This is the report for the week ending July 30th, 2021.

Meeting Notes

The City Council is on August recess. The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on September 14th, 2021. Enjoy the next few weeks off!

Upcoming Events

COVID-19 Vaccine Pop-Up Clinic – Saturday July 31

Join us at Monterey Pines Apartments for a COVID-19 Vaccine Pop Up Clinic, this Saturday July 31st from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. No registration is required. If you would like to register online, visit bit.ly/VaxMonterey (location will say LLMC COVID TESTING ONLY but it will be at Monterey Pines Apartments).

A $25 DoorDash gift card will be available after vaccination!

Address: Monterey Pines Apartments
Community Room
680 S 37th St,
Richmond, CA 94804

Vaccinating ages 12 and up. Pfizer and J&J Vaccines will be available. The second vaccination date will be on August 21, 2021. To speak to a medical professional about the vaccine or get assistance with registration, please call: 1-415-213-8901. For more information, view the flyers below.
_________________

Nos vemos en Monterey Pines Apartments para una clínica de vacunas COVID-19, este sábado 31 de julio de 10:00 A.M. a 1:00 P.M. No se requiere registro. Visite bit.ly/VaxMontereyES (la ubicación dirá LLMC COVID TESTING ONLY, pero estará en Monterey Pines Apartments.)

¡$25 DoorDash tarjeta de regalo después de la vacunación!

Dirección: Monterey Pines Apartments
Community Room
680 S 37th St,
Richmond, CA 94804

Vacunando todas las personas 12+. Vacuna Administrada: Pfizer y J&J. La segunda fecha de vacunación será el 21 de agosto de 2021. La segunda vacunación está en 08/21/2021. Para hablar con un profesional médico sobre lavacuna o para obtener ayuda con el registro, porfavor llame a:1-415-213-8901

Rich City Rides

Come play Knockerball® Bubble Soccer with Rich City Rides this Sunday as we kick  off our 9th year Anniversary Month. ¡Ven a jujar fútbol en burbuja de Knockerball® con Rich City Rides este Domingo mientras comenzamos el mes en el que celebramos nuestro 9no aniversario!

City Manager’s Office

2021 Richmond Community Survey

Every two (2) years since 2007, the City of Richmond conducts a community survey to help the City evaluate services, measure resident satisfaction with current services, and to help plan for Richmond’s future. In July 2021, 4,200 randomly selected households were asked to participate in the 2021 Richmond Community Survey. Residents who received a mail survey or a link to an online survey are encouraged to complete and return it as soon as possible.

The online survey is available in English and Spanish. If you desire to complete the survey online, please copy your unique link into the browser address bar and not the search bar (see below) and use any web browser other than Internet Explorer.

Resident participation in the survey is very important and we look forward to hearing from you! If you would prefer a paper copy of the survey and/or have any questions, please contact us at (510) 620-6512.

City Manager’s Office, Economic Development

Changing the Narrative of Home Ownership

Changing the Narrative of Homeownership is a weeklong series of workshops and presentations aimed at helping marginalized groups breakthrough historical barriers to homeownership. The virtual events run from August 16th to August 21st and provide information and educational opportunities for residents and professionals interested in homeownership and opportunities to meet lenders.

Changing the Narrative of Leadership from a Black Woman's Perspective, is an afternoon information session on August 16th, facilitated by Richmond Neighborhood Housing Service's Nikki Beasley with industry leaders in finance and homeownership. The panel will discuss how they have navigated through leadership roles in their current and past roles.

On August 17th, Changing the Narrative – Different Pathways to Homeownership will be an evening discussion with Noni Session and Mia Carbajal on different pathways to homeownership. Learn from experts what path may be right for you to make homeownership a reality.

Changing the Narrative – Down Payment Assistance will be an evening session on August 18th. Susannah Harte, Loan Officer, will present different down payment options and down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.

Lunch and Learn conversation, Changing the Narrative – An Industry Conversation, will discuss the barriers and recommended solutions to eliminate Black and BIPOC borrowers' barriers in getting home loans. The lunch and learn session is designed for Community, Banks, Funders, Lenders, and Consumer Affairs advocates.

An August 21st lunchtime Saturday session, Changing the Narrative – Lender Circle, will highlight key lender partner community programs and provide an opportunity to discover what community lending program may be right for you. Those who have participated in the Change the Narrative series will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.

For more information on the program and to register, please visit the Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services' events webpage.

City of Richmond Artist Database Form

The City of Richmond Artist Database Form is an opportunity for local artists from all media and genres available for art projects in Richmond to provide their information to the City. If you are a local artist, please fill out this form: City of Richmond Artist Database Form.

