Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending April 10th, 2020.

1.    Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st. Enjoy the next week off!

2.    Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Business and Worker Resources

The City of Richmond currently has limited-service due to COVID-19. The city understands that many small businesses may be suffering due to the County's Shelter in Place mandate. To support local businesses through these hard times, there are a few federal, state, and local resources to assist these businesses.

COVID-19 Employer Resources:

• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• California Labor & Workforce Development Agency for workers and Employers
• Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus

Federal Resources for Businesses:

• California Governor's Office of Emergency Services - News SBA Economic Disaster Relief
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans - US Small Business Administration Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans are used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. The interest rates for these loans are 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere and 2.75% for non-profits.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (Includes self-employed workers) - US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration Disaster Unemployment Assistance program provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a providentially declared major disaster.
• Restore Your Economy - The International Economic Development Council with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration have put together up-to-date resources related to COVID-19 and its economic Impacts.
• Updated Economic Relief Plan (CARES Act)
• Small businesses could receive funding to cover payroll, rent and utilities. The bill aims to cover eight weeks of those costs. Please visit this link to find SBA lenders
• Unemployment Insurance expansion will increase benefits by $600 per week and unemployment checks can continue for up to 39 weeks and more categories are eligible

State Resources for Businesses:

• Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program - Small Business Finance Center partners with Financial Development Corporations to provide loan guarantees and direct loans for small businesses that experience capital access barriers. This program allows for loans of up to $20 million and a max guarantee of $1 million with interest rates negotiated between lenders and borrowers.
• Disability Insurance Elective Coverage for Employers and Self-Employed Individuals 
• 1-Week Waiting Period for State Unemployment & Disability Insurance Waived
• Reduced Work Hours - Work Sharing Program - Employers may apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing program if reduced production, services, or other conditions cause them to seek an alliterative to layoffs. The program helps employees whose hours and wages have been reduced to receive UI benefits, keep their current job, and avoid hardships. It allows employers to minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs, keep trained employees, and avoid the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.
• Request up to a 60-day extension on State Payroll Taxes - Employers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for an extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886, Hearing-impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565, Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-350.
• File a State Unemployment Insurance Claim - Unemployment Insurance is an employer-paid program that provides partial income replacement when one becomes unemployed or has their hours reduced. Follow the link for eligibility requirements. 

Local Resources for Businesses:

• Richmond Revolving Loan Fund - The Revolving Loan Fund is a community-based program with the goal of fostering local economic growth through 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.
• Richmond Kiva Loan Program - Kiva is a small loan match program where you are required to raise up to $1,500 on the Kiva crowd funding 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.

Private Industry Resources for Businesses:

• Facebook Small Business Grant Program - Facebook is offering $100 Million in cash grants and ad credits to help up to 30,000 small businesses during these challenging times.
• Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund - The Local Initiative Support Corporation, with a $2.4 Million investment from Verizon, will be offering grants to help small businesses fill financial grants accrued due the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

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 (NOA) 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. The NOA was updated 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 3 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.

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 to view the hard copy or call (510) 620-6706 during business hours.

Cancellation of Public Meeting

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 described in the Updated Notice of Availability, the City of Richmond cancelled the public meeting to receive public comments on the Draft SEIR for the Point Molate Mixed-Use Project 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. Instead, the City extended the comment period deadline on the Draft SEIR by 10 days to Thursday, April 16, 2020. Although not required by CEQA, the City has prepared a video describing the Point Molate Mixed-Use Development Project and summarizing the findings of the Draft SEIR to help facilitate public outreach and understanding of the Project.  The video is posted on the project webpage at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3757/Point-Molate-Mixed-Use-Project

While a public hearing to receive oral public comments on the draft SEIR is not required by CEQA, members of the public may continue to submit comments during the public comment period by either calling (916) 301-4141 and following the prompts to submit oral comments of up to 3 minutes, or by mailing or emailing your written comments on the Draft SEIR 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, future public hearings will be held on the various public entitlements and SEIR certification.

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Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Budget Development

This week, Finance staff met with the management and leadership team to provide budget updates for FY2019-20 and FY2020-21 in light of COVID-19. Staff provided preliminary revenue and expenditures projections along with underlying assumptions. Budget projections will continue to be refined as new developments occur.

The first of two community budget meetings will be held on Monday, April 20, 2020 via WebEx. The presentation will include information on the City’s budget process and current status of the City’s finances. This will also be an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions to staff. The link to the meeting will be announced this week.

