From: Claudia Citroen
To: City Clerk Dept User; Irene Lozano; Shasa Curl; Shannon Moore; Jamelia Brown; Cesar Zepeda; Eduardo Martinez; [email protected]
Subject: Open forum public comment council meeting 03.15.26 Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 9:17:31 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.
Grievance: Procedural Misconduct and Suppression of Public Participation Richmond City Council
1. Suppression of Equal Public Participation: The conduct reflects a pattern of procedural manipulation and viewpoint discrimination that undermines the integrity of public governance.
Selective enforcement of speaking limits and interruptions directed primarily at dissenting council signals a deliberate attempt to chill protected speech and manipulate the public record. The Mayor repeatedly demonstrates preferential treatment toward members aligned with the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA)by
selectively non-enforcing the City’s five-minute speaker limit while interrupting or curtailing councilmembers in control of the microphone:
Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code §§54950–54963) – guarantees public participation and open, transparent meetings.
California Constitution, Article I, Section 2 – protects freedom of speech.
Richmond Municipal Code, Chapter 2.12 (City Council Rules of Procedure) – governs public comment periods and equitable treatment of speakers.
2. Intimidation and Obstruction of Council Deliberation: Preventing councilmembers from exercising their deliberative role constitutes a structural impairment of legislative oversight.
RPA-aligned council repeatedly interrupt colleagues during questioning or comment periods, using aggressive and intimidating language. This obstructs deliberative debate and erodes the rights of elected officials to question staff, scrutinize agenda items, and represent constituents.
Violations include:
Ralph M. Brown Act (§54952.2(c)) – council can participate in deliberation without obstruction.
Richmond Municipal Code, Chapter 2.12 – prohibits interference with council speaking rights.
Government Code §1222 – addresses willful omission of official duties.
3. Collusion in Attempted Restriction of Employee Labor Rights: Manipulating ordinances to compel employees into a predetermined union violates statutory and constitutional rights.
Evidence indicates that RPA councilmembers coordinated with the City’s Human Resources department to force a vote barring future ROC employees from choosing to join police union. This raises concerns under:
Meyers–Milias–Brown Act (Government Code §§3500–3511) – protects public employee collective bargaining rights.
California Constitution, Article I, Section 2 – ensures employees’ free association.
Political Reform Act (Government Code §§81000–91014) – governs conflicts of interest in public decision-making.
4. Premature Motions to Vote to Block Public Comment: Premature closure of public comment constitutes viewpoint discrimination and procedural abuse. Council
Robinson and Jimenez
repeatedly move to call for a vote on agenda items before the City Clerk has called online speakers. This denies residents the right to address the council, violating:
Ralph M. Brown Act (§54954.3(a)) – mandates meaningful public comment periods.
Richmond Municipal Code §2.12.090 – regulates public comment process.
California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) – guarantees public access to government proceedings.
5. Failure Implementation and Enforcement Audit Controls:
Lacking due diligence, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and independent financial oversight in allocating public funds to RPA-aligned nonprofits constitutes a significant breakdown in governance. Favoritism in accountability mechanisms create misuse of public funds and enable unchecked financial disclosure. Examples: financial fraud for personal gain by Richmond Land director Randy Johnes and financial irregularities under GRIP director Kathleen Sulivan. Both reflect systemic oversight failures rather than isolated acts and raises exposure under California Government Code § 1090, California Political Reform Act, California Penal Code § 424, and 18 U.S.C. § 666.
These omissions constitute negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, establishing a direct link to financial harm and exposing responsible parties to civil and criminal liability, restitution, and enforcement action, warranting formal investigation and corrective reforms.
6. Richmond City Charter – Abuse of Appointment Authority:
The Mayor appoints/denies to boards and commissions without council concurrence.
Concentration of influence by RPA aligned choice over these appointments raise charter compliance concerns. Council Jimenez concentrated influence over the dissemination of inaccurate information by Cantù, (chair of police oversight body), concerning an active public safety incident undermine due process and public trust. Currently appointments to most commissions are limited to individuals (even non Richmond residents!) affiliated with the Richmond Progressive Alliance and Reimagine Richmond. The mayor’s intentional disregards Richmond City Charter requirement that commissions reflect a broad and diverse cross-section of the community and that appointments to be drawn from a fair and open applicant pool is routinely criticized by residents during open forum council meetings. As council liaison to the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC), Councilmember Jimenez ignored the egregious unprofessional misconduct by CPRC Chair Cantù after posting (refusal to delete) false/inaccurate information on personal Facebook page regarding a police-initiated shooting. Residents and police staff reported this
during City Council meetings and to the City Attorney. Relevant legal and governance standards include:
• California Brown Act (Gov. Code §54950 et seq.): Establishes that local government bodies must conduct business openly to maintain public trust. Misinformation or coordinated influence over oversight bodies may undermine transparency and public confidence. • Public Official Ethics / Oath of Office: Commissioners are public officials required to take an oath and follow rules governing public bodies, including maintaining accuracy and impartiality when discussing matters related to their official role. • Due Process / Fairness Concerns: Public statements by an oversight official about ongoing police incidents creates concerns about prejudgment and fairness while investigations are pending.
6. Systemic Governance Risk:
Municipal legislative bodies must operate transparently and impartially. Deviations risk legal challenge and erosion of public trust. Collectively, these actions reflect a systematic pattern of procedural suppression, political favoritism, and institutional intimidation. Council leadership using procedural authority to silence public comment, obstruct deliberation, and predetermine outcomes conflicts with:
Ralph M. Brown Act
California Public Records Act (Government Code §§6250–6276.48) – transparency in communications and records.
Political Reform Act – disclosure of conflicts.
Richmond Municipal Code Chapters 2.12 & 2.24 – council rules and ethics provisions.
Additional Governance Risk Indicators:
• Use of nonprofits aligned with political factions receiving city funds (Political Reform Act; Richmond Municipal Code §2.24).
• Use of city-funded nonprofits as political advocacy arms during council proceedings (Brown Act §54952.2; PRC §2.24).
