The Piedmont City Council will meet Monday, June 1 beginning  with a Closed Session in the City Hall Conference Room at 7 p.m. for consultation with legal counsel on existing litigation. Any action taken will be reported in the following open meeting, expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the public meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue. The public is invited to express their opinions about the taxes and spending priorities for the City in the coming year as well as other agenda items: Measure BB funding resolution; approve four CIP projects and increase Facilities Maintenance Fund.

The City Budget and the proposed tax levies are two important items on the agenda. The City Administrator recommends a 2.67% increase for both the Measure Y Municipal Services Tax and Municipal Sewer Tax for FY 2015-2016.

Prior to adoption, a subsequent public hearing on the proposed budget and the levy of the Municipal Services Tax and Sewer Tax will be held at the Monday, June 15 City Council meeting.

Staff reports:

Measure BB transportation tax funding resolution

Report by the Budget and Financial Planning Committee

Proposed Budget 2015-16 documents

Proposed increase levy of Measure Y Municipal Services Tax and Municipal Sewer Tax

CIP Projects recommended for approval and Facilities Maintenance Fund increase

The Piedmont Park Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

Agenda for the meeting:

Approval of May 6, 2015 minutes*

Public Forum

Update on Arbor Day

Update on CIP Process

Update on Linda/Kingston Triangle

Update on Hampton Sports Field

Update on Crocker Park Garage

Update on Off-leash Dog Signage

Monthly Maintenance report on parks, medians and street trees

Read the minutes of the May 6, 2015 Park Commission meeting.

The Park Commission meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live via KCOM Channel 27 and the City website.

On Thursday, May 28, the Public Safety Committee (PSC) will meet at 5:30  p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue. They will discuss suggested revisions proposed by Garrett Keating’s subcommittee to the Tiburon/Belvedere Disaster Preparedness Guide under consideration as a model for Piedmont.

The meeting will not be broadcast, video recorded, or live streamed; however, the public is welcome to attend and address issues of interest.

The PSC was formed as a permanent body to develop recommendations for improving public safety in the City of Piedmont.

May 18th City Council Meeting Report by High School Student Sophia Lautt-

The City Council Meeting of May 18, 2015 started out slowly, like the light rain that often precedes a thunderstorm. After chanting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council spent about fifteen minutes discussing the wording of a resolution to be presented to volunteers at the annual Volunteer Reception. The only small dispute arose when one council member thought the word “intelligent” should be removed since the volunteers ought to already know they are intelligent, and one council member disagreed. Meanwhile the audience, a group of Piedmont residents mostly appearing to be in their 30’s and 40’s, shifted in their seats.

The Public Forum followed the calendar discussions, during which a pair of Piedmont High School students spoke up about grievances concerning stop signs and streetlights. The Council, which is not allowed to respond to non-agenda items during the meeting, humored the students, knowing they were only there for a class assignment.

It was after the Public Forum, when the council began its regular agenda items, that the meeting entered into a new realm of passion and debate. The first item discussed was a request for the Council to support CALPers divestment from fossil fuel related stocks, the reason most of the audience members were there that night. The proposal would have meant that the Council would write a letter encouraging CALPers to divest its stocks in companies that promote the use of fossil fuels.

Five residents in total stood up, one at a time, to speak at the podium, where the large white camera in the corner of the room was now training all its attention. They spoke of how concerned they were that the environment would be destroyed during the lives of their children and grandchildren and how important it was that Piedmont take a stand to protect it. The proposal itself would not directly affect the use of fossil fuels in the near future, but as one woman put it, it would be a moral stand that would help stigmatize the fossil fuel companies.

Then the council began its discussion, and it was clear that they had come with their opinions already firm on the subject. Vice Mayor Jeffrey Wieler already knew he would not be voting for the proposal, though that did not stop him from responding to some of the things the residents said.

