This message is being sent on behalf of City Manager Shasa Curl

Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the report for the week ending April 29th, 2022.

1. Meeting Notes

The next Regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 3rd, 2022. Closed Session begins at 4:00 PM, followed by the Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council at 6:30 PM. The agenda can be found by clicking on this link.

2. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The following information is an ongoing list of resources and significant updates regarding COVID-19. Please click on the images or visit the hyperlinks below for further information.

Impact to City Services and Facilities
Health Information and Community Resources

Contra Costa County Coronavirus Updates

California Department of Public Health

3. Upcoming Events

2022 Park Rx Day

We are hosting Park Rx Day again this year on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Call (510) 620-6793 for more information.

6th Cycle Housing Element and Housing Equity Roadmap Pop-Up Events Begin this Month! 

The City of Richmond is inviting members of the community to participate in the last pop-up event of this month. This pop-up event will be a great opportunity for members of the community to learn about the Housing Element process, and to share their lived experiences. The City is planning to hold a few pop-up events per month throughout the year to ensure all community voices are heard.

For the month of April, the pop-up event will be held on:
April 30th, 2022 – Park Rx at Nicholl Park at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

¡Los Eventos Pop-Up del Sexto Ciclo de la Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda y la Ruta a la Equidad de Vivienda Empiezan este Mes! 

La Ciudad de Richmond invita a los miembros de su comunidad a participar en el último evento pop-up que se llevarán a cabo este mes. Estos eventos serán una buena oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad aprendan acerca del proceso del Elemento de Vivienda, y para compartir sus experiencias vividas. La Ciudad planea llevar a cabo unos cuantos eventos pop-up durante el año para garantizar que se escuchen las voces de todos los miembros de la comunidad.

Para el mes de Abril, el ultimo evento pop-up será:
Abril 30th, 2022 – Park Rx en Nicholl Park at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sound the Alarm Program

Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S. The Richmond Fire Department and the Red Cross are leading a Sound the Alarm free smoke alarm installation and home fire safety event on Saturday, May 7th as part of a national Red Cross initiative in May to install free smoke alarms in the City of Richmond. In addition to installing free smoke alarms, firefighters and volunteers will also provide home fire safety information to help residents know how to prevent and respond to home fires. In a home fire, you may have less than 2 minutes to escape. When every second counts, this community education and prevention can save a life.

Of all the ways the Richmond Fire Department protects our community, none are more important than the events at which our firefighters, professional staff, volunteers, and external partners collaborate to promote fire education and prevent tragedy. 

In addition to smoke alarms installed during the May 7th event, Richmond residents who need smoke alarms can call (510) 307-8038 or email free10yearsmokealarm@ci.richmond.ca.us to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation in their home at any time. During a 20-minute home visit, Richmond Firefighters and community partners will install free smoke alarms and share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

Community Park Clean-Up Day

Join us on Saturday, May 14th, 2022 for our Community Clean-Up! Supplies and refreshments will be provided for volunteers. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes.

Funded by the Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program from the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, and Community Services Department.

Questions? Call (510) 620-6793 for more information.

Willie Mays Day

Please join us on Saturday, May 21st, 2022, as we rename our baseball diamond at Nicholl Park in honor of the Baseball Hall of Fame legend, Willie “The Say Hey Kid” Mays. Mr. Mays participated in Richmond’s Annual March of Dimes events in this park during the 1960s and 1970s to assist our youth in need. Sign up for the parade by May 11th, 2022 or find out more by visiting: tinyurl.com/williemays2022  or call (510) 620-6793 for more information.

The parade begins at 10:00 AM event starts at 11:00 AM and we hope to see you all there!

LEAP is Cooking!

The months of May and June will include some exciting programming at the Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP).  Families are invited to attend plant-based cooking classes that will start on May 21st , 2022, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and then continue every Saturday in May and June from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.  These online cooking classes are sure to be a big hit as the participants will have demonstrations of how to prepare tasty plant-based meals.  Participants will get recipes, a shopping list, and more as a part of the sessions.

If you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities at LEAP, feel free to contact LEAP staff at (510) 307-8084.

Primary Election

Primary election date is Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. Polls are open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on election day! Vote-by-Mail Drop Boxes Open May 10th.

