Hon. Mayor and Members of the City Council:
This is the report for the week ending August 30th, 2019.
The City Council is on August recess, and will resume meeting on September 10th. Enjoy the time off!
Rent Program Community Workshops: Rights and Responsibilities for Richmond Landlords and Tenants
City of Richmond Rent Program Community Workshops are held one Saturday each month to inform community members about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The full schedule of 2019 Community Workshops may be accessed at richmondrent.org/workshops.
The next workshop will take place on August 31, 2019:
Tenant-Focused Workshop
Saturday, August 31, 2019
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon
City Council Chambers
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Topics for discussion will include:
Overview of the Rent Ordinance
- Properties subject to the Rent Ordinance
- How Rent Control works in California
- Just Cause for Eviction Requirements
- The Rent Adjustment Process
- Overview of Important California Civil Codes
Space is limited - RSVP today: https://rentprogram.eventbrite.com
Free Compost Giveaway Program for Residents- Wednesday, September 4th
Every first Wednesday of the month, West County households can pick up 2 cubic yards of compost for free from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond.
Close the loop on your organics recycling by using the finished compost made right here in Richmond. This is self-service only. Please bring your own bag, bin, or bucket, and shovel to load the material. Valid identification stating residency is required.
For questions or additional information please call Republic Services at (510) 231-4200 or visit www.republicservices.com/municipality/wccc-ca
Community Services Department: Lifeguard Classes
If you are a strong swimmer and love helping people, you may want to consider taking the upcoming Lifeguard class offered by the City of Richmond Aquatics. The class will be held from Friday, September 6th - Sunday, September 8th at the Richmond Swim Center.
This American Red Cross class will be taught by City of Richmond Lifeguard Instructors. There is a pre-course and online assignment required in order to participate in the class. The City of Richmond hires lifeguards year-round for the two indoor pools. Flexible schedules are available, so we encourage students and retirees to get certified, and apply to work. We especially need lifeguards for weekday morning and evening shifts. More information is available on the flyer, or by calling (510) 620-6793.
 
