Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
The City of Eastvale City Council, Planning Commission, and staff at the 2016 State of the City.

By Valerie Gutierrez

Eastvale– The City of Eastvale held their 5th Annual State of the City Address on Tues., Apr. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Eastvale Community Center. The meeting was sponsored by the San Antonio Regional Hospital.

After welcoming residents, Former Executive Director of Eastvale Community Foundation, Sharyn Link and Pastor Edward Moreno of New Day Christian Church led the Invocation. Following the opening was the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 2012, the Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem, sung by talented Eleanor Roosevelt High School jazz students.

After Mayor’s Bootsma introduction, the City got right into what has been going on in the City of Eastvale.

Mayor Ike Bootsma led the meeting, which began with a video presentation from each of the Council members: Mayor Bootsma, Joe Tessari, Clint Lorimore and Adam Rush.

Afterwards, Eastvale Planning Director, Eric Norris, took the stage to speak on the major and minor projects that Eastvale is working on. Major projects include the Civic Center, Bicycle Master Plan, and Leal Master Plan. The Leal Master Plan consists of 160 acres in the heart of Eastvale that will include a regional mall, other retail, housing, offices, and a hotel.

“We’re really excited for this [Leal Master Plan] project,” said Norris.

Norris also provided updates on the future of the Chandler Area Community Vision Plan, stating that they have been working with the Chandler Area to identify community issues and define a long-term vision for the area.

Chandler Area is one of the oldest parts of Eastvale and “much is dedicated to preserve that,” Norris said.

City Engineer, George Alvarez, updated residents on the development of fire station No. 31, which began construction in Jan. 2016. This will be Eastvale’s second fire station.

“Work is well underway and is expected to be completed in November 2016,” said Alvarez.

Next, they talked about the Bicycle Master Plan that was adopted in Feb. 2016 and a new improved interchange at Limonite and the 15 freeway. The interstate is the gateway to Jurupa Valley and to the City of Eastvale, which will improve by featuring new decorative lights, landscaping, traditional fencing on the bridge, and wider entrances to the freeway.

“If funds come into place we can be under construction by 2018,” Alvarez said.

Captain Jason Horton then gave a quick update on the status of the Eastvale Police Department. He stated that Eastvale Police Department is an independent entity; a full-service, 24/7 station.

Horton provided 2015 crime statistics, which included the 25,556 calls for service. He also explained that there is always a patrol in the City, a dedicated traffic team, community service officers, Special Enforcement Team personnel and the City’s newest motorcycle officer.

With tears, former Executive Director of Eastvale Community Foundation, Sharyn Link also announced her retirement and stated that Eastvale Community Foundation has been home and family to her.  Dawn Hook was announced as Eastvale’s new Foundation Director and said she is excited to serve the City of Eastvale.

After a successful meeting, attendees were invited to enjoy free coffee, punch, and desserts, as well as a meet and greet with Mayor Ike Bootsma, City Council Members, City of Eastvale Departments, Business Partners, and event sponsors.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
Mayor Ike Boostma leading the 5th Annual State Of The City.