Aug 27 2019

Costly Battery Thefts Plague Bay Area Prius Owners

No Windows or Doors Were Forcefully Damaged to Remove the 180 pound Battery –

Prius owners are advised to avoid street parking overnight.

Battery thefts from Toyota Prius have been rising since 2015.  On Thursday night, August 22 or early Friday, August 23 morning the 180 pound mid-mounted central battery pack was stolen from a 2017 Prius parked on Webster Street in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights.  The owner discovered the theft on Friday, when leaving her apartment.  The repair typically costs between $5,000 and $10,ooo according to a Toyota mechanic who is currently re-installing the battery pack in four other Prius models that suffered the same theft.

See photos and Read more here.

Aug 27 2019

Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol Policies of the Piedmont School District: Wed. Aug. 28

The Piedmont School Board will consider new policies on Drugs, Tobacco, and Alcohol at their meeting on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 in Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.  The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live from the Piedmont website under videos and also on Cable channel 27.

READ THE AGENDA AND DOWNLOAD STAFF REPORTS BY CLICKING BELOW:

https://agendaonline.net/public/Meeting.aspx?AgencyID=1241&MeetingID=73901&AgencyTypeID=1&IsArchived=False

Aug 27 2019

Piedmont Taxes to be Considered by Committee Thurs. Aug. 29

Piedmont Taxes are agendized for the Committee to make recommendations to the Piedmont City Council.

City of Piedmont Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee

Thursday, August 29, 2019   7:30 p.m.

Emergency Operations Center, Piedmont Police Department, 403 Highland Avenue Piedmont, CA

Agenda:

This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda. The 10 minute period will be divided evenly between those wishing to address the Committee.

  1. Update on the Committee’s Review of the Parcel Tax Pursuant to Resolution 120-14
  2. Consideration of Scheduling Future Meetings

Staff reports are not publicly distributed before the meeting. The meeting will not be broadcast.  Minutes of the Committee’s meetings are not agendized for Committee approval.  Audio recording are made of the meetings and are available through the City Clerk.

Aug 18 2019

Sewer Consent Decree, Personnel Rules, Land Management Software, Cavendish Lane – Monday, August 19

The Piedmont City Council meeting Monday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue will take up the following agenda:

 Approval of a Revised “Defendants’ Side Agreement to Facilitate Consent Decree Compliance” related to the On-going Technical and Legal Activities of the East Bay Sewer Collection System Agencies 

Approval of Updated Personnel Rules for the City of Piedmont

 Appointment of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the 2019 League of California Cities Conference  

Vice Mayor Teddy Gray King and Councilmember Jennifer Cavenaugh

 Approval of an Agreement with ClientFirst Technology Consulting for Land Management Software Improvements and Data Migration   $75,000

08/19/19- Consideration of Authorization to Solicit Bids for the Cavendish Lane Rehabilitation Project –The City’s expenses related to this project will be reimbursed by the City of Oakland pursuant to the terms and conditions of the previously approved Emergency Agreement between the cities dated December 12, 2018.

The meeting will be broadcast on Cable Channel 27 and on the City website under videos. 

READ the Agenda > HERE.

Aug 18 2019

Opening of the Piedmont Corey Reich Tennis Center – Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m.

The community is invited to the celebration!

The City of Piedmont, Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization, and Piedmont High School Tennis invite the entire community to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Corey Reich Tennis Center (CRTC) on Saturday, August 24th from 1-3pm. Opening ceremonies and brief remarks will be followed by a free youth clinic for ages 8-12 taught by PHS tennis players, and refreshments will be served.

While the entire project is not yet complete, the playing surface upgrade has been finished and the courts opened for Recreation Department clinic use on August 5th. The courts officially opened on August 12th for public use and Piedmont High School (PHS) practices.

“This project has been exciting and rewarding on many fronts,” said Sara Lillevand, Piedmont’s City Administrator. “The work to date has gone smoothly and now we’re thrilled to share the facility with the community who helped make it happen and proud to have the upgraded playing surface ready for the PHS Girls Tennis season.”

The balance of renovations will take place over the coming months, including installation of new bleachers for spectators and tennis court benches for players, installation of new LED lights, installation of a new drinking fountain with water bottle filler, and a permanent Wall of Champions to recognize winning teams and players from Piedmont High School tennis teams as well as a new entryway.

Fundraising efforts have yielded more than $400,000 for the project, and donations continue to be welcomed. Various sponsorship packages, on-site recognition levels, and online donation information can be found at www.prfo.org/corey.

The new tennis center honors Corey Reich, a 2004 graduate of Piedmont High School and a member of the Men’s Varsity Tennis Team. In 2007 while in college, he was diagnosed with ALS, and has served as the Assistant Coach for the Piedmont High School Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Tennis teams. Corey has been instrumental in the continued success of the PHS tennis program, whose programs have been the only ones to qualify every year for the NCS Team Championships since its inception in 1998-99.

The Corey Reich Tennis Center is located near the Piedmont Municipal Pool at the corner of Vista and Bonita Avenues in Piedmont.

