Written Public Comments Received 9-12-2023 — Richmond City Council, September 12, 2023

From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments- Open Session prior to Closed Session Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023 3:35:49 PM
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Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members And Staff,
I Am Submitting the Following Comments In Regarding Closed Session

1. I AM Glad That the Class & Comp Study Is Being Released To Compare On what Other Cities are paying Their Employees

2. Also Shasa Curl Has Done a Terrific Job as City Manager

3. Her Staff and Department Heads Enjoyed Working alongside the City Manager Sincerely
Cordell
From: Sally Tobin
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Eduardo Martinez; Soheila Bana; Claudia Jimenez; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Gayle McLaughlin; Melvin Willis
Subject: Public Comments Agenda Item # Y.4
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:03:09 PM
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Dear Mayor Martinez, City Council Members, and City Clerk, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the slide presentation submitted by Jessica Fain of the Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). Ms. Fain is scheduled to speak tonight under Item Y.4. The slide presentation includes such subjects as BCDC history and sea level rise scenarios, and it calls for regional solutions. An entity called BayAdapt is presented as the answer to the need for regional solutions to Sea Level Rise (SLR). BayAdapt promises to “support socially vulnerable communities” and to "practice inclusive, community-led governance and decision-making” and to “pick the right strategy for the right place at the right time.” Though the exact relationship is not described, from the BayAdapt website, it looks as if BayAdapt might be an offshoot of BCDC. Is BayAdapt a governmental agency? Or is it an independent nonprofit organization? What are its legal capabilities, especially in comparison with those of BCDC? Will BayAdapt be able to manage the direction of the Bay Area’s response to sea level rise?
Does the formation of BayAdapt expand the reach of BCDC? BCDC is currently tasked with managing a 100 foot shoreline band, as well as wetlands and the Bay, for the benefit of the public and the environment. BayAdapt would have a much broader reach. Perhaps this is appropriate, given the regional effects of SLR. But perhaps the local cities, especially those with environmental justice issues, are more familiar with what might benefit their residents and the local environment. Though this is not described, I am assuming that BayAdapt is planning to apply for governmental grant funding available to address SLR, perhaps in direct competition with local cities and counties.

Or does Bay Adapt plan to assist EJ communities like Richmond to craft their own responses and obtain funding for local projects or pilots?
How were the members of the BayAdapt Leadership Advisory Group chosen? It looks as if a major qualification is present or past service as a BCDC Commissioner. At least seven of the 32 members of the BayAdapt Leadership Advisory Group are current or past BCDC Commissioners. BCDC commissioners are appointed by the governor and various other entities, such as counties and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). In the past, in my opinion, this has resulted in a bias toward development, rather than protection of public access and the environment. For example, Commissioner Wasserman, the current chair of BCDC, who is also a member of BayAdapt’s Leadership Advisory Group, is a real estate attorney who appears to specialize in land use by developers. If memory serves, Wasserman voted in favor of allowing the massive residential development that had been proposed for Point Molate. Fortunately, John Gioia’s motion to table the issue prevailed by a small margin.

BayAdapt does list two absolutely stellar individuals among its Leadership Advisory Group: Ms. Margaret Gordon of West Oakland and Ms. Terri Green of Marin City. Both of these outstanding women have long worked for healthy environments in their environmental justice communities. I did not find a representative from Richmond, with its 32 miles of Bay shoreline.

Contamination on the shoreline is a huge issue in the face of SLR. I am concerned that commercial interests might drive BayAdapt to accept partial cleanups so that land can be developed, sentencing vulnerable communities to the effects of environmental contamination, such as those that have been documented at Hunters Point and in West Oakland and Marin City and, in Richmond, at the Zeneca site (to give only a few examples). When I looked through the slide presentation, I was astonished that I was unable to find ANY reference at all to the dangers of toxic waste being mobilized by SLR. Though ground water rise (GWR) is mentioned, its ability to carry contaminants to new locations is not. In my opinion, SLR and GWR mobilization of toxic contamination from past (and current) industrial dumping is a major emergency because both the bay waters and shoreline neighborhoods are at risk. For example, from the projections shown on the slides, it looks as if the Chevron refinery is under water as SLR goes above 1 foot. Many people suspect the refinery area to have massive contamination.

