City of Orinda est 1985
 Orinda Outlook 

For the week of August 18
, 2014

       By City Manager

     Janet S. Keeter

Brown Bag Lunch with the Mayor 

Mayor Severson will host a second "Brown Bag Lunch" session on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 12:00 noon in the Sarge Littlehale Community Room located at 22 Orinda Way.  If you would like to have "Lunch with the Mayor" please meet at City Hall where there will be a brief tour of City Hall and then a walk up the hill to the new Orinda Union School District (OUSD) building.  No RSVP is necessary - just pack a lunch and join Mayor Severson for an informal lunchtime talk and tour of City Hall and the new OUSD building.

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Public Works 

 

Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission (CIOC) Meeting

The CIOC monthly meeting was held last week. The Commission discussed the scope of the 2015 pavement repair project on Overhill Road and approved the staff recommendation that the entire length on Overhill, from Moraga Way to Tara, be designed and that the design consultant make a recommendation on which section of the road be repaired with the available project funds.  

 

The Commission also discussed how the Measure J funds will be spent. This two-part discussion started with a review of how the funds are to be spent. The question had been raised as to whether the funds could be spent on all road classifications or just on residential roads. The Commission acknowledged that the Measure J ballot language is not specific on the type of roads that can be prepared, but that the discussions at CIOC and City Council and the CIOC and City Council approved Road and Drain Repairs Plan clearly stated that the funds would be used on the worst residential roads.  

 

The second part of this discussion was a review and approval of the policy and criteria that will be used to select the residential roads that will be repaired with the Measure J funds. The approved proposed policy and criteria is a slightly modified version of the policy that is currently being used for Measure L sales tax funds. The policy states the worst residential roads Pavement Condition Index - (PCI<25) with the most traffic will be repaired first. This proposed policy will be presented to the City Council on September 2, 2014 for final approval The last topic of the night was a discussion of a communications plan to keep the community up to date and informed of the progress being made on improving the City's roads. At the  CIOC meeting to be held at 6:30pm on September 10, 2014 staff will present a draft recommendation of the residential streets to be repaired in 2015.

 

2014 Paving Project

The City's paving contractor, Ghilotti Brothers, will begin this week with installation of construction signs and notices to residents. Actual work in the streets is planned to start the last week of August.

 

Public Works:

  • Vegetation trimming on Bear Creek Road and Camino Pablo
  • Completed pothole and patching repairs on Overhill Road
"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Subscribe to the Orinda Outlook and City Email Notifications 

 

The email notification system provides updates on important community alerts, emergency notifications, City Council meetings and soon, Commissions and Committee meeting notices.

 

To subscribe online for the Orinda Outlook, City Council meeting notifications and special emergency updates that may include: road closures, power outages, fallen trees and other important emergency information from the City visit www.cityoforinda.org and click on "subscribe to email notifications."

 

Once you subscribe online you will receive an email verification in your email inbox. Please follow the instructions in the email to confirm your email address was added to the new electronic notification system.

 

Subscribe to email alerts and the Outlook online at www.cityoforinda.org

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Community Policing

Reserve Officer Bryan Walley attended a meeting with the Orinda Oaks Homeowners' Association to discuss recent auto burglaries in their complex.  Residents were very thankful for the visit and information presented by Officer Walley. After his survey of the grounds, Walley presented the group with his observations and recommendations for the parking garage and the living complex to help with security. Some of his suggestions included recommendations for a roll up garage door and perimeter fencing utilizing a fob or key card. Lighting improvements and the use of motion sensor lighting. Other suggestions included not leaving any visible belongings in vehicles and locking car doors.

 

Campers, a Police Car and a Thank You! 

Lynn Galiano, Camp Director at the St. Stephens Church requested Officer Paul Schwind and Reserve Officer Walley to attend a camp session. The group consisted of 5-14 year olds with varying degrees of autism. Officers allowed the kids investigate a patrol car as well as the lights and PA system. Officers tell us that the PA system went over in a big way! The kids also prepared a wonderful thank you complete with "ink prints."




