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 weeks ending March 5, 2021.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9th, 2021. The Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 P.M. There is no Closed Session. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: March 9th City Council Agenda.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19.
  
Sisters in Solidarity Virtual Event: Saturday, March 6, 2021
The City of Richmond and the Sisters in Solidarity Planning Committee is hosting the 14th Annual International Women’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 6, 2021, from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Zoom.
We are happy to announce that former Councilmember Jovanka Beckles will serve as the emcee, Kimberly Aceves-Iñiguez from RYSE will lead a generational dialogue on women's empowerment. We will hear from Richmond’s own Poet Laureate Ciera Jevae. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage with other participants through relevant discussions. We will recognize local political and community leaders that have challenged, trail blazed and lifted up the community through their service. The celebration will also include activities, entertainment, greetings from our local partnering organizations, raffle prizes and more.
Register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sisters-in-solidarity-international-womens-day-event-tickets-141766588683
Art of the African Diaspora 2021 - Online Reception
Saturday, March 20, 3:00-4:30 P.M. PST
Celebrate the artists – past, present and future – who make Art of the African Diaspora possible in this special online reception.
In partnership with Richmond Art Center, Art of the African Diaspora has supported artists of African descent in the Bay Area since 1997 through representation, professional development, and building a creative community. In 2021 Art of the African Diaspora is a hybrid online/in-person event with over 130 artists featured in the main exhibition online presented by the Richmond Art Center.
For more info and to RSVP visit: richmondartcenter.org/exhibitions/aotad2021/reception-and-panel-speaker-events/
For more information contact:
Stephen Bruce, Steering Committee Chair, Art of the African Diaspora
stephenbstudios@yahoo.com, 916-446-3271
Amy Spencer, Exhibitions Director, Richmond Art Center, amy@richmondartcenter.org
It is not uncommon to find examples of City employees who do amazing things in service of the community. Today, I want to share two recent examples that remind me of why I and so many of our employees chose public service careers.
Breeched Childbirth with Cardiac Arrest
On a recent call, the City’s firefighters responded to a critical request to assist a mother in labor who was having difficulty delivering her breeched baby. The crew performed a critical maneuver to clear the umbilical cord and deliver the baby, who was in cardiac arrest. The team initiated CPR and the baby had a Return of Spontaneous Circulation. Later the same day, the baby was reported to be doing fine in the hospital nursery. The joyous outcome is a result of the training and professionalism of our crew. Kudos to Captain Kennedy, and firefighters Shawn McCombe and Chris Silvas.
Hot Water Restored in Public Housing
Last Sunday, February 28th, the entire Housing Authority building at Nevin Plaza was without hot water. After receiving the morning alert, Facilities Superintendent Jose Urquilla immediately dispatched a plumbing company who determined that the recirculation boiler pump needed replacement. Staff frantically called various stores for the part, but because it was Sunday it was difficult to find a supplier that was open and even harder to find one with this part in stock. On Monday morning, Jose was able to locate a supplier; but it was located in the city of Patterson, almost 100 miles away. Rather than wait for the three days it would take for the part to arrive, Jose jumped into action and drove to Patterson to pick up the part. His priority was the minimization of inconvenience for the residents in the 142 units at Nevin Plaza. The hot water was restored the same day.
These are two great examples of noteworthy performance and positive impact our employees make in the community every day, and I am so very proud of our employees!
American Red Cross Leadership Development Center for Youth
The American Red Cross is hosting a four-day virtual conference for youth to learn about leadership skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and diversity awareness. The Leadership Development Center (LDC) builds confidence and lasting friendships. Through service learning and hands-on, interactive games, participants leave empowered to serve their communities. Students attending LDC will participate in workshops on topics including disaster preparedness, diversity, public speaking, leadership, and international relations.
The program is accepting students in grades 9–12 (including graduating seniors) who are interested in gaining new skills and meeting Red Cross youth throughout our region. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2021.
To sign up online, please visit our registration page: http://bit.ly/LDCregistration
Feel free to contact youthNCCR@redcross.org with any questions.
Finance
City of Richmond Business Activity Week Ending March 5, 2021
New Vendors Registered |
5 (2 Richmond Businesses) |
Total Vendors Registered |
9,773 |
Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals
Police Department |
Install Walk-In Freezer |
Due: 3/11/21 |
Public Works |
Richmond Parchester Community Center Building and Site Remodel Project |
Due: 3/18/21 |
Police Department |
DOT and Pre-Employment Physical Exams, Drug Testing, Immunizations and TB Testing |
Due: 3/18/21 |
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
New Specials: “The Artist in Society: Talking with Hershell West” (produced by filmmaker Eve Ma) and three Contra Costa Health Services’ COVID videos with Michelle Milam interviewing three African American representatives.
Current recent specials are Michelle Obama Virtual Grand Opening (video courtesy of WCCUSD); “Virtual National Night Out”; “National Electric Drive Week”; “Chat with Chief French;” NAACP Policing Forum;” the GRID Alternatives’ and City of Richmond’s “No-Cost Solar Workshop”; and the City’s Mask Videos.
All-new episodes of “Colour in Your Life” “Creature Features” “The Jet Set” and multiple episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment.”
You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule
- Library and Community Services
Community Services (Recreation)
Virtual Egg Hunt
Have you submitted your entry yet?
- Download any Easter egg coloring sheet (available here) or draw your own!
- Place your egg on a visible spot in your home.
- Hunt for eggs on windows (snap a pic!) or show us your own eggsellent artwork.
- Share your creations and/or finds (along with your age category) via direct message on our Facebook or Instagram (@richmondcsd) using #RichmondEggHunt or email staff at registration@ci.richmond.ca.us by Friday, March 26 at 11:59 P.M.
Ten (10) prizes are available split amongst the age categories. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 29, 2021.
Virtual After-School Camps - ACHIEVE and ELEVATE
After-school camps are always open for new virtual campers! You can still join us for our March 2021 virtual programming. We’ll have lots of fun and games with your favorite recreation staff and other fellow campers. Register online at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation.
