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 June 26th, 2020.

• Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th. Closed Session begins at 5:30 P.M., followed by the Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 P.M. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: June 23rd City Council Agenda.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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

City of Richmond Provides Easy “Contactless” Building Permit Application Process

June 23, 2020 – The City of Richmond has implemented a new process, within its existing digital eTRAKiT permit portal, to provide for contactless building permit application and approval. In the current COVID-19 environment, such contactless processes are an important way to better serve the community, giving people a safe, easy way to handle their business with the City during the ongoing shelter-in-place.

With this new process, contractors and property owners seeking a building permit can easily apply online, and attach any necessary supporting documentation. The City’s Building staff will review the application and append the appropriate fees, which the applicant can pay online. The building permit application is reviewed by staff, who can contact the applicant for any additional information that may be needed. Once the building permit application is approved, the City makes all approved project documents available for printing by the applicant and the City sends the official permit inspection card to the applicant by mail.

“This is a good example of how we’re working to adapt during these unprecedented times, in order to more effectively carry out the City’s business,” said Richmond City Manager Laura Snideman. “We’re making things easier for those seeking a building permit in Richmond, and safer for the entire community. Applicants won’t need to come into City Hall, which reduces their contact with other people, and that helps to reduce the potential for spread of the coronavirus.”

Utilizing eTRAKiT also saves City staff a considerable amount of administrative time in accepting applications, processing and routing projects, processing payments, and accepting and processing inspection requests. This system also makes it easy for customers to check the status of plan checks, permits, and inspections.

The City’s online building permit application process is available at http://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us.
For more information about the City of Richmond, its programs, services, community, amenities, and history, please visit ci.richmond.ca.us.

     
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Business and Worker Resources

Small businesses throughout the Bay Area, including in Richmond, have been particularly hurt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 18, 2020, Contra Costa County Health Officer updated the Shelter in Place Order to allow retailers to have curbside pickup and on June 5, 2020, to allow restaurants to have outdoor dining. As businesses are allowed to open back up the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Department has compiled a list of Federal, State, and Local resources to assist small businesses to navigate these trying times

Small Business Hotline - 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.

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

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.

CARES Act Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) – Recently added $301 Billion of funding to support small businesses through loans, which the SBA can forgive if the business uses the funds 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.

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.

Great Plates - California and Contra Costa County will pay restaurant owners up to $66 per meal delivered to seniors. They are looking for restaurants to prepare and deliver 3-meals a day to seniors during a shelter in place.

ICA Fund Good Jobs - Rapid Response Liquidity Fund will soon be offering up to $100K loans with 0% interest for a four-year term, with no payments due for the first 12 months, and have flexible payment terms for qualified businesses.

Co-Biz - This Co-Biz Richmond guide provides residents with a reference point to find resources that are available for individuals, businesses, and the community.

Employment and Training

RichmondWORKS Curbside Service- Now Available!

Please Support our Small Businesses in Richmond!

Restaurants and retail in Richmond have been particularly hurt due to closures or changes in their business operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 5, 2020, the Contra Costa County Health Services released an update to the Shelter in Place Order to allow for outdoor dining. As Richmond Businesses begin to open, the City of Richmond City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Department, Richmond Main Street, and Richmond Chamber of Commerce are collecting an inventory of open businesses to help community members locate and support Richmond businesses. To find local restaurants and retail spaces, please explore the interactive map to find a business that is right for you. If you are a small business that is open or will soon open and are not included in the map, please fill out the following survey to have your business added to the map. This interactive map will be periodically updated.

If you have any questions about this map please reach out to Thomas Omolo, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development by emailing thomas_omolo@ci.richmond.ca.us.

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 the summer as they transition to college and continue to pursue their dreams. 

Read below for key resources and the ways we are working together with partners to adapt our programming to virtually support Richmond college students. The Richmond Promise team is fully present and virtual. With any questions or requests for support, reach out to info@richmondpromise.org or call us at (510) 230-0422

Virtual Support for High School Seniors & College Students Through the Summer

Richmond Promise is offering virtual coaching to current & future college 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.

