Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending August 6th, 2021.
The City Council is on August recess. The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on September 14th, 2021. Enjoy the next few weeks off!
Adult Learn-To-Ride Class
On Saturday August 21st at 10:00 A.M., Rich City Rides, Bike East Bay and the City of Richmond are teaching Richmond residents how to ride a bicycle.
Know anyone 13 and up who wants to learn how to ride a bike? Free class. Bikes and helmets included for those who sign up first. Register here: https://bit.ly/learn2riderichmond
2021 Richmond Community Survey
Every two 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.
Nevin Terraces Senior Apartment Waiting List
The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list for senior units in the new Nevin Terraces development opened on Monday, August 2 at 10:00 A.M. and will remain open until further notice. The Nevin Terraces Apartments are located at 2100 Nevin Ave. Eligible families will be referred to units subsidized with Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers from the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County. All applicants for the senior units must be 62 years of age or older. There are currently studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom, and four bedroom units available. Large households are highly encouraged to apply for three and four bedroom units, and are eligible as long as the head of the household is 62 years of age or older. Applications can only be submitted online, no paper applications will be available. Reasonable Accommodations for elderly or disabled clients can be made for anyone needing individual assistance either by telephone or at our offices.
Pre-applications can only be submitted online at:
http://www.contracostahousing.org
Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grant Program Applications are Available!
The Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grant Program is now seeking applications for FY 2021-2022. Grant awards range from $500 - $8,000 and are designated to stimulate arts and culture in the Richmond community, help emerging artists of all ages and ethnicities, and fund local visual, literary, and performing arts projects.
Since 2010, the NPA program has been coordinated by the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC) and has engaged hundreds of community members in art projects all over the City of Richmond. Richmond residents and Richmond-based arts organizations are eligible and may apply as individuals, as a team with partners, or as a non-profit arts organization. Licensed "non-profit" organizations may serve as fiscal agents for individual mini grants.
An Orientation/Informational Workshop will be held via Zoom* on:
- Saturday, August 28th, beginning at 11:00 A.M.
* Details on how to join the meeting will be posted on the Arts & Culture website.
The NPA Mini Grant Application deadline is Monday, September 13, 2021, at 11:59 P.M.
To access the Call for Applications (RFP), NPA Mini Grant Application, and more, check out the Arts & Culture webpage: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2064/Arts-Culture
Finance
Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals:
City Attorney |
City Attorney’s Office FY 2021-2024 – Request for Qualification (RFQ) |
Due: 8/20/21 |
Information Technology
Website Statistics
KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming
New Segment / Series Episode:
- NEW! “NewsBytes: Juneteenth 2021”
- New episode of “The Jet Set”
- Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week
Recent Segments:
- “NewsBytes” segments: Transit Re-Grand Opening
- “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
- Library and Community Services
Community Services (Recreation)
Check out all of our upcoming sports program offerings this fall!
 
 
Library Updates
Successful Summer Book Distributions
With the goal of connecting kids with books and food, the Library was able to distribute 850 free books at three summer lunch locations – DeJean Middle School, Nystrom Elementary School, and Kennedy High School. We also distributed books at the Farmers’ Market Fresh Approach booth, where lots of parents bring their young children. Library staff matched kids with appropriate books for their age and interest.
We were so glad for these opportunities to see families in person and remind them of the resources we have for them at the library!
For information about our last Saturday STEM class on August 14th, please visit our web page, Summer Programs | Richmond, CA - Official Website
For information about upcoming fall programs, stay tuned to the RPL Children’s Facebook page, or call the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557.
 
