– Park Commission Meeting Report by Lucy Faust, Piedmont High School student –

At 5:30 on the evening of Wednesday, February 4th, Commissioner Sue Herrick called the Park Commission meeting to order. The Park Commission meets of the first Wednesday of each month to help the City Council in the decision making process regarding public parks and city street landscaping.

At the February meeting, although many issues and projects were brought up, the Townhouse Development Project at 408 Linda and the Highland Garden Walk Project were the most pressing topics on the agenda.

To start, Kevin Leveque, the landscape architect on the Townhouse Development Project, discussed many of the improvements he had made to the plans since the last meeting. He discussed the water draining issues coming from Oakland Avenue that they were solving and brought in samples of tiles to add to the site that are consistent with the area to bring a unified look to the community. In addition, he talked about the lighting to the Oakland Avenue Bridge which will become LED lighting so that less maintenance from the City of Piedmont will be required. Using photometrics, he felt confident that the lighting would be sufficient. Up to that point, the Commission members were very satisfied with his improvements. Moving forward, there was a bit more discussion.

Commissioner Patty Siskind was concerned about the planned lights to be casting shadows for cars in a negative way so that it would raise a risk of traffic accidents and Commissioner Nancy Kent was concerned with the fourteen foot posts that would be lining the walkway and recommended low lighting or a mix of high and low lighting instead. Most of the Park Commission members had thoughts on the lights – so much so that a motion was set to make a subcommittee to monitor the project. By not making a decision at the meeting, according to Director of Public Works Chester Nakahara, it would slow the process of getting a building permit for the project. As a solution, City Planner Kate Black suggested approving the building plans on the condition that the lighting on Oakland Avenue intersection, the path and stair lights, and plants for the landscaping would be approved at a later date. The Park Commission voted to take her suggestion and they all voted for it. They concluded that at the next meeting, the decision agreed upon by the subcommittee would be brought to the Park Commission as a whole.

After this discussion, Nancy Kent brought up the Highland Garden Walk Project and recapped the neighborhood meeting that was held January 24th. Lucy Faust, a student at Piedmont High school spoke in support of the project because she believes in the importance of drought-resistant gardens and saving water whenever possible. After she spoke, the details to discuss the project continued. Nancy Kent, a Park Commission member who has long served Piedmont with the intent of helping to bring its parks to a higher quality, is working hard to see the project through. The project is using sustainable techniques, like sheet mulching, to bring change to the area without eroding the organic material currently in place which will keep the soil healthier for years to come.  After the Highland Garden Walk Project discussion concluded, all other items on the agenda were discussed which included five project updates and a monthly maintenance report.

At the meeting I spoke in support of the Highland Garden Walk project. I spoke about the fact that a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing town is important to me and so is functionality. The current landscaping of the Highland grass, though beautiful, doesn’t make sense because currently, it is maintained like a park, but is not in use like a park. I talked how I have never hung out there with my friends and although I drive past it many times a week, I have never seen people sitting down in the area and enjoying the grass. Drought resistant plants are the future in gardening and I see no reason why we are using city water to water grass no one is using.

Lucy Faust, Piedmont High School Student

Editors Note:  The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Piedmont Civic Association.

A Report on the Special Piedmont Planning Commission Meeting

– by Jordan Wong, a Piedmont Resident and PHS Student

The City of Piedmont Planning Commission met  on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for a special session.  This meeting’s purpose was to provide an update on the progress  on the state-mandated Draft Housing Element that all cities in California are required to comply with and submit.The Housing Element document’s purpose is to spell out the housing policies for all California cities from 2015-2022.

The City of Piedmont is small and has no land to further develop for any new housing. With the help of a private consultant, Barry Miller, the Planning Commission is able to include the addition of second units as a way to comply with the Housing Element. Part of the draft process is to allow residents to have the opportunity to provide comments or suggestions. There was no opposition from the Commission or audience about the progress and content of the draft at that meeting.

