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  City Manager's Weekly Report for the Week Ending April 12th, 2013
April 13, 2013
 
 

This is the weekly report for the week ending April 12th, 2013.

  1. Meeting Notes

 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th beginning with a Closed Session at 5:00 PM, followed by the Housing Authority agenda at 6:25 PM, and the regular, open City Council meeting convening at 6:30 PM.

  1. MCE Clean Energy Program Update

 

What is the MCE Clean Energy Program?

MCE is a public agency and not-for-profit electricity provider that gives customers the choice of having 50% to 100% of their electricity supplied from clean, renewable sources such as solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydroelectric at competitive rates. 

Community Choice Aggregation programs such as MCE allow cities and counties to offer their citizens and businesses another option for where to purchase electricity besides the current utility (PG&E). MCE's goal is to provide a greater support for renewable energy at competitive rates to Richmond residents and businesses. By choosing MCE, Richmond's electric customers help support the development of new in-state and local renewable energy generation. 

MCE Town Hall Meeting – Monday, April 22nd

MCE and the City of Richmond are hosting two town hall meetings to inform electric customers of their new electricity options.  The first town hall meeting has been scheduled for Earth Day, Monday, April 22nd.  The meeting will take place at 6:30 PM at LaVonya De Jean Middle School.  MCE is now distributing meeting materials, community announcements and flyers to publicize the town hall meeting.

 

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MCE Program Enrollment and Opt Out Notices

MCE sends five notices as part of its effort to help electric customers make an informed decision. The notices will inform customers of the electricity service choices they have with instructions on how to opt out or how to obtain more information about the program.  

MCE began mailing the first opt out notice to electricity customers the week of April 1st. Electric customers will continue to receive the first opt out notice through the week of April 8th.

A second and third notice will be mailed in the latter part of April and in May.  Richmond electric customers will be enrolled with MCE service in July 2013 on their regularly scheduled meter read date unless they choose to opt out. Starting in July, all electric customers in Richmond will have 3 electricity options:

  1. MCE ‘Light Green’ 50% renewable energy (automatic enrollment and

competitive rates with PG&E)

2)    MCE ‘Deep Green’ 100% renewable energy (a penny more per kilowatt hour)
3)    PG&E electric supply that is 20% renewable energy
After the July enrollment, a fourth and fifth notice will be mailed to remind customers of their account enrollment with MCE.  For no charge, Richmond customers will have the option to opt out of the program beginning in April.  Customers who choose to opt out after 60 days of service with MCE will be charged a one-time $5 (residential) or $25 (commercial) administrative fee.

A rate comparison calculator is available on the MCE website - www.mceCleanEnergy.com.  Based on current rates for PG&E as well as MCE proposed rates (scheduled to become effective in April 2013), MCE will cost Richmond residential customers about $0.59 more per month on average, and commercial customers will see an overall cost savings.  This rate comparison reflects proposed rates of April 1st and is a “snap shot in time” comparison.  It is important to note that these rates are likely to change as PG&E typically changes rates three times per year.  MCE changes their rates once per year in April and the proposed changes are reflected in the rate comparison. 

Electric customers who 1) choose to opt out, 2) opt up to ‘Deep Green’ 100% renewable energy, or 3) would like more information, should call 1 (888) 632-3674 or visit www.mceCleanEnergy.com.  The opt out instructions, phone number and additional information are also included in the opt out notice customers will receive in the mail.

  1. Richmond Public Library Collaborates to Celebrate Poetry Month with Teens

 

The Richmond Public Library is collaborating with Making Waves and Richmond Police Activities League “R.P.A.L.” celebrate poetry month.

The Teen Services Division of the Richmond Public Library is offering a FREE spoken word/writing workshop series titled, Spittin’ Images”.  RAW Talent, a group of spoken word performers – part of the educational program at Making Waves – will facilitate the four-part workshop series.  The workshop series culminates with a creative “open mic” event including live music and performances by workshop participants.  Light refreshments will be served at all sessions. 

The program will be each Thursday in April, (April 4, 11, 18 and 25) from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. the Richmond Police Activities League building at 2200 Macdonald Avenue.

For additional information, visit the Library’s website:  www.richmondlibrary.org, call (510) 620-5516, or visit:  www.facebook.com/RichmondPublicLibraryTeens.

