 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 July 29th, 2022.
There is a Special City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, August 1, 2022 at 3:00 PM. Click here to view the agenda: August 1st Special City Council Meeting
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Monkeypox 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
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although monkeypox tends to be milder than smallpox. Monkeypox spreads to through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. The virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.
Contra Costa County Health Services has a limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine and is currently offering it to people at higher risk of exposure. Contra Costa Health recommends that anyone who has had a potential exposure to monkeypox call 925-313-6740 for an appointment at an upcoming vaccination clinic.
For further information regarding monkeypox, please view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Contra Costa Health Services websites. Please click on the images for further information.
 
The Boorman Park Final Design Day!
We invite you to finish our new park together! Enjoy a day at the park and share your opinions on the final plans for the new Boorman Park.
This park renovation is a $4.1M project funded by Proposition 68. The park will feature new playgrounds, basketball courts, a soccer field, and much more! The project will be completed by 2024.
Please RSVP at https://boormanparkdesignday.eventbrite.com or call (510) 684-7144
Boorman Park
S. 25th St. & Maine Ave.
Richmond, CA 94804
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Free tacos for the first 150 people, children's arts & crafts, and more! Masks are recommended. This project is sponsored by the West County Regional Group and First 5 Contra Costa.
 
7th Annual Scholar Celebration: Open To The Community!
Richmond Promise is thrilled to invite all to our 7th Annual Scholar Celebration on July 30th from 11:00 AM -2:00 PM at the Richmond Civic Center Plaza! For our first in-person return, we’ll be transforming Civic Center Plaza into a thriving college quad to honor and celebrate the incredible achievements and potential of our recent alumni, the entire Richmond Promise Scholar student body, and our newest cohort of 419 Scholars starting their higher education journey in Fall 2022!
Festivities will feature booths hosted by local colleges and universities, including U.C. Berkeley, Contra Costa College, Berkeley City College, Diablo Valley College, San Francisco State University, and more. The Richmond Promise’s quad experience will also include games and activities, performances, Curbside Kitchen food truck, community resources, and a traditional ceremony recognizing members of the organization’s 7th scholar cohort.
Registration for the event is free and open to the public. We hope you’ll join us!
Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/22ScholarCelebration .
Richmond Community Block Party and Resource Fair
Please come out to the Richmond Community Block Party and Resource Fair on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 450 Civic Center Plaza, City Hall Atrium from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. View the flyer for more information.
November 8th Election News
The nomination period opens July 18 through August 12, 2022.
Seats up for election: Mayor, Council Districts 2, 3, and 4.
Contact the City Clerk’s Office to make an appointment to pull nomination papers at cityclerkdept@ci.richmond.ca.us or call (510) 620-6513, Ext. 9
New Public Records Request Portal
The Clerk’s Office is happy to announce the launching of NextRequest for electronic processing of public records requests.
Link to the portal: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4331/Public-Records-Request
- City Manager’s Chronicles
Meetings and events of note in the past week include the following:
- Participated in the July 26th City Council Regular Meeting
- Received an update on the fourth quarter sales tax reports from Avenu Insights
- Toured the city and documented several locations with blight and illegal dumping concerns
- Participated in the Point Richmond Neighborhood Council meeting
- Participated in the Reimagining Public Safety Community Task Force meeting
- Met with RHA, CMO, and Finance Staff members regarding work in progress and resolving outstanding issues
- Prepared for the Special City Council meeting on August 1st.
- Met with and thanked Assistant Police Chief Tirona for his 28+ years of service to the Richmond community and wished him a joyful retirement.
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.
California Clean Air Day Microgrant Applications NOW OPEN
The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, is excited to announce that the California Clean Air Day Microgrant Applications are now open. The Coalition for Clean Air is offering microgrants of up to $1000 to throw an event to drive action towards clean air during California Clean Air Day on October 5th, 2022.
Examples of events they’ve funded include art projects, electric vehicle test drives, transit parties, tree plantings, community bike rides, no idling campaigns, open street events, transit appreciation giveaways, and more - there's no limit to what you can do!
For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit CCAir Microgrant Application. Applications are due by August 10, 2022, at 5 PM. To sign up for Clean Air Day and sign the Organizational Pledge, visit CCAir Pledge.
Micro Business Grant $2,500 – Application is OPEN
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded funding for a Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Grants are available for businesses located Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, and El Dorado counties. This program will provide grants of up to $2,500 per microbusiness. To be an eligible business, your business must have fewer than five (5) employees and earn less than $50,000 per year. The website includes additional information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Applications are OPEN.
For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/swccd.edu/clpccd/home
Grants will be given on a first come first serve basis with priority given to minority, women, or Veteran businesses.
 
