City of Orinda est 1985
 O rinda Outlook 

For the week of May 30, 2016

       By City Manager  

      Janet S. Keeter

Public Works and Engineering Services

The City of Orinda is making progress in fixing public roads but still has a long way to go given road conditions, miles of roads, and limited revenues.   With that said, however, the Public Works Department has contracted for over $12 million for road improvements spanning the 2014 - 2016 project years.  The current estimate for the 2017 project is $10.6 million dollars which will exhaust the remaining local Measure J funds leaving the City with limited funds for future roads projects unless new revenue sources come to fruition.   Public Works staff remind residents to report potholes or road safety issues so that the City crews can make urgent road repairs.   More information regarding the City's road repair plan, lists of roads, and before and after road repair plans can be found by clicking here.

 

2015 Annual and Measure J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Last week the paving contractor, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., continued raising all utility valves and manhole covers (this activity is usually called "raising iron"). This activity will last one (1) additional week. The contractor also applied hot mix asphalt (HMA) to small areas at Mira Loma Road and installed AC dikes (asphalt curbs) at Calvin Drive, Canon Drive, Moraga Via and Overhill Road.

  

This week , the contractor will finalize the installation of AC dikes at Ardor Drive, Camino Sobrante, Overhill Road, St. Stephens Drive and Valley Drive. Bay Cities Paving and Grading, Inc. will also initiate striping activities on the 25 street sections of the project. These activities will last approximately two (2) weeks. The contractor also will work on the Punch List provided by the City. The list defines items to be corrected by the contractor by June 10, 2016.

2016 Annual and Measure J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project

Last week the City held a pre-bid meeting for this project. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of July 2016.  As part of the project, City staff and consultants have identified various trees located in the public right-of-way that will require an Arborist consultation to trim the branches or remove the tree. The locations of these trees are:

 

-Three (3) trees in front of 24 Altamount Drive.

-One (1) tree in front of 50 Berkeley Ave.

-One (1) tree at the back of 15 Los Altos Road.

-One (1) tree in front of 14 Bobolink Road.

-One (1) tree at the intersection of Manzanita Drive and Bobolink Road.

-One (1) tree in front of 11A Charles Hill Circle

-Two (2) trees in front of 46 Charles Hill Circle

-One (1) tree in front of 29 El Gavilan Rd.

-One (1) tree in front of 11 El Gavilan Rd.

-One (1) tree in front of 4 Camino del Diablo.

-One (1) tree at the corner of Estates Drive and Estates Court.

-One (1) tree in front of 29 Greenwood Ct.

-One (1) tree at back on 1 Easton Ct. (near Hall Dr.)

-One (1) tree in front of 1 Idyll Ct.(on Moraga Via)

-One (1) tree in front of 45 Moraga Via

-One (1) tree at back of 6 Rustic Way (on Moraga Via)

-One (1) tree in front of 27 Oakwood Rd.

-Two (2) trees in front of 37-41 Via Farallon.

-One (1) tree at back of 112 Camino Sobrante (on Via Farallon)

-Two (2) trees in front of 6 Via Farallon.

-Two (2) trees in front of 1 Warford Terrace

-One (1) tree in front of 7 Warford Terrace

 

The trimming of tree branches is necessary to provide a fifteen (15) foot vertical clearance from the edge of the roadway, which is required by the Moraga Orinda Fire District (MOFD) Ordinance #13-01, and adopted by the City of Orinda. The clearance is required for the safety of fire equipment, fire fighters and the public as explained by the Fire Marshal in October 2015 in a letter related to three (3) trees on Mira Loma Road. The Arborist may determine that the trimming branches, may make the tree unstable and recommend tree removal instead.  It is possible that some of these trees will be removed.

In addition, there are four (4) trees in front of 137 Goodfellow Drive that will need to be removed in order to replace the existing damaged curb and gutter to prevent premature road base failure under the new pavement.

