Mayor and Members of the City Council:

This is the weekly report for the week ending February 17, 2017.

• 1. Meeting Notes

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st beginning with Closed Session at 6:00 PM, followed by the Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority at 6:25 PM, and with the regular meeting at 6:30 PM. The agenda may be found by clicking this link: Richmond City Council Agenda Packet.

• 2. Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA – Ferry Service) Board of Directors Makes a Visit to Richmond 

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is a regional public transit agency that operates ferry service on San Francisco Bay.   Under the San Francisco Bay Ferry brand, WETA carries over two million passengers annually, utilizing a fleet of 12 high speed passenger-only ferry vessels. San Francisco Bay Ferry currently serves the cities of Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco, South San Francisco and Vallejo.  WETA has indicated that it is committed to working with cities, communities and stakeholders to establish new ferry routes where the proposed route reduces traffic congestion in the transit corridor, is cost effective and financially viable.

We are pleased that one of WETA’s new service routes beginning in 2018 will connect Richmond to San Francisco.  Another important step in establishing this service was taken by the WETA Board of Directors this past Thursday evening at their meeting held in the Craneway Conference at Ford Point, near the site of what will be the new ferry terminal for Richmond.  At this meeting, the Board of Directors:

• Received an update on the Richmond Ferry Terminal project;
• Approved a project labor agreement for construction of the Ferry Terminal;
• Authorized the Executive Director to negotiate and execute all necessary real estate agreements required to construct, operate and maintain the Terminal; and
• Authorized the release of a request for proposals for construction of the Richmond Ferry Terminal.

The ferry boats that will serve the Richmond-San Francisco water corridor are already being constructed, and the report is that all is going well to begin morning and evening commute ferry service out of the brand new Richmond terminal in mid-2018.

We appreciate the efforts of the WETA Board and staff to bring their recent meeting to the Richmond community, and to bring ferry service to Richmond next year.

• 3. Richmond - ECIA Community Grant Program – Application Now Available

The Richmond – ECIA Competitive Grant Program is funded through the Chevron Modernization Project Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) that was entered into between the City of Richmond and Chevron. Governmental entities and non-profit organizations (with 501(c)(3) tax status) that provide services focused on community, youth and youth sports services to Richmond residents are all eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded on an annual basis and awards will range from $2,500 to $50,000. 

The guidelines and application was released this past Friday, February 3rd, and can be accessed at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/eciagrants. Applications are due on Monday, March 20, 2017, by 5:00 PM. For all questions or comments, please connect with us at eciagrants@ci.richmond.ca.us or 510-620-6828.
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• 4. Free ECIA Grant Capacity-Building Workshops

In connection with the release of the ECIA Competitive Grant Program application (see item [3] above), the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Richmond Community Foundation, is offering free capacity-building workshops. This workshop series is intended to provide organizations with the opportunity to enhance and acquire new skills to better serve the community.

The next workshop entitled “Financial Management & Budgeting 101” is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22nd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at 440 Civic Center Plaza in the City Council Chambers. To register for the upcoming workshop and for a list of the future workshops please visit https://tinyurl.com/ECIACapacity.

• 5. For Richmond Invites Community to “Black History Month: Breakfast with Bobby Seale”

For Richmond is inviting the Richmond community to a free-admission breakfast in honor of Black History Month, featuring original Black Panther Party Co-Founder Bobby Seale as the keynote speaker.  The breakfast will be held Friday, February 24th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. Doors open at 9:00 AM, breakfast will be served at 9:30 AM, and Bobby Seale will speak at 10:15 AM.

As the original Black Panther Party observes its 50th year anniversary, there couldn’t be a better time to welcome Mr. Seale’s return to Richmond to reflect upon his social justice work and advocacy on behalf of African-American people—including those in Richmond.

RSVPs are required for entry into the event. To request an invitation, follow this link: http://www.4richmond.org/blackhistory2017. Questions? Contact For Richmond at info@4richmond.org or call 510-260-0290.

For Richmond is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting job, health, safety and educational opportunities for Richmond residents. For more info, visit www.4richmond.org.

• 6. Mayor Butt Invites the Community to Time with Tom

Please join Mayor Tom Butt at Nerd Crossing on Thursday, February 23rd from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM for “Time with Tom!”, a casual meet-and-greet with the Mayor.  Please contact the Mayor’s Office at 510-620-6503 for more information.

• 7. City Manager Chronicles

I have listed below some of the topics for meetings that I attended during the past week in the hope that it provides an idea of the varied issues with which our organization deals routinely.

