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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
May 27, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: Mayor Eduardo Martinez was absent for the entire meeting.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • One case
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
• Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau
Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of the union negotiations.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Open Session adjourned at 3:33 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
F. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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H. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Doria Robinson, Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda. Absent: Mayor Eduardo Martinez was absent for the entire meeting.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. AGENDA REVIEW
The organization ACCE was added to receive a proclamation with Item M.2 - Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 as Asthma Awareness Month. Item P .7 - Presentation by the Coalition/Taskforce to end Gender-Based Violence was moved to be the first item heard under Study and Action Session.
K. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • One case
Item was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
C.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957.6)
• Agency Representatives: Sharrone Taylor, Jack Hughes, Lisa Charbonneau Employee organizations:
1. SEIU Local 1021 Full Time Unit and Part Time Unit
2. IFPTE Local 21 Mid-Level Management Unit and Executive Management Units
3. Richmond Police Officers Association RPOA
4. Richmond Police Management Association RPMA
5. IAFF Local 188
6. Richmond Fire Management Association RFMA
Item was discussed. No reportable action was taken.
L. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
City Manager Shasa Curl presented the report.
Link to report: CM WEEKLY REPORT
M. COMMENDATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
M.1 Proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
PROCLAMATION recognizing May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Richmond and Honoring
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AANHPI Leaders - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490), and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6861).
Vice Mayor Zepeda and Councilmember Bana introduced the item and presented the proclamations.
Councilmember Bana also presented certificates to members of the Middle East North African Yemanes community. This item was not on the agenda.
Harpreet Sandhu and Cordell Hindler gave comments.
M.2 Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 as Asthma Awareness Month PROCLAMATION recognizing May 2025 as Asthma Awareness Month in the City of Richmond to bring attention to this public health crisis, acknowledge the contributions of Richmond-based environmental justice organizations, and affirm the city’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels while investing in clean energy, health equity, and community resilience - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-5780).
Councilmember Brown introduced the item and presented the proclamations.
Cordell Hindler and Mark Wassberg gave comments.
N. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
Cordell Hindler gave comments in support of diversity and millennials in the workplace.
Brandon Harris, James Anderson, Doris Mason, Carlos Ramirez, Sharka V olejnikova , and Daniel Barth asked that the city invest $3 million dollars to Pogo Park to complete the Harbour 8 Park Project
Mark Wassberg gave comments regarding the Grand Jury investigation of the city for defunding the police.
Liz Woods gave comments regarding the large accumulation of debris and overgrown grass at 2400 Nevin Avenue.
O. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
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O.1 City Attorney's Office
O.1.a First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP for Code Enforcement Advice
APPROVE a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP, to increase the compensation by $265,000, for an amount not to exceed $275,000, and to extend through December 31, 2026, to continue providing specialized legal advice and representation in support of quality-of-life and nuisance abatement efforts – City Attorney’s Office/Community Development Department (Shannon Moore 510-620- 6505/Lina Velasco 510-620-6841).
O.1.b Retention of Interim Investigator for the Community Police Review Commission (“CPRC”)
APPROVE a professional services contract with Bill Whalen and Associates to conduct confidential investigations for the Community Police Review Commission for a term of May 28, 2025, through January 30, 2026 with a contract amount of $50,000 – Community Police Review Commission (Dave Aleshire 510-620-5439).
O.1.c Establish a Biannual Report from the Richmond Arts and Culture Division INTRODUCE an Ordinance (first reading) amending Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.50 for the Richmond Arts and Culture Division Manager to provide a written report and a presentation to the Council on a biannual basis regarding art projects being developed in the City – City Attorney’s Office (Shannon Moore 510-620-6505/James Atencio 510-620- 6504).
O.2 Community Development
O.2.a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Capital Grant Agreement and sole-source contract with Trust for Public Land.
ADOPT a resolution authorizing the city manager or their designee to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE a $150,000 Capital Grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and APPROVE a sole- source contract with Trust for Public Land in the amount of $150,000 to complete design work and outreach related to the Richmond Wellness Trail Phase 2, with a term beginning May 27, 2025, through June 30, 2027 to be funded by an MTC Capital Grant - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Beatriz Guerrero Auna 510-685-5450).
Adopted Resolution No. 56-25.