• Blocking or delaying public comment on agenda items involving those same nonprofits (Brown Act §54954.3; Richmond Municipal Code §2.12.090).
• Selective enforcement of city codes against political opponents. • Failure to maintain quorum on commissions to stall oversight. • Agenda stacking or late agenda releases limiting public review (Brown Act §54954.2; Richmond Municipal Code §2.12).
• Serial meetings or back-channel communications between a majority of councilmembers (Brown Act §§54952.2, 54952.3).
• Retaliation, intimidation directed at residents’ public comment. • Selective recognition of speakers and favorite time control to politically aligned organizations. • Misuse of parliamentary procedure, prematurely close debate before all council have exercised their right to question staff.
• Coordinated messaging, agenda control by a political bloc effectively controls legislative outcomes before public meetings.
• Conflicts of interest involving nonprofit organizations receiving city funding while simultaneously advocating for policy outcomes before the council (Political Reform Act §§87100–87103). • Failure to disclose ex-parte communications between council and nonprofit or development interests appearing before the council.
• Manipulation of meeting procedures limits online public participation while allowing in-person advocacy from politically aligned groups.
• Use of city administrative departments to advance political objectives of elected officials rather neutral policy implementation.
• Disproportionate allocation of city grants, contracts, or program funding toward politically aligned nonprofit organizations.
• Failure to enforce ethics, transparency, or conflict-of-interest policies governing councilmember conduct.
• Obstruction of oversight by limiting council access to information necessary to evaluate staff reports or financial commitments.
• Use of procedural motions or agenda restructuring to prevent full council deliberation on controversial matters.
• Retaliatory treatment of councilmembers who raise governance concerns or question staff recommendations.
• Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code §§54950–54963) – public meetings and participation • Meyers–Milias–Brown Act (Government Code §§3500–3511) – public employee labor rights • Political Reform Act (Government Code §§81000–91014) – conflicts of interest and disclosure • California Public Records Act (Government Code §§6250–6276.48) – transparency & access to records
• California Constitution, Article I, Section 2 – freedom of speech and association • California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) – right of public access to government • Government Code §1222 – willful omission of official duty • Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 – council rules of procedure and public comment • Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 – council ethics and conflict-of-interest provisions • Civil Grand Jury Red Flag 1: Agenda Control and Timing Manipulation – moving votes before public comment, stacking items to favor a political bloc • Civil Grand Jury Red Flag 2: Concentration of Funding and Influence in Politically Aligned Nonprofits – repeated grants, contracts, or advocacy by nonprofits influencing council outcomes • Civil Grand Jury Red Flag 3: Systematic Interruption and Intimidation of Dissenting Voices – bullying or silencing of councilmembers or residents critical of the political faction.
From: Claudia Citroen
To: Shannon Moore; Shasa Curl; Shasa Curl; Cesar Zepeda; Jamelia Brown; Soheila Bana; City Clerk Dept User; Irene Lozano
Subject: Removing 03.24.26 consent calendar item U.7.a and move to new business! Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 9:39:51 AM
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.
Requesting this letter to be added as public comment on U.7.a I. Governance and Ethical Accountability Concerns
The City’s staff report acknowledges a consultant needs to identify “gaps, inconsistencies, redundancies, and areas of risk” within the City’s current policy framework. This admission raises fundamental questions about whether the City fulfills its ethical and fiduciary obligations to maintain lawful and transparent administrative governance. -> Municipal governments have a
continuous duty to ensure that their operational procedures:
comply with applicable state and federal law
protect the rights of residents and employees
ensure consistent delivery of services
provide clear internal controls and accountability
Failure to maintain these standards implicates the California Political Reform Act (FPPC), Richmond Municipal Ethics Code, and Government Code §1090 regarding conflicts of interest.
The City’s policies contain the deficiencies described in the proposal, and the City has effectively acknowledged that its governance infrastructure has been operating without adequate safeguards. Ethical governance requires that such failures be disclosed clearly and addressed transparently, rather than framed solely as a routine modernization initiative.
II. Political Governance Context and Oversight Concerns The City Council has, for several election cycles, included members affiliated with the Richmond Progressive Alliance, a political organization that has exercised significant influence over Richmond municipal governance. ->
Public commentary and reporting have raised ongoing
concerns regarding:
centralized or bloc-style decision making
limitations on public participation in certain policy processes politically aligned voting patterns on major governance issues disputes regarding district representation and community participation While political organizations are a normal part of democratic governance, the concentration of political influence makes strong administrative safeguards and transparent procedures even more essential. Citizens continue to express grievances
the City’s internal procedures are
outdated, inconsistent, inadequately documented and the absence of clear administrative controls increase the risk that public decisions is perceived as influenced by political dynamics rather than neutral governance standards. -> The proposed SOP modernization initiative implicitly acknowledges that such procedural safeguards are currently be insufficient.
III. Civil Rights Oversight Considerations
Administrative policies and procedures play a critical role in protecting civil rights within municipal governance. Deficiencies in policies governing decision-making processes, service delivery, enforcement actions, or procurement result in:
unequal treatment of residents
inconsistent enforcement practices
barriers to equitable participation in public programs
potential violations of federal and state civil rights protections These significant gaps exist in the City’s procedures, as suggested in the proposal, oversight authorities shall
examine whether those gaps have contributed to disparate impacts on protected communities or unequal access to municipal services. Civil rights compliance requires not only written policies but also consistent implementation and oversight. A citywide procedural review shall therefore include independent transparency and civil rights safeguards, rather than functioning solely as an internal administrative project.
IV. Procurement Ethics and Local Preference Transparency The proposal indicates that consultant proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scoring framework based on methodology, staffing, cost, and proposal quality. However, the staff report does not clearly explain how Richmond’s local or community-aligned contracting preferences will be incorporated into the evaluation process. ->
Municipal procurement processes must and shall
ensure that contracting decisions:
comply with local contracting ordinances
provide fair opportunity for qualified participants
avoid favoritism or political influence
maintain transparent evaluation criteria
Without clear disclosure of how local preference and evaluation procedures will be applied, the RFP clearly undermines public confidence in the fairness of municipal contracting. Residents also request disclosure of ALL potential relationships between prospective consultants and political organizations, to ensure impartiality and adherence to ethical standards.
