Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending September 16TH, 2021.

• Meeting Notes

The following City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st, 2021.  Closed Session begins at 5:00 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 starts at 6:30 P.M., and the agenda may be found by clicking this link: September 21st City Council Agenda.

• COVID-19 Update

Questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? Ask an expert.

As the Delta variant is spreading rapidly in our community, getting the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines is more important than ever. Understanding that many people have questions about the vaccines, John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente have partnered to give unbiased, straightforward information that people can trust.

The county’s two largest private healthcare providers recently launched www.GetAnswersContraCosta.org, which includes answers to common vaccine questions and issues as well as an online portal where the public can submit questions to be answered.

We encourage you to visit the website and talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Test Required for Some Contra Costa Businesses

Starting September 22, 2021, everyone in Contra Costa County over the age of 12 must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative test result, before entering any indoor businesses. This order includes, indoor restaurants where people remove masks to eat or drink, and indoor gyms and other fitness facilities. The order also includes a requirement for workers in indoor areas to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 by November 1 or to test weekly for COVID-19. Masks will still be required indoors, even if you show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. 

To show proof of vaccination, patrons must provide a photo ID and their vaccination record cards from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), or copies or pictures of their cards. Documentation from healthcare providers will also be accepted, as well as digital COVID-19 vaccine records issued by the State of California. 

Visit myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov for a link to your digital vaccination, which can be downloaded onto your smartphone.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for more information about this health order, or to find a safe, fast and free COVID-19 vaccination in Contra Costa County.

• Upcoming Events

*hybrid* Spirit & Soul Festival Streaming Live & VIP Watch Party September 18!

The 13th annual Spirit & Soul Festival is BACK - this time with a twist!
Two Ways to enjoy the festivities - Free Virtual Broadcast, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.: Streaming LIVE on KOFY TV20, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Instagram Live. Featuring phenomenal performances by Top Shelf, Los Cenzontles w/ Los Originarios, and rising Richmond artist Wanda Gonzalez. VIP Watch Party, 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.: Hosted at El Garage in Downtown and featuring the virtual broadcast, fabulous food and libations, prizes, and exclusive after-party performance by 1st Avenue Revue, the Bay Area’s #1 Prince Tribute Band.

Food & Libations: Special El Garage Prix fix plate, chips, guacamole, and salsa bar, our famous Main Street Margaritas, East Brother Beer Company, and Aguas Fresca. Prizes: Gift baskets, art, wine, experiences, and $500 cash!
Health & Safety: Proof of vaccination will be required to attend. Proof of vaccination in the form of your CDC Vaccination Record card (physical or photo) or your digital vaccination record, and photo identification will need to be presented to enter the venue. You can easily register for your digital vaccination record for access on your mobile device here. We are asking all VIP Watch Party guests and staff to wear a mask. Per the most recent CDC guidelines and the newly reinstated California mask mandate, we are asking guests to consider the safety of those around them by masking up at all times, except when eating or drinking. More info and RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/SpiritSoulFest2021.

Questions? Contact admin@richmondmainstreet.org | For more information visit  www.tinyurl.com/SpiritSoulFest2021 or contact admin@richmondmainstreet.org.

FREE Special One-Day Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Mattress Drop-off Event - Saturday, September 18th

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division encourages Richmond residents to participate in a special one-day Household Hazardous Waste collection event on Saturday, September 18th from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M at the Galileo Club,371 South 23rd Street, Richmond. Residents can take advantage of the free event to properly dispose of paints, aerosols, electronic waste with circuit boards, batteries, and oil to keep our communities clean and safe. Mattresses will also be accepted at the event. The event is open to resident of Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, and surrounding unincorporated communities of Bayview, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Montalvin Manor, North Richmond, Rollingwood and Tara Hills.

Saturday, September 18, 2021
8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
The Galileo Club, 371 South 23rd Street, Richmond, CA
*Proof of residency and face coverings are required. Materials must be dropped-off in a vehicle and occupants must remain in the vehicle at all times.

