Hercules
California
City Of Hercules - Hercules Herald Issue No. 6 - March 3, 2023
Government and Politics
March 6, 2023
From: City Of HerculesMessage from the City Manager
Greetings Hercules,
March is a great month to show our love for our community! Hercules is a community with many opportunities and a wonderful place to live, work and play. At the last City Council meeting on February 28th, the City Council authorized the continuation of the Yiftee Digital Gift Card program. The community response from the first offering of the Yiftee program helped to amplify the infusion of dollars into the local economy and provided incentives to shop locally.
The Yiftee Digital Gift Card Program offers residents (or the public) the opportunity to buy a gift card (for example) valued at $50, with the initial investment from the resident being $25. Then they receive a ‘purchase bonus’ amount of another $25 paid by the city through federal grant funding to be used at a participating Hercules business. In other words, it is ‘buy one and get one free’ for residents. The City will team up again with the Chamber of Commerce to help promote another round of the Yiftee program. Be on the lookout for this program to be rolled out at the beginning of April.
Lastly, I wanted to touch on our financial status following an update provided to the Council on February 14th. The Midyear Budget Review provided good news that at the six-month mark of this current fiscal year, most of the General Fund revenues have come in as projected. Sales Tax revenues continue to rebound in major tax groups, and sales tax revenue is projected to exceed the original annual budget projections. Under the Council’s leadership, we have worked hard over many years to begin creating a financially sustainable budget that funds services and projects to address community needs while not overextending our costs beyond our ability to pay for them. This goal is still a work in progress. We have significant needs on the horizon, most notably our infrastructure (like repairs to roads, City facilities, and our sewer system), so fiscal discipline will be important in meeting the needs that are consistent with our Council goals. At the City Council meeting on March 28th at 7 pm, the City Council will have an initial discussion about our plans to improve our critical infrastructure over time. The public is invited to attend and provide input. Hopefully, you all can tune in for that discussion.
Thank you for helping make Hercules an even better place. Let us know how we can help you and if we can answer any questions about City services or projects.
Sincerely,
Dante Hall
City Manager
March 1 @ 6 p.m.
March 4 @ 9 a.m.
PRFMP Pop-up (Foxboro Park) - RESCHEDULED
March 4 @ 10 a.m.
PRFMP Pop-up (Duck Pond Park) - RESCHEDULED
March 5 @ 10 a.m.
Planning Commission Meeting - CANCELLED
March 6 @ 7 p.m.
March 7 @ 2 p.m.
March 7 @ 2 p.m.
March 11 @ 10 a.m.
Community & Library Services Commission Meeting
March 13 @ 7 p.m.
March 14 @ 6 p.m.
March 15 @ 7 p.m.
March 18 @ 10 a.m.
March 19 @ 10 a.m.
March 20 @ 7 p.m.
Bayfront Chamber Event - State of the Cities
March 23 @ 7:30 a.m.
Bayfront Chamber Event - Bottles & Bites
March 26 @ 1 p.m.
March 28 @ 6 p.m.
April 3 @ 7 p.m.
April 3 - April 7
April 8
For More Events & Updates Visit Our Calendar Page!
Upcoming Holiday Office Closure
City Hall Offices Closed - Memorial Day
May 29
For non-emergency questions, please dial (510)724-1111. For emergency services, please call 911.
The Mayor's Minute
See what's happening this March!
In the News
Hercules Budget 101
City's Roadmap for Success
A budget is the city's roadmap for success - it lays out the path forward to meet the City's strategic priorities and notes any alternative routes it may need to take along the way. Hercules' budget allows the City to provide services to its community members such as public safety, facility maintenance and infrastructure upkeep.
Indoor Facility Rentals Are Back!
Celebrate Your Next Event in Hercules
Book Now
2023 is off to a quick start, with the return of indoor rentals. Indoor rentals was one of the last programs to return from the pandemic. Staff has witnessed a notable increase in the number of rental reservations climbing daily. Most notably, this March will see the re-opening of the Senior Center location being available to rent again. In addition, picnic rentals are also starting to get booked for the spring. It seems people are eager to get out into the warmer temperatures after all the torrential rains.
Dynamite Seasonal Camps
Bugs & Butterflies April 3-6
Register by March 23rd
Campers come join us for Bugs and Butterflies week with a mix of Spirit week. Explore the lifecycle of bugs and butterflies, where they live and, what they like to eat. Another exciting highlight is the combining the week with different spirit day themes every day.
*Registration deadline is March 23rd; the camp capacity is 56 children.
NEW Sports Fee Class Offered!
