Written Public Comments Received 7-1-2025 — Richmond City Council, July 1, 2025

From: C C
To: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Jamelia Brown; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Eduardo Martinez Cc: Don Gosney; Tom Butt - external; Bisa French
Subject: Public comment open forum council meeting 07.01.2025 Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:36:43 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.
Richmond city council and attorney see only what they want to see — or whatever protects their authority. Let’s be clear. The Richmond City Council repeatedly and willfully violates the public trust, breaching statutory, constitutional, and ethical duties owed to residents.

To assess whether the Richmond City Council and Mayor act negligently—legally, ethically, and civically—we must examine publicly available evidence, including the Richmond City Charter, California Government Code, and the Brown Act (Gov. Code §§ 54950 et seq.).

While this is not a legal ruling, public records and statutes reveal disturbing governance failures that infringe on residents’ rights to transparent, equitable, and lawful administration.

Expectations and trust have dissolved where people face ongoing disappointment and deception. Councilmember Jimenez, for example, routinely ignores emails and calls from District 6 residents, contradicting the council’s rhetoric on equity and inclusion. Another example is Sue Wilson’s social media post on June 30, 2025, stating “Richmond police department was never defunded.” This aligns with findings from the Civil Grand Jury report (https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/docs/grandjury/2024-2025/2503/2503- DiminishingFundsandFewerOfficers.pdf). The RPA council members are often the first to block non-RPA projects, using confusing and procedural tactics to stall progress. Other RPA- affiliated individuals and nonprofits echo these tactics, citing budget shortfalls and fictitious proposal barriers. City Attorney liability may arise from willful endangerment (Gov. Code §815.6), breach of legal duties (Charter §3.04.080), fiscal negligence (Gov. Code §37100), conflicts of interest (Gov. Code §87100 et seq.), Brown Act violations (Gov. Code §54950 et seq.), commission dysfunction (City Charter), and neglect of environmental and housing duties (CEQA; local policy).

The council claims to represent working-class and marginalized residents while overseeing a worsening housing crisis. Median rents exceed $2,600 for a two-bedroom unit, and nearly 20% of renters are severely rent-burdened. Homelessness in Contra Costa County has increased over 30% since 2020; in Richmond alone, the unhoused population rose from 280 in 2020 to 487 in 2023, a 74% increase. Yet the council fails to enforce Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 15.12 (Inclusionary Housing Ordinance), which requires affordable units in new developments, and neglects the state Housing Element Law (Gov. Code §§ 65580 et seq.) mandating adequate housing for all incomes (Gov. Code § 65583). This inaction may violate the California Constitution’s guarantee of housing privacy and dignity (Art. 1, Sec. 7).

The council conflates union support with working-class support, though most Richmond workers lack union membership or collective bargaining rights under the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.). Meanwhile, unsustainable public pension obligations governed by RMC Chapter 2.32 and the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) (Gov. Code §§ 7522 et seq.) now consume over 15% of the general fund. Unfunded pension liabilities total about $392 million, potentially exceeding $650 million by 2044 with interest. This threatens essential services and violates the fiduciary duty under California Constitution Article XVI, Section 17.

Despite claims of climate leadership, Richmond is littered with failed green projects.

Vandalized electric vehicle charging stations and stolen or abandoned e-bikes—intended to serve underserved communities—stand as symbols of neglect. Statewide audits find 25–34% of public EV chargers often inoperable. Richmond’s Miocar program lacks city-led oversight for maintenance or security, undermining the city’s commitments under the California Global Warming Solutions Act (Health & Saf. Code §§ 38500 et seq.) and Richmond’s Climate Action Plan. These failures violate residents’ rights to meaningful participation in environmental decisions, as protected by CEQA and the Environmental Justice Act (Gov.

Code § 65040.12).

Consequences of a hypocritical city council, pretending to champion underserved minority communities—including Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander, and other marginalized groups—while simultaneously applauding itself after increasing property taxes and waste collection fees. It ignores those who endure disproportionate pollution exposure, higher chronic illness rates, slower emergency responses, and extremely limited financial resources. Vulnerable communities experience longer fire and medical wait times and degraded infrastructure. This disparate impact violates California’s Environmental Justice Act (Gov. Code § 65040.12), Richmond’s Environmental Justice Ordinance (RMC Chapter 9.50), and CEQA duties, risking legal challenges. (See photos in appendix.) Negligence by mayor and attorney office (Publicly Known Facts and Reporting) Failure to Ensure Legal Oversight of City Events
City-sponsored events may be occurring without verified insurance, permits, or departmental coordination. This raises potential negligence under California Government Code §815.6 and risk management responsibilities. The Council has a duty to oversee that the City Attorney, City Manager, and departments fulfill their legal responsibilities.

