Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
Planning Commission
Tuesday, October 27, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Finance Advisory Committee
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Special Meeting:
Study Session on Wilder Art & Garden Center
Monday, November 2, 2015, 6:00pm
Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Mayor's Community Liaison Meeting:
Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 8:30am
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
City Council Regular Meeting:
Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Art in Public Places Committee
Monday, November 16, 2015 at 3:30pm
May Room, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC)
Monday, November 16, 2015 at 7:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 9456
|
Orinda Ranked #22 on Business Insiders 50 best Suburbs in America 
Business Insider, the largest business news site on the web recently ranked
|
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH ONLINE SURVEY
The Board of Trustees of the Orinda Union School District is beginning the process of searching for a new superintendent and has asked the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to help the Board with the process.
As one of the initial steps in the process, the Board is seeking input from all stakeholders on the desired characteristics and skills that they would like to see in the next superintendent. Interested parties can share their thoughts by responding to the survey link below.
Survey responders should remember that all characteristics listed in the survey are desirable, but the school board is interested in knowing about which characteristics are "most important" for the Orinda Union School District.
Accessing the anonymous survey:
- Click on the link www.ecrasurvey.com/orinda
- Identify stakeholder group
- Follow the directions on the survey
- Respond by November 6, 2015
The Board of Trustees appreciates all responses. Board members, along with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, look forward to learning all perspectives.
In addition, HYA will facilitate the following Community Forum to obtain input on the search for a new superintendent. The meeting will take place at the District Offices, 8 Altarinda Road.
Community Forum - Monday, October 26th, 7:00 p.m.
Input is also welcomed at the November 9th School Board meeting when HYA presents their leadership profile report to the Board.
Further information on the search for a new Superintendent is available on the district website www.orindaschools.org
|
Roads Project and Trees
After the voters approved the funding to start repairing the City's worst residential streets we looked for the best and most cost effective method of repair. The method chosen was Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) which is a method that recycles the existing pavement and sub-grade. This method is superior to the typical milling and repaving in that it produces a longer lasting pavement and costs approximately 30% less than other techniques.
The FDR method requires the use of very large, tall and difficult to maneuver equipment. In some areas it means that existing trees may need to be trimmed or removed to allow the equipment to pass. Staff and the contractor looked at each street for trees that would impact the FDR operation and minimized the number of trees that would need to be trimmed or removed. We also looked at alternative paving methods in the vicinity of trees in lieu of not using FDR at all on a particular road.
The alternative method to FDR adjacent to the trees, milling and paving, will not be as long-lasting and will be more costly where the road passes by the trees. For 2015 the contractor identified 9 trees that would need to be removed to allow the FDR equipment to pass. Property owners were notified of the specific trees that would need to be removed approximately two weeks ago. Based on the feedback we have received we have determined that the tradeoff to not remove the trees on Mira Loma and Camino Sobrante in exchange for using the alternative paving method is the best course of action. As such the subject trees will remain in place.
|
|
Public Works & Engineering Services
2015 Annual and Measure J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project
This week Bay Cities Paving & Grading started pulverizing and preparing base along Charles Hill Road, Miner Road and Kite Hill Road. Next week, these roads will be mixed with cement additive before the final asphalt is placed on top. During that time, the roadway surface will be gravel, then a compacted cement treated surface, and finally a new black asphalt pavement. The contractor has also built ADA curb ramps and set up monument re-establishment at other locations.
After these three roads are completed, construction activities will relocate to Camino Sobrante, Mira Loma Road and Canon Drive.
Due to the narrowness of these roads, vehicular traffic will be restricted out of the immediate construction area. Residents may need to park outside of the construction area and walk some distance in order to use their vehicles during active construction work. Notifications are being sent to residents about possible access restrictions.
Camino Pablo Pavement Rehabilitation
St. Francis is finishing up removal of the existing signal pole foundations and miscellaneous clean-up work at the Brookwood Road/Camino Pablo and Santa Maria Way/Camino Pablo intersections. Their work is expected to be complete by next week. Green thermoplastic paint treatment in the bike lane going northbound on Camino Pablo between the BART access and Santa Maria Way is scheduled for the week of 10/26/15. The work will occur at night and is expected to take one night to complete.