“I don’t like being told what my morals are,” Wieler said. He distrusted the source for some data the residents had used, saying it was too liberal to be taken seriously. He refused to believe Councilmember Teddy King, who said she had spoken with many Piedmont residents in favor of the proposal.  She mentioned her 10 years of community service. Wieler argued that since he had been involved in the community for twenty years, and she had only been active in the community for ten, he also knew what many Piedmonters wanted, which did not include divestment.

Councilmember Robert McBain was also against the proposal. He argued that Piedmont had never taken a stand on issues outside Piedmont’s control before, and it would set a problematic precedent.

“After this, who’s to say we won’t hear proposals about foreign policy and abortion?” McBain said. Such issues, he maintained, are divisive and will have neighbors fighting with neighbors.

Councilmembers Tim Rood and Teddy King were in favor of divestment. Rood came prepared with a printed presentation with data showing the detrimental effects of fossil fuels. King was of a similar mind, saying she wholeheartedly agreed with the residents’ idea that it be a moral stand against the fossil fuel companies. “I don’t have a problem making a statement, even if the action may not be directly effective,” she said.

In the end, Mayor Margaret Fujioka made the final decision, saying that tonight she would vote against the request. She said she would like to see it come up again so they may be able to have more discussion about it before it was either passed or rejected.

The rest of the meeting went by rather like the first half hour had gone. The Councilmembers voted in favor of an agreement to work with a carpenter for renovation of the City Hall entry hallway, while the rest of the audience slowly trickled out of the room. Reports from Councilmembers followed, though it was clear that everyone was ready to wrap the meeting up. Finally, at 9:10 p.m., the meeting adjourned.

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author.

May 18, 2015 – Piedmont City Council meeting reported by Piedmont High School student Liam Schindler –

    On Monday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m, I had the fascinating experience of attending the Piedmont City Council meeting at City Hall to observe the inner workings of our government.  Present were Mayor Margaret Fujioka, Vice Mayor Jeff Wieler, and Councilmembers Teddy Gray King, Robert McBain, and Tim Rood.  The Council meets biweekly to discuss and decide on issues that have risen in the community and to hear community members give their opinions on certain issues, or present issues of their own.

   An issue presented during the Public Forum concerned traffic safety issues at certain intersections.

There also was  a request for the City to write a letter encouraging CALPers divestment from stocks in fossil fuels by a group of citizens concerned with global warming and the future, and a reaffirmation of the City’s decision to have the lobby of City Hall redone.

The only issue that resulted in any debate was the fossil fuel issue, and it resulted in a long, heated debate.  The community members expressed their concern with global warming, its effect on the world, and how it will hurt their children or grandchildren.  They then asked that the City encourage CALPers to divest from such stocks so as not to contribute to this problem that faces the world.  Vice Mayor Jeff Wieler responded first, somewhat outraged at the idea of these citizens “telling [him] what [his] morals should be”.  He then declared that the City of Piedmont does not take stances on moral issues such as this.  However, Council Members King and Rood argued using extensive scientific data showing the adverse effects of global warming on the world.

Mayor Fujioka suggested that perhaps a more general proposal was in order regarding the City’s stance on such issues but at a later date and put forth a movement that the City take no action on this proposition.  The movement passed with three ayes from from Fujioka, Wieler, and McBain, and two noes from Rood and King.

I found this issue to be very tricky, since I do recognize the danger of global warming and believe that Piedmont should do its part to at least not support such an issue. However, I also understand that taking a moral stance like this would be unprecedented for the City Council. They should not change how they function just by accepting this proposal but rather through a lot of discussion and debate.  I support Mayor Fujioka’s idea to postpone the proposal until the City Council has made a decision about how they will handle proposals of that type.