Failure to Hold the City Attorney Accountable
The City Attorney has not initiated formal investigations into unapproved events or departmental roles. City Charter §3.04.080 gives the council oversight over appointed officers like the City Attorney. This failure constitutes a legal risk of breach of fiduciary duty or willful inaction.

Ineffectiveness of the Rent Board Program
The Rent Program operates with a $3.45 million annual budget funded by landlord fees but lacks performance oversight, cost-benefit accountability, or outcome metrics. This violates California Government Code §37100, which mandates responsible use of public funds, and suggests potential financial mismanagement.

Violations of the Brown Act
Council actions have reportedly occurred without proper public notice, with delayed agenda postings and vague or improper closed-session disclosures. Such actions violate the Brown Act (Gov. Code §54950 et seq.), which mandates transparency and public participation rights.

Failure to Respond to Environmental and Housing Crises
The Council and Mayor have not adequately addressed Chevron’s pollution, housing shortages, and worsening homeless encampments. This inaction may violate the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and local climate and housing policies, reflecting legal negligence.

Conclusion: Recent city audits and financial reports confirm Richmond’s ongoing pension liabilities and budget shortfalls, underscoring a failure of fiscal stewardship.

Multiple community complaints and advocacy group reports have documented violations of public participation rights guaranteed by the Brown Act, including instances of suppressed public comment and lack of transparency. Health data from local public health agencies reveal disproportionately high rates of asthma, chronic respiratory illness, and other pollution-linked conditions in Richmond’s low-income and minority neighborhoods. These data strengthen claims of environmental injustice, which Richmond’s leadership has failed to adequately address. Compared to neighboring jurisdictions, Richmond’s governance shortcomings are not inevitable but reflect choices made by current leadership. Other cities have made measurable progress in affordable housing development, pension reform, and environmental equity — proving that Richmond’s failures are a result of systemic neglect and poor accountability. Richmond residents deserve a city government that honors their legal rights, addresses urgent community needs, and upholds transparency and equity. Until such leadership emerges, systemic failure will continue, and the public trust will remain deeply broken.

Actions Residents Can Take: File a Civil Grand Jury Complaint with Contra Costa County.

Submit Public Records Requests (emails, legal memos, permits, minutes). Demand performance and legal audits of city departments. File Brown Act or Conflict of Interest Complaints with the District Attorney or FPPC. Insist on full commission appointments and quorum guarantees from Council. This pattern of selective enforcement, neglect, and disregard for legal duties is not mere mismanagement. It is an actionable breach of public trust and legal obligations. This is not leadership. It is systemic failure — masked by empty rhetoric.

Appendix:

Vandalized electric vehicle charging terminals, stolen e-bikes at ferry terminal, shuttered public venue Craneway Pavilion, summary of legal breaches, council Wilson statement —- Signed open forum comment: fixed income senior, Richmond resident and homeowner.
“Be useful. Be mindful. Be kind. Be bold."
António Guterres
From: Amiee C.

To: Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected]; Jamelia Brown; [email protected]; City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Support for the Bay Trail (releasing funds for Point Molate Bay Trail) Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 10:09:21 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
I am a cyclist, bike commuter, and advocate for creating safe and accessible cycling routes for urban residents. I am also raising my three young children in Richmond and I firmly believe all children in Richmond deserve the opportunity to cycle safely, with plenty of opportunities to be outdoors and in community.

One wonderful resource for people in Richmond is Point Molate. The beach park is a gem, breezy on a warm day, beautiful views and opportunities for picnics.

Accessing this park by bike can be nearly impossible for those without great athletic skills, as currently the protected bicycle lane ends at Point Molate and the hilly roads are challenging and shared with cars that come around blind corners.

Please support Richmond residents who want more options to explore our beautiful city through active transport, and don't miss an opportunity to create a real resource for residents of Richmond by developing the Bay Trail.

East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail. However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
Amiee Flynn-Curran, Richmond Resident
From: WILLIAM HELSEL
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 12:30:02 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.

