Tag Archives: City of Eastvale

Eastvale: Out And About

STAFF REPORTS

 

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale is sharing some activities that are truly ‘something for everyone’. These are some of the main events happening in our fair City, and we hope you will be a part of them.

 

OCT 04: 7th Annual MDA “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser (Hamner/Limonite)

OCT 04: JCSD Fall Festival (Harada Heritage Park)

OCT 08: International Walk To School Day (all schools are participating)

OCT 09: Ronald Regan Elementary Ground Breaking Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.

OCT 14: CNUSD Administrator for the Day

OCT 16: The Great Shake Out

OCT 23: Eastvale Chamber’s “Candidate Forum” (Ramirez Intermediate)

OCT 24: Eastvale CERT Classes (through Oct. 26)

OCT 25: Eastvale Annual 5K/10K (ERHS)

OCT 28: Eastvale Town Hall Meeting

NOV 19: Developing A Business Plan (SBDC Class)

NOV 22: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

NOV 29: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

DEC 06: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

DEC 06: JCSD WinterFest

DEC 11: Eastvale Gateway Tree Lighting, Concert and Holiday Mixer

 

Coming in January, the Chamber Board of Director’s Installation Dinner. For more information on these events, including times and details, visit http://www.EastvaleCA.gov

Eastvale: Planning Commission Vacancy

CITY OF EASTVALE

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has a vacancy on the Planning Commission which has been posted on the Employment page of the City’s website. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a Volunteer Application with a resume and cover letter. City applications are available on the Employment page. The filing deadline is Aug. 20, at 5 p.m.

The Planning Commission is a five-member commission composed of residents appointed by the City Council. The Planning Commissioners term of service runs concurrent with the council member that appointed the commissioner.

The Planning Commission has the authority to review all development proposals for approval consideration. The Commission may advise the City Council in the development and application of policies affecting land use and development within the City. The Commission may also review and make recommendations regarding any proposed changes to the General Plan, Zoning Regulations and Design Standards.

Additional details about the Planning Commission may be found on the City’s Planning Commission page (http://www.eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=29&recordid=1213).

Please direct any questions on this position to the City Manager’s Office, at (951) 361-0900.

 

Eastvale: Social Media 101-Get the Most Out of Facebook and Twitter

If you are a local business owner you will want to attend this workshop on Social Media presented by the California SBDC Inland Empire. The workshop offers an introductory overview of how to use Facebook and Twitter to successfully market your business online. The event is free but registration is highly recommended at http://www.iesmallbusiness.com. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday August 27th from 9am-11:30 am at New Day Church, 7155 Hamner Ave, Eastvale, CA 92880. social-media-101-workshop

EASTVALE: Tragic Child Drowning in Eastvale

Posted Date: 8/14/2014 11:45 AM
Agency: Eastvale Police
Courtesy of RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Details:

On Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at approximately 9:15 PM, officers from the City of Eastvale Police Department responded to the 7200 Canopy Lane in reference to an emergency call of a child drowning.

A male adult, who was supervising five children ranging in age from six to seventeen years old was outside with the children while they were playing in the pool. After several minutes past, the male adult noticed one of the small children was unresponsive in the pool. The child was immediately removed from the pool and lifesaving efforts were immediately administered. Upon the officers arrival they observed the child being given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but was unresponsive. Paramedics and members of the Eastvale Fire Department continued to give the child CPR and immediately transported the child to a local hospital where the child died a short time thereafter. The child’s name is being withheld due to age.

This investigation is continuing and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Peralta at the Eastvale Police Station at 951-955-2600.

Andrea Milbourne, a Girl Scout Leader here in Eastvale, is collecting items (such as flowers, cards, meals, etc) for her troop to deliver. If you would like to contribute, please contact her via phone call or text at 909-264-0977

Eastvale: Planning Commission Vacancy

City of Eastvale

 

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has a vacancy on the Planning Commission which has been posted on the Employment page of the City’s website. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a Volunteer Application with a resume and cover letter. City applications are available on the Employment page. The filing deadline is Aug. 20, at 5 p.m.

The Planning Commission is a five-member commission composed of residents appointed by the City Council. The Planning Commissioners term of service runs concurrent with the council member that appointed the commissioner.

The Planning Commission has the authority to review all development proposals for approval consideration. The Commission may advise the City Council in the development and application of policies affecting land use and development within the City. The Commission may also review and make recommendations regarding any proposed changes to the General Plan, Zoning Regulations and Design Standards.

Additional details about the Planning Commission may be found on the City’s Planning Commission page (http://www.eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=29&recordid=1213).

Please direct any questions on this position to the City Manager’s Office, at (951) 361-0900.

