May 2021
Welcome to the May issue of the Backyard Brief. This issue includes the latest on COVID-19, an update on development activities in the City, as well as information on the new parks coming soon to the community.
Latest Updates and Information on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Vaccine Progress in Dublin and State Updates Guidance on Wearing Masks Outside
As of May 1, 2021, more than 37,280 Dublin residents have received at least one vaccination and we now have more than 21,120 residents fully vaccinated. Last week, with the number of Californians becoming fully vaccinated, Governor Newsom announced that the State of California would align itself with the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) recommendations regarding the wearing of masks. Everyone can exercise outdoors without a mask, as long as they stick to activities involving their own household. Vaccinated people should have more freedom to picnic and gather outside without masks.
Alameda County Public Health Department Resumes Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
On April 23, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they would accept the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) findings that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe. The Bay Area region's health officers agree that the risk of developing the rare clotting disorder is extremely low. Alameda County is aligning with other Bay Area counties in resuming the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.
Vaccine Availability Expands to All Californians, 16 and Older; Appointments Available Locally
As of April 16, all Californians, aged 16 and older, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Residents are encouraged to get the vaccine through their healthcare provider or check local vaccine availability at myturn.ca.gov. Alameda County residents can also sign up through the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency to be notified when vaccination appointments become available. Appointments are more readily available at the Oakland Coliseum mass vaccination site.
In addition to Countywide efforts, Axis Community Health clinics in Pleasanton (5925 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 100) and Livermore (3311 Pacific Ave) are offering drive-thru and walk-up appointments for ages 16 and older. Call (925) 462-1755 to schedule an appointment. Vaccinations are free and no insurance is required. Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are all offered. Axis staff can accommodate multiple languages.
For more updates and resources related to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/index.page.
Places of Worship Allowed to Open at Full Capacity
Following a Supreme Court ruling, places of worship in California may now operate indoors at full capacity. While capacity limits are not mandatory, the State of California recommends continual adherence to previous guidelines, for continual safety against the pandemic. Alameda County Public Health Department advises that to keep each other safe from the coronavirus, please continue to wear a mask when you leave home; keep at least six feet of distance from anyone not in your household; and wash your hands regularly.
Development Updates
State-Mandated Housing Element - City Working to Address Draft Housing Numbers for Years 2023-2031
The State of California requires that the City Council adopt a comprehensive, long-term General Plan for the physical development of the city. The Housing Element is one of seven mandated elements of the General Plan updated every eight years to address existing and projected housing needs for all economic segments of the city. The housing need is determined by the State and allocated to each jurisdiction in the greater Bay Area by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). ABAG distributes a share of the housing need to each jurisdiction through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process.
The current draft numbers include 3,719 units of housing for the City of Dublin. These units of housing and the possible locations will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting.
City Council Appropriates $7.1 Million for Affordable Housing in Downtown Dublin
The City Council has adopted a Strategic Plan that priortizes affordable housing in the community. As part of that effort, the City Council recently appropriated $7.1 million from the City's Affordable Housing Fund and authorized the commitment of $2.9 million in Alameda County Measure A-1 Funds from the City 's Base City Allocation to BRIDGE Housing for the development of affordable housing on a 3.6-acre site within the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan area. The proposal from BRIDGE Housing came in response to the City's Notice of Funding Availability for affordable housing.
The proposed project consists of two phases and buildings of 136 units and 172 units, respectively, and includes ground floor retail, amenity space for the residents, and structured parking. The property is located adjacent to the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station at 6501 Golden Gate Drive, bound by I-580 to the south, the future 499-unit St. Patrick Way residential project to the west (which was approved three years ago), Connolly Station residential community to the north, and Golden Gate Drive to the east.
Study Session on May 4 for the Proposed East Ranch Development
On Tuesday, May 4, at 5:00 p.m., the City Council will hold a Study Session to discuss the proposed East Ranch development project. The Applicant, Trumark Homes, LLC, proposes to develop a 573-unit residential project with six neighborhoods, two neighborhood parks totaling 11.5 acres, and a two-acre Semi-Public site, located on Croak Road east of Fallon Road. The Study Session is an opportunity for the public to provide input and to have the City Council provide feedback to the applicant regarding the proposed project. No formal action will be taken or approvals granted for the project at this meeting. The meeting can be livestreamed, beginning at 5:00 p.m., at www.tri-valleytv.org. If any member of the public wishes to offer Public Comment on the project, a speaker slip can be found at www.dublin.ca.gov/1604 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
SCS Property - Community Advisory Committee Formed
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has been formed to gather input on the future use and development of the SCS Property, a 76.9-acre property located north of I-580 between Tassajara Road and Brannigan Street and extending to the north of Gleason Drive.
