Oak Leaf August 2014

The Oak Leaf

Pagina 6 en Español

Volume 16

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

• Number 1

• August 2014 The Oak Leaf

Oakley Celebrates 15th Year July 1999 - July 2014

Oakley is proud to be celebrating its 15th anniversary of incorporation. In the 1990’s a group of hard-working citizens labored for many years to obtain greater services and investment from the county, but it was determined the best approach would be for Oakley to formally incorporate as a city and this was accomplished in 1999. The celebration of our 15th birthday is significant in many ways.

Inside this Issue Adopt-a-Park....................... 2 California Coastal Cleanup Day in Oakley......... 2 City Budget Update............. 3 Oakley OnDemand............... 3 Code Enforcement Explained............................ 4

Expectations Met and Surpassed

City Council Elections.......... 5

Oakley beat the expectations of many county and state officials who didn’t hesitate to bet against us, verbalizing that the new City of Oakley wouldn’t go beyond seven years before folding. For comparison, our neighboring cities of Antioch and Brentwood date their incorporation to 1872 and 1948, respectively.

Continued on page 5

2014 Heart of Oakley Festival Almost Here!....................... 6

Oakley to Unveil Long Awaited Memorial Special Veterans Day Observance

Mark your calendars and save the date of Tuesday, November 11 for Oakley’s Veterans Day Observance Ceremony being held at the Civic Center, 3231 Main Street beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The day’s festivities will include a special keynote presentation by former Marine Corps Sgt. Nathan D. Johnson who served in Pakistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is now a Service Officer for the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office. The much-anticipated unveiling ceremony for Oakley’s long-awaited Veterans Memorial will immediately follow and features a special flag ceremony and music. Come join your neighbors in thanking Oakley’s Veterans for their service!

En Español........................... 7

Regular Features Departments....................... 8 City Calendar...................... 8

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley Coastal Cleanup Day is September 20th Join us at Marsh Creek Come join your friends and meet your neighbors for the Annual Marsh Creek Cleanup!

Each year, families, coworkers, scout troops, school groups, service clubs, and individuals gather together to celebrate and share their appreciation of California’s fabulous coast and waterways.

Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear work gloves.

Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept.

20, 2014. Registration is at Creekside Park and starts at 9:00 a.m.

What is Coastal Cleanup Day?

The Oak Leaf

Adopt-a-Park Gains a New Partner Living Options, Inc Joins a Great Program to Keep Our Parks Clean The City of Oakley Adopt-APark program membership is growing!

Living Options, Inc. adopted Laurel Ballfields Park this last spring. Their volunteers will work to help the City maintain this particular public park.

Our newest Adopt-a-Park corporate partner has been providing support services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including opportunities to be a part of our East County community since 2005. You can visit their website at www.livingoptionsinc.org.

Additional partners include Oakley Cub Scout Pack 152 who care for Creekside Park, and New Lifeline Ministries leading the effort at Crockett Park.

Want to Adopt a Park?

On the third Saturday in September, people join together at sites all over California to take part in the largest volunteer event on the planet.

The Oakley Division actively individuals and to help with park maintenance and projects.

In 2013, over 65,000 volunteers removed almost 770,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from California’s beaches, lakes, and waterways.

For more information contact the Oakley Recreation Division at (925) 625-7042.

Lookin’ for a Park?

Oakley has dozens to choose from!

To find a park to adopt, take the family for a picnic or just enjoy the summer sunshine, visit the Oakley city website at http://www.ci.oakley.ca.us

Parks recruits groups general special

Volunteers can take pride in giving to the Oakley community and making a positive impact, either short-term or long-term.

The “Adopt-A-Park” program allows volunteers to adopt a park, trail, or landscape area. Individuals or groups assist in cleaning, litter pick-up, weeding, planting, and other maintenance activities.

These efforts reduce maintenance costs to the city and provide the volunteers with a greater sense of pride in themselves and their community.

