Kickoff event involves local youth in North Richmond
September marks the beginning of a significant flood control and water conservation project in North Richmond. Last winter’s storms heightened the entire bay area’s awareness of the need for creek improvements and level projects, as we saw flooding in places we wouldn’t ordinarily expect it. The Wildcat-San Pablo Creeks Levee Project will raise and improve the existing levee system in the area, reducing the risk of flooding and recertifying flood protection capability for the community. Contra Costa County is leveraging grant funding to make these improvements.
On August 29th, County and community leaders and volunteers will be on hand at the Urban Tilth Farm near the project site preparing for the work. The County Flood Control District is partnering with Urban Tilth, a local non-profit organization, to employ local youths to work on vegetation management for this project. Additional benefits will include protecting and preserving natural creek resources with litter cleanup, the removal of nonnative invasive species, and job training for the local youth.
WHO: Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Office of Assemblymember Tony Thurmond, Deputy Public Works Director Mike Carlson, community partners and local youth
WHAT: Community Kickoff for the Wildcat-San Pablo Creeks Levee Project
WHEN: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 12:00 p.m. (staff onsite until 2:00 p.m.)
WHERE: Urban Tilth Farm, 323 Brookside Drive, Richmond
The flooding problem, between the creeks, became much worse when the waste water district diked up the marsh. As the land is flat, prior to dikes the water would flow freely to the bay, and never flooded east of what is now 3rd street. South of Wildcat creek would flood due to poor maintenance of level and individuals hauling soil away and when bridges clogged up, water would break through to the south. The bank on north side was always maintained when family was farming. land.