 

North Lane Storm Water Mitigation Project

Last week, City engineering staff, the construction management consultant (ANCHOR Engineering), personnel from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and contractor (Bay Cities Paving & Grading Inc.) held a pre-construction meeting. Construction is expected to start in late June 2016.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings 

City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda CA 94563

Parks and Recreation Committee
Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 7:00pm
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda CA 94563
Orinda residents will find it a little easier to vote this upcoming election, as the County Elections Office has teamed up with the City of Orinda to offer a convenient "CoCo Vote-N-Go" drop off locat ion prior to and on Election Day at City Hall in Orinda, at 22 Or inda Way.
 
The distinguishable red box is available during normal city business hours Monday - Friday 8am -  5pm (Closed between Noon - 1pm). City staff members will also have the popular "I Voted" stickers upon request for those who drop off their ballots.
 
The secure, steel drop-off box is in place at the Orinda City Hall located at 22 Orinda Way!  
 
Ballots may also be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Elections Office in Martinez, located at 555 Escobar St., or at any polling place on Election Day.
 
For more information, contact Michele Olsen, City Clerk at molsen@cityoforinda.org or at 925-253-4221.


City of Orinda Downtown and Affected Neighborhoods Parking Study

TJKM will present their findings on the parking data collection and provide analysis, recommendations and the results of the survey at a second community meeting that is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 7:00pm, in the Library Auditorium.

TJKM will also discuss their next steps as they prepare a DRAFT report that is expected within 3 weeks of the meeting which will be reviewed by staff and conclude in a final report to be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.

This meeting is the next phase of the Parking Study that has included: 1 public meeting on January 27, 2016 and 2 stakeholder meetings (January 6, 2016 and another on March 30, 2016).
Planning Department  


PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATES - ACTION MINUTES for May 24, 2016 MEETING 

Continued Public Hearings: 
  • 149 Hall Drive - The Planning Commission will hold a continued public hearing to consider a Design Review application to allow a new 1,399 adjusted square foot single-family residence on a vacant parcel.
    • ACTION: This project and its Statement of Official Action were approved as recommended by Staff, by a majority (4-1) vote.
New Public Hearings: 
  • 98 Diablo View Road - The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Design Review application to allow a 1,435 square-foot addition to an existing 4,874 square-foot residence. The addition will create a new 1,157 square-foot second-story above the existing garage, a 139 square-foot hallway to attach the existing lanai, and a 127 square-foot addition for the stairs leading to the second-story. The property is located in the Ridgeline Overlay District.
    • ACTION: Due to public comments received during the hearing, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to continue this item to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission as a result of a survey requirement being placed on the applicant for purposes of establishing easement, right of way and property ownership with the adjacent neighboring property to the south of the proposed project site. 
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission,  
will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 7:00PM  
in the Library Auditorium located at 26 Orinda Way

PROJECT APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL: 
  • 7 Oak Flat Road - The City Council will hold a public hearing for an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a design review application for a 4,170 adjusted square foot, two-story home at 7 Oak Flat Road. The design includes two elevated decks and requires removal of five protected trees. The project was previously continued at a Planning Commission hearing on January 12, 2016 before being approved at a hearing on April 12, 2016. The appeal will be heard before the City Council at the Special City Council Meeting of May 31, 2016 at 7:00PM in the Library Auditorium located at 26 Orinda Way
NEW PROJECTS: 
  • 10 Berkley Avenue - Design review application for conversion of 995 square feet of existing partial crawlspace/basement to conditioned space in an existing single family residence. An exception is sought because the project would add new square footage within a house that currently does not conform to side yard setback requirements.   
  • 12 Camio Encinal (Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation) - Sign Permit application received, to consider one new wall sign on the north wall of the existing structure at the subject property. 
  • 55 Camino Encinas - Tree Removal Permit application, requesting to remove three Coast Live Oak trees located at the rear of the subject property. According to an arborist report submitted with the application, the subject trees are leaning significantly and are potential safety issues. 
  • Lots 172, 180, 181, 182, 183 at Wilder (located on Monkey Flower Lane) - Design Review applications received for five, new, single-family residences on vacant lots in the Wilder subdivision ranging from 2,452 to 4,894 square-feet (adjusted)
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES & POSTINGS: 
119 Coral Drive - Tree Removal Permit application to remove one 17-inch Coast Live Oak in the rear yard of a developed parcel. The tree is near death due to water damage. 
 Parks and Recreation  