O.2.b 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
ADOPT a resolution accepting the 2024 Annual Progress Report for the City’s Housing Element (2023-2031) - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6714).
Adopted Resolution No. 57-25.
O.3 Economic Development
O.3.a Collection of Assessments for Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District (DRPBID)
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ADOPT a resolution allowing the City of Richmond to levy the property tax rolls of property owners subject to assessment under the Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District (DRPBID) on the annual 2025-2026 property tax rolls – Economic Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510-412-2023/Antonio Banuelos 510-620- 6741/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306).
Adopted Resolution No. 58-25.
O.3.b Contract Amendment No.1 with CSW|Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc.
APPROVE a first contract amendment with CSW|Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc. to increase the contract amount by $30,000, for Fiscal Year 2024-25, within the contract term of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, for a revised not-to-exceed contract amount of $324,000, for engineering services at the Port of Richmond – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
O.3.c Port of Richmond Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Tariff No.3 Amendment
ADOPT a resolution to amend the Port of Richmond FMC Tariff No. 3 reflecting a two and half percent (2.5%) general rate increase (GRI) to the Port of Richmond Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Tariff No. 3 and an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate adjustment as approved by the Executive Committee of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620 6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 59-25.
O.3.d On Call Electrical Support
ADOPT a resolution approving contracts with three firms to provide electrical maintenance, surveying, and repair services for the Port of Richmond, on an as needed basis, for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2027, with a not-to-exceed total expenditure of $200,000 annually, for a total potential not-to-exceed contract amount of $600,000, over three years for each firm - Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510- 620 6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 60-25.
O.3.e First Contract Amendment with Haley and Aldrich, Inc.
ADOPT a resolution approving a budget transfer within the Port Fund to increase the Port’s budget for dredging projects by $25,200, and approving a first contract amendment with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. in the amount of $25,200 for a revised total not-to-exceed contract amount of $279,300, to secure permits for required maintenance dredging at Terminal Two, the Point Potrero Marine Terminal Berths Seven and Eight, the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, and to conduct slope analysis at Terminal Two, with a term ending June 30, 2026 - Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard 510-620-6792).
Adopted Resolution No. 61-25.
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O.4 Fire Department
O.4.a Adopt Response Time Standards for the Richmond Fire Department During Emergency Incidents
ADOPT a resolution establishing a Response Time Standard for the Richmond Fire Department to guide performance during emergency incidents – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Rico Rincon 510-307-8041).
Adopted Resolution No. 62-25.
O.5 Library and Community Services
O.5.a Sole-Source Contract With Davillier Sloan, Inc.
APPROVE a contract with Davillier-Sloan, Inc., a labor-management firm, for a total amount not to exceed $50,000 with a term beginning June 1, 2025, and ending May 31, 2026, to provide contract compliance and management services for the City of Richmond departments – Community Services Department (Tamara Walker 510-307-8006/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
O.5.b Approve the Richmond Workforce Development Board Local Plan Program Year 25-28
APPROVE the Richmond Workforce Development Board Local Plan Program Years 2025-2028 - Community Services Department (LaShonda White/Tamara Walker 510-307-8006).
O.6 Mayor's Office
O.6.a Proclamation recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQI+ Pride Month in the City of Richmond
PROCLAMATION recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQI+ Pride Month in the City of Richmond and Commemorating the Raising of the Pride Flag Throughout the Month - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503) and Vice Mayor Zepeda (510-620-6861).
O.6.b Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month PROCLAMATION recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Richmond - Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503) and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-620-6861).
O.7 Police Department
O.7.a Grant Funding to End Abuse in Later Life Program
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT $16,556 in grant funds passed through Contra Costa County (CCC) from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support its End Abuse in Later Life Program (EALL) and APPROPRIATE the funds to the Police Department’s Budget for the duration of the grant period, October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510- 621-1802).
Adopted Resolution No. 63-25.
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O.7.b Three-year Contract with San Joaquin Delta College APPROVE a contract with San Joaquin Delta Community College District for biannual enrollment of police department recruits into the Basic Peace Officer Academy, in an amount not to exceed $75,000, for a three-year term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, plus two one-year extension options for an amount not to exceed $50,000 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.7.c Contract with Breakpoint Investigations for Preemployment Background Checks
APPROVE a three-year, $180,000 contract, with two additional one-year extensions, with Breakpoint Investigations for Police background investigations for the period of May 28, 2025, through May 27, 2028 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
O.8 Public Works
O.8.a Resolution to Award On-call Power Washing Contracts to EcoSanitation and Professional Powerwashing Maintenance.
