Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending April 24th, 2020.

1.    Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th. Closed Session begins at 5:00 P.M., followed by the Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 P.M. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: April 28th City Council Agenda.

2.    Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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

Town Hall with Mayor Butt and City of Richmond Staff

On Friday, April 17th, Mayor Butt, along with City Manager Laura Snideman, Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard, Police Chief Bisa French, and Emergency Services Manager Genevieve Pastor-Cohen, participated in a virtual Town Hall via Zoom to update the Richmond community and address any questions that were submitted. In case you missed the live meeting, you can watch it by clicking on this link.

Chief French’s Online Community Discussion on COVID-19

On Wednesday, April 15th, Police Chief Bisa French held an online discussion regarding COVD-19 for the community. The discussion included the police department’s response and approach to public safety issues arising out COVD-19, and what neighbors and community members can do to support one another. Here is a link to the video.

COVID-19 Small Business Resources

Many small businesses in the City of Richmond are struggling due to the Shelter in Place order. In an effort to support small businesses, the City has been diligently updating the Business Development website with the most up to date resources.

Resources that are useful for small businesses include but are not limited to:

Small Business Hotline  - Recently, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County has started operating a hotline to connect businesses and workers to helpful federal, state, and local programs.  Businesses and workers can call 833-320-1919 to receive resources and referrals on loans, grants, unemployment insurance, payroll subsidies, and other issues of concern.

CARES Act Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) – Recently added $301 Billion of funding to support small business through loans which can be forgiven if funds used to retain workers.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance  - 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 presidentially declared disaster.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans - US Small Business Administration Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business.

OnwardCA.org – One-stop resource for residents of California impacted by job loss due to COVID-19

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.

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.

Richmond Kiva Loan Program - Kiva is a small loan match program where you are required to raise 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.

Gotcha Bike Share Update

The City of Richmond - Gotcha bike share program spring launch has been delayed.

Manufacturing: Gotcha is actively manufacturing our electric pedal assist bikes in China. Since China was under a mandated quarantine after their New Year holiday, all manufacturers were unable to begin production as originally planned. Gotcha’s manufacturers are producing for us again and most of their factories are at 70% or more of their workforce capacity. Now that there is a clearer understanding of how this impacted factory partners in China, it is believed that Gotcha manufacturers are only experiencing a 6-8 week delay in our anticipated production schedule. Gotcha is talking daily with their manufacturing partners in China and pushing the production process as quickly as possible.

Shipping: Shipping for the United States as a whole is currently very fluid and it is being tracked on a regular basis. Essential shipments (medical supplies, food, medications, etc.), are being prioritized at this time and it is unsure how long this will be the case. Gotcha e-bikes and racks would not be deemed essential given the current state of affairs. With this information, it is unclear of the actual shipping backlog being created for non-essentials items and what the timeline implications are for us and others importing non-essential products into the US. Gotcha works with one of the largest worldwide freight carriers, so they are tracking this matter and will leverage the strong shipping relationship as needed.

As city staff gains more insight on these matters, information will be shared with the community. We are all working hard to press forward!

For more information visit ridegotcha.com/locations/Richmond or please reach out to Denee.Evans@ci.richmond.ca.us or katie@ridegotcha.com.

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.

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 FOR THE WEEK

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!

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 items 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 end of the school year. Student meals can be picked up from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the following 9 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 Recreation Center

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!

3.    City Manager’s Chronicles

Census 2020 – Be Counted to Help Richmond Shape the Future!

Right about the same time the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our lives, homes across the country began receiving their invitations to complete the 2020 US Census. Our priorities may have changed since then, but it’s still crucially important for everyone to complete their Census forms. Those who haven’t yet filled out their forms can do it online at www.my2020census.gov.

As of April 23rd, the City of Richmond has a 54.0% self-response rate, which is just ok – it’s lower than the rate for Contra Costa County as a whole (60.6%), but higher than the California average (52.8%).  I know that our community can do better. The Census is quick and easy to fill out, and can be completed online, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by requesting a paper form be mailed by calling that number.