Residents, businesses, service clubs, churches, school clubs, and other groups are encouraged to participate in one-day projects or make a longer term commitment through the Adopt-A-Park Program.

Contact the Oakley Parks Division at (925) 625-7037 for more information.

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

Oakley Budget Update On June 30, 2014, the City Council adopted the fiscal year 2014-15 budget totaling approximately $39.2 million.

The General Fund budget, where general-purpose taxes and fee-for-service activities are budgeted, totals approximately $15.9 million, including the use of $2 million of fund balance for special projects, public safety and economic development initiatives, and additional capital improvement projects. The remaining $23.3 million are budgets of other funds used to account for special purpose revenues and fund balances, restricted primarily for police services, landscape and roadway maintenance, and capital improvement projects. The Budget remains lean and structurally balanced, and the City Council has and continues to direct that police services, roadway and park maintenance, economic development and code enforcement remain the City’s highest priorities.

The Council remains steadfast in retaining sufficient reserves for conservatism always maintaining a reserve in excess of 20%. During the downGeneral Fund Expenditures turn, the Council decided to hold the Animal Control 1% City’s excess reserves as an additional Information Serv. 2% City Attorney 1% safety net, reflecting concerns about City Clerk 2% Economic Development 1% the rapid economic decline and that Code Enforcement 2% Community Outreach 1% the timeline for recovery could be Planning 2% Building 2% lengthy. With the economy stabilizCity Manager 3% ing, the Council has returned to their Recreation 3% practice of putting excess reserves to Finance 4% work.

The full budget document and the Capital Improvement Plan are both posted on the City’s website at http:// www.oakleyinfo.com.

Public Works 8% Police 55% Transfers Out 13%

Oakley OnDemand!

24-Hour Customer Service in the Palm of Your Hand If potholes need filling or streetlights need fixing, then Oakley OnDemand is for you!

Oakley OnDemand provides our citizens, businesses, and visitors with access to services and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Oakley OnDemand is a virtual “City Hall.” With Oakley OnDemand, you can gather information, request City services and check the status of your request anytime, day or night. Once the request is completed, Oakley OnDemand sends a follow-up survey to ensure the service met your expectations. You can download the Oakley OnDemand free app to your iPhone or Android by searching for “Government Outreach.”

Once you’ve downloaded the app, open it and select an issue, and take a picture. The app can identify the exact location, who can fix it, and where to send the request.

Additionally, Oakley OnDemand has an online component available at http://www.Oakleyinfo.com and Facebook where you can access hundreds of Frequently Asked Questions and submit requests. You will find hundreds of topics including neighborhood watch, building permits, animal control and more.

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

“What is Code Enforcement?”

Code Enforcement keeps Oakley safe, healthy and attractive Oakley is a great place to live! Code enforcement helps the people of Oakley keep it that way.

The purpose of code enforcement is to complement the efforts of our citizens who contribute to our great quality of life. It is not a program designed to exact penalties for non-compliance. Its intent is to keep the city of Oakley a healthy, safe, clean, and attractive place to live and work.

As part of a multi-faceted community and city-government based approach, code enforcement’s primary objective is to educate our citizens so that compliance becomes second-nature and when code enforcement becomes involved, it’s the exception rather than the rule.

“I didn’t know that!”

Here are some typical neighborhood problems many of us didn’t realize were actually part of our responsibilities, yet each directly impacts our quality-of-life and are key components of the municipal code: • Garbage cans in public view more than 24 hours after scheduled pick up • Cars or boats parked on unimproved surfaces such as dirt or grass • Basketball hoops in the street or on the sidewalk • Unregistered or inoperable vehicles in public view • Overgrown weeds, dead grass or plants/un-maintained landscaping • Garage sale signs posted on public property such as traffic medians and traffic signal poles • Debris such as construction material, tires, appliances, etc.