Summer Youth Bus Pass
The Summer Youth Pass offers kids a great way to get around town, all summer long. For just $30, passholders ages 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT from June through August. On sale now at 511cc.org/youthpass
These programs encourage the use of sustainable transportation options and are funded by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and BAAQMD’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air.
West Contra Costa School District (WCCUSD) Summer Meal for Kids 2022
The WCCUSD Summer Food Service Program provides FREE HEALTHY meals to children and teens 18 years of age and younger when school is out. Meals are available at parks, libraries, community centers and other locations throughout West Contra Costa. All children and teens 18 years and younger eat free. NO SIGN-UP OR PAPER REQUIRED!
Link to WCCUSD Food Services and locations:
https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1481576684998
Information Technology
Website Statistics
KCRT Newsbyte of the Week
KCRT TV Channel 28 - New Episodes Of Current Programming
Regular Series Episode:
- New episode of “Creature Features” and “The Jet Set”.
- Multiple new episodes of “Sidewalks Entertainment” during the week.
Recent Segments:
- “NewsBytes” Segments: July 3rd Fireworks, RFD Fire Alarm installation, CoBiz spotlight on Downtown Richmond, Juneteenth Underpass Mural, National Drive Electric and RichmondMOVES, Easter Egg Hunt, City Manager Swearing In Ceremony, Highlights of the Richmond Poetry event (piece provided by and edited by Doug Harris), Tibetan Flag Raising, 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
- Library and Community Services
Community Services
Volunteer at Dirt World Bike Park Every Wednesday!
Friends of Dirt World and Bay Area BMXers will be hosting weekly volunteer events at Dirt World Bike Park every Wednesday, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, starting July 27, 2022.
Volunteers will be cleaning, weeding, digging, sweeping - and probably doing some riding! Dirt World will provide shovels, brooms, trash bags, and other tools for the group, but participants are also welcomed to bring their own tools.
The aim is to keep the park in decent shape until the major state-funded rebuild takes place later this year. Big improvements to the dirt pump track and BMX track are planned for August as well.
All this work is being funded by a Love Your Block mini-grant from the City of Richmond City Manager’s Office, Economic Development and Community Services.
Become a Lifeguard!
Join our Aquatics Team! Lifeguards are still needed for year-round shifts. Certified Lifeguards or strong swimmers of all ages with flexible schedules are encouraged to apply. Apple here! We can train those who are qualified and available when we need it.
Just Keep Swimming!
Summer swim lessons have kept both City of Richmond pools busy this summer! Weeknight classes are held at the Richmond Plunge and Saturday morning classes are held at the Richmond Swim Center. Group lessons are for teens/adults and children (ages 3+). Because it’s been years since City of Richmond Aquatics has been able to offer swim lessons, the demand for classes is very high, with classes filling to capacity within minutes of registration opening. Although additional classes cannot be added due to staff shortages, there will be classes continuing in the Fall on Saturdays at the Richmond Swim Center. Meanwhile, we are so pleased to see the progress being made by swim students, as well as the extra smiles and splashes!
The next registration period opens on August 1, 2022, at 8:30 A.M. for the August session of Saturday classes at the Richmond Swim Center. For more information online, please visit our website: https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/106/Recreation
 