Contact our Outreach Team to make an appointment:

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

Richmond Promise Scholar Support

Do you know a Richmond Promise college student in need? Since March 13, we have provided students with support for groceries, computers and Wi-Fi access and travel home. If you know a Richmond Promise 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.

RecycleMore (West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority)

RecycleMore staff is working remotely and are still available to answer questions via email. For more information visit, http://recyclemore.com/

Open Services:

• Mattress Drop-off at 101 Pittsburg Ave, Richmond, CA
• 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

• El Cerrito Recycling Center- The El Cerrito Recycling Center, as well as the Household Hazardous Waste Collection is open with modified hours. For more information, visit https://www.el-cerrito.org/533/Recycling-Environmental-Resource-Center.

Suspended Services- Effective Monday, March 30th, until further notice

• West County Resource Recovery- the Compost give-away on the first Wednesday of the month will be temporarily suspended during the shelter in place.

The City of Richmond, RecyleMore, and Republic Services continue to work hard to keep the community clean and safe, ensure high quality service with minimal service disruption while facing a unique challenge that requires a dedicated focus on public health and safety.  For more information regarding the available programs visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1709/Waste-Recycling-Compost-Services.

• Upcoming Events

Richmond Rent Program Community Workshop Webinar: Rights and Responsibilities for Richmond Tenants

Tenant-focused Community Workshop Webinar:
Saturday, June 27, 2020                      
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Join by Zoom: https://bit.ly/37k6NNg 
Password: tenant

Topics will include:

• Overview of the Rent Ordinance
• Properties Subject to the Rent Ordinance
• Rent Control Overview
• Rent Increases and Eviction During COVID-19
• Just Cause for Eviction Requirements
• The Rent Adjustment Process
• Overview of Important California Civil Codes

This Community Workshop Webinar is designed for Richmond tenants who are interested in learning more about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. Visit our event page to register.

Questions? Visit www.richmondrent.org to learn more about the Rent Program, or call or email the Rent Program at (510) 234-RENT (7368)or rent@ci.richmond.ca.us 

• Acknowledgements

Richmond Art Center appoints José R. Rivera as Executive Director

The Richmond Art Center is pleased to announce the appointment of José R. Rivera to the position of Executive Director. Board of Directors President Patricia Guthrie said: “Mr. Rivera brings a wealth of management experience and a deep commitment to the arts and community which we feel will help move the Richmond Art Center forward at a time of great societal change.” Mr. Rivera’s hire comes after an extensive search involving the Board of Directors, RAC Staff, and community members.

Mr. Rivera brings over 25 years of experience with for-profit and non-profit organizations in California, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Massachusetts. He has extensive experience in helping organizations grow into successful entities, and in infusing entrepreneurial practices in settings as diverse as charitable organizations, government agencies, and academia.

“I am so thrilled to be joining the Richmond Art Center as its Executive Director. I am grateful for the trust placed in me to safeguard this artistic jewel of the Bay Area. I am confident that despite these very difficult times, our team and community will come together to ensure that we emerge from this situation vibrant and ready to, once again, provide artistic expression and art education programs to our communities. I look forward to greeting you at The Center.” – José R. Rivera

Image: José R. Rivera

Press Release: http://richmondartcenter.org/press-releases/richmond-art-center-announces-jose-r-rivera-as-new-executive-director/
Para comunicar inmediato: http://richmondartcenter.org/press-releases/richmond-art-center-anuncia-el-nombramiento-de-jose-r-rivera-como-el-director-ejecutivo/

Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, 510-620-6772
Media Contact: Amy Spencer, amy@richmondartcenter.org

• Community Development

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 June 16, 2020, 63.9% of Richmond households have responded to Census 2020 –a 0.7% increase compared to June 1st. Two Richmond neighborhoods still have a self-response rate below 50% - Iron Triangle (49.4%) and North Richmond, including Shields-Reid (47.3%).