How does BayAdapt propose to interact with DTSC (the Department of Toxic Substances Control), which is insisting on an inadequate remedy for over 100 years of contamination at the Zeneca site? In my opinion, the Bay and its residents and the planet need allies that will provide scientifically valid pushback to DTSC, since so far, DTSC’s plans for SLR will end up causing massive contamination of both the shoreline and the Bay. What might be the relationship between BayAdapt and DTSC? Competitors? Collaborators pushing through inadequate cleanup plans? Or perhaps BayAdapt might assume a watchdog role? I hope that the Richmond City Council asks lots of questions and generally takes a “wait and see” attitude toward BayAdapt.

Thank you for your kind consideration of these thoughts, Sally Tobin
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments- Open Forum
Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023 3:41:00 PM
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Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members and Staff.

I AM Submitting The Following Comments Into the Record:

1. For the October 24th Agenda, The Council Should Invite Supervisor John Gioia and Lisa Motoyama to Provide a Presentation On The Plan to Address Homelessness

2. also To Have Danny Wan to Provide a Report on the Port of Oakland

3. To Consider Reinstating the Standing Committees to Address the Finances of the City Sincerely
Cordell
From: wesley
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: [email protected]; Amanda Eicher; Erica Yanez; Roxanne Carrillo Garza Subject: Public Comments agenda item #W
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:44:38 PM
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We want ARPA funds used to 1) staff Our City to optimum levels and 2) the remaining funds used to provide relief to businesses and nonprofits that navigated the pandemic which is why the City received ARPA from the federal government. Thank you.

Wesley Alexander
CEO | CoBiz
1503 Macdonald Avenue, Suite A
Richmond, CA 94801
(510) 309-7107 | [email protected] | www.cobizrichmond.com From: Savitri Khalsa
To: Shasa Curl; City Clerk Dept User
Subject: City Council Consent Item X.3.a; No to Tiny Home Village Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 8:02:50 AM
Attachments: image.png
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Dear Manager Curl & City Clerk
I'm writing today regarding the following item on the September 12, 2023 Richmond City Council Consent Calendar. I request this item be pulled from the city's consent calendar.

X.3.a
Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) lease amendment

DIRECT staff to negotiate and finalize the final form of a Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) lease amendment at 175 23rd St. within 14 days to allow for the Richmond Tiny Home Village, Farm, and Garden Project to be built once permits and approvals are obtained - Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6636) I do not support this proposed "Tiny Village" at this location for a number of reasons.

I closely follow much of what is happening regarding homeless encampments within the city and am very encouraged by the closures of the Rydin Road and Castro Encampments.

I applaud
the city's efforts.

I support the acceptance of further awards for funding strategies to best support homeless individuals along the 580 and 80 corridors. I also support the purchase and transition of the Motel 6 HomeKey project
.

One reason I do not support the Richmond Tiny Village, Farm and Garden Project is that I feel this project will foster more homeless encampments within the downtown area. We instead need to build real housing and businesses in this area, so that this city can thrive in it's center.

As it is right now, I regularly report and request the clearance of encampments & illegally parked Rvs/vehicles within this area of town with little action from the city. What will happen if this tiny RPAL land area is a sanctioned site? Just as it is in most city encampments, more vehicles and campers will arrive and camp along adjacent streets.

If you don't believe me, just take a drive around Broadway, Nevin & 24th, Prebble & 24th, and the Greenway near Carlson Blvd as they are now. Here's a map with just some of the locations noted.

Another reason, I do not support this project, is that ALL the homeless/low income housing are now going into the same geographic area. It's wonderful Nevin Plaza is getting repaired and Hacienda Heights is so lovely now, but this tiny village project is a mistake. People, especially vulnerable young adults, need to live inside with running water and facilities.

Additionally, the document prepared by Tiny Village group greatly exaggerates the number of youth in Richmond aged 18-24 that would qualify for this program. It says, under the banner "CRISIS ," that as
many as 125 Richmond youth are unsheltered each day in Richmond. In fact, Contra County's 2023 Point-in-Time report says that of the 487 Richmond homeless individuals counted in the survey, only 5% or 24 individuals out of the 487 are 18-24 years old. Clearly, 88% of the 487 homeless individuals or 428 individuals do not qualify for this housing, and so, why is Richmond considering doing this? There are other elements of this proposal that concern me. What about long term funding? What will the city do if funding does not arrive? Management of the site will be by whom and by what standards success? Daniel Barth and SOS? RPAL? These groups do not have the capacity. Both organizations are already mostly funded by the city's budget.

