City of Orinda est 1985
 O rinda Outlook 

For the week of April 4, 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 Calvin Drive. The contractor also worked on Valley Drive but due to unforeseen conditions (soil stabilization issues and ground water/water leaks) paving activities were put on hold. The City has requested East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) assess if the cause of excessive water at some specific areas on Valley Drive is waterline pipe leaks. The contractor anticipates applying hot mix asphalt (HMA) to this street late next week.
  
 
The contractor also began working on Overhill Road, but on Monday, March 28th, paving equipment hit unmarked shallow service gas and water pipes due to the utilities lines not being on file with the USA marking service. Crews from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and EBMUD arrived to the site, (between Catherine Court and Tara Road) and repaired their underground pipes on the east side of Overhill Road.  The paving contractor modified their original work plan to work around this situation.  No delays are expected to the general schedule of Overhill Road as a consequence of this situation.
  
Due to the production schedule of the paving plant that supplies HMA to the project and the contractor's sequence of work, the contractor will apply HMA on Overhill Road on Wednesday April 6th and Thursday April 7th.  In addition, next week, the contractor will start paving activities on Canon Drive.
  
Canon Drive is one of two streets included in the project that will present a challenge to the paving contractor. Canon Drive is narrow and winding, which makes it impossible to allow vehicles to go around the paving equipment while the work is in process. In addition, the type of underground waterline pipe that EBMUD has along Canon Drive, which is 4-inch diameter cast iron, has had repairs to the services
and recent main breaks in 2013 and 2006.  These challenges and the roadway treatment that will be applied, Full Depth Reclamation (FDR), will increase the duration of work along Canon Drive, from ten (10) to twelve (12) consecutive days typically, to approximately fifteen (15) days.
  
The other challenging location pending FDR pavement rehabilitation is Camino Sobrante which is also narrow, steep and winding.  The contractor anticipates paving activities to begin on Camino Sobrante in mid-April. 
Finance Department  

CITY CENT$ 
 
The City sets strategic priorities that are the framework that helps City departments
translate strategy into operational actions which drive both behavior and performance.
The priorities are:
              • Prudent Fiscal Management
              • Infrastructure Improvements
              • Economic Development
              • Public Safety
              • Long Range Planning
              • Community Engagement
              • Environmental Sustainability
              • Quality of Life
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    
 
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  
 Parks and Recreation  
   
   Get Involved, Speak, Volunteer
Do you have a unique skill or knowledge of a subject and are looking for a great way to give back to the senior community? Help share that knowledge by volunteering to present your life experiences, skills, and interests with seniors. Volunteer instructors share their computer skills, health and wellness and creative knowledge to enrich the lives of adults 55 and older. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Amanda Perceval at [email protected].
  
Let's Make Music Together
Instructor Andrea Gaspari has added two new sessions this spring for toddlers 12 months to 3 ½ years. Let's Make Music will provide toddlers an opportunity to sing, dance and pretend using their voice, prop instruments and more. The first session starts April 12 through May 10, reference barcode 21373. The second session starts May 17 through June 7, reference barcode 21374.
Register online at www.cityoforinda.org  or call 254-2445.
  
Spring-Teen Fun    
March was a busy month for the Orinda Teen Advisory Council (OTAC). They have partnered with students from the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee (MYIC) and the Lafayette Youth Commission (YYC) for two spectacular events.
 
On Saturday, March 12, 18 students from the three cities participated in an invasive plant removal at the Sibley Regional Preserve. Sibley staff provided the group with tools specifically designed to remove French Broom. Although French Broom has a pleasant bright yellow look to it, it does not originate from California and will outcompete the natural vegetation, killing species of local plants and negatively affecting wildlife.
Even though there were scattered showers, it did not deter the dedicated teens. This year was the largest turnout since this annual spring environmental event started four years ago. Park Ranger Jim Rutledge supervised the event and provided free snacks as a thank you to the teens. This yearly event has become a favorite and OTAC hopes to continue for years to come.
Then again on Friday, March 25, OTAC partnered with the MYIC and the LYC along with the Brighter Day Foundation to offer a Rock Band Showcase at the Lafayette Community Center. The event provided local bands a platform to perform and teens a night to hang out with friends and have fun. The Brighter Day Foundation was also on hand to distribute information regarding stress reduction and resources for teens dealing with depression. Over the course of the night six bands performed and 126 people attended the event.
  
Put Your Mind at Ease in a Meditation Workshop   
Join yoga instructors, Jeanne Dowell or Veera Sanjana, in either of their guided meditation workshops where you will leave relaxed, refreshed and reflective! Yoga Meditation & Gratitude Journaling with Jeanne Dowell will be held Monday, April 11, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, reference Barcode # 20737. The Meditation Workshop:  Basic with Veera Sanjana will be held Saturday,  April 16, from 10:00am to 11:30am., reference Barcode # 20223. Register online at www.cityoforinda.org  or call (925) 254-2445.
PGE logo
Lost Valley PG&E Substation

The City of Orinda was recently made aware of a PG&E security project at the Moraga Substation located in the Lost Valley neighborhood.
 
The project is considered to be a modification of an existing facility and not an expansion project thereby precluding the City from any jurisdictional oversight.
 