ADOPT a resolution to award on-call power washing contracts to EcoSanitation and Professional Powerwashing Maintenance for a three year term beginning on June 1, 2025, and ending on May 31, 2028, each for a total not to exceed amount of $450,000, for a three-year term, each with two, optional one-year extensions, for a total not to exceed amount of $150,000 for each optional year - Public Works Department (Carl Capistrano 510-620-6896/Tawfic Halaby 510-620-5482/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478).
Adopted Resolution No. 64-25.
P. STUDY AND ACTION SESSION
P.1 Receive a Report from Richmond Promise
RECEIVE a report from Richmond Promise – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510- 620-6503) and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6861).
Richmond Promise Executive Director Christopher Whitmore and Executive Assistant Salwa Alkaheli gave the presentation.
Link to presentation: RICHMOND PROMISE
Cordell Hindler gave comments.
Discussion ensued.
The City Council received the report. The request to the city to fund the Richmond Promise Program was $2.5 million dollars per year.
P.2 Adopt the City of Richmond Fire Hazard Severity Zones Ordinance INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Richmond as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Fire Marshal Dante J. Wiley 510-307-8090).
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Fire Chief Aaron Osorio gave an overview.
Link to presentation: FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made by Councilmember Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Brown to introduce the ordinance.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
P.3 Draft Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Feasibility Study RECEIVE the draft written report regarding Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Feasibility Study and DIRECT staff to pursue next steps for implementing the recommended service models as outlined by the Matrix Consulting Group – Fire Department/Human Resources Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Sharrone Taylor 510-620-6803).
Fire Chief Aaron Osorio gave an overview.
Link to presentation: ADV ANCED LIFE SUPPORT STUDY
The cost for Advanced Life Support for the city would be incorporated into the budget for consideration at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting.
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jimenez, seconded by Councilmember Bana, to receive the report and requested an update to the city council in six months with a focus on the hybrid model.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
P.4 Presentation by Transbay Coalition for the development of a Citywide Community-Led Bus Stop Bench Program
RECEIVE a presentation by Transbay Coalition for the development of a Citywide Community-Led Bus Stop Bench Program and DIRECT staff to develop a Community-Led Bus Stop Bench Program (Policy) that establishes a formal permitting process, waives all associated fees, and incorporates the design
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standards and guidelines developed by the Transbay Coalition and approved by City Public Works. The program will enable local volunteers, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders to legally install and maintain benches at approved bus stop locations throughout Richmond that currently lack adequate seating - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-5780) and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-685-5002).
Councilmember Brown gave an overview.
Transbay Coalition Transportation Advocacy Consultant Carter Lavin presented the PowerPoint.
Link to presentation: BUS STOP BENCH PROGRAM
Cordell Hindler, Pat Young. Bryan Harris, and Arto Rinteela gave comments.
Discussion ensued.
A motion by Councilmember Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Brown to:
approve installation of the benches to also include installation to other public spaces; directed staff to include the bench program into the current legal requirements of the sidewalk policy ordinance; include bus stop benches; work with the city attorney's office to ensure the agreement included legal protections for the city; create a pathway to a community led bus stop bench installation program; and return with an update to the city council no later than October 2025.
Further discussion ensued. The city could implement encroachment permits, identify maintenance procedures, and obtain indemnification in the agreement from the bench installers.
Motion by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Ayes (6): Councilmember Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
P.5 Seismic Retrofit Study and Program Development for Older Residential and Small Business Structures
DIRECT City staff to initiate a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct a city- wide seismic vulnerability study and to develop an incentive and grant program for retrofitting high-risk buildings - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672- 3490).
Councilmember Bana gave an overview.
Kerry Guerin gave comments.
Link to map: SEISMIC RETROFIT
Discussion ensued.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Bana, seconded by Vice Mayor Zepeda to initiate a Request for Proposals and conduct a city-wide study. The motion failed by the following vote:
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Ayes (2): Councilmember Soheila Bana, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda Noes (4): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, and Councilmember Sue Wilson Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Failed
P.6 Development of Ordinance to Ban Land Grab Practices and Promote Housing Accessibility
DIRECT City staff to study federal and state legislation regarding land grab practices by for profit corporations and investors and return to the City Council within 180 days with recommendations regarding the viability of enacting a local ordinance, at which time the City Council may decide whether to direct staff to draft an ordinance - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
Councilmember Bana gave an overview.
