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 June 4th, 2021.

Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8th , 2021.  Closed Session begins at 5:00 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: June 8th 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. Currently vaccines are available to anyone 12 years or older. 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, LifeLong Medical Care is providing COVID-19 vaccination at the  LifeLong William Jenkins Health Care Center and the LifeLong Brookside San Pablo Health Center. Vaccines are free and open to everyone in the community 12 years or older, with no insurance or documentation necessary. For more information, including up-to-date hours, and to schedule an appointment, visit lifelong.info/vaccine or call at 510-549-5454.

Other local resources, including links to other healthcare providers in the community now offering vaccines, 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

Flora, Family Ghosts + Resilient Correspondence

Three artists discuss the threads and themes of their work

Online Artists' Talk: Thursday, June 10, 7:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. PST

We hope you can join us for a special event bringing together three artists: Shari Arai DeBoer, Manon Wada, Irene Wibawa. While working in different media, scale and modes for investigation, the artists’ work is interconnected through their consideration of family stories, nature and resilience during these challenging times.

RSVP to attend: https://richmondartcenter.org/exhibitions/flora-family-ghosts-resilient-correspondence/

This Artists’ Talk is part of RAC LIVE, a project supported by a 2021 Neighborhood Public Art Mini-Grant from the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission.

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

Save the Date: Literacy for Every Adult Program Virtual Graduation June 17th

Graduation is time of yearning for what’s ahead and what’s left behind. Please join LEAP in congratulating our graduates on Thursday, June 17th at 6:00 P.M. via Zoom to share in our happiness and celebrate! Unfortunately due to COVID-19, LEAP was unable to celebrate our 2020 graduates with a ceremony last year but that just means this year will be jammed packed with inspirational words and fun activities. We have 25 students graduating from our last two cohorts and we cannot wait to see them shine in their glory surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones.

If you would like to RSVP for LEAP’s Virtual Graduation Party please feel free to email John Adams at John_Adams@ci.richmond.ca.us or call the LEAP office at 510-307-8089. We will be sending the Zoom link a day prior to the event.

The tassel was worth the hassle! Let’s celebrate our 2020/2021 graduates!

Richmond YouthBUILD / RichmondBUILD Academy announces the graduation of its Training Cohort #35

You are cordially invited to attend the high school graduation of the RichmondBUILD Cohort #35. Join us on Friday, June 18th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the RichmondBUILD Academy: 360 S 27th St., Richmond.

To learn more about Employment and Training Career Services, please visit our website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/275/Employment-Training .

Acknowledgements

Library Teen Scholarship

For the 25th year, the Friends of the Richmond Public Library and the Richmond Public Library’s Teen Services division are awarding a scholarship to a graduating high school senior that is a Richmond resident.  The “Dollars for Scholars” Scholarship, formerly known as the SAT Scholarship, is a $1,000 cash award to support a student that is accepted to a four-year university.  Eligible applicants were also required to write an essay and detail their community service.  The 2021 award recipient is Lensaa Temesgen, a graduate of Contra Costa College’s Middle College High School in San Pablo.  Lensaa will be attending the University of California, Berkeley.  Congratulations Lensaa!

City Manager’s Office, Economic Development

Arts and Culture Division Survey

The Richmond City Manager's Office Economic Development, Arts and Culture Division invites you to share your opinion about the arts and culture in Richmond through filling out this Richmond Arts and Culture Survey: bit.ly/Richmond-Art-Culture-Survey.

Your input will be shared with the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC) and the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) and will be used to inform future planning.

American Pride and Purpose by Sargent Johnson

No Cost Solar for Qualifying Richmond Homes

The City of Richmond in partnership with GRID Alternatives will be hosting an online workshop:
Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
RSVP at grid-richmond.eventbrite.com or call 1-866-921-4696
Join the webinar here: https://bit.ly/GRID-COR-2021(Spanish translation is available)

Funded by the City of Richmond and the State of California, GRID Alternatives provides no-cost solar systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure assistance to qualifying Richmond and North Richmond homeowners. Participants can save 60-90% on their electric bill with solar and save even more when paired with an electric vehicle. Join us to learn more about the program and to see if you are eligible!