• No garbage service Become a part of the solution Start by first looking at your property. Walk out to the front of your house and look at it from the street. Make sure you don’t have any violations such as those listed above. Simple actions such as mowing, weeding, and pruning can have astonishing effects. You’ll be surprised at how contagious sprucing up becomes and the amount of pride it restores in your neighborhood.

The vast majority of Oakley’s residents and businesses want our neighborhoods to be better, safer, and cleaner. To achieve this objective, report suspected violations to the Oakley Code Enforcement Department by calling (925) 625-7031 or visiting the City of Oakley’s website at http://www.oakleyinfo.com. Look for “Code Enforcement” under the department headers and click on the “Email Code Enforcement” link. All reports are completely anonymous.

Code Enforcement staff are working for you throughout the City of Oakley. If you see them in your neighborhood, know they are there to improve your quality of life by ensuring we have a healthy, safe, and clean community to live and work.

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley Continued from page 1

The Oak Leaf

Oakley Celebrates 15th Year

Oakley’s incorporation brought local control of our community’s destiny. The very tangible results of this local control include meaningful life-enriching things like an abundance of spacious parks (36 in total and still growing!) and the ongoing infrastructure improvements that have transformed narrow country roads into wide streets with sidewalks, landscaping and lighting.

A robust recreation program now offers community activities and classes for all ages, where hardly any existed previously. Prior to 1999 there was usually only one sheriff’s deputy assigned to cover all of Oakley. We now have nearly 30 professional police officers serving the community.

Eight years after incorporation, City Council meetings were moved out of the local middle school to a new city hall complex, which became an anchor to an improving downtown. Soon after, Civic Center Park was built and the City facilitated the development of Black Bear Diner, which set in motion further plans for Oakley’s downtown revitalization. These efforts have continued with the new construction of the Oakley Plaza, across the street from the City Hall.

The Oakley Plaza features a new La Costa Taqueria, Carpaccio Restaurant and Republic of Cake bakery. When Oakley ACE Hardware moved in, they expanded and improved the existing strip mall that includes a number of businesses. The old CentroMart building will be torn down to make room for a new grocery store.

What does the future hold? Current plans call for revitilization efforts to continue east on Main Street and for a revolving loan fund for local downtown business and/or property owners to make exterior improvements. Now that CalTrans has transferred the Main Street thoroughfare to the City, more significant improvements are being planned for the near future.

The future holds great promise for this young city as it comes of age. Oakley continues to take on projects that build community pride and signal to visitors, business and developers that Oakley is the place to be.

Don’t Forget to Vote!

General Municipal Election November 4 On November 4, 2014, Oakley voters will select two members to serve on the city council. The deadline to register to vote is October 20, 2014. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is October 28, 2014. The last day to mail a vote-by-mail ballot is October 31, 2014. To find out if you are registered to vote and where to vote, please visit http://www.cocovote.us or contact the city clerk’s office at (925) 625-7000.

If you need information on registering to vote or on absentee ballot regulations please contact the County Registrar’s office at (925) 335-7800.

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

Inauguración de el Memorial en Honor a los Veteranos Marquen sus calendarios y acompañenos para la conmemoración del Día de los Veteranos el martes, 11 de noviembre. La ceremonia comenzará a las 11:00 a.m. y se llevará a cabo en el Centro Civico, 3231 Main Street.

El orador principal será Nathan D. Johnson, quien sirvió como Sargento en el Marine Corps en Iraq y Pakistán.

En la actualidad continua su servicio en la oficina de Servicios a Veteranos de el Condado de Contra Costa.

También celebraremos la inauguración de el Memorial en honor a los Veteranos.

¡No Olvides Votar!

Las elecciones municipales serán el 4 de noviembre del 2014. Los votantes seleccionarán a dos miembros para servir en el Concilio de la ciudad. La fecha límite para registrarse para votar es el 20 de octubre del 2014. El último día para solicitar la boleta electoral por correo es el 28 de octubre del 2014. El último día para enviar la boleta electoral por correo es el 31 de octubre del 2014. Si necesita más información acerca de el proceso para votar por favor póngase en contacto con el secretario del Condado llamando al (925) 335-7800.