    I spoke during the Public Forum regarding the danger of an intersection near my house.  The intersection of Moraga Avenue and Mesa Avenue has a crosswalk, but minimal visibility for drivers to see pedestrians before they are already in the street.  Regarding that, combined with the already reckless driving that is typical on Moraga Avenue, I suggested that a stoplight be put in.  None of the Council members commented on my proposal, so I do not believe they will take it into any further consideration.  However, I understand their disinterest since I forgot to make some points that I intended to.  It was intimidating to speak at a podium in a government building, to a council seated dauntingly in a semicircle around you, and I could understand anyone forgetting to make points or making other mistakes.

Editors’ Note:  The opinions expressed are those of the author.

May 13th School Board Meeting Report by Piedmont High School student Derek Cheung –

On Wednesday, May 13th, I went to the School Board meeting at Piedmont City Hall.  By 7:05 p.m., I took a seat in the back row and waited for the meeting to get underway.  Within five minutes, the room filled up rapidly, as all seats were filled and some people had to sit on the stairs.  The meeting started at 7:15 p.m., and begun with the Pledge of Allegiance.  School Board President Andrea Swenson opened the meeting, stating that the School Board met in closed session at 6:00 p.m. and no action was taken.

The meeting started off with community announcements.  First, a brief discussion took place about Association of Piedmont Teachers (APT).  Swenson recognized Gabrielle Kashani as president of APT, and she stated that teachers who work outside of the classroom will be getting extra pay.

Swenson asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to speak on an item not listed on the agenda.  A Piedmont man, Rick Schiller, had a hand written speech that was prepared beforehand, and he talked about school taxes on parcels.  He made statements about how our school’s taxes are one of the most expensive in the state, and how Piedmont taxes are financially difficult to afford and pay.

Senior Miles von Hermann stood up and stated that the textbooks at Piedmont High School are outdated, as many of them were published in the 90s. Von Hermann said today’s issues are not included in the curriculum, and there is writing on the pages. Von Hermann concluded that new textbooks would benefit students.  Swenson jokingly added that Assistant Superintendent Randy Booker is already taking note of his complaint.

By 7:20 p.m., Swenson talked about speeding cars driving by schools.  She stated that the City will get speed monitors, similar to the ones on Oakland Avenue. Swensen warned the community that officers will be issuing more tickets, and to watch your speed while driving by school streets.

Less than minute later, a presentation was delivered by Superintendent Connie Hubbard.  She recognized Piedmont resident and photographer Jennifer Fox as recipient of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award.  When speaking at the podium, Fox said she was asked to attend the AP Art Show at Piedmont High, and chose a piece of art as the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year. There was one art piece that stood out to Fox.  It was by senior Ying Zhou and represented “beauty is in our lives.”  Fox and Zhou took photos together with the art piece.

By 7:30 p.m., Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced the Youth Educators (YEds).  Booker introduced adviser John Hayden and three of the Youth Educators and asked them to step to the podium.  Hayden gave a brief background of Youth Educators, stating that YEds is a social and emotional welfare program for 8th graders, and that with the help of 21 YEds, 8th graders will feel safer in high school.  Hayden stepped aside, allowing Tom Jara, Chloe Lee Rowlands, and Nate Pedan to speak to the School Board and community.  The three YEds mentioned that being in this program made them a better people, and that they loved spending time with the 8th graders.

By 7:40 p.m, Swenson introduced review items on the agenda.  First up, Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced a request that the Board approve the naming of the Learnscape at Piedmont High School (PHS) to memorialize beloved science teacher Eileen Rohmer.  Booker introduced Piedmont High School history teacher Courtney Goen to the podium, to add more details about the Learnscape. Goen described the development of Learnscape as a community effort, and thanked the Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) and the Parent Club for their support.  Ms. Goen added that with the help of Ms. Bailey’s AP Art class, they are proposing to put up a mural designed by Dominic Frost in honor of Ms. Rohmer.