Dear Mayor Martinez and members of the city council,
Several friends and I have often bicycled through Point Richmond to the Point Molate area, most recently yesterday. But we have been frustrated at having to ride Stenmark Drive to reach Pt. Molate Beach Park, and then not being able to ride further along the shoreline. (The only alternative is a steep and dangerous road.) We would love to be able to ride the proposed SF Bay Trail all the way from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to Point San Pablo Harbor, and feel the trail would be a huge benefit to many other Richmond residents.

Please appropriate the $1 million needed to complete the trail. I know money is tight, but you will be helping create something that will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come, and improve Richmond’s image as a good place to live and visit.

Best wishes,
Bill Helsel
4750 Upland Drive
Richmond 94803
From: Bill Schwimmer
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected]; Barbara Greenhill
Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 9:59:08 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
Point Molate is a gem and the Richmond residents need to be able to enjoy it.

Currently the lack of access precludes that from happening.

Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to be built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
Bill Schwimmer
Barbara Greenhill
367 Western Dr
Richmond CA 94801
From: TRAC
To: Eduardo Martinez; Jamelia Brown; Soheila Bana; Claudia Jimenez; Doria Robinson; Sue Wilson; Cesar Zepeda Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; Bruce Brubaker Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b- Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 6:48:37 AM
Attachments: Winehaven Rendering RTG.bmp
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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
It was great news when East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail along the shoreline linking the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail with Point Molate Beach Park and the Winehaven Historic District. Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million of funding needed so that the City may fulfill its obligation under the Cooperative Funding Agreement to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building the 1.25 miles of trail on City of Richmond property.

The Point Molate Trail will provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. There would be no access to the City-owned shoreline of Point Molate for more than a decade if construction of the trail were to be delayed pending resolution of litigation surrounding Point Molate, EBRPD’s acquisition of both
tribal and City property at Point Molate, development and approval of a Land Use Plan for a regional shoreline park with extensive public input and CEQA compliance followed by seeking, obtaining & using funds to design, develop and operate the park.

Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail. This important trail needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Bruce
___________________
Bruce Beyaert, TRAC Chair
[email protected]
Mobile 510-789-3078
http://www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/109/TRAC

From: TRAC
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 2:33:34 PM
Attachments: PM BluffErosion.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.

Mayor Martinez and City Councilors,
TRAC recently learned that some people mistakenly believe that the Point Molate Trail to be built by the contractor engaged by EBRPD involves the bluff stabilization project to which the City Council appropriated $2.0 million on April 15. It does not! Construction plans for the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail to be built by EBRPD under the Cooperative Funding Agreement with the City of Richmond show a 200-foot gap in the trail
north of the beach park where water from a corroded stormwater outfall blew out a portion of the bluff. This is the project for which Public Works has requested appropriating an additional $1.0 million this Tuesday night.

Separately, the City of Richmond needs to contract for closure of this 200-foot gap in order satisfy grant conditions requiring a continuous trail between the beach park and Winehaven Historic District. This gap will be closed by an interim detour of the trail a short distance inland and funded as part of the bluff stabilization project. This will allow a continuous Point Molate Trail pending completion of the bluff stablization project.

It is important to bear in mind that the bluff stabilization project stands by itself as a needed infrastructure project independent of the Point Molate Bay Trail. From NCE’s 4/13/22 "Point Molate Beach Park Shoreline Stabilization Project Justification” memo:
“Continual coastal wave and tidal action are causing erosion and recession of the bluff.

Erosion typically takes the form of undercutting of the bluff followed by large bank failures. The most significant and concerning erosion and recession have occurred within a 300-foot-stretch of coastline at the north end of the project site and south of the existing revetment, with the highest rate located near the failed 12-inch outfall pipe …... Over the last 30 years, the average rate of recession along the bluff is estimated between 0.3 and 1.4 feet/year, and from 2002 to 2016, the bluff near the outfall receded up to 40 feet …...
"Erosion of the coastline has already resulted in a loss of park area …..., as well as sensitive cultural resources important to the history of the area. Left unchecked, erosion will continue to encroach upon and threaten the viability of park facilities, the City’s adjacent Wetland Mitigation Site, the storm drain outfall pipe culvert, trees, sensitive cultural resources, and open space. This not only puts City infrastructure, habitat mitigation, public access, important cultural resources, and public park facilities at risk, but is also of concern for the proposed Bay Trail segment planned for construction this summer.”
The photos in the attached pdf illustrate the severity of the bluff erosion problem independent of the trail.