"E"xceptional Hoops
Basketball Program
The City of Hercules Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer an inclusive basketball program called E-Hoops which is designed to empower youth to reach their full athletic and social potential. This program focuses on inclusion and to help children both typical and those having special needs.
Parks & Recreation Facilities Master Plan Community Survey
We Need Your Help!
Attention #Hercules Residents: The Parks and Recreation Master Plan initiative community survey is now live and the City wants your input!
To date we have had almost 400 people take the survey! If you have not already taken the survey, please do.
Hercules Connect
Looking for an easy way to report non-emergency issues?
Download Hercules Connect today! Our new citizen request app allows residents to report issues, access city information, view City Council agendas and more!
Download the app today!
Current Projects
The Hercules Hub
Transit. Housing. Connectivity.
Update
The City is currently applying for $12M in grants to complete the design of the Hub. A TIRCP grant application for $6M was recently submitted and the City anticipates on hearing back on the award in late April. A Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Rail Program (FSP) grant is being prepared, also for $6M, and will be submitted late April with the results being released in the Fall.
Design for the utility relocation to make room for the UP railroad track realignment is currently under design using $1.2M in grant funding.
Senior Center Floor Restoration
Completed!
February 17 weekend City of Hercules repaired broken boards in the Senior Center floor. The floor was also stripped and re-sealed. Stop by and take a look at the newly restored flooring.
Sycamore Ave Pavement Rehab.
Completed!
The Sycamore Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project has been completed!
This $925K project repaired and resurface half a mile of Sycamore Avenue, from Civic Drive to Palm Avenue. The construction contract was awarded to McGuire & Hester, who submitted the low bid, and is funded in part by a $492K grant. This included bringing all the ramps up to ADA standards, new striping, and enhancing the pedestrian crossing at Civic Avenue.
Thank you for your patience while the project was being constructed!
Willow/Palm Ave Pedestrian Connection Project
Summer 2023
The project will eliminate critical gaps in the City’s pedestrian network between the Hercules Transit Center and the south-east area of the City. Sidewalk and streetlighting will be installed from the Hercules Transit Center along Willow Avenue to the Willow/Palm intersection, where it will tie into the existing sidewalk leading over State Route 4, and then along Palm Avenue where it will tie into the existing sidewalk on Sycamore Avenue.
Construction is anticipated to start Summer 2023.
Swingset for Children with Disabilities
Status Update
The We-Go-Swing is on order. It is anticipated to arrive in June and be installed and ready to use in July.
Ohlone Dog Park Tree Removal & Pruning
Status Update
This project will prune and remove eucalyptus trees in Ohlone Dog Park as recommended by a certified arborist. Some of the eucalyptus trees in the park have become very large and the trimming/removal is needed to maintain the park’s safety. The budget for this work is $85K and is funded out of Landscaping & Lighting No. 83-2 “Citywide” District. The work is scheduled to occur over this Spring.
Sewer Main Replacement Project
Status Update
This project was awarded to the low bidder, Cratus Inc., for $11.6M in December and the ground breaking is anticipated to occur mid-March. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 1 year. Completing this project will be a major enhancement to the sewer collection system.
Village Parkway Traffic Calming
Status Update
The striping phase of the project has been completed and traffic has slowed noticeably. Later this year 2 speed humps will be installed to complete the project.
Safety Pool Fence Replacement
Installation Underway!
The Hercules Community Swim Center is getting a new fence around the pool. The new safety fence is a black anti-climb fence that is replacing the old wooden & wire fence that had been in place since the facility was built in 1991. We look forward to seeing the finished product!
We are Hercules
For more Construction Projects and updates, visit our Website!
Staff Training
STEM Projects
Facilitated by ENGIE
On Tuesday, February 21, staff was treated to a Professional Development Day. The topic was STEM activities and was put together by ENGIE, as part of the solar project the City entered into in 2021. This was a culmination of a lot of work between ENGIE and the Hercules Childcare program.
ENGIE worked with the City of Hercules to provide an energy educational partnership with our preschool, afterschool, and teen programs. Lea Pfeffer, ENGIE energy educator, presented a professional development training for our childcare staff with a STEM based curriculum and a wide variety of activities.
ENGIE provided all of the materials for the activities and a step-by-step worksheet. The purpose of the training was to give staff the confidence and skills to lead these fun and creative projects in the classroom. Lessons included: Marker bots using motors, Solar investigators using hands-on kits of small solar panels, Balloon car design showing through force and motion, What can wind do (students will create pinwheels and learn about wind power), and Designing a solar oven. The afterschool staff had the opportunity to learn 5 new STEM activities and to take back the materials to their afterschool programs.