Barry Miller, a consultant  for  the City of  Piedmont, presented a detailed explanation of the draft and the Commission concurred with his findings and recommendations. Director of Planning, Kate Black, reported that she was happy with the working draft with Barry Miller’s work thus far in finding a way to comply with the State and preserving the landscape of Piedmont. Piedmont resident, Dimitri Magganas, from the audience, commended the Commission for their work on the Housing Element draft and wanted to bring to their attention that there was a lot of unused public space. It is unclear if this comment meant public space could be considered to add more housing or if there was a way to open up some of these public spaces for development.

In an interview with the Director of Planning, Kate Black, she said it was important for the public to be informed about the Housing Element’s progress. The special meeting was an update on the progress of the draft and if the public wanted to make any suggestions on what had been presented, that evening was a good time to do it. The next action of the Planning Commission is to present the Housing Element to the City Council for further action.

The topic I presented was on security cameras and the need for guidelines and/or regulations for their placement and installation. This is an ongoing issue in my neighborhood and I really feel that there is a privacy issue that should be addressed by the Planning Commission.  Director of Planning, Kate Black, acknowledged my concern and said that they will be reviewing and updating the Code soon and will add my request to their agenda. I was a little nervous about speaking in public, but the Commission members were very nice and appeared to pay attention to what I had to say about the security cameras. Personally, I think they were surprised that I was there and had an issue to present.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following is the text of Mr. Wong’s comments to the Planning Commission.

“Hello, my name is Jordan Wong, I am a senior at Piedmont High. This is an item that is not on your agenda this evening. I observed the Planning Commission uses design review for home remodeling and fences. Do you foresee adding design review for home security cameras in the future? There is a proliferation of security cameras on so many homes in Piedmont. I suggest there should be some guidelines for placement. They are not only unattractive but they stick out like a sore thumb which some may find interesting because there is so much input needed for a fence but nothing for a camera.  I bring this up particularly as I feel there is an invasion of privacy in my own backyard. A home for sale behind my house, currently unoccupied, had security cameras installed. One in particular looks down into our backyard. As you can understand, I feel it is an invasion of privacy and I would like a review of security camera placement requirements of either a permit or a design review. Thank you.”

Road diets, designated routes to school, bike lanes, and the crosswalk at Wildwood Avenue and Grand Avenue will be considered. 

The Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan will be considered by the Council on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

One of Piedmont’s most comprehensive community based planning projects has resulted in an extensive Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP). Funding for the plan has come from an Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC;www.alamedactc.org) grant and through the City’s existing funds for pedestrian and bicycle improvements (pass-through Measure B funds), also distributed by the Alameda CTC.

Great interest and participation by Piedmont’s many walkers, bikers, teachers, students, and residents have brought concerns and issues to the discussion.

On August 20, the Piedmont School Board was presented with the plan by planning consultant, Niko Letunic and Director of Planning Kate Black. Board President Andrea Swenson told the presenters that the School District would wait until the City completed their projects to improve sidewalk and street safety before further encouraging families to walk and bike to school.

At their October 13, 2014 meeting, the Piedmont Planning Commission considered the final draft plan.  Based on discussions at the meeting, the Commission recommended the Council approve the plan with specific additions and amendments.

Will “Road Diets” solve a perceived problem in Piedmont?

Road diets:

 The second paragraph on page 79 was amended to read: “While the PBMP includes general concept drawings for road diets (on pages 79 and 81), detailed design and traffic engineering drawings will need to be made before the projects are implemented, and shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The design for Highland Avenue could consider the possibility of landscaped islands and it will need to ensure the turn lane accommodates left-turning AC Transit buses at Oakland Avenue.”

Planned road diets would eliminate two lanes of through traffic on both Highland and Grand Avenues.  On Grand Avenue, increased congestion in the area around the ACE Hardware store with vehicles stacking up and blocking traffic, plus a possible elimination of one or more parking spaces are concerns.  On Highland Avenue, the island medians could create problems for large buses making turns and create traffic congestion around the Mulberry driveway entrance. Prior concern was expressed over a median in the middle of Highland Avenue impeding the Fourth of July parade activities and preventing homeowners from turning left to enter their driveways, creating multiple U-turns at the intersections.

According to the Federal Department of Transportation, “Road Diets” became increasingly popular in the 1990’s, “with installations occurring in both rural and urban states such as Iowa and Minnesota. A classic road diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane.”