Every registered voter in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot in the Primary Election.  County elections officials will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots on or before May 9th.

The City of Richmond's permanent Vote-by-Mail box is located at 450 Civic Center Plaza under the overpass just off the Council parking lot on 27th Street. 

Please see the following link to read how vote-by-mail works https://www.cocovote.us/registration-and-voting-options/how-vote-by-mail-works/

In-person voting options will be available in all counties.

Get Registered to Vote

Register to vote online or update your current registration. Register to vote by May 23rd, 2022.

Voting Eligibility

You are eligible to register to vote if you are:

• A United States citizen,
• 18 years of age or older on Election Day,
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony, and
• Not currently found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law.

You need to update your registration if you:

• Move to a new residence,
• Change your name, or
• Want to change your political party affiliation.

You may have a voter registration form mailed to you by calling the Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).  You may also pick up a voter registration form at Contra Costa County Elections Office – 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, California 94553 or Richmond City Hall – 450 Civic Center Plaza lobby.

For more information visit:  https://www.cocovote.us/

Join Us for the Richmond Promise Fun Run 5k

Richmond Promise is throwing a 5k race, and all are invited! Join us on Saturday, June 11th for a little friendly competition and a whole lot of fun. Celebrate the community that raises our Scholars and invite friends new and old to meet the heart behind our Promise!

Post-race food, music, and entertainment will take place at our Craneway Pavilion start/finish line in partnership with our friends at Assemble Marketplace and the Richmond Ferry Festival. Snag your early bird ticket today through May 6th at tinyurl.com/RPFunRun

Save the Date for Juneteenth 2022!

Call (510) 620-6546 for more information.

Save the Date for the 3rd of July

It’s back! Join us in person this year for the return of the annual 3rd of July fireworks celebration! The community will be enjoying music, food, and the stunning view of the bay at Marina Bay Park while enjoying fireworks. Please see the flyer for more details or call (510) 620-6793.

*Please note that the event may be cancelled due to COVID-19 developments.

1. City Manager’s Chronicles

Meetings and events of note in the past week include the following:

• Met with Finance and City Manager’s Office Staff to discuss the monthly financial reports for the month of March 2022;
• Participated in the Hilltop District Neighborhood Council Meeting where I introduced myself to the neighborhood residents via Zoom and provided updates on the current staffing levels, the I Heart Richmond campaign and answered questions from residents;
• Hosted the City Manager/Union Leaders meeting, where we discussed the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, revenue enhancements options, and Measure U implementation;
• Along with Community Development Director Lina Velasco, we continued to interview candidates for the Housing Manager position that is open in the Community Development Department;
• Met with Clifford Chan, General Manager of East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) to discuss items of mutual interest;
• Listened to the Reimagining Public Safety Community Task Force meeting;
• Reviewed and discussed financial and budget updates with Finance and City Manager’s Office staff, including the upcoming FY 2022-23 department budget hearings that will be presented at City Council;

Continued one-on-one weekly meetings with members of the City Council, community members, the Management Leadership Team, Department Heads in our one-on-one check-ins, City Attorney’s Office, and various City staff members.

2. Community Development

Apply to be part of the Resident Advisory Council to Help Shape the 6th Cycle Housing Element and Housing Equity Roadmap!

The City of Richmond is inviting residents to apply to be part of the Richmond Resident Advisory Council (RAC), a group which will help shape the City’s 6th cycle Housing Element update and Housing Equity Roadmap. This effort will help guide the City’s policies and actions to meet the current and future housing needs of Richmond residents.

A Richmond Resident Advisory Council member’s role is to identify major housing challenges in Richmond and advocate for solutions and policies to advance equitable housing. Members of the RAC will attend 6 meetings, from April to August 2022 which may occur during weekday evenings or on weekends. A stipend of $50 per meeting will be offered to each participant.

To be considered for the council, please fill out the online application at bit.ly/richmondrac or send the paper application bit.ly/richmondracpaper to Kelly via kelly@justcities.work. Applications are due May 8th, 2022.

The City of Richmond 6th Cycle Housing Element is Underway. For more information, please visit the Housing Element Update site and stay up to date by signing to our listserv.”