After Ms. Goen’s presentation, the Board asked me to step forward, as I had filled out a speaker card beforehand on this topic.  I went up to the podium and said: “I am a recent Eagle Scout and for my project I built signage for the Piedmont Middle School (PMS) Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at the Middle School has tables and benches for students to hang out at lunch, after school, or some teachers even bring their students down there on a nice day. Back when I was in Middle School, that space where the Learnscape is now, used to be a parking lot.  The students should be grateful and lucky to have an area like Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at PHS is not going to be as large a space as PMS, but will there be benches and tables for students to utilize?”

Ms. Goen responded that benches and tables will be installed.  Goen added that $5,400 in donations have been collected so far, and the smallest donation was $7 for Learnscape.  The Board was in favor, and the Learnscape project passed.

I think having the PHS Learnscape will be a popular place for students to hang out during lunch or before/after school.  It is a great idea to add this unique place to the PHS campus, honoring Ms. Rohmer, who was a beloved science teacher and inspired many students.  The fact that benches and tables are going to be installed at Learnscape will encourage and welcome students to eat lunch or hang out on campus.  Plus, the Learnscape will be a great way to remember Ms. Rohmer who will never be forgotten in the PHS community.

By 7:50 p.m., Booker introduced the elementary school principals who have worked on the selection for the elementary math curriculum.  Booker introduced Cheryl Wozniak to the podium.  Wozniak presented a series of slides in a powerpoint presentation, and joining her was resource specialist Sarah Kingston.  Wozniak added that the state of California adopted Common Core in August 2010, and it was introduced by Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) in 2014.  She also added that the proposed math curriculum is Bridges and Number Corner.  Kingston spoke afterwards stating: “This new math pathway proposal meets non-negotiable criteria by grade level and meets rigor and balance in alignment criteria”.  Kingston added that when trying out the new math pathway program with students, they loved it.

Havens Principal Anne Dolid was later introduced to talk about the communication plan.  Dolid stated that there has been Common Planning time with teachers, email communications with staff, bulletin updates and Infinite Campus messages to parents with updates on adapting the new math pathways. Dolid went on to say that all teachers who voted supported the recommendation to adopt Bridges and Number Corner, the new math curriculum. The School Board unanimously voted to adopt the new math programs for the elementary level.

By 8:30 p.m., Booker introduced a proposal to pass Integrated Math 1 and 2A for PMS/MHS/PHS.  This would replace the current math pathway as discussed by all math departments.  According to Booker, these new programs will spark student interest and concepts will click quickly.

There were a lot of concerns by the School Board about these new math programs. Board Member Doug Ireland added that students would go into the next math course by barely passing the class. Board Member Rick Raushenbush questioned whether summer school can be an option.  Sarah Pearson spoke on whether textbooks for the math curriculum look promising. Department Chair Doyle O’ Regan answered that question, stating that he looked at seven products, and that high school level textbooks are not well developed. Booker added that the department will continue looking into textbooks to use in the fall and will report back to the School Board.  O’Regan concluded that there will be five courses in Integrated Math, and that there will be about 25 students in each class. School Board Member Amal Smith added that more UC’s are looking at Integrated Math.

By 8:45 p.m., Superintendent Hubbard discussed the Co-Curricular Schedule, and approval of the contract between the District and APT.  Hubbard defined co-curricular as spending extensive time outside of the classroom by a staff member.  The Board eventually approved the new schedule, and applauded APT president Gabrielle Kashani for her leadership.  I think that teachers should earn extra pay, if they are working outside of the classroom for a significant amount of time.  The teachers deserve it as they are not required to do it, but they choose to spend their personal time organizing the curriculum and class for their students.

Next, Hubbard briefly talked about contract openers.  She added that they are looking at professional growth and salary schedule, and the classified contract is on the PUSD website.  By 8:50 p.m., Assistant Superintendents Booker and Brady spoke on the RFP Process and LCAP Budget.  By 9:00 p.m., Hubbard announced that the PMS 8th grade celebration will be held June 10th at 4 p.m. at Witter Field, MHS graduation will be on the same day at 12:45 p.m.at the Piedmont Veterans Hall.  On June 11th, PHS graduation will take place at 5 p.m. at Witter Field.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

A Report by Piedmont High School Student Josephine Ireland –

On Wednesday, May 13^th, 2015, the Piedmont Unified School District’s Board of Education met at City Hall in one of their monthly meetings.  The Board of Education recognized Jennifer Fox as the winner of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award, discussed the Learnscape project that is dedicated to Eileen Rohmer, and discussed the new math curriculums at both the elementary schools and the high schools.