However, this has nothing to do with the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail to be built under contract to EBRPD under the Cooperative Funding Agreement with the City of Richmond, because it leaves a 200-foot gap in the trail to be completed by the City of Richmond via a short detour inland.

Bruce
___________________
Bruce Beyaert, TRAC Chair
[email protected]
Mobile 510-789-3078
http://www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/109/TRAC

13 | Page

Photo 3. View looking east at failed culvert outfall and Burma Road on top of bluff. Photo taken in August 2019.

Photo 4. Top of bluff looking north toward failed culvert outfall and damage to Burma Road. Photo taken August 2019.

From: [email protected]
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 12:01:56 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.

Dear Mayor Martinez and members of the Richmond City Council, I am writing to you today to urge you to appropriate an additional $1 million to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail to provide public access to the 2.5 mile stretch of scenic and historic land. In addition to providing access to outdoor recreation for our community, which improves the health of residents and subsequently the betterment of our community as a whole, appropriating these funds is also fiscally wise, as there will be a loss of double this amount in grant funds if the project continues to be delayed.

Thanks for your consideration to this matter.

Sincerely,
Carla Jackson
907 Jetty Dr.

Richmond, CA 94804
From: Corwin Zechar
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 8:52:50 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council -
I am writing to you as a resident and homeowner in Richmond, California. There are many things the City of Richmond spends money on that we get little or no value out of. One such example is the Richmond Police Department.

I urge you to fund the development of Point Molate. More parks and access to nature will help to defuse crime and violence in Richmond.

Although East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
Corwin Zechar
--
Corwin "I am a Cyclist" Zechar
From: [email protected]
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 1:33:27 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.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,

Like many residents, my family frequently uses and enjoys the existing parts of the Bay Trail and can’t wait to see the Point Molate portion finished. It seems that $2m in grant funding was earmarked for it, just waiting for $1m to be appropriated from the City of Richmond.

East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail.

However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

So please don’t let this opportunity evaporate, leaving a half-baked job, when it should be completed now for everyone’s use and enjoyment!

Sincerely,

Franziska R., Berkeley
From: Gay Timmons
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:26:18 AM
Attachments: PastedGraphic-2.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.

Greetings City Council -
I live and own a business in Richmond. All of my employees use the Bay Trails weekly if not daily and, in 2 cases, to ride to work. I use these trails to walk as well.

Please support the request for funds to extend the trail to Point Molate.

Thank you -
Gay Timmons
Gay Timmons • Founder & President
Oh, Oh Organic, Inc. • 510/412-1072 • Organic Ingredients • R & D • Regulatory Support Save the planet. Look good doing it.

Now available to shop online!

From: H NK
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 12:11:23 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.

I am a resident of Marina Bay and I support the allocation of the $1mill money to complete the trail for point molate. As a nearby resident I have been looking forward to the development of this part for several years. Please know that myself and my neighbors would love it!
Thank you,
Hana Nielsen-Kneisler
From: Janice Haugan
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; Bruce Beyaert Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 8:50:26 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.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the Richmond City Council, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD)'s Board of Directors voted on June 17, 2025 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail.

However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the additional $1 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail to provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none, other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to be built now to avoid the loss of the City’s $2 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Thank you for considering my request.
__________________________
J a n i c e H a u g a n
133 B a y s i d e C t
R i c h m o n d C A
From: Joe Berry
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 1:03:24 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.

Please add ther $1 million needed to complete the Ppoint Molate Trail.

Joe Berry
______________________
co-author with Helena Worthen, of Power Despite Precarity: strategies for the contingent faculty movement in higher education. Order at <https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745345529/power-despite-precarity> Paperbacks come with free e-books. Books ship from Chicago. Or order from Labor’s Bookstore at
https://www.laborsbookstore.com/collections/all/products/power-despite-precarity- strategies-for-the-contingent-faculty-movement

———————
Joe Berry
21 San Mateo Road,
Berkeley, CA 94707
cell-510-999-0751
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Skype: joeberry1948
From: Joseph Puleo
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; TRAC Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 5:12:59 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.