After hearing concerns expressed by neighbors, City staff contacted PG&E Government Affairs Liaison, Tom Guarino, to coordinate a meeting between PG&E and residents.
 
PG&E held the meeting on Tuesday March 29th in the Orinda Library Auditorium.   Subsequently, Tom met with a number of neighbors (and a reporter) at the site on the afternoon of March 30th to further discuss the project.

Tom has reported to the City that he will hold frequent meetings with neighbors to improve communications. He is hopeful that the meetings will be productive for everyone.
 
Tom also indicated that PG&E will consider neighbors' suggestions for improving the aesthetics of the wall by use of a different color or a mural.
 
In addition, PG&E has committed that the construction hours will comport with the City's construction hours set by local Ordinance in the Municipal Code.
 
Concerns and suggestions regarding noise issues are still being discussed internally by PG&E staff as are proposed changes to the landscaping.
 
PG&E has modified the project schedule to allow more time for community engagement and consideration of suggestions poised by residents.
 
Tom Guarino can be reached at: [email protected]
Orinda Farmers Market
Morning Market & Music - Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm


This interview with Dr. Carolyn Seaton, the new OUSD Superintendant, was conducted by a team of 5th grade students at Del Rey Elementary School as part of their weekly school Newscast: Good Day Del Rey. This exclusive interview was conducted while Dr. Seaton visited Del Rey on Monday, March 21st.

https://vimeo.com/160662896

OUSD representatives thought it would be a great way for the
community to get to know the new Superintendant!
Réka Pigniczky - (filmmaker, Del Rey-OIS parent and Good Day Del Rey producer)
Planning Department    

PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE
Next Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 12th, 2016 at 7:00pm
in the Sarge Littlehale Community Room, located at 22 Orinda Way

NEW PROJECT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED -  
  • Lots 186, 187, 188, 199, 200 & 201 (Windy Creek Way) in the Wilder Community:  Six new, single-family residences on vacant lots ranging from 2,470 to 4,905 square feet (adjusted). Two of the proposed residences (Lots 200 and 201) also include an elevated deck.  
  • 630 Greystone Terrace: Design review application for 1,068 sf addition to existing 2,200 adjusted square foot, single-story residence
  • 30 Charles Hill Circle: Design Review for a proposed 5,126 square-foot, two-story residence and attached garage, with associated landscaping. Project includes an Elevated Deck Permit application for proposed elevated deck attached to the upper level of the residence, and a Tree Removal Permit application for removal of several protected trees to allow for construction of the proposed project, subject to replacement trees per Orinda Municipal Code Sec. 17.21.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES -  
  • 114 Canon Drive: Application for Tree Removal Permit to remove one large Oak tree located by the front of the residence and one large Oak tree at the back of the residence. The trees are damaging hardscape improvements and the residence itself.
  • 62 Sleepy Hollow Lane: Application received for an addition of an approximately 1,050 square-foot elevated deck to the existing single-family residence.
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. 

 
Orinda Police

March 27, 2016 to April 2 ,
2016  
Calls for Service
WELFARE CHECK 1 PATROL REQUEST 8
STOLEN CAR RECOVERY 1 PETTY THEFT 2
911 HANGUP 2 PHONE HARASS 2
ACCIDENT PROPERTY 1 PUBLIC NUISANCE 1
ALARM AUDIBLE 5 RECKLESS DRIVING 1
ALARM FALSE 30 SCHOOL CHECK 1
CIVIL PROBLEM 2 SECURITY CHECK 13
CVC MOVER 20 SERVICE TO CITIZEN 32
CVC NON MOVER 11 SUSP CIRCUMSTANCES 4
DEATH NON CRIMINAL 1 SUSP PERSON STOP 2
FORGERY 1 SUSP VEHICLE STOP 4
FOUND PROPERTY 1 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE 3
IDENTITY THEFT 2 SUSPICIOUS SUBJECT 3
JUVENILE DISTURBANCE 1 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 4
LOUD MUSIC 1 TOW 3
LOUD NOISE 1 TRAFFIC HAZARD 4
MEDICAL POLICE NEEDED 1 VACATION HOUSE CHECK 5
MOTORIST ASSIST 2 VANDALISM 1
OUTSIDE ASSIST 3 VERBAL DISPUTE 1
PARKING DETAIL 25 WARRANT SERVICE 2
    WELFARE CHECK 2
Arrests
DUI 1 H&S POSSESSION OF CONT SUB 2
REVOCATION OF PROBATION 1 WARRANT ARREST 1
H&S POSSESS MARIJUANA 1    
       
To see calls for service locations, please visit www.crimereports.com  
 
Orinda Police

Vandalism - March 30, 2016 - 400 Block Tahos Road
Report concerns the damage of victim's window screens by an unknown suspect. There is video surveillance of an unknown male removing the window screens and attempting to open the window.
 
Petty Theft - March 31, 2-16 - 20 Block Hilldale Court
Report concerns the theft of a microphone from the front of victim's residence. Victim did not give anyone permission to take the microphone and requested prosecution if the microphone was located.
 
BART Police
No Activity Reported.

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 [email protected]
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