Please see the flyer below or at www.richmondenvironment.org for event details and transportation restrictions. For questions about the event, please call (888) 412-9277. 

Can't come to the event? For more information about how to safely dispose of Household Hazardous Waste visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1720/Hazardous-Waste.

We are excited to announce our annual Coastal Cleanup along the Richmond Shoreline!

From our home base at Ferry Point in Miller Knox Park, volunteers are welcomed to join the City of Richmond, The Watershed Project, and Groundwork Richmond, to span out along our beautiful shore picking up trash and debris in celebration of California Coastal Cleanup Day September 18, 2021.

This is a great opportunity to join our friends and neighbors as environmental stewards, improving the health of the San Francisco Bay and shoreline. Pre-register at the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-cleanup-day-at-ferry-point-park-2021-tickets-169540073925

Following county COVID requirements, pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins will be pre-screened and registered at the site.

Coastal Cleanup Day can also be a fun activity within your own group! Self-guided neighborhood cleanups are highly encouraged! Participate throughout the month by cleaning your neighborhoods, parks, and other local areas. Trash from inland areas flows downstream to the coast, so cleaning up neighborhood trash prevents marine debris. Gather cleaning supplies from home, download the Clean Swell App below (to count your trash, and to have your trash counted!), and clean on your own time throughout September.

https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/

Make sure to visit The Watershed Project for future clean-up events!
https://thewatershedproject.org/coastal-cleanup-2021/

American Red Cross Blood Drive: Tuesday, September 21st at the Veterans Memorial Hall

Please join other community members in joining the cause to save a life! The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on Tuesday, September 21st from 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 968 23rd St in Richmond. To make an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: VMHR or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor+VMHR. Please see flyer below for more details.

COLLABORISING Clean Air Day Homeless Encampment Clean Up: Saturday, September 26, 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

California Clean Air Day is the brainchild of the Coalition for Clean Air. It was founded in 1971 and is California’s only statewide organization working exclusively on air quality issues. The Coalition for Clean Air works collaboratively with advocates, organizations, companies, legislators, and more across the state to find cooperative solutions to California’s most pressing air quality issues.

Many of California’s communities are among the most vulnerable, environmentally burdened areas in the nation. The Coalition for Clean Air is working to comprehensively regulating air toxins, energy, and other pollution sources at the local, state, and federal levels.

This year, COLLABORISING was awarded a grant from the agency to begin the clean-up at the encampment behind Target along the Richmond greenway.  We are grateful for our partners at YellowSack, Target, Home Depot, and the City of Richmond.

Please take this 2-minute pledge to support Clean Air Day

http://www.cleanairday.org/pledge/individual/Collaborising (English)

https://www.cleanairday.org/es/pledge/individual/collaborising/ (Spanish)

Purple Tree Collard Event/Community Clean Up

The Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library is participating in an event that is sponsored by the City of Richmond and Urban Tilth on Sunday, September 26th at 2:00 P.M. at Unity Park located at 16th Street and Ohio Avenue.  For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/followtheplantfollowthestory/posts/

• City Manager’s Office

2021 Richmond Community Survey: Be on the lookout in your mailbox!

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, and now a new group of 4,200 randomly selected households have been selected to participate and share their insight on the city.

Please be on the lookout in your mailbox for a post card from the city of Richmond, as you may be one of the randomly-selected households! 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

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: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/FormCenter/Arts-Culture-Division-20/City-of-Richmond-Artist-Database-149.

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.

Arts and Culture Requests for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P)

FY 21-22 Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grant
Application Release Date: August 3, 2021
Application Deadline: September 13, 2021 

NPA Mini Grants are designed, for Richmond, CA only artists, to stimulate arts and culture in Richmond neighborhoods. Categories include but not limited to: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts.  Small: $500 - $2,999; Medium: $3,000-$4,999; Large: $5,000 - $8,000.  Total Available Awards: $65,000

COVID-19 Relief Mini-Grant
Application Release Date: August 6, 2021
Application Deadline: October 1, 2021 

