Staff Reports

Eastvale – Many attended the 8th Annual State of the City hosted by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce. The theme of this year’s State of the City was Thriving Together.

“There is a saying that you can go faster by yourself, but you can go further together,” stated a City post. “That’s really where thriving together comes into place. Your voice matters and you’re essential to ensuring that Eastvale continues thriving together for generations to come!”

The two-day celebration began on July 17 with a Business Luncheon held at 11:30 a.m. at the Eastvale Community Center.  On Thursday, July 18, residents gathered at 6 p.m. at Eleanor Roosevelt High School for the community event. Mayor Todd Rigby shared the State of the City Address, which included the state of Eastvale, city accomplishments, and goals for the future. The free event also included the city’s popular “Taste of Eastvale”.

“As a long time Eastvale resident, I am proud to serve as Eastvale’s Mayor,” said Mayor Rigby. “I have had the opportunity to watch Eastvale continue to progress and thrive throughout this year and the exciting part is, this is just the beginning and we’re just getting started!” said Rigby.

“In Eastvale, we have an opportunity to create great places for people to connect, prosper, and truly thrive,” said Bryan Jones, City Manager.  “We want to work with the residents of Eastvale to really truly understand what is our potential and what really matters to them when it comes to creating a sense of community and an experience and a feeling that they can truly feel proud to call home,” added Jones. 

Last year, the City of Eastvale assembled the Strategic Planning and Goal setting workshop, which included city management, city staff, and public input.  After the workshop, the following six targets were identified as the key pillars for the future: 1) Communication/Community Engagement 2) Public safety 3) Economic Development 4) Organizational Development 5) Finance/Budget and 6) Infrastructure.

Over the last year, the following great things happened in the City:

• For the 8th year in a row, the City has presented a balanced operating and capital budget
• The City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for financial reporting
• City Staff has made such an impact in the community that many departments have grown
• A new user friendly City website was launched
• Public outreach and public workshops have taken place in an effort to include residents in city decisions
• City Hall has expanded its services, such as now providing Notary and Passport Services
• A Community Satisfactions Study was launched for the first time this year

The City is also building healthy reserves by setting aside at least six months or 50% of annual regular general fund operating expenditures.  These strong reserves are combined with two land investment acquisitions assets including 7 acres at Hamner Place and 22 acres at Scholar Way and Citrus Street. “We’re investing in our city so it can thrive for decades to come,” as stated in the State of the City video.

In addition, the City also announced the establishments that have recently opened, which include:

• The Station in Eastvale
• Café Rio
• MOD Pizza
• Starbucks
• In-N-Out
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• W Cafe
• Miguel’s Jr.
• El Pollo Loco
• Les Schwab Tires
• Pita Street
• Creamistry

At the State of the City, several projects and updates were also announced:

• Two trails will be built through the community in an effort to connect the city schools and parks. This will be funded by the $8 million grant the City was awarded from the State. The City plans to work closely with residents over the next year to design these trails. 
• Limonite Avenue and I-15 Interchange, which is expected to open this November
• Hamner Avenue Bridge Widening Project, expected to begin construction after the Limonite Interchange is complete.  This will be a six-lane bridge and a multi-purpose trail to replace of the two-lane bridge currently over the Santa Ana River.
• Limonite Avenue extension, located west of Archibald, across the Cucamonga Creek.  This extension will connect Eastvale to the City of Chino. A design was recently started for this extension.
• The Merge, expected to include business park buildings and a retail center
• Hamner Place, expected to have retail and Eastvale’s first hotel
• More retails stores will open at The Station

The following restaurants and establishments are expected to open as well:

• Chik-Fil-A
• Tony’s Chop House
• Heroes Restaurant and Brewery
• Sprouts Farmer’s Market
• Which Wich
• Quick Quack Car Wash
• Big Wok Mongolian Grill
• Eastvale Medical Plaza 
• Staybridge Suites by IHG, including a rooftop bar and vegetarian options

 “Community is very important in our city,” said Council Member Jocelyn Yow. “It’s really important that we build that community in City of Eastvale,” added Yow.

In an effort to connect the community, the following events and programs will take place in the City:

• The Tailgate Fest, a country music festival, expected to take place in August
• An Arts and Public Places Program will be initiated, including a very special mural that will involve our community

Public safety is also a top priority in Eastvale.  The Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department are doing a great job keeping the community safe, which is why the City was ranked the 12^th safest city in the state.  Below are the additions and accomplishments made to the City’s Public Safety:

• A motorcycle deputy was added
• An automated license plate reader program was implemented
• ALPR cameras were installed on patrol vehicles and various entry/exit points throughout the city
• The Neighborhood Watch Program covers every area in the City; we are one of the first cities in the country that has accomplished this.

However, the City is still looking into how to enhance the City’s safety through collaborative endeavors and advanced technology.  Here is what is expected to be added to increase community safety in the next year:

• A medic squad, which is a smaller truck that can help respond to critical incidents
• 10 patrol hours were approved to be added, which equates to two more deputies to be on patrol 

Other items that are expected to be launched or pursued in the future are:

• Business Registration process will be made available online within the next year
• A local library will be pursued
• Additional entertainment options will be pursued

In addition, over the next year, the City will launch the Eastvale 2040 plan to help identify where the City should be in 30 years, how to get there, and what the City needs to put in place today so that the city can truly thrive.  This plan will involve a lot of community engagement. “We look forward to your feedback, ideas, and vision as we identify what this plan will foster for years to come!”

Mayor Rigby added a final note about how important the community’s feedback is.  “No matter how young or hold old you are, we believe you have a voice in our community and we want to make sure our community knows that you have a voice,” said Rigby. 

WE are Eastvale, thriving together!