Sand Bags
In anticipation of the upcoming rainy season, sand and sandbags, which residents fill themselves, are available for Orinda residents at the following
Moraga-Orinda Fire District locations:
Station #43
20 Via Las Cruces (nearest cross street Charles Hill Road)
Station #44
295 Orchard Road (nearest cross street Moraga Way)
The Moraga-Orinda Fire District Telephone Number: 258-4599
|
|
Planning Department
J&J Ranch - The J&J Ranch Project, consisting of a tentative map for 13 single family lots and 8 acres of open space on a roughly 20 acre site located off of Donna Maria Way, was approved by the City Council Tuesday night on a 4-1 vote after a long, and somewhat contentious hearing. The project also includes a plan for preserving the historic Adobe located on the property. The J&J Project has been in process with the City since 2008.
25 Orinda Way - The City just received a preliminary development application for the rough one half acre "old BP Gas Station Site" located across the street from the library. The prospective developer's proposed plan consists of 18,500 sq. ft. of restaurant, retail, and office space in a 3 story structure with roof top parking. Setback and possibly maximum height variances will be needed.
New Project - 122 Scenic Drive: Hillside grading permit application for sports court with retaining walls.
Planning Commission
The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 7:00pm, in the Orinda Public Library Auditorium, located at 26 Orinda Way. At this meeting, staff will be discussing with the Planning Commission criteria to use to determine when story poles will be required to be installed for a proposed project.
Public Hearings:
- 106 Camino Don Miguel - The Planning Commission will hold a continued public hearing to consider an Appeal to the Zoning Official's decision to permit grading on a slope greater than 15% for a new rear yard lawn area and new wood retaining walls approximately three feet in height.
- 149 Hall Drive - The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider re-submittal of a design review application to allow a new 1,301 adjusted square foot single family home on a vacant lot.
|
Our Future
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority believes that the future success of Contra Costa County lies in the ability to ensure safe, reliable mobility for all. We welcome the challenge of doing our part to promote a healthy environment and a strong economy.
They want your input into what transportation improvements should be prioritized. Contra Costa County residents have multiple channels for providing feedback:
- Share priorities online at KeepContraCostaMoving.net.
- Call 925.256.4745 or email info@ccta.net to have a printed survey mailed or emailed to you.
- Join CCTA and regional transportation planning committees for a live telephone town hall. Residents can call in to join the discussion and learn more about the transportation improvements being proposed.
To participate in a telephone town hall, residents should dial 1.877.229.8493, then enter the access code 112664 when prompted.
Telephone Town Hall Schedule:
- Central County: Monday, October 26, 6pm-7pm
- South County: Tuesday, October 27, 6pm-7pm
- East County: Monday, November 2, 6pm-7pm
- West County: Thursday, November 12, 6pm-7pm
Residents can also attend a public meeting of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board at 2999 Oak Road in Walnut Creek and share their comments. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 6pm. To sign up for CCTA newsletters or learn about more opportunities to engage in their planning process click here.
|
Celebrate Discover & Go Month in October!
October is Discover & Go Month! Contra Costa County Library is celebrating our ongoing
Discover & Go partnership with Bay Area museums and cultural venues. Visit a participating library branch, enter our drawing for some great prizes, and help give back to your community at the same time! We will be partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano - for every donation of a non-perishable food item you bring to a participating branch, you can enter to win special premium awards for some of our most popular Bay Area attractions. Discover something new this month! Additional information can be found here.
|
Parks and Recreation
Annual Halloween Parade and Holiday Bazaar is just around the corner
The Halloween Parade for Tots will be held Thursday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m. in the Orinda Community Center Park. Parents are encouraged to bring their toddlers in costume and follow Glenda the Good Witch in a stroll around the park. Halloween themed activities will also be available for those wanting to participate.
Over 50 unique vendors and crafters will be bringing many one-of-a-kind holiday gifts to the 39th Annual Holiday Bazaar. The event will be held Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Orinda Community Center, located at 28 Orinda Way. Children will also have the opportunity to take free pictures with Santa and Scooter the Clown and make a few crafts of their own.
Lamorinda Wrestling Club is Back in Action!
