On the Agenda: WCCUSD budget cuts, Black Nine honored, and city meeting time change
The Richmond City Council’s February 25 meeting will feature a presentation from the United Teachers of Richmond, which argues the West Contra Costa Unified School District is manufacturing a fiscal crisis while failing to retain teachers amid rising costs. Also on the agenda: a proclamation honoring the Black Nine, Richmond police officers who successfully sued over racial discrimination in 1968, and a discussion on shifting City Council meeting start times to encourage more public participation. Other items include updates on AC Transit improvements, a bike lane project, and the latest Richmond crime report.
Presentation and proclamation honoring the establishment of the Guardians of Justice and celebrating the Black Nine
Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson, and Jamelia Brown’s item will receive a presentation from the Guardians of Justice about the history and contributions of the Black Nine officers: Arthur Johnson, Douglas Ellison, Harold Redic, Marvin Smith, Michael Nichols, Ollie Glover, Otis Timmons, Rudolph Johnson, and Tecumseh “Danny” Nelson.
According to the agenda report, the Black Nine were nine Richmond Police Department officers who filed the first internal lawsuit in a police department in the United States to challenge racial discrimination in 1968. Their legal victory in 1972 led to improved treatment of Black officers in Richmond and inspired the creation of advocacy groups for Black officers across the country. Following their victory, they founded the Guardians of Justice, which remains active today in fighting injustice and supporting underprivileged communities.
Presentation from the United Teachers of Richmond on West Contra Costa Unified School District’s fiscal crisis
The United Teachers of Richmond claims the West Contra Costa Unified School District is manufacturing a fiscal crisis. The teacher’s union wants to review the school district’s financial practices and discuss how to better support Richmond students and families.
Soren Hemmila
The school district is struggling to retain teachers amid low pay and a high cost of living, according to a report by the United Teachers of Richmond. The union claims that 561 educators have left the district over the past three years, while teacher pay has increased by only 16.5 percent compared to a 32.8 percent rise in district revenue.
The average teacher salary in WCCUSD for the 2023-24 school year is $91,374, significantly less than the California state average of $101,084. This disparity makes it challenging to attract and retain qualified educators in one of the state’s most expensive counties.
The union’s report emphasizes that Contra Costa County is California’s 11th most expensive county, with living costs 29.9 percent higher than the state average.
The United Teachers of Richmond also criticized WCCUSD for increasing spending on professional and consulting services, which rose to 13 percent of its budget in 2023-24, up from nine percent in 2019-20, while spending on teacher salaries dropped to 29.8 percent, below the state average of 35.2 percent.
The union claims the district is saving money by leaving 129 teaching positions vacant, resulting in an estimated $18.7 million in savings, but at the cost of worsening the staffing crisis.
According to Interim Superintendent Kim Moses, the district is moving forward with $13 million in budget reductions over the next two years to maintain financial stability, but no immediate teacher layoffs are expected.
Moses said in a statement that the district must cut $7 million in 2025-26 and an additional $6 million in 2026-27 to meet the state-mandated 3 percent reserve requirement.
“Due to existing vacancies, we anticipate that there will be a certificated job available for all current WCCUSD educators for the 2025-26 school year,” Moses said.
Moses also addressed concerns about the district’s funding, emphasizing that restricted funds, such as those for after-school programs and community school grants, cannot be used for general operating expenses. Additionally, she noted that vacant positions still require funding due to substitute costs, overtime, or contracted services.
“We understand concerns about the district’s budget and are committed to keeping our community informed,” Moses said.
Presentation from AC Transit: Macdonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard Transit Improvement project
AC Transit representatives will give a presentation on the Macdonald Avenue and Cutting Boulevard Transit Improvement Project. The project includes the design and implementation of transit operations, as well as access and safety improvements along Macdonald Avenue between Richmond Parkway and Wilson Avenue. A traffic study will be prepared to assess various impacts related to Del Norte BART Station improvement projects.
Discuss and provide direction on future city council meeting start times
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda wants to discuss the options around changing the time of City Council meetings. Zepeda said City Council meetings often go past midnight, and many community members cannot participate.
Moving the time to start earlier might allow for the meeting to be done earlier, and hopefully, more community members can participate on items later in the agenda. However, it can also be challenging for community members to participate early since many might still be at work.
According to City Manager Shasa Curl’s Weekly Report, an earlier starting time should allow for more focused discussions, timely decision-making, and more inclusiveness of residents who cannot attend late meetings.
The early start time will be on a trial basis for six months, beginning with the March 4, 2025, meeting. With the change in the starting time, the standard/expected end time for the meetings will be 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. Should the change in starting time prove unsuccessful in completing the city’s business promptly, council meetings will return to 6:30 p.m. start time.
On the consent calendar
Construction agreement with Rapid Grading Services for the 7th Street Bike Lane Improvement Project
Public Works is seeking approval of a $269,000 construction agreement for the 7th Street Bike Lane Improvement Project with Rapid Grading Services.
This project includes the extension of bike lanes, installation of signage and striping, sidewalk construction, curb and gutter improvements, driveway modifications, guardrail installations, asphalt concrete work, and the incorporation of bicycle safety features. Staff says the introduction of Class IV bike lanes will help reduce vehicle speeds by narrowing travel lanes, while the new sidewalks will prioritize pedestrian movement.
Port Contract with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. for dredging permitting support and slope analysis at Terminal 2 and other port areas
A $254,100 contract agreement with Haley and Aldrich, Inc. to secure permits to complete required maintenance dredging at Terminal 2, the Point Potrero Marine Terminal Berths 7 and 8, the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, and conduct slope analysis at Terminal 2.
A proclamation in honor of the life and legacy of June Albonico
A proclamation will honor June Albonico's dedication and six decades of service that shaped the Richmond swimming community. As a lifeguard and swim instructor, June impacted the lives of thousands, teaching life skills and fostering confidence, resilience, and a love for swimming.
The Richmond Mayor’s Office has also issued a proclamation recognizing February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Richmond, alongside several appointments and reappointments: Xiao Feng Zhou has been appointed to the Richmond-Zhoushan Friendship Commission; Andrew Melendez has been appointed to the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board; and Valeria Serrano has been reappointed to the Richmond Youth Council.
RPD lidar speed guns and crime report
The Police Department seeks approval to purchase four TruVISION lidar speed guns from Laser Tech Traffic Safety. Additionally, it has submitted the January monthly crime report and a contract amendment with Community Violence Solutions to support services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims at the Child Interview Center.
The Richmond Police Department’s January crime report from Chief of Police Bisa French shows a mixed trend in both violent and property crimes compared to December 2024.
The number of homicides remained at zero, while aggravated assaults increased by 14 percent, from 70 to 80 incidents. Robberies saw a decrease of 44 percent, falling from 45 to 25 incidents. Overall, violent crime decreased by 6 percent, with total incidents dropping from 117 to 110.
Burglaries, excluding auto burglaries, increased from 21 to 28 incidents. Thefts, including auto burglaries, declined by six percent, from 142 to 133 cases. Vehicle thefts saw a 14 percent decrease, falling from 84 to 72 incidents. Property crime dropped by 4 percent, from 248 to 237 cases.
Impounds rose by 43 percent, from 237 to 340. Collision-related calls decreased by 22 percent, from 189 to 148. DUI-related collisions increased from four to five, while DUI reports increased from 19 to 22 cases. Sideshow-related calls increased from three to seven incidents. Firearm recoveries dropped by 52 percent, from 52 to 25.
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