City of Orinda est 1985
 Orinda Outlook 

For the week of December 7
, 2015

       By City Manager  

      Janet S. Keeter


NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

 ON A CITY OF ORINDA
 
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE
 
The City of Orinda is seeking applications from resident volunteers to serve on the City's:

Art in Public Places Committee (1)
Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission (3)
Historic Landmark Committee (2)
Parks & Recreation Commission (2)
Planning Commission (3)
Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee (1)
 
The City of Orinda is also seeking applications from resident volunteers to serve as the
City's Liaison to the following local agencies:
 
Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District Trustee (1)
Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (1)
County Connection Citizens Advisory Committee (1)
 
Statement of Interest forms are available from the Orinda City Clerk's Office, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563. If you have any specific questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Michele Olsen, City Clerk at 925-253-4221 or molsen@cityoforinda.org .  
Application forms may also be downloaded from the City's website at www.cityoforinda.org.
 
Completed Statement of Interest forms must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office by
Friday, January 15, 2016 at 5:00pm
.
 
Qualified applicants for City Commission and Committee appointments
will be invited to interview before the full City Council.
ROADS!  

The Finance Advisory Committee has prepared a Funding Report that analyzes various funding options for both onetime repair costs and ongoing maintenance costs for Orinda's roads.



The report will be discussed at the December 15, 2015 Orinda City Council Meeting, which will be held at 7:00pm in the Orinda Library Auditorium.

From the Desk of Chief Nagel

Now that the holiday season is upon us, we are reminded that the criminal element can and will take advantage of occasions when packages are left at the door, cars are filled with items in plain view and homes are targeted for theft.  In the Bay Area, property crime is on the rise. Combine that with the fact that historically the holiday season also sees a monthly increase in property crimes due to packages/items left in cars and package deliveries left at homes there is potential for a large spike in property thefts.   The Orinda Police Department is making every effort to stay ahead of this potential increase by providing more staff during the most likely residential burglary times (Monday through Friday, morning/afternoon hours). We are also reaching out to the community to provide tips on how to prevent  becoming a victim to property theft.
 
I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the simple precautions that can prevent you from being a victim of property theft. When packages are shipped, you have options.  Request a signature for delivery; consider an alternate delivery location such as a workplace or family member or neighbor who is home; have the package held for you to pick up.
 
Never leave any items in plain view in your car. Even a coat or a jacket is a target for theft. When parking your car, place any loose items in your trunk and out of sight. Be mindful of GPS devices. Frequently, people will program their home address into their GPS device. If stolen, the thieves now have your home address.
 
Homes should have layers of security. Lights, alarms, dog, plants/trees cut back, cameras, and neighborhood watch programs. If possible, consider using technology to watch your home. If there is not a person at home, have a camera system watch for you. It is critical to an investigation to have evidence providing us leads to a suspect(s). Video footage can be sent to the media and other law enforcement agencies to help identify a suspect. This process has proven to be very successful in the past.
 
For your personal safety, be mindful of your surroundings.   We have all had moments when we just feel like something is not right. Do not dismiss those feelings. Finally, if you do notice something suspicious, call the police immediately. There is not much we can do when we are told about a suspicious person or vehicle a week later.  

Thank you and stay safe.


Crime Statistics November 29, 2015 to December 5, 2015  
Calls for Service
Auto Burglary
3
60 Block Moraga Way
 
 
Beverages and More Lot
 
 
200 Block Camino Pablo
 
 
 
Residential Burglary
3
100 Block Don Miguel
 
 
200 Block Monte Vista Ridge
 
 
80 Bock Oak Road
 
 
 
Vehicle Theft
1
10 Block Ardor Drive
 
 
 
Embezzlement
1
20 Block Orinda Way
 
 
 
Hit and Run Misdemeanor
1
St. Stephens Drive
 
 
 
Vandalism
1
10 Block Knickerbocker Lane
 
 
 
Arrests
Warrant Arrest
1
Camino Pablo/Monte Vista
 
 
 
Reckless Driving
1
Safeway Parking Lot
 
 
 
Evading / Warrant Arrest
1
EB 24 / Acalanes
 
 
 