Meetings of note this past week included:

• Attended a portion of a meeting with leadership of the Building Trades, along with Employment and Training Director Sal Vaca and Administrative Chief Shasa Curl, to discuss development of a standard first source hiring agreement to promote local hiring policies;
• Attended a portion of the Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE) Policy Committee meeting, attended by Councilmember Eduardo Martinez, along with Senior Management Analyst LaShonda White, Park Superintendent Greg Hardesty, and CIP Director Yader Bermudez;
• Attended the day-long strategic planning session with senior staff members;
• Attended the Mayor’s Quarterly Business Roundtable luncheon;
• Met with representatives of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and West County Transportation Advisory Committee, together with Project Manager Lori Reese-Brown, to discuss paratransit program funding;
• Attended the meeting of the WETA Board of Directors (see item [2] above);
• Attended my monthly “check-in” meeting with West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Superintendent Matt Duffy.

These meetings were in addition to attending the regular management staff meeting, agenda planning, reviewing staff reports to the City Council, doing department head “check-ins,” having discussions on various personnel matters, and having short discussions with staff, community members, members of the press, etc.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the substance of these or any other topics.

• 8. RichmondWORKS Successful Partnership with Kaiser School of Allied Health Sciences

 RichmondWORKS continues to enjoy an over 25 year relationship with the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (KPSAHS) in Richmond in developing career opportunities in the medical industry. KPSAHS offers degrees and certificate programs in radiology, sonography, phlebotomy, nuclear medicine, and medical assisting.  Five recent program participants pictured below, now pursuing a career in the medical field due to the demand and economic growth in the industry, are Liberty Jacobson, Laura Gee, Enrique Espejo, D’Ambra Sergent, and Lisa Ramey.  With the help of RichmondWORKS and their Career Planner, Monica Castrillo, they successfully completed and graduated from the KPSAHS’ two year radiology program and are now on their way to a professional career as a radiology technologist earning up to $35 an hour. Read their story at   http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/41260.

                            
Anyone interested in KPSAHS’ programs can visit their website at www.kpsahs.edu or call (510) 231-5000.

For information on RichmondWORKS and WIOA Training Services, please visit www.richmondworks.org or call (510) 307-8014.

• 9. Attend a Richmond Promise Spring Workshop!  Financial Aid Deadline is March 2nd 

 Please remind 12th graders and college students that they must submit financial aid applications by March 2nd to be eligible for the Cal Grant and the Richmond Promise Scholarship. The Richmond Promise team will be hosting workshops to assist high school seniors and their families complete their financial aid and Richmond Promise applications.

Spring Workshops

These workshops are open to all high school seniors and their families.

Spring Student & Family Workshops:

• Dates: March 1, 2, 7, 9, & 10
• Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: 450 Civic Center Plaza

Events are free, and no RSVP is required.

The Richmond Promise Scholarship is due on March 10th! Please encourage the eligible high school seniors in your life to apply!

The application can be found at www.richmondpromise.org.

Questions? Contact us at info@richmondpromise.org or 510-620-6531.

• 10. Richmond Fire Safety Tip

 During 2016, Richmond Firefighters responded to 622 fires. Some of these fires were caused by candles being used for emergency lighting during power outages. During last week’s rain, PG&E reported 24 power outages, affecting 1,143 residents within the City of Richmond.  More power outages are expected with more rain over the next couple of weeks, and the Fire Department is encouraging residents to use flashlights instead of candles.

If you must use candles, pay close attention to a few simple rules:

• Place candles on stable furniture in sturdy holders that won’t tip over and that are big enough to collect dripping wax.

• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, or decorations.

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Discard taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Discard votive and filled candles before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

• Never put candles in windows or near doorways where drafts could bring flammable materials in contact with the open flame.

• Avoid using candles for light sources during power outages.

• Always stay in the room where candles are being burned.

Please be sure to be safe when using candles at home!

• 11. Healthy Body/Health Mind: Produce Truck Returns – Yoga Begins!

 LEAP continues to advance programs to support the City’s Health in ALL Policies (HiAP) and offer supportive health related programs to participants and staff.  Beginning Wednesday, March 1st the Freshest Approach produce truck will park itself on 27th Street in front of 440 Civic Center Plaza, to offer delicious fruits and vegetables at very low prices. The truck will be open for business between 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.  Mark your calendars, set your phones, and remember to take advantage of this great resource. 

FOUR-WEEK YOGA PROGRAM BEGINS MARCH 14th
LEAP, in partnership with Piedmont Yoga, will offer a lunch time yoga program from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM on March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, and April 4th.  The Yoga class will focus on deep healing, resilience, and connection and will involve breathing and meditation as well as some stretching. The classes will take place in the Multipurpose Room in the basement of 440 Civic Center Plaza.  The classes are primarily for LEAP students; however we are reserving slots for others. There will be limited space and people will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. If you choose to sign-up, please plan to attend the entire four-week program. If you are interested, please email Antoinette Jordan at antoinette_jordan@ci.richmond.ca.us.  Wear comfortable clothing, and if you have a yoga mat, please bring one with you. We do have a small supply of equipment for the class.
 

