Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending October 8th, 2021.

• Meeting Notes

The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19th, 2021. Enjoy the next week off!

• Upcoming Events

Community Benefits Policy Community Meetings

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development invites you to the Richmond Community Benefits Policy Community Meetings. Learn about the development of a city-wide Community Benefits Policy and share your ideas and priorities for what should be included. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Community Input Meeting 1
Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Register here: tinyurl.com/richmondCBmtg1

Community Input Meeting 2
Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021
Time: 12:00 P.M.
Register here: tinyurl.com/richmondCBmtg2

For more information go to the Project Website - tinyurl.com/RichmondCBP

Servicios de interpretación en español están disponibles a petición al registrarse 48 horas antes de los talleres (510) 620-6512.

Let’s Talk Cannabis Social Equity

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Department, is excited to invite you to a community meeting on Richmond’s Cannabis Equity Assessment. In collaboration with the City and the Economic Development Commission, SCI Consulting Group has been working on drafting a Cannabis Equity Assessment that will inform the a Cannabis Equity Ordinance. Over the past few months, SCI Consulting Group has conducted stakeholder interviews, reviewed the current cannabis landscape in Richmond, analyzed cannabis arrests, and incorporated findings into an Equity Assessment.
Please join us on October 19th, 2021 at noon or October 20th at 6:00 P.M.  to provide input regarding the development of the City’s commercial Cannabis Equity Program. Your input is needed to provide insight on the Community, opportunities, and challenges in developing the City’s Cannabis Equity program.

• Bay Area Air Quality Management District

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is soliciting input from community members in Richmond, North Richmond, and San Pablo, to learn more about local air pollution concerns. Community leaders from the area are working with the Air District to co-develop strategies to reduce harmful air pollution that impacts people where they live, work, play, and pray. They need to hear from you! Visit https://rspcerp.mysocialpinpoint.com/ and take a moment to share your stories, perspectives, and input to help inform local air pollution strategies.

• City Manager’s Office

2021 Richmond Community Survey is now open to all residents!

Every two years since 2007, the City of Richmond conducts a community survey to help the City evaluate services, measure resident satisfaction with current services, and to help plan for Richmond’s future. The survey is available to all residents of Richmond to complete between October 1- October 25, 2021.

The online survey is now available in English and Spanish. Please use the links below to fill one out online. You can also visit the City’s website to view the results from previous community surveys.  If you have any questions, please call 510-620-6512 for assistance.

English survey: https://polco.us/richmondca2021
Spanish survey: https://polco.us/richmondcaespanol2021

Cada dos años desde el 2007, la ciudad de Richmond ha conducido una encuesta comunitaria para ayudar a la ciudad evaluar los servicios, medir la satisfacción de los servicios para los residentes, y para ayudar a planear el futuro de Richmond. La encuesta está disponible para todos los residentes entre 1o de octubre- 25 octubre 2021.

La encuesta está disponible en ingles y español. Por favor use los enlaces en seguida para llenar una encuesta en linea. También puede visitar la página web de la ciudad para ver los resultados de la encuesta de años prévios. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame al 510-620-6512 para asistencia.

Encuesta en Ingles: https://polco.us/richmondca2021
Encuesta en Español: https://polco.us/richmondcaespanol2021

• City Manager’s Office, Economic Development

City of Richmond Artist Database Form

The City of Richmond Artist Database Form is an opportunity for local artists from all media and genres available for art projects in Richmond to provide their information to the City. If you are a local artist, please fill out this form: City of Richmond Artist Database Form.

Please note: This survey is a public document and the responses are subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act. In response to a Public Records Request, the City does not disclose personal emails and personal phone numbers. If a Public Records Act Request arises, the City will produce the record but redact the personal information.

Richmond Economic Development Working Group – Inaugural Meeting

Over the past year, the City Manager’s Office Economic Development Department has been working collaboratively with HR&A Advisors to draft the Short-Term Local Business Recovery Action Plan (STLBRAP) and the Richmond Business Investment and Attraction Strategy (RBIAS). One of the plan’s Action items is the establishment of an Economic Development Working Group. On October 7, 2021, the Economic Development Working Group held its first Inaugural meeting.

