Below Market Rate (BMR) Workshop

On January 13, 2014, the City hosted a well-attended public workshop on the affordable for-sale units at Orinda Grove. The Planning Department's efforts to get the word out was very successful as evidenced by the full auditorium with over 105 prospective applicants in attendance, including many that work in Orinda. After the panel presentation, staff fielded questions ranging from "What constitutes a 'household'?" to "How much are the Home Owner's Association (HOA) dues?" Questions raised at the workshop along with answers to the questions will be posted to the City's website.

A big "thank you" to all that helped prepare for the workshop and helped it run as smoothly as it did. It was a well-coordinated effort between the City Council Affordable Housing Subcommittee, City Manager's office, Planning Department, City Attorney's office, Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Walnut Creek and Pulte. Child care was offered in the Community Center with a number of children in attendance.

The initial application deadline is February 18, 2014 and 11 initial applications have been received as of January 16, 2014. After the initial application deadline, applications will reviewed for eligibility. Eligible applicants will be placed in two categories, those that work in Orinda and those that do not work in Orinda and a random drawing of the applicants names will be held at a public meeting starting with applicants that work in Orinda. Applicants will be eligible to qualify to purchase a BMR home in the order in which their names are drawn.

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Collection barrels were placed at City offices, the Orinda Union School District Office and four schools. Republic Services graciously offered to match the total collection efforts.  To date, 5,582 pounds of food have been donated to the Contra Costa Food Bank.  Republic Services staff collected the food and delivered it to the Food Bank.

"It was heartwarming to see the excitement and determination of the children as we collected their donations from the schools.  To see them be directly involved in such a worthwhile cause was a great opportunity for us. We were happy to match their efforts and help to make an impact for the Contra Costa Food Bank," said Tim Argenti, General Manager, Republic Services.

The final phase of Orinda's "Cans for Cause" will take place February 3rd through February 14th at Glorietta Elementary School.  Specially marked collection containers will be placed on campus for collection of non-perishable and shelf stable food items. For more information contact Aimee Stevens, Food Drive Coordinator at 925-570-5654.  

Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC)

Three residents along Dalewood Drive spoke during the public comment period regarding their concerns about speeding vehicles in their neighborhood. They submitted a traffic calming request which included speed humps, lane narrowing with striping, and speed feedback signs along Dalewood Drive. Their request was received by staff and will be agendized for the February 24, 2014 TSAC meeting. 

TSAC reviewed a list of six potential TDA grant projects identified in the Bikeways, Trails, and Walkways Master Plan. All of the projects were small scale projects that could be funded by typical TDA allocations of approximately $100,000. TSAC recommended to the City Council that Staff should apply for the BART Path Access Ramp and Lighting Improvements project. This project, if funded, would upgrade the pedestrian connection between the sidewalk along Camino Pablo and the end of Bryant Way near Theatre Square by installing an ADA accessible ramp and improving the lighting along the Camino Pablo sidewalk underneath the Highway 24 and BART overpasses.  

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City" 

Pavement Management Program

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City" 

  "The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency in the State on January 17, 2014 due to water shortfalls.  We have been asked to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20% and we should all conserve water where we can.  Information on being "WaterSmart" can be found on the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) website at:   

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Crime Statistics

The detectives continue to work to prevent burglaries, and they packaged several cases to present to the District Attorney's office.

Orinda Officer Dustin Gregory has been re-assigned to the Orinda Traffic position where he will focus on traffic calming, accidents, burglary suppression and school resource duties.

Chief Haggard was interviewed by a Miramonte student journalist who inquired about the crime trends and crime prevention in the City of Orinda.  The Chief answered  "in depth" questions that were on point and well informed relating to property crimes from the budding journalist. 

Officer Zach Williams provided ways to protect personal information at the Orinda Senior Village and the seniors found the information to be helpful and informative.