City of Orinda est 1985
 O rinda Outlook 

For the week of April 11, 2016

       By City Manager  

      Janet S. Keeter

Public Works and Engineering Services
 
2015 Annual and Measure J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project
 
 
Last week the paving contractor, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., completed paving activities on Overhill Road. The contractor also worked on Valley Drive. The paving work on Valley drive was not completed but the contractor covered the street either with the final lift of hot mix asphalt (HMA) or base lift. Early this week the contractor will complete the work on Valley Drive.
The contractor also began working on Canon Drive. The roadway treatment that will be applied to this street is Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Mill and Fill. Currently the street is down to base grade. This week, the contractor will apply HMA to Canon Drive.
There is one (1) additional street pending for pavement rehabilitation: Camino Sobrante - The roadway treatment that will be applied is also FDR. The contractor anticipates paving activities to start on Camino Sobrante this week.  
Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT) 
SWAT held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting last week. The committee continued their discussion  on providing feedback to Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) on the draft Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP), Version 2.2. Consensus still needs to be reached on how land use issues will be handled in the plan and what the level of funding for BART improvements will be. SWAT will meet again on April 19 to review and discuss Version 3.0 of the plan.
Corroded Storm Drain Pipe
 
   Storm Drains Blocked by Balls
  
These balls were found by Public Work Crews in a blocked storm drain.
Be mindful of what goes down the drains!
 
  
Overhill Paving Project
 
City Council Agenda Item - Short-Term Rentals in Orinda

At the next regular Orinda City Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday April 12, 2016 at 7:00pm in the Orinda Library Auditorium, the issue of Short-Term Rentals in Orinda will be on the agenda.
 
The City Council will discuss regulation of short-term residential rentals and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
 
To view the staff report regarding this item click here.
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings 

City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 7:00pm 
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Planning Commission
Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 7:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Mayor's Community Liaison Meeting  
Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 8:30am 
Sarge Littlehale Community Room  
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
 
Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission
  Wednesday, April 13, 2016 6:30pm  
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 7:00pm
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563    
 
Finance Advisory Committee - Special Meeting
Thursday, April 14, 2016 8:00am  
City Hall Planning Conference Room
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA  94563
 
 
  Art in Public Places Committee 
Monday, April 18, 2016 3:30pm
May Room, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
 
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC)
Monday, April 18, 2016, 7:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563  

An American Ascent : internationally acclaimed documentary
Free screening at the Orinda Library Auditorium
April 20, 2016 at 7 pm
AN AMERICAN ASCENT is a feature documentary about the
first African American expedition to tackle North America's highest peak, Denali. 
In June 2013, nine African Americans set out to build a legacy by encouraging inner city kids to get outside. An American Ascent is a feature documentary from producers Andy Adkins, George Potter and James Mills, about the first African American expedition to tackle North America's highest peak, Denali. 
Expedition member, Scott Briscoe, will introduce the film and speak about his on-going work with the National Outdoor Leadership School to help connect all Americans to the wild places that help to define our nation.
The nation's wild places from national and state parks to national forests, preserves, and wilderness areas belong to all Americans.  But not all American use those resources equally. A staggering number of American do not consider the outdoors as a place for them. 
In 2013 the National Outdoor Leadership School set out to achieve an ambitious goal.  They aimed to put the first team of African-American climbers on the highest peak in North America, the Alaskan mountain called Denali.   Nine climbers set out to build a legacy and become role models for inner city kids and people of color.  Their gripping beautifully filmed story is involving, challenging and worth viewing.
Free and open to the public. First come, first seated. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library, in partnership with the Orinda Association.
For more information, contact the library at 925-254-2184 or email bgirshma@ccclib.org


2016 ORINDA ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER FAIR
 
  This year, the Orinda Association (OA) is sponsoring its second annual
"Volunteer Fair" on Saturday April 23rd, from 9 am to noon, in the Orinda Library Plaza

 The OA is inviting anyone curious about volunteering to drop by the Library Plaza and connect with representatives of many Orinda service and nonprofit groups, including the Orinda Arts Council, the Orinda Junior Women's Club, the Orinda Historical Society and Museum, the Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, Orinda Rotary, Orinda Chamber of Commerce, and many more.
 
These groups are seeking help from a wide range of potential volunteers, from high school students through seniors. Service groups like Orinda Rotary and Orinda Juniors will have membership information.
 
Plus, the OA will have information on its own Volunteer Center programs - including volunteering as a driver for its popular Seniors Around Town (SAT) program, the Fourth of July, as well as volunteer information on the many organizations throughout Lamorinda.
 
So come and drop by to check out volunteer opportunities here in Orinda!
 