Hazardous crosswalk at Wildwood and Grand Avenues:

 Last paragraph on page 101 be amended to read: “Coordinate with Oakland staff on the funding, planning, design and implementation of bikeways connecting the two cities, and other roadway improvements of importance to both cities, including the intersection of Wildwood and Grand Avenues.”

Repeatedly mentioned in prior hearings, the crosswalk at Wildwood and Grand Avenues is long, hazardous creating pedestrian difficulties. The crosswalk is actually in Oakland and consequently Piedmont does not have control of the design. The new language requires Piedmont to work with Oakland to improve the crosswalks.

At the November 3 meeting –

The City’s consultant will make a presentation to the Council on the development process of the plan and the contents of the Draft PBMP, and will be available for questions. Members of the public are welcome to speak at the meeting. The City Council may choose to adopt the Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration and October 13 version of the Draft PBMP, or may wish to make further modifications.

As with other Master Plans, if conditions change, adjustments can be made to meet changing needs and funding sources.

Read the staff report to the City Council.

Hard copies of the Draft Plan and draft CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration document are available for review between the hours of 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at the Public Works counter at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611

The Draft Plan and Draft of the CEQA document can also be accessed at the following links:

Draft Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan dated October 13, 2014

Appendices: Comments received through the two online surveys on the needs assessment and on the improvement options

Draft of the CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration

You are invited to attend the City Council meeting and express your opinion.  You may choose to write your opinion and address your comment to the entire Piedmont City Council, c/o City Clerk, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA  94611 or send an e-mail to jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us. All comments submitted will become part of the public record and may be posted to the City’s web site.

To watch the public hearing on KCOM, cable channel 27. Alternatively, if you want to watch the meeting live or later after the meeting, you can do so by logging on to the City’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us: on the right hand side of the homepage under the “KCOM” heading, click on the “On-line Video” link, then scroll down under the “Sections on this Page” heading, click on the “City Council” link, then on the “October 13, 2014″ link, and click on the “Video” or “In Progress” link and start watching!

Planning staff contacts:

Janet Chang, Assistant Planner, 510-420-3094      janetchang@ci.piedmont.ca.us

Kate Black, Director of Planning, 510-420-3063        kblack@ci.piedmont.ca.us

Where is the public?

A rare opportunity for Piedmont to use $507,325 appears to be lacking general public input.

Will the City Council at their September 15 meeting open up the consideration process for comprehensive public input?

When Piedmont voters approved the East Bay Regional Park District WW Bond Funds tax measure, there was the promise that funds would be available through 2018 to improve Piedmont recreational facilities, a senior center, or parks.  Time has been slipping away as a result of delays.

With the exception of Livermore, which did not vote on the measure and will not benefit from the funding, Measure WW was approved by 72% of voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in November 2008.  To receive the funds requires no matching funds. Annually, every property owner in a participating jurisdiction, such as Piedmont, is required to pay $10 per $100,000 of assessed property value to provide the WW funds.

Piedmont delays in utilizing the funds originated primarily from staff and others intentions to use the money for night lighting at Coaches Field on Moraga Avenue; however, there was never a specific public hearing on the use of WW money for that purpose. There has never been a general public hearing or workshop on how Piedmonters want their $507,325 entitlement in WW money to be used. Some have likened the lack of early public participation in the decision to the controversial, failed Blair Park /Moraga Canyon sports complex proposal.

Unlike the outreach for Piedmont’s Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, there have been no community meetings or general public outreach to hear from Piedmonters on their preferences. No surveys, no Town Hall meetings, and no public hearings prior to the winnowing down to “five qualifying projects.”

Will Piedmonters be allowed to have a community voice in how to spend the fast approaching deadline for the $507,325 entitlement? 

The task of determining what should be done with the money has largely been delegated by the City Council to their appointed Capital Improvement Program Review Committee (CIP).  This select group of well intentioned members have been meeting to discuss which projects would qualify and have selected five non-prioritized projects.

The CIP meetings have been held in the City Council Conference Room, a small room near the Council Chambers, and at a meeting in the Main Park.  Those who wanted to know what was discussed at the meetings were unable to obtain meeting minutes or view the proceeding from their homes.

