Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending August 18th, 2017.
The City Council is on meeting hiatus until Tuesday, September 12th. Enjoy the summer break!
- City Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Richmond by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the City. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the GFOA, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
The City’s financial reports, dating back to fiscal year 2001-2002 are all available online at the following link:
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=1000
- LEAP Student, MOSES, To Be a Featured Speaker at TED Expo
“MOSES” LEAP student by night…”
Moses will be a featured speaker on October 10th for the TED EXPO at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. For those not familiar with the TED Talks, TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages. https://www.ted.com/talks
So what will Moses be speaking about? Taken directly from the publicity of the event:
“Born and raised in Forrest City (Arkansas), he was musically inclined from an early age. He learned how to play piano, flute and guitar. In 1972, he moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a house painter and played with several bands in the Bay Area. His music was recorded by Pete Miller, a legendary British guitarist that toured with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and who later opened a recording studio in San Francisco. Moses' life imploded in the early 80's, and he ended up enduring a rough life on the streets of San Francisco for two decades. In 2007, he starred in a student film that launched him on a ten-year journey to reclaim his life, his family, and his music.”
In short, Moses will be speaking about his remarkable journey.
Moses came to LEAP in 2015 and he is close to passing the final test for his GED. Although we cannot afford to pay the $200 entry fee for his talk, we look forward to watching it online in the near future. In the meantime, we have the in-person Moses to talk to any time. Moses is a reminder of the remarkable journeys of so many of our neighbors, friends and loved ones.
- Chill with a Cop ~ Free Ice Cream Social in Downtown Richmond
The community is cordially invited to come downtown to Chill with a Cop! No agenda, just a delicious scoop of free ice cream and great conversation with your neighborhood beat officers on Saturday, August 19th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the Community Green Space at Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue.
Enjoy delicious ice cream, meet your neighborhood beat officers, learn important crime prevention tips, take home free books, and play chess. Plus: watch a Police vs. Fire chess match! Admission is free and all are welcome. The event is sponsored by Richmond Main Street, the Richmond Police Department, West Coast Chess Alliance, and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
For more information: call (510) 236-4049, email admin@richmondmainstreet.org, or visit www.RichmondMainStreet.org.
- Last Chance to Catch Music on the Main this Summer!
Come Downtown and get your groove on at Music on the Main on Wednesday, August 23rd from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the parking lot at Marina Way & Macdonald Avenue! The event features: Spirited live music performances by local Zydeco king Andre Thierry and legendary roots Reggae group Caribbean Allstars, fantastic food from local favorites: Curbside Kitchen, Kim's Louisiana Fried Turkey & Stuff, and Yo Mama's Old Fashioned Teacakes, plus refreshing Main Street Margaritas and hometown brews by East Brother Beer Company, with proceeds of sales benefitting RMSI. Concert-goers of all ages are sure to also enjoy a diverse array of artisan vendors offering unique items, informational booths, interactive activities for kids, free book faire, giveaways, drawing zone, and Freshest Cargo Mobile Farmers’ Market.
 
Are you a fan of live music and outdoor concerts? Do you like working behind-the-scenes at events? If you answered “yes”, then helping out at the 16th annual Music on the Main summer concerts is for you!
Sign-up online here.
For more information: Contact Alicia, outreach@richmondmainstreet.org or (510) 236-4049.
Then, save the date for the next big event Downtown: 9th annual Spirit & Soul Festival on Saturday, September 16 from 1pm-5pm on our very own historic Main Street…Macdonald Avenue!
For more information visit www.RichmondMainStreet.org or call (510) 236-4049.
- Big Turnout at Rosie Rally 2017!
Here are some of the Rosies that you may have missed at last Saturday’s Rosie Rally 2017:
  