Orinda BART
Four auto burglaries reported. Suspects punched the door locks to access the vehicles.
Public Works and Engineering Services

Last week minor surface preparation and culvert cleaning were performed however, no paving work was done due to the Thanksgiving holiday and rainy weather. This week (First week of December) paving along Meadow View and Zander Drives was completed. A portion of Donald Drive pavement was milled and paved back before rain on Thursday. Next week (Second week of December) the remainder of Donald Drive should be paved, milling and paving operations will likely begin on Crestview Drive, El Camino Moraga, and/or Donna Maria Way. If weather is favorable, work along Canon Drive may commence in the next couple of weeks. The contractor is currently trying to schedule full depth reclamation work along Lost Valley Drive and Camino Sobrante before the end of the month. However, due to the longer project limits and full depth operations, clear weather is needed for a 10-14 day stretch to avoid safety concerns.

Click here to view a table on the overall progress/status of the 2015 Annual and Measures J & L Pavement Rehabilitation Project including the Construction Schedule from OCTOBER 2015 - DECEMBER 2015* which was update as of December 4, 2015.
City Clerk's Office

City Council Meeting Highlights - December 1, 2015
Here are a Few Highlights from the December 1st City Council Meeting

Items for the Good of the City
  • Proclamation Recognizing Womensing on the Occasion of their 50th Anniversary
  • Presentation of 2015 Mayor's Award for Excellence - Public Works and Engineering Services Department for the City of Orinda
  • Recognition of Former Mayor and Councilmember Steve Glazer's Service to the City of Orinda
2016 City Council Meeting Calendar

The Council adopted a calendar for the 2016 City Council meetings.     

Acknowledgement of Outgoing Mayor Dean Orr

The Council read a proclamation recognizing outgoing Mayor Orr and presented him with a gavel for his service.

Selection of 2016 Mayor

The Council selected Victoria Smith to serve as Mayor for 2016.

Selection of 2016 Vice Mayor

The Council selected Eve Phillips to serve as Vice Mayor for 2016.

***
This feature of the Orinda Outlook is meant to serve as a highlight of items from the December 1st City Council Meeting. To view the meeting in its entirety or review meeting materials including Agenda, Minutes and Staff Reports please click here:
Planning Department 
 
UPCOMING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at  7:00pm 
 Library Auditorium. 26 Orinda Way
  • Continued Public Hearing Items: None

  • New Public Hearing Items:
    • 34 Broadview Terrace - The Planning Commission will consider a design review application for a new 4,403 adjusted square feet, two-story, single-family residence to replace an existing 1,665 adjusted square feet, single-story residence on a 57,800 square foot lot.
    • Other Commission Matters:
      • 25A Orinda Way - Study Session (non-action item): The purpose of the Study Session, is to receive public comments on a Preliminary Design Review submittal for an approximately 18,500 square foot, mixed-use retail and office building and required parking, on a 19,456 square foot parcel that is currently vacant. The project is two stories with ground floor retail and restaurant uses and second story office uses, and includes rooftop parking. The roofline of the structure is 35 feet in height with architectural projections that extend up to 43 feet in height. A total of 73 parking, off-street spaces are proposed, with 29 parking spaces on the second floor, and 44 parking spaces on the rooftop level.

The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 7:00pm

Library Auditorium,  26 Orinda Way

 

 Zoning Official Notices:
  • 378 Camino Sobrante -Design Review and Exception Permit applications under review, to allow a 1,023 square foot addition to an existing 2,673 square foot, single-family residence which would result in a 3,696 gross square foot, single-family residence.
  • 122 Scenic Drive - Hillside Grading Permit application under review, to grade a single-family residential rear yard as part of a landscape renovation plan on an established 20,037 square foot lot. Project includes the construction of a sports court, trellis, horseshoe pit and hot tub.

New Projects:

  • 107 Sleepy Hollow Lane - Tree Removal Permit was submitted, to remove one Coast Live Oak tree located on a slope in the rear yard. The tree has multiple trunks that are rapidly growing and prone to failure.
  • 55 Orinda View Road - Hillside Grading Permit application was submitted, to construct six 3-foot tall retaining walls, one 2-3-foot tall moss rock wall, and perforated drainage pipes on a steeply-sloped property. Proposed grading would include 75-85 yards of fill.
  • 96 Camino Encinas: Exception Permit application received to rebuild a deck, stairs, and pool equipment room within the San Pablo Creek setback.
Parks and Recreation   
   
Holiday Break Camp Success!
 
