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 July 10th, 2020.

1.    Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st, 2020. 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.

Update on the Community Centers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our Community Centers are still closed (Recreation Complex is partially open). In the meantime, the Facility Maintenance staff have waxed the floors in the front areas of the Senior Center and the Developing Personal Resources Center (DPRC). Staff is working hard by cleaning and organizing the facility to meet the safety and social distancing requirements needed to re-open.

Update on Richmond Pools

While the Richmond pools are not yet open, plans are being made to re-open soon, based on County direction. As with every other establishment, there will be necessary changes to the former operating procedures for the Richmond Plunge and the Richmond Swim Center. Although these changes may be troublesome or frustrating, we are appreciative that most pool patrons have expressed gratitude for being able to use the pools again under almost any circumstances.

The main change that swimmers should expect is they will need to pre-register online for their time and lane before coming to the pool. This is being done to prevent overcrowding, and to allow for the necessary physical distancing. Additionally, the locker rooms and showers will be off limits, initially, and all swimmers will be required to wear masks, swim one person per lane in the center of the lane, and enter/exit at specified times. In the beginning stages of the reopening, the programs allowed will be adult lap swim and individual water exercise. As restrictions ease, additional classes and programs will be allowed to resume on a modified basis such as some water fitness classes, swim teams, and other rental groups.

One additional challenge will be re-training lifeguards to perform rescues in a different way than they have previously been trained. Not only will they need to alter the in-water rescues, and CPR/First Aid emergencies, but they will be limited in how they can practice these techniques in-person. These challenges are complex, but staff are working on solutions, so that the pools can open as soon as possible.

Richmond Small Business Support

COVID-19 continues to have significant effects on the economy, both locally and nationally. Restaurants and retail are particularly hurt due to closures or changes in their business operations during the pandemic. As the Bay Area Region begins to open, the City of Richmond's City Manager's Office, Economic Development Department, and Community Development’s, Planning Department  worked collaboratively to support Richmond's small business community:

Explore Richmond’s Interactive Restaurant Map

The City Manager's Office, Economic Development department worked with Richmond Main Street and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce to collect an inventory of open Richmond businesses to help community members locate and support them. To find local restaurants and retail spaces, please explore this interactive map and 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 this 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.

Outdoor Dining in Richmond

On June 23, 2020, the Richmond City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance authorizing a Special COVID-19 Temporary Use Permit and waiving fees associated with outdoor dining, seating, sale, and community assembly on private property. The Temporary Use Permit allows businesses to use private areas, such as parking lots for outdoor dining and seating, outdoor merchandise displays, and outdoor community assembly. The Temporary Use Permit fees have been waived, and the permit is valid until December 31, 2020. To apply for a Temporary Use Permit for outdoor dining, sales, or community assembly on private property, please submit a Site Plan (indicating the areas and locations of outdoor dining, sales, and/or assembly) to planning@ci.richmond.ca.us.

Please note that all operations must adhere to all Federal and State regulations and guidelines from the Contra Costa County Health Officer related to COVID-19. 

3.    Upcoming Events

Richmond Residents Please Come to the Oakland Airport- Community Noise Management Forum- Wednesday, July 15th!

On Wednesday, July 15th from 6:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M. , the Oakland International Airport will be hosting their quarterly Oakland Airport- Community Noise Management Forum. Item 5.C. 1 and 2 will discuss potential new flight paths that could impact Richmond and Contra Costa County residents. Please attend the meeting to learn more and voice your concerns.

Please view the July Agenda at https://flyquietoak.com/sites/default/files/documents/2020-07/AGENDA--Forum%207-15-2020%20%20Meeting.pdf. The agenda includes instructions on how to access the virtual meeting via zoom or by telephone,
For additional information contact Mike McClintock, Forum Facilitator at (415) 203-9097 or glomike65@aol.com. For more information and to sign-up for the “Fly Quiet Oak” email list visit, https://flyquietoak.com/

Richmond Rent Program Community Workshop Webinar:
Rights and Responsibilities for Richmond Landlords (Landlord-focused Community Workshop Webinar):

Saturday, July 18, 2020                      
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Please Pre-Register: https://bit.ly/2ZU3b1i 

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 Landlords who are interested in learning more about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance.