¡Aplique para ser parte del Consejo Asesor de Residentes para Ayudar a Formar el Sexto Ciclo de la Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda y la Ruta a la Equidad de Vivienda!

La Ciudad de Richmond esta invitando a sus residentes a unirse con el Consejo Asesor de Residentes, un grupo que va ayudar a formar el sexto ciclo de la Actualización del Elemento de Vivienda (Housing Element Update) y la Ruta a la Equidad de Vivienda  (Housing Equity Roadmap) de la ciudad. Este esfuerzo ayudara a guiar las pólizas y acciones de la ciudad para cumplir con las exigencias de vivienda actuales y futuras de Richmond.

La función de los miembros del Consejo Asesor de Residentes es identificar grandes problemas de vivienda en Richmond y promover soluciones y pólizas para avanzar la vivienda equitativa. Miembros del consejo atenderán 6 reuniones, de abril hasta agosto 2022. Estas reuniones ocurrirán durante la semana en la tarde o en los fines de semana. Un incentivo de $50 por reunión será ofrecido a cada participante.

Para ser considerado como miembro del consejo, por favor complete la aplicación en línea bit.ly/richmondrac o mande una aplicación de papel bit.ly/richmondracpapera Kelly por correo electrónico kelly@justcities.work. La aplicación debe enviarse a mas tardar el 8 de mayo 2022.

El Sexto Ciclo del Elemento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Richmond esta en Camino. Para más información, por favor visite la pagina de internet Elemento de Vivienda, y para estar actualizado regístrese en nuestro listserv.

Environmental Justice Element Community Outreach Begins this Month!

A new General Plan Element is being prepared to address and lay out a roadmap to achieve Environmental Justice. As a first step in preparing the Environmental Justice Element, we need to hear from you about what the priorities for it should be. Please take this brief survey to share your thoughts. Note, this survey is the first of several opportunities for people who live or work in Richmond to provide feedback and share ideas about Environmental Justice and how our community should address it. This survey will remain open until May 12th.

English Survey
Spanish Survey

Alcance Comunitario para el Elemento de Justicia Ambiental Empieza este Mes! 

Un nuevo elemento del Plan General se está preparando para abordar la Justicia Ambiental y para delinear una nueva trayectoria para conseguirla. Como primer paso en la preparación del Elemento de Justicia Ambiental, necesitamos que usted nos diga cuáles deben ser las prioridades para este elemento. Por favor, complete esta breve encuesta para compartir sus ideas. Recuerde que esta encuesta es la primera de varias oportunidades para que las personas que viven o trabajan en Richmond compartan sus opiniones e ideas acerca de la Justicia Ambiental y cómo debería ser implementada en nuestra comunidad. Esta encuesta permanecerá abierta hasta el 12 de Mayo.

Encuesta en Ingles
Encuesta en Español

HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP)

Contra Costa County needs your input on homelessness needs within your community.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing rental housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. In September 2021, HUD awarded the Contra Costa County HOME Consortium (which consists of Contra Costa County and the Cities of Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek) $12,090,215 in HOME-ARP funds.

We invite you to share your thoughts by taking a survey.

The HOME-ARP survey is designed to gather information from stakeholders, affordable housing developers, and community members about homelessness needs in Contra Costa County and HOME-ARP projects being planned. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be available until June 1st, 2022.
English Survey

La encuesta del programa HOME-ARP (en sus siglas en inglés) está diseñada para recopilar información de personas u organizaciones interesadas, los desarrolladores de viviendas asequibles y los miembros de la comunidad sobre las necesidades de las personas sin hogar en el Condado de Contra Costa y los proyectos de HOME-ARP que se están planificando. La encuesta tardará aproximadamente 10 minutos en completarse y estará disponible hasta el 1 de junio de 2022.
Encuesta en Español

For more information, please visit our webpage at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/HOME-ARP

Rydin Road Ambassador Announcement

Collaborising is looking for a few good men (and women) to serve as Rydin Road Ambassadors.  Rydin Road is currently home to 25 plus individuals living in RV’s or cars along the .25 mile stretch of Rydin Road on the way to Point Isabel.  Our Clean Rydin Road Program seeks to match unhoused Rydin Road Residents with Ambassadors from the community to breach the gap between the housed and unhoused communities in Richmond.  Our goal is to build relationships and to create understanding among groups that have been pitted against one another to demonstrate that we all belong in Richmond.  Please reach out to Lea Murray, Executive Director of Collaborising at (954) 736-8343 or collaborising@gmail.com for more information on how you can be the answer to a problem that has divided our community.  A small stipend is provided for your participation.