Virtual Zumba
Virtual Zumba from the comfort of your living room! We are still going strong this month with different class times to fit your needs!
Program Schedule
Saturdays: 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. (Mid-Morning)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. (Evening)
Cost: $5 per person per class*
Online prepaid participants ONLY
Register and pay online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/richmond
Please see below a link to our first Zumba class: https://youtu.be/1LkMozN1_nA
Employment and Training Department
Career Training, Counseling, and Job Opportunities
RichmondWORKS, America’s Job Center of Californiasm (AJCC) provides weekly One-on-One Career Counseling sessions, every Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment.
Call RichmondWORKS now at 510-307-8014 to make your appointment for job search and career counseling assistance:
To learn more about RichmondWORKS Training Services, please visit our website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/661/RichmondWORKS
Some local employment opportunities include:
- Senior Helpers of the East Bay is now accepting applications for the Home Care Aide Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices will be paid for time worked not less than
- $15.00 per hour for the first 0 – 6 months/1000 hours
- $15.50 per hour for the second 7 – 18 months/1000 hours
For more information, contact Paloma Parra, Senior Helpers of the East Bay, pparra@seniorhelpers.com or Monica Castrillo, RichmondWORKS Career Services, mcastrillo@richmondworks.org.
- Express Employment Professionals has Full-Time Warehouse Positions in Richmond! Multiple shifts are available. For more information, please call Express Employment office at (510) 662-5100.
Questions? Email: HelpDesk@mailserver-hraccess.tsa.dhs.gov
City of Richmond Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Application
The online application for the Summer Youth Employment Program is now open. Only 200 Applications will be accepted, the program is open to Richmond residents and students with IEP/504 in West Contra Costa County (proof of residency or IEP will be required).
**Must be Aged 16 – 21 to Participate**
Richmond youth interested in a Career Path Summer employment experience may apply online at https://youthworks.formstack.com/forms/syep_2021_app_form_or check our website for more information: http://ca-richmond2.civicplus.com/662/YouthWORKS
Training slots and employment placement will be scheduled on a first-come, first served basis. The deadline for completed applications is Sunday, March 21st at 11:59 P.M. or when the first 200 completed applications are received.
For More Information Call (510) 412-2044 or visit us at YouthWORKS, 330 25th Street, Richmond, CA 94804.
Facebook: RichmondYouthWORKS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthworks_r/
Library Updates
March Kits for Kids - Ask for one!
The Children’s Department has a new activity kit! Celebrate Dr. Seuss all month, with a Lorax puppet, as well as some green crafts and a math activity. Ask for one from the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557, and we can recommend and find books for you too! If you just want an activity kit, call the Circulation Desk at 510-620-6559.
Live Online Tutoring Service with HelpNow
If your child needs help with homework, Brainfuse’s HelpNow provides live sessions with tutors for students, kindergarten through 12th grade. You can access Brainfuse’s HelpNow with a Richmond Public Library card. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557.
HelpNow includes:
- Live Tutoring: Submit a question in the online classroom and receive live, one-on-one assistance from a Brainfuse tutor, 1:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., 7 days a week!
- Language Lab: Receive live online help with most school subjects from fluent Spanish-speaking tutors.
- Writing Lab & Ask a Question: Submit your writing sample, or submit a homework question. Tutors will respond within 24 hours.
- SkillSurfer & LEAP Learning Platform: Take tests to determine what skills you need to improve your grades. Work with a live tutor, or use videos, to help you practice and improve those skills.
Tableside Service Update
The Richmond Public Library began its Tableside Service on June 15, 2020, in an effort to make library materials available to the community while our buildings themselves remain closed. Since this service has been available, the Richmond Public Library has had 3,107 successful appointments, getting tens of thousands of books, magazines, DVDs, craft kits, and more into the hands of our community.
Remember: our Tableside Service is available by appointment 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, at the Main Library and 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., Tuesdays and Thursdays, at the Bayview and West Side branches. Call us at 510-620-6561 for more information or visit us online at http://richmondlibrary.org.
Below are representations of our running total of appointments and the weekly totals for the first 37 weeks with a 4-week running average.
Tableside Service Statistics
The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) Facebook Page
Have you seen it? Our Facebook Page? It’s awesome. Take a look. Our LEAP Richmond Facebook Page is a constantly moving newsfeed where we post our achievements such as our ever growing list of successful students. We showcase up and coming festivities such as our Student Graduation in May 2021. It is where you can read about some of our exceptionally talented participants. And there are photos of past festivities such as our Curbside Drive-up Event we held in July 2020.
We have about 500 followers which is amazing but we would like to get to 2,000 by the end of the year. Once we reach that goal, Facebook will allow us to use some of their advanced features. One of their features is the ability to create a landing page which will be a permanent, non-moving site where you can sign up for classes, view our wonderful teachers and see when we are open. We can also post big announcements like the May 2021 Graduation date and new projects we are working on. You will be able to use posted links to navigate to our other pages and City of Richmond website. If you haven’t liked and followed our page yet, please do us a favor and click on “Take a look” at the beginning of the first paragraph of this post. Thank you!
Traffic Enforcement And Driving Under The Influence
With the partnership of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Richmond police officers have been able to focus on dangerous driving behaviors throughout the city. Officers were out in force this past weekend with the goal of traffic safety and impaired driving suppression.
Several officers conducted traffic enforcement stops on drivers that violated vehicle code laws. Within a short timespan, the officers issued over 30 citations, arrested two drivers for driving under the influence, arrested two drivers for outstanding arrest warrants, and issued numerous warnings. But most importantly, the officers educated drivers on the consequences of their poor driving behavior.
The department is appreciative of the OTS - funded traffic safety enforcement and DUI program, and we are especially relieved to bring two drivers who were under the influence off the street.
Please drive safely, do not drive under the influence, and always designate a sober driver.
 
