The City of Oakley has taken another step forward to bringing a new, state of the art library to the community. In July of 2022, Baker Tilly, now Management Partners, was hired to help the City prepare an initial feasibility analysis which was presented to the City Council on January 24, 2023. The City Council directed staff to focus on an option that would explore higher density, multi-family housing on the City block bound by O’Hara Avenue to the west, Acme Street to the north, 2nd Street to the east and Ruby Street to the south. The purpose of the housing portion of the project is to allow the City to utilize a Public Private Partnership (P3) model, which in this case would allow a developer to provide the City a public facility as part of a private development project.
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East Cypress Road Update
Contra Costa County constructed the existing East Cypress Road before the City’s incorporation as a two-lane roadway without any of the modern standards. It was designed to accommodate the low traffic volumes of what were then primarily agricultural properties along the roadway. The growth in Oakley and especially in the East Cypress Road corridor with residential neighbor-
Mission
The City of Oakley will create a resilient future that fosters and attracts a vibrant and evolving community that welcomes and values all people.
hoods requires much needed improvements to this roadway infrastructure and the City has been actively working towards improving it. Several sections of East Cypress Road have been reconstructed over the past few years along the new Emerson Ranch, Delaney Park, and Cypress Crossing subdivisions.
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The City of Oakley celebrates our unique Delta lifestyle and small-town feel where we LIVE in a safe dynamic community, WORK together to build the future, and PLAY in our own backyard.
Party Like it’s 1999 with the City of Oakley
Although Oakley was originally settled in the late nineteenth century by John Marsh and other early residents who developed the land through agriculture and commerce; it did not officially incorporate as a City until July 1st, 1999. This year marks Oakley’s 25th Anniversary of incorporation. To commemorate this occasion, the City of Oakley is kicking off the summer with a 25th Anniversary Birthday Party on May 4th in Civic Center Plaza from 4pm-10pm. This event will feature a live band performing top songs of the late 90s followed by a screening of one of 1999’s most critically acclaimed and remembered movies, “10 Things I Hate About You”. Throughout the event, 25 separate gift cards will be raffled off from local Oakley businesses.
To mark the start of the summer season, each year Oakley hosts Summer Fest in Civic Center Plaza featuring live performances, games for children, food trucks, craft vendors and more. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary, this year’s event will feature an Anniversary Parade on Main Street between 5th and Norcross Streets. All residents are invited to participate either in the parade as a performer, on a float, showcasing a classic vehicle or as a spectator. Summer Fest 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 29th, and kick off with the Anniversary Parade from 9am-10am followed by concerts, games and other festivities from 11am-4pm. Special Events marking the 25th Anniversary will continue throughout 2024. For more information call the Recreation Division at (925) 625-7041.
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Have you signed up to receive the weekly Oakley e-News? This weekly email is a great source of information about upcoming events, programs, job opportunities, classes, volunteer opportunities, City Council meeting recaps and more.
You can sign up to receive the eNews by texting OAKLEY to 42828 and following the prompts or by visiting www.ci.oakley.ca.us/public-information/
Oakley Library
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Renderings of what the Oakley Library and residential component could look like.
The new library would be located on the Civic Center campus, approximately in the location where the current City corporation yard sits.
The initial analysis was promising, and in an effort to continue with that work, the City hired a consulting team led by Urban Field Studio with Economic Planning Systems and HKIT Architects to further study how we can best create the most value for the O’Hara parcel and site plan the future library on the Civic Center campus. The focus of the secondary analysis was to explore further both the residential component of the project and how much realistic residual value the Cit y could generate to help fund the construction of the new library. A variety of densities and product types were analyzed, and that information was presented to the City Council in November of 2023.
The City Council directed staff to continue to explore the project in addition to seeking funding opportunities. As part of this next phase of the project, our consultant team has prepared renderings of what the Oakley Library could look like as well as a conceptual site plan to give an idea of the potential floorplan of the facility. These renderings will be used by the City and supporters of this library effort, like the Friends of the Oakley Library, to gain support and secure funding for this exciting project.
Oakley Entrepreneur Program
The Oakley Entrepreneur Program is designed to strengthen the small business and entrepreneur community and help them grow and expand in Oakley. There are three free small business workshops remaining for the 2023-2024 series.
Register online through the link at www.ci.oakley.ca.us/entrepreneur-development-program/.
Interested in an ADU?
