Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
Mayor's Community Liaison Meeting
Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 8:30am
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 8, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission
Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 6:30pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Parks & Recreation Commission
Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 7:00pm
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 9456
Public Safety Committee
Monday, September 14, 2015, 6:30pm
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee (PWARC)
Monday, September 21, 2015, 9:00am
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
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It's that time of year, school has started and after a long summer break, we want to remind drivers, pedestrians and bicyclist of specific recommendations regarding driving near school zones.
The Orinda Police Department has already received a number of complaints regarding drivers not making complete stops or not following direction signs at almost every school zone in Orinda.
Listed below are tips for driving in a school zone (especially during drop-off and dismissal times).
1. Slow down. The simplest thing any driver can do when there are new or unfamiliar driving hazards is slow down.
2. Allow More Time. As a new school year begins allow yourself more time to get where you are going until you can figure out the effects of increased traffic.
3. Stay Alert! Make a mental note of any new bus stops or students walking to and from school. This way you won't be surprised and will be prepared if you need to stop.
4. Learn the Rules. Schools usually have places for parents to drop off and pick up children. If you are driving your child to school learn where these areas are and follow the procedures. If you need to go into the school ask where you can park your vehicle so traffic can continue to move smoothly. Never block the pick-up and drop off areas. It just causes more traffic and other drivers will try to go around the stopped car.
5. Stop for School Buses. When the red lights are flashing, stop. It is against the law to pass a school bus when the lights are on. This applies to all lanes in the same direction.
6. Use a What If Strategy. What if that child darts out in front of me? What if that car stops short? Remember young children are not able to accurately determine the speed of an oncoming vehicle and may take risks crossing the street. Use the "what if" strategy to keep you alert.
7. Yield to Pedestrians. Remember to yield to children/parents in crosswalks. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk they have the right-of-way.
8. Carpool. If at all possible carpool with other parents to pick up and drop off children. This reduces congestion and can even save you money. Also, if you have an older student who is allowed to drive to school, have him/her carpool as well.
9. Talk with Teen Drivers. Remind your teen drivers about the importance of being extra careful in and around school zones.
10. Follow the Speed Limit. Most schools have reduced speed zones around them. Following the speed limit reduces the chances of you being in a crash and improves the chances for survival if a crash does occur.
Bonus! Follow the directions on traffic signs. "No left turn" means no left turns.
By following these safety tips we can prevent accidents, protect the children and keep the roads safe.
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Public Works and Engineering Services
Alhambra Valley Road Closure - Cancelled
Last week, Contra Costa County Public Works announced the full closure of Alhambra Valley Road one half mile east of the intersection of Bear Creek Road. The City was informed on Friday, that the full closure has been cancelled after the considerable public concerns were received regarding the long detour route.
The construction work will still commence in early September but will now continue through early February using one lane traffic control, therefore expect delays of 10-15 minutes.
Please proceed with caution in the one-lane alternating traffic control and obey the temporary traffic light, as there will be obstructed sight distance of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes such as Highways 4 or 24. Please contact the County's Resident Engineer, Sunny Jhutti at (415) 246-4920 or email SunnyJ@Hannagrp.com for additional information, questions, or concerns.
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Congressman DeSaulnier invites you to attend a town hall meeting to listen to a presentation and legislative update, share your thoughts on issues important to you and your family, and learn about the broad range of constituent services his office can provide to you. In an effort to be accessible to our community, he is hosting a town hall meeting here in Orinda. For more information please click here Orinda Town Hall Wednesday, September 2, 2015
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
(Check-in begins at 6:00 PM)
Orinda Library Auditorium
26 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA, 94563 |
No Transbay BART Service September 5th through September 7th
Building a better BART is the plan to repair and replace the 42-year-old train system's deteriorating tracks, speed control equipment and other aging infrastructure in order to maintain BART's safety record, increase train reliability, reduce traffic and protect the environment by keeping hundreds of thousands of cars off the road in the decades to come.
The dates and times of the track closures are as follows:
September 5-7 - From the end of service Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday (reminder, Monday is a holiday and BART will operate on a Sunday schedule).
Regular train service will resume for the Tuesday morning commute.
BART is encouraging travelers to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary transbay travel, or to find alternate means of transportation across the Bay during Labor Day weekend. BART will close the West Oakland Station and will not run trains between West Oakland and Embarcadero stations on September 5,6, &7th, while we repair a critical section of track near the Transbay Tube.