FREE Special One-Day Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event - Saturday, September 14th
The City of Richmond Community Development, Environmental Initiatives Division encourages Richmond residents to participate in a special one-day Household Hazardous Waste collection event on Saturday, September 14th, from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Galileo Club, 371 South 23rd Street, Richmond, CA, 94804.
Residents can take advantage of the free event to properly dispose of paints, aerosols, electronic waste (e-waste), batteries, and oil to keep our communities clean and safe. Mattresses will also be accepted at the event.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
The Galileo Club
371 South 23rd Street, Richmond, CA 94804
*Please bring proof of residency
Visit www.richmondenvironment.org or see the flyer below for more details regarding accepted items. For questions about the event, please call (888) 412-9277.
Can't come to the event? For more information about how to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1720/Hazardous-Waste
Richmond’s National Drive Electric Week Event- September 19, 2019
Don’t miss out on Richmond’s National Drive Electric Week event! This event will be taking place on Thursday, September 19th, from Noon - 3:00 P.M. in Richmond’s Civic Center Plaza (in the parking lot across from the Richmond Public Library). Register at this link, and see flyer below for more details.
Richmond Fire Community Wildfire Protection Plan Project
The Richmond Fire Department received a California Fire Foundation grant to team with the Diablo Fire Safe Council to develop our Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). We welcome members of the Richmond community to attend on the date listed below. Location of the work sessions is in 440 Civic Center Plaza, Basement, Multi-Purpose Room.
- Plan Review - October 4, 2019
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a collaboratively developed plan that identifies wildland fire hazards, prioritizes ways to reduce those hazards, and recommends measures for homeowners and communities to mitigate the ignitability of structures.
Diablo Fire Safe Council will assist Richmond Fire Department to build off the adopted Contra Costa County Plan. Plan development will be during 2019, with the collaboration of our community members and agency partners.
As a stakeholder or agency land manager, Richmond Fire would like your help to identify areas with high fire hazards, and input on prioritizing future projects. This action plan will build off agency plans and the Contra Costa Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to develop joint strategies for future activities and grant funding efforts.
Our working session will summarize wildfire assessments, recent projects, and future project ideas. Please bring current plans and preliminary designs for future projects or programs.
We hope you can join us to update this action plan to reduce the impact of wildfire in Richmond.
Should questions arise, please contact Fire Marshal Eric Govan via email eric_govan@ci.richmond.ca.us or call (510) 307-8038.
Richmond Employee Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Owner Highlight
Congratulations to Juan Diaz, Public Works Stationary Engineer, for becoming a ZEV owner!
The Diaz family is seriously committed to saving our planet. They recently converted their home to solar energy and bought the 2014 Ford Focus vehicle seen in the photo. Juan loves his new vehicle and is willing to share how he used federal and local rebate programs to purchase his vehicle and how solar energy has helped his family reduce their carbon footprint while saving money!
Look for Juan at our National Drive Electric Event on September 19th!
EV TIP:
Did you know that City of Richmond Employees that own or lease Zero Emission Vehicles may receive four (4) hours of free EV charging daily? Contact Transportation Services for more information (510) 621-1718.
Officer Shanks Highlight Video
We hit the streets for a few hours with one of our newest members—Officer Kelsey Shanks of the Northern District. Officer Shanks gives us a little insight on what led her to the profession and where she plans to go. You can watch the video on our Facebook page or by clicking here.
Department of Children and Youth Oversight Board Application Now Available!
The Richmond Department of Children and Youth is excited to share that the Oversight Board application is now available!
Per Measures E and K, the Mayor and City Councilmembers are responsible for appointing a 15-member Oversight Board that is made up of Richmond and North Richmond residents. The Oversight Board will be responsible for developing rules, processes and procedures, and assisting in the creation of a community needs assessment and strategic investment plan that will guide the development of the Richmond Department of Children and Youth and the allocation of funds for youth-serving organizations.
The Oversight Board application is available in three formats in which applicants can apply through an online form, a fillable pdf, or a paper application that is available at the City Manager’s Office. All of these versions are available in both English and Spanish at www.richmondyouth.org. The initial application deadline is Friday, August 30, 2019.
For more information on the Department and Oversight Board, please visit our website at www.richmondyouth.org.
Legislative History
The City’s legislative history including minutes, resolutions, ordinances, meeting content, and other important records, dating back to 1905, are available online at: http://sireweb.ci.richmond.ca.us/sirepub/docs.aspx.
Apply for Your U.S. Passport at Richmond City Hall!
The City of Richmond City Clerk’s Office is accepting passport applications on behalf of the United States Department of State. United States citizens planning international travel may apply for their passport at 450 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, during the following hours by appointment only:
Monday: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Wednesday: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Friday: 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
(Closed 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. – days of operation only)
You must call (510) 620-6786 to schedule all appointments.
Drop-in hours are also available on:
Thursday: 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 NOON
Bring all required documents and complete all forms before your appointment. Drop-ins will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.
Please recognize that the area is an operational executive office, and a quiet zone.
For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information – travel.state.gov.
For more information about the City of Richmond Passport Acceptance Facility, please visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/passports.
Should the City of Richmond Ban the use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers?
The Richmond City Council is considering a potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. City staff is soliciting community feedback to understand the opportunities and challenges.
To give feedback on whether or not the City of Richmond should ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers:
1. Submit a survey response by September 27th:
https://forms.gle/uJ2RXXig7q81k31aA (English)
https://forms.gle/oqhoXhNJE3jU6QWNA (Spanish)
2. Join us at the Community Workshop on:
Wednesday, September 11, 2019, from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond CA
Point Molate Room, 2nd floor
RSVP by calling (510) 620-5407 or visit https://richmondleafblowerworkshop.eventbrite.com
For more information, please call the City Manager's Office at (510) 620-6512 or visit www.richmondenvironment.org
City of Richmond and Gotcha Mobility announce Richmond’s First Bike Share Program
With support from Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) funds, the City of Richmond’s Transportation Division and Gotcha Mobility will launch the first public bike share system in Richmond. Bike share is a service that provides bicycles for short term-use for a fee. Richmond residents and visitors will have access to 250 electric assist bikes at 25 stations within the city, available for 24/7 use.
Launching later this year, the bike share system in Richmond will provide a seamless addition to the local and regional transportation network connecting residents, businesses, visitors to jobs, services, and the community. Bike share will enhance public access to destinations; expand mobility options for low income residents, especially with the provision of subsidized memberships for income-eligible residents; improve public health through increased physical activity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants; and support community growth through safer, more vibrant streets.
Gotcha Mobility is a mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) company offering sustainable mico-transit products –100% electric ride share, bike share, electric scooters, and trikes. Gotcha helps communities lead happier, more productive lives through alternative forms of transportation and is committed to being the City of Richmond’s mobility partner. Gotcha invests in communities by having local operations that include local staff. Below are full time positions with benefits which are currently open:
To learn more about Gotcha visit https://ridegotcha.com/
For questions, please contact Misha Kaur at (510) 620-6797.
Transportation Services Division Updates
Are you interested in learning more about what services the City of Richmond’s Transportation Services Division is working on for you?
Subscribe to receive updates: https://www.richmond.ca.us/list.aspx?ListID=374
Or Go To: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2876/Transportation
      