3. Internal Services

Human Resources

City of Richmond Job Opportunities

The Human Resources Management Department’s mission is to support our customers in accomplishing their missions by attracting and retaining a highly skilled and diversified workforce that is compensated and rewarded for its effort in an equitable, safe and responsible work environment.

To view our most current job listings please visit our Current Job Opportunities

Information Technology

KCRT Spotlight Video of the Week

Featuring Point Molate https://youtu.be/s0I5KZhXDlg

Website Statistics

KCRT Datanet for the Week

KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes of Current Programming

New Segments:

• NewsBytes: Easter Egg Hunt

New Segment / Series Episode: 

• New episodes of “The Jet Set,” “Classic Movies,” and “Creature Features”
• Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week

Recent Segments:

• “NewsBytes” Segments: City Manager Swearing In Ceremony, Highlights of the Richmond Poetry event (piece provided by and edited by Doug Harris), Tibetan Flag Raising, Women’s Day segments, Mayor’s State of the City, Police / Fire Toy Drive, Coffee with the Chief, Transgender Flag Raising, Fire Chief Swearing-In Ceremony, Clean Air Day, National Night Out 2021, Ookwe Park Celebration, Yellow Brick Road, Transit Re-Grand Opening and BOLT Bike Sharing
• ”Your Future, Your Choice: Life after High School,” six short presentations that cover options and resources for four-year colleges, community colleges, and the building trades (video courtesy of Library and Doug Harris).
• Revised edition of GRIP Alternatives No-Cost Solar Workshop

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

4. Library and Community Services

Community Services

MLK Turf Field Grand Re-Opening

At last! The field has reopened for public use. Thank you so much for all of your patience! Stay tuned for the grand re-opening date of the MLK Turf Field!

For more information, call (510) 620-6793.

Earth Day Celebrations Were a Success

In North Richmond, organizations such as CHDC, Shields Reid, Urban Tilth, The Watershed Project, North Richmond Mobile Tool Library, Recycle More, City of Richmond, Contra Costa County and North Richmond Green celebrated Earth Day. We had two community services done, we had a drive thru swag bag pick up, and had our Shields Reid Little League team game at Little A’s Ball Park. With the support of organizations and volunteers, this year’s Earth Day was very successful with a very positive outcome.

Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons are coming this summer to the Richmond pools. Saturday morning classes will be offered at the Richmond Swim Center (registration for the first session will begin May 23). Weekday evening classes will be offered at the Richmond Plunge (registration for the first session will begin June 1). See the lessons grid and description to find the right class in the link below.

Check out the schedule at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation.

Mahjong and Bridge for Seniors

Do you enjoy playing Mahjong or Bridge? We are looking for groups or individuals who want to play at the Richmond Annex Senior Center (located at 5801 Huntington Ave., Richmond, CA 94804). Currently, we have Bridge on Mondays from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Beginning Mahjong is on Thursdays from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and Advanced Mahjong on Tuesdays from 11:15 AM to 3:00 PM. Please come by or call us for more information at (510) 620-6812.

Line Dancing Classes

Come join our new line dancing class at the Richmond Senior Center (located at 2525 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA 94804) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. The fee is $2.00 per class. For more information, call (510) 307-8087.

Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program: Supplies for Volunteer Events

The Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program is now accepting requests for sponsorship! The sponsorship program aims to make supplies for volunteer clean-up and beautification projects available to residents and groups that want to make a difference in Richmond. There is a total of $15,000 available for FY 2021-2022. Sponsorships are limited to $1,000 of supplies only.

Examples of supplies that can be sponsored include trash bags, gardening and landscaping supplies, painting supplies, personal protective equipment, and drinks, snacks, and refreshments for volunteers.

Check out the program guidelines, application, and more at www.richmondloveyourblock.org, and contact Love Your Block staff at (510) 620-6563 or volunteer@ci.richmond.ca.us if you have any questions!