River Allen, Patricia Aguiar, and Raul Vasquez gave comments. (Due to lack of time, the item was continued to the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting to complete public comment and council deliberation only).
P.7 Presentation by the Coalition/Taskforce to End Gender-Based Violence RECEIVE a presentation from the Coalition/Taskforce to End Gender Based Violence on the final recommendations from a report completed in January 2024 (Phase I) and an update of the work the Coalition/Taskforce to End Gender Based Violence is working towards advancing the recommendations including implementing a Multilingual and Multicultural Public Awareness Campaign (Phase 2). ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND IDENTIFY a funding source for staffing support and the implementation of the Public Awareness Campaign and other costs related to support the recommendations that anticipates concluding at the end of January 2026 - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672- 3490)
Councilmember Bana gave an overview.
Nyabingha Zianni, Theresa Russell, and Greenwood Noemi Franco presented the report.
Link to presentation: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Cordell Hindler and Mark Wassberg gave comments.
Discussion ensued.
City Council received the report and directed the following: Include the item with budget session options for consideration; that the RFP was addressed holistically
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in all areas as a whole; and return with an update on the process to continue the work at the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Doria Robinson
Ayes (5): Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Absent (1): Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Passed
Q. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) None.
R. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:01 p.m., to meet again on June 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor
From: C C
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Jamelia Brown; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Eduardo Martinez Subject: City council meeting 05.27. 2025 Public comments, open forum general comments Date: Friday, May 23, 2025 7:07:29 PM
Attachments: image0.png
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 Honorable Mayor and Members of the Richmond City Council Subject: Formal Grievance – Public Safety Failures and Quality of Life Degradation Along Gaynor Avenue and 24th Street Corridor, North East Richmond
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
This letter constitutes a formal grievance and demand for immediate municipal intervention regarding the ongoing public safety hazards, environmental nuisances, and gross negligence affecting the residents of North East Richmond, particularly those residing near the 2400 block of Gaynor Avenue and the 24th Street corridor.
Despite multiple written complaints, firsthand reports, and direct data submitted to Planning and Traffic Department staff over recent years, the City has failed to implement any substantive remedial action. As a result, these conditions have escalated into a systemic quality-of-life crisis with direct consequences for the health, safety, and welfare of local residents and primary school students.
I. Chronic and Unaddressed Conditions
1. Traffic Volume and Unsafe Driving Behavior
Vehicular traffic along Gaynor Avenue peaks at rates of 10 cars per minute between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. This volume is multiplied by at least six feeder routes into 24th Street. Despite Gaynor being a narrow, residential side street situated within two blocks of Grant Elementary School, average driving speeds frequently range between 35–50 mph, creating a substantial safety risk to children and pedestrians.
2. Criminal Activity – Drug and Human Trafficking
This corridor is now an established route for drug trafficking (starting as early as 8:00 AM) and human trafficking (beginning as early as 6:00 PM and continuing until 11:00 PM). These activities contribute to the degradation of the neighborhood and present an ongoing danger to residents.
3. Noise and Air Pollution
Independent measurements taken at 2423 Gaynor Avenue using the NOSH app have recorded noise levels between 85–110 decibels during peak evening hours, far above the 70 dB threshold identified by public health agenciesas hazardous. Vehicles with tampered or damaged exhaust systems often register 90–125 dB, and over 50% of observed vehicles fall into this range. These same vehicles emit high levels of unfiltered exhaust, which penetrates older residential structures, posing a serious health risk—especially to elderly residents with chronic pulmonary conditions.
4. Destruction of Property Due to DUI and Speeding Incidents Gaynor Avenue and surrounding intersections have become frequent sites of vehicular collisions caused by speeding and intoxicated drivers. Parked vehicles—essential to residents’ daily transportation needs—are regularly totaled or seriously damaged. The burden of repair, insurance disputes, and vehicle replacement often falls on the victims, creating a direct economic and personal hardship for working families and caregivers.