I am again writing to urge the Council to allocate the necessary funds to complete the Bay Trail from the Bridge to Wine Haven
Many people in Richmond are unaware of the existence the treasure Point Molate.

Completing the trail will open a whole new window of public awareness and assure the future of the regional park we all desire.

Thank you; Joe Puleo
From: Bart-Judy -
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 8:23:09 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
Please appropriate the additional 1.0 million dollars needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than the City’s beach park. This important project needs to be built now to avoid loss of the City’s 2.0 million dollar grant funds awarded more than 4 years ago.

Sincerely,
Judith Ward
4158 Santa Rita Rd.

El Sobrante,CA. 94803
From: Kamau Edwards
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 11:52:45 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail. However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
KE
Sent from my iPhone
From: Laura Lent
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 10:33:19 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.

Dear Council Members,
I am writing in support of the adoption of this agenda item which would extend the Bay Trail an additional 1.25 miles from Point Molate Park to Winehaven. I know that you have many competing priorities, but I feel that $1 million for this project would be an extremely positive investment in the future, providing wonderful recreational and educational opportunities for the children and adults of Richmond and the greater Bay Area.

In addition, businesses in Point Richmond will benefit from the increased interest and safer access to this nearby recreational gem.

Also, my understanding is that without this investment, $2 million in funding for the project will be forfeited which would really be a shame. I'm an El Cerrito resident who swims frequently at Keller Beach, and because of that I end up eating and shopping in Pt. Richmond a lot. I also love walking at Point Molate and biking out to Point San Pablo.

Safer access will attract more walkers and cyclists and in particular it will create a way for families with kids to more safely navigate and enjoy this very special area.

Thanks for your consideration,
Laura Lent
From: Lucy Snow
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 5:27:31 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.

Mayor Martinez and members of the City Council,
As a resident of Richmond for 25 years, I have enjoyed walking on the Bay Trail throughout this time. I urge you to authorize the $1 million expenditure needed to complete the 2.5-mile Bay Trail at Pt. Molate.

We cannot afford to leave this money unutilized! $2 million in grant funding will expire if action is not taken soon.

Please do not delay this project any longer. Vote to approve the funding to complete this long-awaited initiative. I, along with many of my neighbors, look forward to taking our daily walks at Pt. Molate.

Thank you,
Lucy Snow
Resident
Sent from my iPhone
From: Melody Ermachild
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:05:02 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.

Dear City of Richmond Mothers and Fathers,
We've made too much progress on Point Molate to fall short now! Please appropriate the needed $1M to complete the trail. Thank you, Melody Ermachild Marina Bay.

From: Michael Mann
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 11:13:44 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
Please consider appropriating $1 million dollars to construct the 2.5 mile Point Molate Bay Trail to connect with the rest of the Bay Trail that already exists. With more and more concern over land being in danger of being reclaimed by the federal government, projects like this will ensure that scenic places like Point Molate are preserved for those of us who use it for recreation.

Many thanks for your consideration,
Michael Mann
1769 Bayo Vista Ave.

San Pablo, CA 17609
From: Mike Charlasch
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 9:35:09 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.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail. However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property.

Many thanks,
--
Mike Charlasch
500 Tremont Ave
Richmond, CA 94801
mobile: 510.691.3531
[email protected]
From: Nel
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 8:09:43 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
Point Molate, the Winehaven Historic District and Point San Pablo Harbor are all underutilized recreational resources in our city. An improved Bay Trail will change that and bring in additional revenue to our city.

This important project needs to built now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
Nel Benningshof
633 Kern Street
Richmond CA 94805
From: Rick Beal
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 8:10:24 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.

Support funding of Pt Molate
Rick Beal 415.902.7017
399 and 401 Western Dr, Richmond, CA 94801
From: ROBERT FYFE
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 8:06:58 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.

Dear City Council,
The bay trail on the San Pablo peninsula is long overdue. The trail will be the spark need to begin the transformation of this unique and beautiful part of the Richmond shoreline. Please help fund this project. This trail will bring people from all walks in the Bay Area and help transform this area into a well loved and well traveled place to gather and recreate on the Bay.

Best Regards,
Rob Fyfe
Sent from my iPhone
From: Robert Prinz
To: City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Robert Armijo
Subject: Richmond City Council - July 1, 2025, meeting public comment Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 11:46:13 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.

