City of Orinda est 1985
 Orinda Outlook
"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

For the week of June 17, 2013

 By City Manager

Janet S. Keeter
Police Activity
  
Orinda Police arrests included possession of dangerous drugs and needles, an arrest for DUI and a Warrant arrest for burglary and possession of burglary tools.
  
The Investigation Unit continued a follow up investigation on recent residential burglaries and they filed 2 DUI cases and a domestic case.
  
Last Friday officers responded to a residential burglary where the suspects kicked the front door of a house. The homeowner was home and called the police. The area was searched but the suspect was not found. A neighbor was contacted, and he stated that he saw the suspects in the neighborhood jumping a fence about half hour before the incident. The neighbor stated that he was in a hurry and did not have time to call the police. We would like to remind  everyone that the police need your help in apprehending suspects. Do not hesitate to call when you notice suspicious activity.
  
Orinda officers were on hand for graduation ceremonies at Miramonte High School and Orinda Intermediate School. The officers directed traffic after the ceremonies to avoid gridlock in the surrounding neighborhood.
  
Officers Pryor and Patacsil attended a neighborhood watch meeting and answered questions about recent burglaries and crime trends. They also stressed for the community to be vigilant - know your neighbors and the vehicles they drive and communicate with your neighbors when you plan to be away from your home for an extended time.
  
Orinda Police Chief Haggard was interviewed by the news680-24 blog.  The insightful video of our new Police Chief is on their website at: 

Public Works and Engineering Services

 

The Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission (CIOC) held their monthly meeting last Wednesday. The CIOC reviewed and reconfirmed their Measure L street selection recommendation from May and will present that recommendation to City Council on July 2nd. The CIOC recommendation will be that, (1) repair Charles Hill Road from Honey Hill to Soule Road, (2) repair Lost Valley from the PG&E station at least as far as the next two road segments, (3) and to defer a recommendation on a 10 year Measure L funded improvement plan and final selection criteria until later in 2013 when more complete selection data will be available.

 

This week City staff completed two important milestones on the Tarabrook Storm Drainage project.  On Monday staff reviewed proposals for construction management services from five consultants. Staff will recommend that Council award a construction management contract at the July 2nd council meeting. On Thursday staff submitted the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) to the Corps of Engineers, Division of Fish and Wildlife and the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board. This required the cooperation of five property owners in the project area. This week we will start advertising for construction bids.

Parks & Recreation

 

The Parks and Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, June 12 and discussed options for improving the Orinda Sports Fields, Mini-Park Renovation timeline, and hosting an event for the Lamorinda Commissioners in the fall.

 

Orinda Community Park will be jumping with the sounds of the Cal Alumni Big Band on Tuesday, June 18th beginning at 6:30pm. Bring a chair, blanket, picnic, and your favorite beverage for an evening of free entertainment. Concerts are sponsored by the Orinda Community Center Auxiliary with generous financial contributions provided by Orinda Community Foundation and Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation.

 

Recreation

The Adult Softball Season started on June 17th with a total of 37 teams.  The softball league has grown since last summer. There are now five divisions: Competitive (Tues.), Competitive (Wed.), Recreational (Thurs.), Recreational (35+),and Co-ed. Games take place at the Wilder Fields, Orinda Sports Fields, and at Joaquin Moraga.

 

Children's Camps began this week.  Activities consist of Art, Basketball, Carpentry, Camp Orinda, OK Camp, Orinda Summer Enrichment, Cooking, Dance, Fashion, Flag Football, Soccer, Tennis, Musical Theater (Willy Wonka), Orinda Little Theater (Frog Princess), and a fun writing class.  Over 180 children are registered for summer camps during the week of June 17.  Sign up for future weeks of summer camps at www.cityoforinda.org.

 

Parents remember to discuss with your child where you will meet them after a class or camp prior to dropping them off at the Community Center or satellite camp location.  Possible locations are inside the classroom or field, at the playground or in the lobby. Setting a meeting point will ensure that you and your child are able to reconnect as soon as possible at the end of the day.

 

Maintenance

Repair work to restore power to the Wilder Sports Field lighting has been completed. Sports field lighting at both fields will be operational this weekend.

 

City staff will have a pre-construction meeting with Columbia Electric, Inc. on Tuesday, June 18th at 1:00pm to discuss the schedule for completing the electrical upgrades at Orinda Community Park.

 

The water main which feeds to the Orinda Community Center, Library and Park blew a gasket on Wednesday at about 3:00 pm. Kudos to Facility Maintenance Worker, Antonio Arroyo and Parks and Facilities Supervisor, Jim Arth for working quickly to reduce the damage and water loss. In addition, Jim stayed late and arrived early to ensure that the mainline was operational by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday to reduce the impact to participants, Library patrons, tenants, and Café Teatro.  
Janet Keeter
City Manager

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