Richmond Ferry to Bridge to Greenway Complete Streets Plan Community Survey
Transportation Services needs your feedback to provide valuable local and regional
connections for people walking and bicycling to the new Richmond Ferry Terminal, the upcoming Richmond-San Rafael Bridge multi-use path, and the Richmond Greenway. The survey is available online or via text.
RAPID (R-TRANSIT with Lyft) Workshop
The City of Richmond’s R-Transit program provides safe and reliable transportation to persons with disabilities and seniors (age 55 and older).
Service area: Program registrants can travel to any destination between the cities of Richmond, El Sobrante, San Pablo, North Richmond, Kensington, and Pinole. The cost of a one-way trip booked in advance is $4.00, and same-day reservations are $5.00 one way.
To qualify for R-Transit, applicants must meet two eligibility requirements:
1. Residency: applicant must be a resident of any of the following cities: Richmond, Kensington, El Sobrante, unincorporated communities of East Richmond Heights, Hasford Heights, Rollingwood, or North Richmond.
2. Age/disability: applicant is age 55 or older OR between the ages of 18-54 and has a disability.
Fill out an application: online at www.rtransit.com , print the application here, or call (510) 307-8026 to request an application by mail.
RAPID: R-Transit with Lyft offers R-Transit clients a subsidy to use Lyft in the service area.
The R-Transit program’s newest addition, RAPID, offers R-Transit clients a subsidy to use Lyft (24/7) for on demand trips in the R-Transit service area. RAPID also offers a subsidy to travel to and from the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Veterans hospital in Martinez, CA. R-Transit clients pay the first $3.00 of each one way trip in the service area, and the subsidy will cover the next $17.00 of the trip. If the total cost of the trip exceeds $20.00, the client is responsible for the overage.
To use the RAPID service, you must first complete an application for R-Transit service; have a smart phone, credit/debit card, and a registration and waiver of liability form on file.
R-Transit will host RAPID workshops the 3rd Monday of each month for the remainder of 2019. Workshops will be held at the Richmond Senior Center located at 2525 Macdonald Ave, Richmond from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 NOON. The workshops will provide in depth information about the new service and one-on-one assistance with downloading the Lyft mobile application, setting up an account, and requesting rides.
 