Lamorinda Wrestling Club is back for their second season! Coaches strive to help young wrestlers build self-confidence, technique, control and introduce newcomers to the sport that they are so passionate about. Practices begin the week of November 2 through December 17 and those ages 6 to 14 years old are encouraged to join. Practice is for one hour, two days a week, determined by skill and age. To register click here and search for barcode #19970 or register by phone at (925) 254-2445.
Successful Recruitment Night for Teen Council
The Orinda Teen Advisory Council (OTAC) held their first ever recruitment night on Friday, October 9. To get to know one another, 34 students participated in an ice breaker and team building games. Later they enjoyed a viewing of
Guardians of the Galaxy. Everyone in attendance brought their favorite dish providing food for the group to enjoy throughout the night. The goal is to increase OTAC membership to assist during the monthly charity drives, participate in volunteer opportunities and fun events for local teens.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2 at 4:00 p.m. in the Orinda Community Center. The November donation item is canned food which will be delivered to the Contra Costa Food Bank on December 7. OTAC will also be volunteering that night to help the food bank prepare for the holiday season.
Upcoming Senior Trip visiting Diablo Ballet
The holiday season is quickly approaching and there is a Senior Trip for those who are looking to get into the holiday spirit. The Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Town of Moraga, are inviting adults 55 and older to register for the Diablo Ballet: A Swingin' Holiday scheduled for Sunday, November 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participants will revel in an exciting performance mixing holiday tunes with classic swing dancing at the newly renovated Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. Music and songs by legends such as Duke Ellington and Nat "King" Cole, as well as Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite will be performed live by the Diablo Ballet Swing Orchestra.
Fees are $40 for residents and $46 or non-residents; trip cost includes tickets to the performance and transportation. The group will meet for departure at Hacienda de los Flores located at 2100 Donald Drive in Moraga. To register or for more information call (925) 254-2445 or visit www.cityoforinda.org.
Recreation Supervisor Sheena Wellman-Miner shared why she's a Park and Rec Kid. To watch her video click here. How are you, or your kids, a Park and Rec Kid? Post using #ImAParkAndRecKid and #OrindaParksRec, we'd love to hear your story.
The Orinda Parks and Recreation Department is accepting the challenge from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)to share their "Park and Rec Kid" stories. The goal is to inspire individuals of all ages to use their community parks and recreation as a solution for happier, healthier lives.
|
 Taverna Pellegrini
Recently opened restaurant, Taverna Pellegrini has created quite a buzz. The restaurant located at 65 Moraga Way, appears light, open and airy. Please stop in and welcome owner Dario Hadjian to our community.
|
 A big "Thank You" goes to the City of Lafayette! At their recent Food and Wine Festival, "Adore Orinda" bumper stickers were distributed.
In a nod to the Lamorinda area and the residents who Adore, Love and have Amore for this community, a limited number of the bumper stickers are available on a first come basis at the receptionist area of the Orinda Community Center located at 28 Orinda Way. |
NOTICE FROM PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC
We are performing tree work in your neighborhood.
Please read for more information.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is currently performing tree work on city property in your neighborhood. Our licensed tree workers will clear trees and brush identified during our recent routine inspection as potentially posing a fire or power line safety risk. This work is part of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable and affordable clean energy to our customers.
Our tree workers perform this work for you
Unless properly pruned and maintained, trees can cause dangerous conflicts with power lines. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) requires that persons working within certain distances of overhead power lines be qualified and trained properly. There are strict state regulations that dictate the requirements for working around power lines. We hire only qualified power line clearance specialists. Hiring unqualified tree workers can jeopardize their personal safety since they are not trained on the dangers of working near power lines.
What you can expect
Work is expected to begin on September 21 and last until October 31. We will clearly mark all work areas. Please plan for potential minor delays when driving through Orinda. You will see PG&E and our line certified tree contractors on site with trucks and other heavy equipment. Our work should not interrupt your electric service, but we will contact you if there are any changes. Weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions may impact our schedule.
Questions
We encourage you to contact PG&E with any questions at
We appreciate your patience as we work to reduce fire risk and
enhance the safety and reliability of our service in your neighborhood.
Victor Baker, MBA
Diablo Division Senior Manager
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 770000, San Francisco, CA 94177-1490
|
|
Drought conditions intensify, for more information click here.
|
|
|
|
|
