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Mar 1 2021

Transitional Kindergarten Info Night: Tues., March 2

A TK Parent Information Night will be held on March 2, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 PM on Google Meet:

https://meet.google.com/ifa-rfmp-hbv

Join by phone
‪(US) +1 501-943-5681‬ PIN: ‪739 694 135‬#
TK Eligibility:
  • Students whose fifth birthday falls between September 2nd and December 2nd are eligible for a Transitional Kindergarten Program.  Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program.  More info on Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
  • California State Law and Information on Admission to Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten and 1st Grade can be found on the California Department of Education website.
Jan 11 2021

OPINIONS: Letters of Support for Arts Center Lease

Dear Council members,

We understand that the City Council will discuss renewal of the lease for the Piedmont Center for the Arts in the next few weeks. I’m writing to support renewal of the lease, preserving this important treasure for the City and its neighbors.

We live on a split lot, paying property taxes to both Oakland and Piedmont. Over the past few years we have enjoyed musical concerts, plays and art exhibits at the Center and sincerely hope that, once the Covid crisis has abated, we can return for future programs.

We have enjoyed many enriching performances in the short time the prestigious Piedmont Center for the Arts has been part of this small community.

I’m writing to add our voices strongly urging the Council to renew the PCA lease so it can continue to bring high quality art and culture to Piedmont. We have a treasure right here in our backyard which we must protect.

Sincerely
Mary and Andrew Moyce

~~~~~~

My name is Valerie Corvin and I am a co-founder of the Piedmont Center for the Arts. I recently stepped down from the PCA Board to pursue other endeavors, but I served 9 years as program director, visual art program director, and juried art show administrator.

As a board member and with no paid staff, I have put in countless hours at all hours of the day and night to help PCA grow into the City of Piedmont treasure that it is. The people of Piedmont love PCA. I have been thanked probably a thousand times by people who have attended events at the Center. Resident truly appreciate having an arts center as part the offerings of City of the Piedmont. It ranks up there along with the school system and our well-run town.

PCA is a selling point used by many realtors why one should choose to live in our town. I have been told it is one of the top 5 selling points of Piedmont cited by realtors. PCA is now part of the fabric of this town.

Now is the time to have civil dialogue and find ways for the City and the Center to work together for the benefit for all citizens of Piedmont.

I believe that members of the PCA Board are more than ready to work with the City to create policy and accessibility to the building to support the needs of interested groups. PCA has been a good tenant and is willing to continue to be a good team player with the City. The arts are important part of our society and add an important dimension to our lives. Please renew the PCA lease.

Thank you.

Valerie Corvin, Piedmont Resident and Co-Founder of Arts Center

~~~~~~

Good afternoon!

It has come to my attention that the Piedmont Center for the Arts (PCA) is about to go before the City Council for the second reading of their lease renewal.  And I need to let you know how much my family and I value PCA.  Upon moving here three years ago, we stumbled upon PCA and were thrilled to learn of their chamber music series.  We have subscribed ever since, and pray that their lease will be renewed.  It’s one of the very bright spots in the area, and something we’re very much looking forward to coming out of COVID.

All the best to each of you this year.  And thanks for listening.

GaryHurd, Piedmont Resident

~~~~

My husband and I have attended many concerts at the Piedmont Center for the Arts and have thoroughly enjoyed each event.
I have also enjoyed the art exhibitions.
The Center has become an integral part of the community and has brought enjoyment to the citizens of Piedmont and their guests and at our doorsteps.
It is my recommendation that you renew their funding so that they can continue their excellent mission.
Suzy Locke Cohen, Piedmont Resident
~~~~~
Dear Council members,
 I urge you to approve the lease renewal for the Piedmont Center for the Arts.
I’m a local artist who has used the facility for a book release party and art show and found it to be a delightful venue for both. It’s also a top notch space for concerts and recitals.
It is in fact a one of a kind resource for the local art community that would be sorely missed.
 Your vote to extend the Center’s lease would be greatly appreciated.
   Sincerely,
    Michael Manente – Oakland Artist and Business owner
Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the authors.
Jan 5 2021

Watch CRIP CAMP: A Disability Revolution

Watch the Sundance Audience Award winner
CRIP CAMP: A Disability Revolution,
on Netflix or (FREE) on YouTube before joining
ADFS* for a lively discussion with the film’s co-directors on Thursday, January 7, 5:00-6:00 pm.Please join us. Register here:(Registration will provide YOUR link to the speaker and Q & A event.)

