This message is being sent on behalf of City Manager Laura Snideman
 
Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending March 20th, 2020.
The next Richmond City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th, at 6:30 P.M. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: March 24th City Council Agenda.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19.
  
A Special Message from City Manager Laura Snideman
Dear Richmond Community:
This past week, the City of Richmond has been focused on adapting to the changing circumstances of COVID-19 and the mandatory shelter in place order given by the Contra Costa County Public Health Department. The City has convened the Emergency Operations Center, which consists of staff identified from critical city departments to help respond to emergencies. The EOC is meeting daily to address current and future challenges. We hope to provide the best information available, and support residents in staying informed and engaged.
What’s Changed, and What’s the Same?
The City has examined its operations to identify essential functions, such as public safety, public works, and the housing authority. Some City services have been closed while other services may be impacted or have modified working schedules.
For a complete list of what’s open and what’s closed, click here: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3917/Impact-to-City-Services-and-Facilities
Stay Informed
Keep in mind that during this time, information may change quickly. Please visit our social media and our website to get more information and updates on City services, the shelter-in-place, and community resources: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3914/Richmond-Coronavirus-Info
Stay Engaged
Information on volunteer groups and assistance for the elderly will be shared as networks develop. There are meal services throughout the school district that are being provided to WCCUSD students. We will link to those resources on our webpage and share them with our community networks in the days to come.
This is an extremely challenging time for us all. More than any other time in our history, this is a time that we must come together as a city to care for one another. I believe, given what I have seen of Richmond, we can embody that “can do” spirit, and Richmond will rise to the challenge.
Business and Worker Resources during COVID-19
Small businesses throughout the bay area, including in Richmond, are struggling with the current "Shelter in Place" order from the California Governor's Office. As such, there are Federal, State, and Local resources to assist small businesses to navigate these trying times. All of these resources can also be found on the City of Richmond’s Economic Development page.
COVID-19 Employer Resources:
Federal Resources for Businesses:
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans - US Small Business Administration Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (Includes self-employed workers)- Unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a providentially declared major disaster.
State Resources for Businesses:
Local Resources for Businesses:
- Richmond Kiva Loan Program - Kiva is a small loan match program where you are required to raise up to $1,500 on the Kiva crowdfunding website. The City will match funds raised dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,500. The maximum financing to your business under this program is $3,000.
- Richmond Revolving Loan Fund - The Revolving Loan Fund is a community-based program to foster local economic growth through the creation and retention of employment opportunities for Richmond residents. The program offers eligible applicants loans from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
- Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights – Get paired with a layer for assistance with leasing and legal support for small businesses to work with their landlord for lease negotiations, legal consultation, and related services.
Other:
- Help Main Street! – Local businesses can add their information and links for residents to purchase gift cards to their establishment. Residents can also use this link to support local small businesses while not being able to visit and patron the store/restaurant.
How to Support Local Restaurants During the COVID-19 Outbreak
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce created a list of local Richmond restaurants offering take-out at this time. Local restaurants need your support more than ever during this time.
Cafe Soleil
3550 San Pablo Dam Rd.
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 758-6134
C J's Barbecue & Fish
Address: 2401 Macdonald Ave. A, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 235-7471
Daimo Chinese Restaurant
3288 Pierce St 94804
12:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
El Agave Azul
Address: 12955 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94805
Phone: (510) 307-5749
El Sol Restaurant
Address: 101 Park Pl.
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone: (510) 260-0163
Eurasia
12221 San Pablo 94805
11:30 A.M.-8:30 P.M.
Huong Trà & Deli
12221 San Pablo Ave. #8 94805
10:00 A.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Jin Ye Restaurant
152 Washington Ave. 94801
11:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
Kai Sarn Thai cuisine
130 Washington Ave 94801
5:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M.
Mr. Pizza Man
353 24th St 94804,
10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.
Phila Burger Station
1100 23rd St 94804,
10:00 A.M.- 8:00 P.M.
Portumex
721 23rd St 94801
(510) 237-7513
10:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Q's Hatal Pizza
12897 San Pablo Ave 94805
Raymond's Pizzeria
130 Railroad Ave 94801
12:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
Richmond Pizza House
12343 San Pablo 94805
10:00 A.M. -10:00 P.M.
Sala Thai
15501 San Pablo Ave
11:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.
Sa Wad Dee Thai
12200 San Pablo 94805
1:30 P.M.- 8:30 P.M.
Snappers Seafood Restaurant
1501 Ohio ave 94804
12:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M.
Tacos El Tucan
12505 San Pablo Ave 94605,
12:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Taqueria La Bamba
12345 San Pablo 94805
11:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
Tsing Tao
12372 San Pablo Ave. 94805
11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Community Development
UPDATED NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY for Point Molate Mixed-Use Development Project Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) - Cancellation of Public Meeting and Comment Period Extension
A Notice of Availability of a Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Point Molate Mixed-Use Development Project was previously distributed to agencies and interested parties which stated a 45-day public review and comment period on February 21, 2020. This notice is to announce that the comment period, which was set to end on April 6, 2020, has been extended by 10 days to 5:00 P.M. on April 16, 2020, to allow the public and agencies a total of 55 days to submit comments.
Please mail or email your written comments on the Draft SEIR no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 16, 2020 to:
Lina Velasco, Community Development Director
City of Richmond Planning Division
450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor
Richmond, CA 94804
admin@pointmolateseir.com
In addition, oral comments of up to three minutes may be submitted via the City of Richmond’s public comment phone line for the Point Molate Mixed-Use Development Project Draft SEIR. To leave a verbal comment, please call
(916) 301-4141 and follow the prompts.
Draft SEIR Availability
As stated in the Notice of Availability, dated February 21, 2020, the Draft SEIR is available for review online at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3757/Point-Molate-Mixed-Use-Project . If you have any trouble accessing the document online, please call Soco Montore at (510) 620-6705 or email soco_montore@ci.richmond.ca.us.
A hard copy is also available for review at the Planning Division, by appointment only, during normal business hours. Please contact planning@ci.richmond.ca.us to make an appointment.
Cancellation of Public Meeting