At the meeting, Economic Development City staff members and various Business service providers addressed the recovery needs of local businesses while planning for longer-term economic development goals and strategies for the City. The first meeting was to workshop the overall vision, specific goals, and attainable objectives. Topics discussed included recovery efforts, priority actions, unemployment, start-up companies, and funding. The group utilized Google Jamboard to foster collaboration and communication between City staff member organizations. The group will continue to meet monthly to collaboratively support Richmond’s business community.

Economic Development Commission -- Moxion Power Company Visit

On Wednesday, October 6th as part of the Bay Area Manufacturing Week, Richmond Economic Development Commissioners and City Manager’s Office, Economic Development staff members toured Moxion Power Company Research and Development Facility and the construction site of the new manufacturing facility at the Craneway Pavilion.
Moxion Power Company is a Richmond-based clean energy company that has developed a fully electric power generator to provide ‘zero-emission temporary power as a service.’ Moxion’s goal is to provide mobile power units that will replace diesel generators in construction, events & entertainment, utilities, and government agencies. These new mobile power units require minimal maintenance, offer improved readability, real-time data analytics about the generators and are whisper quite to reduce noise pollution.

The new facility, located in the Craneway Pavilion, is scheduled to be completed and ready for production in 2022. Currently, the company is focusing on expanding the range of their services and marketing their all-electric power generator. The company will manufacture most of the power generators on site, and source most of their materials from within the U.S. To find out more about the company, visit www.moxionpower.com.

East Bay Economic Development Alliance – East Bay Innovation Award

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Department is pleased to announce the finalists for the East Bay’s Economic Development Alliances’ ( East Bay EDA) - East Bay Innovation Award. The 9th annual East Bay Innovation Award showcases the best examples of innovation in product development, services, and processes. The East Bay EDA received over 200 entries which were reviewed by subject matter experts who narrowed the list down to twenty (20) finalists in ten (10) competitive categories. Nominees were from Alameda and Contra Costa County and included the Richmond-based business RYSE (Richmond), nominated in the Community Impact category.
The virtual East Bay Innovation Awards is on Thursday, October 14, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and please register yourself, colleagues, and guests to get the show link.

Exhibitor Applications Open for the Craneway Craft Fair- 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division encourages Richmond artists, craftspeople, non-profits, makers, and fair traders to consider applying for the Craneway Craft Fair- 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and read the Exhibitor FAQ before applying. The application can be found at, www.cranewaycraftfair.com/artcraftapplication.

The Craneway Craft Fair - 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit will be held on November 27th and 28th from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For event details visit, www.cranewaycraftfair.com, or follow them on Instagram.

• Internal Services

Information Technology
Website Statistics

KCRT Datanet For The Week

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming

New Segment / Series Episode: 

• New episodes of “The Jet Set,” “Eat Well Be Happy,” “Classic Movies,” “Colour in Your Life,” and “Creature Features”
• Multiple new episodes of the regular edition of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week

Recent Segments:

• “NewsBytes” Segments: National Night Out 2021, Ookwe Park Celebration, Yellow Brick Road, Transit Re-Grand Opening and BOLT Bike Sharing
• ”Your Future Your Choice: Life after High School” six short presentations that cover options and resources for four-year colleges, community colleges, and the building trades (video courtesy of Library and Doug Harris).
• “Sidewalks Entertainment” one-hour special on Jimmy McCracklin and his new exhibit at the Richmond Museum.
• A revised edition of GRIP Alternatives No-Cost Solar Workshop
• Hacienda Groundbreaking
• Diversity Flag Raising
• RPD: Stop The Hate
• Redesign Shields-Reid Park
• Hope and Healing

You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule

• Library and Community Services

Community Services (Recreation)

Afterschool Program

Children will receive homework assistance, participate in group games, have social interaction, and engage in sporting activities and experiments with arts & crafts. Programs are supervised by City of Richmond staff and volunteers.