Please note: This survey is a public document and the responses are subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act. In response to a Public Records Request, the City does not disclose personal emails and personal phone numbers. If a Public Records Act Request arises, the City will produce the record but redact the personal information.

Potential Vacant Property Tax- July 2021 Update

The City of Richmond is analyzing a potential Vacant Property Tax to support City services for blight abatement, code compliance, and general revenue enhancement. 

The City hosted two public workshops to receive feedback from stakeholders and the community including concerns regarding blight, opinions regarding vacant properties, potential exemptions, and services to be funded. In total, approximately 26 participants were in attendance. The PowerPoint and recordings of the workshops can be viewed at, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4122/Potential-Vacant-Property-Tax.

If you could not attend the workshops but would like to give feedback, please email, potentialVPT@ci.richmond.ca.us, or call the City Manager’s Office at (510) 620-6512, Monday-Friday anytime between 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.  

Fire

NorCal Fire Prevention Officers Association - Public Education Monthly Newsletter - July 2021

As the month of July is upon us, please click on the link to find some additional information/resources for the following; Heat Safety Prevention Resources for heat strokes/dehydration/water safety around water (bathtubs/pool/natural water)/wildfire & defensible space resources/All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety resources/and of course 4th of July resources.

Internal Services

Finance

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals:

Information Technology

Website Statistics

TRAKiT-  Civic TRAK Phone APP

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming

New “NewsBytes” segments: Transit Re-Grand Opening

• New episode of “The Jet Set”
• Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week

Recent Segments

• “NewsBytes:” BOLT Bike Sharing
• “NewsBytes”: Revised Version of 2017 National Night Out” with graphics promoting upcoming event date
• A revised edition of GRIP Alternatives No-Cost Solar Workshop
• Hacienda Groundbreaking
• Diversity Flag Raising
• RPD: Stop The Hate
• Redesign Shields-Reid Park
• Hope and Healing

You may find the full schedule at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3176/Schedule

Library and Community Services

Community Services (Recreation)

Flag Football

Join us for our Flag Football League Series! No experience necessary for all players ages 7-13! Call 510-621-1221 for more info.

Elevate After-School Program

Our Elevate after-school program starts Monday, August 16, 2021. Sign up today at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation.

Our Achieve after-school program starts Monday, August 20, 2021. Sign up today at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation.

Recreation Swim at the Plunge and Swim Center

Check out the flyer for more details on our recreation swim program!

Elevate Summer Camp – Week 7

This is our seventh week of our in person Elevate summer camp at the Richmond recreation Complex.  The main program hours are 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.  We also offer before care, which is 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. and extended care, which is 4:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. Even though the CDC loosened mask wearing restrictions, masks are required to be wore by campers and staff. We have two bubbles/groups of 14 campers and daily temperature checks.
     
This week the campers played different variations of dodgeball like medic dodgeball and circle dodgeball, rock-paper-scissors, sharks-and-barracudas, 3D Fishbowl, indoor soccer, kickball, workout Wednesday, and many other engaging activities. They ended the week swimming at the Richmond Swim Center. Next week is our final week of this year’s Elevate Summer Camp at the Richmond Recreation Complex. Looking into the future, the Community Services Department is offering an after-school program at the Richmond Recreation Complex and May Valley Community Center.  Open registration starts on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Library Updates

STEM programming at the Library!

The Richmond Public Library is partnering with the American Society of Civil Engineers’ San Francisco Young Member Forum to offer a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workshops on Zoom.  They will take place on Saturday mornings on July 31st, August 7th, and August 14th and will meet from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.  Each workshop will be a different project and the Library will provide the materials needed.  These classes are best for kids 9 to 13 years of age, but also suitable for younger kids with help from an adult.  You must be preregistered for the workshop in order to participate.  Please visit the Richmond Public Library’s website http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4110/Summer-Programs to register.  Once registered, please visit the Children’s Room at the Main/Civic Center Library to pick up your materials packet.  You will be emailed the Zoom link needed to join the workshop.  We look forward to you joining us!

The Literacy for Every Adult Program Promotes Project Impacto

During the pandemic amidst many uncertainties, LEAP had to rely heavily on volunteers to stay connected with their students. Initially, LEAP experienced a drop in enrollment as we transitioned our services to an online platform. Volunteers served a vital role when our clients had to adjust to Zoom classes as they didn’t bring the same type of impact like learning in a classroom did. Our volunteers found creative ways to stay interactive and some even met outside to be effective. We want to thank all our volunteers for their unwavering dedication in continuing to work with LEAP. The program couldn’t have overcome all the hurdles without the support of our awesome volunteers who selflessly gave their time and effort in tutoring our students one-to-one. We hope to see them in person one day soon!