Further notice is hereby given that in response to the unique and continuing public safety challenge presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the numerous public health orders requiring that public gatherings be limited, the City of Richmond is cancelling the public meeting to receive public comments on the Draft SEIR for the Point Molate Mixed-Use Project from the previously-scheduled Planning Commission hearing on March 19, 2020.
Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15202(a), "[the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)] does not require formal hearings at any stage of the environmental review process. Public comments may be restricted to written communication." As such, in an abundance of caution and to comply with public health orders, the City has decided to cancel the in-person public meeting scheduled to receive comments and public input on the Draft SEIR for the Point Molate Mixed-Use Project. Instead, as discussed above, the City has extended the comment period deadline on the Draft SEIR by 10 days to Thursday, April 16, 2020. The City has also set up a hotline for submitting oral comments for up to 3 minutes that will be transcribed for inclusion in the Final SEIR.
Subscribe for Updates
Please sign up on Notify Me if you are interested in receiving email updates for this project.
KCRT DATANET UPDATE
Public Works Department: An essential service provider
The Public Works department has been deemed as an “essential” service provider during this time. Staff is being trained on the best practices to sanitize and stay safe from the COVID-19 virus. Staff is cleaning common areas multiple times a day with sanitizing solutions and taking every precaution to keep citizens and employees safe. We appreciate your support and patience with our staff.
Richmond Promise Response to COVID 19
In light of CDC recommendations, and the need to pivot our spring programming and scholarship review timeline, we will be cancelling the annual Scholars Celebration. This is unfortunate, but our number one priority is student/community health and safety, followed by ensuring scholarships are processed and supporting students to a successful college transition.
In this time, disruptions to school, housing, and the ability to access technology resources means supporting our Scholars will be even MORE important than ever. We have sent messages to all college students to check in, assess their needs, and extend our support.
College Student Support: If you know a student who is facing financial or technology/internet needs due to campus remote-work or shut-down, please let us know, or have them contact us directly at info@richmondpromise.org, or call (510) 255-5218. We are compiling Student Resources here: bit.ly/CV19Help
You may have seen that as of today, Comcast is offering 2 months free internet to low income individuals who do not yet have an account. We have sent this to our students.
WCCUSD School Closure & Meal Availability: All schools are closed for the next three weeks (currently scheduled to reopen on April 13). Student meals can be picked up from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the following nine schools: De Anza, Kennedy, Pinole Valley, Richmond, DeJean, Helms, Nystrom, Montalvin, Riverside. Stay up-to-date and find current resources at: https://www.wccusd.net/Page/1369.
Scholarship Deadline Extended to March 23rd & Remote Support: With the closure of the West Contra Costa Unified School District, we will also be ceasing in-person programming, but available digitally. Reach out to Miguel Molina or Ana Perez: mmolina@richmondpromise.org (530-794-8326) or aperez@richmondpromise.org (510-775-1067) for further information.
These are our plans as of now and we will adjust our model to be responsive to the needs of our community during the COVID19 crisis. The health and safety of our community is our first priority and we will do everything we can to continue to support our Scholars as we navigate this crisis. We also realize COVID19 will have serious community-wide ramifications and if you are looking for more information and resources, please visit Contra Costa Health Services for the most up to date information.
States Water Resources Control Board News Advisory
Community Budget Meetings
Members of the community are invited to attend the City of Richmond’s community budget meetings hosted by the Finance Department. This is an opportunity to receive an overview of the City’s budget process, updates on the City’s finances, and a chance to ask questions to staff. The meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza on April 20, 2020, at 1:30 P.M. and May 14, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
Transparent Richmond
Check out Transparent Richmond (www.transparentrichmond.org), the City of Richmond’s city-wide open data and performance reporting system. The open data platform currently spans 11 city departments and contains over 300 datasets, visualizations, and performance measures, many of which feature monthly, weekly or daily updates.
Transparent Richmond aims to accomplish the following:
- Improve the collective understanding of all city services
- Automate performance data to help track and meet budget and service goals
- Leverage evidence-based analysis to develop innovative solutions that improve the quality of city services
The city plans to add more datasets and visualizations over time and invites the community to propose additional information for the site. To nominate new data and visualizations, visit https://www.transparentrichmond.org/nominate.
Website Statistics for the week of March 20, 2020
Actions on Page increased by 100%
Page views increased by 151%
Post engagements increased by 148%
KCRT TV Channel 28 – New Episodes of Current Programming
KCRT aired Council and West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) meetings.
Programming:
“Classic Movies” (Classic Hollywood Movies)
“The Kamla Show” (Talk Show)
“Car Guy Channel” (Auto series)
“Sidewalks Entertainment” (Celebrity, Music, Lifestyle and Arts)
“The Jet Set” (Travel)
“Creature Features” (Horror Movies)
All of the above shows have encore runs throughout the week.
You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule
Finance
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Budget Development
This week, staff continued entering their budgets in the MUNIS financial system. The window to enter budgets began on March 6th and now closes on March 25th. Staff has been advised to maintain baseline budgets with the FY 2019-20 mid-year budget serving as the starting point for operational expenditures and the number of positions.
- Library and Community Services
Employment and Training
Summer Youth Employment Program 2020 Worksite Application
Are you a business or non-profit that is interested in hosting young adults this summer? Complete the online application and we’ll be in touch.
Many of our local businesses have committed to support our Richmond youth by providing meaningful work experiences and safe work environment. YouthWORKS is excited to partner with you to provide a meaningful work experience for Richmond youth this summer.
Through this experience, you will be able to provide guidance and training for youth in our community. Your participation will allow young people to develop positive work habits, attitudes and the valuable job skills necessary to enter the workforce prepared and qualified to be productive employees. Watch our partnership accomplishments by clicking https://youtu.be/aIRxXu3bORU?t=30
Our goal is to at least put $1,300 in gross wages in the youth’s pocket this summer. The SYEP will pay all wages, taxes, workman’s comp, and cover liability, etc. Jobs can be part time or full time, but we ask that the worksite be able to provide a full 100 hours of meaningful work.
For More Information contact Bouakhay Phongboupha
bphongboupha@richmondworks.org (510) 307-8050
Visit us at YouthWORKS -330 25th Street Richmond, CA 94804.
Thank you for working with the City of Richmond, Employment & Training Department, Office of YouthWORKS Program.
Transportation Services Division
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: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx?ListID=374
Or Go To: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2876/Transportation
      