Aquatics Update

The new schedule for the Richmond Plunge and Richmond Swim Center is effective October 1, 2021. No reservations are required. Swimming is on a first come, first served basis at both pools. The Richmond Pools will soon be seeing happy parents and tots with the popular Little Splasher class resuming on Monday mornings at the Plunge and on Thursday mornings at the Richmond Swim Center. This class is about helping parents and caregivers introduce young children to classes at the pool in a fun and safe way. The Richmond Swim Center session begins October 14, 2021, and the Plunge session begins October 18, 2021. Advanced registration is required and class space is limited to six (6) children (with their adults).  

Healthy Lunches for Seniors!

If you are reading this notation and you are a senior who requires a healthy nutritious lunch, the Richmond Senior Center serves frozen meals every Tuesday from 11:15 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

New Tennis programs for October!

Adult Tennis: Tennis lessons for Adults/Seniors. Learn to play winning doubles and singles while having fun. Classes are offered for beginners and intermediate levels to competitive tournament levels. Wear sweat clothes and tennis shoes.
Youth Tennis: Staff will lead small groups of children in games and tennis drills that teach important hand-eye coordination, footwork and the rules of the game.

Tai Chi at the Richmond Senior Center

Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi is sometimes described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body. Come and join us at the Richmond Senior Center on Thursdays from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M

Developing Personal Resources Center: “Meeting individual needs for people with intellectual and development disabilities”

Virtual Lunchtime Specials Classes – Charcuterie Board

The Lunchtime Specials virtual classes provided the group with learning how to present a charcuterie board. Each person prepared their own rendition, included Italian, Japanese, and American ingredients. Come join us for good food and company!
If you are interested in more information related to other virtual classes, contact Sharolyn Babb at 510-620-6814 or Mapuana Bal at 510-620-6815.

Employment and Training Division

The RichmondWORKS, America’s Job Center of Californiasm (AJCC)

Located at 330 25th Street, Richmond, Ca. 94804 is open for various career and job search services by appointment.  Career Planners are available to provide weekly One-on-One Career Counseling sessions, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment.  Call RichmondWORKS now at (510) 307-8014 to make your appointment for job search and career counseling assistance.

RichmondWORKS AJCC Customer Satisfaction Survey
In support of the Richmond Workforce Development Local Area, RichmondWORKS staff will be conducting its Customer and Employer Satisfaction Survey. This survey is part of a triennial assessment of the workforce development services provided by the Richmond Workforce Development Board and staff.  We sincerely hope that all persons that have received workforce services at the RichmondWORKS AJCC will take a few minutes to complete the survey. The survey will be available October 1st thru October 15th.  Thank you in advance for your continued support of RichmondWORKS and the workforce services being provided for the Richmond community.  Please click one of the following links to complete the survey that applies:
RichmondWORKS/YouthWORKS, AJCC Customer Satisfaction Survey
RichmondWORKS, AJCC Employer Satisfaction Survey
  

Office Administration Internship Position Available at YouthWORKS!

YouthWORKS is accepting applications from Richmond youth, ages 18-24, who are interested in learning new skills while assisting with general office management. Starting pay is $15.21 an hour; 30+ hours per week.  For more information, contact Yesenia Melara at: YMelara@richmondworks.org or call (510) 412-2044.

YouthWORKS – Work Experience and Training Opportunities for Richmond Residents

Richmond YouthWORKS has several programs to provide Richmond youth, ages 18-24, with job search, work experience, and training assistance. For more information, visit the YouthWORKS Homepage, Facebook, or call 510-412-2044.

Contra Costa County has a FREE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Program

Richmond & Contra Costa County Workforce Development Boards, in conjunction with Contra Costa College and the Emergency Medical Service Corp of Alameda County, will be presenting a free 5-month training program for eligible participants. Some of the benefits of the program include:  Bonus compensation upon completion and certification; and job placement with starting pay of $20-$30 per hour. Minimum eligibility requirements are: High School Diploma or GED, applicant must be 18+ years of age, and able to pass a background check. Evening classes will be presented November 2021 thru March 2022. For more information, please contact Cinthia Hernandez at: chernandez@richmondworks.org; or call: 510-307-8019.        

RichmondBUILD and YouthBUILD Construction Training Programs

RichmondBUILD and YouthBUILD will continue to accept applications for their construction pre-apprenticeship training programs. Interested applicants may sign up at the RichmondWORKS America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), located at 330 25th Street, Richmond CA 94804; or visit the RichmondBUILD website for more information.

