[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6244890,"mediaKeyId","3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24","parentId",3228415,"title","CCTA outlines Lamorinda smart‑signals upgrades and $1.7M countywide evacuation study; cities press for tangible outcomes","audioSeconds",3545,"startMs",1069000,"endMs",4614000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24&start=1069&end=4614","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24/thumbnail_1069000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6244890/Orinda-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/CCTA-outlines-Lamorinda-smartsignals-upgrades-and-17M-countywide-evacuation-study-cities-press-for-tangible-outcomes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244890-03d05d2107e02c09b89beb1f947ff79c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210720&Signature=HNOsd03R5ks-kUHRogoRr9BA-Of5-ViAkk-hYzwJonkKJfwBykjZORe9yKtlbsJKMvqKmdKa98KkPV4woojGH0Uv7omkdMlSC6297LzJI7ynMg6dhz6DaPwrOmzr7v4QhtCEFT~F-KOne83z91VW0wtWAQGhl4Y3vZMFfSmZKnYDn8d2IqF09b0ObIkzyY0JOziJF73w2KnJq-KQmknhqwmB9OvrW-FAD~KQvHtx~A~N5ZxdXe9S7VPQ3bz4Fev-XjlzIn4qZ0Qbe0TdxCnnEQ3isY7JXgC7gkTr76nZoKe9OOv6YP3N6KzhVF2MTTwKPTeI1-BBG-JST01ovYYhdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Orinda CA","date","2025-05-08T01:51:34Z","article","Contra Costa Transportation Authority planning staff on Wednesday detailed two countywide initiatives for the Lamorinda area: a smart‑signals modernization covering 56 intersections and a separate, Caltrans‑funded emergency evacuation study estimated at $1.7 million, both intended to improve traffic safety and evacuation capacity.

The smart‑signals project will replace aging intersection controllers and detection technology, enable remote access to controllers, and connect signals across jurisdictions to support future synchronization, CCTA planning director John Huang told the joint meeting. Huang said the Lamorinda work combines an earmark and other countywide funds that together amount to “over $7,000,000” for the area and that design is at varying stages (one project at about 65% and another at about 35%). He described a conservative schedule that anticipates construction beginning in 2026 and completing in April 2027.

City and town elected officials pressed CCTA on how the upgrades will work during emergencies and on construction impacts. Huang said the project will not require trenching or major ground disturbance because most equipment upgrades happen inside existing cabinets, and that residents will likely notice only new cameras or cabinets. On evacuations he said remote access would allow traffic engineers to change signal phasing remotely to “flush traffic out” of a corridor, and that the project will connect signals so coordination and synchronization are possible once communications are in place.

Council members raised operational questions and constraints. Council member McCormick and others warned the evacuation component risks being too high‑level for the available funds. Huang acknowledged the scope is large and said the evacuation work will include scenario modeling, multiple runs and recommendations for next steps rather than immediately delivering construction projects.

The evacuation study: scope, funding and schedule

Huang said the evacuation project received Caltrans sustainability grant funding and that CCTA is providing the match, creating a roughly $1.7 million countywide program to analyze evacuation networks, perform modeling and undertake extensive public outreach. The RFP for consultant services was expected to be released in late May 2025, with the project beginning in July 2025 and a two‑year schedule to finish. Huang said the project will examine multiple hazard scenarios (wildfire, sea‑level rise and man‑made incidents) and leverage existing local hazard mitigation plans and first‑responder expertise.

Elected officials pushed for clarity on deliverables. Council member McCormick and Mayor Wallach said they want “tangible” results and not just another high‑level study; several asked that the effort identify specific infrastructure projects and funding pathways. Huang said the project will generate recommendations and a prioritized list of candidate projects for the La Mirinda area and countywide, and that CCTA expects to involve local fire chiefs, police and emergency managers in defining modeling assumptions.

Technical issues noted

- Backup power: CCTA plans to provide battery backup systems (BBS) for signal cabinets; Huang said batteries are expected to run about 12–16 hours and that other technologies (hydrogen, longer‑duration storage) are being researched.

- Security and communications: The deployed system will use secured wireless/radio communication initially; fiber was considered but was cost‑prohibitive for this funding package. CCTA said the wireless network will be secured and expandable later if funding for fiber becomes available.

