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 16, 2021.

• Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20th, 2021. Closed Session begins at 4:30 P.M., followed by the Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority at 6:25 P.M.  The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council begins at 6:30 P.M., and the agenda may be found by clicking this link: April 20th City Council Agenda.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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

COVID-19 Vaccines

The City of Richmond and Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) have partnered to host a COVID-19 vaccine distribution site in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The site administers vaccines Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. , by appointment and walk-ins from 2:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. Currently vaccines are available to Contra Costa County and Richmond residents over 16 years old. To receive a vaccine, schedule an appointment with CCHS through the online appointment request form or by calling1-833-829-2626 Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. Eligible residents seeking appointments are encouraged to use the online CCHS form unless they do not have internet access or have difficulty using the online form.

Additionally, Contra Costa County, in partnership with the California Office of Emergency Services, is offering walk-in service to people ages 16 and older who live or work in the county. Beginning April 15 through April 25th, roughly 500-700 vaccines per day will be available at Veterans Memorial Hall at 968 23rd St. Richmond CA. Vaccines will be available from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. every day on a first come, first served basis, with no appointment necessary.

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, providing daily updates for the county's vaccination campaign. For  additional questions please  call, 1-844-729-8410.

• Upcoming Events

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!

• City Manager’s Office, Economic Development

Richmond Business Spotlight - Golden Gate Bistro Restaurant
The City’s Manager’s Office, Economic Development team recently visited Golden Gate Bistro Restaurant located at 803 Wright Ave, Suite 101, Richmond, CA.

The new restaurant was opened at the beginning of February 2021 by Chef Victor who has over 20 years of cooking experience. This breakfast and lunchtime spot has quickly become a must-try in Richmond. Chef Victor is passionate about partnering with local farms and businesses to incorporate fresh, organic, and quality ingredients into the dishes. Future plans include a food truck! 

Order online or stop by and enjoy their outdoor eating area. The business is open Monday - Friday 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturday/Sunday 8:00 A.M.  to 5:00 P.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Golden-Gate-Bistro-Restaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengate_bistro/ (@goldengate_bistro) 
Website: http://GoldenGateBistro.net/

Photo Credit: Golden Gate Bistro Restaurant

• Internal Services

Finance

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals

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)

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.

Library Updates

In-Person Services Resume at Main Library April 26th

The Richmond Public Library will launch In and Out in-person service at the Main/Civic Center Library on Monday, April 26th.  Patrons will be able to browse the stacks and use a computer, printer, or copier for up to one hour each day.  Tableside Service will continue to be available at the Main, Bayview, and West Side libraries.  For hours and additional information, please visit www.richmondlibrary.org.

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.

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 3,792 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 43 weeks with a 4-week running average.

Tableside Service Statistics

The Literacy for Every Adult Program Family (LEAP) Welcomes Families!

One of the priority focus areas that have strengthened the library’s community services
is delivering family literacy support. The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) trains and supports adult learners to achieve their individual goals but the program is also for adult learners who have children or grandchildren from birth through school age.

LEAP has a Family for Literacy Program (FFL) designed to help adults develop the skills and confidence to be involved in children’s literacy development. Some of the program goals are to introduce families to the joy and value of reading, establish home libraries with our book giveaways, equip parents with the skills to prepare their children for reading, and most importantly build self-esteem.

These next few months, LEAP will be providing parents with fun ways to engage with their children during the spring and summer months with at home activities including a “build your own” potted plant that will help kids understand the importance of gardening along with planning and organizing. LEAP is also planning to include books about the importance of emotional and mental health support as we see children struggle in the virtual school setting. LEAP will continue to create more opportunities for families to develop a culture of positive learning experiences together with their children and continue to make an inter-generational change in our community.

If you are a parent or interested in volunteering for our Family for Literacy Program please feel free to contact LEAP at (510) 307-8084 or visiting our office by appointment. Learn more about LEAP and getting involved by visiting our website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/788/Literacy-Program-LEAP or LEAP’s revamped Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/LEAPRICHMONDCA/.

Transportation Division

• Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews responded to after hour emergency calls to board-up vandalized City buildings, abated weeds from pubic right of ways, cleared debris near homeless encampments, removed illegally dumped debris and graffiti from various locations throughout the City.

After Hours Board-Ups

Weed Abatement

Debris Removal Near Encampments

Illegal Dumping Removal

Graffiti Abatement

Facilities Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, cleared clogged restroom at the Corporation Yard, repaired the thermostat at the Recreation Complex, fixed the furnace at the Richmond Visitor Center, trouble shot an air conditioner unit and a fixed a breakroom kitchen sink in City Hall, replaced the chemical feed hose at the Plunge, reconfigured a freezer door at the Auditorium and replaced the air conditioning compressor at the Richmond Visitor Center.