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 

Workshop: No-Cost Solar for Qualifying Richmond Homes

The City of Richmond in partnership with GRID Alternatives will be hosting an online workshop: 

Monday, July 20, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
RSVP at https://www.gridsolar.eventbrite.com or call 1-866-921-4696
Join the webinar here: https://bit.ly/GRID-Zoom (Spanish translation is available)

Funded by the City of Richmond and the State of California, GRID Alternatives provides no-cost solar systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure assistance to qualifying Richmond and North Richmond homeowners. Participants can save 60-90% on their electric bill with solar and save even more when paired with an electric vehicle. Join us to learn more about the program!

To qualify for GRID Alternatives’ solar program: 
(1) Live and own your home in the City of Richmond or North Richmond
(2) Your 2019 household income is at or below the following amounts listed below:

Apply now! Visit https://www.gridsolar.org/richmond or call 1-866-921-4696.

Taller: Solar Sin Costo Para Hogares Que Califican en Richmond

La ciudad de Richmond, en asociación con GRID Alternatives, organizará un taller en línea:

Lunes 20 de Julio de 2020 a las 7:00 P.M.
RSVP en https://www.gridsolar.eventbrite.com o llame al 1-866-921-4696
Únase al seminario web aquí: https://bit.ly/GRID-Zoom (traducción al español disponible)

Financiado por la Ciudad de Richmond y el Estado de California, GRID Alternatives brinda asistencia sin costo para a los sistemas solares y la infraestructura de carga de vehículos eléctricos para los propietarios de viviendas calificados de Richmond y North Richmond. Los participantes podrían ahorrar 60-90% en su factura de electricidad con energía solar y ahorrar aún más cuando se combina con un vehículo eléctrico. ¡Únase a nosotros para obtener más información sobre el programa!

Para calificar para el programa solar de GRID Alternatives:
(1) Vivir y ser dueño/a de casa en la ciudad de Richmond o North Richmond
(2) Su ingreso familiar 2019 es igual o inferior a las siguientes cantidades:

¡Aplica ya! Visite https://www.gridsolar.org/richmond o llame a GRID al 1-866-921-4696.

4.    Acknowledgements

Richmond and Oakland Mayors announce 2020 Census Challenge: Don’t miss being counted and help the City of Richmond to win the challenge!

Tom Butt, Mayor of Richmond, and Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland, have agreed to a friendly intercity challenge to get as many residents in their cities to respond to the 2020 Census. The challenge between the mayors started because residents have just one more month left to self-respond to the 2020 Census. August 10, 2020 is the deadline.

The two cities’ self-response rates were neck to neck when the challenged was agreed: Oakland’s self-response rate was 63.3% and Richmond’s was 63.4%. For both cities, the goal is to achieve a self-response rate of 100%. Richmond has had a 1.0% increase since the beginning of the challenge. As of July 7, 2020, 64.4% of Richmond households have responded to Census 2020 –a 0.5% increase compared to June 16.

However, Richmond still has one neighborhood with a self-response rate below 50% - North Richmond, including Shields-Reid (48.0%).  Richmond also has five neighborhoods that are located in the top 10 lowest self-response rate census tracts in Contra Costa County: Iron Triangle, Belding Woods, Coronado, Santa Fe, and Atchison Village. Remember, we all lose when someone is not counted!  Please help spread the word of the importance of responding to the census.

The following table has the response rate by neighborhood and the response rate growth over the past three weeks:

Table 1. Census 2020 response-rate by neighborhood in the City of Richmond as of July 7th.

Census Bureau. Response rate comparison between June 16th and July 7th 2020.

Help the City of Richmond to win the friendly intercity challenge against Oakland and get a complete count of our residents! Every person undercounted would represent the loss of around $2,000 per year. So, with Richmond’s current response rate (64.4%), our community could miss an estimated $78.8 million of funding per year 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 alcalde de Richmond y la alcaldesa de Oakland anuncian el Reto del Censo 2020: ¡No olvide contarse y ayude a la Ciudad de Richmond a ganar el reto!