Aug 18 2019

Recreation Department Fall Sports Programs Available

Looking for a sports program for your child to try to continue to refine skills? The Piedmont Recreation Department Sports Department (PDR) provides positive recreation experiences for Elementary and Middle School participants. These experiences help youth develop new physical and social skills in a fun, participatory and safe environment under the guidance of knowledgeable and supportive coaches. In this way PRD’s Sports Programs contribute to an individual’s physical, social, emotional, cultural and educational growth and development.

Of the many offerings, here are a few highlights:

JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY

This popular program for each elementary school provides kids an introduction to cross country running. Practices include warm-up exercises, stretching, games, agility drills and an endurance run of about one mile. Program size is limited to 25 students for each site. The season ends with a cross country meet at Witter Field for all three schools to run in some friendly competition. T-shirt included.

GRADES 4-5

T/Th 9/3-10/24 from 3:15-4:15pm

Beach School 194401

Havens School 194402

Wildwood School 194403

Piedmont Middle School CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country practices foster running for endurance, improving form, warm-up exercises, cool down techniques and building core muscles through proper running mechanics! There will be meets with other middle schools where 6th graders run a mile and 7th and 8th graders run 1.25 miles. Students must be able to run one mile or twelve minutes continuously, at whatever speed, and participate at least one day a week. Piedmont Middle School enrollment is required.

GRADES 6-8

Witter Track

M/Tu/Th 8/27-11/1 from 3:15-5:00pm and Wed from 2:15-3:45pm

PMS FLAG FOOTBALL

Grow, learn, be challenged and have a blast in the Flag Football program! Develop individual and team skills and build strong comradery with teammates and coaches. This is a combined 6-8 grade program. Small teams will beheld vs. each piedmont team.

GRADE 6 194426

GRADE 7 194427

GRADE 8 194428

Piedmont Middle School enrollment is required. 

Registration required for clinics and evaluation.

Team Practice at Witter Baseball Field

M/Tu 8/26 – 10/23 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm and Wed from 2:15pm – 3:45pm

JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL

Have fun and grasp the basic knowledge of the game of volleyball through engaging and high energy drills! This program will emphasize individual skill development.

GRADES 4-5 194400

Buzz Redford Gym

Wed 8/28-10/9 from 3:45pm – 5:00pm

PMS VOLLEYBALL

GRADE 6 194429

Come join the fun and engaging game of volleyball! Become more knowledgeable players and develop a solid understanding of the game through individual and team drills as well as intramural scrimmages!

Buzz Redford Gym

Wed 8/28-10/11 from 2:15pm – 3:45pm and Fri from 3:30pm – 5:00pm

GRADE 7 194430

GRADE 8 194431

Grow as a volleyball player and teammate and deepen your knowledge of the game. Be challenged by coaches that are eager to see you develop and have a blast representing the Highlander Volleyball Program through engaging competition with neighboring schools! Piedmont Middle School enrollment is required.

Registration required for clinics and evaluation.

PRE-SEASON CLINIC & EVALS at Morrison Gyms

Wed 8/21 from 2:15pm – 3:45pm

Mandatory evaluations are to assess interest and skill level, no cuts.

TEAM PRACTICE

Morrison/Buzz Gyms

8/26 – 10/17 (90 minute time blocks)

M/Tu/Th from 3:30pm – 5:00pm and Wed from 2:15pm – 3:45pm

Games: Can be Mon – Th starting at 4:00, or 5:00pm

MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENING TENNIS (Beginning & Intermediate/Advanced)

Work with Coach Jim Landes to improve your tennis game. You learn techniques and skills that can be used for a lifetime of tennis. Class will cover tennis fundamentals including forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves. This class is for beginners players with no or limited experience. Grouped by skill level.

Beginning  194085

Int/Adv 194086

READ the full Piedmont Recreation Department information HERE.

Aug 8 2019

Suspected Catalytic Converter Thieves Apprehended in Piedmont

A series of catalytic converter thefts have targeted Toyota Prius vehicles throughout the Bay Area.  During an investigation by the Berkeley Police Department (BPD), detectives identified a suspect vehicle and placed an alert for other law enforcement agencies to stop and detain the vehicle if found.

On the afternoon of August 7th,  the Piedmont Police Department spotted  the vehicle  – a white Nissan Pathfinder – having been alerted by the ALPR camera on Windsor Avenue.   Piedmont PD officers detained the vehicle and its occupants on Highland Avenue, alerting detectives from the Berkeley PD, who came to Piedmont taking custody of the suspects.

After further investigation, detectives arrested two men on suspicion of grand theft, conspiracy and possession of burglary tools.

Arrested:

  • Briana Nicole Crisp, Female, 37 years old, address unknown
  • Mauricio Romeo Navarrete, Male, 47 years old, Oakland, CA

A reciprocating saw, a tool police believe was used to remove catalytic converters, was found in the suspects’ car.

The investigation into the theft of catalytic converters remains active.  No catalytic converters were recovered, said Officer Byron White, a BPD spokesman.