Interested residents concerned about Blair Park improvements, long term correction to the dangerously cracked tennis courts at Hampton, and expansion of Coaches Field have been challenged by the decision process.

Mark Feldkamp lends staff support to the CIP meetings.  Suggestions on how to spend CIP money have ranged from curtains in the Community Center to replacing Main Park’s stone walls, daylighting the stream down the center of Dracena Park and drainage issues.  Feldkamp recommended, much to the disappointment of some, that some projects were not advised.  He has encouraged the Park Commission to be present at the September 15 Council meeting to participate in the decision process. 

It is unprecedented for Piedmont to receive $507,325 to spend on unspecified recreation facilities, a senior center, or parks.

Some public frustration is evident from the emails found in the staff report and emails . There are competing interests for sports, beautification, recreation and park improvement. Blair Park’s Council approved plans are not on the list for funding.

The five projects chosen by the CIP committee are listed below.

Partial staff report for September 15 City Council meeting:
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS MEASURE WW NON-PRIORTIZED PROJECT LIST

Piedmont Community Hall Plaza and $600,000 to $700,000
Connector Pathway Renovation:
This project would replace the broken and stained aggregate concrete in the Community Hall front plaza area with the existing brick paving spokes left intact. The likely material to be installed in place of the concrete would be a cut stone surfacing mortared on a steel
reinforced concrete slab that would aesthetically tie in with the existing stone pavement improvements located throughout Piedmont Park. Staff would propose to install electricity under the slab and install decorative lighting to the specimen Yulan Magnolia
located in the center of the island. This area is used extensively for parties and large functions that generate much needed revenue for the city. The improvements would also include the installation of several removable decorative metal bollards limiting the vehicular damage caused by cars and trucks that now use the plaza as a turn-around and
drop off zone.
The project would also complete the final phase of the Exedra Master Plan as recommended in prior CIP proposals. This portion of the project combines several prior projects, including the installation of a new swings for older children, new lawn area and seating along the bicentennial wall, new walkways that would replace the existing asphalt roadway, lighting along the walkway leading to the Exedra Plaza, modifications to the overlook area including improvements to better accommodate movies in the park and improvements to the driveway that leads to the amphitheater.

Hampton Park Improvements (Harris Plan) $1,500,000 (construction costs only): [Phased approach not encouraged by staff.]
The Master Plan was approved by the Park & Recreation Commissions and City Council in 2007. City Council approved funding for the completion of the construction documents that are due by November 2014 and possible bid in January 2015. The Landscape Architect has recently submitted the 30% Design Development working drawings.
Public support from the Hampton Park improvements has been strong and staff is exploring possible private funding opportunities. This project could be broken into phases, depending on the budget constraints. Project phases could include the refurbishment of all of the hardscape areas including the tennis, basketball and handball
courts. This in conjunction with the improved drainage in these areas could serve as one phase. Another phase could include all improvements at the baseball field, including all new drainage system, turf, new warning track and site furnishings. The Landscape
Architect is prepared to package the construction drawings and bid documents that would be compatible with the proposed construction budget. A decision will be needed to address what items would be in each of the construction phases.

Dracena Park, New Entrance $300,000 to $350,000
at Park Way and Dracena Avenue:
Develop an in-house master plan for a new entry patio and walkways at the corner of Park Way and Dracena Ave. The construction of the new pedestrian bridge at Dracena Park has brought to the forefront the need for a new pedestrian entrance and gathering spot at this corner of Dracena Park. The existing connector walkways to the new bridge are in need of a complete over-haul. The existing landscaping should be enhanced and an efficient irrigation system installed.

Renovation and Rehabilitation of the Recreation Building $100,000 to $150,000:
The existing structure is very antiquated and a Master Plan is needed to make better use of the existing space. As part of an overall Master Plan, staff proposes to relocate the registration and main offices downstairs to the first floor. This arrangement would be more user-friendly allowing the public to have direct and unimpeded access to
Department staff. The construction would include not only renovated office spaces but also provides improvements to the existing HVAC systems, lighting and internet services. The Recreation Department provides a wide variety of city functions and the working environments should meet these needs, allowing staff to efficiently serve Piedmont residents.