Tom Butt, el Alcalde de Richmond, y Libby Schaaf, la Alcaldeza de Oakland, han acordado participar en un reto amigable para lograr que el mayor número de personas en sus ciudades responda al Censo 2020. La competencia entre alcaldes surgió ya que solo queda un mes para responder al Censo, ya que Agosto 10 del 2020 es la fecha límite.

La tasa de respuesta de las dos ciudades se encontraba empatada cuando el reto se acordó: 63.3% de la población de Oakland había respondido y 63.4% de la de Richmond. La ciudad ha tenido un crecimiento de 1.0% desde que inicio el reto. Para ambas ciudades, el objetivo es una tasa de respuesta del 100%. Al 7 de Julio de 2020, 64.4% de los hogares de Richmond han respondido al Censo 2020 – un crecimiento de 0.5% comparado con los datos de Junio 16.

Sin embargo, Richmond tiene aún un vecindario con una tasa de respuesta menor del 50% - North Richmond, incluyendo Shields-Reid (48.0%) y otros cinco vecindarios que se encuentran en los 10 tractos censales con la menor tasa de respuesta del Condado de Contra Costa: Iron Triangle, Belding Woods, Coronado, Santa Fe y Atchison Village. ¡Recuerde, todos perdemos cuando una persona no se cuenta!  ¡Por favor, ayúdenos a informar lo importante que es responder al censo!

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 de las últimas tres semanas:

Tabla 1. Porcentaje de respuesta del Censo 2020 por vecindario en la Ciudad de Richmond al 7 de julio.

Census Bureau. Comparación de la tasa de respuesta entre el 16 de junio y el 7 de julio.

¡Ayude a la Ciudad de Richmond a ganar el reto amigable contra Oakland y contar a todas las personas residentes! Cada persona que no se cuente representa la pérdida de $2,000 por año. Con la actual tasa de respuesta de Richmond (64.4%), nuestra comunidad puede perder un presupuesto estimado de $78.8 millones anuales por los próximos 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 A.M. a 11:00 P.M. en los siguientes números:
­   Inglés: 844-330-2020
­   Español: 844-468-2020
Lunes a viernes, de 5:00 A.M. a 7:00 P.M., 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

ECIA Competitive Grant Program Awards 21 Grants to Community-Based Organizations for FY 20/21

On July 29, 2014, the City and Chevron Products Company entered into the initial Chevron Modernization Project Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA). Under the ECIA, a competitive grant program was established to fund community programs focused on community, youth, and youth sports.
This year, Council approved a recommendation from the ECIA Grant Review Committee to award 21 grants for FY 2020-2021, for a total amount of $500,000 in categories 1 & 2.  Currently, ECIA grant staff are working with the grantees to finalize grant agreements.

Congratulations to the grantees! We look forward to the great work that will be carried out in the Richmond community.

For a list of grantees, please visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3695/Grant-Awardees

5.    City Manager’s Office - Economic Development

San Francisco Bay Ferry service on the Richmond Route Resumes Monday, June 15th

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Department in collaboration with the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is pleased to announce the restart of Ferry service on the Richmond route.

On June, 8, 2020, WETA announced that it will resume San Francisco Bay Ferry service on the Richmond route and double service on the Vallejo route beginning on Monday, June 15.

WETA has also adopted a six-point Passenger and Crew Safety Plan, formalizing safety measures put into effect to help prevent spread of COVID-19 in the Bay Area.

“As the region gets back to work, San Francisco Bay Ferry provides a safe, clean and comfortable way to cross the Bay,” said Jim Wunderman, chair of the WETA Board of Directors. “WETA’s safety plan is geared toward protecting passengers and crews while helping as many commuters as possible avoid the traffic congestion that's already beginning to return.”