 

EASTVALE: Process For Filling Vacant Two-Year City Council Term

jeff degrandpre

Jeff DeGrandpre

Staff Reports

 

Eastvale – On July 9, members of the City Council voted to appoint the remaining two-year term left vacant with the resignation of Councilmember Jeff DeGrandpre. The schedule for the appointment process is outlined below:

  • Application Period: Any registered voter living within the City of Eastvale may download an Application for City Council Vacancy from the City’s website at www.eastvaleca.gov , or pick up an application packet from Eastvale City Hall beginning at noon on July 10, 2014. Applicants must submit a signed application as well as a completed Form 700 to Eastvale City Hall by noon on July 24, 2014. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE TIME-STAMPED WHEN RECEIVED – NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IF STAMPED AFTER 12 P.M. ON JULY 24, 2014. 
  • Special Meeting of the City Council: All applicants who have submitted complete applications by the 12:00 p.m. July 24 deadline will be interviewed at a Special Meeting of the City Council on Wed., Aug. 6. The Special Meeting will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room at Rosa Parks Elementary School, 13830 Whispering Hills Drive. Candidate names will be drawn at random. Each candidate will be allowed a two-minute statement, and then will be asked a set of pre-determined questions. Candidates waiting to be interviewed will be asked to remain in a separate room until their name is chosen, as to not give an unfair advantage. Once all candidates have been interviewed, members of the City Council will vote on the appointment. If a candidate is successfully chosen on Aug. 6, that candidate will be sworn in and seated as a member of City Council that night.
  • General Election, Nov. 4, 2014: If a candidate had previously filed nomination documents to run in the Nov. 4, 2014 General Election, and is appointed to fill the remaining two-year term for this current vacancy, the candidate will be required to withdraw their candidacy with the County of Riverside Registrar of Voters by Aug. 8, 2014 and will NOT be considered as a candidate in the November 4, 2014 General Election.
  • NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Eastvale on Tues., Nov. 4, 2014 for three members of the City Council, each of said officers to serve a full four-year term. Prospective City Council candidates who wish to file papers for the November 2014 General Municipal Election must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk. The polls will be open for the election between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 4.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Eastvale, City Clerk’s Office, at (951) 361-0900.

 

Inland Empire: Grant Assistance Program Awarded by California Alcoholic Beverage Control Fights Alcohol-Related Crime

CITY OF EASTVALE

 

Inland Empire – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a $98,315.00 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for 2014-2015. The grant will help fund operations for a number of programs to battle alcohol-related crime, combat underage drinking, and educate licensees about alcoholic beverage laws. The grant will cover those cities serviced by the Jurupa Valley Station, Perris Station, and Thermal Station. Those cities include Canyon Lake, Coachella, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, La Quinta, Menifee, Norco, and Perris.

The grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining the efforts of local police officers and ABC agents. ABC agents have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws and can help communities reduce alcohol-related problems.

The Grant Assistance Program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to put bad operators out of business, keep alcohol away from minors and bring penalties such as fines, suspensions or revocations against businesses that violate laws.

The funds will be used to reduce the number of alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, the illegal solicitations of alcohol and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

Officers in each city will battle alcohol-related crime by conducting Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Decoy operations, Trapdoor operations, Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendency (IMPACT), and classes for licensees and their employees that are taught through ABC’s Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) program.

  • Minor Decoy operations are compliance checks in which teenagers, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempt to purchase alcohol from retail ABC licensees.
  • The Shoulder Tap program targets adults who purchase alcohol for minors on or around ABC licensed businesses. Minor decoys, under the direct supervision of police officers, approach and ask patrons of stores, bars or restaurants to buy them alcohol.
  • Trapdoor Operations involve officers, local ABC agents, and alcohol retailers working together to reduce underage access to alcohol by halting the use of false or stolen identifications.
  • The IMPACT program is to reduce alcohol related crime in and around ABC licensed premises through inspections.
  • The LEAD program provides practical information on serving alcoholic beverages safely and responsibly. It also helps teach methods of preventing illegal activity at ABC licensed establishments.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department looks forward to working with the California Alcoholic Beverage Control on this grant.

 

Fireworks Prohibited in Riverside County

City of Eastvale
Posted Date:6/4/2014 11:45 AM

The City of Eastvale would like to remind everyone that it is illegal to possess, discharge or sell fireworks. Residents should adhere to the “no fireworks” law throughout the City of Eastvale pursuant to Eastvale Municipal Code Sec. 8.22.030.

The illegal use of fireworks can cause serious injuries to people and significant property damage. Dry conditions, due to lack of rainfall have created further potential for fires caused by illegal fireworks.  Please leave the fireworks to the professionals!