Pass2Class 2019 Application Now Open! Free Student Transit Pass!
511 Contra Costa is happy to announce that Pass2Class is back again for the 2019/20 school year. Students in West Contra Costa, grades 1 – 12, can receive either one 31-day AC Transit pass or WestCAT pass (while supplies last, limit three students per household), as a way to encourage them to take transit to school rather than a car. From August 1st through October 6th, parents/guardians can review the full rules and guidelines and fill out the application online.
Funding provided by Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
WCCUSD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH should not apply to Pass2Class. Pass2Class only offers one month free for any student, grades 1-12.
However, WCCUSD High school students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch can also receive bus passes all year long through the school district. More information is available at the Pass2Class website.
Residential Permit Parking Available
The Neighborhood Permit Parking (NPP) program was created in Richmond to reduce traffic in residential areas, to protect those areas from the environmental impacts of commuting, and to allow parking access to properties. Non-permit holders may continue to park daily on a time restricted basis within the NPP areas.
If you live in an area that has already opted into the program, you are eligible to obtain a permit online: https://richmond.getapermit.net or in person by appointment through Transportation Services. Residents living within any of the highlighted areas on the Permit Parking Map must first submit a signed petition to “Opt In” to participate in the program.
For more information and to download forms, please go to: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3329/Parking-Management-Services, call Transportation Services at (510) 621-1718, or email: RichmondParking@ci.richmond.ca.
Free Green Waste Kitchen Pail
Richmond residents that subscribe to compost services may pick-up a free kitchen pail at the West Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility or Richmond City Hall.
West Contra Costa County Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
101 Pittsburg Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Wednesday through Saturday
9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (Closed Noon - 12:30 P.M.)
For more information about this and additional solid waste programs available to Richmond residents, please visit: www.richmondenvironment.org
Recycling Tip of the Month
The continuing education of the Interim City Manager continues! This week I was absolutely immersed in all things Richmond, and had the good fortune to visit the 23rd Street corridor, the Shops at Hilltop, the Pinole Point Business Park, several housing developments, the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, the BART station area, and several parcels along the southern coastline.
Perhaps the most amazing thing I saw this week was Pogo Park and the plans for the Yellow Brick Road! If you’re not familiar with it, here’s the story:
In 2009, a group of youth from the community came up with the idea to build The Yellow Brick Road, a safe and beautiful bike and walking route through the Iron Triangle that will connect key community assets such as churches, transportation, parks and schools.
Multiple partners, including Pogo Park, experts in walkable cities, transportation engineers, public health officials, and the City of Richmond later came together to compete for and win a $6.2 million CalTrans grant (the 3rd highest grant award in California) to build the first leg of the Yellow Brick Road. The design and engineering for this project is underway.
Then, in 2017 the California Natural Resources Agency awarded Pogo Park and The City of Richmond an additional $4.1 million Urban Greening Grant to “green” the Yellow Brick Road. This grant will build on the $6.2 million ATP project to add critical green infrastructure, including planting hundreds of trees and native plants, turning the Yellow Brick Road into a pollinator pathway for living things. The Yellow Brick road will not only be beautiful – it will clean the air and filter the water.
Landscape architects, designers, engineers, and artists around the country are hailing the Yellow Brick Road as one of the most visionary urban planning projects in the country.
It was truly inspirational to meet the people behind this visionary plan!
Finally, a dining tip: this afternoon for lunch I wandered along Macdonald Avenue and stopped in at a new Korean restaurant called, simply, “2207,” which also happens to be the address. It’s near the corner of 22nd Street and Macdonald. The couple that runs the place is super nice and the food was stunningly good. It’s close to city hall, so give it a try!
- Community Services Department (CSD)
Swim Classes
Although summer is coming to an end and most kids are back in school, the City of Richmond pools are still open and offering swim lessons through the month of October. Lessons are for ages 3+ on Saturday mornings at the Richmond Swim Center. Private Lessons and classes for Teens and Adults are also available. We have added an additional class for our most popular Level 1 Beginners (ages 6 - 12).
Please check the Lesson Levels to determine the appropriate level for children. Then use the schedule to select the right class session and time. Registration for the September session began on August 26th. Registration can be done in person or online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/richmond
Call for more info: (510) 620-6793
Tiny Heroes Returns at Nevin Community Center!
Tiny Heroes Training Gym, presented by Richmond’s Community Services Dept., has returned to its secret base at Nevin Community Center. Our super hero training facility is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Parents and their ‘Tiny Heroes’ (infant through five years old) can choose from several different activities such as driving their favorite Super Vehicle, searching for hidden treasure in the Ball Pit of Doom, and our Thunder Jumper to practice leaping tall buildings in a single bound! Mrs. Viviana’s Brainiac Corner reviews ABC’s, 123’s and arts and crafts to help trainees think out of the box! Best of all, youth and their parents enjoy a safe, friendly, socializing, environment.
Please contact Community Services for registration information at (510) 620-6793
National Senior Citizen Day
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 was National Senior Citizen Day. The Annex celebrated by giving each senior a free ice cream cone! It was the perfect weather for it.
We are grateful for all the seniors and their infinite knowledge that they share with us! Thank you!
 