View this email in your browser

Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.

Barack and Michelle Obama are executive producers of this multi-award winning documentary with an Academy Award buzz. Directors Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht deliver a rousing film about a group of campers turned activists who shaped the future of the disability rights movement and changed accessibility legislation for everyone.

Filled with the spirit, music and humor of the era, this feel-good documentary recounts the ties of a summer camp to the disability rights activism in the Bay Area in the 1970’s that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
Crip Camp Directors Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht
Please plan to view this 1 hour 48 minute film when convenient for you and your family (suitable for middle schoolers and up) on your Netflix account or FREE on YouTube. You will want to join the Appreciating Diversity Film Series and the community at large on Thursday, January 7, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for a lively talk and Q&A with co-directors Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht, who was a camp attendee. 

Please register to receive your link to this interactive speaker event and a bit of East Bay activist history.

“The wild thing is that this camp changed the world
and nobody knows this story.” 

— Jim LeBrecht, co-director, camper, activist
FREE screening of ‘Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution’, 
on YouTube or through your Netflix account, watch at your convenience.
Followed by a lively talk and Q & A with co-directors
Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht.
Thursday, January 7, 5:00-6:00 PM (PDT).

Just register here. 

You’ll be sent a confirmation email containing a link for joining the speaker event through Zoom! (no need to download zoom)

For more information, see www.diversityfilmseries.org
or contact: christy@diversityfilmseries.org 
*The Appreciating Diversity Film Series is sponsored by Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Committee, Piedmont Adult School, the City of Piedmont and both the Oakland and Piedmont League of Women Voters, and our community audience members.
Sep 9 2020

Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee Needs Volunteers

City Council Seeks Volunteers for New Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee

Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2020

Have ideas for pedestrian or bicycle safety, sidewalks, access, streets, parked vehicles, stop signs, etc.?

The City Council of Piedmont is looking for a few talented volunteers to serve on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee which will assist in the preparation of the City’s updated Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP). This process is expected to begin in October 2020 and go through May 2021.

The efforts of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee will focus on assisting staff and City consultants with the development of the PBMP Update, specifically in reviewing and providing feedback on the following materials:

1. Community needs assessment.

2. Draft action plan of recommendations.

3. Opportunities for public participation and input regarding the draft action plan of recommendations.

4. Public draft of the PBMP Update document.

5. Opportunities for public participation and input regarding the public draft of the PBMP Update document.

In establishing this committee, the City Council called out two specific groups it is looking to see represented on the Committee, in addition to residents:

• Piedmont High School and Millennium High School Students Residing in Piedmont

• Current or Former Members of the Planning Commission, Public Safety Committee, and/or CIP Review Committee

Interested residents may view the City Council resolution establishing the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, download the Application for Appointive Vacancy, and/or apply online on the City’s web site at https://piedmont.ca.gov Applications are due to City Hall on or before the deadline of Friday, September 25th at 5:00 p.m.  See links below.

Interviews with the City Council for these positions will be scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, September 30, 2020. No appointments will be made without a Council interview.

Residents with questions are invited to contact the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

Notice of Appointive Vacancies 2020 – PBAC

Commission Application 2020 PBAC

2020-09-04 PBAC Recruitment

Aug 16 2020

Proposed Enforcement for Private Property Adherence to Stricter Fire Code Ordinance

“Weeds, grass, vines, leaves, brush, diseased or dead trees, combustible growth, debris, or rubbish….