5. City Policy and Enforcement Failures
The decision to disband the Richmond Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit and to significantly reduce police funding has had predictable and dangerous results. The City Council’s stated rationale of avoiding “targeting marginalized communities” lacks empirical justification and fails to account for the actual lived experiences of affected residents. Speeding, DUI incidents, and organized human trafficking activity are now rampant along Gaynor, 24th, Garvin, and Esmond, necessitating the immediate reinstatement of focused traffic and public safety enforcement.
6. Neglect of Community Involvement and Data Offers
Community members have repeatedly offered to collaborate on low-cost studies and traffic solutions—including a citizen-conducted speed survey, which was rejected without sufficient justification. Repeated requests for traffic calming measures (such as speed bumps or raised crosswalks) have also been denied despite overwhelming local support.
II. Specific Demands for Remedial Action
To abate these ongoing hazards, I hereby demand the following urgent and budget-conscious corrective actions:
1. Installation of traffic-calming infrastructure:
Speed bumps on 24th Street between McBryde Avenue and Garvin Avenue At least two speed bumps on Gaynor Avenue between 24th and 26th Streets
2. Official designation of Gaynor Avenue as a residential, non-arterial street with appropriate traffic control infrastructure to redirect flow toward designated thoroughfares.
3. Issuance of a comprehensive public safety and crime report for this area, to be compiled and presented by Richmond Police Captain Lopez or another qualified designee, covering the previous 12 months of enforcement activity and incident data.
4. Formal written response from the City Council and/or Traffic Department that includes:
Acknowledgment of this grievance
A clear timeline for implementation of solutions
Identification of a responsible staff liaison for continued communication III. Supplemental Evidence
For your review, I have attached photographs documenting several vehicle collisions that occurred at or near the 2400 block of Gaynor Avenue.
These are only a representative few. Each was caused by a speeding or intoxicated driver and resulted major damages to multiple parked vehicles. These vehicles are not luxury items—they are critical for neighbors to commute to work, transport children to school, and attend medical appointments. The resulting insurance disputes, repair delays, and, in some cases, complete loss of reliable transportation have caused substantial and unacceptable hardship.
The City of Richmond’s continued inaction on these matters exposes it to both legal liability and justifiable public outcry. We therefore urge the Council to treat this grievance with the seriousness it demands.
1. Garvin Ave & 24th: speeding vehicle fails to stop, hit right of way driver, additionally severely damaged two parked cars.
2. Esmond Ave & 24th: DUI failsto stop, hit three parked vehicles caused major damage
3. Grandview independent: https://www.grandviewindependent.com/richmond-crime-incidents-and-offenses-april-28-may-4/ interactive map snapshot of 23rd street crime calls
4. Crime spotter: random daily crime graphic within 5 mile of Gaynor Ave & 24th
5. Gaynor Ave & 26th: suv fails to stop, pushes school us into parked truck, major damage to another parked sedan, wheelchair bound child was on bus according to mom’s social media
6. NOSH SLIM application reading: Garvin & 23rd corner taco street vendor music and generator noise measurement at 4pm (usual average weekends 4pm -11pm).
Respectfully submitted,
Claudia C.
05.23.2025
From: Daniel Barth
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comment letter for today"s council meeting Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 1:10:13 PM
Attachments: 2025.05.27 Pogo Park city council letter.docx 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.
Thank you -- I've attached it!
Daniel
--
Daniel Barth | Executive Director
he/him
510.990.2686
Mail: P.O. Box 1490 Richmond, CA 94802
www.sos-richmond.org
Neighbor Care Line 510.806.8650
Mail: SOS Richmond
P.O. Box 1490
Richmond, CA 94802
Physical: 410 S. 2nd St.
Richmond, CA 94804
(under 580 freeway)
sos-richmond.org
Neighbor care line
510.806.8650
May 27, 2025
To: City Council Members
From: Daniel Barth, Safe Organized Spaces Richmond
Re: Open Forum in favor of $3M for Pogo Park Completion of Harbour-8 Park
My name is Daniel Barth and I’m a Richmond resident and Executive Director of Safe Organized Spaces Richmond. I’m writing to my city council family about Pogo Park, and the Bigger reason why it is so important to invest in Harbour-8 Park. We’re all in this together, all of us invested in the projects that rebuild trust and restore our relationships in our neighborhoods.