Having an accurate count of everyone living in our community is more important than ever to ensure we have proper funding for essential services for years to come. It’s estimated that for every person missed in the Census, state and local agencies can lose $2,000/year in potential funding. The Census also determines the number of representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives, ensuring our political representation accurately reflects the population. And, Census data is used by business groups, policy analysts, and non-profits to help develop business plans, service areas, and policy decisions.

Everyone should complete the Census. For those who have already done that (thank you!), I’m asking you to encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do so as well.
More information about Census 2020 is online at Contra Costa County’s census page or the US Census page at www.2020census.gov.

4.    Community Development

UPDATED NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY for Point Molate Mixed-Use Development Project Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR)  - 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. A second notice was issued on March 17, 2020 announcing an extension of the comment period, which was initially set to end on April 6, 2020 and was then extended to April 16, 2020 in light of the unique and continuing public safety challenge presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19). This third notice announces the comment period is now being further extended by two weeks to 5:00 P.M. on April 30, 2020, to allow the public and agencies a total of 70 days to submit comments. The City is extending the public comment period further in response to the public requesting a further extension of the comment period in light of the continuing public safety challenge presented by COVID-19.

Please mail or email your written comments on the Draft SEIR no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 30, 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 to the written comments, 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.

A hard copy is also available for review at the City of Richmond Planning Division, City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA, 94804 (The Planning Division public counter is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Please contact planning@ci.richmond.ca.us  to make an appointment to view the hard copy or call (510) 620-6706 during business hours. A digital copy of all documents incorporated by reference and cited in the SEIR is also available at the City of Richmond Planning Division.

If you have any trouble accessing the document online or accessing the City Hall to review the hard copy due to the unique and continuing public safety challenge presented by COVID-19, please call Soco Montore at (510) 620-6705.

In addition, future public hearings will be held on the various public entitlements and SEIR certification.

Subscribe for Updates

Please sign up on Notify Me if you are interested in receiving email updates for this project.

Census 2020 is Underway!  Don’t miss being Counted!

The future of our communities starts with Census 2020. The Census count comes once a decade, to count every person living in the United States. Not only does the count determine congressional districting, it is also used to allocate critical funding for our communities for roads, affordable housing, schools, parks, and healthcare – which has been proved to be so essential for everyone during COVID-19 pandemic.

As of April 21, 2020, 54.0% of Richmond households have responded to Census 2020.   Two Richmond neighborhoods have a self-response rate below 40% - Iron Triangle (39.7%) and North Richmond (39.4%). Eleven neighborhoods are below a 50% self-response rate:

1.    Belding Woods (43.9%)
2.    Atchison Village (45.05%)
3.    City Center (45.0%)
4.    Panhandle Annex (46.7%)
5.    Richmond Annex (46.7%)
6.    Southwest Annex (46.7%)
7.    Metro Richmore Village (48.8%)
8.    Pullman (48.8%)
9.    Cortez-Stege (48.8%)
10. Park Plaza (48.8%)
11. Laurel Park (48.8%)

Map 1. City of Richmond.  Census 2020 Self- Response rate by census tract.

Census Bureau. https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html#

Every person missed in the Census count is estimated to result in a $2,000/year loss in federal funds for communities. If Contra Costa County undercounts by 5%, it’s expected to lose $1.1 billion of funding over the next ten years.

If you haven’t completed your questionnaire, or want to assist your neighbors, family, or friends to complete their census, remember it can be done through one of the following options:

·                     Online. Click this link and start your questionnaire: https://my2020census.gov/
The census questionnaire can be responded to online in 12 languages, besides English.
·                     Phone. Every day from 4:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. on the following phone lines:

­        English: 844-330-2020
­        Spanish: 844-468-2020

Monday through Friday from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. for the following languages on the following phone lines:

·                     Chinese (Mandarin): 844-391-2020
·                     Chinese (Cantonese): 844-398-2020
·                     Vietnamese: 844-461-2020
·                     Korean: 844-392-2020
·                     Russian: 844-417-2020
·                     Arabic: 844-416-2020
·                     Tagalog: 844-478-2020
·                     Polish: 844-479-2020
·                     French: 844-494-2020
·                     Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020
·                     Portuguese: 844-474-2020
·                     Japanese: 844-460-2020

·                     Mail. Starting April 8th, if a household has not responded to their census, a paper census questionnaire will be mailed. Completed questionnaires, should be mailed to:

U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132

Please help us spread the word about Census 2020 to make sure we’re all counted! 

