By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – The Aug. 25 Town Hall Meeting at Rosa Parks Elementary promoted many exciting projects for Eastvale, ranging from bills that are anticipated to be passed for the benefit of the City, to the much awaited STEM school that will soon begin construction.

The evening began with Mayor Ike Bootsma’s brief City update, including the mention of the JCSD app, available to citizens who want to report on non-emergency issues such as graffiti and water waste; and the upcoming 5^th Anniversary for Eastvale.

Tyler Madary took the stage to represent Senator Richard Roth, announcing that the Senator is looking to pass three bills through the Assembly.  The first is SB75, which will help bring funds to Jurupa Valley, Riverside, and Eastvale; another bill that will hire two new judges in the county of Riverside; and SB251, the reform bill which will help small businesses handle ADA issues. These bills have been passed by the Senate, and are pending further consideration.

Lieutenant Scott Forbes then provided a Police Department update.  Statistics year to date included 207 traffic collisions, 131 non injury reports, and the issuance of 1,000 citations for moving violations and 700 for parking violations. Forbes introduced Deputy Deanna Meyers as the new Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for Eastvale.  He also stated that the Department hired a new motor officer.

The JCSD update was given by Rick Welch, who announced the group’s near-completion of the plans for the second phase of the Eastvale Community Park, and the condition of the Desi House.

Officer Allynn Evans then provided an update on Code Enforcement speaking on street cleaning every other Tuesday and Thursday.  They have also retrieved 38 missing shopping carts and removed 811 signs to help keep the City beautiful.

Sharyn Link elaborated more on the upcoming festivities for the City’s 5^th Anniversary.  Schools and City staff members are collaborating on the event to be held on Sat., Oct. 3, which will include a 5K run, a parade and a street fair.  There are still openings for volunteers.  For more information, please visit the city’s website.

Finally, Dr. Michael Lin from CNUSD gave a presentation on the anticipated construction of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) school, and the benefits it will provide for Eastvale.  City Manager, Michele Nissen, joined Lin on stage for a brief discussion on the traffic safety plan.

CNUSD’s Dr. Gina Boster continued the presentation, stating that the STEM school would not include an elite program; but that anyone would potentially be eligible (an application system has not yet been developed).  The curriculum is designed to stimulate critical thinking in real-world applications. The students will have access to technology-based equipment and mobile desks and chairs to create space for projects. By moving away from traditional schooling, students will experience in-depth, rigorous programs to help prepare for desired STEM careers.

Lin tackled questions regarding the potential population at the new school, and the challenges of hiring the appropriate staff, ideal class size, and the adjustment to a “school within a school” mentality.  He ended the presentation by ensuring the audience that the new STEM school will provide a very beneficial education to students.