POINT RICHMOND - The July 15 fund-raiser for the Plunge West Project was a great success, organizer Maryn Hurlbut reports.
"Our
cash gate was better than $1400. + advance sales that amount to over an
additional $2000," Hurlbut said. "This, plus our existing funds allow us to begin the
construction phase of the Plunge West Project."
Hurlbut said
etched pavers can still be purchased online or by sending a request directly to her at this email address: Maryn Hurlbut.
A story with more details about the Plunge West Project that was published prior to the event can be found here: Take The Plunge
Point
Richmond residents out and about early Sunday July 9 found the town center
and Ferry Point tunnel blocked off by orange cones, police cars, and
lots of strangers standing around.
The reason?
Paramount Television was
filming scenes for the second season of Thirteen Reasons Why, aNetflix dramatic series popular with the young set. It is based on the 2007 novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and adapted by Brian Yorkey for Netflix.
Although
email and other communications from the production company had led some
to locals to imagine they'd see a motorcycle chase scene through the
Ferry tunnel, the action mostly entailed two young actors on an old
green Vespa putt-putting through the tunnel at the usual speed.
As is the way of Hollywood filming, it took hours of preparation just to get
those few shots. Many curious Point Richmond folks stopped and watched for a
while, then moved on.
When the second season begins in March 2018 Point residents will have to wait to find out when the
ferry tunnel shot will appear.
POINT RICHMOND - The City of Richmond's Planning Director presented an overview of housing, the Richmond General Plan and a variety of other projects in Point Richmond and the surrounding environs when he spoke to the Point Richmond Business Association June 29.
Richard Mitchell's presentation was given at the PRBA's monthly luncheon, held at the Up and Under Restaurant. (A sound recording of his full remarks can be found at the end of this story.)
Mitchell
Mitchell gave updates on the several projects either under construction, approved but not yet building and others still in the application/approval process.
The biggest of those - 316-unit Terminal One - is in the process of doing some environmental remediation, he said.
"Hopefully by this time next year they will be starting to move the dirt relative to the development itself," Mitchell said.
Mitchell also said that that new Richmond-to-San Francisco ferry - scheduled to begin service in early 2018 - will have a big impact.
"The ferry is a game changer if we handle it right," he said.
Handling it right means ensuring there is adequate ridership for the ferry to continue.
In response to a question about the traffic expected to be generated by all the new housing , Mitchell said initially there will be issues to be dealt with.
But he added that he believes the way people use automobiles is changing. He cited the impact of services like Uber and Lyft, among other considerations.
And he said not to rely too heavily on traffic studies.
"Traffic counts don't ever come up to the perceptions we have of traffic impacts," he said.
Mitchell's full comments - including the questions and answers - can be heard by clicking on the video link below.
POINT RICHMOND - The City of Richmond's Director of Planning and Building will give an update Thursday at the Pt. Richmond Business Association luncheon on the status of four Point Richmond housing projects either currently approved, under construction, or in the application process. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Up and Under restaurant upstairs board room. Discussion start at noon. Director Richard Mitchell is expected to talk about the already approved Terminal One and Shea Homes Waterline projects, a proposed project by Las Vegas-based New West for Seacliff Drive and the nearly completed project adjacent to Mechanics Bank in the Pt. Richmond Business District.
A question and answer interview with the architect of that business district project can be found here: Interview with David Trachtenberg
Apartments under construction adjacent to Mechanics Bank (Photo by Laura Paull)
POINT RICHMOND, Calif. - A party & fundraiser for the final steps in completion of restoration of the Plunge campus will be held Saturday, July 15. Events begin at 2 p.m. with ticket sales, kicking off a series of fun events that run well into the evening, concluding with a movie. The funds collected for the event will allow the Plunge West Project team to break ground on the west side of the building for a bocce ball court, new walkway, side and back gardens.
"Please print/save your receipt and bring it with you for entrance to the dinner and movie," Hurlbut said.
"And please support this highly requested town improvement by buying your tickets right now. With everyone's help, groundbreaking will happen in July."
For more information, call 510-237-6880
EVENTS SCHEDULE
The Plunge Garden Celebration Program on July 15th kicks off at 2 pm with check in and free passes for a swim at either the Plunge (2-4 PM) or the Richmond Swim Center at any of their scheduled swim times.
At 3 p.m., there will be an opening magic act, face painting, fun photo op and music will continue throughout the day. There will also be a special “no littering” sign drawing contest with awards!
At 4:30 Richmond Mayor Tom Buttwill announce the winners of his Second Annual Garden Contest.
At 5:30 the dinner and a movie part of the program begins with appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks being served behind the Plunge Building in the Picnic Garden Area.
At 6;30 p.m. dinner will follow in the Picnic Garden Area provided by Salute, Assemble, The Mac Restaurant and Up & Under. Dessert will be provided by Brezo.
At 8:00, the evening entertainment starts with more magic and surprises.
At 8:30, everyone will settle into their own lawn chairs (or blankets) on the two tennis courts to watch a movie displayed on the back of the Plunge Building.
More details will be announced during the rest of June.
RICHMOND - Temple Beth Hillel held a special celebration last month honoring Rabbi Dean Kertesz for his 10 years of service.
Kertesz
Approximately 100 people attended offering tributes to Kertesz, including Michael Cohen president of the congregation and Holocaust survivor Sam Genirberg.
The evening included a potluck dinner, numerous tributes to the rabbi, Israeli folk dancing, singing - and a Havdalah service.
Kertesz is the son of European refugees, grew up in El Cerrito and still lives in the family home there.
He graduated from Reed College in Portland, Oregon and joined a kibbutz in Israel for several years. He and his wife Carla Cassler have a daughter and son.
When the post of rabbi came open in 2006, Kertesz was selected from a large field of more experienced candidates.
"His decades of life experience, work with Jewish organizations, relaxed intelligence and desire to serve this community made him the winning candidate," a Temple Beth Hillel member said.
Cantor Fran Burgess leads students in song at the celebration
POINT RICHMOND - An update on revised plans for New West Development Corporation of Las Vegas' proposed housing project off Seacliff Drive will be considered Wednesday at the Point Richmond Neighborhood Council.
The meeting is open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Point Richmond Community Center on Washington Avenue.
New West Homes project site
The 270-unit project has been discussed at several PRNC meetings, including a special meeting in mid-March. At that meeting numerous Point residents asked questions about the height of the buildings, traffic impacts and safety concerns about ingress and egress for the project off Seacliff.
Residents also questioned whether rezoning the land from recreational use to residential was the best use of the property.
The PRNC is also expected to hear a presentation by Denee Evans of the City of Richmond about proposals to redo parking and make Washington Avenue and Park Place one-way streets.
The parking presentation will be one of the first items of business. The proposed Bottoms Quarry development is on the agenda at 8:10 p.m.