Fresh Approach is still in bringing you fresh produce!

The Fresh Approach Mobile Farmers' Market is still in operation! Purchase California-grown fruits, vegetables, dried beans, and even honey. The 50% discount for participants receiving federal benefits has been extended to all shoppers during the shelter in place. You can find the truck Wednesdays, from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., at the Richmond Public Library (325 Civic Center Plaza) AND Fridays, from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., at San Pablo City Hall (13831 San Pablo Ave).

¡El mercado de agricultores móviles de Fresh Approach todavía está en funcionamiento! Compre frutas, vegetales, frijoles secos e miel cultivados en California. El descuento del 50% para los participantes que reciben beneficios federales se ha extendido a todos los compradores durante el refugio en el lugar. Puede encontrar el camión los miércoles, de 10:00 A.M. a 1:00 P.M., en frente de la Biblioteca Pública de Richmond (325 Civic Center Plaza) Y los viernes, de 10:00 A.M. a 1:00 P.M., en el estacionamiento del San Pablo City Hall (13831 San Pablo Ave)."

As this public health event continues to evolve, we will be doing everything possible to keep the Mobile Farmers' Market a safe place for shoppers and staff, while providing food to the public. For more information on our Health and Safety protocols click here. 

KCRT Datanet Update

Library Resources while Sheltering-In-Place

All Richmond Public Library branches are closed due to the public health order and book returns are locked. If you have library items checked out, please hold them until after the closure has ended. All due dates have been extended through May 5th, and any fines or fees that accrue during this time will be waived.

Our website (www.richmondlibrary.org) continues to be updated with resources to help you not feel isolated while self-isolating.

New books are regularly added to OverDrive/Libby (richmondlibrary.overdrive.com). If you don’t already have a library card, you can use your mobile phone number to get an instant digital card!

Letter Template for Tenants Facing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19

On March 17, 2020, the City of Richmond declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and adopted an emergency Order (Resolution 20-20) prohibiting certain types of evictions, including evictions based on a Tenant's failure to pay rent due to financial impacts related to COVID-19, during the period of local emergency.

Affected Tenants need to: (1) notify Landlords in writing within 30 days of the date rent is due of their inability to pay rent, and (2) state the ways in which they have been financially impacted and attach supporting documentation to support their claims.

The Order does NOT relieve Tenants of the liability to pay rent. Rent must be paid within six months after the period of local emergency ends. Landlords may not charge late fees or interest on deferred rent payments.

Access the Letter Template for Tenants to Inform Landlords of Their Inability to Pay Rent Due to the Financial Impacts of COVID-19 (English)

Access the Letter Template for Tenants to Inform Landlords of Their Inability to Pay Rent Due to the Financial Impacts of COVID-19 (Spanish)

For more information about evictions during the period of local emergency, as well as resources to address food, shelter, health and other emergency needs, please access the COVID-19 and Evictions Fact Sheet (English and Spanish). 

Rent Program staff are available by phone at (510) 234-RENT [7368] or email (rent@ci.richmond.ca.us) to address any questions from community members.

Richmond Main Street & Leftside Printing Offer Help for Brick-and-Mortar Richmond Businesses

Richmond Main Street, in partnership with Leftside Printing, is providing a limited amount of complimentary 2'x3' "Open for Business" banners for small businesses in Richmond. The customizable banners will greatly help many businesses during this challenging time by providing them with a resource by which they can promote their business and encourage customers to shop their favorite local establishments safely.

Any Richmond brick-and-mortar small business that is considered essential per the current health order and in good standing with the City of Richmond is eligible to request a complimentary banner by contacting Leftside Printing at (510) 965-9697 or leftsideprinting@hotmail.com. Pick-up details will be provided upon reservation. First come, first served, starting Friday, April 10. Businesses can preview and download a digital version of the banner here.

Downtown businesses can also download additional marketing graphics here.

All businesses are also invited to check out the following COVID-19 resources from Richmond Main Street:
Resources for Businesses & Employers Impacted by COVID-19
Paycheck Protection Program Local Lenders Guide
Read the full announcement here.
Access the Richmond Main Street COVID-19 Community Resource Directory here.

Richmond Promise Response to COVID 19

During this time of uncertainty, the Richmond Promise and our incredible college access partners are committed to supporting our college students and high school students through their last months of school as they transition to college and continue to pursue their college dreams. 

