City staff told the Community Services Commission on Sept. 8 that construction of two pocket parks is well underway and is expected to be finished this fall.

Deputy Director Melissa Snyder said grading, underground utilities, storm drains, fences, concrete walls and benches have been completed at the two pocket parks, identified in project materials as Grevillea Pocket Park and Beatrice Solis Memorial Park (formerly Berkshire Pocket Park). Remaining work includes flatwork (sidewalks and decomposed granite surfaces), rubberized play surfacing, furniture, lighting, irrigation and landscaping.

Funding and property: Snyder reported the city purchased the land from Caltrans and said construction is funded in part by California Proposition 68 (state parks and water bond) and by Measure A (Regional Park and Open Space District). Snyder provided the amounts cited to the commission during the update: $193,000 from Prop 68 and $550,000 from Measure A toward the two pocket parks.

Timing and next steps: staff said the pocket parks are anticipated to be completed this fall, with a ribbon-cutting planned for November if the schedule holds. Staff offered to return with more technical details or to coordinate with public works for highly technical questions.

Why it matters: the projects turn underused or former Caltrans parcels into neighborhood parks paid for largely with grant and regional funds, expanding local open space and neighborhood amenities.