COVID Relief Mini Grants are designed, for Richmond, CA only artists, to stimulate creative expression, to spark dialogue, and to reinforce a sense of community. Two project types include exterior temporary art; i.e. sculpture, along with graphic design for banners and garbage receptacles. Each Mini Grant not to exceed $7,000. Total available: $50,000

West Contra Costa County Family Justice Center Art Drain Pipe
Application Release Date: August 10, 2021
Application Deadline: October 1, 2021 

WCCCFJC serves families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.  The exterior art drainpipe is a unique form and function creative opportunity open to artists in the nine Bay Area counties. The selected artist will; design a creative solution for an exterior drainpipe at the entrance of the building with a positive message for the end users of the facility, understand California Construction Standards and the requirements for stamped engineering drawings.   The lump sum budget is not to exceed $10,000.

Please direct any questions to: winifred_day@ci.richmond.ca.us

Exhibitor Applications Open for the Craneway Craft Fair- 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit

The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division encourages Richmond artists, craftspeople, non-profits, makers, and fair traders to consider applying for the Craneway Craft Fair- 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and read the Exhibitor FAQ before applying. The application can be found at, www.cranewaycraftfair.com/artcraftapplication.

The Craneway Craft Fair - 50th Annual KPFA Holiday Benefit will be held on November 27th and 28th from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For event details visit, www.cranewaycraftfair.com, or follow them on Instagram.

• Internal Services

Finance

Open Requests For Bids/Request For Proposals: 

Information Technology

Website Statistics

KCRT Datanet For The Week

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming

New Segment / Series Episode:

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

Recent Segments:

• “NewsBytes” Segments: National Night Out 2021, Ookwe Park Celebration, Yellow Brick Road, Transit Re-Grand Opening and BOLT Bike Sharing
• “Sidewalks Entertainment” one-hour special on Jimmy McCracklin and his new exhibit at the Richmond Museum.
• 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)

Volunteer to be a Youth Soccer Coach!

The City of Richmond Recreation Division is looking for volunteer soccer coaches for our youth instructional soccer program! Our soccer program takes place at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave, on Saturdays from 8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. 2 hour and 4 hour shifts are available. Apply to volunteer with us: www.tinyurl.com/RichmondVolApp

Check out all of our upcoming sports program offerings this fall!

New Tennis programs for October!

Thank You Volunteers: Outdoor Sweep at MLK Jr Park!

On Saturday, September 4, the Community Services Department, Parks & Landscaping Division, Richmond Love Your Block, Richmond Tool Library, and Richmond SOL, in partnership with Groundwork Richmond and Richmond College Prep School, hosted a community clean-up at the MLK Jr Park!

Seventy-five volunteers participated in picking up/removing 84 bags of litter and weeds. Participants also learned about tree pruning and provided input on outdoor programming for Richmond residents. We also want to give a shoutout to Richmond Fire Department for sending out a team of firefighters to help us!

We are grateful to our volunteers and staff who made the event a great success! Check out more photos from the event on our Flickr page!

Want to organize a volunteer clean-up? E-mail volunteer@ci.richmond.ca.us or call 510-620-6563. Also, “like” the Richmond Love Your Block Facebook and Instagram or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay updated on our latest events!

Employment and Training

State of California Employment Development Department – News Release:
EDD Reminds Californians About Ending Federal Unemployment Programs and Highlights Other Vital Benefits that Continue

SACRAMENTO – EDD continues to remind Californians that most federal extended unemployment programs expired as of September 4 and the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED) extension ends September 11.

September 4, 2021 at 11:59 P.M. was the expiration for most federal unemployment
benefits:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
• Pandemic Additional Compensation (PAC) (also known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement)
• Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC).

Federal rules allow those who still have FED-ED weeks available to continue receiving benefits as late as 11:59 P.M. on September 11, 2021. Similarly, if a claimant’s PEUC benefits end September 4—and that person has not already had a FED-ED extension and now qualifies for one—EDD will transfer them to FED-ED until September 11.  For more information, please read the EDD News Release in its entirety.

EDD is working in partnership, #TogetherWeBenefit, with other state agencies and departments and county and community organizations to actively raise awareness about other benefit programs.