Air Compressor Replacement

Utility workers pressure washed the Main Library courtyard, cleaned the outside windows at the Main Library, cleaned the display case in 440 Civic Center Plaza, assisted the Housing Authority, removed broken glass from the Main Library, installed hand sanitizing stations throughout city facilities, waxed floors at the Employment and Training building, sanitized common areas and cleaned 29 city-owned facilities.

Courtyard Cleaning

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews removed litter and debris from right of ways of the central area, , mowed turf at Booker T. Anderson Park, removed debris from areas along Cutting Boulevard, mowed the parks on the west side of Richmond and repaired irrigation on the Greenway and Parchester Park, and weed abated and performed pest control at various parks.

Irrigation Repair

Tree crews cut or trimmed trees at/on: 28th Street, 36th Street, Clinton Avenue, Lowell Avenue, Maricopa Avenue and Booker T. Anderson Park.

Marina District crews removed vegetation debris from the Marina Bay Park Trail, cut lawns at two parks, weeded the Bay Trail starting at the tennis courts, emptied refuse containers, manually pulled weeds in parking lots, replaced barbecue grills and refilled dog waste bag containers.

Manual Weed Abatement

Hilltop District crews weed abated Hilltop Drive medians from Blume Drive to San Pablo Avenue, continued to install backflow meters on San Pablo Avenue and Richmond Parkway, repaired water mains on Atlas Road, weed abated Blume Drive from Garrity Way to Klose Drive and removed debris throughout.

Water Main Repair

Pavement Maintenance

Streets crews paved on Florida Avenue, installed new speed hump on South 20th Street and fixed potholes from the outstanding list.

Paving on Florida Avenue

Speed Hump Installation

Street Sweeping crews swept the second Monday to Wednesday and the third Thursday and Friday in the following neighborhood council areas: May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I-III, Atchison Village South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay and Point Richmond.

Signs and Lines crews fabricated new signs, placed a “stop” message near South 47th Street, installed signs in multiple locations, installed white pavement markings and painted red and blue curbs in various locations.

Message Installation

Approach Line 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.

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 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 is installing concrete forms to connect culvert pipes with the trash capture vault.

Local contractor W.R. Forde is building forms for the concrete weir wall inside of the trash capture vault on Cutting Boulevard and S. 3rd Street.

High Priority Critical Improvements Projects

The City of Richmond and Veolia Water (Veolia) are implementing High Priority Critical Improvements Projects at the City's Waste water 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.

The contractor is investigating the facilities prior to beginning construction on this project. See pictures and descriptions below.

The contractor, Shimmick Construction, is reviewing hazardous materials remediation onsite prior to beginning construction.

The contractor, Shimmick Construction, is reviewing WWTP facilities to be demolished under the Critical Improvements Project.

The contractor, Shimmick Construction, is reviewing WWTP facilities to be demolished under the Critical Improvements Project.

• Richmond Art Center

55th Annual West Contra Costa Unified School District Student Art Show

Online Exhibition: April 9 - June 4, 2021

Richmond Art Center, in partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District, presents the 55th Annual WCCUSD Student Art Show. For the first time, due to the covid pandemic, this show is presented as an online exhibition running April 9 through to June 4, 2021.  View the exhibition at richmondartcenter.org/exhibitions/2021-wccusd-show

The 55th Annual WCCUSD Student Art Show represents the wealth of student artistic talent in the district. Presenting over 200 works in media ranging from drawing, painting, collage, photography and sculpture, it also exemplifies teachers and students moving forward with virtual learning; finding ways for innovative arts curriculum and artistic expression. Participating Schools: De Anza High School, Fred T. Korematsu Middle School, Hercules High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Pinole Valley High School, Richmond High School

For more information and images contact Amy Spencer, Exhibitions Director, Richmond Art Center, amy@richmondartcenter.org

Image below: Michelle, By the Light of the Window, 2021, Oil pastel. Hercules High School

• Richmond Promise

Next Steps workshops mandatory for new student applicants to receive the Richmond Promise Scholarship:

Next Steps Workshops are meant to communicate with Richmond Promise Scholarship Applicants the proper next steps they need to take to be considered for the scholarship. It is MANDATORY to attend one Next Steps Workshop, in order to be eligible to receive our scholarship. Don’t miss out on your free money for college: learn more about the two remaining opportunities to register (for workshops on April 20th and 22nd) at www.tinyurl.com/rpnextsteps21 , or contact mmolina@richmondpromise.org with questions or concerns.

Curious about Mentoring a Richmond Promise Scholar? Last info session on May 5th!

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. In addition, info sessions for prospective mentors will be taking place through May 5th. Attend our final session at www.tinyurl.com/rp-mentorinfosession3

April College Success Workshop: Building Credit

See registration details in the flyer below! We invite the wider community to attend and share!

 
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