The Love Your Block In-Kind Sponsorship Program is funded by a partnership between Community Services and City Manager’s Office, Economic Development.

After-School Instructional Youth Basketball

Learning the fundamentals of the game and developing basic basketball skills in a non-competitive FUN environment is what it's all about! Staff will lead small groups of children in basketball drills that will teach important hand-eye coordination, foot work and the game rules.

Note: COVID-19 protocols will be maintained. Participants will need to wear a mask at all times while in the building. Registration is open at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation or visit us in-person at our registration office! Questions? Call (510) 620-6793

Tiny Heroes Training Camps

Begin your training at our Tiny Heroes Training Center! This program is for ages beginning as infant through 5 years and is going on now! Sign up today at tinyurl.com/richmondrecreation or call (510) 620-6793 for more information.

Employment and Training

The US Department Of Labor Award $1.2 Million to RichmondBUILD to Grow Clean Energy Workforce with Education, Training for Young Adults

This week, the US Department of Labor awarded the Richmond YouthBUILD program $1.2 million to further job training and employment opportunities for Richmond youth ages 16-24. With this new funding, YouthBUILD participants will have the opportunity to engage in classroom learning that will prepare them for various clean energy workforce and construction trades opportunities, which include building and rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income and homeless families in their communities. Through workplace and classroom training YouthBUILD participants will be able to earn a high school diploma or equivalent degree to prepare for postsecondary opportunities. RichmondBUILD is funded again!

RichmondBUILD Turns 15 Years Old!

Over the weekend Richmond Build turned 15 years old! Over the years we have helped break the cycle of violence in our community, addressing issues like equity and diversity in the workforce and welcoming home the re-entry population and people in recovery. We want to thank the City of Richmond for its continued support, employers like MCE, Overaa Construction, Daley's Drywall, and many others who have hired our graduates. We also want to thank the Trades! The following unions have been very supportive and helped change the lives of our graduates: Carpenters, Laborers L324, Iron Workers, Heat & Frost L16, and the Plumbers & Steamfitters L342...much love! It has also been a blessing to watch our graduates become parents, get married, open businesses, become grandparents, and live life! It takes a village and here's to another 15 years! Cheers!!!!

RichmondBUILD students busy in class, RB graduates and Dry Wall 68L member Chris B. and Michelle H. member Plumbers & Steamfitters 342

RichmondBUILD

Are you interested in a career in construction? Now accepting applications for the Charge Up Contra Costa – Electric Vehicle Equipment Installation and Maintenance Training Program.

Please see the East Bay Express article- Rosie’s Redux: Union trades revive as suitable jobs for women for the expanding opportunities for women.

For more information, contact Fred Lucero, Program Manager, at flucero@richmondworks.org, or call (510) 621-1780; visit the RichmondBUILD website

YouthBUILD

Are you a youth between ages 16 and 24 and need to complete your High School Diploma? Are you interested in a college or a Career in Construction? Learn and earn $$ while participating in their intensive, hands-on training community projects, and earn valuable industry-recognized certifications. If so, YouthBUILD continues to accept applications.

For more information, contact Fred Lucero, Program Manager, at flucero@richmondworks.org, or call (510) 621-1780; visit the RichmondBUILD website

Paid Internship Opportunity

Learn more about your local government. YouthWORKS offers an Administrative Aide position for Richmond residents ages 18-24 a paid internship with the City of Richmond department.
To apply, click on the link https://youthworks.formstack.com/forms/syep_2021_app_form_ 

For more information, contact Cinthia Hernandez (510) 307-8019 or chernandez@richmondworks.org
Or visit our City of Richmond website: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/662/YouthWORKS

The RichmondWORKS, America's Job Center of California (AJCC),

Located at 330 25th Street, Richmond, Ca. 94804 we are open for various career and job search services by appointment; walk-ins are also welcomed. In addition, 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, English Language Learner Program

The RichmondWORKS English Language Learner (ELL) Program offers Richmond and West Contra Costa County residents who speak English as a second language the chance to work to receive training and support required to prepare for quality jobs with sustainable wages. For more information regarding the ELL program, please contact a Program Navigator at (510) 307-8045 or email: egarcia@richmondworks.org.