El Festival “Heart of Oakley,” “el Corazon de Oakley” Regresa El sábado, 13 de septiembre, la ciudad de Oakley, en colaboración con el programa You, Me, We = Oakley! presentará el festival “el Corazón de Oakley,” comenzando a las 11:00 a.m. La entrada será gratuita.

El Festival promete diversión, comida y entretenimiento. El evento incluirá artesanías, música, actividades para los niños y vendedores de comida. Con el fin de mostrar las diferentes culturas que existen en Oakley y nuestra identidad común, el programa You, Me, We = Oakley! tendrá varias estaciones representativas de diferentes culturas, las cuales los asistentes podrán visitar y experimentar.

Ayudenos a Asegurar que Oakley Siga Siendo un Lugar Sano, Seguro, Limpio y Atractivo El Concilio adopta un código municipal para mantener la salud y seguridad en Oakley, al igual que para preservar a Oakley como una comunidad atractiva. Un equipo de personal se dedica a aplicar el Código, notificando a residentes si existen violaciones. Ayudenos a lograr que Oakley sea un lugar sano, seguro, limpio y atractivo evadiendo las siguientes infracciones communes: • los botes de basura deben ser guardados de la vista dentro de 24 horas después de que se recogió la basura • los autos y barcos deben estar estacionados sobre una superficie mejorada como ladrillo o cemento, no zacate o tierra • las canastas de baloncesto no deben obstruir la vía pública ( calle o banqueta) • los autos no registrados o fuera de operación no deben de ser visibles desde la vía pública • los jardines deben ser mantenidos y libre de sacates secos or malas hierbas • la basura, incluyendo material de construcción, llantas, y electrodomésticos no debe ser visible • Servicio de basura es obligatorio Su coperacion se agradece y ayudará a prevenir sancciones. Para hacer un reporte por favor llame al (925) 625-7031 or visite http://www.Oakleyinfo.com. Todos los informes son totalmente anónimos.

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The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

The Oak Leaf

The Heart of Oakley Festival returns to the Downtown Civic Center on September 13, 2014.

Come enjoy craft beer tasting and a rich variety of culinary choices provided by gourmet food trucks. Visit craft displays from local vendors and artists. See art exhibits and enjoy live music and performance entertainment on the community stage displaying the many facets of our local talent.

Admission is free.

The hugely successful 2013 inaugural bash far surpassed festival planners expectations.

This year, planners expect to exceed last year’s attendance numbers in an impressive display of civic pride as Oakley residents come together to celebrate their city.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or performing at he Heart of Oakley Festival, contact Gaby Baños-Galvan at gaby@youmeweoakley.org.

The Heart of Oakley Festival is produced by the City of Oakley, You, Me, We=Oakley, & the Friends of Oakley Community Foundation. For more info. visit http://www.heartofoakley.com.

The favorite festival highlight is sampling the many wines from local vintners made with grapes grown right here in Oakley.

After the fact...

Capital Improvement Projects City of Oakley Public Works Department has been busy on design and construction of a wide range of projects throughout the community. One key project for this year is the new Civic Center Amphitheatre project. This project is currently under construction with its completion planned for early September with a grand opening as a part of the Heart of Oakley Festival. The Amphitheatre will be a great addition and will enhance the vitality of the Downtown area.

Over the past few months, construction work has been under way on several other projects including: • City Street Name Sign replacement project • Street Repair and Resurfacing project in Heather Park neighborhood • Storm Drain improvements on Raye Avenue • New Sidewalk construction on Empire Road • Traffic Calming Improvements in Magnolia Park neighborhood • Laurel Avenue Widening project • O’Hara Avenue Widening project • Traffic Safety Improvements at O’Hara Park Middle School and Almond Grove Elementary School All these projects will add to the quality of life for the residents of the community and enhance the living experience in Oakley.