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend the professional fireworks display at the Annual Eastvale Picnic in the Park on Saturday, June 28th at 9:00 p.m. at the new Eastvale Community Park: 12750 Citrus Street, Eastvale. Admission is FREE.

The City of Eastvale appreciates your understanding and cooperation with the no fireworks law and reminds everyone to be safe this 4th of July season!

Eastvale: Picnic In The Park

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Carnival-Eastvale-picnic-in-the-park

Carnival at Eastvale Picnic in the Park 2013 (Photo Courtesy: K.P. Sander)

Eastvale – If you have been in the City of Eastvale for a while, you know that one of the events citizens look forward to each year is the Picnic in the P

ark. It is the kind-of-official kick off of summer, and the enjoyment is apparent by the number of people that visit.

 

This year, the tradition will move south a bit as the scenery changes to the brand new Eastvale Community Park, located at 12750 Citrus Street, at the corner of Hamner Avenue. It will be interesting to see how everything is set up as the event celebrates its tenth year at a new venue.

 

This year’s three day celebration will begin on Fri., June 27, from 5 to 10 p.m., with the opening night concert scheduled for 7 p.m. – also the kick off of Eastvale’s Summer Concert Series. As usual there will be fun for everyone with water slides and inflatables, food merchants and vendors, contests and picnic games, and the very popular carnival attractions.

 

The fun continues on Sat., June 28, from noon to 11 p.m., and you most definitely will not want to miss the breathtaking fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. (early arrival is advised).

 

Picnic in the Park concludes on Sunday, with operating hours from 2 to 10 p.m. Throughout the weekend there is great music to entertain, interesting food to try (hello, Kettle Corn!), and plenty of activities for everyone in the family. There is no charge for admission; however tickets and wristbands are available for purchase for the carnival rides and inflatables.

 

For additional information on this event, including vendor inquiries, contact Jurupa Community Services District at (951) 727-3524, or visit www.parks.jcsd.us.

 

Hurry, hurry, step right up and get ready to enjoy a great weekend at Eastvale’s 10th Annual Picnic in the Park. See you there!

 

EASTVALE: TEN NEW MILITARY BANNERS INSTALLED

INFORMATION COURTESY CITY OF EASTVALE
Posted Date: 6/5/2014 2:15 PM
EASTVALE, CA (June 5, 2013) – On Tuesday, June 3rd the City of Eastvale in cooperation with Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) installed ten (10) new military banners along Archibald Avenue between 65th Street and Grapewin Street in honor of Memorial Day.

“It makes our residents proud to see military banners waiving throughout the City to honor our residents and immediate family members who are serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces,” said Mayor Ike Bootsma.

The Eastvale Military Banner Program is funded completely by donations from local businesses, residents and Eastvale non-profit organizations. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated.

“We truly appreciate the continued support for our Military Banner Program by our residents, local businesses and Eastvale non-profit organizations. In the last quarter, we received a generous donation from VantagePoint Church which was much appreciated. Without the support of our residents and community partners, we would not be able to fund this ongoing program,” said Bootsma. Jaime Benavidez Banner

Ten new military banners will be installed to honor the following military personnel:

Jamie Benavidez – U.S. Navy
Rebecca Chiaravalle – U.S. Air Force
George Cortez – U.S. Army
Nancy Cortez – U.S. Army
Devon Ehrhorn – U.S. Marine Corps
Breann Gonzalez – U.S. Marine Corps
Dustin Jose – U.S. Army
Daimon Olivas – U.S. Army
Pablo Paramo – U.S. Navy
Joshua White – U.S. Air Force

Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) has generously donated their staff time and equipment towards installing the military banners. Their continued assistance and support of the program is greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in donating to Eastvale’s Military Banner Program, please send your contribution to:

City of Eastvale
Military Banner Program
12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910
Eastvale, CA 91752-3667

To learn more about Eastvale’s Military Banner Program, please visit http://www.EastvaleCA.gov for program details and an application.
View Press Release.

EASTVALE: Curfew Enforcement Results in Arrests

 

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

INFORMATION COURTESY RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT. PRESS RELEASE

On Friday, April 11, 2014, deputies assigned to the Eastvale Police Department, in a collaborative effort with the Jurupa Community Services District, conducted a nighttime curfew enforcement operation between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M.  The deputies patrolled thirteen parks located within the city of Eastvale in search of minors who were present at the parks after 10:00 P.M., which is a violation of the nighttime curfew ordinance.  The deputies also searched for adults who were present at any of the parks after they closed at 10:00 P.M., which is a violation of the city ordinance.

