Latest News from Richmond City Hall
Catch up on hot items from this week’s Richmond City Council meeting below. If you're interested in making public comments as a member of RPA or getting involved, contact us.
Meetings are primarily held on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.
The recent Richmond City Council meeting covered various critical topics, from staffing and budget concerns to fire safety and race equity initiatives. Here are the key takeaways.
City Hiring and Promotions
Concerns were raised about delays in hiring and promotions within city departments. City Manager Shasa Curl emphasized the importance of moving forward with these positions to maintain equity and team morale. A key focus is ensuring that the workforce reflects the city's values and needs.
City Budget and Department Requests
Budget discussions took center stage, with department heads presenting their funding requests. Councilmember Jimenez raised a critical point, questioning if there was any real change between the current and previous budget presentations.
Reallocating ARPA Funds for City Projects
The council continued discussions on reallocating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for various city projects, including paving roads, infrastructure improvements, and recreation center upgrades.
Progress on the Booker T. Anderson project was a focal point, with councilmembers seeking clarity on the allocation of funds for its HVAC and infrastructure updates. Councilmember Robinson noted the importance of budget transparency, stating that residents may be unaware when funds are being reallocated in their neighborhoods. "I understand that we need to raise more money, but I think we should keep the money there so we can finish the work that needs to be done in that community at that Recreation Center."
Councilmember Zepeda followed up with questions on the funding sources and procurement process for the Art Initiative and Ferry Point improvements.
ARPA funding has been a crucial resource for Richmond’s ongoing development, and ensuring these projects are completed within federal deadlines is a priority for city staff. "We just want to make sure we start checking off the boxes with the federal government, so then we're not in a situation where we end up giving money back." — Shasa Curl, City Manager, Richmond, CA
Red Flag Fire Warning for Richmond
"A red flag warning is issued when conditions of low humidity, high winds, and dry fuels are expected," said City Manager Shasa Curl. The fire warning will be effective from Thursday, October 17 | 11:00 PM through Saturday, October 19 | 5:00 PM.
Depending on conditions, PG&E may need to shut off power in high-risk areas as a precautionary measure. High-severity zones include Point Richmond, May Valley, the El Sobrante Hills, Carriage Hills, and Castro Heights.
For further information, contact Emergency Services Manager Richard Diaz at 510-307-8161.
Race Equity and Community Development
The city is launching its racial equity training series to help staff better serve the community. There will be an opportunity to provide public comments after a presentation at next week’s council meeting on October 22, 2024.
"My ask this evening is that the City Council adopts the updated Race Equity Plan and reaffirms their commitment to make Richmond a more racially equitable city." — Mohamed Taleb, Policy, Advocacy and Community Outreach Coordinator, Rubicon Programs
Johana Gurdian, Resident Leadership Manager, Healthy Contra Costa, urged city staff to consider hiring an equity staff member. "We know that city staff are busy and may not have the capacity to move all this work forward. So please, as you begin to develop your budget for next year, allocate funds for an equity officer position."
Jillian de la Torre, an intern with Healthy Contra Costa, added, "For the city to truly advance this work, it will require dedicated staff that are solely responsible for race equity work."
Attracting New Business to Richmond
The city is excited to announce its fourth feature on the San Francisco Business Times Supplement. This resource was developed thanks to the efforts of Economic Development Director Nannette Beacham, Senior Business Assistance Officer Lizeht Zepeda, and Management Analyst Kyle Lamb. If you'd like to receive a copy or additional information, please call 510-620-6512.
14th Annual Richmond Powwow
🗓️ November 17, 2024
⏰ 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) | 2200 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in Richmond! This annual event is a gathering of the diverse indigenous people who call the city home. Don’t miss this opportunity to sing, dance, and enjoy good company.
"We're grateful for the Richmond Police Activities League hosting us again this year, and it's so good to see all of you. It's been a long time." — Courtney Valetti, Northern Cheyenne, Arikara, Muscogee Creek and Richmond resident
"We hope many residents will come and share and hang out and learn about our wonderful, rich Native American culture that's still alive and well among us." — Marilyn Langlois, Powwow Committee Member
Help Keep Jelly's Place Open
Jelly's Place needs your love and support! Volunteer Jack Ramos shared a touching story of how he overcame being bullied at school by becoming the youngest team member at the popular animal shelter and adoption center. "I learned that every animal and person deserves to be loved at Jelly’s, the old, young, disabled, and unwanted, have a second chance."
He added that 175 strays have been saved by the shelter this year alone. "If we close our community, kids like me will suffer."
October is LGBT History Month
Last Friday, October 11, 2024, was National Coming Out Day and October is LGBT History Month, shared Richmond resident Jamin Pursell. He spent a few minutes celebrating the life of Duane Chapman, a Founding member of Richmond Rainbow Pride.
"He was a member Chair of the Human Relations Commission, he served in the core crime prevention executive chair board. He was a former chair of the Contra Costa Mental Mission, both the Richmond Police Activities League Scholarship Program and the Road to the Future Foster Care Youth Conference. But more importantly, and more impactful, I think, was in the 1980s. As a nurse, he helped shape the conversation here in Richmond around HIV and AIDS, and made sure that people were getting services, especially patients who perhaps were being ostracized by the community."
Pursell added that he hopes the city will consider finding a way to celebrate Duane, who passed away on November 30, 2018.
Community Events and Involvement
Residents and councilmembers alike shared their excitement for upcoming community events. GRIP’s 38th annual Harmony Walk to End Hunger and Homelessness and the 20th anniversary of the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) were highlighted.
This week, Richmond will also be participating in the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 16-18. The council continues to encourage residents to stay involved, particularly through public meetings and city forums where their voices can be heard.