The following table has the response rate by neighborhood and the response rate growth in the last two weeks:

Table 1. Census 2020 response-rate by neighborhood in the City of Richmond as of June 16th.

Census Bureau. Response rate comparison between June 1st and June 16th 2020.

Map 1. City of Richmond.  Census 2020 Self- Response rate by census tract. June 16th, 2020.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. Since 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

If you have questions, need assistance to respond to Census 2020, or have ideas on how to inform your neighborhood to respond Census 2020, please email beatriz_guerrero@ci.richmond.ca.us and provide a phone number to contact you.

Please help us spread the word about Census 2020 to make sure we’re all counted!  You can share the following videos with your friends, neighbors, and family through text messages or social media:

• Census 2020 Video (English and Spanish) https://youtu.be/RbSSpElLSSY
• Census 2020 Video (English) https://youtu.be/Iya3JbpH2cU
• Census 2020 Video (Spanish) https://youtu.be/YiBiFK6CsZc

¡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 16 de junio, 63.9% de los hogares han respondido al Censo 2020 en la Ciudad de Richmond – un aumento de 0.7% comparado con los datos del 1ro de junio. Dos vecindarios de Richmond se encuentran aún debajo del 50% de respuesta - Iron Triangle (49.4%) y North Richmond, incluyendo Sheilds-Reid (47.3%).

A continuación, se presenta una tabla con el porcentaje de respuesta de cada vecindario de la ciudad y el crecimiento de la tasa de respuesta en las últimas 2 semanas:

Tabla 1. Porcentaje de respuesta del Censo 2020 por vecindario en la Ciudad de Richmond al 16 de junio.

Census Bureau. Comparación de la tasa de respuesta entre el 1 y el 16 de junio.

Mapa 1. Ciudad de Richmond. Respuesta al Censo 2020 por zona censal al 16 de junio. 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 4am a 11pm en los siguientes números:

• Inglés: 844-330-2020
• Español: 844-468-2020

Lunes a viernes, de 5am a 7 pm, para los siguientes idiomas en los siguientes teléfonos:

• Correo. Si un hogar no ha respondido al censo, a partir del 8 de abril 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

Si tiene dudas, necesita ayuda para responder el Censo 2020 o tiene ideas sobre cómo informar a su vecindario para que responda el Censo 2020, mande un correo electrónico a beatriz_guerrero@ci.richmond.ca.us y por favor incluya su número de teléfono para contactarlo(a).

¡Por favor ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre del Censo 2020, para asegurar que todos y todas seamos contados!  Pueden compartir los siguientes videos con sus amigos, familias y vecinos a través de mensajes de texto y redes sociales:

• Video Censo 2020 (Inglés y Español) https://youtu.be/RbSSpElLSSY
• Video Censo 2020 (Inglés) https://youtu.be/Iya3JbpH2cU
• Video Censo 2020 (Español) https://youtu.be/YiBiFK6CsZc

• Fire Department

The Richmond Fire Department takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from wildland fire. However, in a major wildland fire event, there simply may not be enough resources or firefighters to defend every home.

Successfully preparing for a wildland fire enables you to take personal responsibility to protect yourself, your family, and property. In this guide, we provide the tips and tools you need to prepare for a wildland fire threat, to have situational awareness when a fire starts, and to act early as directed by local officials.

This guide works in collaboration with other existing wildland fire public education efforts, but attempts to capture pertinent information into one document for your convenience. Additional resources are listed within this document for further information.

You are a key leader to creating change. You and the members of your community can take simple steps to increase your wildland fire preparedness. Your knowledge and actions may empower others to follow your lead, increasing their safety and potentially decreasing property loss and damage. Being prepared for a wildland fire is vital, as responders’ resources can be spread thin quickly during a wildfire event. Taking advanced personal action can result in improved safety for all involved.