The 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award this year was awarded to Jennifer Fox, who was regarded as a kind, bright photographer.  The Superintendent of Education, Constance Hubbard, allowed Fox to say a few words regarding her appreciation and the gift painting that she chose from the PHS art show.  Fox stated that as a photographer she feels gifted to be able to take photos for the Piedmont community.  As her reward, she chose a painting by high school student Ying Zou, which portrayed famous architecture around the world.  Zhou said its purpose was to illustrate how people get lost in their busy lives and should notice the beauty the world has created.

Not posted on the agenda was an appearance made by a few Youth Educators (YEds), who also have learned a lot about giving back to the community.  Tom Jara, Nate Peden and Chloe Lee Rowlands all spoke of how when they were eighth graders the impact that Youth Educators had on them was tremendous.  They shared that the transition from middle school to high school, but because of YEds this was made easier. The program creates a great support for not only the eighth graders, but also for the YEds themselves because of the community they build with each other.

After the YEds spoke, Randall Booker, the assistant superintendent, introduced the Learnscape project that was being built to honor Eileen Rohmer, a science teacher that passed away a few years ago. History teacher, Courtney Goen discussed the purpose and plans for the project. She said because Ms. Rohmer had always worked for the greater good, she deserved this honor. Student Dominic Frost painted a picture of Ms. Rohmer that would be made into a mural in the Learnscape area. Goen says it would be used as a beautiful lunch area for students to sit, do homework and eat lunch on campus; it could also be used as an outdoor classroom.  Goen also stated that many people have been donating very generously to the cause.  After details of the Learnscape project had been announced, the Board approved the name of the Learnscape Project.

After Learnscape was approved, Booker introduced problems with the elementary math curriculum and how the principles of it were jaded.  The new curriculum came from common core and had been reviewed by the community.  Elementary teachers and administrators recommend the Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner as the new curriculum.  Because it has to follow a certain criteria and be engaging, accessible, and work for small groups and target specific learning needs, this new curriculum is perfect as stated by five elementary school teachers.  Ann Dolid discussed how both teachers and parents gave positive feedback and she suggested the School Board adopt Bridges and Number Corners.

In addition to the elementary math, Booker introduced an issue of the integrated math at the high schools. The reason for taking the more advanced course is because of a larger interest in math. Doug Ireland, Board of Education member, said “C-” is a “low bar for sending students into a compression course.” He noted that students with a low grade should not be taking the more advanced course.  He worries that parents may force their child into a class even with this grade when they are not ready. Booker did state, however, there will be a rubric sent home, but Ireland continued to be astonished that there is such a low standard for the compressed course.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Enrollment is now open.

The Associated Parents Clubs of Piedmont (APCP) have developed a broad range of Piedmont summer programs for school age children.

Information on the APCP Summer Enrichment and AISCE (Academy of Integrated Studies and Community Engagement) programs can be accessed through the links below.  Piedmont and the community at-large are offered many summer opportunities for children and grandchildren.

Brochure  http://apcpsummerenrichment.com/

Class listing details www.piedmontportal.org/schools/aisce/

– Piedmont High School students report on the Piedmont City Council meeting of May 4, 2015 – 

On the night of May 4, I attended a City Council meeting that lasted 2 hours.  The Council meets about twice a month.  The purpose of this meeting was to address various issues, discuss city planning, as well as hear updates on crime.