V. Potential California Open Government Law Concerns
The Ralph M. Brown Act requires that legislative bodies conduct public business transparently and provide sufficient information to allow meaningful public participation in decision-making.
The
proposed authorization for the City Manager to issue an RFP raises several transparency concerns. The staff report does not disclose the specific policy deficiencies prompting the review, nor does it provide a detailed assessment of the governance risks involved. Council members are being asked to authorize a major administrative initiative without full disclosure of the underlying governance issues necessitating it. If deliberations regarding these policy deficiencies occurred outside properly noticed public meetings, those actions may warrant review for potential Brown Act compliance concerns.
->>> We formally request that the City
pause issuance of the RFP until full disclosure is
provided and corrective actions are documented. This request aligns with the Brown Act’s “cure and correct” provisions.
VI. Requests for Transparency and Oversight
In light of the concerns described above, the following actions are requested prior to authorization of the proposed RFP:
1. Public Disclosure / PRA Request – Release any internal audits, memoranda, emails, or assessments identifying deficiencies in the City’s existing policies and procedures, including communications involving the Richmond Progressive Alliance.
2. Council Oversight – Require a public presentation detailing the governance risks and operational failures necessitating the review.
3. Procurement Transparency – Clearly disclose how evaluation criteria and any local preference policies will be applied in the RFP process.
4. Civil Rights Review – Conduct an assessment of whether deficiencies in existing procedures may have created disparate impacts on protected communities.
5. Independent Oversight – Engage an independent auditor or ethics officer to review the RFP and governance gaps, ensuring accountability and fairness.
6. Open-Government Compliance Review – Confirm that all deliberations regarding this proposal have complied with open-government requirements.
VII. Conclusion
The City’s acknowledgment that its operational policies require comprehensive review suggests that significant administrative deficiencies may currently exist within Richmond’s governance framework.
While modernization of municipal procedures may be appropriate, meaningful reform requires full transparency regarding existing deficiencies, independent oversight of corrective actions, strict adherence to ethical procurement standards, protection of civil rights and equitable governance, and compliance with California open-government laws. Without these safeguards, the proposed initiative risks functioning as a reactive administrative measure rather than a transparent and accountable governance reform effort.
Accordingly, formal review by appropriate oversight authorities and full public disclosure are warranted before the City proceeds with the proposed RFP process.
Best,
Claudia Citroen
"Be useful. Be mindful. Be kind. Be bold."
António Guterres
From: TRAC
To: Soheila Bana; Jamelia Brown; Claudia Jimenez; Eduardo Martinez; Doria Robinson; Sue Wilson; Cesar Zepeda; City Clerk Dept User
Cc: Daniel Chavarria; Robert Armijo; Hillal Hamdan; Bruce Brubaker Subject: Public Comments: Agenda Item U.8.d. - Contract with CSW|ST2 for Design of the Harbour Way South and Wright Avenue Transit Junction Project
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 6:57:40 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 supports adoption of Consent Calendar item U.8.d. to approve
an after-the-fact sole-
source contract with CSW|ST2 for supporting the Harbour Way South and Wright Avenue Rail Crossing design phase. This terrible railroad grade crossing at the intersection of Harbour Way South and Wright Avenue is dangerous due to its diagonal configuration, lacking active warning devices & crossing arms, and is heavily used by automobiles, trucks & bicyclists.
Funding for the work is contained in the adopted FY 2025-2026 Budget Bruce
___________________
Bruce Beyaert, TRAC
Chair
[email protected]
Mobile 510-789-3078
http://www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/109/TRAC
Gregory Ghent
36 Camino Dimitrio
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
[email protected]
510-334-3837
March 12, 2026
Michele Morris, Senior Planner
Community Development Department
City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Re: Support for Historic Landmark Designation
John Haley Studio and House, 771 Ocean Ave., Richmond
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing in strong support of the designation of the John Haley Studio and House at 771 Ocean Ave. as a local historic landmark.
My connection to the property is both personal and scholarly. The home and studio were bequeathed to me upon the death of Monica Haley in 1997, and I resided there until 2012. In addition to living in the house for many years, my professional work as an art historian, museum curator, and appraiser has involved research on the Haley family and their role in the Bay Area art community.
One of the most striking features of the property is the studio itself, which John Haley oriented to receive steady north light—long prized by painters for its clarity and consistency. The north-facing studio windows were set in a mansard-like form, recalling the roof-lit studio designs used by many European painters, especially in France, where such windows were intended to provide the steady, diffuse light favored for painting.
My research on John Haley dates back several decades. In 1993 I wrote the monograph for the retrospective exhibition of Haley’s work at the Richmond Art Center. In that publication I discussed the role the Ocean Avenue home and studio played as a gathering place for artists and included historical photographs of the house and interior. The property functioned as a magnet for leading figures in mid-twentieth-century American art.
During the 1950s the Haleys frequently entertained prominent artists including Hans Hofmann and Willem de Kooning, along with other painters, photographers, and critics passing through the Bay Area. John Haley’s diaries describing these gatherings are preserved in the archives of the University of California, Berkeley. Monica Haley’s diaries, which charmingly recount the artistic soirées held in the home, are preserved at the Richmond Museum of History & Culture.
Public Comments Item #W.1
Monica Haley herself holds an important place in Richmond’s cultural history. During World War II, while John was in the Navy, she served as the art director for Richmond’s child-care centers, developing innovative programs encouraging children’s artistic expression. Her archives documenting this work are preserved at the Richmond Museum of History & Culture. Art historian Joseph Fischer documented this remarkable achievement in his book Children’s Art & Children’s Words: Richmond California (1943–1966), published by the museum in 1993, and exhibitions derived from the collection in 1993, 2007, and 2008 introduced the public to this important chapter in Richmond’s cultural life.
Places like the John Haley Studio and House help tell the story of Richmond’s cultural life in ways that no written record alone can convey.