Read below for key resources and the ways we are working together with partners to adapt our programming to virtually support Richmond high school seniors and college students. The Richmond Promise team is fully present and virtual. With any questions or requests for support, reach out to:

• Miguel Molina: mmolina@richmondpromise.org (530-794-8326)
• Ana Perez: aperez@richmondpromise.org (510-775-1067)

Virtual Support for High School Seniors

Richmond Promise is offering virtual coaching to high school students who may need support with their college enrollment process. We can assist students who need supporting completing to-do list item for their college portals, financial aid, or enrollment to our local community college institutions. 
Students can sign up for an appointment here: https://bit.ly/rpvirtualsupport 

Richmond Promise Next Steps Workshops

Do you know a student who applied for a Richmond Promise Scholarship? Scholarship applicants should plan to join us for one of our April Next Steps Workshops in English & Spanish for Richmond Promise. Workshops will review important next-steps for claiming your Richmond Promise Scholarship and successful college enrollment, and connect you to point-people and resources on partner campuses. Sign up: http://bit.ly/nswebinars

College Student Support

Do you know a Richmond Promise college student in need? Since March 13th, we have provided students with support for groceries, computers and Wi-Fi access and travel home. If you know a college Scholar who needs support, encourage them to fill out this form.  If you and your family have everything you need, please consider donating to our relief fund and helping us support our community by clicking here.
COVID FAQ for College Students, courtesy of the Northern California College Promise Coalition. Check out our RP Specific College Access Resource guide for the most up-to-date information on direct resources and supports within our community.

WCCUSD School Closure & Meal Availability

All schools are closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 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 here. 

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.

Solid Waste Services- IMPORTANT NOTICE

Republic Services: https://www.republicservices.com/municipality/wccc-ca

The City has been notified by Republic Services that due to the outbreak of COVID-19, for the health and safety of collection vehicle drivers, employees and the community, certain services will be suspended temporarily. 

Effective Monday, March 30th, and until further notice, Republic will be operating under the following guidelines:

• Only cart/commercial bin contents will be collected.
• Roll-off service will continue in routine business order.
• Drivers will not be authorized to leave their vehicles to pick up wastes outside carts or commercial containers.
• On-call Clean-ups of Bagged Materials and Bulky Household Items will be suspended temporarily.

The City and Republic Services are working hard to keep the community clean and safe, ensure high quality service with minimal service disruption while facing a unique challenge that requires dedicated focus on public health and safety.  On-call services will resume as soon as possible.

RecycleMore (West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority)
RecycleMore staff are working remotely and are still available to answer questions via email. For more information visit, http://recyclemore.com/

Suspended Services:

• Door-to-Door HHW Collection for seniors and the disabled is temporarily suspended during the shelter in place.
• West County Resource Recovery- Recycling and Buyback at 101 Pittsburg Avenue in Richmond is temporarily suspended during the shelter in place (still open for Household Hazardous Waste drop off). 
• West County Resource Recovery- The free Compost give away on the first Wednesday of the month will be temporarily suspended during the shelter in place.
• El Cerrito Recycling Center - The El Cerrito Recycling Center (as well as the HHW Collection on Tuesdays) is closed to the public during the shelter in place.

Open Services:

• West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility

*Operating under regular business hours
Wednesday-Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (closed for lunch 12 NOON-12:30 P.M.).
101 Pittsburg Avenue in Richmond
Please call (888) 412-9277 for more information

Virtual Egg Hunt and Recreation Center

The City of Richmond Library and Community Services Department is hosting a Virtual Egg Hunt and Coloring Contest. Due to COVID-19, our annual Egg Hunt and Recreation Information Day event was canceled, but we want to keep the tradition and spirit alive!

Here’s how to participate:

• Download and print off any Easter egg coloring sheet (find one here or draw your own!) and color the egg.
• Place it on a window in the home or in a visible area for all to see.
• If you want to go for a brief walk in your neighborhood (while keeping to current County social distancing guidelines), you can hunt for eggs on windows and snap a picture! If going outside is not an option, show us your own eggcellent artwork!
• If you spot one or want to share your own, share it with us on our Facebook page or Instagram by tagging us (@richmondcsd) and using #richmondegghunt and #richmondathome.

Our virtual Egg Hunt officially kicks off Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Share your photo by Sunday, April 12, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. One (1) submission per social media account per day. Ten (10) winners will be randomly selected and announced Monday, April 13th at 5:00 P.M. on our social media accounts. Winners will receive a gift basket or a Target gift card.