Most Oakley residents can imagine many ways to use an additional housing unit on their property: as a rental unit, a home for an elderly relative, a caregiver, or an older son or daughter living at home. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), sometimes called a “second unit” or “in-law unit”, is a self-contained living unit on the same property as a primary residential building. These units generally include a living and sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. They can be detached from or attached to a home. You can also create an ADU by converting a garage or existing space in a home into a separate living unit. We are excited to let residents know that the process of adding an ADU to a residentially zoned property is easier than ever before.
The City works with residents each week to assess the options for their property and regularly approves building permit applications for ADUs. After talking with the Planning Division to confirm their property’s zoning, interested residents would then either commission custom plans from an architect or reach out to a company that specializes in prefabricated accessory dwelling units. When working with an architect or company to obtain plans, residents evaluate their needs for the space. Should the unit be large or small? Should it have a full kitchen and a mini-split air conditioning system? How much closet space should it have? Once the final design is settled on, the plans along with a building permit application are submitted to the Oakley Building Division. The Building Division needs roughly 15 days to review the plans and then either provides comments back or approves the plans. Whether you are looking to custom build an ADU or use a manufactured unit, please contact the Planning Division at (925) 625-7160 for more information or visit the City’s website.
East Cypress Road Update
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These improvements included: new 4 lane roadway, bicycle lanes, curb, gutter, and sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, landscaping, and a new storm drain system.
The section of East Cypress Road from Knightsen Avenue to west of Jersey Island Road will be fully reconstructed with the above-mentioned improvements. The construction is anticipated to start this spring and to be completed by Spring 2025.
The next section of the improvements includes the reconstruction of East Cypress Road at the Contra Costa Canal crossing and intersection at Jersey Island Road. The construction of this project is anticipated to start by Spring 2025 and be completed by winter 2025.
The final section of East Cypress Road to be fully reconstructed with same features as the preceding section is from Jersey Island Road to Bethel Island Road. The construction of this project is anticipated to start by Spring 2026 and be completed by Spring 2027.
City of Oakley One-Stop Service for U.S. Passports and New Online Passport
Planning a trip out of the country? Passports are required for air, land, and sea travel outside of the United States.
The State Department now offers a passport card - a wallet-size card that can be used only for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card is a less expensive, smaller, and a more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. A passport book is required for air travel.
The City of Oakley is an U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility, and offers convenient, one-stop service for your passport needs, including photos. Passport application processing hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m. except during holiday closures at Oakley’s City Hall located at 3231 Main Street. Appointments are required; please contact the receptionist at (925) 625-7000 to obtain general information. The City of Oakley offers online passport appointment scheduling; please visit the City’s website, https:// www.ci.oakley.ca.us/departments/city-clerk/ to schedule your appointment.
Customers submitting routine applications should receive their passports within (8) eight weeks if all documentation is complete. Expedited service, which requires additional fees, assures receipt of a passport within (3) three weeks. If you are traveling within 14 days and require a passport, you may need to go to the San Francisco Passport Agency; for more information, call (877) 487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov/passport
Code Enforcement
The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and springtime is here. With spring comes flowers, singing birds, and that dreaded spring cleaning. Don’t take out those boxes and brooms just yet! Here are some tips for safe spring cleaning that will keep code enforcement happy.
Apply proper waste disposal procedures. There are days designated for garbage collection in order to maintain the neighborhood and avoid the presence of stagnant waste for long periods of time, which can result in pest infestations and odors. Please do not store garbage or household debris in public view. This includes your driveway, front and side yards, sidewalk, or street unless it is your scheduled pick-up day.
Reporting Violations. If you you’d like to report a property storing trash and debris in public view, you may submit an online complaint at https://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/ondemand-request-form.
Know what to do when getting rid of larger items, such as furniture or extra trash that won’t fit into your can? Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery can help remove excess items that are unable to meet general waste disposal practices.
On-Call Pickups: Residents may request up to two (2) per calendar year at no additional cost. They will collect up to (12) 32-gallon bags or household garbage or yard waste weighing no more than 50 pounds apiece. If you have branches, they must be tied in a bundle and cannot be larger than 18 inches by 3 feet. They will NOT pick up building or construction materials, furniture, lumber logs, carpets, appliances, or e-waste. Each pickup must be one week apart and on your regular day.
Got Bulky Items? For furniture, appliances and more please contact MDRR for more information about bulky items, debris boxes or to schedule your free on-call pick-up at (925) 682-9113 or visit their website at https://mdrr.com/resources/faqs/.