- Engineering & Capital Improvement Department (ECIP)
Streets Division
Paving crews continued with the paving on Shane Drive, installed speed humps on Shane Drive from Groom Drive to Fordham Drive, and performed patch work on Belvedere Avenue.
Roller Operations on Shane Drive
 
Paving on Shane Drive
 
Preparation and Grinding for Speed Hump Installation
Patch Work on Belvedere Avenue
Street sweeping staff performed commercial and residential sweeping services for the fourth Monday and Tuesday and the fifth Wednesday through Friday in the Santa Fe, Point Richmond, Marina Bay, Coronado, Metro Richmore Village, Pullman, Cortez/Stege, Park Plaza, Laurel Park, City Center, Richmond Parkway and medians neighborhood areas. Commercial routes (4:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M.) will be swept as scheduled, except on holidays.
Traffic Signs and Lines
Traffic Signs and Lines staff installed four new signs and poles, fabricated new signs, painted 105’ of curbs and zoning, and installed 280’ of thermoplastic for pavement messaging.
Message and Crosswalk Installation
Curb Refresh
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and Fire Season
We are amid fire season through November 2019. To prevent wildland fires, such as 2018’s Camp Fire in Butte County and the 2017 Northern California Wine Country Fires, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is educating the public on the potential for Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)? As part of PG&E’s Community Wildfire Safety Program, PSPS are precautionary measures to help reduce the risk of wildfires. If gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with heightened fire risk, threaten the electric system service our community, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. For more information about PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program, visit PG&E Webpage Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Criteria for determining a public safety power shutoff:
When the above criteria are met, PG&E will provide notification to customers of a power shutoff:
- Forty-eight (48) hours before the shut-off.
- Twenty-four (24) hours before the shut-off
- One-hour (1) hour before a power shutoff.
The reason for multiple notifications is because of changing conditions that affect the location of a power shutoff event.
How do you prepare for a PSPS? California energy companies created a website our community can visit to learn how to prepare for power shutoffs, visit: PrepareforPowerDown website in which information is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Preparedness steps include:
- Update your contact information with PG&E (pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589)
- Plan for any medical needs
- Keep a hard copy of emergency phone numbers on hand
- Know how to open your garage door manually
- Build or restock your emergency kit
- Ensure any backup generators are ready to operate
- Designate an emergency meeting location
- Consider staying with a friend or relative during an outage.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training: Fall 2019 Academy
The Richmond Fire Department will be conducting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training this fall. CERT is a FREE emergency training program to empower our community to prepare for and overcome the effects of any disaster that can disrupt our daily lives. Participants learn basic skills that can mean the difference between being a victim or a survivor in the next emergency and to become a member of your Neighborhood CERT Team. Note this is not a home emergency preparedness training.
Fall 2019 CERT Academy Training Schedule
- September 28: CERT Introduction and Fire Suppression, Utility Shut-Off, Hazardous Materials Awareness
- September 29: Disaster Medical 1 and 2
- October 12: Light Search & Rescue and CERT Organization
- October 13: Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Awareness and Drill Preparation
- October 26: CERT Drill Day
- (Classes are 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
Registration
Registration is now open. Participants must register and complete all CERT modules to obtain a training completion certificate. Register here:
For more information & course schedule, visit: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/cert or email CERT@ci.richmond.ca.us.
Website Statistics for the week of August 30, 2019
KCRT DATANET OF THE WEEK
- Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations (DIMO)
Abatement
Abatement crews performed weed abatment from various city locations, assisted the bi-annual North & East Neighborhood Clean-up event by providing assistance to the seniors from the neighborhood, and removed trash and graffiti from various locations in the city.
  