Thank you for considering my thoughts on this agenda item. I would like to have it pulled from the city council agenda for a greater discussion.

Thank you,
Savitri Khalsa
Richmond resident

--
Savitri Kaur Khalsa
From: Alice LoCicero
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 7:20:58 AM
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Dear Council Members,
I am a Richmond resident, and I am writing to thank Richmond City Council and Staff for the foresight and wisdom to fund and support preparations for a Community Crisis Response Program, to be discussed at this evening's meeting.

In my previous work in Massachusetts, I responded to multiple disasters and individual crises as part of a regional medical response group, as a trained critical incident debriefing and stress responder, as part of a multicultural team trained in Psychological First Aid. I also trained many community workers in Psychological First Aid. I noticed over many years that people in crisis may appear to be challenging, delusional, and disruptive, but they are often responding with acute stress to events outside their control, and the best way for them to be helped back to their usual level of behavior is through patient and ongoing support and compassion from trained responders. Among the services that often helped were empathic listening, reconnecting people with their personal networks, as well as with city and county networks of service and support. In instances where we were present, we found that law enforcement officers welcomed our help, and referred affected parties to us.

The national movement to reassign non-violent crises from police to trained crisis responders is a welcome shift and a win-win-win, as it frees up police for calls they are best-trained to manage, and allows for people who need support to be assisted by well-trained responders, who can help them (re)connect with their own network as well as with city and county services to solve problems and dilemmas that do not require law enforcement.

My years of experience with crisis response has led me to a strong belief that the CCRP should be housed in an existing city department, and funded on a long term basis, in order to optimize the possibility that it will evolve to best support the needs of residents, that its work will become integrated with, and enhance other city services, and that the CCRP will be prepared to address small and large scale incidents, and, ultimately, to contribute to an overall culture and atmosphere of care and collaboration.

Best wishes,
Alice LoCicero
47 Sandpoint Dr
Richmond
--
From: Amber Hatfield
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Reimagine Richmond
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:26:26 PM
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Dear Mayor Martinez and City Council Members:

My name is Amber Hatfield and I have been a resident of Richmond for 8 years in District 3. I would like to thank you for considering available options for implementing a successful Community Crisis Response Program in our city. Offering people a way to reach out for help with non-violent incidents and mental health issues without involving armed police is an investment in a better future. I firmly believe that we cannot solve the issues facing our communities with guns, violence and incarceration. We must take immediate action to reverse centuries of harm and invest in humane responses that can promote healing and restoration by de-escalating desperate situations.

In considering the proposed models for the CCRP this evening, I respectfully urge you to fully embrace this first step toward a proactive approach to public safety by choosing to house the CCRP in an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as a city program, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will ensure that the program is fully endorsed by city leadership. It will demonstrate the City of Richmond's commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. I also urge you to create a Community Advisory Committee made up of systems-impacted individuals with lived experience, including undocumented people and youth whose perspectives will be crucial to the overall success of the program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amber Hatfield
From: Fragozo, Ana I.@DMV
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:56:31 AM
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To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,

My name is Ana Fragozo and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low- level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond’s commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to create a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you,
Ana Fragozo

From: Armond Corshawn Lee
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:46:11 PM
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To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Armond Lee. I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

In Community,
Armond C. Lee
From: Benjamin Martinez
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:30:54 AM
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My name is Benjamin Martinez and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de- escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond’s commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to c
reate a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you,
Benjamin
Sent from my iPhone
From: Davjanee
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 7:35:20 AM
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To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Davjanee Tillis and I'm a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not always equate to safety which is why we need an alternative repsonse program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the commuity heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond's commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP) to create a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank You,
Davjanee Tillis
From: Elizabeth Garcia
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:41:46 AM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Elizabeth Garcia and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

Thank you,
Elizabeth Garcia
From: Hamilton Bohannon
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:33:55 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Hamilton Bohannon and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

Thank you,
Hamilton Bohannon
From: Jaqueline Medina
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:46:43 PM
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To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Jaqueline and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents. By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration. I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission.

Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond’s commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to c reate a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you,
Jaqueline
From: Jennifer Lara
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:38:37 AM
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To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Jennifer Lara and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non- violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

Thank you,
Jennifer Lara
From: Jose Martinez
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: CCRP
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:29:48 AM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council, My name is Jose Martinez and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents. By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration. I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond’s commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to c reate a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you, Jose Martinez
From: Justin Vilaysouk
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Monday, September 11, 2023 6:34:15 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Justin Vilaysouk and I'm a Richmond High School student who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong ties to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

This will improve our community's health and well-being by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety, so we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the discriminatory impacts of policing and incarceration.