 
Catalytic Converter Theft
We’ve recently seen a rise in catalytic converter crimes. Please share these tips with your neighbors to help us prevent this crime.
The Crime: Catalytic converter theft
Why Thieves Want It: The platinum inside can be worth hundreds of dollars at scrap yards.
How Long It Takes To Remove: Under ten minutes!
How You’ll Know: You’ll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This gets louder when you hit the gas.
What You Can Do To Prevent It: Put your car in the garage. Install motion lights and alarm your car with remote monitoring. Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal.
Having the converter welded in place also makes it more difficult to remove. If you have a security system on your car, you may want to calibrate it so vibration sets it off. This ensures the alarm activates if a thief tries to saw off the converter.
Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful if you have the budget for it. Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify in case it does get stolen.
 
Interested In Joining Our Rpd Family? We Are Hiring!
Last weekend, RPD Personnel, Training and Recruiting Unit administered a Physical Agility Test to applicants seeking to join the RPD team. The test involves scaling a 6-foot solid wall, an obstacle course, a 500-yard run, a 165-lb dummy drag, and climbing over a 6-foot cyclone fence. The entire course is timed and graded.
Why is this test administered? Police officers must be prepared to encounter a variety of situations involving the need to utilize these physical techniques; this test also mimics the Physical Agility Test required by the police academy.
The candidates performed exceptionally, and we hope they will all succeed in the testing process.
Are you interested in being a Richmond Police Officer? Check out our website at www.JoinRichmondPD.com or contact our recruiting team:
Sergeant Loucas - ELoucas@richmondpd.net
Officer Chou - PChou@richmondpd.net
Officer Lewis - GLewis@r ichmondpd.net
 
 
Abatement
Abatement crews abated and boarded private and City owned properties and lots, removed encampments, removed debris near homeless encampments, abated sidewalks, removed illegally dumped debris and graffiti from various locations throughout the city.
 