The safety plan includes:
§  Enhanced cleaning
o   All ferries and terminals are being cleaned thoroughly and frequently using coronavirus-killing products.
§  Social distancing
o   Maximum capacity restrictions on ferries are in place to allow plenty of space for passengers. Social distancing is required at terminals.
§  Face coverings
o   All crews and passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings on the ferry and at terminals.
§  Hand sanitizer
o   Hand sanitizer and clean, stocked bathrooms are available on every ferry.
§  Healthy crews
o   Vessel crews’ temperatures are checked before reporting to work. All ferry and facility staff are provided personal protective equipment.
§  Touchless payment
o   Clipper, Hopthru and the Vallejo monthly pass are highly recommended for fare payment.

Additional details on WETA’s Passenger and Crew Safety Plan can be found at sfbf.mobi/bestwayback.
 

Richmond Housing Authority

Nevin Plaza Resident Meeting

Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) and EAH Housing hosted the first of many resident meetings to discuss the proposed rehabilitation of Nevin Plaza on July 9, 2020 via Zoom.  In addition to RHA and City staff, participants included representatives from EAH, the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County, and Enterprise Consultants.  Over 17 residents attended the meeting by phone and/or electronic device.

6.    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.

7.    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 City Council meeting, the Zoom GRID Practice run and Police Commission. Staff is preparing a Census video and a safety video for COVID-19.

Programming

New episodes are “The Jet Set” and “Sidewalks Entertainment.” Additionally, KCRT started airing John Gioia’s videos on Getting COVID-19 tested at Kennedy High and two Census-related pieces.

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

8.    Internal Services

Finance

Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Budget Development

At its meeting on June 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the proposed budget with revenue and expenditures equal at $165.2 million. The proposed budget was balanced with a $5.3 million placeholder for potential accommodations from bargaining units. The City Council voted to approve several staff recommendations totaling $2.3 million, including: use of reserves, use of other funding sources for program subsidies, staff reductions through attrition, and vehicle replacement reductions. The Council voted to cover the remaining $3 million by reducing overtime by the same amount, thereby, eliminating bargaining unit accommodations. The meet and confer process continues and depending on the outcome, staff may return with additional budget recommendations in July.

The complete budget documents are available on the City’s website at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/183/Budget-Documents.

General Accounting Division

Badawi & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, was hired to perform an independent audit of the financial statements of the City of Richmond for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 through 2022.  Badawi & Associates interim audit for the fiscal year 2019/2020 began on June 22, 2020 and will continue through July 17, 2020.

Currently, Badawi & Associates is working remotely, reviewing interim audit requests and interviewing staff throughout the City via Zoom meetings. They will schedule a site visit to review expenditure invoices during July 2020.

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals

9.    Library and Community Services

Library Updates

No Library Fines Furing the Pandemic

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

New 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

STEM @ Home: Science experiments with common household items! Instructional videos launch July 14th; kits will be available while supplies last. Call the Children’s Room at 510-620-6557.

Adult/Teen Craft Kits-to-Go: Available while supplies last. Call 510-620-6559 to reserve and arrange pick-up.

·        July 1-14: 4 bookmarks to color and 3 colored pencils

·        July 15-31: Tissue paper flowers

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

Recreation

A Visit from the Mayor and City Manager

We had special guests at our Virtual Summer Camp this week: Mayor Tom Butt and City Manager Laura Snideman! The mayor introduced campers to his goats and gave us a tour of his beautiful garden. As part of this week's theme for camp, "Richmond History", he also taught campers about the important role Richmond served during World War II.
  
Then, we had another special guest at our Virtual Summer Camp: City Manager Laura Snideman! It was a great pleasure having the city manager’s support! The kids from camp also showed great interest with the city manager being involved.

Youth for the virtual summer camp were able to engage in a line of questioning for the mayor and city manager – questions like, “What’s your favorite food?”, “What’s your favorite color?”, “What made you decide to work in Richmond?”, and “Where’s your favorite place to eat?”

We learned that Mayor Butt’s favorite type of food is salads, and his favorite thing to do in Richmond is walk the trails and parks, particularly Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline!

City Manager Snideman talked about all the tasks that a city manager has to perform. She also talked about loving Richmond because of its diversity, festivals, and the large amounts of volunteerism. We also found out that her favorite food is “pizza and ice cream in moderation” with which many campers agreed to be their favorite foods as well – and that she really likes the color purple!
City Manager Snideman also stressed the importance of knowing about Richmond’s history, especially during World War II when Richmond was at the forefront providing jobs, top notch childcare, and hospitals, while embracing diversity.