Dolphin Class
Sea Turtles Class
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Come find out if you are eligible for the California’s Department of Food & Agriculture Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Eligible seniors will receive a total of $50 in vouchers to buy produce in various nearby farmers markets. Visit the Richmond Senior Center on August, 18th 2022 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. to see if you are eligible. Vouchers will be given out that day. For more information, call (510) 307-8087 or (510) 620-6812.
Karaoke at the Richmond Senior Center
Have a go-to karaoke song you want to show off to everyone in Richmond? Join us for our karoake afternoons at the Senior Center! Call (510) 307-8085 to find out more!
Qigong at the Senior Center
Qigong is an ancient practice developed centuries ago that now is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a gentle practice that anyone can do, even from a seated position if necessary. Our class starts with some warmup exercises and then a combination of three forms of Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong). Some self-massage is presented, and quiet meditation is introduced.
Come join us at the Annex Senior Center every Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Call (510) 620-6812 for more information!
Meals for Seniors
Do you know that the Richmond Senior Center in conjunction with the Contra Costa County has a meal program for seniors? Seniors can receive five frozen meals on a weekly basis. Seniors must pre-register and call in their order weekly. For more information, call the Richmond Senior Center at (510) 307-8085.
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. 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.
Nevin Achieve Summer Camp Week 7 Recap
This Nevin Achieve Summer Camp is almost to the end, and it feels like we just started yesterday. This week was a busy week that started with a challenging art project for the campers. The campers played Capture the Flag, but on this go-around, there were four teams instead of three.
On Tuesday, we had a full house with The Practice Space learning how to debate and conduct public speaking. Next week, the campers are going to present their projects on public speaking. We also had a surprise guest in chess class this week- the founder of the East Bay Chess Alliance, T.C. Ball!
On Wednesday, we went to the San Francisco Zoo for our field trip. The campers were so excited to see unique animals that they didn’t know existed.
On Friday, it was our last walking trip to the Richmond Plunge to get our swim on. Next week is our last week of Nevin's summer camp, so the Richmond staff is going to pack the schedule with games that the campers enjoyed playing this summer!
On another note, summer is wrapping up and school is going to start real soon. Consider signing up for one of our Richmond Achieve and/or Elevate After-School Programs. The program helps participants with homework, group activities, arts & crafts, and much more!
 
 
Employment and Training
Youth Employment Opportunity
Richmond residents ages 16-24 are eligible to participate in the our Youth Employment Program! Work up to 500 hours at $16.64 with Local Government, Businesses, Community Base Organizations, & Non-Profit while developing crucial workforce skills needed to start off a career. To apply, please visit this link. Otherwise, please visit our website or call us at 510-412-2044 for more information.
 