During the enforcement, several individuals were contacted, one of whom was found to be in violation of the curfew ordinance and four who were in violation for being present at the parks after 10:00 P.M.  Two additional persons were arrested; one for possession of marijuana, and another for an outstanding felony warrant from the state of Colorado for violating his terms as a registered sex offender.

The goal of this nighttime curfew enforcement was to take a proactive approach to nighttime curfew violators and anyone who is present at the parks after closing hours.  This type of enforcement operation will have a positive impact on decreasing the amount of illegal activity that occurs at the parks after hours such as vandalism, and the use of alcohol and drugs.  This enforcement operation met expectations and future operations of this type are planned.

EASTVALE – March Crime Recap

 

icon-crime-01-200x200

BY: STAFF REPORTS

Eastvale – The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Eastvale.

On Sunday, March 2, at about 2:23 p.m. Eastvale officers responded to the 12000 block of Limonite Avenue to investigate a burglary in progress. Two adult male suspects were observed removing the protective security packaging from items in the electronics department of the local Target Shopping Center. After both men exited the building, an individual who reported the theft was able to provide a vehicle description to authorities.

Once deputies arrived on location and were able to locate the vehicle, an enforcement stop was conducted. According to the press release, “Upon making contact, the suspect opened the door to the vehicle releasing a large pit bull that immediately charged the deputy. The deputy was forced to defend himself and fired two rounds at the dog, striking it. The dog is expected to survive. None of the suspects or deputies were injured during the altercation.”

The suspects were identified as Salvadore Lopez Garcia, 38, of Fullerton, who was detained outside the business with stolen property in his possession. The second suspect was identified as Sage Hall, 25, of Canyon Lake. Both men were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.

On Friday, March 14, deputies assigned to the Eastvale Police Department were conducting high visibility proactive patrols throughout the City when they observed a black 2000 Honda Accord driving in a residential neighborhood. The deputies observed the driver fail to stop for a stop sign and conducted a traffic enforcement stop. Upon contacting the driver, the deputies learned he was on probation and had been recently released on bail. An investigation revealed the suspect had stolen merchandise earlier in the day as well as additional stolen items from various victims throughout the surrounding communities, along with illegal controlled substances. The suspect, identified as James Perez, 28, from Jurupa Valley, was arrested and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held on $25,000 bail for commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of burglary tools, violation of probation and committing offenses while out on bail.

On Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m., a search warrant was served by officers assigned to the City of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team. During the service of this search warrant, no subjects were detained inside the residence located in the 6000 Block of Massey Way. Officers discovered the residence had been modified for the sole purpose of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sale.  Officers seized 295 marijuana plants.  Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $5,000 per month in stolen electricity.

 

On March 25 at around 8:00 p.m. deputies observed a vehicle drivingwestboundon Limonite Avenue, failing to navigate inside the lane and using incorrect signal direction when changing lanes. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a possible DUI. The vehicle slowed, but continued onto the northbound entrance ramp of the I-15 where it came to a stop. The driver refused to lower the window and sped off when asked to turn the vehicle off. A pursuit then ensued and the vehicle continued northbound on the I-15 exiting at Cantu Galleano Road, stopping at the intersection of Cantu Galleano and Caden Way.  The driver was the sole occupant and refused to supply a breath or blood sample. There were no injuries during the pursuit or damage to private property. The suspect was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.

EASTVALE – An Interview with Council Member Ric Welch

By K.P. Sander                                           Council Member Ric Welch

Eastvale – Richard “Ric” Welch was elected to Eastvale’s City Council in 2010, serving a four year term. He has extensive municipal government experience, and has been an active member of our community since 2001. Ric and his family can often be seen enjoying Eastvale’s parks, trails and community events.

Q:  You are a member of Eastvale’s Inaugural City Council.  What is your number one goal for the City this year (2014)?

A:My number one goal for the City in 2014 is to either see the City realize the replacement of Vehicle License Fees or move on with the determination of realistic public service delivery levels for the foreseeable future. We have spent considerable time and effort attempting to recapture funding that was part of the budget projections that determined feasibility for cityhood. This year, we need to move forward, one way or the other. I believe that we’ve done a pretty good job of adjusting to the dramatic toll taken by the decisions in Sacramento and it’s time to view these adjustments as permanent, regardless of what is fair or ethical, and move forward with plans for a lean but healthy City government. Dramatic increases in service are not possible under the current budget, so we need to ensure the most efficient use of the revenue we have and search out new sources where appropriate. Comparatively speaking, Eastvale has sufficient means and will continue to thrive as long as we all agree to live within them.

Q:  What do you feel are Eastvale’s Biggest Challenges going forward in the next several years?