 
Finance Department  

CITY CENT$ 
 
The City maintains a 5 year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that lists the capital projects expected to be completed each year for the next five years. The Plan includes the scope and location of the projects as well as the funding source. CLICK HERE to see the Plan.

Orinda Farmers Market
Morning Market & Music - Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm
Join
Friends of Orinda Creeks for Orinda Action Day 2016
Help us clean up San Pablo Creek 

 
With your help, we will clean up trash and remove invasive plants along
San Pablo Creek in Downtown Orinda. 

When:   Saturday, April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 
Where:  Meet at our booth in front of the Library. 
Wear:  Long pants and a hat. 
What to bring:  Bring gloves if you have them. Other tools will be provided. 

Planning Department    
  • Permitted Construction Hours - Notice
Section 17.39.3 of the Orinda Municipal Code (Noise Control--Construction) regulates permitted construction hours in the City of Orinda.  The basic regulations are as follows: 
B.  General. It is unlawful to conduct or maintain construction activities in the  City of Orinda during times other than those set forth in this subsection.
1. Weekdays. Monday through Friday, construction activities may occur between the hours of eight a.m. and six p.m.
2. Saturdays. On Saturdays, construction activities may occur between the hours of ten a.m. and five p.m.
3. Sundays. On Sundays, construction activities are prohibited except for   minor maintenance and improvement projects conducted by no more than two persons, one of whom resides on the property full-time, between the hours of ten a.m. and five p.m. and not involving the use of heavy construction equipment.
 4. Holidays. On the following holidays, construction activities are prohibited: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. This rule supersedes the restrictions in subsections (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(3) of this section. No exceptions from this holiday prohibition may be granted.  
If you either have an active construction project in Orinda or are planning one, please be advised that in addition to complying with the above construction hours, the Municipal Code also requires that you "post a sign describing the permitted hours of construction and permitted hours for use of heavy equipment in a conspicuous location near the property entrance legible from the edge of the roadway."  Laminated Construction Hours Signs are available at the public counters of both the Planning Department (22 Orinda Way, Orinda) and the Lamorinda office of the Contra Costa County Building Department (3675 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette).  In addition, you can download a copy of the sign here

PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATES
:
Next Meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 7:00PM in the
Sarge Littlehale Community Room, located at 22 Orinda Way
 
New Public Hearings:
  • Lots 90, 91, 100, 101 & 102 in the Wilder subdivision (lots located on West Hill Way) - A public hearing to consider a Design Review applications for new single-family residences on Lots 90, 91, 100, 101 and 102, and Elevated Deck Permit applications as part of the proposed new single-family residences on Lots 100, 101 & 102 in the Wilder subdivision. *NOTE: Staff's recommendation is to continue this item to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission, April 26, 2016.
  • 50 Boeger Ranch Road - Lot 72 at Wilder - A public hearing to consider a Design Review application for a new, 4,840 square-foot, single-family residence, Elevated Deck Permit for proposed 508 square-foot elevated deck, and an Exception Permit application for a patio wall within the required front setback that is an average of six (6) feet in height, with a maximum of 13 feet in height, where four (4) feet is required, on Lot 72 of the Wilder subdivision.
Continued Public Hearings :
  • 7 Oak Flat Road - A continued public hearing to consider Design Review, Tree Removal Permit and Elevated Deck Permit applications to allow a new two-story 4,170 adjusted square foot, single-family residence on a vacant 34,000 square foot parcel at 7 Oak Flat Road 
  • Other Commission Matters:
    • Discussion on matters relating to the administration and procedural changes of the Planning Commission 
  • NEW PROJECT/PERMIT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:
    • 119 Coral Drive - Tree removal permit application for removal of 17" diameter coast live oak that has been substantially damaged by leaking water.
    • 93 La Espiral - Exception and Encroachment permit request to repave driveway and construct 6' retaining walls within the front yard setback and right-of-way. The project will reduce the slope of the driveway and make it safer.
    • 7 El Campanero - Design Review for a new 4,570 square foot two-story single family residence with a 2-car garage.  The project includes demolition of the existing 1,900 square foot home and 2-car carport on the property.
    • 51 Tomcat Way - General Use Permit for the sales and construction complex for Davidon Homes at the Wilder subdivision. The sales complex would utilize the residences constructed on Lots 136 (51 Tomcat Way) and 152 (50 Tomcat Way) and public parking would be located on Lot 137 (53 Tomcat Way). One designated handicapped accessible space would be located in front of Lot 136, parallel to the street.  Construction offices and associated storage containers would be located on Lot 165 (26 Wild Lilac Way) and Lot 166 (28 Wild Lilac Way). The construction offices would consist of two 10' by 30' trailers. Storage containers would consist of 10' by 20' containers and would be located on both lots as needed for subcontractor and materials storage. The sales and construction complexes would be located on these respective lots for approximately 3 years during the build out of Davidon's lots at the Wilder subdivision. Following this period, these lots would be utilized for residential uses. 
ZONING ADMINSTRATOR UPDATES:
  • 81 La Cresta Road - A multi-trunk 22-inch diameter projected oak tree was removed in preparation of construction of a wireless facility enclosure. Since a Tree Removal Permit was not obtained for removal of this tree, eight native replacement trees are required. PG&E policy will not allow replacement trees to be planted on site, so the applicant proposes to instead pay a restitution fee of $880.70 per replacement tree.

ORINDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RESTAURANT TOUR ~ DINING ALFRESCO

Orinda Restaurant Tour - Dining alfresco is back this Spring on Tuesday April 26, 2016 from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm The event will be held throughout and about Theatre Square in downtown Orinda with most of the new and favorite Orinda restaurants providing samples of some of their finest offerings to tour participants who want to "taste" Orinda at its finest all in one, easy walking tour.    

Come enjoy your favorite places and discover the latest editions to Orinda dining scene. The event is also a social occasion with music, and mingling with friends. Dessert and coffee served starting at 7:00pm. The Tour is sponsored by the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $35 and will benefit the Miramonte Boosters Club, for more information, go to www.orindachamber.org  

 Parks and Recreation  
        
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Orinda Parks and Recreation Department would like to extend a massive thank you to the Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation (OPR) for their large donation that will be used for recreation programs. OPR contributed $14,025 towards the summer Concerts and Movies in the Park, Opera in the Park, teen movie nights, and senior trips. Staff are excited to continue planning these wonderful programs for the community to enjoy.

Enjoying Spring Break
Children are back in classroom during Spring Break and it's not the typical classroom setting. There are young artists learning to expand new skills, tennis players developing their motor skills, carpenters creating working with tools, and children dancing and singing to Elsa, Anna, Olaf and more. This week is just a snapshot of what is to come this summer and the Parks and Recreation Department couldn't be more excited.
  
Summer Enrichment Site Announced
Each year the location for the Summer Enrichment Program rotates between the elementary schools. The Orinda Union School District has decided that Del Rey Elementary will host the Summer Enrichment Program this year. This program is for children entering grades Kindergarten through 4th Grade, and is held Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 12:00pm starting June 20, 2016 through July 15, 2016. This year's theme is Magical Ireland and space is filling up fast; only 12 spaces remain in the Kindergarten Program. Register today at www.cityoforinda.org or by calling (925) 254-2445.
  


DVC Job Fair
Recreation staff hosted a vendor table during the Annual Diablo Valley College (DVC) Spring Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, March 31. City staff were recruiting potential Summer Camp Counselors and Directors to join the team. Over 40 prospective students either turned in their resume and/or completed an application.
 
  
OYA Coaches Training
City staff held a training for a group of 35 parents who have volunteered to coach their children in the upcoming Orinda Youth Association (OYA) Spring Season on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Volunteer coaches from baseball, softball and soccer attended the three hour training which featured a presentation from guest speaker Aaron Locks, Founder of the National Academy of Athletics. They were also put through on field training to give them some techniques and drills to use with their players at practices and games.
 
To try and better assist coaches, the first Baseball/Softball Team Camp was held on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Trained coaches from the National Academy of Athletics directed OYA teams through drills while the volunteer coaches watched and absorbed what was being demonstrated. A total of eight teams consisting of 96 players participated in this camp.

  
Congratulations! Bonnie Brown Cali, Best Private Dog Trainer!
  The Parks and Recreation Department would like to wish Bonnie Brown Cali, Dog Obedience Instructor, a huge congratulations for being named East Bay's Best Private Trainer by Bay Woof in their 2016 Beast of the Bay Awards! To learn more about Bonnie and her offerings in Orinda, click here to see her in action . Bonnie has a new Puppy Head Start course beginning April 28 and a full new session of all dog classes beginning June 2, 2016. Register yourself and your furry family member for a barking good time by calling (925) 254-2445.

  
New Class
Portuguese Basics for Travelers
Join Almira McGrath in this new, introductory Portuguese course at the Orinda Community Center. Designed for travelers or those on business, this class introduces strategies for listening, speaking, reading and writing. McGrath hopes that students will leave with skills to engage in conversations as she shares her passion for the Portuguese language and culture! This 7-week course begins the week of April 25, 2016 with a Tuesday evening class from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, reference barcode 21282, and a Thursday morning class from 11:00am. to 12:30pm, reference barcode 21283. Click here to register or call (925) 254-2445.
 