Bus Bridge Details BART will offer lifeline bus service between 19th Street in Oakland and the Temporary Transbay Terminal in San Francisco, but the buses are intended only for those who have no other options. The buses will carry customers from 19th Street Station in Oakland to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in San Francisco (a 2 block walk to the Embarcadero Station) or from there back to the East Bay. There will be no additional charge for the bus. The bus bridge will cause delays of 30 minutes to one hour for some customers. Check out the " tips" page for more details about how to get from the Temporary Transbay Terminal to the Embarcadero Station. Accommodations will be available for people with disabilities.
Visit bart.gov for the most up-to-date info.
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From the Desk of Police Chief, Mark Nagel
The Better Business Bureau lists TOP 10 SCAMS
The Better Business Bureau released its list of top 10 scams and frauds. Many are new twists on existing scams, but they are getting more and more sophisticated using trusted names or organizations in an attempt to fool consumers. We would like you to be aware so that you will not fall victim to these scams.
#10 Sweepstakes Scam: You've won a contest! Or the lottery! Or the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes! All you have to do to claim your prize is to pay some fees or taxes in advance so they can release your prize... This is not a new scam, but it is a perennial problem.
#9 Click Bait Scam: This one takes many forms, but the most notorious of the past year was when the Malaysian Airline plane went missing ("click here for video"). Other click bait schemes use celebrity images, fake news, and other enticing stories to get you to unintentionally download malware.
#8 Robocall Scam: The notorious "Rachel from Cardholder Services" made a resurgence in 2014. This scam claims to be able to lower your credit card interest rates and takes personal information - including your credit card number - and then charges fees to your card.
#7 Government Grant Scam: You get a call saying you've been awarded a government grant for thousands of dollars. It may even mention a program you've heard about in the news. All you have to do to collect your grant is pay a couple hundred in fees by wire transfer or prepaid debit card...
#6 Emergency Scam: This one is sometimes called the "grandparent scam" because it often preys on older consumers. You get a call or email from your grandchild or other relative who was injured, robbed or arrested while traveling overseas and needs money ASAP.
#5 Medical Alert Scam: Another one that preys on older folks. You get a call or a visit from a company claiming a concerned family member ordered you a medical alert device in case you have an emergency. They take your credit card or banking information but you never receive anything.
#4 Copycat Website Scam: You get an email, text message or social media post about a terrific sale or exciting new product. You click through and it looks just like a popular retailer's site. But when you order, you either get a cheap counterfeit or nothing at all... and now they have your credit card number!
#3 "Are You Calling Yourself?" Scam: Scammers can make a call look like it's coming from anywhere. The latest trick puts your number in the Caller ID, which piques your curiosity and gets you to pick up the phone or return the call... and then they've snagged you in whatever scam they are running.
It was almost a tie for the top spot this year, because BBB sees this one every day:
#2 Tech Support Scam: You get a call or a pop-up on your computer claiming to be from Microsoft (or Norton, or Apple) about a problem on your computer. They say if you give "tech support" access to your hard drive, they can fix it. Instead, they install malware on your computer and start stealing your personal information.
And the top Scam of the Year, because it's just so terrifying, is:
#1 Arrest Scam: You receive an ominous phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or government agent (often the IRS in the United States or the CRA in Canada). They are coming to arrest you for overdue taxes or for skipping out on jury duty... but you can avoid it by sending them money via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Another variation on this is that you'll be arrested for an overdue payday loan. Whatever the "violation," it's scary to be threatened with arrest, and many people pay out of fear.
Why Scams Work:
There is a science to scams, and it may surprise you to know that scammers use many of the same techniques as legitimate sales professionals. The difference, of course, is that their "product" is illegal and could cost you a fortune. Here are the major techniques they use to draw you in:
- Establishing a connection: The scammer builds rapport and a relationship with you. This is usually used face-to-face, as in home improvement scams and many investment scams, but also online romance scams.
- Source credibility: The scammer uses techniques to make themselves look legitimate, such as fake websites or hacked emails that come from a friend's account. Most email phishing scams spoof real companies, and many scammers pretend to be someone they are not in order to add credibility.
- Playing on emotions: Scammers rely on emotion to get you to make a quick decision before you have time to think about it. An emergency situation or a limited time offer is usually their methodology. They count on emotional rather than rational decision-making.