Recreation Services/Community Services
Egg Hunt and Community Information Day - CANCELLED
This event is cancelled until further notice.
Park Rx Day - CANCELLED
This event is cancelled until further notice.
38th Annual Senior Information and Health Faire; May 13th, 2020
The City of Richmond Community Services Department and the Richmond Commission on Aging are proud to sponsor the 38th Annual Senior Information and Health Faire. This event will be held at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium at 403 Civic Center Plaza, on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 NOON.
All businesses, agencies or individuals who are interested in senior health and wellness are cordially invited to participate in this festive day. Space will be made available for groups to display information, give demonstrations, hand out information and/or register prospective clients. All businesses, agencies or individuals interested in participating must complete the application form and return by Friday, May 1, 2020, to Richmond Senior Center (RSC) staff.
If you have any questions, please contact RSC staff at (510) 307-8087. Thank you and we look forward to another successful event with your participation.
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced air filters at the Disabled Peoples Recreation Center (DPRC), replaced restroom exhaust fans at the Men and Women of Valor building, cleared sinks at the Family Justice Center, repaired switches on the sump pump at the Plunge, fixed an oil pipe leak at the Corporation Yard mechanic bay, replaced air filters at Fire Station #68, and repaired the hot water recirculating pump at 440 Civic Center Plaza.
Filter Replacement
Utility Workers installed hand sanitizing dispensers in multiple locations, sanitized areas multiple times a day, set up meeting rooms, and serviced 29 City-owned facilities.
Cleaning of Common Areas
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews repaired the wind screens on the tennis courts at Nicholl Park, weed-whipped the medians on Castro Ranch Road, completed ballfield maintenance and picked up trash at multiple parks, repaired damaged bleacher boards at Nicholl Park, installed new signs at Hilltop Green Park, weed-whipped pathways, repaired fencing at Terminal 3, weeded and edged John F. Kennedy Park, mowed multiple parks, and installed pavers at Martin Luther King Jr. Park fitness zone.
 