For these reasons, the John Haley Studio and House represents not only an architecturally distinctive property but also a site deeply connected to Richmond’s artistic and educational history.
The John Haley Studio and House stands as a rare surviving physical reminder of Richmond’s role in the development of Bay Area modern art, and its preservation will strengthen the city’s connection to that remarkable cultural history.
Sincerely,
Gregory Ghent
Former resident, John Haley Studio and House (1997–2012)
Public Comments Item #W.1
From: steve cabella
To: Michele Morris
Subject: Haley house recognition comment
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 10:19:07 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Hello Michelle,
My name is Steve Cabella and I live at 737 Ocean Ave, just a few doors down from the Haley house at 771. I too live in a historic experimental 1935 home on the shore, called The Dondo House. The home was designed by William Wurster who is the Bay Area architect who founded the Bay Area modernist architectural movement in California. My home is fully restored and has won many awards and is internationally recognized and published. All of which helps to bring visitors to Point Richmond to study the towns’s mid century architecture examples.
Do you remember in the 1960s and 70s a lot of us preserved and restored Victorian, styled homes? Well, think of it this way, mid-century homes are now the new Victorians and should be celebrated in the same manner.
I’m in complete agreement that the home and studio of John Haley needs to be recognized and preserved.
I spent several years on the Richmond historic preservation committee. I wholeheartedly endorse this designation for the Haley house on the shore in Point Richmond.
I also invite you to feel free to contact me for a tour of my home so you can see the neighborhood relation between the Haley home and other important mid-century homes that are just now being discovered in Point Richmond.
Sincerely, Steve Cabella
737 Ocean Ave. Point Richmond.
Sent from
steve cabella / the modern i shop
--
Public Comments Item #W.1
From: Emy Lafever
To: Michele Morris
Subject: John Haley -771 Ocean Avenue, Point Richmond, CA Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 9:39:11 PM
[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Hello Michele,
John Haley was a world renowned artist whose work had been exhibited and collected around the world. He was a respected professor at the University of California in Berkeley, California. Țogether with his wife Monica, their promotion and support of art and artists in the community was invaluable.
I truly believe it’s benefiting to have John Haley’s residence and studio be declared a historic house.
Yours sincerely,
GUillermina E. LaFever
Neighbor, 775 Ocean Avenue, Point Richmond, CA. 94801
Sent from my iPad
Public Comments Item #W.1
From: [email protected]
To: Michele Morris
Subject: Public comments- agenda item #W (John Haley Studio/House) Date: Monday, March 16, 2026 9:13:37 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
We are writing in support of the nomination of the John Haley Studio/House to be listed on the Richmond Historic Register. The house is located at 771 Ocean Avenue, Richmond, 94801.
Our neighbors, Joy Tahan Ruddell & David Ruddell, are the proud owners of this home and share a passion for architecture, art, and history. We have been fortunate to have visited their home on several occasions and it is truly a unique space.
The Ruddells have shared with us that they not only fell in love with their home for the view, but for the history.
It is our pleasure to wholeheartedly support them in this endeavor.
Best Regards,
Jennifer & Keith Kober
762 Ocean Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Public Comments Item #W.1
/0 /1 /2 /3 /4 /5 /6/7/8
/9 /10 /11 /12 /13 /14 /15 /15 /15/16
/i255
/i255
/18 /19 /20 /21 /19 /22 /23 /22 /24 /i255 /26 /27 /23 /23 /i255 /28/29/30 /28/31/32/i255/33/30/34/35/29/i255/33/30/34/i255 /28 /35 /36 /37 /38 /39 /39/30 /29/29/31/32/40
/39 /41 /42 /43 /44 /45 /42 /46 /47 /48/49/i255 /51/52 /22 /i255 /33 /49 /41 /53 /54 /i255 /55 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255 /39 /41 /42 /46 /58 /48 /53 /46 /i255 /31 /59 /46 /45 /42 /60 /47 /41 /42 /i255 /38 /46 /i255 /47 /60 /i255 /47 /42 /46 /45 /58 /45 /60 /46 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /60 /45 /45 /62 /41/63/i255/44 /47 /64 /47 /44 /45 /44 /i255 /41 /65 /58 /i255 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /47 /60 /i255 /58 /45 /61 /48 /58 /44 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /65 /60 /45 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /33 /49 /41 /53 /54 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /52 /i255 /38 /42 /i255/66/57/i255 /64 /47 /45/63/67/i255/66/65/53 /62 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /46 /62 /47 /60 /i255 /44 /47 /64 /47 /60 /47 /41 /42 /i255 /60 /46 /45/66/60/i255 /56 /58 /41/66/i255/46 /62 /45 /56 /48 /53 /46 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255/66/48/42 /57 /i255 /58 /45 /60 /47 /44 /45 /42 /46 /60 /i255 /48 /58 /45 /i255 /42 /41 /46 /i255 /56 /65 /49 /49 /57 /i255 /47 /42 /56 /41 /58/66/45/44 /i255 /48 /68 /41 /65 /46 /i255 /62 /41 /63 /46 /62 /45 /60 /45 /i255 /60 /57 /60 /46 /45/66/60/i255/63/41/58 /54 /i255 /41 /58 /i255 /62 /41/63/i255/46 /62 /45 /57 /i255 /48 /58 /45 /i255 /65 /60 /45 /44 /52 /i255 /38 /i255 /60 /65 /69 /69 /41 /58 /46 /45 /70 /41 /58 /46 /60 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255 /60 /46 /58 /45 /42 /61 /46 /62 /45 /42 /i255 /69 /65 /68 /49 /47 /53 /i255 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255/63/62/47 /49 /45 /i255 /58 /45 /60 /69 /45 /53 /46 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /49 /48/63/i255/48 /42 /44 /i255 /45 /42 /60 /65 /58 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /69 /45 /58 /i255 /41 /64 /45 /58 /60 /47 /61 /62 /46 /52 /i255/71/62/45 /42 /i255 /65 /60 /45 /44 /48 /69 /69 /58 /41 /69 /58 /47 /48 /46 /45 /49 /57 /67 /i255 /46 /41 /41 /49 /60 /i255 /49 /47 /54 /45 /i255 /33 /49 /41 /53 /54 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /i255 /53 /48 /42 /i255 /48 /60 /60 /47 /60 /46 /i255 /49 /48 /63 /45 /42 /56 /41 /58 /53 /45/66/45/42 /46 /i255 /47 /42 /i255 /47 /44 /45 /42 /46 /47 /56 /57 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /64 /45 /62 /47 /53 /49 /45 /60 /i255 /53 /41 /42 /42 /45 /53 /46 /45 /44 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /53 /58 /47/66/45/60 /48 /42 /44 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /64 /47 /44 /45 /i255 /49 /45 /48 /44 /60 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255/66/47/61 /62 /46 /i255 /41 /46 /62 /45 /58/63/47/60 /45 /i255 /68 /45 /i255 /65 /42 /48 /64 /48 /47 /49 /48 /68 /49 /45 /52 /i255 /72 /46 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /60 /48/66/45/i255 /46 /47/66/45/67 /i255 /46 /58 /48 /42 /60 /69 /48 /58 /45 /42 /53 /57 /i255 /48 /42 /44 /i255 /48 /53 /53 /41 /65 /42 /46 /48 /68 /47 /49 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /48 /58 /45 /45 /60 /60 /45 /42 /46 /47 /48 /49 /52 /i255 /55 /46 /58 /45 /42 /61 /46 /62 /45 /42 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /69 /41 /49 /47 /53 /47 /45 /60 /67 /i255 /47/66/69/58 /41 /64 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /41 /64 /45 /58 /60 /47 /61 /62 /46 /67 /i255 /48 /42 /44 /45 /42 /60 /65 /58 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /69 /45 /58 /i255/66/48/42 /48 /61 /45/66/45/42 /46 /i255 /53 /48 /42 /i255 /62 /45 /49 /69 /i255 /68 /48 /49 /48 /42 /53 /45 /i255 /69 /65 /68 /49 /47 /53 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255/63/47/46 /62 /i255 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /46 /58 /65 /60 /46 /52 /i255 /34 /48 /46 /62 /45 /58 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /42 /i255 /56 /41 /53 /65 /60 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /60 /41 /49 /45 /49 /57 /41 /42 /i255/63/62/45 /46 /62 /45 /58 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /60 /45 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /i255 /60 /62 /41 /65 /49 /44 /i255 /45 /59 /47 /60 /46 /67 /i255 /47 /46 /i255/66/48/57 /i255 /68 /45 /i255/66/41/58 /45 /69 /58 /41 /44 /65 /53 /46 /47 /64 /45 /i255 /56 /41 /58 /i255 /41 /65 /58 /i255 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /56 /41 /53 /65 /60 /i255 /41 /42 /i255 /65 /42 /44 /45 /58 /60 /46 /48 /42 /44 /47 /42 /61 /62 /41/63/i255/46 /62 /45 /i255 /60 /57 /60 /46 /45/66/i255/63/41/58 /54 /60 /67 /i255 /45 /42 /60 /65 /58 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /60 /46 /58 /41 /42 /61 /i255 /60 /48 /56 /45 /61 /65 /48 /58 /44 /60 /i255 /48 /58 /45 /i255 /47 /42 /69 /49 /48 /53 /45 /67 /i255 /48 /42 /44 /i255/66/48/54 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /46 /62 /41 /65 /61 /62 /46 /56 /65 /49 /i255 /44 /45 /53 /47 /60 /47 /41 /42 /60 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255 /60 /65 /69 /69 /41 /58 /46 /i255 /68 /41 /46 /62 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255 /48 /42 /44 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /58 /45 /60 /69 /41 /42 /60 /47 /68 /49 /45 /i255 /65 /60 /45 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /46 /45 /53 /62 /42 /41 /49 /41 /61 /57 /52 /i255 /38 /56 /i255 /46 /62 /47 /60 /48 /69 /69 /58 /41 /48 /53 /62 /i255 /47 /60 /i255 /42 /41 /46 /i255 /60 /65/73/53/47 /45 /42 /46 /67 /i255/63/45/i255 /53 /48 /42 /i255 /48 /49 /60 /41 /i255 /49 /45 /48 /58 /42 /i255 /56 /58 /41/66/i255/42 /45 /48 /58 /68 /57 /36 /48 /57 /i255 /72 /58 /45 /48 /i255 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /47 /45 /60 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255 /62 /48 /64 /45 /i255 /46 /48 /54 /45 /42 /i255 /48 /49 /46 /45 /58 /42 /48 /46 /47 /64 /45 /i255 /41 /58 /53 /41/66/69/49 /45/66/45/42 /46 /48 /58 /57 /i255 /48 /69 /69 /58 /41 /48 /53 /62 /45 /60 /52 /i255 /55 /41/66/45/i255 /53 /47 /46 /47 /45 /60 /i255 /62 /48 /64 /45 /i255 /69 /58 /47 /41 /58 /47 /46 /47 /74 /45 /44 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255 /68 /57 /i255 /60 /45 /53 /65 /58 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /61 /58 /48 /42 /46 /i255 /56 /65 /42 /44 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /60 /65 /69 /69 /41 /58 /46 /i255 /60/66/48/49 /49 /68 /65 /60 /47 /42 /45 /60 /60 /45 /60 /i255 /47 /42 /i255 /47 /42 /60 /46 /48 /49 /49 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /60 /45 /53 /65 /58 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /i255 /47 /42 /i255 /46 /48 /58 /61 /45 /46 /45 /44 /42 /45 /47 /61 /62 /68 /41 /58 /62 /41 /41 /44 /60 /67 /i255/63/47/46 /62 /i255 /60 /57 /60 /46 /45/66/60/i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255 /53 /48 /42 /i255 /68 /45 /i255 /48 /53 /53 /45 /60 /60 /45 /44 /i255 /68 /57 /69 /41 /49 /47 /53 /45 /i255/63/62/45 /42 /i255 /42 /45 /53 /45 /60 /60 /48 /58 /57 /52 /i255/30/46/62 /45 /58 /60 /i255 /62 /48 /64 /45 /i255 /47/66/69/49 /45/66/45/42 /46 /45 /44 /64 /41 /49 /65 /42 /46 /48 /58 /57 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /i255 /58 /45 /61 /47 /60 /46 /58 /57 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /61 /58 /48/66/60/67 /i255/63/62/45 /58 /45 /i255 /58 /45 /60 /47 /44 /45 /42 /46 /60 /i255 /53 /48 /42 /53 /62 /41 /41 /60 /45 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /58 /45 /61 /47 /60 /46 /45 /58 /i255 /69 /58 /47 /64 /48 /46 /45 /49 /57 /i255 /41/63/42/45 /44 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /i255/63/47/46 /62 /i255 /49 /41 /53 /48 /49 /69 /41 /49 /47 /53 /45 /i255 /44 /45 /69 /48 /58 /46/66/45/42 /46 /60 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /48 /60 /60 /47 /60 /46 /i255 /47 /42 /i255 /47 /42 /64 /45 /60 /46 /47 /61 /48 /46 /47 /41 /42 /60 /52 /i255 /33 /41 /58 /45 /59 /48/66/69/49 /45 /67 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /39 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /55 /48 /42 /i255 /37 /45 /48 /42 /44 /58 /41 /i255 /62 /48 /60 /i255 /41 /70 /45 /58 /45 /44 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /61 /58 /48/66/60/i255 /46 /41 /60 /65 /69 /69 /41 /58 /46 /i255 /58 /45 /60 /47 /44 /45 /42 /46 /60 /i255/63/47/46 /62 /i255 /56 /58 /45 /45 /i255 /62 /41/66/45/i255 /60 /45 /53 /65 /58 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /53 /48/66/45/58 /48 /60 /52 /38 /42 /47 /46 /47 /48 /46 /47 /64 /45 /60 /i255 /49 /47 /54 /45 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /60 /45 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /64 /47 /44 /45 /i255 /48 /44 /44 /47 /46 /47 /41 /42 /48 /49 /i255 /46 /41 /41 /49 /60 /i255 /56 /41 /58 /i255 /47/66/69/58 /41 /64 /47 /42 /61 /69 /65 /68 /49 /47 /53 /i255 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255/63/62/47 /49 /45 /i255/66/48/47 /42 /46 /48 /47 /42 /47 /42 /61 /i255 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /53 /62 /41 /47 /53 /45 /i255 /48 /42 /44 /47 /42 /64 /41 /49 /64 /45/66/45/42 /46 /52 /i255/30/65/58 /i255 /53 /47 /46 /57 /i255/66/48/57 /i255 /48 /49 /58 /45 /48 /44 /57 /i255 /62 /48 /64 /45 /i255 /60 /47/66/47/49 /48 /58 /i255 /69 /58 /41 /61 /58 /48/66/60/67 /68 /65 /46 /i255 /47 /56 /i255 /48/63/48/58 /45 /42 /45 /60 /60 /i255 /41 /58 /i255 /48 /53 /53 /45 /60 /60 /i255 /47 /60 /i255 /49 /47/66/47/46 /45 /44 /67 /i255 /46 /62 /47 /60 /i255 /69 /58 /45 /60 /45 /42 /46 /60 /i255 /48 /42 /41 /69 /69 /41 /58 /46 /65 /42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /46 /41 /i255 /48 /44 /64 /41 /53 /48 /46 /45 /i255 /56 /41 /58 /i255 /68 /45 /46 /46 /45 /58 /i255 /41 /65 /46 /58 /45 /48 /53 /62 /67 /i255 /45 /59 /69 /48 /42 /60 /47 /41 /42 /67 /41 /58 /i255 /42 /45/63/i255/47 /42 /47 /46 /47 /48 /46 /47 /64 /45 /60 /i255 /46 /62 /48 /46 /i255 /60 /46 /58 /45 /42 /61 /46 /62 /45 /42 /i255 /60 /48 /56 /45 /46 /57 /i255/63/62/47 /49 /45 /i255/66/48/47 /42 /46 /48 /47 /42 /47 /42 /61 /53 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /46 /58 /65 /60 /46 /52 /i255 /72 /60 /i255 /48 /i255 /58 /45/66/47/42 /44 /45 /58 /67 /i255 /40 /62 /45 /i255 /39 /41/66/66/65/42 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /28 /41 /49 /47 /53 /45 /34 /45 /64 /47 /45/63/i255/39 /41/66/66/47/60 /60 /47 /41 /42 /i255/66/45/45 /46 /60 /i255 /41 /42 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /43 /58 /60 /46 /i255/71/45/44 /42 /45 /60 /44 /48 /57 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /45 /48 /53 /62 /66/41/42 /46 /62 /i255 /48 /46 /i255 /21 /27 /23 /23 /i255 /69/66/i255/47 /42 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /34 /47 /53 /62/66/41/42 /44 /i255 /34 /41 /41/66/67/i255 /49 /41 /53 /48 /46 /45 /44 /i255 /41 /42 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /43 /58 /60 /46 /i255 /75 /41 /41 /58 /i255 /41 /56 /i255 /46 /62 /45 /i255 /34 /47 /53 /62/66/41/42 /44 /i255 /39 /47 /46 /57 /i255 /76 /48 /49 /49 /i255 /48 /46 /i255 /77 /26 /23 /i255 /39 /47 /64 /47 /53 /i255 /39 /45 /42 /46 /45 /58 /28 /49 /48 /74 /48 /67 /i255 /34 /47 /53 /62/66/41/42 /44 /67 /i255 /39 /72 /52 /33 /41/58/72 /69 /69 /58 /41 /64 /45/44/78
From: Ilona Clark
To: City Clerk Dept User; Eduardo Martinez; Sue Wilson; Doria Robinson; Trina Jackson-Lincoln; Jamelia Brown; Cesar Zepeda; Claudia Jimenez; [email protected]
Subject: Flock considerations
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:30:58 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.