  1. Richmond ESC & Global Youth Service Day

 

Get your SERVE on! Join millions of youth around the world who are addressing the most important issues in their communities on Global Youth Service Day. Richmond ESC – Excellence Serving our Community – is the lead agency for the City of Richmond’s inaugural participation in Global Youth Service Day.  Richmond youth will be volunteering the whole month of April. Check out the projects listed below and get involved today!!  Call 237-SERV (7378) for more information.

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PROJECTS IN RICHMOND
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Civic Center Plaza Clean-up
Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Civic Center Plaza in Richmond, CA


WCCUSD Walk-a-thon and Earth Day*
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA

Styrofoam Prevention 
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM- 2:00PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA

Plastic Conservation: Water Bottles
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM- 2:00PM
Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond, CA


Richmond Tales Fest 2013*
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Civic Center Plaza in Richmond, CA


Take a Stand! Stop Bullying!
Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM (tentative)
Lavonya Dejean Middle School in Richmond, CA


Rape/Sexual Assault Awareness Workshop*
 (11th & 12th grade female students only)
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Richmond High School in Richmond, CA


Global Youth Service Day in Honor of Cesar Chavez*
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Richmond Greenway- in Richmond, CA

Butterfly & Caterpillar Garden Project
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM
Richmond Greenway- Edible Forest Garden in Richmond, CA


Healthy Kids Day*
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Coronado Community YMCA in Richmond, CA


Peace Celebration Festival*  
Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Contra Costa College, Amphitheatre in San Pablo, CA


San Pablo Youth Commission Childhood Obesity Prevention Project
Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
St. Paul Church Parking Lot in San Pablo, CA


Drop-out Prevention-Keeping Students in School!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 06:30 PM (tentative)
Lavonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond, CA


GYSD Youth Recognition Ceremony* RSVP Only
Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Richmond Auditorium Lobby in Richmond, CA


*signature event with expected attendance of 100+

  1. 48th Annual West Contra Costa Unified School District Student Art Show

The Annual West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Student Art Show, now in its 48th year, is a collaborative effort among WCCUSD administrators, art teachers and students, and the Richmond Art Center (RAC).

The Richmond Art Center is hosting the WCCUSD Reception on Friday, April 19th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.  This exhibition is an annual event that celebrates the outstanding work of young artists, for whom the RAC reserves gallery space each year for art display. There are artworks by more than 200 middle and high school students filling the walls with their diverse visions and individual creative voices. These works are not only a testament to the creative talent of each student, but serves as a showcase of the artistic and educational excellence that the WCCUSD art teachers continue to promote.

Community members, organizations, and art guilds all donate money for awards for the students. It is interesting to note that, in its earlier days, this show was so big that it filled the entire Art Center.  As the event approaches its 50th anniversary in 2015, the RAC looks forward to hosting a larger, more extensive exhibition to celebrate arts education. The RAC and WCCUSD share an ongoing vision that art education is a crucial component in creating a thriving society.

Sponsors for this exhibition are: WCCUSD, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and an anonymous donor. Past donors have included: North & East Neighborhood Council, the Genser – Maack Family, El Sobrante Art Guild, Kiwanis Club of Richmond, the Pinole Artisans Foundation, and the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission.

  1. Become A Writing Coach and Help Richmond High Students Succeed!

 

WriterCoach Connection brings teams of trained community volunteers into English classes to provide one-on-one help to students on their writing assignments. Coaches inspire and encourage students to develop self-confidence and writing proficiency, strengthen their comprehension, and build creative and critical thinking capabilities - essential skills for school, college, and career success.  Every student in a participating class has a writing coach.

Seventy-five volunteer coaches are now serving one hundred and fifty students at Richmond High and more are needed for expansion in the fall. The coaching commitment is 2 hours, 2-3 times per month during class-time, to enjoy the satisfaction of helping students succeed.

You don’t have to be a writer or teacher to volunteer. In-depth trainings provide strategies for working effectively with students. 

The WriterCoach Connection program warmly welcomes parents, grandparents, college students, working and retired people, and community members of all cultures and backgrounds. Please register today to become a coach and attend an upcoming training.  Each training is two three-hour sessions.