Night for Teens
  
The Orinda Teen Advisory Council (OTAC) hosted 16 teens at their first ever Awards Night on Friday, May 20. The night began with ice breakers and team building games inside the Orinda Community Center before quickly moving to the park for a game of Ultimate Frisbee. After an hour of fun in the park, members went back into the Community Center for a potluck dinner. The night finished with Co-Chairs Carolyn Brager and Ellie Nelson recognizing the 2015-2016 officers and honoring 6 outgoing seniors.
 
Officer Election Deadline Approaching
The officer application deadline is fast approaching for the Orinda Teen Advisory Council (OTAC). If you know a teen who wants to get involved in local government, volunteer and give back to their community, joining the OTAC is the perfect way to do so.
 
OTAC plans events for local teens, creates and participates in local volunteer projects and conducts monthly charity drives. Participating in OTAC is a great way to gain experience organizing and producing events while giving back to the community. If you are not ready to be an officer, new members are also needed for the upcoming school year. Members attend meetings and participate in events but do not run for a position and have less responsibility than officers. If interested, please attend the next meeting.
Applications for the 2016-2017 school year are due by Wednesday, June 1 and positions will be announced at the June 6 meeting. For officer descriptions click here , and for an officer application click here . For questions and to mail applications contact Troy Faulk at 28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 or tfaulk@cityoforinda.org .
 
May Madness: Spring Basketball Champions 
Last week, Shawshank defeated the Piedmont High School All Stars 57-54 to take home their first ever Adult Basketball League Championship and have their name added to the Orinda Cup.
 
The Summer Adult Basketball League starts June 7 and is played on Tuesday and Thursday nights; the deadline to register is Wednesday, June 1. If interested please contact Troy Faulk at tfaulk@cityoforinda.org .  
The Boys of Summer
The Historic Orinda Summer Softball League is back for its 28th year. This year we are offering a 40+ Senior League (Monday nights), Men's League (Tuesday and Wednesday nights) and a Co-ed League (Friday nights).
Please note that the deadline to register is Wednesday June 1. If interested please contact Troy Faulk at tfaulk@cityoforinda.org .
 
Tot Lot Maintenance Update
 
The City recently closed the Tot Lot closest to the tennis courts in the Orinda Community Center Park. In this play area, which is for children 5 to 12 years of age, the existing sand was replaced with new engineered wood fiber chips. Thank you to members of the community for your cooperation in observing the closure. Within minutes of adding the engineered wood fiber the tot lot was open for play.
 
New Wisdom Workshops
The Orinda Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce and invite members of the community to the new Wisdom Workshops! These are free informational seminars and workshops geared for adults and seniors that will cover a variety of topics such as community resources, travel, wellness, and more! Join the new Wisdom Workshops in June and find out about what your local community has to offer you. Participation is free and registration is not required.                       
Wisdom Workshop: Orinda Library
June 6, 10:30 a.m.
Orinda Library, Study Room A
 
Are you aware of all the programs the Orinda Library has to offer?  Presenter Stephen DeFrank, an Orinda librarian, will be here to present all the current and upcoming program and services the library has to offer for you and your family members.  Do not miss this informational presentation. 
 