Fire is, and always has been, a natural occurrence. Hills, canyons, and forests burned periodically long before homes were built. Wildland fires are fueled by a build-up of dry vegetation and driven by seasonal hot and dry winds, called “Diablo winds.” These winds can quickly spread wildfires, making them extremely dangerous and difficult to control. Many people have built homes in the wildland urban interface, or “WUI,” without fully understanding the impact a wildfire may have on their lives. Few have adequately prepared their families and homes for a timely evacuation in the event of a wildland fire.

It is not a question of if the next major wildfire will occur, but when. Through advanced planning, understanding, and preparation, we can all be partners in the wildland fire solution. The tips on the following pages are designed to help create awareness and a safer environment for you, your family, and the Richmond Fire Department.

• Information Technology

Transparent Richmond

Check out Transparent Richmond (www.transparentrichmond.org), the City of Richmond’s citywide 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.

Social Media Statistics for this Week

KCRT DATANET FOR THE WEEK

KCRT TV Channel 28 – New Episodes of Current Programming

Production

This week, KCRT supported Webinars and online Meetings for the Richmond City Council meeting, ECIA Grant program, Fireworks Roundtable, and the Rent Board.

Programming

New episodes are “Creature Features,” “The Jet Set,” and “Sidewalks Entertainment,”

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

• Internal Services

Finance

Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Budget Development

This week, staff completed development of the FY 2020-21 budget, which is balanced with revenues equal to expenditures at $165.1 million. The budget does include a placeholder of $5.2 million for bargaining unit accommodations or other cost savings. Staff will be presenting the FY 2020-21 Annual Operating Budget and FY 2020-25 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan Budget to the City Council for adoption at its meeting on June 30, 2020.

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals

• Library and Community Services

Employment and Training

Library Services

The Library is not charging fines during the pandemic. Please disregard any billing notices. If you have problems accessing your account, please contact us: 510-620-6561.

The book return at the Main/Civic Center library is now open 24/7!

You can now request books and DVDs for pickup from the Main/Civic Center library!

Place holds online at rosie.ci.richmond.ca.us or contact the librarians:

• Voice: 510-620-6561
• Text: 510-621-7346
• Email: rpl_reference@ci.richmond.ca.us

Library Newsletter

We’ve launched a newsletter! Read the latest news and updates at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3955/News and sign up to receive news by email: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/List.aspx?ListID=384

Follow the library on social media for programming and news!

            www.richmondlibrary.org         www.facebook.com/RPLCivicCenter      

            instagram.com/richcitylibrary               @RichCityLibrary               

            pinterest.com/RichCityLibrary             richcitylibrary.tumblr.com

Online programs

Children’s Storytime: 10:30 A.M. Wednesdays via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/RPLChildrens/live
Additional children’s programming is coming soon!

Hit the Road Books! Take a summer read trip with the library – your pages count for miles and get tracked on a map. Learn more: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3967

Library Literary Trivia Night: 6:00 P.M. Tuesdays via Zoom. Questions about books and words, ranging from children’s books to classic literature. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlceqprzIpG9KtkS7EwR1r2kVUPrKZAUst

Bring Your Own Book Discussion: 12:30 P.M. Wednesdays via Zoom. Let’s talk about the books we’re reading, have recently read, or want to read! To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceisrD8sGdfP3DCf9FEGjRsHj75XNS0e

• Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews performed weed abatement on various public right of ways and City owned properties, hosted the Eastshore Neighborhood Clean-up event where we assisted several seniors, removed illegally dumped debris and removed graffiti from various locations throughout the City.

Right of Ways & Lot Maintenance

Neighborhood Clean-Up

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Abatement

Facilities Maintenance

Electricians replaced a twin arm street light pole on May Road and Valley View Road, corrected signal timings and serviced street light poles throughout the City.

Street Light Pole Replacement

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, maintenance on condenser fan motors at 440 and 450 Civic Center Plaza, replaced an oven at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, resolved an issue with the water at the Annex Senior Center, replaced a hose bib in the Sign Shop at the Corporation Yard, repaired plumbing issues at the Corporation Yard, fixed urinals at the Parks office, removed drinking fountains from the Library and manufactured tables.