  
Orinda Chamber of Commerce and the Orinda Rotary present the
Orinda Trivia Bee
  
The Trivia Bee will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at St Stephen's Episcopal Church, located at 66    St. Stephens Drive.  The cost is $360 per team (up to 6 people per team), which includes a family style dinner. Doors open at 5:00pm and dinner will be served at 6:00pm,  the game is on at 7:00pm sharp!

Winners take a cash prize for the nonprofit of their choice. Reserve your table today, only 16 tables are available. Purchase your table online at www.orindachamber.org. For more information call 254-3909, or email info@orindachamber.org
 
Orinda Police

April 3 , 2016 to April 9 ,  2016
Calls for Service
 
911 ABANDONED 1 PUBLIC NUISANCE 2
911 HANGUP 3 RECKLESS DRIVING 2
ACCIDENT PROPERTY 1 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 1
ALARM 32 SCHOOL CHECK 2
CIVIL 3 SECURITY CHECK 5
CVC MOVING VIOLATION 11 SERVICE TO CITIZEN 29
CVC NON MOVING VIOLATION 14 SUSPICIOUS   CIRCUMSTANCES 2
IDENTITY THEFT 4 SUSPICIOUS   PERSON STOP 2
MEDICAL HOSPITAL 1 SUSPICIOUS   VEHICLE STOP 5
ORDINANCE VIOLATION 1 SUSPICIOUS SUBJECT 2
OUTSIDE ASSIST 3 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 4
PANHANDLING 1 TOW 4
PARKING DETAIL 13 TRAFFIC HAZARD 1
PATROL REQUEST 8 VACATION HOUSE CHECK 15
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY CHECK 3 WELFARE CHECK 3
Arrests
WARRANT ARREST 3 DUI 1
DRUNK IN PUBLIC 1 POSSESSION OF DAGGER 1
POSSESS CONTROLLED SUBS 1 VIOLATION OF PROBATION 1
POSSESS DANGEROUS DRUGS 1    
To see calls for service locations, please visit www.crimereports.com

Orinda Police  
 
Warrant Arrest - April 3, 2016 - Safeway
Police contacted suspect behind Safeway located at 2 Camino Sobrante. A records check showed suspect had a warrant for arrest.
 
Possession of Knife or Dagger - April 4, 2016 - Hwy 24
Police stopped vehicle on Hwy 24 for speeding. Upon searching passenger, a concealed dirk/dagger was located in pants pocket.
 
Possession of controlled substance-drugs - April 6, 2016 - 10 Block La Encinal
Police responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle.  Upon contacting the occupant and searching property with permission, officers located an illegal controlled substance.
 
Warrant Arrest - April 7, 2016 - Camino Pablo/Monte Vista  
Report concerns the warrant arrest of suspect after a traffic enforcement stop.  Suspect had a misdemeanor hit and run warrant out of Alameda County.
 
Warrant Arrest - April 8, 2016 - Moraga Way/Camino Pablo
Police conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a bike rider.  Suspect had an arrest warrant by Long Beach PD.
 
Drunk in Public - April 9, 2016 - Theatre Square
Report concerns the arrest of suspect for drunk in public and probation violation.  A business employee reported an unknown woman was in the bathroom yelling. Suspect was on probation with a no consume alcohol clause.
 
BART POLICE
 
GRAND THEFT (CATALYTIC CONVERTER) - Orinda Station
A victim reported that their silver-colored 2005 Honda Element's catalytic converter was stolen while the vehicle was parked in the station's main lot, stall 197, between 1130 to 1530 hrs. An officer responded and completed a report.
 
BURGLARY (TELEPHONE REPORT) - ORINDA STATION
4/4/16, 1901 hours
A victim reported (via telephone report) that their green 1996 Honda Accord was burglarized while parked in the overflow lot, stall 1019, between 0630 to 1800 hours. There were no signs of forced entry, so a "shaved" key may have been used to enter the vehicle. According to the victim, a Pioneer brand stereo, (2) JBL brand sub-woofers and (2) Kenwood amplifiers were taken - for a total monetary loss of $1200.00. An officer made telephone contact with the victim and completed a report.  
Drug Take Back Day

The Orinda Police Department is participating in the DEA National Take Back Initiative
designed to collect and safely dispose unused prescription drugs. 
The event will take place from
10:00am - 2:00pm on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the
Orinda Police Station located at 22 Orinda Way
 
The Take Back Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards.
 
As well as participating in the Take-Back event, the Orinda Police Department/City Offices maintain a prescription drug collection bin at City Hall that can be used all year around.  The collection bin is accessible Monday through Friday during business hours. 

Orinda rated as 9th Safest City in California for 2016!

Janet Keeter
City Manager
  
We would like to hear from you!
Send your comments or questions to:
or call 925-253-4291