In August 2020, the City Council requested that City staff work with the property owner to conduct a robust community outreach process. The City hired a consultant, ELS Architecture & Urban Design, to lead the process with one of the first steps being the creation of a Community Advisory Committee. The CAC will:
- Provide a community perspective on development of the SCS
Property
- Share thoughts on previous proposals for the SCS Property
- Share thoughts on general priorities for development in Dublin
- Provide input on the greater public engagement strategy
- Provide feedback on the initial land use framework and preferred
plan
The CAC application period has closed, and City Staff recently selected the 14-member committee.
Zeiss Opens New Innovation Center in Dublin
ZEISS, the leading global optics and optoelectronics technology company, has completed the construction of its new R&D, production, sales, and customer service site at 5300 Central Parkway in Dublin. The ZEISS Innovation Center encompasses 208,650 square feet over three floors, and accommodates approximately 700 workspaces. The move-in will be phased in over the coming months in compliance with COVID-19 precautions and state and federal regulations.
The Center brings together hundreds of ZEISS employees and key functions under one roof including research laboratories, service, and production facilities, as well as customer experience and demonstration centers showcasing recent ZEISS innovations. The Center also serves as the U.S. headquarters for the ZEISS medical technology business, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. The Center will house the X-Ray Microscopy business, the ZEISS Microscopy Customer Center, and Process Control Solutions activities for the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment.
The company also installed a large public art piece, Depth of Field, created by North Bay artist Ned Kahn. The artwork is composed of hundreds of metallic pieces, which move as breezes blow. Stop by the Zeiss Innovation Center to see the art piece firsthand, or view the attached video to see the mesmerizing motion of the work: https://vimeo.com/512866192
Construction Begins on the Future Don Biddle Community Park
Work on the City's third major community park is underway. Don Biddle Community Park is located on a portion of the former Camp Parks Army Base property along Dublin Boulevard near Scarlett Drive. Construction began in February 2021 and is projected to be finished in Spring 2022. Rough grading has been completed and underground utilities have been installed over the last several weeks. Next, electrical and water utilities will be installed, followed by fine grading, irrigation, and concrete flat work. Upon completion, the 30-acre community park will feature a wide variety of amenities, including both tennis and basketball courts, a playground, swing sets, a picnic/BBQ area, a community garden, veterans art, and much more.
City Developing Design Concepts for Future Park Near Wallis Ranch Community
Concept designs for a future park adjacent to the Wallis Ranch Community are now underway. Input from residents was collected through an online survey, which garnered nearly 1,100 responses, along with community meetings held in March and April. Planned features of the park include lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, a dog park, and public restrooms. Feedback from the public is being used to incorporate additional facilities, which will go into three conceptual design alternatives being developed by Callendar Associates. Upon completion of the designs, City staff and Callendar Associates will hold another community meeting at the future park location in June 2021, with scheduled time slots for residents to review and provide input on the three concepts. For more information on the park’s planning process or to sign up for updates, visit www.dublin.ca.gov/2289.
City of Dublin Announces the 2020 Citizen, Young Citizen, and Organization of the Year
The City of Dublin has announced the 2020 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Organization of the Year.
Citizen: Michael D’Ambrosio
Young Citizen: Anya Sengupta
Organization: Breaking BEARriers
Mayor’s Award: Open Heart Kitchen
Mayor’s Legacy Award: Connie Mack
The winners were announced on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, during an evening ceremony broadcast live on Tri-Valley Community Television. Nominees and Dublin volunteer organizations participated through a Zoom video conference. A replay of the broadcast will be shown throughout the month of May on Comcast TV28 and streaming at www.tri-valleytv.org. The scheduled dates and times can be found at tv30.org or on the Comcast guide.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding individuals and groups who have contributed to the quality of life in Dublin this past year.
Information on each of the wonderful award recipients can be found at dublin.ca.gov/volunteers.