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 April 9, 2021.
The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for April 20th , 2021.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19.
  
COVID Vaccines available at Richmond Auditorium on Tuesdays through Saturdays
Contra Costa County Health Services and its healthcare partners have set an ambitious goal of delivering 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by Independence Day (July 4, 2021). To achieve this goal the City of Richmond and Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) through a collaborative effort have launched a COVID-19 vaccine distribution site in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The site will be administering vaccines Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Vaccines are available to Contra Costa County and Richmond residents over 16 years old. To receive a vaccine you may schedule a time with CCHS by first filling out an online appointment request form.
CCHS also has a vaccine-appointment phone line – 1-833-VAX-COCO (1-833-829-2626). Those who are unable to schedule vaccine appointments online can call CCHS and book an appointment Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. Eligible residents seeking appointments are encouraged to use the online form unless they do not have internet access or have difficulty using the online form.
Other local resources, including links to other healthcare providers in the community now offering vaccine, are available at www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated CCHS also has a new data dashboard on its COVID-19 web page, www.cchealth.org/coronavirus, which provides daily updates for the county's vaccination campaign.
 
You’re Invited to the Richmond Promise’s First EVER Scholar Showcase!
On, Wednesday, April 21st, join us for a talent-filled evening as Richmond Scholars share their skills, passion, wisdom & creativity with the community. Our first ever annual Spring Showcase will feature Scholars sharing research projects, singing and dancing performance, personal journey stories, community mobilizing projects, and more! If you aren’t familiar with our Promise yet, or would appreciate a healthy dose of hope, pride, & purpose, snag a ticket to our Scholar Showcase, meet the young leaders behind our mission, & celebrate the fullness of Richmond’s future in the now. All are welcome, Scholars & students attend free! Reserve your tickets today at www.tinyurl.com/RPShowcase
Richmond Rent Program Community Workshop Webinar: Navigating the Eviction Process in Richmond
Landlord and Tenant-focused Community Workshop Webinar:
Friday, April 23, 2021
4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M.
Please Pre-Register: https://bit.ly/3ww7vTG
This Community Workshop Webinar is designed for Richmond Landlords and Tenants who are interested in learning more about the eviction process in the City of Richmond and the requirements under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance.
Topics will include:
- Just Cause for Eviction Requirements
- Overview of the Relocation Ordinance
- Relocation Payments
- Evictions During COVID-19
- Unlawful Detainer Process
- Overview of Important California Civil Codes
- Notice Filing Requirements
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
 
Community Budget Meetings
Members of the community, you are invited to attend the City of Richmond’s Community Budget Meeting hosted by the Finance Department. Come learn about the city’s budget process, an overview of the City’s finances, and how the American Rescue Plan impacts our city’s fianances. City staff will be available for questions, and Spanish translation will be provided.
You are invited to participate in any of the meetings listed on the flyers below. We’ll see you there!
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
Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals
Public Works |
Pt. Molate Vegetation Management |
Due: 4/20/21 |
Public Works |
Geotechnical Testing and Inspection for the Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension |
Due: 4/23/21 |
Public Works |
Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Relocation Project |
Due: 4/23/21 |
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
Current recent specials/segments: Hope and Healing, Highlights of Women’s Day, a recut of the Mayor’s State of the City Address as separate standalone, Tibetan Flag Raising Ceremony on “NewsBytes”, “The Artist in Society: Talking with Hershell West” (produced by filmmaker Eve Ma), three Contra Costa Health Services’ COVID videos with Michelle Milan interviewing three African American representatives (being used on KCRT’s “NewsBytes”), Michelle Obama Virtual Grand Opening (video courtesy of WCCUSD), “Virtual National Night Out”, and “National Electric Drive Week”; 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)
Senior Tax Aid Assistance
AARP is currently providing free tax preparation services at the Richmond Senior Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Appointments are only made by reservation by calling (510)319-9559 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or you can send email to S73051407@aarpfoundation.org. Approximately 20 to 40 participants are receiving this service each week. The program ends on May 17, 2021.
Redesign Shields-Reid Park Video
In September and October 2020, the Community Services Department held 7 community workshops and design sessions to develop a concept design plan for a redesigned Shields-Reid Park. We received input from over 200 residents, park users, community members, and other stakeholders on their dream park. In March 2021, a grant application was submitted for over $8 million in improvements to the park. Take a look at our journey with the community and wish us the best of luck: https://flic.kr/p/2kRyqvh
Special thanks to partners who provided additional assistance, partnership, and input along the way: Office of Supervisor John Gioia, Healthy Richmond, North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council, Shields-Reid Neighborhood Council, Placeworks, and more!
Virtual Egg Hunt
And the winners of our Virtual Egg Hunt Contest are…everyone!
Thanks to all of our participants this year! We loved seeing your decorated eggs! We hope to back next year in-person for our traditional egg hunt and more of our awesome events!
Virtual Easter Celebration
On April 1 at Annex Senior Center, staff held a Zoom Easter celebration. Our belly dancing group and our hula class performed their latest dances they learned. We also had an art contest with the seniors. Lots of the seniors decorated their Zoom camera area with Easter decorations. It was nice to see how creative they can be!
 