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Movie in the Plaza was hosted by the Oakley Youth Advisory Council last August 9th at the Civic Center Plaza.

Attendees brought lawn chairs and blankets and enjoyed watching Hunger Games and Catching Fire.

The Annual Kids Fishing Derby was held last August 16th at the Oakley/Antioch pier on Bridgehead Road. This free catch-and-release fishing event is for children up to 15 years of age. Prizes were awarded for the largest, smallest and most fish caught in each age category. Mark your calendar for next year.

The Official Newsletter of the City of Oakley

M unicipal C alendar August 1 City Hall Closed 5 National Night Out 12 City Council Meeting 14 Oakley’s Faith Convening 15 City Hall Closed 16 Fishing Derby September 1 City Hall Closed - H 5 City Hall Closed 9 City Council Meeting 13 Heart of Oakley Festival 19 City Hall Closed 20 Marsh Creek Clean Up Day 23 City Council Meeting October 3 City Hall Closed 14 City Council Meeting 17 City Hall Closed 18 Harvest Festival 25 Community Citizenship Drive 28 City Council Meeting

November

1 Día de Los Muertos Cultural Workshop

7 City Hall Closed 11 Veterans Day Observance Ceremony City Hall Closed - H 12 City Council Meeting 21 City Hall Closed 27-28 City Hall Closed For Thanksgiving December

5 City Hall Closed

6 Christmas Tree Lighting

9 City Council Meeting 13 Breakfast with Santa 19 City Hall Closed 22-2 City Hall Year End Closure

* H= Holiday

The Oak Leaf

For More Information: Find detailed information on specific events and a current list of all events at the City of Oakley website at http://www.oakleyinfo.com and click on “Community Calendar.”

Do you have an item or event for the community calendar?

Local non-profits, service organizations, public clubs, etc. are encouraged to submit their events for posting on our community calendar. To submit your event, visit the City of Oakley website at http://www.oakleyinfo.com and click on “Submit an Event for the Oakley Calendar” under the “About Oakley” heading.

CITY

OAKLEY of

C A L I F O R N IA

A PLACE for FAMILIES in the HEART of the DELTA

City Hall Directory

Building....................................................625-7002 CITY Code Enforcement...................................

625-7031 of City Attorney............................................ 625-7000 City Manager........................................... 625-7007 AP for F in the HEART of the DELTA City Clerk.................................................625-7013 Economic Development........................... 625-7006 Human Resources................................... 625-7006 Parks........................................................625-7037 Planning...................................................625-7000 Police Non-Emergency............................ 625-8855 Police Dispatch........................................ 625-8060 Public Works/Engineering........................ 625-7037 Recreation...............................................625-7041

OAKLEY LACE

AMILIES

Community Services

Services Information................................ 211 Oakley Chamber of Commerce............... 625-1035 Oakley Library.......................................... 625-2400 Animal Control......................................... 335-8300 Fire Department (ECCFPD)..................... 634-3400

Local Utilities

Diablo Water District................................ 625-3798 Ironhouse Sanitary District....................... 625-2279 Oakley Disposal Service.......................... 757-7660

Oakley City Hall: 3231 Main St. Oakley, CA 94561 925 625-7000 / info@ci.oakley.ca.us

Business Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

City Offices are closed the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month

City Meeting Schedule All City Council /City Council Action as a Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency meetings are regularly held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 3231 Main Street.

Meeting agendas are posted online at http://www.oakleyinfo.com and at the following locations: • City Hall, 3231 Main St. • The “White House”, 204 Second St. • Freedom High School Library, 1050 Neroly Rd.

City Council Members Randy Pope, Mayor Doug Hardcastle, Vice Mayor Carol Rios, Councilmember Diane Burgis, Councilmember Kevin Romick, Councilmember