YouthWORKS – Work Experience and Training Opportunities for Richmond Residents

Richmond YouthWORKS has several programs to provide Richmond youth, ages 16- 24, with job search, work experience, and training assistance. For more information, visit the YouthWORKS Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, or call (510) 412-2044.

Employment Impacted by COVID-19

Were you impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and lost your job? Are you receiving or exhausted your unemployment?  If your answer is YES, RichmondWORKS/YouthWORKS is here to help! RichmondWORKS offers career counseling, on-job training, occupational training, work readiness, & community resources to job seekers.  We have FUNDS to assist in upgrading your current skills to help you get the job, career, and wages you desire! We will pay for your State of California-approved industry training up to $5000. Support Services funding is available for up to $800. For more information, please contact: Cinthia Hernandez, (510) 307-8019 or Chernandez@richmondworks.org or Shi Carter, Phone: (510) 412-2041/ Email: scarter@richmondworks.org

Business Solutions

RichmondWORKS coordinates and delivers resources and assistance to local businesses. Partners include the City of Richmond Office of Economic Development, Employment & Training Department, and local educational and business organizations. RichmondWORKS is an extension of your human resources department. We can help you save time and money. For more information, please contact a Business Services Representative at (510) 307-8014.

Electrical (Inside wireman) Apprenticeship Program

The Alameda County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is recruiting for their electrician apprenticeship program (inside wireman). This is a rare opportunity to access a union career in the electrical trades. Starting wage: $25.32. For additional details on the application, visit the following link https://www.595jatc.org/application-announcement. Minimum requirements to apply: be at least 18 years of age; high school diploma or GED; successfully completed one full year of high school algebra with a passing grade of "C" or better; must submit an official high school transcript. you must apply in-person at Alameda County Electrical JATC; 14600 Catalina St., San Leandro, CA 94577. The application deadlines are : 7/29, and 10/28. (Applications are only accepted between 1:00 PM-5:00 PM). If you need assistance completing the application, don't hesitate to contact Cinthia Hernandez at RichmondWORKS (510) 307-8019 or Chernandez@richmonworks.org.

• West Contra Costa Adult Education offers a variety of classes and FREE career training opportunities. For a list of the courses provided at WCC Adult Ed, please visit: https://www.wccadulteducation.com/classes

• East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), current job opening for the week of March 28, 2022, for detailed information and application materials, go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ebmud/

• The state of California offers a wide variety of careers and jobs. For a list of job opportunities, visit CalCareers

• Pacific States Petroleum, currently is hiring Class A and Class B drivers for a list of available positions; visit Job Opportunities - PacStatesPetro

• Tax Preparation Assistance Lao Family Community Development has started its free tax program for low-income families. Please be aware that to utilize their services, your income must be below $57,000, and you must go to Lao Family at 1865 Rumrill Blvd, San Pablo, CA 94806 to pick up the tax forms; when all forms are completed, they can return all forms on Fridays and Saturdays ONLY. For more information, call (510) 215-1220. 

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

Library

Come Celebrate - Expanded Library Hours and Fine Free!

The Richmond Main Library is now open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., and Thursday and Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

No more overdue fines!  So bring back anything you still have checked out and we’ll clear it off your account, no money due!  Renew or replace your library card while you’re here and you’ll be set to explore in-person and online.

We’ve refreshed and rearranged, so now you’re invited to come find everything!  Come by the Library to explore what we offer, complete a treasure map, and get a goodie bag!

It’s not just books! We offer:

• Literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and High School diploma completion
• E-books, e-magazines, and streaming movies
• Access to live online tutoring
• California State Parks passes
• Community Science kits
• Online résumé assistance and skills-building
• Laptops, Chromebooks, and WiFi hotspots for home use
• Access to the AllData car repair database
• Research and homework databases

For more information on Library services, visit us at www.richmondlibrary.org

Kids’ Craft Program – In Person!

Join us the week of May 2nd to the 6th for a celebration of the Library’s extended hours!  Create chalk art and enjoy other treats in the courtyard during the week.  Get a new library card and receive a prize.  Also, join us for the first in-person kids’ craft program in the courtyard on Friday, May 6th from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM.  If you have questions, call (510) 620-6557.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Transportation

Richmond Moves Is Officially In Service!