¡El Censo 2020 está sucediendo! ¡No olvide contarse!

El futuro de nuestras comunidades empieza con el Censo 2020. El Censo se realiza una vez cada década, para contar a cada persona viviendo en los Estados Unidos. El conteo no solo define los distritos electorales, también se usa para determinar el presupuesto de nuestras comunidades incluyendo carreteras, vivienda accesible, escuelas, parques y acceso a la salud – algo que ha demostrado ser esencial para todas las personas durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Al 21 de abril, sólo 54.0% de los hogares han respondido al Censo 2020 en la Ciudad de Richmond. Dos vecindarios de Richmond se encuentran debajo del 40% de respuesta - Iron Triangle (39.7%) y North Richmond (39.4%). Once vecindarios se encuentran debajo del 50% de respuesta:

1.    Belding Woods (43.9%)
2.    Atchison Village (45.05%)
3.    City Center (45.0%)
4.    Panhandle Annex (46.7%)
5.    Richmond Annex (46.7%)
6.    Southwest Annex (46.7%)
7.    Metro Richmore Village (48.8%)
8.    Pullman (48.8%)
9.    Cortez-Stege (48.8%)
10. Park Plaza (48.8%)
11. Laurel Park (48.8%)

Mapa 1. Ciudad de Richmond. Respuesta al Censo 2020 por zona censal.

Census Bureau. https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html#

Cada persona que no sea contada en el Censo se estima que represente un costo de $2,000 al año en pérdida de fondos federales para las comunidades. Si el Condado de Contra Costa no cuenta al 5% de la población, perdería aproximadamente $1.1 mil millones de dólares de financiamiento en los siguientes 10 años.

Si no ha respondido su cuestionario, o quiere ayudar a sus vecinos, amigos o familiares a completar su cuestionario, recuerde que se puede realizar a través de las siguientes opciones:

·                     Internet. Dé click en este link e inicie su cuestionario: https://my2020census.gov/ El cuestionario del censo puede responderse en línea, en 12 idiomas, además de inglés.
·                     Teléfono. Todos los días de 4:00 am a 11:00 pm en los siguientes números:
­        Inglés: 844-330-2020
­        Español: 844-468-2020
Lunes a viernes, de 5:00 am a 7:00 pm, para los siguientes idiomas en los siguientes teléfonos:
­        Chino (Mandarín): 844-391-2020
­        Chino (Cantonés): 844-398-2020
­        Vietnamés: 844-461-2020
­        Coreano: 844-392-2020
­        Ruso: 844-417-2020
­        Árabe: 844-416-2020
­        Tagalo: 844-478-2020
­        Polaco: 844-479-2020
­        Francés: 844-494-2020
­        Creole Haitiano: 844-477-2020
­        Portugués: 844-474-2020
­        Japonés: 844-460-2020

·                     Correo. A partir del 8 de abril, si un hogar no ha respondido al censo, recibirá una forma por correo. Los cuestionarios completos deberán enviarse a la siguiente dirección:

U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132

¡Por favor ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre del Censo 2020, para asegurar que todos seamos contados! 

5.    Information Technology

Social Media Statistics for the week of April 24, 2020

KCRT TV Channel 28 - NEW EPISODES 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

6.    Internal Services

Finance

Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Budget Development

This week, Finance staff presented to the City Council the FY2019-20 third quarter budget report. The report included a glimpse into the preliminary budget projections for FY2020-21, which currently reflect a significant budget gap exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. All City departments are working collaboratively to identify cost-saving measures and revenue generation opportunities to close the budget gap.

The virtual community budget meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 7, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. 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.

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals:

7.    Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews completed the  installation of a fence to prevent illegal dumping and camping on City-owned property along the Richmond Parkway, responded to an after-hours call from the Police Department to board-up a breached City-owned building, started weed abatement at the Hacienda development, abated alleys, removed debris and graffiti throughout various locations in the City.

