City of Orinda est 1985
 O rinda Outlook 

For the week of September 12, 2016

       By City Manager  

      Janet S. Keeter

Public Works and Engineering Services

20 16 Annual and Measure J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project
The City's Measure L and J Program is funded each year through a combination of .5% Sales Tax (Measure L) and bond (Measure J) funds. The scope of work for this program consists of repairing/reconstructing the worst most used residential streets and the associated drainage pipes under the roadways. For information and a list of streets scheduled for repair in 2016. Click here to view the Construction Schedule from AUGUST 2016 through NOVEMBER 2016*

Last week Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc. placed asphalt concrete (AC) along La Cresta Drive, Altamount Drive and Lost Valley Drive (see pictures below). They also removed two (2) trees at 137/141 Goodfellow Drive and two (2) trees at 1 Warford Terrace. The tree removals were supervised by a certified arborist.
 
                               
Also last week, the contractor started raising utility valve/manhole covers to roadway surface level (raising utilities) and setting and adjusting survey monuments along La Cresta Drive, Altamount Drive and Lost Valley Drive. The contractor also pulverized and mixed the old asphalt and base materials with cement and water, and compacted to produce a strong, durable base for the asphalt surface (AC) that will be installed next week along Donna Maria Way, Rita Way, Cedar Lane and Keith Drive (see picture below). This process is known as Full Depth Reclamation (FDR).
 
This week, the contractor will complete raising utilities along La Cresta Drive, Altamount Drive and Lost Valley Drive. They also will place AC along Donna Maria Way, Rita Way, Cedar Lane and Keith Drive. Finally, next week the contractor will also FDR Alice Lane, Goodfellow Drive, Greenwood Court and Hall Drive.
 
North Lane Storm Water Mitigation Project
This project consists of the installation of approximately 1,300 feet of 60-inch reinforced concrete storm drain pipe and create an outfall structure at San Pablo Creek. The storm drain bypass project is comprised of approximately 900 linear feet of 60-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) open trench installation under the length of North Lane; and from the foot of North Lane, approximately 320 linear feet of 60-inch RCP that will be jacked and bored under Camino Pablo. An additional 80 linear feet of 60-inch RCP jacking pipe would connect to a new outfall structure upstream from the existing outfall on San Pablo Creek. The storm drain system would also include construction of debris racks, headwalls, inlet structures at the upstream end, manholes, connection to existing lateral storm drain pipes, fence reinstallation, and pavement repair, among other elements. Construction of this project started on June 27, 2016 and its anticipated completion date is September 30, 2016.
  
After this project is complete, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (CCCSD) will replace a main sewer pipe along the upper portion of North Lane. This work will take two (2) to three (3) weeks to complete. Once the sewer pipe replacement CCCSD project is finalized, the City of Orinda will pave North Lane as part of the 2016 Annual and Measures J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
 
Last week Bay Cities Paving & Grading Inc. completed backfill activities of the launching pit at the south entrance of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) water treatment plant (see picture below) and initiated the placement and connection of electrical conduits for the EBMUD's water treatment plant. At San Pablo Creek, the contractor continued curing the wingwalls of the outfall structure.
                           
Also last week, the contractor continued trenching activities along North Lane. The contractor installed the second manhole, out of five that will be installed along North Lane (see picture below). On North Lane, the contractor has encountered differing site conditions that have impacted negatively the production of trenching activities. City engineering staff and construction management team are monitoring this situation.
 
          
This week, at the EBMUD's water treatment plant, the contractor will finalize the placement and connection of electrical conduits, replace concrete curbs and chain link fences and place asphalt in the area where they backfilled the launching pit. The contractor will also continue curing the wingwalls of the outfall structure at San Pablo Creek and trenching along North Lane.
  
Santa Maria Park & Ride Lot Stabilization Project
City Council awarded the project to Freethy Excavating at the meeting held August 2, 2016 .  Freethy was the lowest bidder of two contractors who submitted bids for the project, with a contract amount of $219,610. The construction work will include stabilizing a portion of the Park & Ride lot on Santa Maria Way by installing 2-foot diameter concrete piers, installing a new storm drain to redirect runoff from the hillside to the storm drain system, and reconstructing the portion of the parking lot affected by this work. Construction will begin at the end of September.

BART - Downtown Access Ramp & Lighting Project
The City is currently advertising the BART - Downtown Access Ramp and Lighting Project for bids. Bid opening is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at City offices. This project will provide a new ADA-compliant path between the BART station and Theatre Square. Construction will include removal of the existing concrete walkway and stairs, installation of a new ADA-compliant curb ramp with walls and railings, construction of a new concrete pedestrian staircase with walls and railings, and installation of new LED pole lighting at the ramp and staircase and wall-mounted LED lighting at the existing pathway under SR 24 and BART overcrossings. The work will also include the installation of texturized and colored concrete at the pathways and walls, new landscaping, and a drip irrigation system. The City also released a Request for Proposals for Construction Management services for this project on September 8, 2016, with proposals due on September 27.