RichmondBUILD & YouthBUILD
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.
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.
For more information, contact Fred Lucero, Program Manager, at flucero@richmondworks.org, or call (510) 621-1780; visit the RichmondBUILD website
RichmondWORKS
The RichmondWORKS, America's Job Center of California (AJCC), is located at 330 – 25th Street, Richmond, Ca. 94804 is 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.
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
Business Solutions RichmondWORKS coordinates and delivers resources and assistance to local businesses. Partners include the City Manager’s Office- Economic Development, Employment & Training Department, and local educational and business organizations. We can help you save time and money. For more information, please contact a Business Services Representative at (510) 307-8014.
Additional Job Opportunities
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. There are next application deadline is: 10/28. (Applications are only accepted between 1 PM-5 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
- The State of California offers a wide variety of careers and jobs. For a list of job opportunities, visit CalCareers
Equal opportunity employer/programs; Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Library
National Night Out at the Richmond Public Library — Tuesday August 2nd!
The Library is celebrating National Night Out at several locations! The West Side Branch Library will be open Tuesday, August 2nd from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
There will be children’s activities outside on Park Place (behind the West Side Branch Library) at 6:30 PM and an outdoor story time after 7:00 PM.
If you have questions, call (510) 620-6567, West Side Branch Library, or (510) 620-6561, Main Adult Reference.
For upcoming story times and programs at the Richmond Main Library, call the Children’s Department (510) 620-557. Or check our Facebook page.
Richmond Public Library Takes NASA@MyLibrary to Achieve Camps.
Campers attending this summer’s Achieve camps at the Nevin and Shields Reid Community Centers recently learned about electromagnetic radiation released by the sun. Richmond Public Library staff members visited the sites to share information and activities about solar radiation, infrared waves, visible light and Ultraviolet rays. The campers crafted objects; bracelets, butterflies, etc. using small beads, some of which were neutral and some which were sensitive to Ultraviolet light. They made predictions about how the Ultraviolet detecting beads would react to sunlight. Then they tested their hypotheses by observing the effect of sunlight and other light sources on the beads and by testing how well different materials were able to prevent the Ultraviolet light from reaching the Ultraviolet sensitive beads. They tested Ultraviolet ray blocking sunglasses and Ultraviolet emitting flashlights. They learned about solar and lunar eclipses by assembling moveable models of the sun, moon and earth which they then manipulated to generate shadows like those created by an eclipse. Campers played “How Big? How Hot? and How Far?” These cooperative games encourage participants to consider and compare different qualities of our solar system.
The visits were a product of a NASA@MyLibrary grant from the California State Library. The nationwide program was initiated by the Star Library Network. Its purpose is to connect state libraries, public libraries and their communities by providing access to hands on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities and increasing STEM learning opportunities for all ages. Richmond Public Library acquired two kits from this program: Sun-Earth-Moon Connections and Be a NASA Detective: Expanding Your Senses which were used for the activities at the Community Center camps. The kits will be used to provide programs both at the library and at other locations and events in Richmond.
"This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian."
August Adult Craft Kit
The Adult Craft Kit for August is a color your own canvas backpack with fabric markers. The kit has a pre-printed designed canvas bag and three fabric markers. Drop by the Main Library to pick up your take-home craft kit. Kits are free and available while supplies last. One per adult. For more information on this and other library services, please call the Main Adult Reference desk at (510) 620-6561 or visit www.richmondlibrary.org. Happy crafting!
Abatement
Abatement crews, collaborated with Richmond Republic Services and Sims Metal, and West County Regional Group of volunteers to host the Cortez/Stege Dumpster Day Clean-Up and assisted seniors and disabled citizens with removing trash and large household items; removed weeds and debris from Richmond Parkway/Bay Trail, abated homeless encampments, removed 189 tons of illegally dumped debris from the 400 block of Spring Street and removed graffiti from various locations.
 