If you’d like more information on how to help maintain the well-being of your neighborhood, you may contact Code Enforcement at (925) 625-7031. Happy Spring cleaning!
Oakley Police Department Urges Home Safety
Many people are involved in industries that require them to go to homes to conduct business (real estate, property management, home health workers, house/pet sitting services & service repair workers, etc.) First and foremost, it is important to remember most people are good and open to healthy and productive work relationships at their homes, but there are enough documented and legitimate instances of crimes occurring during these interactions. These crimes can range from thefts of personal property or full-on assaults; the Oakley Police Department has investigated some of these types of crimes so even though most people are good, it is important to remember the risk of this type of thing happening does exist in our own community. We are offering the following tips to consider when you have to conduct business in a home environment or when you have to have services performed at your home.
When conducting business at a home environment:
1. Meet new clients at the office or public location to get a feel for them.
2. Try to adhere to holding all appointments during daylight hours.
3. Make working alone the exception, not the rule.
4. If working alone, make sure a friend or colleague knows to call you to check in on you.
5. When possible, do a pre appointment visit to the area to make sure you get accustomed with cell service coverage and any particular issues that make you uncomfortable.
6. Plan escape routes.
7. Do not be the first one to go into an enclosed room (leave opportunities for yourself to escape a situation if you have to).
8. Plan your own transportation to the home site.
9. Have a distress code word or phrase worked out with friends and colleagues.
10. Do not enter vacant properties alone due to possible trespassers or squatters inside.
11. Use location sharing apps (i.e. LIFE360) to create family, friend, and work groups and share your location as applicable.
12. Do not let your guard down even when you think trust has been established.
13. Do not overshare information about your personal life or family members.
14. Do not let the number of sales become more important than personal safety.
When having service work done at your home:
1. Use highly rated companies.
2. Ask for references of specific workers and try to have those same workers assigned to you.
3. Have a friend or family member stay with you while the work is being done.
4. Activate surveillance system if so equipped.
5. Ask the service person to minimize the number of trips in and out of the home.
6. Feel free to lock the service person inside your home so another person cannot enter your home while you are being distracted.
7. When the work is done, see your service person out and resecure your home.
8. Your home is your advantage; be mindful of where you keep intentional and makeshift weapons.
Reeling in Excitement: Oakley Hosts Premier Fishing Tournaments at Big Break Marina!
This year marks an exciting collaboration between the City and two major fishing tournaments at Big Break Marina, bringing elite angling competitions to Oakley. Kicking off the season, the Bass Angler Magazine “BAM” Tournament Trail will hold its inaugural Pro-Am event from April 26-28, featuring some top anglers from the West Coast. Following this, the Toyota Series by Major League Fishing "MLF," renowned for its premier competition and offering the largest payouts in national fishing tournaments, will anchor in Oakley from June 5-7 for a thrilling three-day event at Delta. At this prestigious event, professionals compete for a grand prize of $235,000, which encompasses a $35,000 bonus; co-anglers stand a chance to win $33,500.
Mark Lassagne, CEO of the BAM Tournament Trail, praises Oakley's waters as a premier destination for bass fishing, highlighting the partnership's role in introducing the beauty and challenge of Oakley to more anglers. "Our collaboration will create memorable experiences and further the sport," Lassagne said, underlining the significance of this event to the angling community and Oakley alike.
These events are more than just fishing tournaments; they celebrate Oakley's dedication to recreation, conservation, and community engagement. Don't miss your chance to join unforgettable events perfect for anglers, families, and everyone involved!
Tournament Dates (at Big Break Marina)
April 26-28, BAM Tournament Trail Pro/Am
June 5- 7, Major League Fishing Toyota Series
Sept 23, BAM Tournament Trail Kayak Tour
October 24-26, BAM Tournament Trail Pro Championship
For more information, please visit:
Major League Fishing at https://majorleaguefishing.com/
BAM Tournament Trail at www.bamtrail.com
Big Break Marina at https://bigbreakmarina.com/
3231 Main Street
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OAKLEY, CA 94561
Oakley, CA 94561 Oakley
Municipal Calendar
City Meeting Schedule
All City Council meetings are regularly held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and Planning Commission meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month. All meetings are at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3231 Main Street.
Find detailed information and a current list of all events at the City of Oakley website at www.oakleyinfo.com