Fenced City Property

After Hours Board-Up

Hacienda Development Maintenance

Right-of-Way Abatement

Illegal Dumping

Graffiti Abatement

Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, installed a new air conditioner at the Employment and Training Center building, replaced the main water pipe at the Plunge, resolved safety inspection findings at the Recreation Complex, fixed a faucet and toilet at the Nevin Center, repaired a roll up door at the Corporation Yard, replaced thermostat batteries at the Parchester Community Center and replaced air conditioner filters at the Police Department.

Air Conditioner Installation

Utility Workers are continuing to sanitizing areas multiple times a day, removed broken glass from the Children’s Room of the Main Library and serviced 29 City owned facilities.

Broken Window Main Library

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews mowed parks, removed debris from parks and right-of-ways, weeded the Senior Center parking lot, continued with weed abatement on Carlson Boulevard medians, performed maintenance at Boorman Park, trimmed brush at the Point Richmond Library, repaired the restroom doors at Lucas Park, weeded Humphrey Park, performed irrigation repairs at Nicholl Park, installed a new basketball pole and hoop at Hilltop Green Park, weeded the Cutting Boulevard right–of-way from South 37th to South 49th Street, weed whipped Burg Park and removed debris from the Greenway.

Cutting Boulevard Right of Way           Basketball Pole Installation

Park Weed Abatement

Marina Districtcrews removed debris from parks and parking lots, weeded the Bay Trail, continued manual weeding on Marina Bay Parkway medians, string trimmed weeds at Shimada Park, removed debris from Concrete Beach, installed additional COVID-19 warning signs, removed weeds from Regatta Boulevard, trimmed weeds on Melville Square medians and continued to removed graffiti throughout the area.

Weed Abatement                       Manual Weed Abatement
Regatta Boulevard

Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, continued weed abatement around Hilltop Lake, completed weed abatement on the Richmond Parkway from the Causeway to Hilltop Drive, continued with irrigation repairs at Country Club Vista Park, removed trash from all parks, performed weed abatement at most parks, continued weed abatement on Atlas Drive and began weed abatement on Hilltop Drive.

Hilltop Drive Maintenance                       Country Club Vista Maintenance

Pavement Maintenance

Paving crews began base repair of an area on San Pablo and Garvin Avenues, addressed complaints with hot-mix patching and worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Street Sweepingcrews swept the following Neighborhood Council districts on the third Monday and Tuesday and the fourth Wednesday through Friday in; North Richmond, North Belding Woods, Iron Triangle, South Belding Woods, Forest Park, City Center Metro Richmore Village, Pullman Park, Cortez/Stege, Laurel Park, Eastshore, Parkview, Panhandle Annex, Richmond Annex and Southwest Annex.

Traffic Signs and Linesstaff fabricated 12 signs, installed 10 signs, reset two poles, installed eight poles, installed stop messages and painted white and yellow pavement markings.

2019/20 Sewer Segment Rehabilitation Project – RAA Year 2

The 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 has installed a new manhole
on 33rd Street at Macdonald Avenue.

Local contractor is pouring concrete as part of their
site restoration of a sidewalk panel on San Pablo Avenue near McBryde Avenue.

Local contractor is connecting a sewer lateral
to the new sewer main on San Pablo Avenue.

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.

8.    Richmond Promise

Become a Richmond Promise Mentor!

Interested in support a Richmond student through college? Richmond Promise is expanding its mentorship program and seeking individuals who can support our Scholars in their academic, personal, and career success.

Building on the success of our 2018-19 mentor pilot program, we aim to match mentors and mentees for the 2020-21 academic year. This goal is dependent on mentee/mentor interest and mutual fit.

The time commitment for mentors is approximately one hour per month starting in August 2020 with a minimum of a one-year commitment. If the mentee is based outside of the Bay Area, the interaction will be virtual.

If you're interested, please complete the mentor interest form at http://bit.ly/richmentor20

For questions, email bquarles@richmondpromise.org 

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