced cabin temperature freezer sensor at the Senior Center, repaired desk drawers and locks in the Engineering Department, replaced toilet seats at the Senior Center, repaired a drinking fountain at the Main Library, replaced thermocouples on stovetop ovens at Fire Station 62, repaired the sliding gate at Nevin Richmond Housing Authority, and installed new insulation on a condensate return pipe at the Main Library.
Repairing an Oven at Fire Station 62
Utility workers scrubbed and waxed floors at the May Valley Community Center, picked up and delivered tables and chairs for the Senior Center Health Fair, spot-cleaned the carpet in the Brickyard Cove Conference Room in the Human Resources Department, and unclogged a toilet in the men’s restroom at the Westside Library.
Replacing Lightbulbs in City Council Chambers
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews weeded the following locations: Giant Road near Phanor Drive, Shields-Reid Park, Solano Playlot, Fallon Pathway, Ellis Lane, Bonita Road Hillside, Marina Way underpass near Greenway Trail (including the pump station area), Central Avenue medians and Rydin Road medians. Crews also set up dori poles and additional trash cans for a Point Richmond event, conducted gopher control at Judge Carroll Park and Parchester Park, cleared debris from Mira Vista Park, removed illegally dumped items from the Richmond Greenway Trail (between 6th and 8th Streets) and Unity Park, and repaired playground equipment at Hilltop Park.
Weed Abatement on Bonita Road Hillside
Weed Abatement on Central Avenue Medians
Weed Abatement on Greenway Trail
Weed Abatement at Marina Way Underpass
 
Weed Abatement at Solano Playlot
Litter Collection on Giant Road
Point Richmond Event Set-Up
Tree trimming crews completed work at the following addresses: 5716-5730 Sacramento Avenue, 5730 Santa Clara Avenue, 530 11th Street, 3201 & 3218 Lowell Avenue, 1924 Santa Clara Avenue (removal), North Richmond Ballfield, 5201 Silva Avenue (removal), Braxton Circle, 620 13th Street, 2545 & 2561 Grant Avenue (stump grinding) and 2000 Hellings Avenue.
Hilltop District crews mowed turf at Country Club Vista Park and Bay Vista Park, started a replanting project at Country Club Vista Park, completed weed abatement on the Richmond Parkway medians (between Causeway and Lakeside Drive), Richmond Parkway right of ways (between Ohio Avenue and MacDonald Avenue), and Giant Road, and started weed abated on Research Drive and Hilltop Lake.
 
Planting Project at Country Club Vista Park
Marina District crews mowed lawns and picked up trash at all parks and trails, abated weeds on the Bay Trail by the bridge, trimmed shrubs along the fence on Meade Street, started weed abatement on new planting by boat school, and edged the lawn at Shimada Park.
Weed Abatement
- Library and Cultural Services Department
Library Speaker Series – UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County
Join us on the second Thursday of the month through September 2019 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.
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 started on June 6th, and the last day to turn in completed games cards is 7:00 P.M. on August 19th. A 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.
Automated Phone Inspection Scheduling System - Planning and Building Services
The Building Division 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.
Auto Burglary Reminder
Recently, the Richmond Police Department responded to a report of an auto-theft. The victim reported that they had started their vehicle to allow it to warmup in the morning. When the victim returned minutes later, they discovered that their vehicle had been stolen. We encourage that you never leave your keys or any other valuables in your car unattended. Thieves are constantly on the lookout for an opportunity—ruin their day by not giving them one.
Fourth of July Fireworks Update
Every year, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community events, barbeques, and a fireworks show. We also try to help the community recognize the danger in setting off private illegal fireworks and discharging firearms. This past July 4th, Richmond Police Department (RPD) confiscated a total of 200 lbs of illegal fireworks. We aim to increase awareness of the injuries and damages caused by illegal fireworks through information sharing with the community. This year, as compared to last year, there was a 58% drop in fireworks-related calls for service. There was also only one Shotspotter notification for a firearm discharge the entire night. RPD thanks the community for their continued support in recognizing the goal of making the 4th of July a safer holiday for our city, one neighborhood at a time.
Bravo for the Bravo Unit
On July 12th, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a Human Trafficking case against Marcus Butler after a lengthy investigation by the Bravo Unit. This case targeted human traffickers along the 23rd Street corridor. Butler had been trafficking an at-risk juvenile in Richmond for approximately three months and was charged with human trafficking of a minor and other pimping and pandering charges. Butler could face up to 15 years to life in prison for his charges.
 
DUI Arrest
On July 15th, a drunk driver slammed into a car that was sitting at a red light on Cutting Boulevard. The DUI driver was arrested and no one was seriously injured. Richmond Police Department would like to remind you not drink and drive!
 
Summer Youth Academy
On July 16th, the Richmond Police Department kicked off our 2019 Summer Youth Academy at the Contra Costa Community College. Students enrolled in this 3-unit college course have an opportunity to hear from police officers across the Bay Area. The course provides classroom instruction, hands-on training, and covers topics like crime scene investigations, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, and firearm training.
Operation Chill
Summer is here and the Richmond Police Department is partnering with 7-Eleven for “Operation Chill”. Operation Chill encourages law enforcement officers to “ticket” youth they observe doing good deeds or exhibiting positive behavior. The “ticket” is actually a coupon good for a free, small Slurpee at all 7-Elevens! For example, some rewards could be for: wearing bicycle helmets, deterring crime, participating in school programs, picking up trash, or observing traffic rules.
We hope to see more youth around our community doing good deeds, participating in community activities, and staying cool.
Rent Program Community Survey – 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 Homeowner 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
To take the survey, please visit:
English: https://surveymonkey.com/r/3XL65M2
Spanish: https://surveymonkey.com/r/PQG3VPJ
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 |
