Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending May 7, 2021.

1.    Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 10th, 2021. The
Special Meeting of the City Council begins at 6:30 P.M, and the agenda may be found by clicking on this link: May 10th City Council Agenda

The following City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11th. Closed Session begins at 4:00 P.M., followed by the Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 P.M. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: May 11th City Council Agenda.

2.    Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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

COVID-19 Vaccines

3.    Upcoming Events

Virtual Financial Incentives Clinic for Electric Vehicles

Think you can’t afford and Electric Vehicle?  Think again! Drive Clean Bay Area Event is holding a virtual Financial Incentives Clinic on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.  Register at: https://drivecleanbayarea.org/ev-financial-incentive-clinic/.

Electric Vehicle Financial Incentives Clinics can help you decide if you can afford an EV.  Learn about the many financial assistance programs available to income-qualifying consumers, including the Clean Cars for all grant, Clean Vehicle Assistance grant, and county-specific programs.  Afterwards, receive one-on one consultations for help completing your applications.  Note: to income-qualify, you must make no more than 300%-400% of the Federal Poverty Level.  For example, a single individual must make less than $51,000 and a family of four must make less than $105,000.  Spanish translation will be provided.

Taller de Incentivos Financieros Para EVs, Virtual

¿Crees que no te alcanza para comprar un vehículo eléctrico? ¡Piensalo otra vez! Las nuevas Clínicas de incentivos financieros para EVs profundizan en los muchos programas de asistencia financiera disponibles para los consumidores que califiquen por sus ingresos.

Las clínicas de incentivos financieros para vehículos eléctricos pueden ayudarlo a decidir si puede pagar un vehículo eléctrico. Conozca los numerosos programas de asistencia financiera disponibles para los consumidores que califican según sus ingresos, incluida la subvención Clean Cars for all, la subvención Clean Vehicle Assistance y programas específicos del condado. Luego, reciba consultas personalizadas para ayudarlo a completar sus solicitudes. Nota: para calificar por ingresos, no debe ganar más del 300% -400% del nivel federal de pobreza. Por ejemplo, una sola persona debe ganar menos de $ 51,000 y una familia de cuatro debe ganar menos de $ 105,000. Se proporcionará traducción al español.

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!

4.    Acknowledgements

Richmond Human Resources Team Meets the Challenge

In early April 2021, the Richmond Human Resources Team (HR Team) enthusiastically embraced the task of organizing and managing volunteers to support Contra Costa Health Services vaccination site with non-medical support personnel. Volunteers include City employees and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) responders.
To date, 52 City employees and 10 CERT volunteers stepped up to support the operation.

With guidance from Genevieve Pastor-Cohen, Richmond’s Emergency Services Manager, the HR Team assumed the role of Richmond On-Site Volunteer Coordinators. They provided orientation to volunteers, collected required documentation to ensure all support personnel were administered their Disaster Service Worker oaths, organized activity logs and timesheets for FEMA reimbursement, input employees time into the payroll system, and more.

Congratulations to the HR Team for their commitment and teamwork in supporting this very important effort to vaccinate our community. A huge thank you the many City employees and CERT volunteers who contributed their valuable time to fulfill non-medical support roles.

Richmond’s HR Team includes: (Pictured L – R) Kristi Florence, Dorothy Mandujano, Lisa Melgarejo, Veronica Duarte del Castro, Jessica Somera and Genevieve Pastor-Cohen. Not pictured are Erika Carty, Sharrone Taylor, Kenneth Tramiel

5.    City Manager’s Office, Economic Development

RFQ for Cherry Blossom Row Housing Private Developer project

City Ventures is excited to create a paid public art opportunity in the City of Richmond. This is an opportunity for an artist to design a pedestrian trellis and decorative structure as part of a grand entry of the Cherry Blossom Row project located in the Southwest Annex Neighborhood of Richmond, CA. Artists that can design or design and build the structure will be considered. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, please click here.