EDD has also provided resources to help claimants find jobs and get job training at the Returning to Work webpage. That includes CalJOBS, a no-cost virtual job center that includes more than a million job listings from private job boards and recruitment sites.  

RichmondWORKS AJCC Career Services

The RichmondWORKS, America’s Job Center of Californiasm (AJCC), located at 330 – 25th Street, Richmond, Ca. 94804 is open for various career and job search 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 Career Services

Please see flyer and information listed below on the various services offered to our Richmond Youth! A variety of services are offered to our youth ages 16-24, but please check each flyer for specific program details. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 510-412-2044 or visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/662/YouthWORKS.

RichmondBUILD/YouthBUILD Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Local Employment Opportunities

• Rubicon Programs are sponsoring a virtual hiring event, scheduled for September 16, 2021 (2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.). Participating companies include: Sheet Metal Workers, Bio-Rad, and Republic Services. Zoom link for this virtual event: Click Here. If you have questions, please email one of the contacts: Jim Blanton at jimmie.blanton@edd.ca.gov or Akeele-Ayana Carter at akeelec@rubiconprograms.org or Charles Brown III at cbrown2@ehsd.cccounty.us.

• LEMUR International, Inc. is hiring for an Office Assistant in the food manufacturing industry, Richmond, CA. The candidate must have strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and professional telephone etiquette. Candidate must partner well with the President/CEO, other departments in the organization along with our vendors and customers. Salary: $18+/hr.; Negotiable, (depending on experience). To apply, please submit your resume to Cheryl Wills at: cwills@lemurinc.com.

• 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.

• AMAZON Military is Hiring!  Amazon is hiring transitioning military members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and military dependents 18 years and older for hourly positions.  Learn more and apply at amazon.com/militaryjobs or text MILITARY to 77088 to sign up for alerts from Amazon.

• TSA is now hiring Transportation Security Officers in Sacramento, CA. The positions are for full-time and part-time staff, starting at $17.99 per hour with competitive pay; growth potential; Federal benefits; and, paid on-the-job training. Join the team at Sacramento International Airport and earn a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Apply online at: tsa.gov/TSO.

• TEMCO Logistics, Retail/Ecommerce Supply Chain Solutions is hiring for Master Technicians and Technicians, starting salary range: $45K-$65K. No experience, no problem; TEMCO will provide paid training.  For more information, call 909-265-5480 or email: Jeanette.Martinez@temcologistics.com. Learn more by visiting TemcoLogistics.com.

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

Library Updates

Community Citizen Science Kits at the Library

What is citizen science?  Citizen science is real science done by people like you!  And the Richmond Public Library has kits to help you participate, choose from Observing Pollinators, Exploring Biodiversity, or Zombee Hunting.  You can learn more about available projects and kits at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4121

Kids’ Craft Kits are back! — Crazy Collages

Drop by the Children’s Room at the Main Library and ask for a kids’ craft kit when you visit, or reserve one to pick up at the Bayview or West Side Branch.  The September kit includes magazine pages, magazine strips, template shapes, and construction paper for three types of collages.  All you need is glue, pens or paints if you choose, and your creativity!  Check out some picture books by Bryan Collier, Lois Ehlert, Ezra Jack Keats, and other illustrators, for inspiration.  For placing holds, help with using eBooks, or any other questions, call us in the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557.

Back to school, back to homework!

Don’t let homework overwhelm you.  Use your library card to get free online tutoring!

You can get homework help from live tutors in real time!  All you need is your library card to set up an account at Richmond Public Library HelpNow--Online Tutoring or visit our homepage, www.richmondlibrary.org

Request help in Spanish or English.  Just indicate the grade level and subject of your homework to be matched with a knowledgeable tutor.  If you need help getting started, call us in the Children’s Department at 510-620-6557.