On April 20, 2022, Mayor Thomas Butt introduced Richmond MOVES during Richmond’s Drive Electric Earth Day Event. Also in attendance was Peter Christensen, Chief of the Innovative Strategies Branch at the California Air Resources Board, Garrett Brinker, Partnerships Lead for the Western US at Via, Audrey Momoh, the District Director for Senator Skinner, and Robert Rogers, District Coordinator for the Office of County Supervisor John Gioia.

In addition to the display of eBikes, twenty-three electric vehicles including a zero emission AC Transit bus and MOTIV step truck were on display.  All the vehicles on display had a combined total of 714,000 E miles driven which is the equivalent of planting over 18,000 trees and letting them grow for 10 years.  

Event Videos:

Courtesy of KCRT: https://youtu.be/DN8azuMjFcw

Courtesy of Robert Rogers, District Coordinator for the Office of County Supervisor John Gioia: https://twitter.com/roberthrogers1/status/1516919358349447169?s=20&t=yIiru7SMtoxtMIGdf8PLWw

Photos courtesy of Gabino Arrendondo, City Manager’s Office

On April 25, the City of Richmond, CA and Via, the global leader in TransitTech, officially launched Richmond Moves, the city’s first on-demand public shuttle service. Richmond Moves will expand access to efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation in the Richmond community, particularly for neighborhoods that are underserved by other mobility options.

The goal of Richmond Moves is to fill access gaps in Richmond’s transportation ecosystem, which has historically lacked intra-city transit options and been long challenged by heavily polluted air. The service will enable residents to easily connect with key transit hubs in the region — such as Amtrak stations, BART stations, and the Richmond Ferry Terminal — without a private car. To underscore Richmond’s commitment to sustainability, the fleet will include all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which will reduce energy consumption.

Richmond Moves is powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Via’s intelligent algorithms allow riders to book an on-demand ride to a nearby transit hub, and then directs them to a “virtual bus stop” within a short walking distance. Riders enjoy quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility than traditional transportation options with fixed routes and schedules.

Richmond Moves is funded through the new statewide Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (CMO). The project is part of the California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. CMO is administered by CALSTART, in partnership with Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) and the Local Government Commission (LGC).

To register for Richmond MOVES, go to: https://ridewithvia.com/richmondmoves/ or call (510) 937-3657.

For more program information contact Denée Evans at denee.evans@ci.richmond.ca.us or call (510) 621-1718.

1. Public Works

Abatement

Abatement crews, in collaboration with Richmond Republic Services and Sims Metal, hosted the May Valley/El Sobrante Hills/Greenbrier neighborhood Dumpster Day. During this event, staff collaborated with Caltrans and assisted 65 seniors/disabled citizens. Crews also removed several tons of debris from encampments, abated weeds from various locations, repaired fencing along the Bay Trail at Richmond Parkway and Freethy Court area, removed illegally dumped debris throughout the City and removed graffiti from various locations.

May Valley/El Sobrante Hills/Greenbrier Dumpster Day

Encampment Clean-Ups

Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal

Engineering

Cutting Boulevard Restriping Project

Over the next couple of weeks WR Forde Associates, Inc., alongside their striping subcontractor, will be restriping Cutting Boulevard from South Garrard Boulevard to Hoffman Boulevard. This project will provide a new bicycle lane for the location listed.

Along with the striping the bikeway project will also be installing an asphalt berm along the corridor as a buffer between the bikeway and the vehicle lanes. They will be coordinating the traffic control efforts to minimize impact to the roadway while their striping operations are in progress.

Via Verdi Slope Stabilization Project

This project is nearing completion. The work here included 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.

Next week permanent erosion control measures will be installed and the site will be cleaned. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. Construction questions can be directed to the Construction Manager, Tony Fuentes of mack5, at tfuentes@mack5.com or (510) 595-4725.

Yellow Brick Road Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvement Project

Ghilotti Bros, Inc. (GBI) continued to grind existing pavement and place new hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement at the following locations: Macdonald Avenue, Barrett Avenue, Nevin Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue. 

The electrical subcontractor continued to install traffic signal modifications at 5th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and at 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.  The electrical subcontractor also continued to investigate existing utilities along the east side of 8th Street from Macdonald Avenue to Barrett Avenue in preparation of installing streetlight conduit. 