  
Weed Abatement
 
 
North & East Neighborhood Clean-Up
 
 
 
 
 
Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal
Facilities Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily rounds in the Civic Center Plaza buildings, daily inspections and chemistry testing on three swimming pools, repaired the ADA pool lift at the Richmond Swim Center, cleared a clogged sewer at Nystrom Housing Authority, repaired leaks on solar heating and showers at the Plunge, repaired toilets at the Recreation Center, adjusted the slide gate operator at Fire Station 62, cleaned the Civic Senior Center fan room, started a furnace installation at the Parchester Community Center, replaced a condenser coil at 440 Civic Center Plaza, and repaired a broken switch wires on roof panels and showers at the Richmond Swim Center.
Utility workers completed janitorial service to 20 city-owned buildings, unclogged a toilet in the Main Library, conducted pest control for ants at Police Sub-station 63, replaced a soap dispenser at the Plunge.
Dusting in the City Manger’s Office
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews picked up trash on the Richmond Greenway (from 2nd Street to 20th Street), repaired irrigation system at LaMoine Park and the Richmond Greenway, prepared Nicholl Park for Soulful Sunday, weed whipped right-of-ways on Seacliff Drive, weeded and trimmed at Bayview Library, removed graffiti from the Richmond Greenway and Nicholl Park, removed weeds and top dress with chips the planter inside the parking lot at the Arts Center, made connections of the sewer and water to the new bathrooms at John F. Kennedy Park, and removed illegally dumped trash from Janice Park.
Weed Abatement on Seacliff Drive
Marina District crews mowed lawns at all the parks, picked up trash from lawns and emptied trash cans, performed weed abatement at Hall Avenue and the Moody Underpass, repaired the irrigation system on the Bay Trail, trimmed the plumbagos and installed a new drinking fountain by the tennis courts, and cleaned the medians by Shimada Park.
 
Trimming Plumbagos & Medians
Hilltop District crews mowed the turf at Country Club Vista Park and Bay Vista Park, continued weed abatement and trash removal at Lake Park, performed abatement of homeless encampments on San Pablo Avenue & Richmond Parkway, Hilltop Lake, and on the onramp of Giant Road to Richmond Parkway.
- Library and Cultural Services Department
Community Art Grants - Call for Entries for FY 2019-20
The Neighborhood Public Art (NPA) Mini-Grant Program is seeking applications for FY 2019-20. The Richmond Arts & Culture Commission will award a total of $65,000 in grants from: $1,000 to $8,000 in visual arts (media, painting, graphics, ceramics, mosaic, crafts, or sculpture); performing arts (spoken word, music, dance, theater); and literary arts. Applicants may apply as individuals, with partners, or as an arts organization.
Important Dates
- Call for Entries: July 22nd, 2019 – September 20th, 2019
- Mandatory Workshop: Saturday, August 24th from 1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. in City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond Room (Barrett/Nevin).
- Application Deadline: September 20th, 2019. Send applications to: Arts & Culture Manager, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804 or email them to: Michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us.
- Applicant Presentations are scheduled for: Tuesday, September 24th & Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 at City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond Room, main floor. They will begin promptly at 7:00 P.M..
- Grant Duration: Once the grantees have been selected, contracts will be created that will go from December 2019 through December 31st, 2020 (12 months).
For questions, please call Michele Seville at (510) 620-6952 or email Michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us
NPA Mural by Edythe Boone for Lifelong Medical Center
Library Speaker Series – UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County
Join us on the second Thursday of the month through September 2019 for a series of free gardening talks taking place at the Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. The UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County will be on hand presenting various topics. Whether you are a beginner gardener or are already a master gardener, drop by for a chance to meet others who love gardening too.
For more information call the Main Reference Desk at (510) 620-6561.
It’s Not Too Late to Apply for the Community Safety Academy
We've opened the application process for our Fall 2019 Community Safety Academy. We are looking for community members who are interested in learning about law enforcement and the Richmond Police Department. During the 8- week course, participants will be exposed to several aspects of community safety: patrol/investigation procedures, force options, SWAT, K-9, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, crime scene investigations (CSI), Office of Professional Accountability, basic laws, and much more. We encourage graduates to return to their respective communities with the knowledge they've learned during the course and share with others. APPLY HERE!
Click here to watch the video with additional details.
RPD Traffic Unit Update
School is officially in session for the City of Richmond. The RPD Traffic Unit was out last week to remind drivers that we have zero tolerance for speeding, especially in a school zone. We will continue to monitor the school zones, and we ask that you obey the speed limit of 25 mph or you might end up meeting one of our traffic officers in person.
 