Hello, this message is a public comment on behalf of Bike East Bay, for the Richmond City Council July 1st, 2025, agenda consent calendar item U.10.b "Authorizing an Appropriation to Fund the Point Molate Bay Trail Project".

We encourage Richmond City Council members to keep this item on the consent calendar, and vote yes to authorize the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the General Capital Fund to fully fund the Point Molate Bay Trail Project.

This action will allow construction of this long-awaited, continuous 2.5-mile Bay Trail segment to move forward, without putting existing grant funding in jeopardy.

Thank you,
Robert Prinz | Advocacy Director
Pronouns: he/him
Mail: PO Box 1736 Oakland, CA 94604
Office: 466 Water Street Oakland, CA 94607
P: (510) 845-7433 x5 | E: [email protected]
************
From: TRAC
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: Sara Goolsby; City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; Bruce Beyaert
Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 11:48:20 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.

Mayor Martinez and City Councilors,
TRAC is forwarding the email below at the request of Sara Goolsby, who resides on 37th Street in Richmond.

Bruce
___________________
Bruce Beyaert, TRAC Chair
[email protected]
Mobile 510-789-3078
http://www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/109/TRAC
Begin forwarded message:

From: sara goolsby <[email protected]>
Subject: completing the Pt. Molate Bay Trail
Date: June 28, 2025 at 11:31:57 AM PDT
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Reply-To: sara goolsby <[email protected]>
Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail. However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property.

Sincerely,
Sara Goolsby
817 - 37th St.

Richmond, CA 94805
From: Stuart Sonatina
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 10:51:54 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,
East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors voted on June 17 to award a contract to Corone & Company for constructing the 2.5-mile Point Molate Bay Trail. However, the City does not have sufficient funding to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building it on City of Richmond Property. Please appropriate the additional $1.0 million needed to complete the Point Molate Bay Trail and provide public access to 2.5 miles of scenic, historic San Francisco Bay shoreline where there is none other than at the City’s beach park. This important project needs to build now to avoid loss of the City’s $2.0 million in grant funds awarded more than four years ago.

Sincerely,
Stuart Sonatina
From: Suzanne Chin
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 8:00:45 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.

Please help Richmond and other East Bay residents and visitors have a beautiful place to get out in nature! Many Thanks!
Sue
AND watch Dallas Jenkins’ tv series “The Chosen” on Prime Video for free.

Sent from my iPhone
From: Theresa
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:41:29 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.

Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council,

I am writing in support of appropriating $1.0 million of city funds to reimburse EBRPD for the cost of building the Point Molate Bay Trail on city of Richmond property. I live in District 3 and am vastly looking forward to this extension of the bay trail through Point Molate. I also think it would be very unfortunate for the city to lose out on $2 million of grant funds if we miss the deadline for a project that has long been in the works and promised to the people of Richmond.

Last weekend I had the joy of going on a bike ride with friends from District 2 and Pinole on the bay trail almost completely separated from cars between Richmond Marina Park to Treasure Island and back. This is a great section of trail to experience the bay, but it is also heavily impacted by cars. The Point Molate Trail is an exciting trail that will provide access to the bay for residents of Richmond, and provide serenity in a way most of the Bay Trail does not. It'll be an amazing extension of the work the city council has done towards turning more of Pt Molate over to East Bay Parks. Finally, it's an excellent opportunity to work together with the park and take advantage of grant funding.

Please vote in favor of funding the Point Molate extension of the Bay Trail.

Kind regards,
Theresa Matthews
District 3
From: William Beech
To: Jamelia Brown; Sue Wilson; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Doria Robinson; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez Cc: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Darcie DeLashmutt; [email protected] Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.10.b - Funding Point Molate Bay Trail Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 6:43:15 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.

William (Chris) Beech
Stay Well! Embrace Awareness! Be Kind! Have Fun!
Sent from my mobile device, please forgive any typos and/or short responses.

From: Reimagine Richmond
To: City Clerk Dept User; Eduardo Martinez; Antonio Tamayo; Brian White Subject: Public Comments Against Agenda Item W-1
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 12:14:51 PM
Attachments: LetterinOppositionforAgendaItemW-1.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.