Only Rain Down the Drain
City staff has prepared their annual Stormwater report for submission to the Regional Water Quality Control Board, as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. This report covers a number of items relating to municipal operations and policies to promote clean water. The goal of stormwater efforts is to promote the idea that  "only rain goes down the drain." Stormwater runoff from yards and streets in Orinda goes into curb inlets, which drain directly to local creeks, which then flow into the bay.  An important part of keeping our water clean is keeping trash off of our streets and out of the storm drains.

Since the 2009 baseline level was established, Orinda reports a 65% reduction in trash entering the municipal storm drain system! This reduction has been achieved through increased street sweeping along Camino Pablo and Moraga Way, periodic trash cleanups along major roads by municipal staff, creek cleanups by volunteers and four full-trash-capture storm drains that have been installed in commercial areas. All these actions prevent the trash from reaching our pipes, creeks, and the bay.

If you want to help protect the water quality in Orinda and the greater bay area, you can reduce litter, reduce use of pesticides in landscaping, participate in creek cleanups (contact Friends of Orinda Creeks for more information), properly maintain your car to prevent leaks and pick up pet waste. For additional ways to protect our clean water go to 
www.cccleanwater.org.
Downtown Planning Options and Community Engagement

At the September 6, 2016 meeting of the City Council, Planning Director Drummond Buckley presented a report outlining downtown planning options and community engagement strategies. 

The meeting was well attended, with a standing-room-only crowd and approximately 30 speakers.  In addition, we received approximately 120 pieces of correspondence from members of the public.

After receiving the report, listening to public testimony and asking questions of staff,
the City Council directed staff to return at a future City Council meeting with the following:

1.   A more detailed strategy to engage downtown property owners.

2.   Regarding a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) option from the nonprofit ULI:
      a)  Present suggested questions or issues that ULI could address as part of the TAP process
       b)  Bring a representative from ULI to answer questions from the City Council

3.   Provide additional information regarding the potential services of Main Street America  as it pertains to downtown planning.

4.   Identify potential grant sources for revitalization of San Pablo Creek.
    For more information, the following items are available online:
  1. Background Planning Documents.
We have not scheduled the next meeting date but will ensure that
the information is announced when the date has been confirmed.   
Upcoming Council and Committee Meeting Schedules

Planning Commission 
  Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
 
Mayor's Community Liaison Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 8:30am

Sarge Littlehale Community Room, City Hall

22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 7:00pm
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
 
Citizen's Infrastructure Oversight Commission
Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 6:30pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda CA 94563

Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee (PWARC) 
Monday, September 19, 2016, 9:00am  -  CANCELLED
Sarge Littlehale Community Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Art in Public Places Committee
Monday, September 19, 2016 3:30pm
May Room, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC)
Monday, September 19, 2016, 7:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Click Here for Materials

 Historical Landmarks Committee
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 3:00pm
Community Center Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563  

City Council
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Finance Advisory Committee
Wednesday, September 28, 2016, 6:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA  94563
Orinda will participate in National Coastal Cleanup Day 2016!
Join Friends of Orinda Creeks in the annual beach and
 inland watershed cleanup right here in Orinda!
Trash accumulates along San Pablo creek in Downtown Orinda and flows downstream
 all the way to San Pablo Reservoir and beyond to San Francisco Bay.
Help take care of our fragile marine environment by volunteering your time right here in Orinda.
Join Friends of Orinda Creeks at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016
 Directions: turn down the driveway at 25 Orinda Way
and park near the chain link fence.
Bring sunscreen, gloves (if you have them), water,
and wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes.
All other equipment will be provided.

For further information, contact Jim Luini ( [email protected] or 925-254-6208) or
Adriane Bosworth ( [email protected] or 925-254-7538).    



For more information and to complete the forms needed to enter the contest,
Click Here!

  Crime Statistics September 4, 2016  - September 10, 2016
Calls for Service
911 HANGUP 3 PUBLIC ASSEMBLY CHECK 4
ABANDONED VEHICLE 2 PUBLIC NUISANCE 3
ACCIDENT PROPERTY 1 RECKLESS DRIVING 4
ALARM FALSE 25 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 1
CIVIL PROBLEM 2 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY CHECK 8
CVC MOVING DETAIL 27 SECURITY CHECK 10
CVC NON MOVING DETAIL 18 SERVICE TO CITIZEN 31
FOUND PROPERTY 1 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES 2
GRAND THEFT FROM BUILDING 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON STOP 3
IDENTITY THEFT 3 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE STOP 5
JUVENILE DISTURBANCE 2 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE 3
LOUD PARTY 1 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 6
MEDICAL HOSPITAL 1 TOW 2
MOTORIST ASSIST 1 TRAFFIC HAZARD 2
NEIGHBOR DISPUTE 1 VACATION HOUSE CHECK 8
OUTSIDE ASSIST 6 VERBAL DISPUTE 2
PARKING DETAIL 39 WARRANT SERVICE 1
PATROL REQUEST 14    
Arrests
POSSESS MARIJUANA 1    
For Information on Crime locations visit www.crimereports.com and type in Orinda
Planning Department    
 
PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATES
Next Meeting Date
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
 
CONTINUED PUBIC HEARINGS:
 
6 Sleepy Hollow Court - A continued public hearing to consider Design Review, Elevated Deck and Exception Permit applications to allow a 1,522 square foot addition that encroaches a maximum of 10 ft. into a creek setback and a 643 square foot elevated deck to an existing 4,009 square foot home.
 