Local Employment Opportunities Include:

• RichmondWORKS has an Internship Opportunity, Case Management Navigator, available for the right candidate!  This position is a temporary (18 month) paid learning experience provided through State/Federal grant programs. Hours: 30-40 hours/ week.  Salary:  $21-24/hr. DOE. This position is open until filled. For more information, please contact Monica Castrillo at mcastrillo@richmondworks.org.

• Sonoma County Airport Job Fair will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021 (12:00pm – 3:00pm) at the Kaiser Air Hanger; 2240 Airport Blvd.; Santa Rosa, CA  94503. For more information, please contact Ness Salonga at 1-707-576-2015 or Ernest.Salonga@edd.ca.gov.   

• University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) will host a Virtual Veterans Job Fair and Open House; November 10, 2021 (1:00pm – 3:30pm).  The event will include a roundtable discussion on unconventional job search advice in a virtual environment. There will be job fair breakout rooms to learn about current and future job opportunities. Register for this event today at: UCSFVeteransVirtualEvent2021.eventbrite.com.

• Chocolatier Assistant and Packaging (with employee-owned company). Coracao Chocolate is a Richmond business that has been in business 13 years and is a certified Climate-Neutral business that specializes in decadent & sustainably sourced dark chocolate. Hours: M-F (8am-4:30p).  Salary: 18/hr.  Benefits: Paid Time Off, Discounts on all chocolate, Healthcare after 4 months; and, Employee Ownership Opportunities After 1 Year. To apply, please submit your resume to: Daniel@CoracaoConfections.com. Closing date: 10/27/2021.

• Paseo, a California Bistro, is opening soon in Mill Valley! Management is seeking to hire skilled positions such as line cooks, bartenders, and servers. Restaurant industry experience is required. Salaries will range from $14 per hour +tips to $25 per hour.  All full-time employees (30+ hrs/wk) will be eligible for health, dental, and vision benefits after 30 days of employment. To apply, please submit your resume to: kevin@paseobistro.com. 

• Preschool Teacher/Assistant positions are available! This would be a great opportunity to work in a stable professional environment at a 26-year old nationally accredited preschool in Hercules. Applicant must be fluent in English and be able to communicate effectively; knowledge of Spanish and sign language helpful.  Permanent part-time positions: 8:00am - 1:00pm &12:45pm - 5:00pm, between Monday and Friday. Competitive salary, based on education, experience, references & interview. Please call (510) 245-0678 (M-F, 8am-5pm) to arrange to submit resume or complete an application in person.

• Mechanics Bank is hiring, and has available positions in the Bay Area.  Mechanics Bank has career opportunities for both short and long term career objectives. Whether you seek a part-time or full-time position, Mechanics Bank has a variety of roles to meet your career objectives.  To apply online, click:  https://www.mechanicsbank.com/About-Us/Careers/Career-Areas.

• Bio-Rad is Hiring!  Come join a company where what you do really makes a difference!  Bio-Rad has multiple opening in their Richmond, Benicia, and Hercules, California locations.   For complete job descriptions and to apply, please visit: careers.bio-rad.com/jobs/search.   

Equal opportunity employer/programs
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities

Library

Library Zoom Program:  Quetzacóatl and a Magical Flute of Fire

Richmond Public Library and Palomino Productions invite you attend a free online Zoom event on Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 3:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.  Quetzacóatl and a Magical Flute of Fire highlights two East Bay artists using their art to reconnect with their indigenous Mexican heritage. After a 30-minute film, one of the artists and the local filmmaker will have a live question and answer discussion. This is a family friendly event.  For more information, contact the Richmond Public Library at (510) 620-6561. Click here to register: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4141.

New Kids’ Craft! — October Fun!

When you visit the Children’s Room at the Main Library, ask for a kids’ craft kit, or reserve one to pick up at the Bayview or West Side Branch. The kits will include materials for a pumpkin craft, a spider craft, and other surprises.