Regarding the contract with Flock surveillance in Richmond. I do not envy your task of going on record for, or against, this issue. Mayor Martinez was right when he stated that there are two different issues here: One, whether or not to survey at all, and two, whether or not to continue doing business with Flock. I came to last week's meeting mildly in favor of surveillance and was favorably impressed with the police chief’s presentation. I used to think surveillance was simply that, surveillance. My personal experience is that people are less likely to
misbehave when they know they are being watched. For example, Police body cams result in fewer deaths of citizens across the country when required. We also have the examples that our police chief gave of how Flock's services helps them solve crimes, sometimes even as they are happening; and certainly before they balloon into larger crimes– stealing cars becomes parting out and selling components, for example.
However, public trust is a major issue and when it exists, is an even more powerful tool in preventing and solving crime. Police across this country have destroyed public trust . Surveillance of this community will further undermine trust and make this issue worse.
Not only does the public distrust police, it also distrusts Flock for its misuse of the information it has collected in other jurisdictions.
Compelling Flock to abide by contracts and respect privacy and the rule of law with contractual language and fines in the low $100,000, does not strike me as being an effective strategy. Flock profited by more than $300 million in 2025 and their profits are growing quickly. Unless a breach of contract results in a significant, to Flock, fee, I don't believe it will make much effort to abide by its agreements.
Never-the-less, it can’t hurt to ask. A significant amount might be one or two percentages of their profits for the year in which a given incident occurs, per incident. Plus Flock must be held liable for all legal fees, and damages associated with any breach of contract.
Unfortunately, I do not believe Flock would agree to such terms. From their point of view, it would set a precedent that other jurisdictions would ask for as well. Also, I do not believe it would be worth it to Flock to make such changes in their practices and I do not believe they would agree to substantial damages in case of breach of contract.
In any case, our police department can certainly ask for such terms. If they are denied, we are simply back where we started -
with no contract. Whether or not the city council votes for this contract, I think it would be wise for Richmond to search for a different service provider for surveillance. One that may be smaller and more careful with its customers and still provide a valuable tool for our law enforcement.
Thank you
ilona clark
--
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”
Stephen Grillet
From: Reimagine Richmond
To: City Clerk Dept User; Eduardo Martinez
Subject: Agenda Item X.2: Richmond and Contra Costa Organizations Say NO to FLOCK Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 2:16:38 PM
Attachments: City of Richmond Letter_ Say No to Flock (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.
Dear Mayor and City Council,
We hope this email finds you well. Reimagine Richmond, alongside 15 different community based organizations, would like to share a letter in against Agenda Item X.2, the Flock contract extension.
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
Sue Wilson, Councilmember
Jamelia Brown, Councilmember
Doria Robinson, Councilmember
Cesar Zepeda, Councilmember
Claudia Jimenez, Councilmember
Soheila Bana, Councilmember
March 17, 2026
Dear Mayor and Members of the Richmond City Council,
We, the 16 community-based organizations, write to express our opposition to Agenda Item W.1, which proposes extending the City of Richmond’s contract with Flock Safety surveillance cameras, CCTV, and drones.
Flock cameras collect and store large amounts of location data about vehicles traveling through Richmond. This data can be accessed and shared with outside agencies, including law enforcement departments across the country and federal authorities. At a time when immigrant communities across Northern California are already experiencing increased immigration enforcement and fear, expanding surveillance tools that could be accessed by federal agencies risks deepening harm and eroding community trust. To surmise our concerns:
● Flock builds a de facto national tracking system, not a simple local tool. ● Data sharing and access go far beyond local law enforcement, including federal agencies like ICE.
● Communities lose control over data governance, and independent vetting is absent. ● Flock has a growing financial cost to the city, especially with a contract extension. ● RPD shared data with 2,724 non-CA Agencies in violation of SB 34 ● Flock creates a high risk of litigation when communities across the Bay and California are threatening to sue due to privacy concerns.
Community trust is more important than one specific tool. That community trust cannot be eroded for the sake of a corporation with unethical, deceptive, or exploitative business practices.
Community safety should be rooted in investments that actually support community well-being, including youth programs, mental health services, violence prevention programs, housing stability, and community-led safety initiatives. Richmond deserves safety rooted in care, dignity, and trust, not expanded surveillance. Thank you for your time and consideration.
From: taptango
To: Eduardo Martinez; Jamelia Brown; Soheila Bana; Cesar Zepeda; Sue Wilson; Claudia Jimenez; Doria Robinson; [email protected]; City Clerk Dept User Subject: City Council Meeting 3/17/2026, Agenda Item X.2 - Coalition Letter Supporting Flock Public Safety Cameras in Richmond
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 1:02:14 PM
Attachments: 2026-03-17_Richmond City Council_EBAPS Coalition Letter.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.
City Clerk - please include in the minutes, then the letter should be printed out and put on the councilmembers’
seats or on the dais.
--
COALITION SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF FLOCK LICENSE PLATE READER SAFETY CAMERAS Date: March 17, 2026
TO:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Councilmember Sue Wilson
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Subject:
Coalition Support for Responsible Use of Flock License Plate Reader Safety Cameras Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the Richmond City Council:
We represent a growing coalition of Bay Area elected officials, community organizations, small business leaders and owners, and victims' advocates who support the responsible use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
Residents and small businesses across the Bay Area are demanding practical solutions to serious public safety challenges — armed robberies, human trafficking, vehicle theft, organized retail crime, homicides, and other violent offenses. ALPR cameras are a proven investigative tool used in more than 6,000 communities nationwide. They do not use facial recognition; they capture license plate and vehicle characteristics to help investigators develop leads, identify repeat offenders, recover stolen vehicles, and solve serious crimes including shootings and homicides.
Additionally, these safety cameras are objective, automated systems that help rule out innocent suspects and minimize unnecessary police interactions, thereby reducing the potential for racial profiling. As departments continue to face severe officer staffing shortages, these tools are essential in solving crimes and providing victims, survivors, and their families the timely justice they deserve.