34 Charles Hill Circle A continued public hearing to consider Design Review, Elevated Deck and Tree Removal Permit applications for a new multi-level, 5,626  adjusted square-foot (6,026 gross) single-family residence on a 54,191 square-foot lot.
 
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS:
 
2 Theatre Square -
A public hearing to consider design review to replace awnings and repaint the Theatre Square building. The historic theatre and bank would be  repainted in their current (original) colors per the Crossroads Project Development Agreement. New colors would be used for the non-historic portion of the building.
 
ZONING ADMINSTRATOR UPDATES:
 
33 Sleepy Hollow Lane - Design Review application to remodel the existing house and construct 1,464 square feet of addition.

23 Glorietta Court - Application for Tree Removal Permit to remove one 17" Coast Live Oak tree located at the back left corner of the property. The tree is on a steep slope and has a significant lean.  
 Parks and Recreation
 
Many Thanks to the Orinda Community!
The inagural  Choose Your Own Adventure  camp format was a tremendous success this summer; thank you to the Orinda community for welcoming this new format and being receptive to it this year. Over 1700 campers attended the 137 camps offered, which is a 12% increase from 2015!

The summer camp program was successful due to the wide variety of camp topics  from which to choose, all laid out in a streamlined and easy-to-plan format. Additionally, a new extended care feature provided more flexibility. 
    
                       
 If your camper didn't get to choose their own adventure this year, don't fret,  
the Choose Your Own Adventure camp format will be returning for summer 2017!  
If your camper did attend in 2016, we would love your feedback.  
Please Click Here for a quick, eight-question survey.  
Thank you again for your support and cooperation during our inagural season. 
Office of the City Clerk

CITY OF ORINDA OFFICIAL CANDIDATES
TO FILL TWO SEATS ON THE ORINDA CITY COUNCIL
 
There are two seats for the office of Council Member to be voted on
at the
November 8, 2016 General Municipal Election.
 
The following individuals have been nominated and have qualified to be on the ballot:
 
Linda Delehunt
Ballot Designation:  Business Person
 
Darlene K. Gee
Ballot Designation:  Appointed Councilmember/Engineer
 
Bruce R. London
Ballot Designation:  Retired Medical Doctor
 
Inga Miller
Ballot Designation:  Attorney/Business Owner
 
Contact Sherry M. Kelly, Interim City Clerk, at (925) 253.4221 or at
[email protected]  for additional information.



Contra Costa County Libraries to host life science themed community events

The interactive, science-based festival includes presenters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The events are free and open to library guests of all ages.
Guests include the Oakland Zoo with some animals to help library patrons learn about animal senses and body parts. The Aquarium of the Bay is bringing a touch tank where guests will be able to reach in and touch the invertebrates. And the Insect Lab will allow patrons to touch, hold and learn about some creepy, crawly friends.
Guests will enjoy hands-on activities like DNA extraction kits with Bio-Rad, leaf rubbing, dissecting owl pellets, building bird houses and making clay fossils.
"Libraries are places to read and to learn beyond the pages of a book," said Pittsburg Community Library Manager Ginny Golden. "Many of our library events are interactive and engage all five senses for a more complete learning experience."
This year the Contra Costa County Library is celebrating a Year of STEAM. Programming at all 26 library locations across the county is focused on engaging students and library visitors in new, fun activities designed to introduce them to science, technology, engineering, art and math.
As part of the celebration this fall, the Contra Costa County Library is hosting three Exploration Stations at library branches around the county. Each will have a different theme.
Exploration Station #1
Saturday, September 17
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Pittsburg Library
80 Power Avenue
Theme: Life Science

Exploration Station #2
Saturday, October 22
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way
Theme: Rad tech
Learn about flying drones, building robots and virtual reality.
Exploration Station #3
Saturday, November 19
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hercules Library
109 Civic Drive
Theme: Earth and space science
Look at the sun through a solar telescope, pan for gold and make your own space helmet.
To learn more about the Exploration Stations and the Year of STEAM, please visit http://ccclib.org/steam/ .
For general questions about the event, please call the Pittsburg Library at (925) 427-8390.
Orinda Farmers Market
Morning Market & Music - Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm
Janet Keeter
City Manager
  
We would like to hear from you!
Send your comments or questions to:
or call 925-253-4291