I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond's commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please, invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to create a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you,
Justin Vilaysouk
From: Kaelen Van Cura
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments Agenda Item # Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:52:53 AM
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My name is Kaelen Van Cura and I am a Richmond resident. I wanted to thank Mayor Martinez and the City Council for allocating one million dollars towards a Community Crisis Response Program. I strongly feel that it is vital for Richmond to have a trained non-police team to respond to mental health crises and low level incidents to keep our communities safe.

Throwing people in crisis into jail is easy, but it's also expensive and does not solve the root problem. Having people trained in de-escalation techniques to respond to these low level calls is a smarter and ultimately more cost-effective way to care for our Richmond residents. This crisis response team should be housed in a city department, rather than outsourced to an outside entity because caring for the community should be an essential function of the city government. Thank you for your consideration.

From: Karla Lara
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:08:42 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Karla Lara and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

Thank you,
Karla Lara
From: Kory Herbert
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:11:57 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Kory Hérbert and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low- level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

Thank you kindly,
!{ory
From: Mariana Cook
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:31:19 AM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Hi my name is Mariana, a Richmond resident and Kennedy High student. I support the implementation of the Community Crisis Response Program because it will help shift the narrative of always relying on the police for low level and nonviolent calls. Data shows that 39% of the 911 calls are low level or nonviolent. If CCRP were to respond to these types of calls, it would improve the quality of life, heath, and well being of our community. CCRP will provide immediate, direct, and long term solutions. As a youth myself, when I hear that the police are being called during an incident, it arises fear in me. The police do more harm than good. As I grow up in this community, I would like to see other alternatives that will meet our health and safety needs. That is why I am advocating for CCRP to be housed in an existing department that aligns with its values and mission.

From: Reimagine Richmond
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:51:16 PM
Attachments: Letter of Support for Community Crisis Response.pdf This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the City Clerk, Council members, and Mayor of Richmond, We are sharing Reimagine Richmond's letter of support for Agenda Item Y-1: the Community Crisis Response Program Report. Reimagine Richmond has spent the last three years advocating for a non-police mental health crisis response program to be a part of the City.

Therefore, Reimagine Richmond is advocating for Option 2: CCRP to be housed in an existing city department.

We encourage you to find an existing department that believes in the values and mission of the new response program. We highly advocate that the city begin preparation where it can. This much-needed program comes at a time when imagination, community, and education should be prioritized to ensure the success of the program.

Please see our attached letter signed by other community-based organizations and non- profits.

In community,
Reimagine Richmond
TotheRichmondMayorandCityCouncil,
ReimagineRichmondandresidentshaveputcountlesshoursintoresearchinganddevelopinghealth-centeredandequity-focusedsystemsofcarethatpromotecommunitysafetysuchastheCommunityCrisisResponseProgram(CCRP), andnowisthetimetomoveintentionallywiththecommunityatthehelm.CCRP, housedwithinaCitydepartmenttodemonstrateRichmond’scommitmenttothecommunity’swell-being,willprovideadifferentmodel.Itwillreducetheoverrelianceonpolicebyofferinganon-policecrisisresponseteamtorespondtolow-levelcallsincludingmentalhealthandothernon-violentincidents.Throughthisprogram,Richmondhastheopportunitytomoveawayfromthefailedmasscriminalizationsystemthathasinflictedharmonsomanyresidents,particularlyBlackandBrownresidents.Itwouldcreateasystemofcarebyrespondingholisticallyandhumanelytocrisesthatarecurrentlybeingaggravatedbythepolicingsystem.Unfortunately, thereportprovidedbyMatrixConsultingdoestheexactoppositeanddoublesdownonantiquated,racistpolicingsystems.MatrixConsultinghascalledforanincreaseof70newpoliceofficerswithoutabudgetaryanalysisthatcanpotentiallycostthecityatleast$15millionperyear. Despiteitslackofbudgetaryandcomprehensive911analysis,theRichmondPoliceDepartment(RPD)andtheRichmondPoliceOfficersAssociationareutilizingthereporttocallformorepoliceofficers.Thiscanbeharmfultothecommunitybecauseitisbasedonfear,notrational,especiallyasRichmondisatanall-timelowincrimerates.