Library staff prepares to distribute free books
Assortment of free books for all school-aged children
Library Aide Juan Hernandez joyfully hands out of free books
Join Healthy Richmond’s and The Literacy for Every Adult Program’s New Racial Equity Civic Engagement Program
The Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) has teamed up with Healthy Richmond’s Economic Action Team in creating a Y-Plan Bridging Program and Training Institute. This past year, LEAP guided participants in a civic community development research process and provided them with professional development skills learned through tech tools and a curriculum provided by UC Berkeley’s Center for Cities and Schools. Our students were able to investigate the inequalities they see or experience in their community, gathered data and analyzed the key issues impacting Richmond neighborhoods.
LEAP and Healthy Richmond were so uplifted and empowered by the great work our students devoted to the program that we decided to continue supporting residents in developing, refining, and applying the holistic and technical skills necessary to fully engage and participate in policy advocacy work affecting structural and community change within the City of Richmond Racial Equity Team through leadership development training.
If you would like to be part of the program, please consider becoming a mentor! By volunteering as a mentor, you will provide virtual membership to 1-2 mentees for 9 hours over a 3-week span. Learn alongside mentees about perspectives related to policy advocacy, racial equity, and other lesson topics, support community engagement and empowerment, and assist in the development of a racially equitable city of Richmond.
For more information, please consider attending the virtual mentor onboarding meeting on Friday, August 6, 2021, from 11:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M. You can also email Vy (Vi) Vo at vvo@richmondcf.org or call/text 510-926-8991
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. You are also encouraged to view our YouTube videos to learn more about the services RichmondWORKS and YouthWORKS provide for the Richmond community.
RichmondWORKS Career Pathway Spotlight
The YouthWORKS, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is now a Year-Around program! For more information please visit their website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/662/YouthWORKS or email: Chernandez@richmondworks.org.
Local Employment Opportunities Include:
- Lao Family Community Development Programs cordially invites you to their Care Campus Oakland - Open House & Summer Job Fair; Friday, August 13, 2021 (12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.). They are located at 8480 Edes Ave., Oakland, CA; Please bring your resumes! Masks are required, but optional for fully vaccinated participants. Candidates must register for this event. RSVP by August 9, 2021 at: https://forms.gle/eTPrEagw6Ebkkia68. For more information, please contact: Oleta Cook: ocook@lfcd.org 510-533-8850; Mouang Saeyang: msaeyang@lfcd.org 510-330-4260; Gale Rodriquez: grodriquez@lfcd.org 510-208-0912.
- Mechanics Bank is hiring, and has available positions in the Bay Area. Mechanics Bank has career opportunities for both short and long term career objectives. Whether you seek a part-time or full-time position, Mechanics Bank has a variety of roles to meet your career objectives. To apply online, click: https://www.mechanicsbank.com/About-Us/Careers/Career-Areas
- Securitas is hiring! If you are interested in being a part of the Securitas team, join them for a virtual recruitment, Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. You must download the Microsoft Teams app on your pc or mobile device to join this recruiting event. For more information, contact: R. Baxter-Green, Job Developer at RBGreen@acgov.org Click here to join the meeting or call in (audio only) 415-915-3950,345309927# United States, San Francisco (888) 715-8170,,345309927# United States (Toll-free) Phone Conference ID: 345 309 927#. Use the attached link to get an interview spot within 24 hours: https://ekaw.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/requisitions/preview/64377.
National Night Out
National Night Out was amazing. From the kick off hosted by North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church and the Shields Reid Neighborhood Council, to the innovative fun games and giveaways at all the community sites, to the rousing end party hosted by the Coronado Neighborhood Council, it was all Richmond, true community spirit.
Thank you to all the neighborhoods that hosted an event, and all the service providers who attended. Special thanks to NAMI Contra Costa for providing information on mental wellness at some of our sites.
Richmond Police and Richmond Fire were able to visit the block parties and connect with neighbors. The team enjoyed connecting with neighbors.
And finally, a big thank you to Contra Costa County Health Services for offering vaccination clinics at three locations — Hilltop Green, North Richmond and Crescent Park, and working with us to stay safe.
We love and appreciate all of you. Stay safe!
 
 
 
Man With Machete Meets K9 Gunnar
Earlier this week, RPD dispatchers received a 911 emergency call from a young mother, reporting that a roommate was armed with a machete and threatening to kill her family, including her 5-year old child. The young family locked themselves in a bedroom, as the suspect banged loudly on the door. Fearing that the suspect would breach the door open, the family escaped the room by jumping out of a window, and arriving RPD officers quickly escorted them to safety.
After confirming that there were no additional hostages inside the house, RPD officers focused their mission on safely detaining the armed and dangerous suspect. Officer Sanchez, a bilingual member of the RPD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), arrived and calmly attempted to speak with the suspect, in Spanish, through a front window of the house.
The agitated suspect refused to listen, and threatened to harm RPD officers with the machete. The suspect then exited the house, armed with the machete, and quickly advanced toward RPD officers. Ultimately, K-9 Gunnar bravely apprehended the suspect, allowing RPD officers to safely detain him in handcuffs.
We are extremely relieved that this incident did not result in any injuries to our officers and the young family involved. The safe conclusion of this incident was an exceptional collaborative effort by our patrol team, who utilized a multitude of available skills and resources to ensure the safety of our community. Great work, officers and K-9 Gunnar!
 
 
Abatement
Abatement staff hosted the annual Pullman Neighborhood Clean-up Event, provided assistance for seniors and disabled citizens, abated private vacant lots, completed abatement on medians along Castro Street, removed illegally dumped debris throughout the City and removed graffiti from various locations.
   