New Play Structure at the Recreation Center $75,000 to $100,000:
The existing play structure is antiquated and is in need of replacement. A new play structure would provide ADA access for all users and would invite and encourage a safe play environment. The design would have areas for all age groups encouraging the children to use their imagination as well as providing physical challenges. This play structure is in a prime central play location that serves numerous groups on a daily basis.

Read the staff report and emails for the September 15 City Council meeting agenda.

The Council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont. The use of WW Bond Funds falls well into the agenda of the September 15 meeting. Home observers can tune into Channel 27 or go to the City website on line to view the proceedings.

On Tuesday, July 15  the California Water Resources Control Board approved mandatory restrictions on water use in urban areas, including Piedmont, with fines ranging up to $500/day.  If also approved by the State Office of Administrative Law, any public employee with law enforcement authority can issue the tickets.

The following water use will be prohibited:

• Run-off from landscape watering onto adjacent property, sidewalks or streets.
• Washing sidewalks and driveways with drinking water. (Recycled water is permitted.)
• Using a hose to wash a vehicle unless the hose has a shut-off nozzle.
• Using drinking water in an ornamental fountain unless the water is recirculated.

The restrictions will go into effect as soon as they are approved by the State Office of Administrative Law. They will remain in effect for nine months.

While agriculture uses 75% of the state’s water, agriculture is exempted. Also exempted is the power-washing of sidewalks, streets and buildings.

Each water district is charged with implementing mandatory water use restrictions and adopting a sliding scale for the new state water restriction fines. Up to this point the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has requested only voluntary reduction of water use because the agency is in a less dire water supply situation than other California water providers due to its efforts to plan for long-term water supplies.

Meanwhile, the State Legislature is trying to draft a new water bond. (Read about the challenge in the Sacramento Bee.)

Is Phase I of the Blair Park Plan going to be implemented?

On July 14, the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Review Committee visited Blair Park and Coaches Field during its tour of a number of possible projects for potential funding from the CIP Fund and the WW Bond funds of $575,000.  (Other sites visited included: the Veterans Hall; Aquatic Center; Dracena Park; Linda Beach Field Entrance; Linda-Kingston intersection; Crocker Park; Hampton Field; Piedmont Park; and Community Hall Plaza, amphitheater, terraces.)

When in 2012, the Blair Park Sports Complex proposal was rescinded by the City Council, it was done in large part because residents in Oakland and Piedmont joined together to mount a legal challenge to the project as Friends of Moraga Canyon (FOMC), a group legally opposing the project. In a settlement agreement between the City of Piedmont, Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO) and FOMC, the City payed FOMC $15,000 to assist with their legal costs and committed to spending $15,000 for a plan to improve Blair Park maintenance and make it more useful to residents.

The Council approved Blair Park Plan, Phase I, valued at $300,000, was to be considered through the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Review Committee for funding recommendations in 2014.  Phase II valued at $350,000 was also to be considered for future funding.  Read PCA article on details of the Blair Park Plan.

Blair Park, viewed by some as a development opportunity and by others a respite from asphalt and concrete, has been neglected for decades, needing maintenance and safety improvements.  Recently, the City undertook an emergency removal of 14 diseased trees.

Landscape improvements are lacking.  Pedestrian access to the park is missing. Sidewalks on Moraga Avenue are missing from Monte Avenue to Blair Park. The sidewalk dead ends halfway between Monte and Pala Avenues. Pedestrians or bikers face great hazards to cross at that point.  A boardwalk is built immediately adjacent to Moraga Avenue on the opposite side of the street.  The boardwalk dead ends at Red Rock Road, location of the Corporation Yard.  There is no identified pedestrian crossing in the area. 

Bikers going up Moraga Avenue from Monte Avenue toward Blair Park face extreme hazards from vehicles coming behind them on the blind curve near Pala Avenue. Interested participants in the developing Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan have identified the need for improved access to and beside the park. However, to date the Plan’s consultant’s reports have not placed a priority on Blair Park access.   

Piedmont is entitled to $575,000 in East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) WW bond funds for specific purposes related to parks and recreation.   The use must remain in place for the 25 years.

For more information on Blair Park, as reported on this site, go to the left column on this page and Search > Blair Park.