Weekly Crime Statistics  

   

3 - Petty Theft                             500 block Orindawoods Drive
                                                     300 block Camino Sobrante

                                                     20 Hacienda Circle

3 - Traffic Stop Arrest                Moraga Way @ Camino Encinas

                                                     30 block Brookwood Road

                                                     Oak Hill Road @ Mt Diablo Blvd

                                                     Miner Road @ Camino Lenada

1 - Misc. Burglary                       Altarinda Drive @ E Altarinda Drive

1 - Residential Burglary            10 block Sunset Terrace

1 - Fire & Ambulance Arrest     Moraga Way @ Oak Road

   
"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"


If everyone liked the same sounds, noise would not be a problem. What's music to your ears, your neighbor might dislike.

 

In response to public concern with the level of noise from various sources in residential areas The City developed a Noise Ordinance. There are four general sources of noise about which the City receives complaints:             

 

1) construction projects, 2) yard maintenance, 3) swim and social club activities, and 4) golf course maintenance.

 



For more information on Chapter 17.39, the City's Noise Control Ordinance please click here!

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

 

 

Norcal Kids Triathlon

2014 Norcal Kids Triathlon

  Saturday, August 30, 2014 @ 9:00am

 Miramonte High School, Orinda, CA.


This race is dedicated to children from ages 6 through High School.  

Norcal Kids Triathlon is a Super Sprint Triathlon dedicated to encouraging High School students and younger kids to try a new activity,  

remain active and remain healthy.

Registration is now open, make sure you don't wait.  Click Here to register today.
From the Office of the City Clerk

November 2014 City Council Election Update

Last week was the final week of the Nomination period. After last Friday, one incumbent did not file paperwork, so the nomination period was extended for non-incumbents only until Wednesday, August 13th at 5pm. At the close of the extended filing period, there were six candidates that filed and were qualified to run for Orinda City Council in the November 4th Election. The Secretary of State's office held the randomized alphabetical drawing on Thursday, August 14th to determine ballot order for candidates. The candidates (in ballot order) are as follows:  

            • Eve Phillips
            • Dean Orr
            • Carlos Baltodano
            • Linda Delehunt
            • Bob Thompson
            • Amy Worth

Any election related inquiries should be directed to the City Clerk's office.

 

Commission Recruitment

The City Clerk's office has opened the recruitment for the following vacant Commission positions:

 

Planning Commission (1 mid-term)

Statement of Interest Forms will be accepted until Monday, September 8th

 

Historic Landmark Committee (1)

Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee (1)

Liaison to Contra Costa County Library Commission (2)

Statement of Interest Forms will be accepted until Friday, August 29th.

 

Please help spread the word and direct interested parties

to the city's website or to the City Clerk's office.

 

Council Meeting Update

August 19, 2014 City Council Meeting - CANCELLED   


"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"

Parks and Recreation

 

Moonlight Movie Series Closes on August 21 with "The Lego Movie"

The City's inaugural Moonlight Movie series will screen the popular film "The Lego Movie" on Thursday, August 21 at Orinda Community Park. The showing will begin 15 minutes after sunset which is approximately 8:15 pm. Join us for the last family event of the summer. This event is proudly sponsored by the Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation.

 

 

New Coaches Clinic for Volunteer Soccer Coaches   

On Saturday August 9th, OYA held its first ever clinic for Fall Soccer coaches. The clinic featured a one hour classroom session followed by an on-field demonstration by the founder of the National Academy of Athletics, Aaron Locks. Aaron has worked with world renowned coaches such as John Wooden, Pat Riley, Don Nelson and George Karl running their youth camps and programs. Coaches were not only taught drills and how to apply them, but also the importance of making practices/games fun and rewarding while also teaching children the fundamental skills. Aaron also instructed coached on how to work with parents and to effectively communicate with the young athletes.   

  

After that, Christina Hickey, Community Education Coordinator for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County gave a presentation on preventing, identifying, and reporting child abuse. Christina gave a great interactive presentation with several real life scenarios that were presented to groups of coaches who were working in teams to figure out how to best handle each issue.

  

To end the clinic, OYA staff went over the revamped divisions and rules that are new this year to OYA. Before leaving, each coach picked up equipment and uniforms. In all, the clinic lasted 3.5 hours and was much appreciated by the coaches in attendance. In order to accommodate all coaches, a second clinic is planned for Wednesday, August 20th from 5pm-8:30pm. In order to better prepare coaches and create a better environment for participants, OYA is now requiring every coach to attend either an in-person clinic or online training.