Cortez/Stege Dumpster Day
 
 
Spring Street Clean-Up
 
Richmond Parkway Abatement
 
Encampments Abatement
 
 
Illegal Dumping & Graffiti Removal
Building Maintenance
Stationary Engineers performed daily pool maintenance and Civic Center Plaza boilers and pump inspections, replaced shower handles and cartridges at the Plunge, installed safety off switch on the Library boiler, repaired sink faucet in the Streets division restroom, cleared a sink in the Planning Department’s breakroom, replaced blower wheel and bearing on the air conditioning in the 2nd floor telecommunications room in City Hall, repaired deck showers at the Swim Center, cleared a utility sink at Fire Station 68 and repaired a pool trainer flange at the Plunge.
Blower Wheel Replacement
Utility Workers assisted the Housing Authority with maintenance, and removal of debris from parking lots, moved unused furniture from Main Library to the storage area, power washed all common rest areas at 450 Civic Center Plaza, cleaned the front of the Recreation Complex, power washed the Children’s Library Quad at the Main Library and maintenance at the Richmond Transit Center. Staff also provided services for 27 City owned buildings daily and sanitized common areas.
Daily Maintenance at City Hall
Engineering
Yellow Brick Road Project - Last week Ghilotti Bros., Inc.’s (GBI’s) traffic striping subcontractor, Sierra Traffic Markings, continued with the traffic striping along Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 9th Street, and along 8th Street from Ohio to Barrett Avenues. The electrical subcontractor, JB Electric, continued with traffic signal modifications at 5th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
This week the traffic striping will be completed, including 8th Street at Lincoln and Lucas Avenue, and along 7th Street from Ripley to Pennsylvania Avenues.
Re-Striping on Pennsylvania Avenue
Parks and Landscaping
General fund crews abated weeds at the following locations: in the vacant lot between 24th and 25th Streets, on Freethy Pathway, Civic Center Plaza, the Main Library parking lot, Barrett Avenue Underpass, South Side Park, W. Richmond Avenue, and on Cottage Street, removed graffiti from Nevin and South Side Park, performed maintenance and turf edging at Booker T. Anderson Park, welded a gate on the Greenway and removed debris from Mira Flores Park.
Gate Welding on the Greenway
Tree crews cut or trimmed trees on: Andrade Avenue, Barnard Street, Harbour Way South and May and Valley View Roads. Capable tree remnants were chipped and turned into mulch.
Marina District crews removed debris from parks and parking lots, replaced dog waste bags, removed graffiti from various locations, abated weeds and pruned shrubs at Ookwe Park, performed maintenance at the entrance of the Bay Trail and pruned shrubs along the fencing of the Bay Trail towards Meeker Slough.
Bay Trail Maintenance
Hilltop District crews continued weed abatement at Hilltop Lake and Hilltop Mall Road, and continued maintenance on Blume Drive
 
Blume Drive Maintenance
Water Resource Recovery Division – Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG)
PLEASE! DO NOT POUR GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN! Grease continues to be a problem in the sanitary sewer system and the Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant. Grease clogs pipes and can be detrimental to the function of the plant. It can also lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).
For more information about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), please call (510) 620-6594.
Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales – Aceites y Grasas (FOG)
¡POR FAVOR! ¡NO PONGA GRASA POR EL DRENAJE! Se ha reportado grasa pesada en la planta de tratamiento de alcantarillado de Richmond. La grasa obstruye las tuberías y puede ser perjudicial para la función de la planta.
Para obtener más información sobre aceites y grasas (FOG), llame al (510) 620-6594.
Sewer Lateral Grant Program
The City of Richmond’s Water Resource Recovery Division 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 Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for sewer lateral work completed between 7/1/2022-6/30/2023.
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.
High Priority Critical Improvements Projects
The City of Richmond and Veolia Water (Veolia) are implementing High Priority Critical Improvements Projects at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is managed and operated by Veolia. The purpose of the projects is to replace aging and unreliable infrastructure, improve treatment operating efficiency, comply with future discharge regulations and improve the functionality of the existing WWTP. The improvements were identified through previous planning efforts, including the 2010 WWTP Master Plan and the 2016 WWTP Facility Plan Update, to construct the following elements of the WWTP Critical Improvements Projects: (1) New screening and grit removal facilities; (2) Aeration upgrades; and (3) Demolition of existing facilities and site clearing in preparation for future WWTP Facilities. The projects are expected to take approximately 2 ½ years to complete.
Shimmick continued working on the biofilter installing the wall’s rebar. They also continued working in the fine screening facility, installing forms, rebar and concrete of walls 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B and started backfilling around the Pista Grit structure. In the blower building’s electrical room, they continued the installation of the drywall. Additionally, Shimmick continued their work with the medium voltage cables. Finally, in the aeration basins, the Contractor installed the blanking plates and sump cans.
Pista Grit: Shimmick using a conveyor belt to backfill around the Pista Grit Structure.
 
Pista Grit: The Contractor is using the native soils, which were previously treated with lime in order to be reused on site. Shimmick is also compacting to 95% according to project specifications; this activity is filling the voids between structures and around them to return to grade level.
 
Pista Grit: Shimmick is using remotely controlled equipment for compaction. The operator (blue hardhat) is moving the equipment with the remote control.
Pista Grit: installing the forms for the remaining column of wall 2D.
 