- “Back to School” at the Richmond Museum
The Richmond Museum is inviting the community to celebrate “back to school” by learning about Richmond’s rich history. The Museum is hosting a free visit for families on September 2nd with special activities all day long. For more information, contact www.richmondmuseum.org or call (510) 235-7387.
- Demolition Work Begins at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City of Richmond’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is an aged facility, originally built in 1953, and many process structures are deteriorated and in immediate need of replacement or rehabilitation.
This past week, the Department of Water Resource Recovery and Veolia started the first phase of construction for critical projects at the WWTP – the rehabilitation of the secondary clarifiers. This is part of an overall progressive design-build effort with Carollo Engineers and Overaa Construction. The three clarifiers will be systematically demolished and rehabilitated with new internal stainless steel components. One clarifier will be completed this year, and the other two will be completed next year. Funding for this extremely important work is made possible from the recently issued wastewater revenue bonds.
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 and events of note this past week included:
- Attended a demonstration of financial modeling software, together with Finance Director Belinda Warner and members of her staff;
- Participated in a conference call with HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) staff, together with Richmond Housing Authority consultant Tia Ingram, Deputy City Attorney Carlos Privat, and legal counsel;
- Participated in a tour of the Chevron modernization construction project;
- Met with staff from multiple City departments to discuss billing procedures for housing rental-related programs;
- Participated in a conference call, together with City staff and consultants, with representatives from Mercy Housing and CHDC (Community Housing Development Corporation) to discuss redevelopment of the Hacienda;
- Attended the monthly West County Council of Industries lunch meeting;
- Participated in a regional “virtual” meeting to discuss ferry service and the proposed Regional Measure 3 bridge toll revenue/expenditure plan;
- Met, along with Planning Director Richard Mitchell and Project Manager Lina Velasco, with staff from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and representatives from Zeneca to discuss the status of the soil remediation plan preparation for the Zeneca site;
- Met, along with key City staff members, with representatives from Laconia development to discuss the status of the Terminal 1 development project;
- Attended my monthly “check-in” meeting with West Contra Costa Unified School District 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.
- Bay Area SunShares- Residential Solar and Electric Vehicle Discounts
Richmond residents are encouraged to participate in SunShares, a limited time, group buying energy procurement program that provides discounts on residential solar and electric vehicles.
The Bay Area SunShares program is led by the Business Council on Climate Change (BC3) aimed at leveraging group buying power to provide discounts and competitive financing options on solar installations and zero-emissions vehicles to eligible residents.
All Bay Area residents are eligible. Discounts and pricing options are listed on the SunShares website or call (510) 621-1541.
The City of Richmond, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division is partnering with neighboring cities and SunShares to host a Bay Area SunShares informational workshop for community members on Wednesday, September 27th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the City Council Chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza. Please RSVP for the workshop at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bay-area-sunshares-richmond-workshop-tickets-36672615781 or call (510) 621-1541.
On Wednesday, September 13th, from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the City of Richmond will be co-hosting, along with the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, an Electric Car Test Drive event. The event will be held at the parking lot across from the Richmond Library adjacent to the Civic Center Plaza. Attendees will be able to experience various types of clean, electric vehicles and get information about available incentives.
- West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Facility Now Open on Wednesdays
The West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 101 Pittsburg Road in Richmond, is expanding its hours, and is now open on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (see all available hours below). Richmond residents can also dispose of paint, pharmaceuticals, batteries, automotive fluids, and other Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for FREE at El Cerrito Recycling Center and the West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. A summary list of accepted items is provided below. Please bring proof of residency when dropping off HHW materials.
Please note that it is illegal to put any HHW or electronic waste in the garbage, sink, toilet, or storm drain because they contain toxic materials that can contaminate the soil and water. Visit www.richmondenvironment.org for more information about HHW services available to Richmond residents and businesses. For questions about HHW disposal, please visit the West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility webpage, or call (888) 412-9277.
West Contra Costa County Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
101 Pittsburg Road
Richmond, CA 94801
Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00am – 4pm (Closed Noon-12:30pm)
(888) 412-9277
El Cerrito Recycling Center
7501 Schmidt Lane,
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open Every Tuesday for HHW disposal
8:00am - 5:45pm
(510) 215-4350
Accepted Materials
          