The major issues addressed included the upcoming Bike to Work Day, the new installation of LED lights in the street lamps, the problems occurring because of the Happy Together Preschool (HTP), a crime update from Police Chief Goede, and Piedmont’s Fund Reserve.The most controversial issues included the LED lights and the Happy Together Preschool.

PG&E* has begun planning its estimated 8 week project to replace the 578 standard street lamp lights with new, energy efficient lights, LED.  This project is estimated to cost $140,000, to be financed by PG&E.  Along with the benefit for newer lights, these LED lights will also cut down Piedmont’s CO2 emissions and save the City $22,000 dollars per year on electricity.  The issues regarded the intensity of the lights, which can be changed according to a PG&E employee, and the size of the rebate.  Both of these issues were brought to attention by Councilwoman Teddy King, who wanted to understand the situation.

I am in support of the LED lights because not only would they be funded by a source outside the city, it would also allow Piedmont to cut back on our CO2 emissions and allow us to play our part in the protection of our environment.

The other issue were the noise complaints and social blight that Fairview Avenue residents found with Happy Together Preschool (HTP.)  Currently, HTP is attempting to double the number of their students (15-30), increase its staff (5-7) and increase their hours of opertion by 3 hours.  Many Fairview residents, such as Halley Ivy and Roger Tinkuff see the preschool as a hazard because of the low fence where the young children climb on, and as a blight on the neighborhood because of the noise and parking spaces that HTP requires.

The residents were worried about whether increasing the student population will make it easier to maintain the school, or bring the school down because of too many people in a small building.  The suggested solution was that the expanded hours would allow the parents to pick up their kids in a staggered amount of time rather than all at once.  Additionally, adding more hours onto the day would create an environment where students could play throughout the day in small groups rather than one big group.

On the issues regarding HTP, I did not see enough information to make a solid decision on whether I support the modification or not.  Both sides presented solid evidence, although the residents seemed too emotional when talking.  However, given from what I have seen, HTP needs to get everything straight and under control (such as the playground, noise problems and the fence) before they get more students.

I spoke at the meeting to discuss the issue I have seen with the El Cerrito and Oakland Avenue intersection.  Having crossed this intersection many times, it is easy to say that there is a real difficulty in seeing down Oakland Avenue when trying to cross and that this creates a driving hazard that affects the whole community.  I described my incidents with trying to cross the intersection in my car and how dangerous the crossing is.  I purposed that the city reconsider the amount of parking on Oakland Avenue close to an intersection because with fewer cars blocking the view, the transition from one side of the street to the other would make a tremendous difference.

I interviewed Councilman Robert McBain, who was elected to his position as he wanted to continue his involvement in the community.  The difficulties he saw as the most important were the budget issues as well as creating adequate recreational facilities.  The Council has done a lot to improve the budget by discussing many issues with the administration and he plans to continue this work.

by David Dryburgh, Piedmont High School Student

The following is Zayanne Rifai’s report of the May 4 Council meeting and her interview of Police Chief Rikki Goede:

Going to the City Council meeting was a great experience. It was very organized, and it was from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4th 2015. The concerns by the Piedmont community were expressed and taken under consideration by the Council. Some topics included: PG&E street light work in Piedmont, Happy Together Preschool conditional use permit, and the Piedmont crime report, as well as tips on how to not be the next victim of a crime.

The first topic, which drew attention, was the installation of streetlights by PG&E.* PG&E is going to replace street lights in Piedmont with the high efficiency bulbs and fixtures.  The high efficiency light bulbs are predicted to provide a saving of $22,000 per year. Cost estimates did not include the cost of existing non-standard custom fixtures. The specialized style of fixtures in some areas was a concern for the City Council. Those fixtures will not be a part of this agreement. The high efficiency light bulbs will have a less blue output and less of a glare.

One public concern was whether or not there will be working street lights while the project was happening. PG&E stated they will swap out the bulbs one by one, making sure that each light fixture works by the end of day.