East Bay MUD Urges Continued Voluntary Restrictions –

After annual reductions in water consumption, customers are asked by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) to find more areas for reduced use following a very dry winter. EBMUD Ward 3 Director Katy Foulkes convened a meeting on July 11 in Orinda to present reports on water operations, conservation, engineering and water supply to community leaders from throughout her District, that includes Piedmont, El Sobrante, Moraga, Orinda, parts of Lafayette, Oakland Berkeley Hills, Oakland, Pinole, Richmond and Berkeley. Foulkes  represents the largest ward in EBMUD, which includes all of their water sheds. Piedmont is home to Foulkes, where she served on the City Council and as Mayor prior to her election to the EBMUD Board of Directors 20 years ago.

Despite 11% reductions last year, the requested voluntary reduction this year is 10% more than last year’s usage.

Recognizing that so much conservation has already been achieved, EBMUD has several programs to help customers find additional conservation opportunities. Any homeowner may request a free in-home water audit, which will include testing of shower heads and toilet flow rates, an assessment of landscaping, irrigation systems, watering schedules, and a search for leaks, a major source of water loss. EBMUD offers free shower heads and faucet aerators for fixtures that are not low-flow models. The first step is the homeowner’s WaterSmart survey.

Rebates of up to $2,500 per household are offered for water conservation upgrades inside the home or the creation of a drought tolerant landscape.

Request a free WaterSmart Survey Kit here.

After completing the survey, request an in-home water audit here.

Piedmont’s Fire Chief Warren (Bud) McLaren has issued a press release.

The Piedmont Fire Department reminds residents that the 2014 Fire Season has been declared and that creating and maintaining Defensible Space is critical for the protection of their homes.

“This year we are preparing for the increased fire risk due to lack of rainfall and resulting drought conditions.” said Fire Chief Bud McLaren.

Piedmont Fire inspectors will be educating residents and evaluating properties to make sure they are in compliance with Piedmont’s city ordnance for fire hazard abatement.

Here are some tips that can help homes survive wildfires:

• Maintain a Defensible Space around all structures.

• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.

• Trim branches 6 feet from the ground.

• Landscape with fire resistant and drought tolerant plants.

• Trim branches away from roofs, and 10 feet from the chimney.

• Keep wood piles and flammable materials 30 feet from the home.

• Use fire resistant building materials.

For more information on preparing for Fire Season and Defensible Space contact:

Piedmont Fire Department or visit the Fire Station at:

Piedmont Fire Department

120 Vista Avenue

Piedmont, Ca 94611

510-420-3030

Any day from 8:00 am through 6:00 pm

– 50 Year Partnership: Piedmont City Council and the Piedmont Beautification Foundation –

Every Piedmonter is familiar with the colorful Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) brochures soliciting donations that typically arrive in the mail prior to Holiday Tree Lighting and in the Spring. But few residents know the history, purpose, partnership with the City Council or function of the Foundation.

Piedmont Resident and PBF Advisor Cameron Wolfe recalls that the Piedmont City Council and the Piedmont Garden Club jointly established the Foundation to raise funds for projects to “beautify” Piedmont.  From its inception on May 21, 1964, the Foundation, originated by the Piedmont Garden Club, has worked closely with the Park Commission, City staff, and City Council. 

One of the founding PBF members and a prime mover of multiple projects was Jean Brown Wolfe, Cameron Wolfe’s mother. During the 1970’s, she simultaneously served on the Park Commission and as President of both the Piedmont Beautification Foundation and the Piedmont Garden Club.

The Piedmont Garden Club continues to lead the Piedmont Beautification Foundation. The Piedmont Garden Club * is composed of approximately 65 active female members residing in or near Piedmont, who share an interest in gardening. Each member of the Garden Club is personally invited following a member’s proposal and membership review process.  The names of members are private.  The Piedmont Garden Club is part of a large, national organization,  Garden Club of America.   

The Foundation is composed of 8 voting trustees. Five are selected by and from the Garden Club membership and three trustees are selected and appointed by the Piedmont City Council. “Trustees from the City of Piedmont” have typically been Piedmont’s Mayor, Vice Mayor and Chair of the Park Commission. The current City Council appointed trustees are Mayor Margaret Fujioka, Vice Mayor Jeff Wieler and Park Commission Chair John Lenahan.