This week GBI is continuing to grind existing pavement and place new HMA pavement at the Lincoln Avenue and 8th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and 8th Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th Street intersections.  GBI will continue to work towards 6th and 7th Streets along Pennsylvania Avenue.  Crosswalk stamping began this week at Chanslor Avenue and 8th Street. 

Paving on Lincoln Avenue

Crosswalk Stamping

Parks and Landscaping

General fund crews weeded from the 23rd Street grade separation, trimmed trees at Nicholl Park, prepared the Main Library for an Earth Day event, performed maintenance on the baseball fields at three parks, abated weeds along Castro Ranch Road and Valley View Road, removed graffiti at Central Avenue, removed debris from the Greenway and all south-side parks, performed maintenance of the 49th Street right of ways and along the Clinton Avenue sound wall, mowed turf at Monterey Park and the Huntington Senior Center, continued with maintenance and weed abatement at Mira Flores and John F. Kennedy Parks.

Weed Abatement

Marina District

Crews removed debris from parks and parking lots, replaced dog waste bags, manually removed weeds from the medians at Regatta Boulevard medians, abated weeds,string trimmed and mowed the lawns of Shimada Park, cleared weeds from the Barbara J. Vincent Park monument, pruned trees at Marina Bay Park, abated weeds on Marina Bay Parkway medians, emptied all trash receptacles and abated weeds in several other locations.

Mira Flores Park Maintenance

Hilltop District

Crews performed maintenance and debris removal throughout, weed abatement on the Richmond Parkway on Giant Road near off ramps, abated weeds at Vista Del Mar Park, Blume Drive, Klose Way medians, Hilltop Drive right of ways and Giant Road near the bulk storage facility.

Vista Del Mar Park Maintenance

Pavement Maintenance

Paving crews completed base repairs on Regatta Boulevard at Melville Square and worked from the outstanding pothole list.

Regatta Boulevard Base Repair

K-Rail Removal

Street Sweeping crews swept in the following neighborhood council areas on the fourth Monday through Thursday and the fifth Friday:  Santa Fe, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, Coronado, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman, Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park, City Center, Richmond Annex, Parkview, Panhandle Annex and Eastshore. Staff will sweep the Richmond Parkway and various medians on the fifth day of the month.

Signs and Lines crews fabricated 22 new signs, installed or repaired 15 signs, painted 80” of red curb paint, placed three new “Stop” messages, installed two thermoplastic arrows and placed high visibility crosswalks on Hartnett Avenue.

Crosswalk Installation

Stop Message Installation

2. Richmond Promise

Mandatory Attendance for New Scholarship Applicants: Next Steps Workshops

Next Steps workshops for the Richmond Promise Scholarship will take place through May 5th. Attending one of the sessions (noted in the tinyurl.com/rpnsw22 ) link is required for new applicants wishing to receive the scholarship next fall. Sessions will familiarize applicants with the free support perks and services included in the Richmond Promise scholarship.

Asegúrate que te inscribas para los talleres de  próximos pasos empezando mañana haste el 5 de Mayo. Tenemos dos talleres en español, y, si eres un solicitante nuevo,  tienes que asistir a uno para recibir la beca en el otoño. Registrate en tinyurl.com/tallernsw22

Now Open: Richmond Promise 2022-23 Mentor Initiative:

Calling all career enthusiasts and passionate life professionals! Are you looking for an amazing volunteer mentor opportunity? Interested in mentoring, guiding, and making an impact alongside young people in Richmond? Sign up for our 11-month Mentor Program today!

Starting July 2022 through May 2023, you can share knowledge, skills, best practice, and perspective with a Richmond Promise Scholar. Complete the follow interest form to receive the application via email: www.tinyurl.com/MentorInterest22-RP

Mentors and mentees will attend monthly, one-hour virtual meetings during the entirety of the program. Questions? Concerns? Contact Dariana Zermeño (dzermeno@richmondpromise.org) or Brenda Trujillo (btrujillo@richmondpromise.org) Application deadline is May 15th , and there are a limited amount of spaces available, so don’t wait too long!

 
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!
Shasa Curl
 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