LEAP Celebrates International Literacy Day and Addresses the Digital Divide

International Literacy Day is observed on September 8 each year as a way of raising and maintaining support for the foundational skills that underlie full participation in community life. The theme for International Literacy Day 2021 is “Literacy for a human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide.”
With the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not, the Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) recognizes the digital divide and the limited services for our Richmond residents. LEAP strives to close the gap in our community and has continued to offer computer classes and technology support for those students. Through adjustments of resources and assignments, expanding access to the program, and working one-to-one with our students, LEAP continues to fully participate in literacy for a human-centered recovery and is delighted to be part of International Literacy Day.

If you are interested in supporting LEAP through the digital divide, enrolling in our program, getting involved in volunteer opportunities or learning about our updates class schedules please contact us at (510) 307-8084 or visit our website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/788/Literacy-Program-LEAP to schedule an appointment. You can also visit LEAP’s social media platforms at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/788/Literacy-Program-LEAP or https://www.facebook.com/LEAPRICHMONDCA/.

Transportation

Catch that Friday Feeling with Fare-Free Fridays in September

AC Transit is excited to welcome more riders on board as schools and workplaces are returning to in-person operations. To welcome riders back, and to thank those who have been riding with us all along, we are providing free rides every Friday in September with Fare-Free Fridays.

Fare-Free Fridays applies to all AC Transit local and Transbay lines, allowing riders to board without fare payment from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on September 3, 10, 17, and 24. Riders can expect to see fareboxes and Clipper card readers covered, Tempo ticket vending machines turned off, and mobile fare payment deactivated during this time.   
Hop on board and see what you’ve been missing. Along with providing free rides, Fare-Free Fridays offers the chance to check out AC Transit’s new products and procedures, implemented to keep our community healthy and moving.  
Learn more at actransit.org/farefreefridays.

Captura esa sensación de viernes con los Viernes Sin Tarifas

AC Transit está encantado de dar la bienvenida a más pasajeros a bordo a medida que las escuelas y los lugares de trabajo vuelven a funcionar en persona. Para dar la bienvenida a los pasajeros y agradecer a los que han viajado con nosotros todo el tiempo, AC Transit está ofreciendo viajes gratuitos todos los viernes de septiembre con los Viernes Sin Tarifa.  
Los viernes sin tarifa se aplican a todas las rutas locales y de Transbay de AC Transit, lo que permite a los pasajeros subir a bordo sin pagar la tarifa desde las 12 a.m. hasta las 11:59 pm los días 3, 10, 17 y 24 de septiembre. Los pasajeros pueden esperar ver las cajas de tarifas y los lectores de tarjetas Clipper cubiertos, las máquinas de venta de boletos Tempo apagadas y el pago de tarifas móviles desactivado durante este tiempo.  
Suba a bordo y descubra lo que se ha estado perdiendo. Además de ofrecer viajes gratuitos, los Viernes Sin Tarifa ofrecen la oportunidad de conocer los nuevos productos y procedimientos de AC Transit, implementados para mantener a nuestra comunidad sana y en movimiento.
Aprenda más en actransit.org/farefreefridays. 

• Police

Swift Response Saves a Life

An alert citizen called RPD after seeing a male driver hitting and holding down a female passenger, in the backseat of a car. Based on the Good Samaritan’s detailed information, Officer K. Shanks tracked down the car, being driven in the city’s Northern District, and conducted an enforcement stop to investigate the alleged assault.
Upon contact, Officer Shanks quickly realized that the pale, unresponsive woman in the backseat was actually suffering from a major medical emergency caused by a medication overdose. Recognizing the severity of the woman’s condition, Officer Shanks immediately retrieved a Narcan (naloxone) kit from her patrol car, and administered the medication while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel.
Thankfully, the Narcan was effective in bringing the woman back to a responsive state, and she was later transported to the hospital to receive further medical treatment.
Thanks to the alert citizen’s observations, the coordination of information by dispatchers, and the quick actions, assessment and medication administration by Officer Shanks, there is no doubt that a life was saved last night!
The availability of Narcan (naloxone) medication is made possible through a funded program administered by the California Department of Health Services. We are thankful for this collaboration that further ensures that Richmond police officers are always equipped and ready to serve our community!

