City of Eastvale

EASTVALE-On April 30, 2016, hundreds of Eastvale residents will join together at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Eastvale to help save more lives from cancer. The event will take place from 9 am to 9 pm on Saturday, April 30 at River Heights Intermediate, located at 7227 Scholar Way in Eastvale.

“The Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all,” said Annalynn Neve-Wiltjer, American Cancer Society staff partner for the Eastvale event.  “Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.”

The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community, with four million participants in 6,000 events worldwide in 2015.

Dollars raised help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking cancer research, supporting education and risk reduction efforts, and providing free information and critical services for people with cancer who need them.  Many cancer patients throughout Orange County have used the Society’s free patient services, including Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, Lodging, the cancer.org website, and the 24-hour Cancer Information Service at (800) 227-2345.  Through the Society’s groundbreaking research program, 46 ACS-funded scientists have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

Nearly 30 Relay For Life events will take place in the Inland Empire in 2016, including Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Riverside, La Sierra, Menifee, Murrieta, Perris, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Temecula,  UC Riverside, San Jacinto, Yucaipa, Mira Loma, Upland, San Gorgonio Pass, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Chino, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Big Bear, Colton, Cal State San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, University of Redlands, and more.

Cancer survivors, family members, friends, community groups, and worksites who would like to take action this year can participate by making a team or donating to the Relay For Life of Eastvale.  Visit relayforlife.org or RelayForLife.org/EastvaleCA  to learn more about the event, or contact Annalynn Neve-Wiltjer at (951) 300-1217 or via email at Annalynn.NeveWiltjer@cancer.org.

Staff Reports

EASTVALE– Congressman Ken Calvert announced recently that he has moved forward with legislation that will require the Postal Service to establish a unique ZIP code for the city of Eastvale.  The bill is H.R. 4634 and that is its sole and only focus.  Legislative staff has had preliminary conversations with the committee of jurisdiction and they have been receptive to the legislation.

Eastvale residents have been sharing ZIP codes with residents from Corona and Mira Loma for several years.  Eastvale requested a ZIP code change in April 2011 that was denied, U.S. Postal Service spokesman Richard Maher said.  Calvert’s office has contacted the U.S. Postal Service several times on behalf of Eastvale but has been told that financial considerations play into establishing a new ZIP code.

“The fiscal challenges at the Postal Service seem to dissuade them from taking any action to address Eastvale’s ZIP code issue,” Jason Gagnon, Congressman Calvert’s communication director says.

“I continue to hear from Eastvale residents and business owners who are frustrated by the fact that the city does not have its own, unique ZIP code,” Calvert said in a statement. “It shouldn’t take an act of Congress for an incorporated city of Eastvale’s size to get its own ZIP code – but if it does, then I’m happy to lead that charge.”

“As it stands now, people think we’re part of Corona or Mira Loma,” Eastvale Mayor Ike Bootsma said. “There are even people who live in Eastvale who think we’re part of Corona or Mira Loma. “Having our own ZIP code gives an identity to the city.”

Congressman Calvert is attempting to schedule a meeting with the Postal Service District Manager for this region.  On the agenda for that meeting will be the issue of the outdated route study for the Eastvale area as well as the ZIP code issue to explore any solution that may avoid the need for legislation.

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.