The second reading of the proposed stricter Piedmont Fire Code ordinance includes and broadens enforcement to all privately-held Piedmont property with expansive new regulations designed for Piedmont’s approximately 20% high fire hazard area.

“Standards for vegetation management described herein shall be applicable to and within private property located within the City bounds..”  Ordinance language

A second reading of the proposed ordinance for vegetation controls on all Piedmont private properties will be considered on:

Monday, August 17, 2020, 6:00 p.m., by the Piedmont City Council.

 California state law requires property owners in specific high fire hazard, wildland-urban border areas to maintain a 30 feet of open space cleared of vegetable fuel surrounding their homes, barns, garages and other structures. Most of Piedmont is not in the state defined high fire hazard zone, however the 30 foot distance will also be required by the ordinance of all Piedmont residential properties. See link in staff report below. 

The vast majority of Piedmont dwellings do not have a 30 foot open space perimeter between their homes, so it is not possible to have 30 feet of defensible space as specified in the ordinance. The City policy of allowing reductions in distances between neighboring structures presents a fire safety threat unaddressed in the ordinance. 

“In many cases in Piedmont, dwellings are situated less than 8 feet apart, and fires can easily spread from house to house and are more readily spread upslope in the direction of prevailing winds.”  Ordinance language

Landscaping, plant choices, site planning, fencing, and safety are regularly considered by the Planning and Park Commissions and Public Safety Committee. Piedmont’s applicable Commissions and Committee have not been asked to consider the ordinance.  

Removal is required of hazardous vegetation or combustible materials including, but not limited to weeds, grass, vines, leaves, brush, diseased or dead trees, combustible growth, debris, or rubbish capable of being ignited and endangering property. 

Currently, the Fire Department notifies property owners of identified fire safety threats. The proposed ordinance will subject violators to penalty fines. Decisions regarding compliance are made by the Fire Code Official, who will have “discretion in their enforcement, so as to be reasonable in their implementation.”  Exceptions are not noted within the ordinance.

,,,,,,,,,

3. Penalties. Violations of this section shall be subject to penalties. Penalty amount may be established by resolution of the City Council. If penalty amounts have not been established by resolution of the City Council, violations of this section shall be punishable by fine in the amounts specified in Government Code section 51185.”

Items included in the proposed new ordinance:

“B. Vegetation management requirements.

Standards for vegetation management described herein shall be applicable to and within private property located within the City bounds, unless stricter requirements apply under section 8.14.050 due to being located in a designated very high fire hazard zone, and failure to maintain property in accordance with such standards shall subject the responsible person to fine and/or abatement in accordance with chapter 1 or chapter 6 of this code.

1. Developed parcels.

For any parcel developed with a dwelling unit, or developed with any other structure or structures required to obtain a building permit prior to construction, each responsible person for such parcel shall ensure that vegetation on Attachment A the parcel is maintained in accordance with the requirements below. Each responsible person shall:

a. Cut down, remove, or reduce any hazardous vegetation or combustible material. Hazardous vegetation or combustible materials include, but are not limited to weeds, grass, vines, leaves, brush, diseased or dead trees, combustible growth, debris, or rubbish capable of being ignited and endangering property.

[The following has been noted as impossible in most of Piedmont.]

b. Maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet from the perimeter of each building or structure located on a parcel. The size of the defensible space area may be increased or decreased by the fire code official based on site-specific analysis of local conditions, which include, but are not limited to, considerations of: the size of the property, whether the property is located on a steep slope, whether property located in an exposed windswept location, the fire risk that the vegetation surrounding the property poses, the proximity of adjacent structures and risk to such adjacent structures, and whether the vegetation surrounding the property is regularly maintained or pruned. A responsible person is not required to manage vegetation located beyond the property line of the subject parcel.

c. Maintain any space that is within 3 feet from a roadway clear of any flammable vegetation, and maintain a 15-foot vertical clearance, free of vegetation, above roadways including streets, driveways and rights-of-way.

d. Remove or trim any vegetation that is deemed by the Fire Marshal to impede emergency vehicle access.

e. Remove all portions of trees within 10 feet of functioning chimneys or stovepipe outlets.

f. Maintain the roof and gutters free of leaves, needles, or other dead/dying wood.

g. Remove brush and tree limbs that are within six feet of the ground from mature trees.

h. Remove flammable vegetation and limbs from trees that may pose a fire and/or safety hazard to the home or property.

i. Install a spark arrestor on functioning chimneys or stovepipe outlets.