Richmond Business Spotlight- Roma Caffé and Bar

The City’s Manager’s Office, Economic Development team recently visited Roma Caffé and Bar, a new business in Richmond!
The new Café and Bar was opened in March 2021 by Yoly. The family-owned business serves coffee, breakfast and lunch. Soon to be serving wine and craft beer.
Order online or stop by 401 S Garrard Blvd and enjoy their indoor and outdoor eating areas. The business is open Monday-Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Sundays 8:00 A.M.  to 6:00 P.M.
 Website: https://www.romacaffe.net/.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund Webinar

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) became public law. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which is one part of the law that was established, appropriated $28.6 billion for the fund and authorized the SBA to award the funds. Businesses eligible for the funds are businesses that are not permanently closed and include businesses where the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drinks. The SBA awards businesses funds starting at $1,000 up to $5 million per location, not to exceed $10 Million total for applicants and any affiliated business.  Funds can be used for business expenses, business debt, or construction expenses. The first 21 days are considered the Priority Period, and the SBA will accept applications from all eligible applicants. Still, businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged applicants will be funded during this initial period. For more information, please visit SBA – Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Additionally, a presentation on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund will be made during the regularly scheduled Economic Development Commission Meeting on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. To access the EDC agenda, please follow this link.

Richmond Short-Term Local Business Recovery Action Plan Community Forum

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Division is hosting two community forums for Richmond businesses and residents to present and receive feedback on the short-term local business recovery action plan (STLBRAP). The community forums  ill be on May 10, 2021 one at 12 P.M. (Noon) and another at 6:00 P.M.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses in Richmond and the greater Bay Area have struggled. The City hired the consulting firm, HR&A Advisors, to proactively identify strategies to assist small businesses to survive and thrive through the pandemic. Strategies include assisting businesses in identifying available resources, providing near-term support to reduce closures, and capitalizing on emerging state or federal recovery programs.
During the meeting, City staff will update participants on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Richmond businesses and introduce proposed strategies to support businesses. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and give feedback.

Please register to Community Forum 1 and Community Forum 2.  More information about the draft plan can be viewed at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4101/Economic-Development-Action-Plan.

6.    Internal Services

Information Technology

Transparent Richmond - Highlights For The Month

Since 2007, the City has completed 445+ low-income solar installations. The City will be hosting a workshop with GRID Alternatives in June so Richmond residents can learn about and participate in the no-cost solar program. Workshop details will be posted in the City Manager’s Weekly Report and on www.richmondenvironment.org. Also, be sure to check out Transparent Richmond online, at www.transparentrichmond.org, and bonus stories at https://www.transparentrichmond.org/stories/s/ibty-6ngw.

Social Media Statistics for this Week

KCRT Datanet For The Week

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming

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

7.    Library and Community Services

Community Services (Recreation)

Zumba with Oscar

Register here for our Zumba classes with Oscar!

Pools Reopening

On Monday, May 3, both City of Richmond pools reopened after over 13 months of being closed due to COVID-19 restrictions on operations of indoor pools. Patrons lined up outside at 6:45 A.M. for the inaugural swim at the Richmond Plunge and the Richmond Swim Center.
Every swimmer must be registered in advance, and checked in by staff who give them a lane assignment. Every swimmer wears a mask until they enter the water, has 40 minutes to swim, then quickly towels off and leaves in their wet swimsuit so staff can disinfect and prepare for the next group to enter. Most patrons have expressed their gratitude for being able to be back in the pools, and are very supportive of the new procedures. Lifeguards have been happy to see the old “regulars” who they were accustomed to seeing on a daily or weekly basis.

Library Updates

Seed Giveaway

The Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library is distributing free seeds to the community.  Packets of beets, bush beans, dill, parsley, summer squash, sweet peas, swiss chard, and winter squash are available at the Main Library.  We invite people to pick up a pack of seeds and enjoy their produce later in the year.  For more seed information please visit www.richmondgrowsseeds.org.  The Main Library is open for indoor express service from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and from 3:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on Wednesdays.  For more Library information please visit www.richmondlibrary.org or call the Main Adult Reference Desk at 510-620-6561.  Happy planting!

Children’s Department

Keep checking our RPL Children’s Facebook page for Story times:

• Mondays – Baby Story Time
• Tuesdays – Bilingual Story Time
• Wednesdays – Family Story Times, and
• Flannel Fridays

Check our Playlists for past story times, special events, and other weekly posts, such as the STEAM (Science & Art) Playlist on Facebook.