Pullman Neighborhood Clean-Up
 
 
Castro Street Median Abatement
   
Private Lot Abatement
 
   
Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal
Building Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, repaired a leaking hose bib at the Recreation Complex, fixed the flushometer and cleared the sink at Fire Station #68, replaced the exhaust fan on the rooftop unit on Fire Station #64, fixed a leaking faucet at the Recreation Complex, and replaced the condenser fan blade on a fridge at Fire Station #67.
Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, continued to clean windows at the Main Library, disinfected common areas and maintained 29 City owned buildings
Drain Clearing
Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, continued to clean windows at the Main Library, disinfected common areas and maintained 29 City owned buildings.
 
Window Cleaning Main Library
Engineering
Castro Ranch Road Project
This past week there has been work on the landscaping in the median between Olinda Road and Amend Road. River washed cobbles were placed at the ends of the median. Many of the plants (about 80%), including new trees have been planted.
The new guardrail was paced at the top of the crib retaining wall. The first crosswalk, near Conestoga Way, was completed and is now fully operational with push buttons and flashing beacons.
We are working to resolve some delays to striping. This includes a manufacturer’s shortage of materials needed to produce the desired paint products. We expect the final striping will be completed quickly once it is started. This should happen within this coming week.
 
Median Work Crosswalk Beacon
Installation
Richmond Wellness Trail Project
Construction of Phase 1 continues with the General Contractor excavating for the rain gardens along Marina Way South and installing irrigation sleeves. The boring subcontractor is on site doing potholing for irrigation sleeves across intersections. Groundwork Richmond, the community partner leading the tree planting, is wrapping up surveys of the residents on 16th Street, and will be selecting tree species for planting on 16th Street between the Transit Center and the Greenway.
For more information on construction, please visit:
https://www.tpl.org/media-room/trust-public-land-city-richmond-announce-construction-richmond-wellness-trail
Irrigation Sleeves
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.
The pouring of the walls of the culvert was completed. Activity this week includes forming the roof of the culvert and excavating for the second stage of culvert construction.
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
Last week Ghilotti Bros, Inc. (GBI) continued saw cutting for the limits of concrete sidewalk, driveway and curb & gutter demolition. GBI began demolition this week starting at the 8th Street and Ohio Avenue intersection. Potholing to locate and verify the existing utility lines has also been ongoing over the last two weeks. GBI will be working from the south end of the project to the north end (along 8th Street). GBI has begun excavating for the new median curbs and will begin sub-base placement and formwork later this week.
A Partnering Workshop was conducted last week on July 28th and follow-up monthly check-in meetings will take place over the course of the project. Weekly progress meetings with the City Project Manager, Swinerton, POGO Park staff, design teams and GBI are ongoing.
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews repaired irrigation at Mira Flores Park, completed ornamental pruning at John F. Kennedy Park, cleaned homeless encampments in multiple locations, weeded Booker T. Anderson Park, replaced the irrigation power transformer controller at State Court Park, weeded one side of Carlson Boulevard, pressured washed the playground at Southside Park, abated weeds and litter from 6th Street and Barrett Avenue, weeded right of ways on Clinton Avenue, repaired fencing at the Parks Yard, performed irrigation repair at Nicholl Park, performed maintenance at May Valley Community Center, removed graffiti from Humboldt Park and removed debris from the Greenway.
 
Homeless Encampment Clean-Up
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees on: 9th Street, 36th Street, Carlson Boulevard, Cutting Boulevard, Overend Avenue and Western Drive. Staff also trimmed trees at Booker T. Anderson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Southside Park and State Court Park.
Tree Trimming
Marina Districtcrews performed weed abatement on the Bay Trail near Barbara J. Vincent Park, removed plants near the Barbara J. Vincent Park mount, continued to manually watered plants on the medians of Marina Way South, pruned shrubs along the Bay Trail, continued with tree wells at Marina Bay Park, removed debris from parks, replaced supplemental bags, weed abated medians by hand on the Moody Underpass, manually turned on water for lawns, staked newly planted trees on Esplanade, weed abated along Harbour Way, raised the tree canopies on Marina Bay Park, removed pine needles near Rosie the Riveter, removed geese waste at Shimada Park and performed maintenance on the boards of Esplanade Trail.
Median Maintenance
Hilltop District crews performed weed abatement on Miner Avenue, cleaned v-ditches, hand pulled weeds at Bay Vista Park, removed concrete bollard in preparation for a new bollard at Hilltop Lake, removed graffiti and abated debris throughout the district.
V-Ditch Maintenance
Street Maintenance
Paving crews installed speed humps on Clinton Avenue, hot mix patched on Banks Drive and Jenkins Way and potholing from the outstanding list.
 
 
Hotmix Patching
 
Speed Hump Installation
Street Sweepers swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the first Monday through Friday: 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.
Signs and Lines crews fabricated 38 signs, installed seven new poles, installed eight signs, placed five “stop” messages, installed 80 linear feet of blue and grey paint and laid thermoplastic crosswalks.
 
Crosswalk Installation
 
Sign and Paint 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.
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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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