Developing Personal Resources Center Art Showcase
This past Monday, our amazing the DPRC students had a great time doing a variety of projects during their Art 101 time, which included creating a rendition of Vincent Van Gogh’s 1890 “Wheatfield of Crows.” Various mediums were used by the artists which included sketch paper, canvas, paint pens, chalk, watercolor paints and colored pencils.
They also had a great time had a great time playing bingo on Friday, and most of all- loved winning! See pictures below for three of our bingo winners.
   
  
Employment and Training Department
EDD awards $1.8 million to improve career pathways for English Language Learners
The Richmond Workforce Development Board was selected through a competitive selection process to implement programs that develop critical job skills that English Language Learners (ELL) need to enter careers in growing local industries. The Richmond Workforce Development Board was selected to receive funding in the amount of $274,300. Awards for this grant are made with Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor's Discretionary funds. “The training and services offered through this funding will help prepare individuals with limited English skills for careers in growing local industries,” said EDD Director Rita Saenz. For more information regarding this exciting grant-funded opportunity, please visit our website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/275/Employment-Training
RichmondWORKS Job Seeker Tips
Local Employment Opportunities
- RichmondWORKS has an Internship Opportunity: Program Assistant & Customer Service, position available for the right candidate. This position is a temporary (6 mos. – 1 yr.) paid learning experience provided through State/Federal grant programs. Hours: 30-40 hours/ week. Salary: $18-$20/hr. DOE. This position is open until filled. For more information, please contact Monica Castrillo at mcastrillo@richmondworks.org.
- Safeway is hiring at their new location in Hercules, CA, which is scheduled to open in Mid-April! For more information please email debra.feleke@safeway.com or call 925-738-9642. Safeway has competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, union benefits, and much more! Apply now, online at www.safeway.com/careers. The completion of a successful background check is a condition of employment.
- Pacific Homecare Services is looking for respectful, honest, and compassionate care providers! Our Care Providers care for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome. We currently have multiple part-time and full-time positions available. Schedules may vary. To apply: PacificHomecare.com/apply-now
Questions? Email: HelpDesk@mailserver-hraccess.tsa.dhs.gov
Library Updates
Announcing an Added OverDrive Feature - Magazines!
The Richmond Public Library is happy to announce an expansion of our OverDrive Service. OverDrive is our eBook and eAudiobook service. Over 3,000 digital magazines are now available electronically in OverDrive! No need to add an app. No need to go to a website. It’s right there – nothing else to do except click and read a magazine!
There is something for everyone: adults, children, teens, English, Spanish, French, Russian and much more. View this short five minute video on using OverDrive magazines: https://resources.overdrive.com/part-vii-enjoying-overdrive-magazines/
Explore the world of Libby Magazines. Free in your OverDrive Libby app and with your Richmond Public Library card. No card? No problem! Call 510-620-6559 to apply for a library card. If you have questions about OverDrive call the Adult Reference Desk at 510-620-6561.
Virtual Bookmobile Parade
The Library participated in the second Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) bookmobile parade on April 7th. Pictures of the Richmond Public Library Bookmobile and the Words on Wheels (WOW) Book Van were posted on the ABOS social media pages along with hundreds of other bookmobiles and vans from around the country and the world!
 
Borrow a Laptop and WiFi Hotspot
Need to file your taxes? Book a vacation? Check your email? The Richmond Public Library lends WiFi hotspots and laptops!
- WiFi hotspots offer high-speed 4G LTE data
- Devices are available with 1-day or 7-day loan periods
- Loans can be renewed twice if no other patrons are waiting
- Laptops run Windows 10 and have Microsoft Office 2019 installed
- Laptops have a 7-day loan period
- Loans can be renewed twice if no other patrons are waiting
Borrowers must be 18 years of age or older, have a library card in good standing, and agree to and sign a Mobile Device Borrowing Agreement. Learn more at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4071 Questions? Need assistance? Call the library at 510-620-6561, email rpl_reference@ci.richmond.ca.us, or text us at 510-621-7346.
Find library resources online
Do you have a student who needs tutoring? Do you need to perfect your résumé? Do you need to research a topic? Or do you just want to read a book, magazine, or newspaper? Check out the digital resources available with your library card! Just go to www.richmondlibrary.org and choose “Online Resources” (www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1537) to find links to the many available resources.
One Year Later – Children’s Services
In the spring of 2020, when the Library closed due to the Shelter-in -Place order, Librarian Sheila Dickinson started offering her Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook. When library staff returned to the Main Library location in June, we expanded to daily Facebook offerings. On Thursdays, we post a short science activity or craft. During the summer, we hosted a virtual family music series with Cascada de Flores, as well as a special event with storytellers Ruth and Emilia. We assembled and distributed 200 STEM kits to DeJean Middle School and Nystrom Elementary in July. Librarians purchased books and distributed 950 books to families at Peres and Verde Elementary schools in the summer and fall. With no in-person art and science programs at the Library, we initiated activity kit giveaways with crafts and other fun items for 40 to 50 kids monthly.
Check our RPLChildrens Facebook page every day! Ask for our spring kids’ kit by calling 510-620-6557.
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 3,677 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 42 weeks with a 4-week running average.
Tableside Service Statistics
 
Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) - Seats Now Available for Career Online High School Program!
A glowing thank you to community advocate, Ellen Pechman and the Richmond Public Library Foundation for their generous donations that allowed LEAP to fund 12 more seats for the Career Online High School program (COHS). The Literacy for Every Adult Program is grateful for their support and the invaluable service we are able to provide to our community. In these times of economic turmoil, education matters more than ever. Through the California State Library-sponsored Career Online High School program, the Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) can provide a pathway for Californians ages 19 and up to achieve an accredited high school diploma. Over 1800 state residents have already graduated from COHS through their local libraries and LEAP is proud to be counted among them.
Career Online High School (COHS) offers adults the opportunity to complete their high school education and gain career training through a self-paced, supportive, and accredited online program. We are looking to fill the 12 seats to manifest the great contributions of our community partners. If you know anyone please send them our way!
If you are interested in learning more about COHS, enrolling in the program or getting involved in volunteer opportunities please contact LEAP at (510) 307-8084 or visit our website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/788/Literacy-Program-LEAP to schedule an appointment. You can also email John Adams at John_Adams@ci.richmond.ca.us.
Transportation Division
Abatement
Abatement crews abated weeds, removed illegally dumped debris and graffiti from various locations throughout the City.
  
  
Weed Abatement
  
  
Illegal Dumping Removal
  
  
Graffiti Abatement
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced the contactors on the air conditioners at 450 Civic Center Plaza, fixed shower heads at the Swim Center, replaced air filters at the Auditorium, fixed the feeder hose and fittings at the Plunge, repaired the air conditioner at the Richmond Visitor Center and rerouted the gas line for a water heater at Station #62 for safety standards.
Gas Line Rerouting
Utility workers pressure washed the Transit Center and the Main Library courtyard, removed debris from the Employment and Training parking lot, removed broken glass and, recycled metal from the Main Library, assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, sanitized common areas and cleaned 29 City owned facilities.
Recycling Removal
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews removed litter and debris from right of ways of the central area, performed pest control at five parks, weed whipped Castro Ranch Road medians, weeded around the Recreation Complex, performed maintenance Kern Park and Humphrey Playlot, removed a barbecue pit and repaired the irrigation at Nicholl Park, removed graffiti from multiple locations, repaired a table at Booker T. Anderson Park, abated weeds at South 55th and Creely Avenue, performed maintenance on the Cypress Street median and cleaned up an encampment on the Greenway.
 
Encampment Clean-Up Barbecue Pit Removal
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees at/on: 28th Street, Arizona Street, Carlson Boulevard, Regatta Boulevard and Wilson Avenue.
Marina District crews removed vegetation debris from the Bay Trail, cut and edged lawns at Lucretia Edwards and Barbara J. Vincent Parks, emptied all refuse cans throughout the district, manually pulled weeds in parking lots, refilled dog waste containers, and checked and repaired irrigation.
Weed Abatement in Parking Lots
Hilltop District crews removed debris from all parks, performed weed abatement on Robert Miller Drive, pruned trees on Atlas Road, completed open space weed abatement along Atlas Road and began backflow installation on San Pablo Avenue.
Backflow Installation
Pavement Maintenance
Streets crews performed hotmix patching on Cutting Boulevard, hotmix patching on Leona Avenue and fixed potholes from the outstanding list.
 
 
Hotmix Patching
Street Sweeping crews swept the first Monday to Wednesday and the second Thursday and Friday in the following neighborhood council areas: 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 12 new signs, continued installing new signs along Nevin Avenue, replaced nine pole extensions, installed white pavement markings and painted red and blue curbs in various locations.
 
Sign and Curb Installation Curb Painting
Water Resource Recovery Division
Trash Capture Project, Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street
In 2017, Caltrans and the City of Richmond collaborated to implement the Trash Capture Project. The Contech Engineered Solutions CDS system is a below-ground, flow-through treatment device that uses multiple treatment processes including swirl concentration and continuous deflective separation (CDS) to screen, separate and trap trash, debris, sediment, hydrocarbons and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. Veolia Water, in conjunction with the City of Richmond, successfully installed three such devices in 2017, 2018, and 2019; another device is being installed on Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street.
For more information about the Trash Capture Project, please visit https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3493/Trash-Capture.
The contractor is continuing to work on this project. See pictures and descriptions below.
 
Local contractor W.R. Forde continued installing the CDS trash capture unit on Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street.
Local contractor W.R. Forde employed a crane to lift the lower half of the vault for placement on the prepared pad as part of the trash capture unit on Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street.
 
Local contractor W.R. Forde installing the top half of the vault of the trash capture unit on Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street.
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.
 
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
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