Oven Installation

Utility Workers are continuing to sanitizing areas multiple times daily, removed old furniture from the Main Library and serviced 29 City owned facilities.

Furniture Removal

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews removed debris from west side parks, repaired irrigation at three parks, removed trash receptacles due to vandalism, performed pest control at multiple parks, continued weed abatement along the fire zones, removed debris from the Greenway and from the access road to Mira Vista Park, mowed turf at multiple parks, performed general maintenance at Booker T. Anderson Park and edging at Boorman Park, and completed weed abatement in various other locations.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Boorman Park Pruning                 Irrigation Repair

Tree crews cut or removed trees on:  South 19th Street, Wiswall Court, Wiswall Drive, Fresno Avenue, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Boorman Park.

Tree Trimming on Wiswall Court

Marina District crews continued maintenance of all parks and parking lots, weed abatement on planters, removed weeds from the concrete near Lucretia Edwards Park, maintenance on the tree wells at Marina Bay Park, pruning on the Marina Bay Parkway medians, mowed the lawns on the Bay Trail, removed weeds along fencing and removed debris throughout.

Hand Pruning                             Maintenance on Tree Wells

Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, removed debris from all parks and continued with weed abatement in the High Fire Severity Zone (HFSZ).

High Fire Zone Maintenance

Pavement Maintenance

Paving crews grinded and paved on Carlos Avenue, cleaned storage bays, addressed complaints and worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Carlos Avenue Paving

Street Sweepingcrews swept the following Neighborhood Council districts on the fourth Monday through Friday in; Santa Fe, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, Coronado, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman, Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park, City Center, Richmond Annex, Parkview, Panhandle Annex and Eastshore. Staff also swept the bicycle lanes as time permitted.

Bicycle Lane Sweeping

Traffic Signs and Linesstaff fabricated 12 signs, installed six signs, installed five poles, repaired a sign, installed four stop messages, hung a banner on Macdonald Avenue and painted red pavement markings in various locations.

Sign & Banner Installation

Message Installation

Water Resource Recovery

Macdonald & Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Projects

Local contractor is continuing work on this project. See pictures and descriptions below.

Local contractor is installing a new manhole and manhole base at 24th Street.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Upgrade Project

Contractor is working on the site process and instrumentation and has set up the SCADA monitor in the Plant Operations room.

SCADA contractor is setting up 1 of 5 SCADA Workstations at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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.

1. Rent Program

Rent Board Adopts 2020 Annual General Adjustment in the Amount of 2.9% (Effective 09/01/2020)

At their meeting on June 17, 2020, the Rent Board adopted Regulation 608, establishing the 2020 Annual General Adjustment (AGA) rent increase for Controlled Rental Units in the amount of 2.9%. Rent increases for the 2020 Annual General Adjustment may not take effect prior to September 1, 2020.

The 2020 AGA may only be applied to tenancies in effect prior to September 1, 2019, and must comply with the COVID-19 Emergency Order prohibiting certain types of evictions as well as rent increases through July 15, 2020, or any extension of the Emergency Order.

In addition, to apply the 2020 Annual General Adjustment rent increase of up to 2.9%, Landlords must comply with State law requirements and file a notice of rent increase with the Rent Board within ten (10) business days after service on the Tenant, in accordance with the Rent Increase Procedure on the Rent Program website (www.richmondrent.org).

Visit www.richmondrent.org/increase to access resources such as a notice of rent increase template, Maximum Allowable Rent Calculator, and more.

What’s the Annual General Adjustment?
The Annual General Adjustment (AGA) is an annual rent increase for Controlled Rental Units permitted by the Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The Annual General Adjustment is calculated based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index of the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

Are Landlords Allowed to “Bank” Annual General Adjustment Rent Increases?
Yes, Landlords may apply deferred Annual General Adjustment rent increases; however, Rent Board Regulation 602 limits the amount of deferred increases that may be applied in any 12-month period.

For more information about the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance and Richmond Rent Program, please visit www.richmondrent.org.

1. 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/rpmentors

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