- Scope and signals covered: Huang said 56 intersections have been identified in the three jurisdictions, focused on major routes such as Moraga Way and Mount Diablo Boulevard; he acknowledged some signals outside the immediate project area are not included but can be added later.

Local participation and oversight

CCTA said the procurement and project oversight will include local staff: the RFP review panel will include representatives from the three jurisdictions and first‑responder agencies. Scott (city manager) and others confirmed that Moraga’s public works director Sean Napra and Police Chief John King will participate on the review panel. Elected officials requested ongoing Tri‑City briefings during design and implementation and suggested using the smart‑signals rollout to plan future evacuation coordination exercises.

Ending

No formal action was taken; the presentation concluded with consensus that the projects are worthwhile but with repeated requests from council members for clearer, earlier deliverables from the evacuation study and quicker interim reporting from CCTA so cities can coordinate near‑term measures while the consultant work proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tri City Council Meeting - Wednesday, May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Contra Costa Transportation Authority planning staff briefed Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette officials on a countywide smart‑signals upgrade covering 56 intersections and a Caltrans‑funded evacuation study funded at about $1.7 million.","taxTitle","Orinda City, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",70905,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244880,"Assemblymember Bauer‑Kahan’s field representative outlines wildfire funding priorities, insurance modernization and local grants",228,788000,1016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24&start=788&end=1016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24/thumbnail_788000.jpg","/articles/6244880/Orinda-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Assemblymember-BauerKahans-field-representative-outlines-wildfire-funding-priorities-insurance-modernization-and-local-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244880-5113e0f4a80fa5e5fe32a0d7e3225afa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210720&Signature=VZ4TzSVGfyfFMjtAjBYA4IdkWqqtL1AcQ6QzTf3ogtUOWHf88x2rMBtIyKlt1~T8Ys8plOODH8SjUrmA01WxGdowep~hZoGQhlCQVk82EqL9q0H8Dvu261wrDNHws~zrItXomvKSMNyCIs22yi5NLjy-lB5bHYJg6q4kEivqS4vRKh4RHLdIA260xIJj1LDqZ~5yf1ZUaFfZFhlspxDXEFKVa39XgGqV8sF-L~1ZcNM~kUU28WAeJ5XuhF6WEkD7JdtpQ~Z~1-yqjkU1vPJEOIB1uMQYWJ1H7WfypHvxytkHJGymZMlqtkEktlkSFDyOX3znLk27KKRNeknqvh9dEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charisse Kound, field representative for state Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer‑Kahan, briefed the joint meeting on the assembly member’s recent actions and budget priorities for the Lamorinda area and the district.

Kound said the assembly member has submitted letters of support for local projects including Orinda’s Camino Pablo pathway rehabilitation and Lafayette’s Aquadec Row pathway project, and has introduced or supported bills on a range of issues from AI regulation to access to reproductive health care. On wildfire funding and prevention she summarized several specific budget requests being advanced by the assembly member and colleagues:

- $100,000,000 annually for the next five years for firebreaks and defensible space projects;
- Prioritization of initial investments and maintenance for projects in high and very high fire hazard severity zones;
- $100,000,000 over the next two years to create a dedicated fund contingent on adoption of a \"Zone 0\" regulation by the Board of Forestry;
- Increasing local fire prevention grants to $100,000,000 to support hazardous fuel reduction, home hardening and wildfire prevention education;
- $25,000,000 for technology grants to support evacuation planning, execution and response tools.

Kound also described the assembly member’s work on insurance issues, noting proposals to modernize the Fair Plan (referenced in the meeting as \"b 2 90\") and stabilization legislation (referenced as \"a b 2 26\") intended to help residents find alternatives to the Fair Plan and improve continuity of coverage.

Audience reaction

A resident in the chamber commented that automatic payment and renewal issues make the Fair Plan difficult for some policyholders, and thanked the assembly member for work on modernization. Kound confirmed the district office has been assisting residents with home hardening resources and insurance navigation and directed constituents to the assembly member’s website for more information.