I’ve lived in Richmond long enough to know that it’s all about building ourselves and each other from the struggles that we’ve gone through. I’ve seen and have been impacted by the open-air drug markets in the Santa Fe neighborhood 20 years ago, straight up to this moment now when the city is actively seeking to curb the neighborhood disorder on Macdonald Avenue in Iron Triangle neighborhood.
I’ve seen many neighborhoods in Richmond struggle and improve. I watched as Santa Fe neighborhood responded with their investment in their neighborhood’s safety and quality of life, and now SOS Richmond has been a business in Santa Fe to curb the public safety problems there. Now Macdonald Ave is high priority. Our staff steward these streets as we do in El Sobrante, and we struggle alongside North Richmond’s neighbors and in San Pablo, especially on our creeks, and we just started in Pinole’s watershed.
Neighborhood parks are the lifeline for neighborhood turnaround. I witness how our public spaces have become so much more important in the past 5 years during COVID. They are vital symbols and active environments for our quality of life.
We build on our trust bank when we meet fiercely assertive organizations like Pogo Park that are investing in our neighborhoods. They find the resources and bring them to Richmond. They employ our neighbors to play the central roles in restorative work and building the relationships that make it possible to sustain our progress.
We need to recognize that our parks are the expression of our restorative relationships for neighborhood health and safety. Our relationships with each of our neighborhoods leads us to investing in neighborhood anchors like Harbour-8 Park and the amenities we must establish, secure and sustain across Richmond.
Mail: SOS Richmond
P.O. Box 1490
Richmond, CA 94802
Physical: 410 S. 2nd St.
Richmond, CA 94804
(under 580 freeway)
sos-richmond.org
Neighbor care line
510.806.8650
We want to uplift Nevin Park and Lucas Park and Boorman Park. Our Greenway is unfinished work. North Richmond needs a reinvestment in Lucky A’s Park as we invest in Shields-Reid. I can imagine a 3rd multi-use park in North, near Gertrude and Parkway, and let’s continue to cheer
Urban Tilth’s on shining investments. We need a park in El Sobrante as much as we need to steward the creek there. These anchors are our lifeblood for neighborhood resilience.
We are very fortunate when organizations like Pogo Park bring in state and federal funding, and it’s our duty as the city’s stewards to collaborate with such investments to make these complete.
If you have not seen the new community center at Harbour-8 Park, I just had the pleasure of previewing the nearly completed building. For those who haven’t seen it yet, I’m sharing a photo of this inspiring new space—truly a neighborhood anchor that reflects our pride and our shared purpose.
Mail: SOS Richmond
P.O. Box 1490
Richmond, CA 94802
Physical: 410 S. 2nd St.
Richmond, CA 94804
(under 580 freeway)
sos-richmond.org
Neighbor care line
510.806.8650
This gymnasium-sized community center is a significant asset for Richmond, enriching the Iron Triangle neighborhood and adding bold new energy to the Richmond Greenway.
Thanks to Pogo Park’s extraordinary efforts, $25 million has been delivered to Richmond for the park. And a $3 million investment from the City will fulfill the city’s role in Richmond is moving toward a more sustainable vision for our parks—one that includes strong, community-based stewardship models worthy of our investment.
SOS Richmond enthusiastically supports this investment in public land and public infrastructure as investments in restorative relationships. Pogo Park’s stewardship model proves that when we invest in grassroots leadership and neighborhood anchors, we create a stronger, more resilient city for everyone.
Daniel Barth, executive director
Safe Organized Spaces Richmond
From: Kaelen Van Cura
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: public comments agenda item O.1.c Establish a Biannual Report from the Richmond Arts and Culture Division Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 12:25:06 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.
As a former Arts and Culture Commissioner, I strongly support the establishment of this biannual report from the Arts and Culture Manager, which will add much needed transparency for this Division. Unfortunately, over the last several years, I noted a marked decrease in RFQs and RFPs going out, as well as fewer artists applying to City Arts grants. I believe that this biannual report iis a strong first step to getting to the issues in the Arts and Culture Division.
- Kaelen Van Cura
From: Kaelen Van Cura
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: public comments agenda item #P4 Transbay
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 12:46:09 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.
I would like to add my support for the proposal to allow volunteers to create seating at bus stops. I feel like it makes sense to allow motivated individuals to do this important public service and ease the permitting process to make it happen faster. Thank you.
Kaelen Van Cura