Public safety is a human right — one that must extend to everyone. Our immigrant community can and should have both safety and sanctuary protections. Importantly, underserved and working-class communities bear a disproportionate burden of violence and property crimes, and should not have to forgo effective public safety tools. When implemented with clear guardrails, transparency, and oversight, ALPR technology can prevent crime while preserving public trust.
We respectfully urge the Richmond City Council to continue supporting the responsible use of this technology as part of a comprehensive, community-centered strategy to reduce crime and protect all residents.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to public safety.
Respectfully,
A growing list of elected officials, community leaders, and business leaders supporting safer communities
1COALITION SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF FLOCK LICENSE PLATE READER SAFETY CAMERAS
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Noel Gallo – Councilmember, City of Oakland
Jaime Patiñ o – Vice Mayor, City of Union City
Yang Shao – Councilmember, City of Fremont
April Chan – Director, East Bay Municipal Utility District Pete Ballew – Former Councilmember, City of San Leandro
COMMUNITY/BUSINESS LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Barbara Ropati – Representative, Victory Outreach Richmond Keycha Gallon – Executive Director, Keyz 2 The Future
Brenda Grisham – Executive Director, The Christopher Lavell Jones Foundation Willie Robinson – President, NAACP – Richmond Branch
Cynthia Adams – President, NAACP – Oakland Branch
Carl Chan – Chapter President, Greater Bay Area – Asian PaciSic American Public Affairs Oscar Garcia – President, 23
rd Street Merchants Association
Stephanie Tran – President, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Amardeep Brar – President, American Petroleum and Convenience Stores Association (Bay Area Gas Stations)
Jinnhua Su – President, Rotary Club of San Leandro
Mike Vasilas – Founder, Association of United Richmond Housing Providers Adeles Fan – Vice President, Business and Housing Network Chunchi Ma – Board Member, Citizens for a Better Community Tuan Ngo – Founder, Asians Unite
Edward Escobar – Founder, Coalition for Community Engagement Tuan Ngo
Member of East Bay Alliance for Public Safety
COALITION SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF FLOCK LICENSE PLATE READER SAFETY CAMERAS
1 Date: March 17, 2026
TO: Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Councilmember Sue Wilson
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Subject: Coalition Support for Responsible Use of Flock License Plate Reader Safety Cameras Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the Richmond City Council:
We represent a growing coalition of Bay Area elected officials, community organizations, small business leaders and owners, and victims' advocates who support the responsible use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
Residents and small businesses across the Bay Area are demanding practical solutions to serious public safety challenges — armed robberies, human trafficking, vehicle theft, organized retail crime, homicides, and other violent offenses. ALPR cameras are a proven investigative tool used in more than 6,000 communities nationwide. They do not use facial recognition; they capture license plate and vehicle characteristics to help investigators develop leads, identify repeat offenders, recover stolen vehicles, and solve serious crimes including shootings and homicides.
Additionally, these safety cameras are objective, automated systems that help rule out innocent suspects and minimize unnecessary police interactions, thereby reducing the potential for racial profiling. As departments continue to face severe officer staffing shortages, these tools are essential in solving crimes and providing victims, survivors, and their families the timely justice they deserve.
Public safety is a human right — one that must extend to everyone. Our immigrant community can and should have both safety and sanctuary protections. Importantly, underserved and working-class communities bear a disproportionate burden of violence and property crimes, and should not have to forgo effective public safety tools. When implemented with clear guardrails, transparency, and oversight, ALPR technology can prevent crime while preserving public trust.
We respectfully urge the Richmond City Council to continue supporting the responsible use of this technology as part of a comprehensive, community-centered strategy to reduce crime and protect all residents.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to public safety.
Respectfully,
A growing list of elected officials, community leaders, and business leaders supporting safer communities
COALITION SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF FLOCK LICENSE PLATE READER SAFETY CAMERAS
2 ELECTED OFFICIALS
Noel Gallo – Councilmember , City of Oakland
Jaime Patin ̃ o – Vice Mayor , City of Union City
Yang Shao – Councilmember , City of Fremont
April Chan – Director , East Bay Municipal Utility District Pete Ballew – Former Councilmember, City of San Leandro
COMMUNITY/BUSINESS LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Barbara Ropati – Representative, Victory Outreach Richmond Keycha Gallon – Executive Director , Keyz 2 The Future
Brenda Grisham – Executive Director , The Christopher Lavell Jones Foundation Willie Robinson – President, NAACP – Richmond Branch
Cynthia Adams – President, NAACP – Oakland Branch
Carl Chan – Chapter President, Greater Bay Area – Asian PaciSic American Public Affairs Oscar Garcia – President, 23rd Street Merchants Association Stephanie Tran – President, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Amardeep Brar – President, American Petroleum and Convenience Stores Association (Bay Area Gas Stations)
Jinnhua Su – President, Rotary Club of San Leandro
Mike Vasilas – Founder, Association of United Richmond Housing Providers Adeles Fan – Vice President, Business and Housing Network Chunchi Ma – Board Member , Citizens for a Better Community Tuan Ngo – Founder, Asians Unite
Edward Escobar – Founder, Coalition for Community Engagement
From: serge glushkoff
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM X. 4 (Cheese La Moine Park) Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 9:47:40 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.
My family neighborhood of 27+ years, and home for the last 13 is a big long block away from Cheese Park.
We welcome and support the City's initiative
for some thoughtful improvements,
specifically driniking
fountain(s) and a public restroom.
This is an important investment
to one of Richmond's most beautiful and unique parks.
I will note that we look forward to seeing detailed design options down the road.
We would
not support designs
that bisect or greatly reduce the middle section of the park, which has always provided an adequately large open space that provides a sense of spaciousness.
Please
consider these concerns (which are shared
by many of the residents in close proximity to the
park) as you move forward on this.
Additions of major new structures or facilities (e.g.
children's bike garden) would best be sited on the far west perimeter of the park where they would
not disrupt
the "meadow" quality of the main expanse of the area.
We look forward to seeing what options are in the future.
Thanks again for getting to this long awaited improvement to this important asset.
Serge Glushkoff
Mayumi Takata
( Richmond residents & homeowners)