9/11 Memorial Ceremony

We will never forget the 343 first responder lives and the total of 2,996 lives that were lost on September 11, 2001. The sacrifices the first responders and citizens made was nothing short of amazing.
On this twentieth anniversary, Richmond police officers participated in assisting Richmond Fire and El Cerrito Fire on completing a 9/11 Memorial and run through the southern district.
This began at the Richmond Fire Training Center at Stege Avenue and Cutting Boulevard. The caravan traveled along Cutting Boulevard into Point Richmond where the memorial run was completed.

• Public Works

Abatement

Abatement staff continued maintenance on the Richmond Parkway, abated homeless encampments obstructing sidewalks, boarded a private property, responded to after-hours calls for emergency board-ups, removed illegally dumped debris throughout the City and removed graffiti from various locations.

Richmond Parkway Maintenance

After-Hours Board-Ups

Encampment Removal

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Building Maintenance

Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance, daily Civic Center Plaza boiler inspections, completed the installation of the water heater at the Recreation Complex, cleared restroom at Richmond Build, installed water cooler in the Parks Yard break room, repaired the access panel to the boilers at 440 Civic Center, fixed the hot water heater at Fire Station 67 and repaired a toilet at Fire Station #61.

Water Heater Replacement

Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, set up tables and chairs in the Council Chambers for testing, pest control at the Plunge, sanitized the Senior Annex building, disinfected common areas and maintained 29 City owned buildings.

Housing Authority Maintenance

Engineering

Via Verdi Slope Stabilization Project

Construction of the Via Verdi Slope Stabilization project continued this week with construction of a culvert in San Pablo Creek, earthwork, utility work, reconstruction of the damaged portion of Via Verdi Drive, and removal of the temporary detour road. 

Activity for the next week will include placing rebar and constructing formwork for the 2nd stage, culvert deck and headwall. 
Questions regarding the project can be directed to Ben Kellman, Construction Manager at bkellman@mack5.com or (510) 595-4725.

Richmond Wellness Trail Project

Construction of Phase 1 is progressing with the General Contractor, Ghilotti Bros., Inc., finishing the excavation, formwork and rebar. The concrete to build the curb walls for the raingarden and stormwater planters along Marina Way South between Cutting Boulevard and Maine Avenue is near completion, as well as the brace walls for these two blocks. The General Contractor has started excavation for the rain gardens and stormwater planters along Marina Way South between Maine Avenue and Florida Avenue.

As a reminder, the raingardens and stormwater planters will separate the two-way bike lane from the parking lane and traffic lanes, as well as filter and clean stormwater. The landscape subcontractor continues to do borings for irrigation sleeves across intersections.

For more information or questions, please contact Trudy Garber, The Trust for Public Land, at trudy.garber@tpl.org.

Rain Garden Brace Walls

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews mowed the parks in the central areas of Richmond, removed debris from right of ways, maintenance at State Court Park, repaired sprinkler heads at Braxton Park, mowed turf at Booker T. Anderson Park, fixed pavers at Braxton Park, removed 84 bags of debris from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park clean-up event, grinded stumps for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park tennis courts, removed wooden planters at the Disabled Peoples Recreation Center (DPRC), hand pulled weeds at Judge Carroll Park, weed abated Humphrey Playlot, removed graffiti from the Greenway, installed an information board at Wendell Park, maintenance on the medians of Key Boulevard and repaired irrigation at Hilltop Park.

Debris from Clean-Up Event

Marina District crews continued to manually water plants on the medians of Marina Way South, removed debris from parks, replaced dog waste bags, weed abated lots, removed hedge from the Bay Trail, trimmed shrubs from the sailing school lot, edged lawns, removed pine needles from Bay Trail, raised the tree canopy, removed declining plants from Bayside Drive, gopher control at Shimada Park and removed graffiti throughout.

Shrub Pruning

Hilltop District crews performed maintenance throughout, weed abatement at Hilltop Lake Park, side cut trees at Hilltop Lake Park, removed graffiti and abated debris throughout.

Hilltop Lake Maintenance

Street Maintenance

Paving crews grinded and paved on Nevin Avenue from 27th to 32nd Streets.