- The Youth Leadership Committee is Back!
Are you a high school or college student looking to become a leader in your community, or do you know someone who is? Are you interested in learning how to create a community service project to create positive change? Join the YLC for the upcoming school year! Applications are now open with workshops to begin in the fall. We’ll have field trips to local excursions and workshop topics on public speaking, presentations, financial literacy, networking, resume-building, and more!
Application open here: tinyurl.com/RichmondYLC17
Contact Guadalupe Morales at guadalupe_morales@ci.richmond.ca.us or call 510-620-6553 for more info.
- Community Services Highlights
Coming attractions:
Literacy Luau
On August 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa is inviting children (of all ages), families, and community members to participate in their end of summer Literacy Luau. Free books, food and entertainment will be provided!
Register on Eventbrite here!
For more information, please contact Cristal Banagan at mailto:cristal.b@girlsinc-wcc.org.
Richmond Back to School Carnival
Join us for the annual Richmond Back to School Carnival an August 25th – 27th at the Richmond Civic Center. Enjoy a weekend full of amusement rides, carnival games, fair food, family entertainment, info booths, and so much more! Plus, come early on Saturday for our free school supplies giveaway!*
Love Your Block Summer Highlights
Shields-Reid Park Clean-up and Baseball Clinic
This past summer, residents, community members, and local organizations have worked together every Friday afternoon for a three-week series of neighborhood beautification and baseball at Shields-Reid Park in North Richmond. In an effort to revitalize Shields-Reid Park, participants collected over 30 pounds of trash while engaging in a friendly game of baseball.
The clean-up and baseball will continue on Friday, August 25th and September 1st from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Families and children living in North Richmond are encourage to come out!
Parchester Village’s First Harvest Feast
Last Friday, Parchester Community Center and Richmond Love Your Block grantees Patricia Hall and Raynard Lozano hosted the neighborhood’s first Harvest Feast in conjunction with the end-of-summer-camp potluck. The feast opened with an awards presentation for children who contributed to the design and construction of the Parchester Children’s Edible Garden, which Patricia and Raynard started using the Love Your Block mini-grant.
After the awards, Patricia and Raynard taught the children about food deserts and the importance of growing food. Using freshly picked tomatoes from their garden along with other ingredients, the children successfully made salsa!
Lastly, Pastor Van Hook, from the Parchester First Baptist Church, made an appearance to present each summer camp participant with a backpack full of school supplies. With hearts and stomachs full, the children are ready to go back to school!
Website Statistics for the Week Ending 08-18-2017
Tweets and Facebook followers are up!
KCRT DATANETS 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
- Engineering/CIP Departments
Streets Division:
Paving crews ground and paved 28th Street from McBryde to Downer Avenues and worked from the outstanding pothole list in various locations around the City.
Paving on 28th Street
Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the second Monday and third Tuesday through Friday in the May Valley, Vista View, Clinton Hill I, North Richmond, Iron Triangle, North Belding Woods, South Belding Woods, Atchison Village, Santa Fe, Coronado, Marina Bay and Point Richmond neighborhood council areas.
Signs and Lines staff repaired 51 signs and poles, installed 18 new signs and poles and painted 487’ of curbs and zoning.
- Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations
Abatement:
Abatement crews performed weed abatement at various City locations, cleared homeless encampments from public view, and removed graffiti and tons of illegal dumping throughout the city.
 
 
Carlson Blvd
 
Richmond Greenway
 
 
Homeless Encampments
 
Graffiti
 
Illegal Dumping
Facilities Maintenance:
Carpenters applied all roofing materials to the new tennis storage at Nicholl Park and repaired the entrance to Fire Station #62.
Painters completed another equipment room of the Auditorium and repaired and painted the art gallery in the Museum.
Stationary Engineers repaired the washer at Fire Station #63, cleared the sewer lines at Nicholl Park, cleared the sink trap at the Art Center, made keys for the Recreation Complex and Library, replaced tank valves, cleared the sink drain at the Family Justice Center, replaced vandalized lock at the Native American building and replaced the sink shut off valve at the Fire Training Center.
Utility Workers re-lamped the Museum, stripped and waxed floors at Shields Reid Community Center, swept the Civic Center Plaza campus, set up various rooms for events and serviced 29 City owned facilities.
Electricians repaired street and path lighting at 23rd Street and Bissell Avenue, fixed the lighting controls at Shimada Park, installed additional security lighting in the rear of the Auditorium and located and repaired conduits and wires in the Police Department parking lot.
Broken Conduit
Parks and Landscaping Division:
Hilltop District crews continued maintenance around Hilltop Mall business area, continued with the Richmond Country Club Vista landscaping project and continued weed abatement on Richmond Parkway and at Hilltop Lake.
Richmond Parkway Maintenance
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
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 |
