Meeting Minutes

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY East Richmond

Heights Municipal Advisory Council

6:30 PM

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Open Door United Methodist Church, 6226

Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA 94805 |

https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/81874478413

Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the

Committee

Roll Call and Introductions

00:00:16

Victoria Curtis, Joann Pavlinec, Royer Ramirez Ruiz, Bara Sapir,

and Jon Sargent

Present

Jinwei Zhang

Absent

Late

Pamela DeWitt

Treasurer's Report

00:00:48

The Treasurer's Report was presented, indicating a balance of $1,183. There was a discussion regarding

the upcoming budget reset and the requirement to allocate $1,000 by the end of June. An update was

also provided about a receipt for insurance and a lost check.

Approval of Minutes

00:01:33

The Council discussed the minutes from the May 21 meeting. It was noted that the Land Use Committee

report was missing from the documented minutes. After clarifying that the report was recorded, the

minutes were approved as presented.

25-2402

5.21.25 erhMAC Minutes

Curtis

Attachments:

Motion:

Second:

Ramirez Ruiz

Aye:

Curtis, DeWitt, Pavlinec, Ramirez Ruiz, Sapir, and Sargent

Absent:

Result:

Zhang

Passed

Presentations

P.1. Presentation by Contra Costa County Supervisor’s Office

00:03:25

An update from Ronnie Mills (Supervisor Gioia's office) addressed the rescheduling of the noise

ordinance task force meeting to July 8, with Grant Farrington identified as the primary contact. Updates

on committee and commission vacancies were discussed, along with details regarding new interns and

forthcoming events.

P.2. Presentation by Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Commander, Lt. Brian Fitzgerald

00:09:12

Lieutenant Fitzgerald reported 76 service calls for May, including incidents involving felony domestic

violence, residential burglaries, and vandalism. An unusual incident concerning a bird initially thought

electrocuted but later found to have been shot was also mentioned. Questions were raised about a

perceived increase in activity and possible ICE operations, which will be followed up on.

P.3. Presentation by Richmond PD, Sgt. Terry Thomas

00:16:15

Richmond Police reported 267 calls in the incorporated area of East Richmond Heights, marking an 11%

reduction from the previous month. Details of a major sideshow event were shared, highlighting

multiple arrests and vehicle impounds. Updates included the use of drones and Shot Spotter technology

to improve police response. Further information regarding ICE activity and Richmond’s sanctuary city

status was offered.

P.4. *SPECIAL* Presentation by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Noell Crosse

00:28:53

Noelle Crosse from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District presented an overview of their

revitalized public education program. Discussions included various age-specific school presentations

and collaborations with the Red Cross on smoke alarm assistance programs. Further information

regarding emergency preparedness presentations was made available.

The council addressed criteria for tree removal in open spaces and emphasized the importance of

community compliance with defensible space and home-hardening initiatives. Clarification was

provided about the state’s "zone zero" regulation, with an emphasis on fostering firewise community

practices. New grant opportunities to support these efforts were discussed.

P.5. Presentation by California Highway Patrol (tentative)

01:03:59

An update from the Highway Patrol included ongoing conversations regarding speed radar deployment

on Arlington. The suggestion to incorporate ICE activity updates in future reports was noted.

Confirmation was provided that the Highway Patrol does not receive direct ICE notifications.

Discussion Items

Subcommittee Reports

SR.1 Land Use Committee: Joann Pavlinec, Jinwei Zhang

01:06:34

no report presented

Regional Historical Presentation

Agenda Items / Speakers for Upcoming ERHMAC Meetings

01:06:59

Discussion around Jelly's Place, EBMUD on a representative coming to a future meeting. Discussion

was held around copper wire theft.

Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this

agenda (speakers may be limited to two minutes).

01:10:55

The council highlighted the publication of the latest neighborhood update and promoted the upcoming

neighborhood festival on August 2, neighborhood playdates, and a concert featuring local artist Alice

Ducey. Positive feedback regarding the pipe construction project on Arlington was shared, noting good

communication by the contractor.

Community concerns were expressed about construction timing, particularly on Sequoia Avenue, where

work crews were reportedly starting as early as 7:20 AM instead of the scheduled 8:00 AM. It was noted

that the early start aimed to expedite project completion; however, community members were

encouraged to submit complaints if necessary.

The pipe replacement project duration was confirmed to run from March through December. Requests

were made to include individuals on the mailing list for the Firewise program and to promote the arts

and music festival online via the East Richmond Heights Facebook page.

Plans for a festival quiz, incorporating local history and math questions, were discussed, along with

potential incentives like East Richmond Heights-branded merchandise.

Adjourn

01:18:35

The Council will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend

the Council meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any

disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed

by the County to a majority of members of the Council less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are

available for public inspection at Open Door United Methodist Church (6226 Arlington Blvd,

Richmond, CA 94805) during normal business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are

also accessible online at www.contracosta.ca.gov. If the Zoom connection malfunctions for any reason,

the meeting may be paused while a fix is attempted. If the connection is not reestablished, the committee

will continue the meeting in person without remote access. Public comment may be submitted via

electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day prior to the published meeting time.

For Additional Information Contact: Ronnie Mills, ronnie.mills@bos.cccounty.us, (510) 942-2222