Paving on Nevin Avenue

Street Sweepers swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the second Monday and Tuesday and the third Wednesday through Friday:  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 10 signs, installed 14 signs, repaired 4 signs,  installed 62 linear feet of paint and installed 240 linear white thermoplastic.

Thermoplastic 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 Division 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 Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for sewer lateral work completed between 7/1/2021-6/30/2022.

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.

High Priority Critical Improvements Projects

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

Shimmick continued to work on the Primary Sedimentation Tanks (PST) column retrofit. They also cleaned the aerations basins and continued preparing for the bypass operation.

Shimmick removing inlet pipes from the north wall of the old grit facility.

Shimmick used a crane to set in place the outfall pipe segment at the primary sedimentation tanks for the bypass operation.

Subcontractor MPS preparing to do a pressure test for the RS bypass.

Shimmick cutting pipes 1 & 2 for the tie-in to the bypass.

Shimmick applied coatings to exposed concrete and rebar at column retrofit.

Shimmick pouring concrete as part of the PST column retrofit.

Shimmick cleaned aeration basin #4 with the help of a pump truck

Aeration basin after completion of cleaning.

First Street Relief Sewer Project

The First Street Relief Sewer and Pipeline Rehabilitation Project is the final of four design projects from the comprehensive 2016 Collection System Design Project, which also included the construction of the Cutting/Carlson and Hoffman Project (originally two projects), and the Macdonald and Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Project. The Project consists of approximately 3,743 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 6-inch sewer, approximately 1,696 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 8-inch sewer, approximately 631 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 10-inch sewer, and approximately 125 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 18-in sewer. This project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed in July 2022, which is ahead of the Baykeeper due date of July 2023.

D’Arcy & Harty Construction continued doing full line replacement along First Street and working north. They completed the work at Bridge Storage between I-580 and Maine (see photo below). They are working northwards on Maine up to Florida.

D’Arcy & Harty installed a new manhole at South First Street.

D’Arcy & Harty continue to work on full line replacement along First Street and Maine Avenue.

D’Arcy & Harty compacting trench backfill along First Street and Maine Avenue

• Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL)

Sign up for our One Stop Youth Center newsletter. Many exciting programs will be going on at the Richmond Police Activities League this year. With so many things happening at our One-Stop Youth Center, there will be many opportunities, events, stories and information coming out that will benefit the community.

To sign up, log onto RPAL.ORG and scroll down to the newsletter sign up sheet.

This week the newsletter will dive into stories on why the new programs, technology, equipment, staff and upcoming campaigns at the Richmond Police Activities League has led the organization to call itself the One-Stop Youth Center.

• Richmond Promise

You’re Invited: Spooky Sips Virtual Wine Tasting

October 29th, raise your glass to the Scholars and coalitions proving there is so much pride, purpose, and promise running through our Richmond community at the Richmond Promise Spooky Sips virtual wine tasting!

One Spooky Sips ticket takes you across California’s wine regions via exclusive access to the cutest, individualized array of 8 mini bottles (mailed to the coziness of your very own home!), and a guided tasting - courtesy of our lovely hosts “In Good Taste” wines - all for a great cause! 

All profits from the event go towards our Scholarship fund and services. Reserve tickets for yourself and all your favorite friends today at https://tinyurl.com/RPSpookySips !

First look at Richmond Promise Annual Update: the 2020-21 Resiliency Report

It is with great excitement that we present to you a first look at the Richmond Promise’s 2020-2021 Resiliency Report - an annual update on the story of our impact, effort, and growth alongside the Scholars that ground and drive our work. 

From welcoming our SIXTH cohort of 400+ new Scholars, celebrating the hundreds of hours our Near-Peer College Scholar team dedicated to 1-on-1 meetings with high school seniors, the launch of our Resiliency Fund and the growth of crucial college coaching/success partnerships, we could not be more proud of work and milestones that continue to bring our community together. 

Join us in celebrating the Promise of a connected, inspired, and thriving Richmond!
Access the full report at https://tinyurl.com/ResiliencyReport

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