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.
Storm Preparedness
Keep your family safe from the atmospheric river by picking up free sandbags at these locations. Seniors and disabled residents are welcome to request home deliveries by calling 510-231-3011. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
Sandbag Locations:
Bayview Fire Station | 4801 Bayview Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
Rear entrance to the Corporation Yard (next to 10 Harbour Way)
How to Fill and Use Storm Sandbags
New Hires and Promotions
The Human Resources department welcomed new hires across public works, community services, and the mayor’s office, with promotions in key roles, including Fire Chief Osorio and senior public safety positions. Chief Osorio was acknowledged for positive changes, including mental health and trauma support initiatives for firefighters.
Open Forum
Nevin Plaza Concerns
Residents raised issues about delayed improvements and subpar living conditions, urging swift action.
Street Renaming in Honor of Pedie Perez
Speakers emphasized the need for ongoing police training reforms. Rick Perez, Pedie’s father, shared, "I want to immensely thank the city for changing the street name. It just put a big smile on my wife's face, and that's my goal."
Patricia Perez, Pedie’s grandmother added, "All of Pedie’s family are very pleased to have the street named for him. Hopefully, when the Richmond police officers see Pedie Perez Avenue, they will remember that he was a good person who did not do one thing to deserve to be shot to death by a bad police officer. Going forward, we are pleased that Richmond Chief of Police Bisa French has implemented cultural competency training, which is mandatory training for all new officers, as well as seasoned officers."
Crown Act Support
Many celebrated the city’s adoption of the Crown Act, which protects against hair-based discrimination, with powerful personal testimonies from residents and city employees. Richmond Crime Prevention Manager Michelle Milam, shared "It’s really important in this day and age, as we talk about cultural competency and diversity, that every single person, new hire that's coming through the door understands that they belong here, and that we acknowledge that, and we acknowledge that in the policy.”
Richmond resident Jamin Pursell added, "I'm really happy that our city council didn't even question that we should no longer be able to attack people for what is an essential element of their identity."
Presentations
Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan
The West Contra Costa Transportation Commission unveiled a draft plan addressing traffic safety, equity, and multimodal transportation improvements. Extensive public input shaped the plan, and council feedback will guide its finalization.
Richmond is a major hub for industrial rail, freight, and automotive as well as public transportation. Given the city’s diverse population, this initiative prioritized engagement with residents who traditionally have not had robust opportunities to comment on regional transportation developments. During community outreach, participants voiced concerns about topics like walkability and biking, safety, and ongoing maintenance of public spaces.
Many expressed concern about zoning as well in sensitive residential areas or near schools. Other suggestions included implementing high visibility crosswalk stripping, better lighting, and geometric changes to streets to deter fast turns and speeding. Residents also expressed interest in re-routing freight traffic to reduce congestion and enhance neighborhood safety.
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Grant Update
The $35 million TCC grant is funding projects that promote climate resilience and community development. The council received an update on year-one initiatives, budgets, and opportunities for resident participation.
Closing Honors
The meeting concluded with a heartfelt adjournment in honor of Robbie Hurtado, a longtime Richmond resident and dedicated board member of Lifelong Medical Care.
Events
Richmond Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city ushered in the holiday season with a festive tree lighting at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on November 20, from 5:30-6:30 PM. The event featured holiday music, storytime with special guests, and a few other surprises.
Richmond Annual Career Fair
Date: November 21, 2024 | 12:00-4:00 PM
Location: Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804
This year’s event features major employers like The City of Richmond, Tesla, BART, San Francisco International Airport, and The United States Postal Service. Bring your resume or simply attend.
For more information, call 510-307-8018. RSVP Here
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Date: November 20, 2024
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance honoring those who’ve lost their lives in acts of anti-trans violence.
New Time: Richmond Peace Vigil and Banner Drop for Palestine
The new time for the weekly Peace Vigil and Banner Drop on Friday anytime from 3:00-5:00 PM.
Date: Every Friday | 3:00-5:00 PM