• 12. Community Services Highlights

Black History

Nevin Center After-School Program
The Nevin Community Center After-School Program is bustling with activity…

Participants and staff opened the “Nevin11 Store” and had a Grand Opening celebration to kick off the program. Staff and the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council donated items to the store. The youth can make purchases using “center bucks” that they can earn in many ways, including positive behavior, cleaning up after themselves, and helping or being kind to staff and other participants. Some of the items for purchase are toys, puzzles, water bottles, play dough, a backpack, and many other cool items. If you would like to donate other fun items, please contact Eric Yee and the Nevin Community Center, 510-620-6813.

Participants also enjoyed talent shows, balloon volleyball, and homework help.

Commission on Aging

 13. Information Technology

 Website Statistics
For the week ending 02/17/2017

Twitter and Facebook Statistics

• Page likes are up 40%
• People reached increased by 33%
• Post Engagement increased by 215%
• Tweets increased by 111.1%
• Tweet impressions are up by 8%
• Profile visits are up 41.9%
• Followers are up

KCRT DATANET OF THE WEEK

City of Richmond Mobile APP UPDATE
The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store. 
 

This City of Richmond mobile app provides Richmond’s community members with one-stop access to City services and information via mobile devices. The app allows quick and real-time reporting of neighborhood-related issues; viewing the City’s Events Calendar; finding addresses and phone numbers of local businesses, city departments and council members. Locating one of Richmond’s numerous parks, and welcoming libraries and community centers, including reserving rental space for that special occasion are all done with ease!

You may view the City’s mobile app on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i4W1wVvB9fw

The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on this upgraded Mobile App. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us.

• 14. Engineering/CIP Departments

Streets Division: 
Paving crews worked from the outstanding pothole list and filled and delivered sand bags.

Potholing on Richmond Parkway

Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the second Monday and Tuesday and the third Wednesday through Friday in the May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill, Atchison Village, South Belding Woods, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay, and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas as weather permitted.

Signs and Lines staff repaired five signs and poles, installed three new signs and poles, fabricated 19 new signs, and performed storm patrol.

• 15. Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations

Abatement:
Abatement crews abated debris and graffiti from the Central Underpass walkways, abated Richmond Pacific Railroad around South 2nd Street, and continued to remove tons of illegal dumping and graffiti throughout the city.

Sidewalk Cleaning Central Avenue

Railroad Abatement

Illegal Dumping

Code Enforcement:
Code Enforcement Office R. Benjamin contacted a business owner to inform them of their encroachment of the right of way of City property. Shortly thereafter, the owner removed all materials without further requests.

Encroachment of Right-of-Way

Facilities Maintenance:
Carpenters worked on the equipment room at the Main Library and made roof repairs at the Senior Center, Auditorium, and the Native American Health Center.

Painters completed the main exhibit room at the Museum and men’s restroom at the Senior Annex Community Center.

Painting at the Auditorium

Utility Workers installed a new dispenser in the restroom at the 12th Street garage, removed water from the carpet at the Parchester Community Center, spot cleaned the carpet at the Port, set up various rooms for events, and maintained 29 City owned facilities.

Carpet Cleaning

Electricians repaired light fixtures in Civic Center Plaza buildings, repaired street lights on 22nd Street and Bissell Avenue, and Harbour Way between Bissell and Macdonald Avenues, repaired traffic lights at Castro Ranch Road and San Pablo Dam Road, and Harbour Way and Ripley Avenue, reparied a street light knockdown at Pittsburg Avenue and Richmond Parkway, replaced lighting at the Plunge, restored an electric socket in the City Manager’s Office, and completed lighting repairs in the Marina area.

Light Replacement

Stationary Engineers replaced the furnace timer at the Parchester Community Center, installed a new heat temperature control sensor in the furnance at DPRC, replaced the fan motor on the Electric shops heater, and installed a replacement steam radiator in the Art Center.

Parks and Landscaping Division:  
General maintenance crews repaired fencing at Nicholl Park, repaired the exercise equipment at John F. Kennedy Park, weed whipped the Solano Playlot, addressed lawn damage at Nicholl Park, fixed the play equipment at Solano Park, assisted tree crew with downed trees, installed security screening on the fence at May Valley Community Center, and installed bollards at 9th Street and the Greenway.

Bollard Installation

The tree crew cut or trimmed trees on Atlas Road, Highland Avenue, Western Drive, Cutting Boulevard, Macdonald Avenue, San Pablo Avenue, Research Drive, 1st Street, 2nd Street, West Macdonald Avenue, 26th Street, Ohio Avenue, Esmond Avenue, and Atchison Park.

Hilltop Districtcrews continued with weed abatement on Richmond Parkway, continued maintenance around Hilltop Mall business area, removed damaged trees at Hilltop Lake Park, continued tree trimming on Hilltop Drive, and repaired Country Club Vista banners.

Richmond Parkway Maintenance

Marina Districtcrews installed back flow meter at Shimada Park, weed abated trails, graffiti removal at Lucretia Edwards Park, and mowed turf throughout the area.

Backflow Installation

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!

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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