New Month – New Activity Kit For Kids!

Button bracelets and coloring pages:  Button bracelets are really easy to make and are fun.  Just string your buttons on an elastic plastic string and you are done.

Ask for a kit when you pick up your books on hold on the Adult side, or when you visit us in the Children’s Room.  Call us to reserve one at 510-620-6557.

LEAP Teacher Appreciation Week

The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) sends a special thank you to all the teachers and volunteer tutors that dedicated their efforts in making sure our students were taken care of during these tumultuous times. This past year, we faced extraordinary challenges but our teachers and tutors were willing to change their practice, teaching style, and never stopped showing up for our adult learners. Our teachers did more than teach and we are grateful to them for their empathy, compassion, and really rising to the occasion in light of great challenges and fear in our community. LEAP will continue to #ThankTeachers for their tireless efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

If you are interested in teaching opportunities or would like to tutor please reach out to our LEAP office at 510-307-8009 or email our team at Abigail_Sims@ci.richmond.ca.us. Also check out our website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/788/Literacy-Program-LEAP and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LEAPRICHMONDCA/. Thank you Teachers!

8.    Public Works

Abatement

Abatement staff hosted the bi-annual Santa Fe Neighborhood Clean-up event, provided assistance for seniors and disabled citizens, continued weed abatement along the Richmond Parkway, abated weeds from the Hacienda property, removed illegally dumped debris and removed graffiti from various locations.

Santa Fe Neighborhood Clean-Up

Richmond Parkway Maintenance

Hacienda Clean-Up

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Abatement

Engineering

Richmond Wellness Trail Project

Construction for the week of May 10th will continue exploratory potholing and surveying along Marina Way South, as well as unloading deliveries of materials onto the Maine Avenue to Cutting Boulevard stretch of Marina Way South. The contractor anticipates starting digging for the storm drain work on May 17, 2021. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction without parking on the Cutting Boulevard to Maine Avenue segment of Marina Way South. Please make sure to follow parking signs!

Castro Ranch Road Project

This week the construction contractor, Ghilotti Bros., Inc., continued the work of removing, reforming, and placing concrete for new sidewalks and curb ramps. That work is about 50% complete and should be finishing next week. The Contractor has started saw-cutting pavement for the construction of new 300+ foot median curbs east of Deer Run Drive. The Contractor will be closing lanes to begin the excavation and removal of failing roadway base material. The largest and deepest section (18”) will be first. It is about 170 feet long and 20 feet wide. It occupies a portion of the westbound lane over Sobrante Ridge. The eastbound lane will remain open and will be used to single track the traffic with the use of a flagger at each end.  We expect only minor traffic delays.

Citizens with additional questions or concerns can utilize the information below with those requests:

Brandon Bell, Ghilotti Bros. Superintendent – (415) 760-0891
Jason Miniello, Ghilotti Bros. Project Manager – (415) 710-1743
Scott Buckley, Ghirardelli Assoc. Construction Manager – (925) 989-3806

Curb Ramp Replacement

Base Repair
Facilities Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, replaced the water tower dump valve on the air conditioner unit on the 440 Civic Center Plaza roof, replaced the fill valve on a toilet at the Fire Training Center, repaired a toilet at the Family Justice Center, located a roof leak at the Richmond Visitor’s Center, replaced a feed pump on boiler #3 at 440 Civic Center Plaza and installed a pressurized copper lines for two air conditioners at Fire Station #63..

A/C Valve Replacement

Utility workers installed floor protectors on furniture, assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, sanitized common areas and cleaned 29 City owned facilities.

Installing Floor Protectors

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews mowed parks in the central area of Richmond, inspected irrigation systems prior to seasonal usage, removed debris from central area parks and right of ways, mowed turf at Booker T. Anderson Park, repaired fencing in Point Richmond, performed weed abatement at the Fire Training Center, fixed broken pipe at Monterey Playlot, fixed chain link fencing at State Court Park, performed weed abatement on the Carlson Boulevard medians, ground stumps at Judge Carroll Park, repaired irrigation at the Civic Center and Lamoine Park, removed trash from the Greenway, repaired fencing at Nicholl Park, performed maintenance baseball field at Nicholl Park and repaired tennis court nets at Hilltop Green Park.