For placing holds, help with using eBooks, or any other questions, call us in the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557. Or, come and visit us!
Starting October 6th, the library opens 2 hours earlier on Wednesdays,
1:00 to 6:30pm. This makes it easier to come after school on the early dismissal day!

Back to school, back to homework — For students in kindergarten through 12th grade!

You can get homework help from live tutors in real time!  All you need is your library card to set up an account at Richmond Public Library HelpNow--Online Tutoring or visit our homepage, www.richmondlibrary.org

You can request help in Spanish or English.  Just indicate the grade level and subject of your homework to be matched with a knowledgeable tutor.  If you need help getting started, call us in the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557.

The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) recognizes student Sharloyn Reed-Thompson and volunteer Susan Nishizaka

LEAP is now successfully operating a distance/remoting learning platform and a lot of it has to do with the dedication and commitment of our volunteer and adult leaner pairs who’ve modified their teaching habits. The result of their dedication is demonstrated in the inspiring thoughts expressed in one of our student’s passionate writings.
Sharloyn Reed-Thompson has been a LEAP student for a few years and truly excelled in the program after being paired with her tutor Susan. Susan recalls the transition tutoring from in-person to over-the-phone. Since April of 2020, they have been meeting regularly and with such a difficult year and no diversions, it was helpful to have consistent tutoring sessions to provide some structure to their days. They found plenty of time to focus on lessons and since, Sharloyn has moved up three workbooks in both reading and writing! Susan enjoys working with LEAP and is very pleased to see the great progress being made by her student. To illustrate what great work the pair has done, enjoy a snippet of the essay written by Sharloyn Reed-Thompson and edited by Susan Nishizaka. To read the full essay, please visit LEAP’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LEAPRICHMONDCA/

John F. Kennedy and the African American Community

Growing up in the 60’s in Texas, I can remember visiting the homes of many African American families. Although, most of them were my friends and family members they had one thing in common. Somewhere in their homes you could find a portrait of three men they paid tribute to as a symbol of hope. A white Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., and John F. Kennedy would be proudly displayed on the walls of their homes.
There was a photo of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. His administration was known as the Camelot years of the 1960’s, being dubbed as the playboy president, Kennedy lived a life of glamour. The older African Americans felt Kennedy spoke against segregation and the struggles of the African Americans’ families more than anyone before him. When President Kennedy was assassinated, many feared their future had also died. Many African American families felt they had lost a friend, the only one they had in the White House. Many of them felt he could have made major changes in their lives. Kennedy gained support from the African American community in the 1960’s election, because he appeared supportive of the Civil Rights Movement and his response to Dr. King’s arrest.

Transportation

Clean Air Day 2021 Recap - Richmond California
Thank you to everyone who took the Clean Air Day Pledge and participated in the Annual Community Bike Ride for Clean Air Day, October 6, 2021.

Highlights:

• On October 5, 2021, the Richmond City Council approved a proclamation declaring October 6th as Clean Air Day.
• Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia and his Chief of Staff Robert Rogers also attended the Annual Community Clean Air Day Bike Ride.  Supervisor Gioia is also a Richmond resident and the Co-Chair of the Clean Air Day Bay Area Regional Working Group.
• The Clean Air Day Micro grant funds will be used to install Wayfinding along the Richmond Greenway. 
• Bolt Mobility provided a free Clean Air Day promo code for participants to test ride the eBikes.
• Daniel Lanis from the Richmond Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee led 15 people participated rode the approximately nine-mile route that coincidentally was shaped in the form of an “R” for Richmond (see below).

Photos and Video Links, Courtesy of Robert Rogers, District Coordinator for The Office of Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia:
https://www.facebook.com/1387574840/posts/10226380442202546/?d=n
https://www.facebook.com/1387574840/posts/10226380222557055/?d=n

• Police

Officer’s Swearing-In Ceremony

Chief French held a swearing-in ceremony for our newest police officer, Officer William Ly. Officer Ly has been a member of the Richmond Police Department (RPD) family since 2019. Prior to attending the police academy, he was an RPD Parking Enforcement Representative, where he frequently resolved community parking concerns on our city’s streets.

Officer Ly graduated from the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Training Center on Thursday, September 23, 2021. Please join us in welcoming Officer Ly back to RPD!