Don't be pressured into making fast decisions. Take the time to research the organization. Check them out on bbb.org, search online, etc. Never provide your personal information (address, date-of-birth, banking information, ID numbers) to people you do not know. Don't click on links from unsolicited email or text messages. If you are unsure about a call or email that claims to be from your bank, utility company, etc., call the business from the number on your bill or the back of your credit card. Never send money by wire transfer or prepaid debit card to someone you don't know or haven't met in person. Never send money for an emergency situation unless you've been able to verify the emergency. For more information on these and other scams, go to BBB Scam Shopper at www.bbb.org/scam
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Orinda takes part in National Coastal Cleanup Day 2015
Join Friends of Orinda Creeks
in the annual beach and inland watershed cleanup
right here in Orinda!
Trash accumulates along San Pablo creek in Downtown Orinda and flows downstream all the way to San Pablo Reservoir and beyond to San Francisco Bay.
Help take care of our fragile marine environment by volunteering your time right here in Orinda.
Join Friends of Orinda Creeks on Saturday, September 19, at 9 a.m.,
in the parking lot next to Vintage House (25 Orinda Way).
Bring sunscreen, gloves (if you have them) and wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
All other equipment will be provided.
For further information, contact Jim Luini (925-254-6208)
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Planning Department
Planning Commission
August 25, 2015
- 1 Camino Sobrante - Commercial use permit to allow a bank (Chase Bank) in a Type I retail space. - Denied 6-0
- Code Amendments - Review and provide recommendations to the City Council on proposed amendments to the regulations pertaining to Landscape Structures (OMC 17.4.24) and Duration of design and other approvals (OMC 17.30.12, 17.44.1 and 17.44.3). - Recommendations Approved 6-0
- Continued hearings:
- 35, 37 and 39 Wilder Road - Design review and elevated deck applications for new single family homes proposed by Taylor Morrison of California, LLC. - Approved 4-1
- Update on Planning Commission Rules and Procedures - Approved 6-0
September 8, 2015
- 149 Hall Drive - Design review of a new 1,763 square foot single family home on a vacant lot
- 8 Via Hermosa - Design review of a new 4,200 square foot single family home on a vacant lot
- 60 Boeger Ranch Road - Design review of a new 4,500 square foot single family residence on a vacant lot in the Wider subdivision
Zoning Administrator
Approved
- 106 Camino Don Miguel - Public hearing held to consider a hillside grading application to allow grading of a hillside with a slope greater than 15% for rear yard improvements.
- 59 La Espiral - Public hearing held to consider a design review application to adda 578 square foot addition to an existing two story 3,524 adjusted square foot residence.
Notice of Receipt of Application and Pending ZA Decision Posted
- 96 Camino Encinas- Exception permit application to replace an existing fence with a 6-foot tall fence along Moraga Way. The fence would exceed the 4-foot fence height limit allowed within the front yard setback. Also, the fence would be composed of leaves in a wire mesh frame and therefore would not be an open material such as lattice or wrought iron as required by Orinda Municipal Code section 17.4.27.
New Projects
- 185 Camino Pablo - Exception permit application to allow a 289 square foot addition to a single family residence as well as a 394 square foot cottage to encroach into the side yard setback.
- 249 Holly Lane - Elevated deck permit application to add 100 square feet to an existing 300 square foot deck.
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Crime Statistics for August 23, 2015 to August 29, 2015
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Description
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Statistic
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Location
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Auto Burglary
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4
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Wagner Ranch Elementary
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Wagner Ranch Elementary
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100 Block Ravenhill Road
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200 Block The Knoll
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Arrest - Theft / Under the Influence
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1
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200 Block Sundown Terrace
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Arrest - DUI
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2
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90 Block Orinda Way
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Arrest - DUI
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St. Stephens / WB 24
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Petty Theft
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1
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10 Block Orinda Way
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Arrest - Warrant
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1
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Rite Aid
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Parks and Recreation
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating their 50 th Anniversary this year. NRPA was established to advance park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all. As part of their 50 th Anniversary, NRPA is launching the I'm a Park and Rec Kid SM campaign, a viral social media campaign asking everyone to share their "Park and Rec Kid" story and to challenge others to get out to their parks and participate. Their goal of this campaign is to inspire individuals of all ages to use their community parks and recreation as a solution for happier, healthier lives.