The afternoon training was for the Preschool staff, and they participated in hands-on activities with material provided by ENGIE. They also worked on 5 new STEM activities to enrich their preschool classrooms. Activities included Sheep in jeep building ramp and learning to record the speed, Will it float (preschoolers will predict outcome, test, and record), STEM, and the sun! (students will create a UV lizard and try to protect it in the sun), Marble roller coaster, (learn about engineering design and build a roller coaster). These new lessons will enhance the curriculum in our preschool program.
The Teen staff and ENGIE will get together to talk about virtual training sessions for site leader to implement the different challenging activities for the pre-teen age group. Teen staff will implement these activities in our In-House Camp Dynamite program this summer.
We are grateful for this learning opportunity of STEM activities and materials for the children enrolled in our Park & Recreation programs. The partnership will help enrich our programs during the school year, but staff will take these activities into the summer camp program feeling confident they can do them with their classes.
St. Patrick School Visit at Hercules PD
February 2023
Surprise visit from our friends from Saint Patrick School in Rodeo. They came bearing gifts, high-fives, and fist bumps! We enjoyed every moment and look forward to our next visit!
Annual President's Week Seasonal Camp
February 2023, Color Wars!
Last week we held our annual President's week seasonal camp. This year the theme was Color Wars. Here is a photo of the kids having fun with the color games.
Breakfast with a Badge
February 14, 2023
On February 14, 2023, we held our first "Breakfast With A Badge" event which was primarily for the senior community. The event was well received with over 100 attendees including Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin, Councilman Tiffany Grimsley, City Manager Dante Hall, and retired Chief of Police William Goswick who once again donned his apron and cooked up a storm. The event was full of good food, smiles, and genuine conversations! We look forward to making this an annual event.
Stay in the loop, visit our Facebook Page!
Staff Spotlight
Officer of the Year
Karson Kauffroath
Hercules Police Department
Congratulations to Officer Karson Kauffroath who was selected by his peers as the Hercules Police Department "Police Officer Of The Year." Officer Kauffroath is a United States Marine Corps veteran, and he joined the Hercules Police Department in April 2019. Officer Kauffroath is very passionate about making a positive impact and takes pride in serving our community with honor.
Congratulations Officer Kauffroath!
The Chief's Corner
Promotion at the PD
Police Sergeant Chris Costa
Please join us in congratulating Chris Costa on his promotion to Police Sergeant which was effective February 5, 2023. Chris is a native of Contra Costa County, was born in Walnut Creek and raised in Clayton, California. After graduating from Clayton Valley High School in 1995, Chris began working at his father’s business in construction.
In 2005, Chris made a change of career and self-sponsored his way through the Napa Valley Police Academy. He completed the academy in December 2005, and was hired by the Hercules Police Department in February 2006. Over the next six and a half years, Chris was assigned to patrol and the Hercules Middle High School as a School Resource Officer.
In September 2012, Chris left the Hercules Police Department and joined the San Francisco Police Department. During his time at the San Francisco Police Department, Chris worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, Field Training Officer, and was promoted to a Police Sergeant in 2019. On occasion, Chris also worked as an Acting Police Lieutenant.
In December 2021, Chris decided to return to his roots and was hired back at the Hercules Police Department. Since his return, Chris has worked as a Field Training Officer, and was assigned as a Police Corporal where some of his duties included being a Watch Commander in the absence of the Sergeant. As a senior officer, Chris took great pride in being a mentor and resource for everyone whom he worked with.
Welcome Back
Officer Kevin Bassi
The Hercules Police Department welcomes back Officer Kevin Bassi who was born and raised in Contra Costa County!
He started his career in law enforcement as a volunteer for the Hercules Police Department Youth Explorer Program when he was 16-years old. He later accepted a position with the Pinole Department as a Community Service Officer before returning to the Hercules Police Department in 2017 as a Police Officer Trainee.
Kevin was sponsored through the Contra Costa County Sherriff's Academy and for the next five years he further developed his skills becoming a Corporal, Field Training Officer, Taser Instructor and Firearms Instructor. Kevin lateraled to the Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department (B.A.R.T PD) a year ago and obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
On February 2, 2023, we gladly welcomed Officer Kevin Bassi back to the Hercules Police Department family!
Upcoming Events
Community Engagement Opportunities
Parks & Recreation Facilities Master Plan
Our City is creating its first-ever Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan to identify needs and priorities for our park system. The plan will help the City to strategically allocate resources and leverage grant opportunities to ensure community needs can be met in the future.