Soulful Sunday Recap
Another beautiful Soulful Softball Sunday in the books. The community showed up, soaked up the sun, and watched some great ball players go toe to toe!!!
Soulful Softball Sundays is an annual gathering at Nicholl Park that brings back the city’s sense of community and togetherness within Richmond. More than 400 Richmond residents came out to enjoy the day.
 
Environmental Compliance Inspections
Environmental Compliance staff conducted inspections at construction sites and food servicing facilities to ensure they are implementing best management practices to control sediment and erosion controls, and Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG), respectively.
 
Construction Site
 
Food Servicing Facility
Cutting/Carlson & Hoffman Wet Weather Improvement Projects
Project work continues and is forecasted to finish in September 2019.
 
Hinkley Avenue
Compaction of aggregate base Connecting sewer laterals to
after installing new PVC pipe main sewer pipe.
Paving final trench patch after replacing the sewer main
38th Street between Cutting and Wall
Manhole Rehabilitation Program
The Maintenance Holes (a.k.a. “manholes”) in the City of Richmond’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System sustain damage from:
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas (generated from wastewater flow)
- Inflow and infiltration (from cracks, poor joints, etc.)
- General wear and tear (from age and/or years of use)
The City of Richmond budgets $250,000 annually for the “Manhole Rehabilitation Program”. Veolia manages this program (on behalf of the City) which repairs, replaces or upgrades the manholes within the City’s sanitary sewer collection system.
 
Brick Maintenance Hole – (Before) Brick Maintenance Hole - (After)
Meeker Ditch Trash Capture Installation
Permanent fencing has been restored at the site.
Regatta Boulevard
Trash Capture Installation Site
Expose Two Discharge Pipes and Temporary 8” Sludge Pipe Line Installation
Installation of a temporary 8” sludge line began on August 23, 2019 to create a treatment process workaround to facilitate the upcoming WWTP Grit and Aeration Improvements project.
Potholing activities with the John Deere 35G backhoe.
Trenching for the temporary 8” diameter HDPE sludge pipeline
Sewer Lateral Grant Program
The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Department administers the Sewer Lateral Grant Program. The program reimburses eligible homeowners in the Richmond Municipal Sewer District (RMSD No. 1) for some of the cost to replace their sewer lateral. The program is open and accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. So far, seventeen (17) applications have been received.
For more information about the Sewer Lateral Grant Program, please visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2130/Sewer-Lateral-Grant-Program or call (510) 620-6594.
 
Thank you for keeping up with the activities in the City of Richmond. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about these or any other items of interest to you.
Thank You!
Steven Falk
Interim 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
See below for options to connect with the City of Richmond.
Connecting with the City of Richmond
Using the City of Richmond Mobile Application:
The 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. The City of Richmond’s mobile phone app is available on the Apple App store and Google Play store.
We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
To contact us by phone:
The City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) provides a department and staff directory at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/Directory.aspx.
If you’re not sure which department you need to contact, we encourage you to phone the City Manager’s office at (510) 620-6512.
Using the CORConnect Application on the City’s Website:
You can use the CORConnect button on the City’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/) to report any comments, questions or concerns regarding the work being done by City staff. The CORConnect issues go directly to the responsible department, and the city manager reviews reported issues on a regular basis to determine if City staff members are responding appropriately. If you do not feel that you have received a satisfactory response, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (510) 620-6512.
To access CORConnect select the CORConnect button on the homepage of the City website.
Alternatively, you can select the COR Connect button on any other webpage on the left hand side of the page.
On the next screen under Report an Issue select Report Issue/Concern to create a report or Search Issue/Concerns to look up a previously reported issue. You can also look up previously submitted issues to check on the current status if you provided you name, phone number or email when you submitted it.
On the page, you can also look up information on a parcel, see permits issued and look up business license information. If you have a current business license you can pay to renew it online with a credit card.
The recommended browsers are: Microsoft Edge, or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 11 using the compatibility mode. It can be found in the upper right corner of Internet Explorer: click on the "gear" icon and select Compatibility View Settings, then add the site to the list and click "Close".
The City of Richmond is looking forward to feedback from the community on CORConnect. We welcome your comments at webservices@ci.richmond.ca.us
Irene Perdomo
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Email: Irene_Perdomo@ci.richmond.ca.us
Direct: 510-621-1264
Main: 510-620-6512 |