Since the Orinda Parks and Recreation Department believes in the value of offering access to the serenity and inspiration of nature; outdoor spaces to play and exercise; facilities for self-directed and organized recreation; positive alternatives for youth; and activities that facilitate social connections, human development, the arts, and lifelong learning, they are encouraging members of the community to share their own Park and Rec Kid story.
Create and share your own "I'm a Park and Rec Kid" short video and post it on
Twitter, Facebook and/or YouTube.
Just make sure to use #ImAParkandRecKid and #OrindaParksRec in your post.
Everyone has their own story, what's yours?
Lamorinda Nature Walk & Bird-Watching
Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Every Wednesday experienced hiker and bird-watcher Ben Pettersson leads a group of Lamorinda seniors through various Bay Area trails and parks. Hikers are encouraged to bring a water bottle and binoculars. This program is supported by the City of Orinda, Lafayette Senior Services and Town of Moraga. Call (925) 254-4216 for weekly meeting locations or to add yourself to the weekly location e-mail list. All levels are welcome.
Wilder Field 3 is Open for Business
The newly renovated Field 3 at Wilder Park is now open for play.
This week the field will be buzzing with soccer players and will host the first weekend
of games on August 29 and 30.
Sport Talk Rounds out the Week
The annual coaching clinic for the fall 2015 season was held on Wednesday, August 19; 42 coaches participated in this three-hour clinic that focused on field drills, a classroom session and meetings about individual leagues. The guest speaker for this season was Aaron Locks, the founder and president for the National Academy of Athletics. Mr. Locks also previously worked for the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants organizations, in addition to running camps and youth programs for legendary coaches John Wooden, Pat Riley and George Karl. During his presentation he covered topics such as coaching your own child, communicating with parents, creating a practice plan, and maintaining positivity. This coaching clinic marked the start of the 2015 soccer season and we are excited for practices to begin on August 31 in preparation for the first weekend of games which begin on September 12.
The adult men's softball tournament was also held this past weekend which featured 12 teams and a double elimination format resulting in 23 total games. The championship game featured a rematch from last year's tournament finale as the Barking Spyders got revenge by defeating the City's reigning champions The Y. Congratulations to both teams for making it to the final game.
Weekly Instructor Spotlight
The Orinda Parks and Recreation Department strives to better the lives of residents of the Orinda community now and in the future by offering access to the serenity and inspiration of nature, outdoor spaces to play and exercise, facilities for self-directed and organized recreation, positive alternatives for youth, and activities that facilitate social connections, human development, the arts, and lifelong learning. To help cultivate this type of environment the City contracts with remarkable independent instructors who can provide specialized programs and classes. We will be "spotlighting" one instructor per week.
This week we'd like to introduce you to Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of National Academy of Athletics. He was mentioned above in Sport Talk Rounds Out the Week, but we wanted to share a little more about Mr. Locks and his National Academy of Athletics program.
1. How did you become interested in the subject which your class focuses on?
I've been involved in youth sports since I was seven years old. The coach's at all different levels of my youth all the way through college had such an amazing impact on my life that I created the National Academy of Athletics to offer kids positive experiences in youth sports.
2. What experience do you have teaching on the subject?
I have written over six books on coaching youth sports and have 10 different DVDs available. I was trained while working for legendary coaches like John Wooden of UCLA, Pat Riley of the Los Angeles Lakers and George Call from the Golden State Warriors.
3. What is your favorite part about what you teach?
Myself and my staff love watching what we call the green light. That is when we work with the child on a specific skill and then they get it! It's amazing to me how confident and happy kids become when they understand how to play the sport.
4. What do you hope students will learn/gain from your class?
We focus on teaching kids both sport specific skills and life skills. Our goal is that kids have fun, learn skills and gain confidence through participation in our program.
5. Any fun facts about you that you would like to include!
Our curriculum is designed with the following. Three minutes of verbal instructions followed by six minutes of skills and drills and then six minutes of games and competitions so nothing last longer than 15 minutes which allows each child to have a positive experience learning the skill and then playing. And then we move onto the next topic. It is fast paced and tons of fun.
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Drug Take Back
The Orinda Police Department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back event. The event will take place from
10am-2pm on Saturday, September 26th
at the Orinda Police Station.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards. In the previous nine Take-Back events nationwide from 2010-2014, 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons of drugs were collected.
In addition to participating in the Take-Back event, the Orinda Police Department maintains a prescription drug collection bin at City Hall located at 22 Orinda Way that can be used all year.
The collection bin is accessible Monday through Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm (closed from 12noon to 1:00pm).
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