   

New Classes are Offered for Fall Session, Register Today!

We are happy to introduce new adult classes to our Fall programs that are now open for enrollment! Come break a sweat and learn some dance moves in our new Belly dance class being held on Wednesday evenings. Learn how to apply Feng Shui principles to your residential or business place in our Feng Shui workshops. Get tips on how to prepare healthy and tasty meals for your picky eaters in our Nourishment for Healthy and Happy Families Workshops. Pick up a Fall/Winter 2014 Activity guide to learn more and register.

 

Seniors Will Visit Renovated Exploratorium in September

Our next senior trip on Wednesday, September 10, we will be visiting the new and improved Exploratorium in San Francisco! Afterwards we will be walking down the Embarcadero to visit the Ferry Building so guests can grab a bite at The Slanted Door and browse the many vendors. Transportation and lunch not included in the trip cost, register now online or at the Community Center.

 

New Sculpture by Jeff Downing Landed in Upper Library Plaza


 In 2013, the City commissioned a sculpture by artist Jeff Downing.  

The sculpture titled "Signals" is similar to an installation

Mr. Downing had on exhibit years ago in the lower plaza.  

The artwork is funded by private donations and Park Dedication funds.

 

Cal Swim Teams host an Event Benefiting Orinda Parks and Recreation

On September 28, the swim teams at Cal will participate in a unique event to benefit the Orinda community, "Swimming with the Stars". The event will feature Cal Head Women's Swim Coach Teri McKeever and Cal Head Men's Swim Coach Dave Durden and members of current and past Cal Swim and Water Polo teams. Coaches and athletes will provide insight into becoming an elite swimmer and encourage young athletes to strive for personal and academic success. Tickets include lunch, meet and greet, autographs, and demonstrations by the Cal athletes. Children in 7th grade and below can purchase a VIP ticket for an exclusive in the pool session with current and former Cal athletes. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at www.oprfoundation.org.

   

"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City" 

The "Community Emergency Response Team" has scheduled all-hazard training courses. The courses are part of FEMA's Citizen Corps program. This valuable course is designed to help you take care of yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

 

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster preparedness where citizens learn to take independent actions that are critical to their safety. Many people will respond to others in need without training but the CERT course is designed to help them do so safely and effectively.

 

You can take CERT training at the Orinda Library beginning

 

 Thursday, September 11, 2014 

from 6:30 -9:30 pm

the 6 classes and a drill

are presented by Lamorinda CERT,  

a FEMA accredited program.

 

Register for the classes at lamorindacert.org 

Planning Department

Planning Commission

August 12, 2014

  • 72 La Cuesta - Design review and elevated deck permit for a 441 square foot addition - Approved.
  • 84 Mossbridge - Design review and tree removal permit for a 4,925 square foot single family residence - Continued to August 26
  • 19 Big Leaf Road - Elevated deck - Approved
  • 17 Big Leaf Road- design review for a new single family house - Denied.
  • 6 Great Oaks Circle - Temporary event permit for application to allow a fundraiser - Approved

August 26, 2014

  • 7 Big Leaf Road - Design review for a new 3,796 square foot single family residence
  • 84 Mossbridge - Design review and tree removal permit for a 4,925 square foot single family residence - Continued from August 12

Zoning Administrator - Projects Posted

  • 44 Orinda View Road - Exception permit for construction of a potting shed in the front yard setback

Zoning Administrator - Projects Approved

  • 1 La Chesnaye - Design review for construction of a pool house
  • 29 Knickerbocker Lane - Elevated deck permit

New Projects Received

  • 605 Miner Road - Design review, exception permit, and general use permit to construct a 2nd Unit over a new three car garage
  • 501 Moraga Way - Temporary event permit for St. John Orthodox Church's annual festival
  • Estates Court (vacant lot) - Design review for a new 4,034 square foot single family residence
"The Nation's 2nd Friendliest City"
  

"Fresh Fruits and Vegetables from our Farms to your Table!"

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