Want to stay up to date on what campers are doing? Check out our WordPress blog, which is updated at the end of each week! https://campachievescholars.wordpress.com/

Thank you Mayor Butt and City Manager Snideman for visiting our campers and for sharing your valuable insight with all of us!

Virtual May Valley

We have been having a great time in Virtual Summer Camp! Last week campers participated in Origami and creative drawing projects with community center staff. We also hosted a game of, “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” and participants had a great time and showed how smart they are. This week participants are looking forward to the virtual camping trip at the end of the week. Many of them are already planning out how they are going to construct their tents & forts at home for Friday!

10. Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews abated and boarded a dilapidated property in the Iron Triangle Neighborhood, abated weeds around the Port property, partnered with Contra Costa County to host the Shields-Reid/North Richmond Community Clean-up event where we assisted several seniors, removed illegally dumped debris and removed graffiti from various locations.

Private Property Clean-Up/Board-Up

North Richmond Neighborhood Clean-Up & Senior Assistance

Weed Abatement at Port

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Abatement

Facilities Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced fuel cap on heater #2 at the Recreation Complex, replaced an exhaust fan motor at the Richmond Swim Center, replaced expired extinguishers  and thermostat batteries at the Parchester Community Center, deactivated hose bib at the Art Center, located and isolated irrigation water leak at 450 Civic Center, cleared the utility sink at Fire Station #64.

Exhaust Fan Replacement at Swim Center

Utility workers continued sanitizing areas multiple times a day, removed a soap dispenser from the City Manager’s area kitchen, waxed the lobby floor in the Employment and Training building, cleaned blinds at the Communication Center and serviced 29 City owned facilities.

Blind Cleaning

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews removed debris from west side parks, repaired irrigation at four parks, trimmed redwood trees at Atchison and Nevin Parks, performed weed abatement at Nevin and Southside Parks, pest control at multiple parks, pruning at Booker T. Anderson Park, mowed turf at all parks, assisted with weeding on the 23rd Street separation, edged turf at John F. Kennedy Park, abated the San Pablo Avenue medians and repaired the play equipment at the Humphrey Play lot.

San Pablo Avenue Abatement               Illegal Dumping at Booker T.
  Anderson Center

Tree crews cut or removed trees on:  Bayview Avenue, Grove Street, Macdonald Avenue, Maricopa Avenue and at Friendship Park.

Marina Districtcrews continued maintenance of all parks and parking lots, removed weeds by hand from the corner of Regatta Boulevard and Marina Bay Parkway, weed abated the Bay Trail near Meeker Slough, abated the tree grove and trimmed trees at Marina Bay Park, mowed all lawns, removed debris throughout and continued weeding and trimming along the Bay Trail near Lucretia Edwards Park.

Hand Weeding

Hilltop District crews continued general maintenance around the business area, completed weed abatement at Country Club Vista Park, continued the replanting project at Bay Vista Park and completed weed abatement on the medians on Atlas Road and Giant Road.

Country Club Vista Park Maintenance

Pavement Maintenance

Paving crews patched various locations, addressed complaints and worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Pavement Patching

Pothole Filling

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

Traffic Signs and Linesstaff fabricated a sign, installed nine signs, installed a pole, repaired five signs, removed blue curb, installed speed tables and red and white pavement markings.

Speed Cushion Installation

Approach Line Installation

Water Resource Recovery Department

Macdonald & Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Projects

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

Local contractor is replacing severely damaged pipe near 23rd and 24th Streets and Macdonald Avenue.

Local contractor has completed damaged pipe replacement near 23rd and 24th Streets and Macdonald 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.  There is limited availability – work must have been completed between 7/1/2019-6/30/2020.

The 2020-2021 Fiscal Year grant program is now open and we are accepting applications for work completed between 7/1/2020-6/30/2021.

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.

11. Richmond Promise

Virtual Support for Recent High School Graduates & 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.

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