Please follow the most current social distancing guidelines with others while you are on your egg hunt, and please do not trespass on private property to take photos for the egg hunt. The Richmond Egg Hunt is inspired by the Iowa Egg Council Virtual Egg Hunt & Contest. We hope to spread positivity and enjoyment with this creative take on an egg hunt.

We look forward to seeing all of the beautifully colored eggs soon!

Have you checked out the Library and Community Services Department virtual recreation center? We have lots of ideas and resources for you to do while you’re sheltering-in-place. Check them out and let us know if you do any activities. Stay tuned, because we’ll also be sharing details about our upcoming virtual egg hunt coming up soon.

3.    Acknowledgements

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.

4.    Information Technology

Social Media Statistics

Tweet Profile Visits increased by 172.7%

Website Statistics for the week of April 10, 2020

KCRT TV Channel 28 – New episdoes of current programming

KCRT aired the Richmond City 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

5.    Internal Services

Finance

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals 

6.    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, and the Office of YouthWORKS Program.

Recreation Services/Community Services

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.

7.    Public Works

Facilities Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and boiler inspections, assisted with the fire alarm system testing at Civic Center Plaza, repleaced exhaust fan belts at City Hall,returned a men’s restroom to operation, retrofitted the gate closure and replaced door locks to multiple units at Nevin Plaza, repaired restroom sinks at the Plunge, replaced the furnace control transformer at the K-9 building, relocated a display panel and replaced fire extinguishers at the Plunge Natatorium.

Relocation of Display Panel

Utility workers continued to sanitize areas multiple times a day and service 29 City owned facilities.

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews removed debris from all parks, mowed west side Richmond parks, posted closure signs at all parks and facilities, performed general maintenance in Civic Center Plaza, and on one side of Carlson Boulevard from Cutting to Potrero Boulevards, removed weeds from the Cypress Pathway, completed the removal of weeds from the Communications Center, weeded the medians along San Pablo Avenue, removed the basketball court pole from Hilltop Park, removed debris from the Greenway and trimmed shrubs at the Main Library.

Basketball Pole Removal                                 Park Closure Signage

Tree crews cut or removed trees on: Bell Avenue, Maine Avenue, at Belding Garcia Park and along the Richmond Greenway from Carlson Boulevard to South 47th Street.

Tree Trimming on Richmond Greenway

Marina Districtcrews removed debris from parks and parking lots, emptied the trash bins and removed weeds along the Bay Trail, mowed the turf at all parks, abated weeds at multiple parks, posted signage throughout the area  regarding social distancing and park closures, and began removing weeds from Marina Way medians.

Median Maintenance                         Social Distancing Signage
on Regatta Boulevard

Hilltop District crewscontinued general maintenance around the business area, completed irrigation repair at Country Club Vista Park, removed debris, weed abatement on Richmond Parkway, graffiti removal at Hilltop Lake, locked park gates, completed weed abatement on the Giant Road offramp and Country Club Vista, and removed bollards for WasteWater access.

Pavement Maintenance

Paving crews patched large areas of pavement on Castro Street and worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Patching on Castro Street

Street Sweeping crews swept the following Neighborhood Council districts on the first Monday and Tuesday and the second Wednesday through Friday: Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Clinton Hill II – IV and East Richmond as the weather permitted.

Street Sweeping

Traffic Signs and Linesstaff fabricated five signs, reset a pole, and installed nine poles and speed cushions on Rheem Avenue.

Speed Cushion Installation

Sign Installation

Water Resource Recovery Department

2019/20 Sewer Segment Rehabilitation Project

The Sewer Segment Rehabilitation project has been awarded. Notice to Proceed was March 9, 2020, and this project is on a fast track to be completed by June 29, 2020, per the Baykeeper Settlement Agreement of 2018. See progress photos below.

Local contractor is installing a new sewer main and connecting laterals on Fallon Avenue.

Local contractor is installing new sewer main on Barrett Avenue and 41st Street.

Local contractor is welding plates together for safety on McBryde Avenue, west of Interstate 80.

Public Hearing – Richmond Municipal Sewer District Proposed Rate Increase

A public hearing will be held at the Richmond City Council Chamber at 440 Civic Center Plaza on April 21, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The meeting will discuss the Richmond Municipal Sewer District proposed rate increase and provide an opportunity for the public to make comments or protest the new rate structure and proposed revenue increase.

Comments or protests can also be submitted in writing to: City Clerk’s Office, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3281/Water-Resource-Recovery

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.
      

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