Over 100 children participated in camps offered during the week of Thanksgiving! Camp activities included building LegoŽ cities, decoding secret messages, practicing the use of color and composition, and shooting 3-pointers. Register now for December camps that are being offered Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23. Camps being held that week are Art, Carpentry, Science, Tennis and Basketball.
 
Click here to view a copy of the Activity Guide and register before camps are full!
   
Winter/Spring Activity Guide is Here
The Winter/Spring Activity Guide is now available online and has been uploaded to the City's website. Click here to view the digital version. Copies of the Activity Guide will be mailed out the week of December 7. Registration for winter/spring classes begin December 4.
 
There is one slight modification in this guide; if you're searching for summer camps these will not be listed in this issue. For the first time ever summer camps will be featured in a separate guide that will be released in February 2016. Stay tuned, more information about this will be coming soon.
 
There are several new classes including:
 
Beginning Irish Dance, ages 4Y-12Y, pg. 9
Students will learn the basics of this ever evolving and beautiful dance form. As this is a solo and team dance form both solo and 'celi' will be covered as part of the course. It is hoped that the dancers will leave with a knowledge of Irish dance and culture, including music, history, and more.
 
Enhancing Financial LiteraCY for Youth, ages 10Y-14Y, pg. 17
This program is designed to help children further develop their financial knowledge on age-appropriate topics such as saving for short and long term goals, basic budgeting, income and expenses, understanding credit and debit, earning and compounding interest and the ABC's of the stock market.
 
Boot Camp, ages 18Y and up, pg. 33
This is a total body workout from start to finish. You will be able to work at your own pace and experience what a "real" workout is all about. Exercises include body weight resistance training, core work, cardiovascular challenges, flexibility, agility, balance, power training, interval and circuit training.
 
 
Health Coaching, ages 18Y and up, pg. 34
This unique six-week program is for those who have been struggling to lose weight and implement exercise. Each workshop consists of 15 minutes of gentle exercise, 30 minutes of discussion and 15 minutes for goals, questions and recipe exchange.
 
Reggae-Tone, ages 18Y and up, pg. 35
Move to the beat of your own drum or that of the Caribbean with easy to follow dance moves that embody the island life. A fusion of Latin, Hip-hop and Reggae mix, and this class will give you a 60-minute getaway! Sweat, dance, sing and tone with this high-energy, cardio-pumping class.
 
Candlelight Vinyasa (Yoga), ages 18Y and up, pg. 35
Immerse yourself in the decadent yoga flow class that combines Vinyasa movement with breath, meditation, stress relief, breathing techniques and aromatherapy in a dark candlelit room. This class is suited for all levels.
 
Cultivating Mind Power, ages 18Y and up, pg. 32
Participants will learn a number of key skills that allow them to stand back from their emotions and to experience more emotional and mental freedom. The goal is to learn the ability to accept ourselves as we are, without "beating ourselves up" for being imperfect.
 
You're invited to provide input on the Art & Garden Center at Wilder Park

The City of Orinda would like to invite interested individuals to provide input on a proposal regarding the Art & Garden Center at Wilder. Please join the Parks and Recreation Director, at one of two meetings, to learn about the project and provide input.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30am  
at the Orinda Community Center.

If you have questions please contact Michelle Lacy,
Parks and Recreation Director at
mlacy@cityoforinda.org.
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings 
 
Planning Commission
Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Citizens' Infrastructure Oversight Commission
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 6:30pm
Sarge Littlehale Community Room
City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 7:00pm
Orinda Community Center, Room 7
28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 7:00pm
Library Auditorium, Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Public Works Aesthetic Review Committee (PWARC)  
Monday, December 21, 2015, 9:00am
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC)
Monday, December 21, 2015, 7:00pm
Sarge Littlehale Room, City Hall
22 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Janet Keeter
City Manager
  
We would like to hear from you!
Send your comments or questions to:
or call 925-253-4291