If you are interested in volunteering for LEAP or learning more about our volunteer program, please contact Jessica Barragan at Jessica_Barragan@ci.richmond.ca.us or give her a call at 510-307-8009. Make sure to follow LEAP on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LEAPRICHMONDCA/ and Instagram @leaprichmondca.

Employment and Training Division

The RichmondWORKS, America’s Job Center of Californiasm (AJCC) is open for various career services.  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.

RichmondWORKS On-Site Recruitment (OSR) Event with JWilliams Staffing Agency

Presented on Wednesday July 21, 2021

Thank you to everyone who assisted in making RichmondWORKS first OSR event, post-pandemic, a huge success!  The vendor posted a great thank you note on their Linkedin page: “Our team made some amazing hires today! Marlo Brooks, Senior Regional Manager for JWS NorCal Multifamily, who teamed up with Monica Castrillo with RichmondWORKS to put on a successful hiring event. Marlo is an expert at helping people discover their next career opportunity in the Apartment Industry!” 

On-the-Job Training Business Services

RichmondWORKS staff are available to assist local businesses with their hiring needs, free of charge! For more information, please contact a RichmondWORKS Business Services Representative at (510) 307-8014.

English Language Learner Program Worksite Employer

The English Language Learner (ELL), Project IMPACTO grant program is looking for employers interested in becoming training worksites for the ELL program participants. For more information, call (510) 307-8003.

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

Police

Reminder: Don’t Drink And Drive!

The RPD Traffic Unit was out in full force on the evening of Friday July 16th to remove impaired drivers from our city’s streets. RPD, in partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety, conducted a DUI checkpoint in the city’s Central District.  1300 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, 70 citations for various vehicle code violations were issued, 8 vehicles were impounded and two arrest for DUI. Remember - buzzed driving is drunk driving! PLEASE don’t drink and drive!

Turning A Frown Upside Down!

Richmond dispatchers received a call of a bicycle that had been stolen. When a day-shift patrol officer arrived to take the report, she learned that the stolen bicycle had been a birthday gift for a young resident’s 12th birthday, only two days ago.

Officers on the day-shift patrol team immediately sprung into action, pooling their money to share the cost of a new bicycle and safety equipment to brighten the child’s day!

But wait - it gets better! When the management staff at Walmart found out why officers were purchasing a bicycle at their store, they graciously contributed to the cause, which helped officers purchase more accessories to keep the child, and his new bicycle, safe and secure. Officers delivered a brand-new birthday bicycle to a very surprised, and extremely happy, 12-year old boy!

RPD officers could hardly contain their smiles and joy as well, sharing in our young resident’s happiness. We are proud of our day-shift patrol team for exemplifying RPD’s mission and values by serving our community with compassion, collaboration, and unwavering commitment!

Double Park…Or Triple?

This week, the RPD Communications Center received emergency calls of a car that had crashed from the 5th floor of the Kaiser Hospital parking garage. RPD officers and Richmond firefighters quickly responded, and found an SUV that wasn’t quite able to park between two cars on the 4th floor.

Richmond police officers and firefighters were extremely thankful to see that the driver of the SUV was not seriously injured! Unfortunately, the driver had accidentally accelerated the car in “Drive”, instead of “Reverse”, causing her car to careen onto the parking floor below.

We are relieved that this incident did not result in any serious injuries to the driver or bystanders! We appreciate our partners at the Richmond Fire Department for ensuring the immediate safety, health, and well-being of everyone involved!

NAACP Youth Group K-9 Demo

The Guardians of Justice hosted a K-9 demonstration for a group of kids from the NAACP youth group. Chief French welcomed the group and Detective Terry Thomas organized the K-9 demonstration with Officer Brown and partner Odin. They enjoyed interacting with officers, frozen treats, and RPD swag.

Public Works

Abatement

Abatement staff hosted the bi-annual Point Richmond Neighborhood Clean-up event, provided assistance for seniors and disabled citizens, abated medians along Castro Street, removed illegally dumped debris throughout the City and removed graffiti from various locations.

Neighborhood Clean-Up

Median Work

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, repaired a flush-o-meter on one of the toilets in the jail, cleared the sewer at Pogo Park, replaced wax rings for the toilet at Fire Station #62 and repositioned a keyboard tray for staff in the Rent Program.