Once the Council concerns were addressed, they were happy to approve the project, and actually felt great about being a more energy efficient community, while keeping the aesthetics and not jeopardizing anyone’s safety. This was mostly discussed between Paul Benoit, Margaret Fujioka, Piedmont’s mayor, and Jeffrey Wieler, Vice Mayor.

The next topic was Happy Together Preschool, who asked for a 5-10 year Conditional Use Permit extension, adding 3 hours to their daily operating schedule, and 3 extra parking spots. The concerns raised by the community were safety of children, noise and the already problematic parking situation. They pointed out the height of the fence which was a concern.  The kids were able to climb to the top of it and fall over or get out. A community member was able to produce pictures.

The frustrating amount of noise according to the community was intolerable and in fact it was very disturbing to the neighbors that are older who are confined to their homes, and or the ones that actually work out of home.

The option of 2-5 years was brought up, and the community proposed that stricter conditions be given and reevaluated at the 2 year mark. Then if those concerns were dealt with then to possibly grant the 5-10 year conditional permit extension. The younger community members felt like the timing of the first meeting was unfair as it was on the Monday following Spring Break. Some also felt that their complaints which were sent in, fell to deaf ears.

The Council did not make a final decision on the contract and will review it once more on May 18th. Tony Theophilos, Chair of the Planning Commission, agreed to attend the Council meeting on May 18th when the Council further consider the 2-5 year Conditional Use Permit option.

The final topic I want to bring up is the Police report, and the concerns the Police Chief had for the community. Piedmont Police Chief Rikki Goede explained the recent crimes occurring in Piedmont were in areas that spill into Piedmont from Oakland’s communities.

The type of crimes that were occurring and that could be minimized are car break-ins. She mentioned not leaving valuable things in cars. She mentioned that our backpacks or gym bags may not have anything valuable in them, but to a thief, who is hopeful, he/she  will break into your car and leave you with a smashed window.

She also mentioned that on quick runs to the store, or ATM’s, don’t assume that just because it will be a few minutes that your purse, wallet or electronics are safe. Thieves are quick. These are some of the tips she gave everyone in the room on how to avoid being a victim in this type of situation.

I would like to mention that I chose not to speak during the meeting because I am not a resident of Piedmont. I am a resident of Oakland so I felt like it was not my place to say anything on the topics that were talked about.

~~~~~~~~

After Chief Rikki Goede spoke, I followed her into the hallway where she agreed to speak with me about some of my concerns.

Why were you there? What difficulties and problems brought you there?

Piedmont Police Chief Rikki Goede was there to talk about recent crimes that have been occurring in Piedmont, and areas that spill into Piedmont like Oakland’s Montclair and Rockridge community. Also, she gave tips on how to avoid being a victim of the recent trends in crimes as in vehicle breaks in, mail theft, car theft and and she spoke about installing plate readers.

What next step will she take to get their particular concern addressed?

The next step would be installing additional plate readers, which would help police locate stolen vehicles, and crimes that occur using those vehicles. Also, she plans to keep updating recent crime activity to keep people aware of what is happening in the community.

I asked her if there was anything she’d like to add that I could quote her on and she said “Make sure you pay attention. Don’t be on your phone, texting or what ever. Be aware of your surroundings. Criminals don’t like people that can identify them so always look at people in their face.” – Rikki Goede

By Zayanne Rifai, Piedmont High School Student

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the authors.

*”The LED project’s net cost of approximately $140,000 will be funded through PG&E’s 0% on-bill financing (OBF) Program, which includes no out-of-pocket costs for the City and allows simple payback from energy savings during an estimated 6.5 year loan period. At the end of the loan period, the City is expected to save approximately $22,000 in energy costs per year and reduce the City’s carbon output by approximately 34.5 metric tons per year. “

US News and World report ranked schools in California and the nation.  Piedmont High School ranked 22nd in California.

Read the ranking criteria and results by clicking the link below:

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/piedmont-city-unf/piedmont-high-school-3029