2. Vacant parcels.

For any vacant parcel in the city, each responsible person for such parcel shall ensure that vegetation on the parcel is maintained in accordance with the requirements below. Each responsible person shall:

a. For parcels with an acreage that is 0.5 acres or less, the responsible person shall clear the entire lot of flammable vegetation and maintain it to a height of 6 inches or less.

b. For parcels with an acreage that is greater than 0.5 acres, clear the area that is one hundred feet along the perimeter of the property line of flammable vegetation and maintain such vegetation to a height of 6 inches or less. A responsible person is not required to manage vegetation located beyond the property line.

c. Maintain any space that is within 3 feet from a roadway clear of any flammable vegetation, and maintain a 15 foot vertical clearance, free of vegetation above roadways including streets, driveways and rights-of-way.

d. Remove flammable vegetation and limbs from trees that may pose a fire and/or safety hazard from the property.

e. Remove brush and tree limbs that are within six feet of the ground from mature trees.

…….

“8.14.060 Definitions. In this division:

Defensible Space means the area adjacent to a structure or dwelling where wildfire prevention or protection practices are implemented to provide defense from an approaching wildfire or to minimize the spread of a structure fire to wildlands or surrounding areas, as provided in Government Code section 51177(a).

Flammable vegetation means: (1) vegetation, brush, or grasses, which is dry, dead, or dying and which is over six inches in height; or (2) vegetation which has a high resin or sap content including but not limited to Arborvitae, California Bay, Cedar, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Fir, Juniper, Palm, Pine, Spruce, Yew, California buckwheat, California sagebrush, Chamise or greasewood, Laurel sumac, Manzanita, Pampas grass, Rosemary, Scotch broom, Spanish Broom, Sugar bush, and Toyon and which is over six inches in height.

Responsible person means any natural person or a corporate entity that is the owner, occupant, lessor, lessee, manager, licensee, or other person having physical or legal control over a structure or parcel of land.

_______

To READ the proposed Piedmont ordinance and staff report, click below:

2nd Reading of Ord. 755 N.S. Designating Very High Fire Severity Zones and Adding Additional Fuel Reduction and Vegetation Management Requirements to the City Code
AGENDA and participation information:
https://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_13659739/File/Government/City%20Council/Agenda/council-current-agenda.pdf
Jun 30 2020

Alameda County Order Requires Face Coverings Outdoors within 30 Feet of Others

Alameda County Public Health Department Effective June 8, 2020 and valid until replaced, amended, or rescinded: Health Officer Order with updated Face Covering guidelines for Alameda County.

Summary of the Face Covering Order:

This order generally requires wearing Face Coverings when people are outside their homes, and is intended to provide simple rules that we must all follow in the months to come. Widespread use of Face Coverings is a critical part of reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Per the Order, everyone over the age of 12 should wear a Face Covering when outside their home and within 30 feet of anyone else other than members of their Social Bubble

City of Piedmont:  “We owe it to each other to wear a face covering! We are all working towards the common goal of not spreading the Covid-19 virus, and as cases have increased across the nation, we must do all we can to prevent increased numbers in Piedmont. Alameda County’s updated face covering order issued on June 5th mandates that face coverings be worn at all times in public, if you are or are likely to be within 30 feet of another person outside of your household. Always have a face covering with you when you leave the house, and wear it. We’re all in this together.” 