Facilities Maintenance

Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, cleaned windows at the Main Library, removed spider webs from Civic Center Plaza, cleaned recycling bins, disinfected common areas and maintained 29 City-owned buildings.

Summer Youth at Work

Engineering

Castro Ranch Road Project

Some issues with striping were resolved. This week there will be noticeable changes as the final striping work has gotten under way and the contractor will push to have all striping work completed by Friday.  In the event extra time is needed, we will be allowing the contractor to work through the weekend. If necessary, the work hours will be from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday. The striping work should not create any disturbing noise or require road closures. 

The landscaping in the median between Olinda and Amend Road has started. Hundreds of plants are arriving, along with new compost that will be mixed with existing soil.

Crossing Castro Ranch Road, there are two new crosswalks, one at Amend Road and the other near Conestoga Way. At both locations we are working to resolve some utility issues before the final installation of the push buttons, solar panels, signs and flashing beacons can be completed.  The striping will be completed before the crosswalk signals. Please watch for pedestrians at these locations.

Installed Crosswalk

Richmond Wellness Trail Project

Construction of Phase 1 continues with the General Contractor making improvements to the sidewalk on Marina Way South near Cutting Boulevard. The Contractor was delayed last week but plans to start excavating for the rain gardens along Marina Way South and installing irrigation sleeves through the rain gardens this week and next.

For more information on construction, please visit:

https://www.tpl.org/media-room/trust-public-land-city-richmond-announce-construction-richmond-wellness-trail

Sidewalk Repairs

Via Verdi Slope Stabilization Project

This week work includes construction of a culvert in San Pablo Creek, earthwork with utility work, reconstruction of the damaged portion of Via Verdi Drive and removal of the temporary detour road.  Until the new road repairs are complete, safe access for traveling in both directions along Via Verdi Drive will be maintained at all times. 

Activity for the next week will include pouring concrete for the walls of the culvert, as well as forming the roof of the culvert.  The project is scheduled to be completed in February 2022. 

Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Ben Kellman of mack5, at bkellman@mack5.com or (510) 595-4725.

Yellow Brick Road Project

The contractor, Ghilotti Bros, Inc. (GBI) continued the layout for sidewalk, curb and gutter and demolition limits last week.  Swinerton Management & Consulting has been onsite with Ghilotti Bros. to mark out the layout and demolition limits. The layouts have also been reviewed by the City and design team to ensure desired demolition, sidewalk and curb and gutter replacement. Saw cutting began last week and continued this week. Potholing to locate and verify the existing utility lines has begun.  Ghilotti is using a vacuum extraction method of excavating to not damage any existing utilities.

GBI will also begin demolition in the next few work days.  A Partnering Workshop was conducted on July 28th to establish communication protocol and project goals.  Weekly progress meetings with the City project manager, Swinerton, POGO Park staff, design teams and Ghilotti are ongoing.

Utility Excavation
Street Maintenance

Paving crews grinded and paved on Clinton Avenue from Ventura Street to San Pablo Avenue and on Lassen Street from Solano to Clinton Avenues.

Paving Clinton Avenue

Paving on Lassen Street

Street sweepers swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the fourth Monday through Wednesday and the fifth Thursday and Friday:  Sante Fe, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, Coronado, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman, Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park and City Center. Staff also swept portions of the Richmond Parkway and various medians.

Signs and Lines crews fabricated nine signs, installed four new poles, installed 13 signs, placed four “stop” messages and laid “shark teeth” on Carlson Boulevard.

Street Markings

Rich City Rides

Rich City Rides Lap Around The Bay

On Saturday July 24th, Rich City Rides hosted a Lap Around the Bay bicycle ride.
Departing from the Richmond BART station early in the morning, a group of 23 adventurous riders started the 138 mile journey heading West across the Richmond San Rafael Bridge, then across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco for a rest at the Ferry Building. The group continued to pedal forward making it to Milpitas in the South and looped back to Richmond following the Bay Trail for the majority of the trip.

Some of the main highlights: Backwards Brian did 100 miles riding backwards! 15 year-old Leo Von completed the loop, possibly being the youngest person to ever do it.

This is a ride that will forever be in the history books of Rich City Rides. What a way to warm up to celebrate our 9th Year Anniversary on August 12th!

This ride wouldn’t have been possible without the support from carious key players.

Thanks to #TeamLove2Smile for leading and keeping everyone safe, Shots from Richmond who doubled as support team in his vehicle, Allison Marshall who covered the event live on social media and did some serious fundraising, all the individual donors who contributed to the campaign and Zack’s Bikes from Belmont, CA for providing a water station break space for riders! THANK YOU for supporting our work.