On February 18, 2015 Chief Nagel attended a regional meeting in Walnut Creek regarding regulating the taxi industry in Orinda and neighboring cities.  Part of the regional regulation will include background checks, ensuring drivers have adequate insurance, a drug and alcohol check and regular vehicle inspections.  It was a very productive meeting with numerous law enforcement representatives from neighboring agencies providing suggestions and making recommendations.  Additional meetings are planned to continue the progress towards regulating the taxi industry in Lamorinda.  

On February 25, 2015 Chief Nagel will be speaking at the St. Stephens Hilltop Neighborhood Ready Lamorinda Emergency Preparedness Program at the Orinda Library Auditorium. The Chief will be one of three presenters for the evening covering a wide range of topics around emergency preparedness.  Some of the topics being discussed around crime prevention are: 

• Efforts being made by the Police Department to reduce crime
• Main crime concerns for Orinda residents to be aware of
• What information from residents is helpful for the police
• What questions do dispatchers ask when residents call 9-1-1

A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

The City continues to research the use of cameras for neighborhood security purposes.  Staff originally planned to bring the item to the City Council March 3^rd, however, the report will not be ready in time for the deadline.  A new date will be announced shortly. 

If you would like more information, please contact me at 925-254-6820. 

DROP-OFF BOXES RETURN TO CONTRA COSTA CITY HALLS THIS SPRING

Residents will be able to save postage and time with expanding vote-by-mail program

Contra Costa residents residing in the 7^th Senatorial District will find it easier to vote in the upcoming March 17^th Special Primary Election, as the County Elections Office and City Clerks are again teaming up to provide convenient  "CoCo Vote-N-Go" drop off  locations prior to and on Election Day.

Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Walnut Creek are participating for the March 17^th Election (these are all the cities that are in the 7^th Senatorial District).   The secure, steel drop-off boxes will be in place at the listed city halls, starting the week of February 23^rd - one week after permanent vote-by-mail ballots were mailed.  Days and hours of availability will vary by city.

The distinguishable red boxes will be available during normal city business hours. City staff members will also have the popular "I Voted" stickers upon request for those who drop off their ballots. Contra Costa voters can drop their ballot at any city hall, regardless of where they live. County elections officials will regularly pick up collected ballots.  Ballots may also be dropped off between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at the County Elections Office in Martinez, located at 555 Escobar Street, or at any polling place on Election Day.

For more information about voting by mail, call 925-335-7800 or visit the  

County Elections website at www.cocovote.us.

Crime Statistics for 02-08-15 to 02-14-15

2 - Petty Theft                                  80 block Muth Drive

                                             20 block Bates Blvd

1 - Identity Theft                              100 block Crest View Drive

1 - Residential Burglary                   20 block Scenic Drive

1 - Grand Theft                                10 block Bobolink Road

Planning Department 

Planning Commission

February 24, 2015

• 72 La Cuesta Drive - Re-submittal of a design review and elevated deck permit applications to allow a 441 square foot addition to a two-story 2,111 square foot residence that was previously approved by the Planning Commission

Projects Received -

• 82 Lucille Way - Conceptual development review for construction of two houses on two vacant lots

• 40 Hilldale Court - Conceptual development review to construct a 1,895 square foot addition 

Parks and Recreation     

Last Call for Orinda Youth Association Spring Registrations  - The sun is shining and spring sports are quickly approaching. This year we are offering T-ball, Incrediball, Softball and Spring Soccer for boys and girls ages 4 through 8. By participating in sports, children are immersed into a world that provides them physical activity, an opportunity to build their self-esteem and confidence, and a safe place to develop social skills.

Our Incrediball and Softball Leagues are moving from the Glorietta School Field to the newly opened Pine Grove Fields. Coaches are already raving about the new fields and dugouts which are safer for the young players. The deadline to register for any Orinda Youth Association sport is March 3; space is limited so sign up today to ensure your child's roster spot.

Spring Adult Basketball is back!  -  There's nothing like hearing your shoes squeak on the basketball court as you're running and maneuvering quick turns during a game. Now is your last chance to register your team or add yourself as a free agent in the Spring Adult Basketball (5-on-5) league. Games for this 10-week league begin the week of March 3 and are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Wagner Ranch Gym. The deadline to register is Wednesday, February 25. For more information or for registration forms click here; you may also call (925) 254-2445.

Body-Mind Fitness in the form of NiaŽ

The City of Orinda provides a unique fitness class that is hard to find anywhere else. NiaŽ is cardiovascular fitness that blends movements from dance, martial and healing arts. This form of exercise offers full-body conditioning to increase flexibility, mobility, agility and strength. NiaŽ, which is offered Friday mornings at the Orinda Community Center, can be viewed on the City's YouTube channel. Click here to see what the Instructor, Janet Kaufman, has to say about her playful class.