  
Property Board-Ups
 
 
Debris Removal
 
 
Encampments & Debris Removal
 
Sidewalk Abatement
 
Graffiti Abatement
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced an apparatus door’s hinges and rollers, fixed chemical feed hose at the Swim Center, assisted the fire extinguisher vendor with access to Civic Center Plaza, replaced the wax ring on the toilet at Fire Station #64, repaired facilities at Fire Station #61 and replaced a water supply valve at the Plunge.
Valve Replacement at Plunge
Utility Workers cleaned carpets at the Macdonald Avenue sub-station, performed pest control at the Main Library, power washed the Transit Center, daily disinfecting of buildings and maintenance of 29 city owned facilitites.
Transit Center Maintenance
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews removed debris from parks in the central area of Richmond, the Richmond Greenway and from the right of ways, removed a tree on Boyd Avenue, removed old wells and a pump house at Nicholl Park, weeded and trimmed at the Communications Center, removed limbs and trimmed trees at Judge Carroll Park and the North Richmond Ballfield, performed pest control at multiple parks, mowed the turf at Booker T. Anderson Park, installed mulch at Ells Pathway, continued removal of juniper and ivy on the Cypress Pathway, weed abated three other pathways and Nevin Park and mowed turf at two locations, and hauled debris that had been removed from various locations.
Maintenance at Nevin Park
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees on 8th Street, 34th Street, 36th Street and Santa Cruz Avenue.
8th Street Tree Trimming
Marina District crews continued maintenance of all parks and parking lots, pruned shrubs on the Bay Trail, performed irrigation repairs at Shimada Park, removed graffiti, abated tree wells in front of the Pacific Gas & Electric building, removed leaves and debris from Marina Bay Park, refilled dog refuse bags, extended irrigation for new plants on Marina Bay Parkway and Regatta Boulevard, edged lawns and abated weeds in various parks and other locations.
Turf Edging
Hilltop Districtcrewscontinued general maintenance around the business area, completed weed abatement around the Auto Plaza Monument and Country Club Vista Park, removed a homeless encampment on Giant Road mowed and edged the turf and removed litter at all parks.
Country Club Vista Park Maintenance
Pavement Maintenance
Streets crews installed a speed hump on the 5300 block of Creely Avenue, performed hotmix patching on Cutting Boulevard and addressed potholes from the outstanding list.
 
Speed Hump Installation
 
Hotmix Patching
Street Sweeping crews swept the first Monday through Friday in the following neighborhood council areas: Parchester Village, Hilltop Bayview, Hilltop Green, Fairmede/Hilltop, Carriage Hills North Side, El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Hansford Heights, Via Verda, San Pablo Dam Road, Bristole Cone, May Valley, Vista View and Clinton Hill I.
Signs and Lines crews fabricated 52 new signs, installed 36 new signs, installed 15 new poles, installed a pedestrian guardrail, painted red curbs and grey curbs, and installed white pavement markings and messages in various locations.
 
Pavement Marking Installation
 
Pole 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 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 2020-2021 Fiscal Year for sewer lateral 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.
 
Last minute Richmond Promise Scholarship help: Next Thursday, March 11th, 2021
Do you or a student you know need help completing their Richmond Promise Scholarship application? Join our staff next Thursday, March 11th, at an application completion party and submit your application (with necessary documents) in just 20 minutes! Free money for college is at your fingertips! If you cannot make it on the 11th, schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with our College Access and Success teams at bit.ly/virtualsupport_rp and tinyurl.com/RP-EnglishSupport respectively (or reach out to mmolina@richmondpromise.org with questions!).
Thank you for helping us spread the word about this key step in ensuring access to critical financial aid resources for our Richmond Youth.
Current Scholars need not apply!
A brief reminder that the current March 14th application deadline for our Richmond Promise Scholarship is for first-time applicants only. Current Scholars will be asked to renew their status in a separate process starting in May.
Mentorship Program Now Open and Accepting Mentor/Mentee Applications!
Professionals and Scholars alike are invited to submit applications through our May 14th deadline. Mentors invest time and expertise into nurturing the personal and professional growth of Richmond Promise Scholars through and beyond their higher education journey. Pairings are intentional, meant to connect mentees to relevant and relatable professionals. Those interested may apply today at www.tinyurl.com/RP-MentorApp21, www.tinyurl.com/RP-MenteeApp21
respectively or can reach out to program manager, Cynthia Ramirez Parra at cramirezparra@richmondpromise.org
March College Success Workshop: Public Speaking with Yvonne Armenta
See registration details in the flyer below!
![]()
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
|