ReimagineRichmondconductedageneralanalysisoftheRPD911datafromTransparentRichmondandfoundthatover39%ofthecallswererelatedtotraffic,mentalorphysicalhealthissues,orqualityoflifeissuessuchaswellnesschecks.ThesearethetypesofcallsthatcanbedispatchedtoCCRP. RRhasbeenconductingcommunityworkshopsthatevaluatecrisisresponseoptions,andresidentshaveoverwhelminglyfavoredusingnon-policepersonnelforawidevarietyofincidentsthataretypicallyassignedtoRPD.Overwhelmingly, residentshaveadvocatedforatrainedcommunityrespondertode-escalatesituationsandacommunitycareliaisontodirectreferralsinapreventativeapproachto911calls.Residentswantacommunity-drivenmodelfor911calls.

ManyothercitiesaroundtheUShavecreatedpublicmodelsofcrisisresponsesuchasAlbuquerque,Philadelphia,andMinneapolis.InAlbuquerque,aprogramwascreatedcalledtheCommunitySafetyDepartment, whichoperatesindependentlyfromthepolicedepartmentandemploysapublichealthapproach.RecentlyinPhiladelphia,aprogramwaslaunchedinwhich125civilian“publicsafetyenforcementofficers”willberesponsibleforhandlingtrafficenforcementandaddressingissuessuchasabandonedcarsonthestreets.AndinMinneapolis,theyarelaunchinganinitiativeinwhichnon-policecityemployeeswilltaketheftandpropertydamagereportsandcollectevidence.Theimplementationofacity-runCCRPwillhelpmoveusforwardinreimaginingacommunitysafetysystemforall,notjustafew.

WesupporttheinvestmentoftheCommunityCrisisResponseProgramintoacitydepartmentwithcommunityleadershipandunionpower. ReimagineRichmondadvocatesfortheCCRPbecauseitalignswithourmissiontopushourcitytoinvestinthelife-affirmingresourcesandservicesRichmondneeds.Webelieveincreatingsystemsofcareoverthecriminalizationbythepolice.

Incommunity,

From: Sadie Egan
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public comment for agenda item Y1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:00:00 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Sadie Egan and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low- level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

Thank you,
Sadie Egan
From: Sarahi Bonilla Silva
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:55:56 AM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Sarahi and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non- stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

Thank you,
Sarahi
From: Sergio Garcia
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 8:46:48 AM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Sergio Garcia Becerra and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

Thank you,
Sergio Garcia
From: Stephanie Martinez
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:27:43 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Stephanie and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

I stand firm in advocating for the CCRP to be housed under an existing city department that aligns with its values and mission. Introducing the CCRP as an arm of the City, rather than outsourcing to a nonprofit or other outside party, will demonstrate Richmond’s commitment to a community-driven approach to public safety. Please invest in the Community Crisis Response Program to c reate a community safety system for all, not just a few.

Thank you, Stephanie
From: Taishi Duchicela
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:48:12 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,

My name is Taishi Duchicela and I work in Richmond and have many clients that are residents of Richmond. I want to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the City will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner.

Thank you,
Taishi Duchicela
From: victoria
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:56:51 AM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Victoria Espino and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non-violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non- stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

Thank you,
Victoria Espino
From: Yadira Marquez
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments for Agenda Item Y-1
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:03:55 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
To the Richmond Mayor and City Council,
My name is Yadira and I’m a Richmond resident who wants to thank the City Council and the Mayor for allocating $1M to the Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). This will be a community-driven model to reduce the overreliance on police by responding to low-level calls including mental health and other non- violent incidents.

By establishing CCRP, the city will utilize community responders with strong connections to Richmond and de-escalation training to respond in a holistic and non-stigmatizing manner. This will improve the health and well-being of our community by dispatching community responders to 911 calls. Our community knows police do not equate to safety which is why we need an alternative response program. By prioritizing care over criminalization, the CCRP will help the community heal from the racist impacts of policing and incarceration.

Thank you,
Yadira Marquez
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments-Y.3 New Business
Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023 3:52:48 PM
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This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members and Staff
This Is the Best Presentation That the City Manager and Team had Put Together Sincerely
Cordell

Richmond City CouncilSeptember 12, 2023

Richmond City Council
September 12, 2023