Hello City Clerk, Mayor, and Council Members,
We hope this email finds you well. Reimagine Richmond would like to share a letter against Agenda Item W-1. The various concerns raised by our membership and leadership are shared in the letter attached. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
--
In Community,
RR Organizing Team
www.reimaginerichmond.org
Click here to follow us on Instagram
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember July 1st, 2025 Dear Mayor Martinez and City Council, Reimagine Richmond strongly opposes the underlying message and direction of the City’s proposed

response

Contra

Costa

County

Grand

Jury

Report

No.

2503,

titled

“Staffing

Challenges

Facing

the

Richmond

Police

Department:

Diminishing

Funds

and

Fewer

Officers.”

The report inadequately outlines challenges in staffing within the Richmond Police Department (RPD).

frames

the

issue

way

that

implicitly

favors

reversing

recent

progressive

policy

decisions,

particularly

the

2021

reallocation

police

funding

toward

community-based

solutions

and

alternative

response

programs.

This

framing

undermines

the

will

hundreds

Richmond

residents

who

have

long

called

for

shift

away

from

overreliance

current

policing

systems

and

toward

community

health

and

equity-based

models

safety.

We urge the council to review the following critique of the City’s proposed response:

Selective Use of Crime Statistics The report opens by highlighting that while homicides have decreased, overall violent crime has risen

since

2021.

However,

this

selective

framing

omits

broader

social

and

economic

factors

contributing

those

trends,

and

fails

consider

whether

policing

alone

can

solve

the

root

causes

violence

our

community.

Reinvesting

community-based

violence

prevention,

mental

health

care,

and

housing

not

just

moral

imperative;

evidence-based

strategy

proven

reduce

crime

over

the

long

term.

One-Sided Interpretation of the Matrix and Raftelis Reports The Grand Jury report fails to provide reasonable justification for the assumptions underlying their

data

analysis,

nor

address

the

budgetary

impacts

their

recommendations.

Staffing

recommendations

should

not

automatically

translate

into

increased

police

funding.

Instead,

the

City

should

evaluate

whether

expanding

alternative

programs

the

CCRP-ROCK

can

meet

public

safety

needs

effectively,

equitably,

and

cost-efficiently.

Reallocation Was a Necessary and Bold Step The 2021 reallocation of $3 million from RPD was a necessary step toward building a safer Richmond

beyond

policing,

especially

for

communities

disproportionately

harmed

aggressive

enforcement tactics. Specialized police units are not a substitute for long-term investment in youth

employment,

gun

violence

prevention,

mental

health

services,

and

housing

interventions.

Support and Expand the CCRP, Don’t Undermine It Findings F10 through F14 reveal bureaucratic barriers and a lack of urgency in implementing

CCRP-ROCK,

not

failure

the

model

itself.

Instead

viewing

CCRP-ROCK’s

slow

rollout

reason

return

funding

the

police,

the

City

Council

should

prioritize

operationalizing

this

alternative

and

remove

structural

barriers

such

union

jurisdictional

disputes

and

dispatcher

integration

issues.

Chevron Settlement Funds Must Serve the People, Not the Police Budget The $550 million legal settlement from Chevron is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in

transformative

programs

that

address

the

root

causes

violence,

poverty,

and

instability

Richmond.

Automatically

earmarking

these

funds

RPD

would

repeat

the

failed

approaches

the

past.

Any

consideration

police

funding

must

only

come

after

meaningful

public

deliberation

about

racial

justice,

economic

equity,

and

community

health

priorities.

Reimagine Richmond Recommendations:
● Reject Recommendations R1 and R2 as currently framed , and instead call for a broader

community-led

review

the

City's

community

safety

ecosystem,

not

just

police

staffing

levels.

The

implication

that

the

City

has

not

already

considered

the

findings

these

reports

false

since

both

were

publicly

agendized

and

discussed,

and

the

recommendations

have

resurfaced

continuously.

● Embrace Recommendations R3 and R4 with urgency , but go further: fully fund and fast-track

the

implementation

the

Community

Crisis

Response

Program,

ROCK.

● Oppose Recommendation R7 unless and until the City completes a comprehensive, community-informed

budget

process

that

centers

justice

and

equity.
● Redirect City energy from expanding law enforcement to building a community safety system

that

includes

housing,

youth

programs,

violence

interruption,

and

non-police

crisis

response.

The people of Richmond called for a new vision of safety in 2021, one that centers care, not criminalization.

must

not

allow

this

Grand

Jury

report

derail

that

progress.