Ending

No formal action was taken; the presentation was an update and an invitation for local officials to coordinate on state budget requests and advocacy for wildfire prevention funding.","A field representative for Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer‑Kahan updated the joint councils on the member’s legislative and budget priorities, including multi‑year requests for fuel breaks, local fire prevention grants, technology funding and proposals to modernize the Fair Plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244885,"Tri‑City leaders weigh regional legislative program; Townsend offers $4,500/month support and unanimous goal to try a joint platform",4240,2934000,7174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24&start=2934&end=7174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3228415-b0eb48ebff63ae32e9aae15d63fe5c24/thumbnail_2934000.jpg","/articles/6244885/Orinda-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/TriCity-leaders-weigh-regional-legislative-program-Townsend-offers-4500month-support-and-unanimous-goal-to-try-a-joint-platform","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244885-5817ea1decf89051359ae5f9482771d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210720&Signature=Etih8tqOAoCOXzZVLnw6sPctqo4Q9rd0dE2vOCza-MSUvkyBOV2iKywMwoQRmsIVKWRdfroaBDEwRtqra5cNN-3eMmHqL3uwmc1wONEoVdxRFzd3KsjCuf6lwPwAThbs9lpz3z~1IWW-s1BMzjGylncVDbHW8DL2e2UsZM1rlfYNGSZJ4R2s8-Bi8dPTdKyo~H01U0HqTMnLMIl5QwYZoFziE45FH44C~y5wszz90pSsuk-MZ6m6BYVXBEUSjDuigGVCnROI7zmIgUrZUTAV-~e7v1t6GpD~0jsKR2Fz9lQeQtHnJ11BcSNVQy4DTTStbAhGAFm8-TqU0hUWFCgwzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Townsend Public Affairs vice president Casey Elliott outlined a plan to create a La Mirinda regional legislative and funding advocacy platform and proposed a city‑shared retainer of $4,500 per month for ongoing state and federal advocacy services.

Elliott said the effort would be driven by a short list of shared priorities — suggested topics included wildfire prevention and recovery, regional transportation and insurance — and would coordinate state and federal lobbying, grant and earmark strategy, and messaging. \"By collectively, you have a louder voice than you do individually,\" Elliott told the three councils.

The proposed services included bill tracking and positions, single‑letterhead regional letters for requests, development of sponsored bill concepts and authorship support, coordination of trips to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and support for funding requests and grant applications. Elliott proposed a 12‑month engagement with a team approach: he would be the primary point of contact, supported by Townsend’s wider staff.

Reaction from the three councils

Most council members said the proposal deserved serious consideration. Vice Mayor Ellis (Moraga) and multiple members stressed that regional advocacy is necessary to capture scarce state and federal funds and to protect local feeder transit and emergency resources; Ellis warned that feeder services and BART operations are linked and urged coordination on transit advocacy. Council members from Orinda and Lafayette expressed support and called for quick startup planning, while Moraga council members said they needed to finalize their internal legislative platform before committing.

BART asked the joint body to include regional transit funding among priorities. Tanya Love, BART’s local government community relations representative, urged support for Senate Bill 63, a measure to authorize a sales tax option to fund transit operations.

Process and next steps discussed

City managers said they will coordinate internally and recommended a fall timeline to finalize shared priorities, with one council observing that establishing a legislative framework would allow staff to send positions under the regional header without returning the question to each council for every bill. Elliott said January is the strategic time to have priorities in place for the next legislative session; he also noted that limited late‑session engagement is possible but most impact is achieved when priorities and sponsored positions are ready at the start of the year.

No formal decision or contract was approved at the meeting. Elected officials asked staff to return with a recommended list of priorities and to discuss timing so the three cities could consider the proposed regional agreement and any changes to their separate Townsend contracts.","Townsend Public Affairs presented a proposal for an ongoing La Mirinda regional advocacy effort (Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette). The firm outlined services and a proposed $4,500 monthly retainer split among the three jurisdictions. Elected officials largely expressed support but some towns requested more internal review before committing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CCTA outlines Lamorinda smart‑signals upgrades and $1.7M countywide evacuation study; cities press for tangible outcomes

Assemblymember Bauer‑Kahan’s field representative outlines wildfire funding priorities, insurance modernization and local grants

Tri‑City leaders weigh regional legislative program; Townsend offers $4,500/month support and unanimous goal to try a joint platform