RCH7     Thursdays          5/30 & 6/6      12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
RCH8     Wednesdays      6/19 & 6/26    12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
RCH9     TBD                   Late August/early September (dates to be announced 
                                        soon)

For more information and to register: www.writercoachconnection.org or Shelli Fried at 510-530-7600 sfried0530@gmail.com

Main Library

  1. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Town Hall Meetings to Discuss School District Action Plan

 

WCCUSD will be holding a series of community meetings to gather information for a new strategic plan for the district.  The meeting schedule is as follows:

10:00 AM   April 13th, Ford Elementary School multipurpose room, 2711 Maricopa
                      Ave., Richmond

6:30 PM     April 17th, Crespi Middle School library, 1121 Allview Ave., El Sobrante

6:30 PM     April 18th, Hercules Library, 109 Civic Drive

10:00 AM   April 27th, El Cerrito High School multipurpose room, 540 Ashbury Ave.

6:30 PM     May 9th, Pinole Middle School multipurpose room, 1575 Mann Drive

10:00 AM   May 11th, Kennedy High School library, 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond
  

  1. Recreation Highlights

Spring Break Camps

May Valley Community Center participants enjoyed a walking excursion to the general store.  The proprietor offered a special sale price on an afternoon snack of a hot dog, chips, and a drink in order for the youth to practice their purchasing skills.

Shields-Reid Community Center participants visited the May Valley Community Center to engage in friendly intra-community center competitions of Steal the Flag.  The kids are looking forward to doing it again during the summer programs.

The Disabled People’s Recreation Center Adult Morning Program and the Therapeutic Interactive Recreation Program participated together for Spring Break camp.  A few of their favorite activities were cooking and creating Thank You and Get Well cards for people related to the center.  It was especially exciting to tour Alcatraz, walking for hours looking at the amazing sites.  Other days, they visited two accessible parks, Mateo’s Dream in Concord and Roberts in Oakland.  These parks provide enriching sensory experiences for people with a myriad of disabilities. Participant’s feedback on their experience was very enlightening and humbling for staff.

  1. Public Works Updates

 

Facilities Maintenance:  Carpenters prepared the 3rd floor of 440 Civic Center Plaza for the National Park Services move into the building.

Painters completed painting the equipment room in Parchester Community Center.

Stationary Engineers replaced the kitchen faucet in Memorial Youth Center Child Care Center; furnace fan motor in Nevin Community Center, and the HVAC fan motor in Parchester Center.

Utility Workers relamped May Valley Community Center and Police Department Di-Con Building; continued auto scrubbing Civic Center Plaza; cleaned the carpet in Richmond Senior Center.

Electricians replaced emergency exit fixtures in the Main Library; repaired apparatus bay lights in Fire Station 61; inspected traffic signal interconnect cable on San Pablo to City Hall along Macdonald Avenue prior to repairs; replaced damaged traffic signal controller at Marina Way South and Wright Avenue; and installed upgraded light fixtures in the equipment rooms, tunnels, and basement storage areas of the Auditorium.

Traffic signs

Auditorium Basement Storage Area

Parks and Landscaping Division:  This week crews performed vegetation management in the Very High Severity Zones (VHSZ) and Pt. Molate Beach; irrigation repairs along Carlson Blvd. streetscape, Nichol and Kennedy Parks; repaired chain link fence damaged by vehicle accident on Richmond Parkway; weed abatement on Richmond Parkway westbound off ramp to Giant Road, in the center median of Parr Blvd. to Giant Road, and at the Castro overpass; repaired damaged sound wall along Richmond Parkway in the Hilltop District; installed low flow irrigation system on Hillview Drive and Klose Way; and installed mulch along Robert Miller Drive between Fire Station 68 and Birmingham Drive.

Tree crews completed work at 2424, 2848, and 2864 Maricopa; trimmed the tree across the street from 5200 Huntington as per Richmond Police Department Code Enforcement Division; and, responded to emergency call outs at 2806 Wiswall, 3400 Richmond Parkway, Hilltop Drive at Blume Drive, and 23rd and Macdonald.

Streets Division:  This week the Paving crew worked on filling potholes from the outstanding pothole list; dug out LA Miranda Drive and Ahem Court; and pulled the shoulders on Western Drive in the Pt. Molate area.

The Traffic Signs and Lines section continued fabrication of railroad crossing signage, regulatory, guide, warning, street name and street sweeping signs for city wide replacement and special request projects; and, installed 1,068 delineators along Canal Blvd.

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Canal Boulevard

The street sweepers performed street sweeping services for the second Monday through Friday in May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I-IV, and East Richmond neighborhood council areas.

 

***********************************************

 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.

Have a great week!

 

 

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

 

Bill Lindsay
City Manager
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804
(510) 620-6512
Bill_lindsay@ci.richmond.ca.us


 
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