Rather

than

capitulate

the

pressures

“returning

the

norm,”

Richmond

has

responsibility

lead.

Let’s

resist

reactionary

calls

for

increased

policing

and

instead

reaffirm

our

commitment

building

safe,

healthy,

and

just

city

for

all.

Thank you for your attention,
Reimagine Richmond members

From: Reimagine Richmond
To: City Clerk Dept User; Eduardo Martinez; Antonio Tamayo; Brian White Subject: Public Comments in Support of Agenda Item W-7
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 12:19:10 PM
Attachments: LettertoSupportPoliceReformJuly1st (1).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.

Hello City Clerk, Mayor, and Council Members,
We hope this email finds you well. Reimagine Richmond and community-based organizations would like to share a letter in support of Agenda Item W-7. The various concerns raised by our membership and leadership are shared in the letter attached. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
--
In Community,
RR Organizing Team
www.reimaginerichmond.org
Click here to follow us on Instagram
Eduardo Martinez, Mayor Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Soheila Bana, Councilmember Jamelia Brown, Councilmember Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember Doria Robinson, Councilmember Sue Wilson, Councilmember 7/1/2025
Dear Mayor Martinez and Richmond City Council Members, On behalf of the [#] of organizations, we write in strong support of Agenda Item W.7, a set of vital

reforms

strengthen

the

Community

Police

Review

Commission

(CPRC).

These

recommendations

are

necessary

build

accountable,

transparent,

and

community-centered

system

police

oversight

Richmond.

Importantly,

these

recommendations

are

modeled

other

civilian

oversight

agencies

ensure

alignment

with

the

current

state

and

nationwide

best

practices.

We urge the City Council to adopt the following changes:

1. Empower the CPRC to Review All Complaints Against RPD Officers The

CPRC

must

authorized

review

all

complaints

involving

Richmond

Police

Department

(RPD)

officers,

not

just

specific

types

allegations.

Oversight

should

independent

and

comprehensive.

2. Allow Anonymous Complaints and Redact Civilian Names Ensuring

community

members

can

file

complaints

anonymously

—

and

that

their

identities

are

protected

all

public

records

—

will

encourage

people

come

forward

without

fear

retaliation.

3. Extend the Time Limit for Filing a Complaint to One Year A

longer

window

allows

individuals,

especially

those

who

may

traumatized,

intimidated,

detained,

arrested,

fair

chance

report

misconduct.

4. Publish an Annual Report about CPRC Activities Transparency

essential.

public-facing

annual

report

that

includes

case

data,

recommendations,

and

trends

would

increase

accountability

and

help

inform

policy.

5. Release All Records Permitted Under State Law, Without Redacting Officers’ Names

Police

officers

are

public

servants,

and

where

state

law

permits,

their

names

should

released in connection with investigations and findings, to identify patterns of misconduct and

track

officers

with

repeated

serious

complaints.

Redactions

obscure

the

truth

and

damage

public

trust.

6. Change the Burden of Proof to “Preponderance of the Evidence” The

standard

for

determining

misconduct

should

reflect

what

used

civil

cases:

“more

likely

than

not.”

This

aligns

with

best

practices

civilian

oversight

and

promotes

fairness

for

all

parties

involved.

This

the

same

standard

currently

used

the

RPD’s

Office

Professional

Accountability.

7. Empower the CPRC to Subpoena Hard Evidence
Access

body

camera

footage,

dispatch

records,

internal

documents,

and

other

forms

evidence

essential

for

any

credible

investigation.

The

CPRC

must

have

the

legal

authority

obtain

them.

8. Increase the Budget for the CPRC
The

CPRC

must

properly

staffed

and

funded

fulfill

its

mission.

Increased

budget

support

necessary

expand

capacity,

conduct

independent

investigations,

and

engage

the

community.

Each of these changes reflects a commitment to a more just and responsive system of police accountability.

The

CPRC

can

only

serve

its

purpose

empowered

with

real

authority,

access

information,

and

adequate

resources.

The

undersigned

organizations

urge

you

implement

these

reforms

and

ensure

that

the

CPRC

can

fulfill

its

role

independent

body

that

holds

power

accountable

and

protects

community

rights.

Thank you for your leadership and attention to this critical matter.

In solidarity,

Richmond City CouncilJuly 1, 2025

Richmond City Council
July 1, 2025