*** We are hiring !! ***

If you are interested in a career as a police officer or communications dispatcher with the Richmond Police Department, please click the following link for more information:

Rifles And Handguns Recovered!

While patrolling the Northern District, Officer Brown saw a car that was speeding near the intersection of Shane Drive and Groom Drive. When he attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop, the vehicle fled from him at a high rate of speed and crashed into a tree, a short distance away. While awaiting the arrival of medical personnel, officers saw two guns, in plain view, near the driver’s seat of the car. Officers quickly detained the occupants, to ensure that arriving medical personnel would be able to safely provide necessary medical services to those involved.

During the course of the investigation, RPD officers recovered five loaded firearms within the car! Two of the guns were semi-automatic AR-15 rifles, including one that was loaded with an illegal 100-round ammunition drum.

We are relieved that this incident was resolved without any injuries to our officers and innocent community members, and that these dangerous firearms were intercepted before anyone was potentially injured or killed!

Pink Patch Project

During the month of October, you may see Richmond police officers wearing pink patches and badges on their uniforms, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Richmond Police Department is proud to join over 400 public safety agencies across the nation to support the Pink Patch Project - a public awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer, to raise funds in support of breast cancer research, and to encourage increased communication and education on the intervention of this devastating disease. Simply put, early detection saves lives!
If you would like to help support our mission, and the fight against breast cancer, you can purchase a commemorative Richmond PD pink patch ($10) by contacting Lieutenant Stonebraker at 510-965-4917. Supply quantities are limited; all proceeds will be donated to the Pink Patch Project to help fund the research, education and treatment needed to find a cure.

• Public Works

Abatement

Abatement staff hosted the Hilltop Green Neighborhood Clean-up event, provided assistance for seniors and disabled citizens, abated city owned vacant lots, removed illegally dumped debris and removed graffiti from various locations throughout the City.

Hilltop Green Clean-Up/Senior Assistance

Lot Abatement

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, repaired the rear apparatus door at Fire Station #61, replaced the boiler neutralizer at the Plunge, fixed a shower valve at the Plunge and repaired the chlorine line at the Kennedy Swim Center. Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, Civic Center Plaza parking lot maintenance, pest control for ants, removed furniture from the Rent Control office, moved furniture for the Main Library, disinfected common areas and maintained 27 City owned buildings.

Shower Valve Repair                   Relocating Furniture

Engineering

Via Verdi Stabilization Project

The work includes construction of a culvert in San Pablo Creek, earthwork, utility work, reconstruction of the damaged portion of Via Verdi Drive and removal of the temporary detour road.  Until the new road repairs are complete, safe access for traveling in both directions along Via Verdi Drive will be maintained at all times.  Activity for the next week will include installing the roughened culvert bottom and backfilling the new culvert. 

Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Ben Kellman of mack5, at bkellman@mack5.com or (510) 595-4725.

Yellow Brick Road Project

Ghilotti Bros, Inc. (GBI) continued demolition of curb ramps, sidewalk and curbs/gutters along 8th Street near Lincoln, Lucas and Pennsylvania Avenues. They also have demolished the areas on Pennsylvania Avenue that will receive new medians. 

GBI also continued to install formwork for the ADA ramps and sidewalks at Lincoln and Lucas Avenue intersections.  Staff also installed concrete formwork along the Pennsylvania Avenue medians at 7th, 8th and 9th Streets as well as installation of storm drain structures and pipes near Pennsylvania and Lucas Avenues. 

This week, GBI continues to form the concrete medians along Pennsylvania Avenue and install storm drain work near 4th and 5th Streets at Pennsylvania Avenue.  Electrical work is also continuing along 8th Street near Bissell and Macdonald Avenues.  Installation of conduit and electrical pull boxes for future street lighting is ongoing.