Pista Grit: On the left, Shimmick is installing the forms for the remaining column of wall 2D; on the right and below, Shimmick is pouring the concrete of said column.
 
Pista Grit: (L) forms and waterstop for the future expansion cap; (R) Shimmick during the concrete placement of the future expansion caps, east of the Pista Grit structure.
Yard piping: Shimmick started the excavation for the new manhole 17.
 
Pista Grit: Shimmick stripping the forms of the remaining column of wall 2D.
Screening facility: RMA’s special inspector during the rebar inspection.
 
Screening facility: Shimmick during the concrete pour of walls 5A & 5B.
Screening facility: Shimmick during the concrete pour of walls 4A and 4B.
Biofilter: Conco (Shimmick’s rebar sub) continued installation of the rebar for the walls.
 
Blower building: Kirk Builders (Shimmick’s drywall sub) taping and mudding the joints inside the electrical room.
Aeration basins: installation of the blanking plates to cover the overflow openings of basin 3.
Aeration basins: installation of the blanking plates to cover the overflow openings of basin 3. Below, Shimmick is caulking around the blanking plates.
 
Aeration basins: Shimmick during the installation of the sump can in basin 3A.
 
Yard electrical: Shimmick is pulling/terminating the medium voltage cables from the 15kv building to an existing electrical manhole (XMFR-4)
First Street Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Rehabilitation Project
The First Street Relief Sewer and Pipeline Rehabilitation Project is the final of four design projects from the comprehensive 2016 Collection System Design Project, which also included the construction of the Cutting/Carlson and Hoffman Project (originally two projects), and the Macdonald and Virginia Wet Weather Improvement Project. The Project consists of approximately 3,743 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 6-inch sewer, approximately 1,696 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 8-inch sewer, approximately 631 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 10-inch sewer, and approximately 125 lineal feet of open cut replacement of existing 18-in sewer. This project began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed well ahead of the Baykeeper due date of July 2023.
To date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction has completed replacement of the entire 6,195 total lineal feet of sewer main line piping included in the project scope. Review of post CCTV videos and As-Built Drawings is nearing completion in July 2022. The next step will be to schedule final pavement restoration.
High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project
The High Priority Sewer Line Replacement Project replaces (8) pipelines with a combined length of around 2,700 lineal feet. Scope of work includes reconnection of existing laterals at mains, connection to existing manholes and hardscape and pavement restorations.
To date, D’Arcy & Harty Construction has completed sewer main replacement installations at Potrero and 41st, 12277 San Pablo Ave, 1903 Garvin Avenue, 311 - 341 E Richmond, Dimm Street (right of way in street) between Barrett & Humboldt and 1460 Rifle Range Road.
2021 Grade 5 RAA Line Replacement Project
The 2021 Grade 5 RAA (Risk Assessment Analysis) Replacement Project replaces seven sewer pipelines with an approximate combined length of 760 lineal feet. The work includes replacement of deteriorated sewer pipe segments within the collection system using pipe bursting or open cut methods. This project was competitively bid to be performed on a "design-build" basis: the Contractor is responsible for engaging the services of an engineering firm to issue design drawings for lines with utility conflicts and other constructability issues and also prepare final, as-built drawings.
W.R. Forde has completed installations at 21st Street and Potrero; Rheem and 23rd Street; 4925 Macdonald (“Planet Fitness”); Virginia and 22nd Streets, 1600 Chanslor; AC Transit / 21st Street between Bissell and Carlson and 403 McLaughlin.
Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project
The Marina Bay Parkway Force Main Extension Project extends the existing Marina Bay Parkway force main to a new manhole at the intersection of Pierson Avenue and Marina Bay Parkway and installs a new gravity sewer pipeline from the Pierson/Jetty Drive intersection, across Marina Bay Parkway. This piping reconfiguration will eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur from depressed manholes located at the intersection of Marina Bay Parkway and Pierson Avenue.
The project work was initially completed in December 2021. The Task Authorization for additional scope to alleviate future SSOs by adding 991 LF of 8” gravity sewer main and three (3) new manholes with bolt down covers along 27th Street was submitted to the City for review. This critical scope is targeted for inclusion in a future agenda in a future City Council meeting.
Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) Facility Improvements Project
The City of Richmond (COR) and West County Agency (WCA) issued Amendment #5 to the existing Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) on July 27, 2020, to share the design and construction costs associated with the new Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) Facility construction and system upgrade. During the design of the new SBS Facility, WCA and the COR agreed to upgrade the SBS mechanical, electrical, plumbing, instrumentation, and SCADA system, as well. Myers & Sons Construction, LLC is the Contractor. The SBS Facility Improvements Project includes the following major elements:
- New sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite chemical metering and instrumentation systems to replace the existing chemical metering and instrumentation systems.
- Sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite improvements include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and SCADA system and facility improvements.
- Demolition of existing facilities for project improvements.
Myers & Sons worked on the concrete placement of the containment area stairs. They demolished an old/abandoned electrical duct bank, installed the door frames of the new SBS building and they started preparations for the chemical injection quill system on West County’s effluent line. The Contractor also resumed the installation of the new 3 water piping that will supply the new facility with plant/service water.
SBS Facility Tank area: Aerial view of the Wet Weather Storage Tank and the existing chemical farm.
SBS containment area: aerial view of the project's progress.
 
