Reclaiming Richmond!

Dear Friends,

The month of August has arrived bringing with it the sweetness of summer in full swing. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has said: "Then followed that beautiful season.. Summer... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood." It was as if Mr. Longfellow was speaking directly to our Better Richmond.

And August's sun is certainly shining on Richmond this summer of 2007!

We are transforming Richmond into a great place to live and do business, and the first rippling effects of this process are being noticed beyond Richmond. For those who may not have seen it, click on the link below to read the text of the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine article written by Tim Holt that was published on July 22nd titled: Reclaiming Richmond.

http://gaylemclaughlin.net/press-SFC_07-22-07.htm

To view the article with inclusion of stunning photographs by Kat Wade of our beautiful shoreline click here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/22/CMGB5QTIDG1.DTL

It is incredibly gratifying to see this article feature so prominently the Richmond that so many of us are working daily to build. The spirit and soul of that Better Richmond is getting stronger and stronger. San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area are taking notice and writing about us.

And why wouldn't they? We are valuing ourselves, our shoreline and all our natural resources; we are sending a clarion call to good, clean businesses to come join us; and by valuing all this, we are making our future!

Sincerely,

Mayor McLaughlin

General Plan Visioning Session for Pt. Molate - August 13th

Richmond's General Plan Update consultant, MIG, will hold a special workshop on August 13, 2007. This workshop will be a General Plan Visioning Session for Pt. Molate and the San Pablo Peninsula.

Presentations from panelists will focus on the history, current status, applicable case studies, potential models and a future vision for Point Molate and the San Pablo Peninsula.

When: August 13th from 6 pm to 9 pm

Where: Richmond City Council Chambers -- 1401 Marina Way South (enter building from rear)

Pt. Molate and the San Pablo Peninsula are part of our treasured Richmond shoreline. Together we can ensure a sustainable and healthy Pt. Molate that honors our environment, our community, and adds to our local economy!

Work and Accomplishments Continue . . . .

We continue to advance Richmond in so many ways....

---On the weekend of July 6-8, the Tent Cities' movement came together taking the lead once more to support and promote violence prevention efforts. Tents were set up in the 4 parks that give birth to Tent Cities last year. Thanks go to the Tent Cities' leaders and participants for their unwavering commitment to peace and harmony in our neighborhoods. The mayor and her staff were honored to lend support to this Tent Cities' effort. A peaceful Richmond is possible!

---On July 17th, the City Council unanimously approved a well-funded Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) with the inclusion of outreach workers to provide street level service referrals and conflict mediation in our hi-crime neighborhoods. The coming together of our community to voice its clear and unequivocal support for funding of the ONS was magnificent! Thank you to all who have taken a stand in advancing this critical issue. Continued public engagement will be key in the development of an effective and successful ONS.

---Also, on July 17th, the City Council unanimously approved a Green Building Ordinance for City and City-subsidized projects. One more step in the direction of good, green practices for the City!

-- And at the July 31st meeting of the City Council, we unanimously approved waiving completely our solar permitting fees for a period a 6 months (to incentivize solar installation throughout the City). After 6 months, staff will come back with a review to see if this waiver will remain in effect or if a low fee will need to be set up. This is another exciting step in the direction of a sustainable Richmond!

NOTE: The Richmond City Council is on break for the month of August. September 11th will be the next City Council meeting.