Median Installation

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews trimmed trees at the Main Library, repaired irrigation at Raincloud and Solano Parks, removed graffiti at LeMoine Park, removed debris from the Greenway, maintenance on the Harbor Way under and overpass, mowed all central Richmond parks, removed debris from right of ways, performed maintenance at Booker T. Anderson Park, removed debris from Borman Park, maintenance at Braxton Park, maintenance along the Nunn Street sound wall, planting and staking of trees at Braxton Park, install concrete at Kennedy Swim Center continued to assist Boy Scouts with landscaping and prepping for installation of concrete. The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on Hoffman Boulevard and Lowell Avenue

Underpass Maintenance              Swim Center Landscaping

Tree Trimming

Marina Districtcrews continued to manually water plants on the medians of Marina Way South, removed debris from parks, replaced dog waste bags, we'd abated at Shimada Park, removed dead shrubs and filter fabric from Marina Bay Parkway islands, removed pine needles, cut weeds on concrete at Marina Bay Park, irrigation repairs throughout, preparation for new planting on Marina Bay Parkway, raised the pine tree canopy at Marina Bay Park, clearing weeds from tree wells, pruned roses in the planters along Esplanade Drive, removed geese droppings from concrete, removed debris from parking lots and removed graffiti throughout.

Shrub Pruning

Hilltop District crews performed maintenance throughout, weed abated on Richmond Parkway from San Pablo Avenue to Atlas Road, abated weeds Atlas Road medians, installation of irrigation system at Bay Vista Park, abated weeds on Giant Road medians, removed graffiti and abated debris throughout.

Irrigation Installation

Street Maintenance

Paving crews dug out and replaced asphalt on Nevin Avenue, completed hotmix patching on Cutting Boulevard and installed a speed hump on Esmond Avenue.

Speed Hump Installation

Street Sweepers swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the first Monday through Thursday, and the second Friday:  Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Carriage Hills North, El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Hansford Heights, Via Verda, San Pablo Dam Road, Bristole Cone, Clinton Hill IV and Richmond Heights.

Signs and Lines crews fabricated 14 signs, installed 18 signs, repaired 2 signs, installed 240 linear feet of paint, installed 7 “Stop” messages and installed 12 thermoplastic “shark teeth” markings.

 Crosswalk Installation            Sign Installation

Water Resource Recovery Division

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG)

Please! Do not put grease down the drain! Heavy grease has been reported at Richmond's sewer treatment plant. Grease clogs pipes and can be detrimental to the function of the plant.

For more information about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), please call 510-620-6594.

Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales – Aceites y Grasas (FOG)

¡Por favor! ¡No ponga grasa por el drenaje! Se ha reportado grasa pesada en la planta de tratamiento de alcantarillado de Richmond. La grasa obstruye las tuberías y puede ser perjudicial para la función de la planta.

Para obtener más información sobre aceites y grasas (FOG), llame al 510-620-6594.

Sewer Lateral Grant Program

The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Division 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 Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for sewer lateral work completed between 7/1/2021-6/30/2022.

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.

High Priority Critical Improvements Projects
The City of Richmond and Veolia Water (Veolia) are implementing High Priority Critical Improvements Projects at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is managed and operated by Veolia. The purpose of the projects is to replace aging and unreliable infrastructure, improve treatment operating efficiency, comply with future discharge regulations and improve the functionality of the existing WWTP. The improvements were identified through previous planning efforts, including the 2010 WWTP Master Plan and the 2016 WWTP Facility Plan, to construct the following elements of the WWTP Critical Improvements Projects: (1) New screening and grit removal facilities; (2) Aeration upgrades; and (3) Demolition of existing facilities and site clearing in preparation for future WWTP Facilities. The projects are expected to take approximately 2 ½ years to complete.
Shimmick’s subcontractor Ferma returned for the demolition of the old grit facility. Shimmick continued working with MPS to make the final tie-in of the second segment of the bypass, continued working on the aeration basins, and on the electrical reconnection of the lighting poles circuits.

Ferma demolishing the old grit facility.       Ferma demolishing the old grit facility, spraying water from the east side of the building for better dust control and protection of the nursery next door.

Ferma loading a truck for the off-hauling of debris.

First Street Relief Sewer Project

The First Street Relief Sewer and Pipeline Rehabilitation Project is the final of four design projects from the comprehensive 2016 Collection System Design Project, which also included the construction of the Cutting/Carlson and Hoffman Project (originally two projects), and the Macdonald and Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Project. The Project consists of approximately 3,743 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 6-inch sewer, approximately 1,696 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 8-inch sewer, approximately 631 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 10-inch sewer, and approximately 125 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 18-in sewer. This project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed in April 2022, which is ahead of the Baykeeper due date of July 2023.

