February 26, 2024
U.S. REGULAR MAIL / PESONAL COURIER
The Honorable Nancy Skinner The Honorable Buffy Wicks California State Senate California State Assembly 1021 O Street, Suite 8630 1021 O Street, Suite 4240 Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: 2024-25 STATE OF CA BUDGET REQUESTS - CITY OF SAN PABLO
Dear Senator Skinner and Assembly Member Wicks:
On behalf of the City of San Pablo, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the two of you and your staff for your leadership and support over the years.
As the State Legislature begins their work on the 2024-25 Budget process, I would like to respectfully present a list of funding needs from the City that are Gann Appropriations Limit exempt, are critically needed infrastructure related, and will help improve the quality of life for a socio-economic, disadvantaged community
Below are (no mo re than 5) projects for consideration with a brief description and funding amount in order of State funding preference. After further discussion, the City of San Pablo are happy to provide a more in depth budget and answer any questions you or your staff may have.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to working together to secure State funding to help the San Pablo community.
In partnership:
Patricia Ponce, Mayor
City of San Pablo
cc: Mayor and San Pablo City Council
City Manager
1000 Gateway Avenue ● San Pablo, CA 94806
Main: 510-215-3000 ● Fax: 510-215-3011
www.SanPabloCA.gov
CITY OF SAN PABLO PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR STATE BUDGET FUNDING
Proposed for Potential State Budget 2024-25 One-Time Funding Allocation Requests February 2024
Project #1: Rollingwood Community Center Improvement Project Total State Funding Request: Up to $2 million
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In 2018, the Contra Costa County LAFCO authorized the dissolution of the former Rollingwood Wildart Recreation and Park District (RWRPD) to the County of Contra Costs as its successor agency via LAFCO action on August 8, 2018. In February 2020, the City acquired the RWRPD’s only asset, the Rollingwood Community Center, via executed Purchase and Sale Agreement with Contra Costa County. The Rollingwood Community Center is located at: 2395 Greenwood Drive, San Pablo (Unincorporated San Pablo, 94806) on a contiguous property with the City’s municipal boundary.
The facility was built in the 1950s and sits vacant and abandoned. It currently requires ADA/UBC upgrades to bathrooms, an upgraded kitchen , and interior and exterior improvements. I f one-time capital funds can be secured, the City plans to re-habilitate the facility into a new San Pablo Community Center for park and recreational programming, classes and private rental uses for resident and non-resident use. Currently, the City has one (1) Community Center for its 31,000 residents . An additional Community Center use would greatly expand park and recreational opportunities for the general public.
Project #2: Expansion of Municipal Public Fiber/Wireless Network (Phase II) Total State Funding Request: Up to $2 million
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The City recently completed Phase I of expanding municipal fiber to City facilities in 2020.
Phase II would connect the City’s Maintenance Corporation Yard to the other facilities, and could place traffic signal interconnect in existing conduit along Rumrill Boulevard, add to the City’s fiber backbone along Rumrill, San Pablo Avenue and Broadway, and connect with Contra Costa College. The City has earmarked a total of $1.25M in ARPA funds allocated to leverage other sources of external funding (TBD) to expand wireless and internet connectivity to disadvantaged community to close the digital divide for local businesses, youth and families who need enhanced internet and wireless connectivity.
Project #3: Chesley Avenue and Old Police HQ Building EV Charging Infrastructure Feasibility Projects (Public Use)
Total State Funding Request: Up to $2 million
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One-time capital funds are needed to conduct EV Feasibility Project Studies to determine potential development for publicly -accessible EV Charging Station on two (2) C ity-owned properties for residential and commercial EV vehicles to meet growing consumer demand and State-wide Zero-Emissions Goals by 2035. (See project site locations below).
Chesley Avenue @ Rumril Avenue Old PD HQ Building (San Pablo Avenue)
Project #4: Old FS#70 Site EV Charging Infrastructure Feasibility Project (City Fleet) Total State Funding Request: Up to $1.0M
The City proposes to re- purpose the old Fire Station #70 property and buildings, located at 13928 San Pablo Avenue, to become an extension of the City’s PW Corporation Yard. This offsite Annex would include site improvements and installation of EV sustainability infrastructure for the electrification of the City’s to meet State-wide Zero-Emissions Goals by 2035. The City’s current Corporation Yard is grossly undersized, and housing the new EV equipment will overtax the limited power system on- site. The new Annex project site will be better suited for these electric vehicles, and a portion of the City’s maintenance equipment and crews. But, will need some substantial power upgrades to accommodate this new use.
Project #5: Replacement of old San Pablo Archway Project Total State Funding Request: Up to $2M
The City has proposed to demolish and replace the old and outdated San Pablo Archway with a new structurally-sound archway to enhance community outreach, promotion and civic pride.
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