There may be more suspects involved in these thefts.  If anyone has any information about the investigation, please contact Berkeley PD’s Property Crimes Unit at 510/981-5737 or the Piedmont Police Department at 510/420-3000.

The catalytic converter is a part of a vehicle’s exhaust pipe that’s responsible for reducing emissions. It can be removed from under some cars in a matter of seconds.

Drivers of vulnerable Prius vehicles have been advised to park their vehicle in a garage or well-lit area whenever possible.

Aug 6 2019

Piedmont Robbery Update: Suspects Arrested with Stolen Property

Armed Robbery in Piedmont – UPDATE 8-6-2019

Two subjects believed to be responsible for two Piedmont August 4th robberies were taken into custody August 5, 2019.

On August 4, 2019, two armed robberies occurred in the City of Piedmont.

The first event occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. when three juveniles, 14 years of age, were in the area of Bonita Avenue, near the tennis complex. The juveniles were approached from behind by three suspects. One of the suspects was armed with black handguns. The suspects demanded valuables including smartphones, cash and backpacks. After taking the items of value, the suspects fled in a vehicle described as a white sedan on Vista Avenue towards Highland Avenue. The suspects were all wearing hooded sweatshirts which were pulled down in an attempt to conceal their faces however the victims did describe the suspects as black males wearing dark clothing. The victims were not able to describe the driver of the vehicle.

The second event occurred about ten minutes after the first event, at 9:20pm, in the area of Seaview Avenue. The 15 year old victim was walking in the area when three suspects ran up to him and one of the suspects, grabbed and removed his backpack. The suspects then ran off and got into a waiting white car and fled on Sea View Avenue towards Mountain Avenue. The victim described one of the suspects who took his backpack as a black male wearing all black clothing and the other suspects as unknown race males also wearing dark clothing.

——————–

A vehicle matching the description of the involved car was stopped last night (8/5/19) by Oakland Police Department officers. Piedmont Detectives responded to the scene and were able to identify stolen items from both of the Piedmont robberies in the vehicle. Two subjects were taken into custody and booked at Santa Rita Jail for robbery and possession of stolen property. The subjects are believed to be responsible for two robberies that also occurred in Oakland that night.

S1-Angelo Garrett, age 20 from Hayward

S2-Parnell Walker, age 20 from Oakland

Piedmont Police Department thanks their partners at Oakland Police Department (OPD).

—————–

Anyone with information and/or inquiries related to this case are asked to please contact Detective John Lagios at (510) 420-3015.

Piedmont Police Department – 403 Highland Avenue ▪ Piedmont, CA 94611 ▪ Phone (510) 420-3000 ▪ Fax (510) 420-1121

Aug 6 2019

Piedmont Parcel Tax Review by Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee Thursday, August 8

City Parcel Tax Renewal and Rate  –

The Piedmont Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee will meet in the Emergency Operations Center, Police Department, 403 Highland Avenue at 6 pm on Thursday, August 8.

The meeting is open to the public. The meeting will not be broadcast. 

One of the Committee’s charges is to:

“Periodically examine the need for the Municipal Services Special Tax (Parcel Tax) and recommend whether this tax should be continued, and if so, at what rate. This charge shall be accomplished not later than eighteen (18) months prior to the expiration of the tax as set forth in Chapter 20B of the City Code.”

Committee minutes are not publicly available or placed on committee agendas for committee approval and public review.  Audio recordings are made of the Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee meetings and are available from the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

Agenda:

Public Forum: This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda. The 10 minute period will be divided evenly between those wishing to address the Committee.

Regular Agenda

1. Update on the Committee’s Review of the Parcel Tax Pursuant to Resolution 120–14. 

2. Consideration of Scheduling Future Meetings

___________

The Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee was formed by the City Council to review and provide comment on five year projections contained in the City’s annual budget proposal, the proposed funding and expenditures from several long term funds, and the proposed mid-year budget adjustments. It also provides a financial review of new programs in excess of $250,000 per year. The Committee also periodically reviews and comments on the long term sufficiency of several city funds as well as making a recommendation on whether the Municipal Services Special tax should be continued at and what rate. Click to read the committee’s complete > charge.

Aug 5 2019

Street Trees for Magnolia Avenue, Philosopher’s Walk in Piedmont Park Wednesday, August 7

The Piedmont Park Commission will meet on Wednesday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.  The meeting will be broadcast live on cable Channel 27 and on the City’s website.

Regular Agenda

  1. Approval of Park Commission Minutes for June 5, 2019
  1. Update on Piedmont Evergreen and Recycling and Compost Efforts at the July 4th Event
  1. Consideration of the Temporary Placement of Signs in Piedmont Park Near the Tea House Designating a Philosopher’s Walk
  1. Consideration of the Designation of Street Trees for Magnolia Avenue
  1. Update on Street Tree Planting and Sidewalk Improvements on Oakmont Avenue
  1. Update on Lower Grand Avenue Median Landscape Improvements
  2. Monthly Maintenance Report: Park, Open Space, and Street Tree Update for the Months of June and July 2019

Read the full agenda, minutes and staff reports > 8 19 FINAL_Park Commission Agenda Packet_8-7-19