The Foundation’s officers are selected by and from the Garden Club. Currently the five PBF officers are: President Michelle Winchester, a past Garden Club President; Vice President Patty Siskind, a current Piedmont Park Commissioner; Treasurer, Susan Hill, a former Piedmont Mayor; Recording Secretary, Barbara Thompson; and Corresponding Secretary, Patty Reed.

 In addition to the City Council and Garden Club appointed trustees, City staff members assist PBF as “City Advisors.” Currently, the City Advisors are Chester Nakahara, Public Works Director, Mark Feldkamp, Parks and Project Manager, and Dave Frankel, Public Works Superintendent.  City staff members work with PBF representatives reviewing proposals, making project suggestions, overseeing project construction, and providing input at PBF meetings. 

The Trustees and City Advisors along with numerous advisory members selected and invited by the Garden Club, primarily Garden Club members and/or their spouses, attend the PBF meetings. Advisors may make presentations and express their opinions, but may not vote. The advisors names can usually be found on PBF solicitation brochures.

The meetings of PBF are held “four times a year” in Piedmont homes.  The meetings are not open to the public. PBF meeting minutes, financial records, and by laws are not publicly disseminated.  The 2012 tax filing for PBF, as a non-profit organization, can be found on line. PBF’s mailing address is City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611. Unless withheld by the donor, donor names are released and published by various media outlets.

Having three PBF trustees appointed by the City Council (two Council members and the Chair of the Park Commission), a PBF representative on the Piedmont Capital Improvement Program Review Committee, and former trustees of PBF on the Park Commission has resulted in ready City Council approval of PBF proposals.  Once approved by the Council, projects receive continuing staff support, funding, and maintenance.

PBF has long been the primary driver of Piedmont civic improvement projects.  PBF initiates project ideas, provides seed money, partially funds projects and guides projects.  Robert Leefeldt, a former advisor to PBF and husband of former Garden Club member Mary Tom Leefeldt, for decades piloted numerous PBF projects.  Leefeldt’s projects included Community Center improvements and Civic Center landscaping, the first Dracena Park play structure, Excedra restoration, improvements in Crocker Park including the Bufano mother and cubs sculpture, the Cemetery Wall replanting, and many others.  His active PBF participation often involved landscape architect Richard Julin in the projects.

Recently, the City Council approved the Eagle Scout bridge project in Dracena Park and the development of the Ramona and Ronada Avenues triangle, both partially funded through PBF.

At the April 7, 2014 meeting, the City Council applauded PBF.

“The Council agreed that the Beautification Foundation has been an integral partner with the City in beautifying all areas of the City over the last several decades, its banner hanging request is consistent with past practice and the City’s 1998 banner policy and the Foundation’s request is appropriate as a means of recognizing the exceptional legacy and importance of this beneficial community organization.”

Special PBF projects, trees, and benches can be designated to pay tribute to individuals.  An endowment fund established to reserve funds for future City needs has reached $500,000 largely due to the support of matching funds provided by the Shapiro family in memory of Betty Shapiro, a past president of both the Piedmont Garden Club and Piedmont Beautification Foundation.

PBF trustees are active politically in ballot measures and civic decisions related to Piedmont.   PBF and the Garden Club are recognized in Piedmont’s General Plan and on the City’s website.

“The Piedmont Beautification Foundation and Piedmont Garden Club also contribute to park maintenance and conduct regular fund-raisers for park and landscape beautification.”

Piedmonters can view the many PBF participation projects signified by signs placed at the sites.

Piedmont Beautification Foundation sign.

City Press Release ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

City Recognizes Piedmont Beautification Foundation for 50 Years of Service 

At the City Council meeting of Monday, April 21, 2014, Mayor Margaret Fujioka issued a proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Piedmont Beautification Foundation and its contributions to beautifying Piedmont over the past half century.

“For the past 50 years, the Piedmont Beautification Foundation has greatly contributed to the enhancement of our parks, community facilities, and public spaces,” said Mayor Margaret Fujioka. “I look forward to working together on future civic projects in our city.”