Paver Installation Bleacher Maintenance
Marina District crews continued with weed abatement on the Bay Trail, removed debris from all lawn area, pruned shrubs along the Bay Trail, weeded and edged Lucretia Edwards Park, weed abated medians along Regatta Boulevard, performed irrigation maintenance at multiple parks, mowed lawns, and removed graffiti throughout.
Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, completed weed abatement on the Richmond Parkway medians, continued with maintenance around Hilltop Lake, performed weed abatement on Robert Miller Drive medians, performed irrigation repairs in multiple areas and weed abatement on Richmond Parkway between San Pablo Avenue and Atlas Road.
Richmond Parkway Median Maintenance
Pavement Maintenance
Paving crews completed installation of the speed humps on Esmond Avenue, installed a speed bump near Barbara J. Vincent Park, performed storm patrol, and worked from the outstanding pothole list.
 
 
Speed Hump Installation on Esmond Avenue
Potholing on Chanslor Avenue
Street Sweeping crews swept the following Neighborhood Council districts on the third Monday through Friday in; North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay and Point Richmond as the weather permitted.
Traffic Signs and Lines staff fabricated 17 signs, installed 10 signs, repaired one damaged sign, reset one pole, installed five poles, and painted red street markings.
 
Sign Installations
Water Resource Recovery Department
Macdonald & Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Projects
The contractor is excavating to replace defective pipes. See pictures and descriptions below.
Local Richmond contractor is connecting new pipe to an existing manhole on Florida Avenue.
Local Richmond contractor is installing new pipe in an alleyway between 12th and 13th Street.
Local Richmond contractor is installing pipe at Nevin Ave and 27th Street.
Sewer Lateral Grant Program
The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Department administers the Sewer Lateral Grant Program. The program reimburses eligible homeowners in the Richmond Municipal Sewer District (RMSD No. 1) for some of the cost to replace their sewer lateral.
The program is open and accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year.
For more information about the Sewer Lateral Grant Program, please visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2130/Sewer-Lateral-Grant-Program or call (510) 620-6594.
 
Last few days to apply for the Richmond Promise Scholarship!
If you are interested in applying or learning more about the 2019-20 Richmond Promise Scholarship, please visit our home website at richmondpromise.org or click on the following link to begin your application ---> bit.ly/RPScholarship2020
The Richmond Promise Scholarship is a $1,500 college scholarship, renewable for up to 4 years, with an additional 2 years available for students who want to petition for extra funding. Students may attend a 2-year or 4-year college, and/or pursue a Career Technical Education Certificate at any not-for-profit institution in the United States.
To be eligible for the Richmond Promise Scholarship, you must:
- Be a resident of the City of Richmond, North Richmond, or Point 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 GED/high school equivalency this academic year or the year prior
- Have attended an eligible high school at least 9th-12th grade consecutively
- Complete the FAFSA/Dream Act by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline (unless not AB 540 eligible)
- Submit a Richmond Promise Scholarship application by the application deadline
*Our 2019-2020 Richmond Promise Scholarship will be open from December 1st, 2019 – March 23rd, 2020!
Contact us at (510) 230-0422 or at scholarships@richmondpromise.org if you have any questions!
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!
Laura Snideman
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
Irene Perdomo
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Email: Irene_Perdomo@ci.richmond.ca.us
Direct: 510-621-1264
Main: 510-620-6512 |
