Happy Holidays District 6 residents! I hope you are all enjoying these last few weeks of 2024. As we wrap up the year, I want to thank you once again for re-electing me to represent you on the City Council. I look forward to continuing to represent you and our shared vision for a brighter, more equitable Richmond for all.

The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) is underway!

The Public Works Department has been making significant strides over the past two years to improve our city’s infrastructure, enhance public safety, and invest in the services that make Richmond a great place to live. During the Nov 26th City Council meeting, the City Council received a detailed update on the progress of our ongoing Capital Improvement Project (CIP), as well as an exciting new programmatic funding approach that will help us maximize resources for the future.

Key Highlights from Public Works Updates:

• Staff Expansion: Over the past two years, the Public Works Department has greatly expanded its team, adding a range of new positions. This includes the hiring of engineers, project managers, planners, inspectors, and administrative staff—helping to increase the department’s ability to manage and implement major infrastructure projects as well as handle general maintenance and upkeep needs.
• Active Capital Improvement Projects: 88 active projects are currently underway as part of the broader Capital Improvement Program. These projects are spread across various areas, including:
  • 17 projects for general and public safety facilities
  • 17 transportation improvements
  • 10 parks and recreation upgrades
  • 9 traffic safety initiatives
• 19 projects have already been completed, and another 28 are scheduled for completion by the end of this fiscal year. Notably, the city has been busy improving street conditions, including the ongoing slurry seal project to repair cracked roads, which we’re already seeing being implemented around District 6.
• I am particularly excited about the revitalization of the Richmond Main Library, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, which will be a landmark project for the city.
• Ongoing Programs: Public Works continues to support key initiatives that make our city safer and more sustainable, including:
  • Pavement Management Program: This program uses data to assess the condition of roads across Richmond, ensuring that the streets that need the most attention receive timely repairs. As your councilmember, I have been strongly advocating for the city to do street calming projects alongside pavement improvements, which is in service of both resource efficiency and allowing for more of your ideas for street calming across Richmond to become a reality.
  • Traffic Calming & Traffic Safety Programs: While we have done substantial work towards street calming in Richmond, many streets are still not up to the safety standards we want in District 6. These programs are focused on making our streets safer for all users—whether you're walking, biking, or driving. Public Works has been actively implementing changes based on the 495 traffic calming requests received which led to 190 potential traffic calming locations being identified. All of these locations have been identified because of your continued communications with me and the city through emails and the traffic calming inquiry portal.
  • Programmatic vs Project Funding Approach: Moving forward, rather than funding individual projects, the city will adopt a more strategic programmatic approach. This will involve creating a 5-year program plan that aligns funding with broader city policies and long-term goals, such as improving bicycle and pedestrian safety, enhancing stormwater management, upgrading street lighting, investing in parks and sidewalks, and more. This new approach will help the city bundle projects together, reduce long-term costs, and ensure that resources are used efficiently.

I’m very excited and thankful to the Public Works Department for their work and look forward to our continued progress in making Richmond a better place for all of us. As always, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your feedback, and continue to use the eTRAKIT portal or the traffic calming inquiry portal to report concerns or suggestions for improvement.

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Beautifying Clinton Circle

Another exciting agenda item was heard on November 26th regarding the Friends of the Clinton Circle and their plans to transform the circle at Clinton Ave and 36th Street into a beautiful community space.

The Friends of the Circle, formed in 2023 as part of the North and East Neighborhood Council, are working to bring their vision to life with input from local residents. Originally designed as a park with a fountain in 1916, the circle has evolved over the years and is now being reimagined with a community-driven plan.

Thanks to the efforts of organizers Cosmo Martinez, Nancy Lewis, and the community, the Friends of the Circle have developed a design for the Clinton Circle featuring boulders, a bench, California native plants, and a new pathway. Thank you to everyone involved in this inspiring effort. If you’re interested in getting involved in local projects, consider joining your neighborhood council or reaching out to me directly.

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Shop Local for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts!

Are you looking for last-minute gift ideas? District 6 is home to many great places where you can buy holiday gifts for friends and family. Here’s a list of businesses you can visit in the next few days:

• Mariam’s Flowers - 12664 San Pablo Ave - A wonderful flower store with beautiful bouquets that would be wonderful gifts!
• Arely’s Flowers Plants & Gifts Richmond - 12669 San Pablo Ave Suite 101 - Flowers and other small gifts for friends and family.
• Naza’s Boutique - 12492 San Pablo Ave - Collection of women’s clothes, accessories, and more!
• Metzli Boutique - 12488 San Pablo Ave - Mexican artisanal goods and other handmade gifts!

San Pablo Avenue is home to tons of flourishing businesses, I hope you can show your support and spend your dollars locally this holiday season!

Thank you once again for your continued support throughout this year. We have done incredible work together in 2024, and I can’t wait to continue our work towards a brighter, safer, and healthier Richmond!

-Claudia