The City and the Piedmont Beautification Foundation have partnered on many projects over the past 50 years, including the Piedmont Park Overlook and Steps, the Ramona/Ronada Triangle, the Tea House Deck, the Hall Fenway, and numerous others.

The proclamation declares April 27, 2014 as Piedmont Beautification Day in recognition of the Foundation’s service to the Piedmont Community.

Whereas, in May, 1964, eight far-sighted individuals, three representatives of the City of Piedmont and five representatives of the Piedmont Garden Club, came together to form an organization to be known as the Piedmont Beautification Foundation; and

Whereas, this non-profit corporation was formed exclusively for aesthetic, artistic, civic and charitable purposes; and

Whereas, the Foundation provides organization and leadership from among the residents of the City of Piedmont for the purpose of raising funds for planting, improving, beautifying and maintaining the parks, community facilities, schools and other future civic projects of the City of Piedmont; and

Whereas, for 50 years the City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Beautification Foundation have enjoyed a constructive public/private partnership that has benefited our residents and created beautiful gathering spaces that foster a strong sense of community; and

Whereas, the City thanks and congratulates the Foundation for 50 years of exemplary work for the benefit of the residents of Piedmont;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Margaret Fujioka, Mayor of the City of Piedmont, in recognition of its service and dedication to the City, proclaim April 27, 2014 as Piedmont Beautification Foundation Day.

The PBF list of projects in Piedmont contains numerous and wide ranging projects.

 The Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary April 27.

~~~~~~~~~~~ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ~~~~~~~~~~~~

PARTY IN THE PARK WITH PBF!!!!!!!

Celebrate 50 years of community collaboration.

Sunday, April 27, 2014 ~ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Piedmont Community Center in Piedmont Main Park 

Refreshments, commemorative items, flower show, displays and music. 

Contact the Piedmont Beautification Foundation,  Send correspondence and donations to Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611

*”B. Specific Purpose. The Piedmont Garden Club shall stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, horticulture, flower arranging, and related photography; encourage and assist in community beautification; and protect and conserve our natural heritage.”

Blair Park has long been the stepchild among Piedmont parks and public areas, ignoring pedestrians, dogs, and regular maintenance.

Beautification projects are found in most of our parks and street medians, particularly in central Piedmont, but the most visible Piedmont park, seen by thousands of passersby daily, remains in a neglected state. Piedmont public areas are generally regularly maintained and enjoy swept walkways, weed abatement, and regular tree trimming, while Blair Park has received little attention despite its prominence at an entrance to Piedmont on Moraga Avenue.

For decades weeds have grown uncontrollably, with ivy invading native species. Trees, ill-maintained, have been left to fall apart and present potential hazards to park users and passing vehicular traffic. There are no sidewalks within or bordering Blair Park.  Pedestrians or joggers going to and from upper Moraga Avenue are forced to either dodge traffic, stumble over uneven surfaces, or slog through mud within the park during wet weather. Students residing in the area have no sidewalks upon which to walk.

There is no fence between busy Moraga Avenue and the off-leash dog area in the park to keep dogs or children from running into the roadway.  

Piedmont is currently considering a comprehensive bike and pedestrian plan; the proposed plan offers little to increase pedestrian safety in and next to Blair Park.  The Park Commission, when reviewing the recently approved plan for Blair Park, expressed concern over safe access to the park.

During consideration of a sports complex proposal, many people expressed a love of the natural, open beauty found in the park. Numerous people residing in the Moraga Avenue area requested a well-maintained park with sidewalk access.

Why has Blair Park been neglected for decades?

The answer goes to what propels many park and public projects developed in Piedmont.  Prior to the recently failed proposal to build the imposing sports complex in the park, no organized group had pushed for park maintenance and improvements in Blair Park.  

Many special projects are found throughout Piedmont parks and public spaces that have reaped the benefits of both public and private funding. Friends of Moraga Canyon settled a law suit with Piedmont over Blair Park issues by requiring $15,000 be spent on a plan to maintain and improve the park. In January, 2014, the City Council accepted Phase I of the Blair Park Landscape Improvement Plan by consultant Restoration Design Group and authorized completion of construction documents for solicitation of bids from contractors.  A land survey noting the boundaries of the park is not available. The plan, while approved by the City Council, has yet to be funded.