Help guide the process! We are holding several pop-up events in Feb-Mar for the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan (PRFMP).
Upcoming Opportunities to Provide Feedback:
March 1 @ Virtual Workshop
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
March 4 @ Foxboro Park RESCHEDULED DUE TO RAIN
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 5 @ Duck Pond Park RESCHEDULED DUE TO RAIN
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 7 @ Senior Center
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March 11 @ The Exchange at Bayfront
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 18 @ Foxboro Park
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 19 @ Duck Pond Park
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please note, these dates and times are subject to change.
Senior Wellness Fair
FREE Resource Fair
March 7 @ 2 p.m. - Senior Center
Join us on Tuesday, March 7, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a FREE health and resource fair at the Hercules Senior Center. There will be 20 vendor booths such as Humana, Choice in Aging, Alzheimer's Association, Mobility Matters, and more to check out. This is an event you won't want to miss!
If you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please contact the Senior Center at (510) 799-8219.
To Be a Vendor Dial (510)799-8219
More Senior 50+ Activities & Events
Bayfront Chamber Event
State of the Cities
Enjoy Breakfast & Networking!
March 23 @ 7:30 a.m. - Leila by the Bay
Early Bird Tickets – $10 (purchase by March 10th)
General Admission – $15 (after March 10th)
SPEAKERS:
Hercules
Alexander Walker-Griffin, Mayor
Pinole
Devin Murphy, Mayor
Rodeo
David Fraser, Chief of Staff for Supervisor Federal Glover
Bayfront Chamber Event
Bottles & Bites
Tasting Benefit for Our Schools
March 26 @ 1 p.m. - Hercules Community Center
Tickets: $35
Enjoy an afternoon of tastings from local restaurants, caterers, bakeries, wineries & breweries, and silent auction, raffles, music & entertainment!
Aquatics - Lifeguard Training
Apply Online Today!
Looking for a summer job that is exciting and rewarding? The lifeguard training course provides you all the certifications that are required to work as a City of Hercules Lifeguard/Swim Instructor. Participants will receive American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Professional Rescuers, and First-Aid Certifications/Title 22.
Our next classes will be held on:
4/3 – 4/7/23
M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Splash-a-Palooza - SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, April 15
Registration Now Open!
It’s time to register for our annual Splash-A-Palooza event at the pool. Splash-A-Palooza is a FREE event for the public. It’s a chance to show off your best SPLASH. Can openers, canon balls and belly flops – oh my!
Open to all ages.
Register By Calling 510-799-8291
EGGstravaganza
Saturday, April 8
Senior Center
Don’t miss our famous Eggstravaganza! Children and families will enjoy timeless spring activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, and everyone’s favorite egg hunt!
Bring your favorite egg baskets and come join us for this wonderful Hercules tradition.
Register By Calling 510-799-8291
Register by Email [email protected]
Food Bank - NEW
Senior Food Program
2nd & 4th Tuesday @ Samara Terrace
Seniors 55+ Food Program will be starting in March, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Seniors 55+ who are Hercules residents, with proof of residency, may attend the Senior Food bank located at 102 Civic Drive, Hercules, Van Domselaar room at Samara Terrace.
Food Bank
Community Produce Program
1st & 3rd Tuesday @ Senior Center
The Food Bank comes out to the Hercules Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. of each month, and distributes fresh fruits, vegetables, and canned goods. Please remember to bring your own bags.
This program is available to those who meet the income guidelines.
Blood Drive
Partnered with American Red Cross
March 29 @ 9:30 a.m.
Sign up today to donate blood at our next blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, from 9:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m., at Samara Terrace Van Domselaar Room, 102 Civic Dr.
All blood drives are done in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Make an Appointment (Sponsor Code HERCULES)
Hercules Library Events
More Hercules Library Events Click Here!
We're Hiring!
ALL IN ONE DAY
Parks & Recreation Summer Hiring Job Fair
March 4 @ 9 a.m. - City Hall, Council Chambers
The Hercules Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a job fair called All-In-One-Day, on Saturday, March 4, from 9a-12p. All-In-One-Day will be held in the Hercules Council Chambers. Applicants will interview, if successful they will receive an offer letter, be taken to get livescan, and complete paperwork, all in one day!
If you are looking for a fun and rewarding summer job and are at least 15 years or older, complete an application on the City’s website and attend our All-In-One-Day job fair. Tell your friends, neighbors, and/or family members about our All-In-One-Day job fair.
If you miss the one day event you can join Team Hercules by clicking the link and completing your application today!