                                                                                                              Carlson Boulevard Median Maintenance                     Water Main Repair

Tree crews cut or trimmed trees in the following locations:  Grove Street, JoAnn Drive, Maricopa Avenue and the Richmond Police Department parking lot.

Tree Trimming on Maricopa Avenue

Marina District crews trenched on Regatta Boulevard and Marina Way South for new irrigation pipes, planted shrubs on Marina Way South medians, mowed all parks and along the Bay Trail, removed graffiti from the playground at Barbara J. Vincent Park, hand pulled weeds on Marina Bay Parkway medians, removed debris from a homeless encampment, manually watered locations until irrigation controllers are replaced, refilled dog waste bags and emptied all refuse cans throughout the district.

Weed Abatement on Bay Trail

Hilltop District crews completed weed abatement at Vista Del Mar, continued with irrigation repair at Hilltop Lake Park, weed abated the corner of San Pablo Avenue and Richmond Parkway, weed abated Blume Drive medians and removed debris throughout the district.

Weed Abatement at San Pablo Avenue

Pavement Maintenance

Streets crews paved on Mullens Avenue, performed hotmix patching in various locations and filled potholes from the outstanding list.

Paving on Mullens Avenue

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. Staff also swept bike lanes in tandem to remove the maximum debris.

Bike Lane Sweeping

Signs and Lines crews fabricated 25 new signs, installed nine signs in multiple locations, fixed three downed signs, placed 10 “Stop” and “Stop Ahead” messages, installed white pavement markings and painted green and red curbs in various locations.

Installed Signage and Paint

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 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.

The project was substantially complete on April 23, 2021. Final paving remains. See pictures and descriptions below.

Local contractor W.R. Forde has completed installation of the trash capture device and is paving the street at the trash capture site.

Local contractor W.R. Forde is topping out the manholes at the trash capture site.

9.    Richmond Main Street

The Pandemic Can’t Stop Art! Art In Windows 2021 Exhibition & Reception

Art In Windows, the annual storefront exhibitions program pioneered by Richmond Main Street Initiative, returns this year through a pilot collaboration with Richmond-based NIAD Art Center. Funded by the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission’s Neighborhood Public Arts Mini-Grant, the collaboration includes 2 exhibitions in Downtown Richmond windows, a free online opening reception on May 13 featuring participating artists and family-friendly workshop kits to accompany the exhibition, and a small business development workshop in June for up to 25 artists.

Richmond Main Street and NIAD invite the community to enjoy the show in 2 ways:
Enjoy the exhibitions on display through May 22, on view from the street 24/7! Visit NIAD at 551 23rd Street to see works by Sarah Waite Chase, Robin D. Lopez, Elmarise Owens, and Karin Turner; and visit RMSI at 1600 Nevin Plaza to see art from Mireya Betances, Eddie Braught, Deatra Colbert, and Esmeralda Silva.
Attend the virtual Thirsty Thursday reception on May 16, 6:00 P.M. ! Free to attend, registration is required. Plus: the first 25 ticket holders will receive a make-and-take art workshop kit that includes some of the materials that the 8 artists used to make their artwork during the reception.

For more information and to RSVP for the reception, visit www.NIADArtStore.org.

10. Richmond Promise

Join us in celebrating our welcoming our newest class of incredible Scholars!

You’re invited to attend this year's virtual Richmond Promise Scholars Celebration on Wednesday, May 26! We hope you will join us for an inspiring evening to celebrate and honor the 400+ Richmond Promise Class of 2021 scholarship recipients. We will also be recognizing the education and civic partnerships critical to our Scholars' success and celebrating what the Richmond Promise means to the community. 

The sixth class of Richmond Promise Scholars will be welcomed into the Richmond Promise family where they will join a growing number of 1300+ current Scholars representing Richmond at over 100 colleges and universities across the country! 

We will hear from Richmond Promise Alumni, Scholars and community champions! Reserve your ticket today at https://tinyurl.com/21rpceleb

Help Local Students Break Into the Field of their Dreams: Mentor a Richmond Promise Scholar!

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.

May College Success Workshop: Affordability & Savings

See registration details in the flyer below! We invite the wider community to attend and share! RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/RP-Savings

 
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