Wisdom Workshop: Lamorinda Village
June 15, 10:30 a.m.
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
 
Lamorinda Village is a community-based network of people 55 years and older living in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda who are actively building a community that embraces connections, caring, and  choices in how we live and thrive. Amongst the benefits of membership are home-based volunteer services such as transportation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, minor household repairs, and friendly visitors. One-call concierge referrals to screened service providers including gardeners, painters, attorneys, accountants, and personal care attendants. Cultural, social, and educational events; health, wellness, and fitness activities, and more. Executive Director, Anne Ornelas, will share how a Village can be part of your long term plan to remain in your home.
Volunteer Emergency Communicators
Demo at Moraga Commons June 25
 
Lamorinda Area Radio Interest Group invites you to visit Moraga Commons for Field Day, the most popular amateur radio on-the-air event in North America. The annual event, hosted by the American Radio Relay League, is free and open to the public. This year's Field Day also honors the centennial celebration of the National Parks Service.

LARIG participants join more than 35,000 amateurs nationwide for this event. Field Day is partly educational, partly an operating event and all about fun! Field Day is on-the-air radio "tag" challenging clubs to connect with as many stations as possible in a 24 hour period. LARIG power is provided by batteries, generators or solar power and demonstrates its off-the-grid capabilities in event of emergency.

LARIG volunteers train to assist civic and first responders in event of emergency and also provide radio communications during community events such as Moraga Treeline Triathlon, Nor Cal Kids' Triathlon, Orinda 4 th of July Parade and Lafayette Art & Wine fest. Members are FCC licensed and supply their own equipment.
Field Day operating hours are 11 a.m. to dusk.
 
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LARIG is an amateur radio club whose members serve as volunteer communicators for the civic and emergency needs of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Canyon. It was established in 2007 and given the call sign K6ORI. LARIG is a 501 c (3) corporation and affiliated with the American Radio Relay League. Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lamorinda-Area-Radio-Interest-Group-252700361590786/

Orinda Police

Grand Theft from Building - May 22, 2016 - 70 Block Davis Rd.
 
Report concerns unknown suspect(s) cutting the lock off of the door of victim's detached garage on his property and making entry. The suspect(s) took approximately $1,700.00 worth of items.
 
Petty Theft - Shoplift - May 24, 2016 - Safeway
 
Report concerns two unknown suspects taking approximately $25 worth of alcohol from the Orinda Safeway and leaving without paying.
 
 
BART Police  
 
Grand Theft (Catalytic Converter) - Orinda Station
 
5/24/2016 1122 Hours
A victim reported the theft of their catalytic converter from their 2004 Honda Element. The converter was taken while the vehicle was parked in the west lot on 5/23 between 0730-1900 hours. 1605-1587 L16
 
Grand Theft (Catalytic Converter) - Orinda Station
 
5/25/2016 1305 Hours
A victim reported the theft of their catalytic converter from their vehicle while it was parked at the station on 5/23 between 0700-1730 hours. 1605-1675 L16
 

May 22, 2016 to May 28, 2016
Calls for Service
ALARM CALL 20 OUTSIDE ASSIST 5
AUTO BURGLARY 1 PANHANDLING 2
BARKING DOG 1 PARKING DETAIL 18
CIVIL PROBLEM 2 PATROL REQUEST 12
CVC MOVING DETAIL 22 PETTY THEFT 2
CVC NON MOVING DETAIL 15 PUBLIC ASSEMBLY CHECK 1
DEATH NON CRIMINAL 2 RECKLESS DRIVING 3
DUI MISD 1 SCHOOL CHECK 3
FOUND PROPERTY 2 SECURITY CHECK 6
GRAND THEFT FROM BUILDING 1 SERVICE TO CITIZEN 29
HIT AND RUN FELONY 1 SUSPICIOUS   CIRCUMSTANCES 2
IDENTITY THEFT 1 SUSPICIOUS   PERSON STOP 6
JUVENILE DISTURBANCE 1 SUSPICIOUS SUBJECT 8
MEDICAL HOSPITAL 1 TC - PROPERTY DAMAGE 2
MOTORIST ASSIST 4 TRESPASS 1
OCCUPIED STALLED VEHICLE 2 VACATION HOUSE CHECK 12
ORDINANCE VIOLATION 2 WELFARE CHECK 2
Arrests
DUI  1    
To see calls for service locations, please visit www.crimereports.com

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