SBS containment area: Myers & Sons installing pipe supports.
 
Yard piping: Myers & Sons removing an old abandoned electrical duct bank.
 
SBS facility: Myers & Sons working on the door frames of the new building.
Myers & Sons working on West County’s effluent line, preparing for the installation of the chemical injection quill.
 
SBS containment area: Myers & Sons during the concrete placement of the stairs.
 
Yard piping: Myers & Sons trenching and preparing for the new 3 water pipe installation.
SCADA Upgrade Project
The SCADA project (an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) will standardize, replace and configure the existing SCADA Network communication, the majority of which is outdated, failing and has exceeded its useful life. An upgraded SCADA system is crucial to allow for Veolia Staff at the City of Richmond’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to monitor and control processes locally and at remote locations, including remote telemetry of the City’s lift stations.
The Contractor is Calcon Systems, Inc. The project is 100% complete. Two conditions were discovered by Veolia and Calcon towards the end of Calcon's contract, for which Veolia has submitted a Task Authorization request for a change order to correct (repair). The first includes battery backup power systems to eliminate power failure conditions, which occurred recently and resulted in WWTP system outages. The second includes repairing blower communication faults. But these two items do not affect the programming, which is complete.
Trash Capture Project, Bayview (currently in design)
In 2017, Caltrans and the City of Richmond collaborated to implement the Trash Capture Project. The Contech Engineered Solutions CDS system is a below-ground, flow-through treatment device that uses multiple treatment processes including swirl concentration and continuous deflective separation (CDS) to screen, separate and trap trash, debris, sediment, hydrocarbons and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. Veolia Water, in conjunction with the City of Richmond, successfully installed four such devices in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021; another device is being installed in 2022 on Bayview.
Design meetings continue to be held every other Tuesday at 2:30 pm. The “End of the Pipe” Location at the Bayview Outfall has been determined to be the most feasible location for the new Double Chambered CDS Units. The configuration will be similar to the Meeker Ditch Project of 2019. Final sizing is being confirmed from updated Flow and Drainage information. A meeting in the field was held on June 15th with the County’s CORE Outreach Team to assist with arrangements for unhoused residents living in the vicinity of the proposed installation. Coordination with CalTrans and Environmental Studies and permitting are underway. A kick-off meeting with NCE (Environmental) was held July 11, 2022. Field studies will be performed the week of August 8, 2022. (See photos below for soil sampling testing.)
 
A technician from Questa Engineering collects soil samples for laboratory analysis at the Outfall.
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 |