Qualifications for GRID Alternatives’ solar program:
You live and own your home in qualifying areas of Richmond or North Richmond
Your 2020 household income is at or below the following amounts:

Apply now at https://www.gridsolar.org/richmond or call 1-866-921-4696.
Solar Sin Costo Para Hogares Que Califican en Richmond
La ciudad de Richmond, en asociación con GRID Alternatives, organizará un taller en línea:
Jueves 10 de junio de 2021 a las 7:00 P.M.
RSVP en grid-richmond.eventbrite.com o llame al 1-866-921-4696
Únase al seminario web aquí: https://bit.ly/GRID-COR-2021 (traducción al español disponible)

Financiado por la Ciudad de Richmond y el Estado de California, GRID Alternatives brinda asistencia sin costo para los sistemas solares y la infraestructura de carga de vehículos eléctricos para los propietarios de viviendas de Richmond y North Richmond que califican. Los participantes podrían ahorrar 60-90% del costo de electricidad con energía solar y ahorrar aún más cuando se combina con un vehículo eléctrico. ¡Únase a nosotros para obtener más información sobre el programa y ver si es elegible!

Calificaciones para el programa solar de GRID Alternatives:
(1) Vive y es dueño de su casa en áreas calificadas de Richmond o North Richmond
(2) Su ingreso familiar 2020 es igual o menos a las siguientes cantidades:

Aplíque ahora en https://www.gridsolar.org/richmond o llame al 1-866-921-4696.

Fire

Wildland Firefighter Training

From Thursday, May 27 to Monday, June 7, the Richmond Fire Department will be conducting wildland firefighting training at the Upper Entrance to Wildcat Canyon Park at the dead end of Monte Cresta Avenue. The training will consist of a review of fire weather projections for the fire season, incident communication plans, fire shelter deployment and review of wildland firefighting tactics. This training will ensure all Richmond Fire Department personnel are prepared for the 2021 Fire Season which is already off to a busy start.

Internal Services

Finance

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals: 

Information Technology

Social Media Statistics for this Week

 KCRT Datanet For The Week

 Kcrt Tv Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming

New this week: a one-hour edition of Community Budget Meeting to be shown on KCRT’s “NewsBytes.”

Current recent specials/segments:
RFD: Stop The Hate, Redesign Shields-Reid Park, Hope and Healing,
Highlights of Women’s Day,
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,”
The City’s Mask Videos.

All-new episodes of “Colour in Your Life,” 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)

CSD Mini-Grants Now Open!
A week left to apply for our grants! Access the online application and get more information at tinyurl.com/csdminigrants. Questions? Email staff at recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us

Richmond Pools Back In Action!

Many of the former patrons of the Richmond Plunge and Richmond Swim Center have been returning to the pools for reserved swimming time. Because the reservation process may deter some patrons, updated instructions have been posted on the pools webpages under the Heading REGISTER FOR POOL USE. If the process is still confusing, Registration staff are able to help patrons by phone Monday through Friday from 8:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. The phone number is 510-620-6793. Reservations may be made on the following schedule:

*or previous weekday if the 10 or 25 falls on a weekend or holiday

Employment and Training Division

RichmondWORKS Services Available

The RichmondWORKS, America’s Job Center of Californiasm (AJCC) is open for various career services by appointment.  Career Planners are available to provide weekly One-on-One Career Counseling sessions, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment.  Call RichmondWORKS now at (510) 307-8014 to make your appointment for job search and career counseling assistance.

YouthWORKS, Summer Youth Employment Program:

We are looking for businesses/non-profits/community organizations who are willing to host some of our Summer Youth. To request an employer application, visit our website at: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/662/YouthWORKS

Local Employment Opportunities Include

Pacific Home Care is having a Hiring Event! The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2021 (9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. ) at the Pacific Homecare Services facility located at 4637 Chabot Dr., Pleasanton, CA. Face Masks & Social Distancing is required. All are encouraged to bring their resumes. For more information, please contact Angel Estrada at (925) 459-4305.

Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel will hold an Employer Spotlight Jobs Fair, sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation and Alameda Co. Social Services Agency. Event is June 17, 2021(10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.). Registration Link:  https://employerspotlight.eventbrite.com/. There are various open positions. To apply, submit an application and attached your resume at: https://careers.accor.com/global/en/fairmont-jobs   

Express Employment Professionals has Fill-Time positions for immediate hire in the Richmond, CA area. Hourly pay rate: $16 per hr.; overtime rate: $24hr. Available shift: Sunday – Thursday, 2:00 P.M. -10:30 P.M.  For more information visit their website at: www.expresspross.com; Telephone: 510-662-5100; Email: Rosalva.Corral@ExpressPros.com   

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

 TSA Is Hiring Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at Oakland International Airport (OAK); Part-time positions start at $20.13 per hour.  Apply today! Text “OAK” to 95495 or visit https://hraccess.tsa.dhs.gov/hraccess/index.html Questions? Email: HelpDesk@mailserver-hraccess.tsa.dhs.gov

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

Transportation

Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews abated weeds along the Richmond Parkway from West Ohio Avenue to the Bay Trail, abated alleys and public right of ways, removed illegally dumped debris and graffiti from various locations throughout the City.

Weed Abatement

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Engineering

Castro Ranch Road Project

Last week the contractor completed the Cold-In-Place Recycling (CIR) operations on Castro Ranch Road.  This means that 95% of the project has already had pavement repair to a depth of at least 5”. During CIR operations additional repairs were identified that may need to include Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Once those repairs are completed, there will be a new 2” layer of hot mix asphalt applied to the full surface of the roadway.

The contractor has painted temporary striping.  They are also removing and replacing sections of concrete curb and gutters that were broken or displaced.  Further to the east, the contractor is rebuilding a drainage inlet so it can capture a higher volume of run-off and prevent flooding.

The contractor is also installing pedestrian crosswalk signals, clearing plant material from the sides of the road, and installing of new sidewalk just west of Conestoga Way.

Work is still progressing on schedule and residents will soon have a beautiful new road.  As before, please use caution when traveling through the site.

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 Replacement

Richmond Wellness Trail Project

Construction of Phase 1 of the Richmond Wellness Trail is underway. This week the contractor (Ghilotti Bros., Inc.) will finish removal of the six trees that conflict with the new improvements. Groundwork Richmond, will be planting 113 new trees as part of this project in the fall. The Contractor will also be saw cutting on Marina Way South (Cutting Boulevard to Maine Avenue) in preparation for underground storm drain work that is anticipated to start the week of June 14, 2021.

For more information, please contact:

Trudy Garber, Trust for Public Land, at (415) 800-5274
Manil Bajracharya, Construction Manager, at (510) 595-3022
Marty Murphy, Project Manager, Ghilotti Bros., Inc. at (415) 760-0592

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, cleared a sink at the Family Justice Center, replaced the roller for the sliding gate at the Nevin Housing complex, replaced steam heating cols at the Main Library, secured the air vents at the Disabled Peoples Recreation Center (DPRC), fixed the thermostat on the air conditioning unit at the Richmond Visitor’s Center, cleared a clogged drain at the Barbara J. Vincent Park and replaced valves on the boiler water feed pump at 440 Civic Center Plaza.

Sink Clearing

Utility workers removed waxed floors at 450 Civic Center Plaza, replaced light fixture covers at the Recreation Complex, detailing of the Human Resources department, replaced clock batteries in various locations, raised commemorative flags at Civic Center Plaza, assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, sanitized common areas and cleaned 29 City-owned facilities.

Flag Raising & Floor Waxing

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews performed prepared the baseball diamond at Atchison Park for use, weed abated Lucas Park, replaced flags at multiple parks, began clearing fire trails, weeded medians and right of ways along Cutting Boulevard from South 23rd Street to South 49th Streets, removed trash from the Greenway, and weeded the Kern Playlot.

Ballfield Maintenance                    Weed Abatement Cutting
                                                      Boulevard

Marina District crews performed weed abatement along the Peninsula Drive landscaped planters, along the fence line of Marina Bay Park to Esplanade, and the Regatta Boulevard medians; repaired the infant swing at Barbara J. Vincent Park, mowed all parks, manually watering, refilled dog waste bags and emptied all refuse cans throughout the district.

Swing Repair

Hilltop District crews performed weed abatement along Hilltop Mall Road, on Richmond Parkway from Giant Road to Hilltop Drive and abated medians along Garrity Road, repaired irrigation on Blume Drive, abated right of ways on Atlas Drive and removed debris throughout the district.

Richmond Parkway Abatement

Water Resource Recovery

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