D’Arcy & Harty Construction document condition of newly installed sewer lines throughout the project area utilizing CCTV. The sewer lines are also surveyed with CCTV prior to construction to verify lateral service line connection points and assess condition. 

D’Arcy & Harty doing a video pipe inspection (CCTV) of newly installed lines.  D’Arcy Harty installing a new 18” VCP sewer pipe on Ohio Avenue and 2nd Street

Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project (NEW)

The Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project extends and reconnects the existing Marina Bay Parkway forcemain to a new manhole at the Intersection of Pierson Avenue and Marina Bay Parkway and installs a new gravity sewer pipeline from the Pierson/Jetty Drive intersection, across Marina Bay Parkway, to the new manhole. This project is required to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows that occur from depressed manholes located at the intersection of Marina Bay Parkway and Pierson Avenue.
The project went out to bid on March 15, 2021. Bids were received at the City Clerk's Office on April 23, 2021. Four bids were submitted. After review of the bids was conducted by the City and Veolia, Richmond-based, local contractor W.R. Forde was determined to be the lowest, responsive bidder at $357,200.00.
W.R. Forde continues Exploratory Potholing to determine precise locations of existing Utility Lines. Direct drilling methods will be employed to install the New Force Main. This installation technique promotes safety and lessens disruption by avoiding large open trench excavations.

Project sign containing all of the important information was installed on Marina Parkway and Pierson. W.R. Forde continues Exploratory Potholing to determine precise locations of existing Utilities.

• Richmond Promise

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: Spread the news about essential Financial Aid Applications

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act (CADA) applications are officially open! Please help us spread the word about the importance of completing financial aid applications-both so Richmond youth can access local, state, and federal financial aid support for post-secondary goals, AND so they can remain eligible for the Richmond Promise Scholarship.

Students must complete the FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2021, Cal Grant Deadline to be eligible for the Richmond Promise Scholarship! 

Applying for financial aid is a multi-step process, and students often find it helpful to receive one-on-one support. The Richmond Promise team is offering 1-on-1 support with financial aid applications and the Richmond Promise Scholarship. We are also holding office hours, and hosting workshops with college partners across the community and within our schools. Forward the following link to connect local students with 1-on-1 support: https://calendly.com/mmolina-3/officehours

YOU’RE INVITED: Spooky Sips Virtual Wine Tasting

October 29th, raise your glass to the Scholars and coalitions proving there is so much pride, purpose, and promise running through our Richmond community at the Richmond Promise Spooky Sips virtual wine tasting!

One Spooky Sips ticket takes you across California’s wine regions via exclusive access to the cutest, individualized array of 8 mini bottles (mailed to the coziness of your very own home!), and a guided tasting - courtesy of our lovely hosts “In Good Taste” wines - all for a great cause! 

All profits from the event go towards our Scholarship fund and services. Reserve tickets for yourself and all your favorite friends today at https://tinyurl.com/RPSpookySips !

MAKE SURE to reserve your tasting experience before ticket sales close on October 14th!!

First look at Richmond Promise Annual Update: the 2020-21 Resiliency Report

It is with great excitement that we present to you a first look at the Richmond Promise’s 2020-2021 Resiliency Report - an annual update on the story of our impact, effort, and growth alongside the Scholars that ground and drive our work. 

From welcoming our SIXTH cohort of 400+ new Scholars, celebrating the hundreds of hours our Near-Peer College Scholar team dedicated to 1-on-1 meetings with high school seniors, the launch of our Resiliency Fund and the growth of crucial college coaching/success partnerships, we could not be more proud of work and milestones that continue to bring our community together. 

Join us in celebrating the Promise of a connected, inspired, and thriving Richmond!
Access the full report at https://tinyurl.com/ResiliencyReport

Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond.  Feel free to contact the City Manager’s Office 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

Irene Lozano
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA  94804
Email: Irene_Lozano@ci.richmond.ca.us
Direct: 510-621-1264
Main: 510-620-6512