For more detailed information, please see the Alameda County Public Health Department website. 

http://www.acphd.org/media/584316/alameda-county-health-officer-order-20-13-english.pdf

http://www.acphd.org/media/584409/press-release-2020.06.05.pdf

Apr 3 2020

PUSD: School Construction Essential and Will Continue

The Piedmont Unified School District has determined that the work on the new STEAM building at Piedmont High School is an essential government function and work will continue on this project, over which the City has no jurisdiction.

April 6, 2020,  Sara Lillevand, City Administrator
Report on the Impacts of the COVID 19 Emergency on the City of Piedmont

Feb 20 2020

OPINION: Time to Renew the Parcel Tax in Piedmont

 

 Newcomers may not know it, but when Prop 13 wiped out the local tax base years ago, Piedmont and other cities voted in parcel taxes, based on lot size, to make up the difference. The parcel tax raises $2.2M, about 10% of the annual budget. Technically it’s called the Municipal Services Special Tax and the ballot measure stipulates that it shall be used for these services:
  • police and fire protection,
  • street maintenance,
  • building regulations, 
  • library services,
  • recreation,
  • parks maintenance,
  • planning and public works
So, don’t tune out the March Primary election waiting for anybody in November.
Vote for Measure T. 
Garrett Keating, Former Piedmont City Council Member
Jan 21 2020

Council Moves Ahead with ADU Ordinance: Next Consideration February 3rd

Piedmont City Council approved the first reading of a binding ADU ordinance while leaving open a number of outstanding questions. The required Second consideration will be on Monday, February 3, 2020, 7:30 p.m., City Hall. 

ADU applications that comply with a new binding ordinance will be approved by city staff without neighbor notification or public participation.  ADUs will be approved “by right.”  Parking, privacy, and views will not be allowed to be considered.

Planning Director Kevin Jackson and City Attorney Michelle Kenyon acknowledged that it had been difficult to determine the ramifications of the various State laws and their impact on Piedmont’s proposed ordinances. 

Numerous outstanding issues remain: safety requirements including street width and existing parking, driveway widths, fire safety, distance from a bus stop by foot, clarity on design review requirements, landscaping, enlargements to garages on the property line, risks of waiting to approve an ADU ordinance until information is provided by the state, deed restrictions, opaque window requirements, balconies, etc.

The Council supports increased Piedmont density by adding more ADUs approved by staff.   There will be no public notice or consideration by the Planning Commission on conforming ADUs.  Higher and taller ADUs over 16 feet were also sought by the Council. 

The Council seeks to meet regional housing needs, especially for below market rate housing, through increased ADUs. The Planning Department was praised for their efforts.

City Planning Consultant Michael Henn of Piedmont spoke to the Council on January 21 asking for a more considered approach on the ADU ordinance by awaiting  the California Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines assisting cities on ordinances regarding ADUs. 

Henn carefully explained his approval of ADUs and his prior role drafting ordinances.  He recommended a delay in ordinance approval by the Council pending further information on what other cities are approving for appropriate Piedmont ADUs.

Below is the Henn letter sent to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Greetings,
I am a city planning consultant in the East Bay. I am following the creation of local ADU ordinances. I have been told that HCD is preparing new guidelines to assist cities with AB 68& 881& SB 13.
If so, when do you expect them to be available?
Thanks,
Michael Henn, AICP
Piedmont CA

Mike,

Attached you will find our guidance memo. We are working on an ADU booklet (similar to the previous HCD ADU Booklet), which will have a sample ordinance, a summary of the recent legislation, and an FAQ section. Expect that booklet out in the next month or so. In the meantime, feel free to send in any questions you may have. Thanks!

  • Jose

READ Information from Housing and Community Development > ADU TA AB 881 others 01-10-20

Despite the long processes to amend ordinances, the Council did not want to delay the ordinance.  There appeared to be no consideration of how other small cities were dealing with ADU requirements.

Oct 23 2019

Wireless Sites Hearing Planning Commission Tues., Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.

READ the agenda by clicking below:

October 29 2019 Planning Commission Special Meeting Agenda

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