A: One of the more important challenges that we face is to engage a broader segment of our community in decisions about our future. I tend to see a lot of the same faces at most gatherings in our City and know that with a population of over 50,000, there are a lot of Eastvale residents that have yet to be heard from. As a city, we need to find ways to connect with more of our neighbors to get their input on the future of Eastvale. Decisions related to local spending, service delivery, planning, zoning, etcetera, should be made with input from as broad a spectrum as possible. The recent input on the Leal Specific Plan is an example of a successful outreach effort that needs to be replicated on other topics. There will always be difficult decisions to be made and elected officials need to hear from all perspectives to adequately represent the city.

Q:  You have children in several of Eastvale’s wonderful schools.  With all the new housing forthcoming, how do you see additional population factoring in to the current school capacities?

A: While I’m very proud of our school district and the way that they’ve handled such dramatic growth, I don’t think there’s any question that the city needs to see Yorba Elementary School built now to relieve pressure on Clara Barton Elementary, and yet another elementary school will likely be needed in the near future. I’m concerned that much of the new housing is being built farther and farther from existing schools and that means more vehicle traffic at bell time, to an already overwhelmed system, even if there is capacity remaining in the classrooms. The traffic issues will only be addressed by additional schools, changes in behavior that increase walking and biking, a return of school busses, or some combination, thereof.

Q:  How long has your family been in the area, and what attracted you to Eastvale?

A:We moved to Eastvale in 2001 and were attracted by the home prices and plans for the wonderful new schools and park system.

Q:  You are also Park and Community Affairs Director for JCSD (Jurupa Community Services District).  Have you finalized plans for the Desi Arnaz house, central to the Lennar Homes development on Citrus Avenue?

A: The Desi Arnaz house was really an afterthought to the original reason for discussing the property with the Altfillisch representatives. The original discussion was over land necessary to complete the Eastvale Trail between Riverwalk Park and the planned Eastvale Community Park. When presented with the possibility of also purchasing the home, I brought the Parks Committee in for a tour. We have and will continue to work with other groups and the general public to determine the ultimate use for the home, but will concentrate on the trail and surrounding property in the interim.

EASTVALE – Positive Outlook at Eastvale’s State of the City

The City of Eastvale Staff and Council Photo Courtesy: SD Images

The City of Eastvale Staff and Council
Photo Courtesy: SD Images

BY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Eastvale – The Eastvale Chamber of Commerce presented “Eastvale’s 3rd Annual State of the City” to a packed and excited crowd on March 27. The event started off with a reception, catered by Five Star Catering, that included fruit, desserts and a large chocolate fountain. Guests were able to mingle and snack on all the delicious food while looking at various business booths. Representatives from Waste Management, The Gas Co., the Corona-Norco Unified School District, Eastvale’s San Antonio Medical Center, Allegra Marketing and others were on hand to welcome members of the community and share their products and services with them. At the conclusion of the reception, guests were seated in the auditorium of Roosevelt High School for the presentation.

The State of the City was opened with an invocation from Pastor Rick Morris of The Crossings Church. The presentation of colors was done by Boy Scout Troop 2012. Joel Seigler, Chairman of the Board of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, began the presentation and thanked all the sponsors for their dedication to this event and to our wonderful city.

After Seigler’s presentation, City Manager, Carol Jacobs, took the stage. According to Jacobs, “We may be a small city, but we get the job done.” Jacobs talked about revenue neutrality being a critical success to the future of Eastvale. In 2013, this revenue allowed the City to purchase land for a second fire station, start a medic unit, increase our police presence, add a fire protection specialist and save the City $33 million over the next 30 years by renegotiating contracts. With a large portion of the general fund coming from sales tax revenue, the amount of sales tax that went to our general fund grew this year from $5,353,575 to $5,720,377, an increase of 6.9%. Jacobs went on to explain that for the third year in a row, Eastvale has a balanced budget. She reminded citizens that, “Sales tax revenue continues to grow. Every dollar you spend here helps us help you”.

Mayor Ike Bootsma then took the stage to deliver his speech. He thanked everyone involved in running the City and spoke about the busy year that Eastvale had with all of the new construction. He then listed the names of new businesses that have opened or will open soon in Eastvale. “Small business owners and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our City”, Bootsma said. He also spoke about the different commissions that the City has, such as the Planning Commission, and the Public Safety Commission.

“The purpose of the Public Safety Commission is to provide the City with recommendations on dealing with things like Neighborhood Watch. The Planning Commission advises the City on land use and much more,” Bootsma said. He added that, “Eastvale is a new City, so there will be many capital improvement projects.” Public safety is the biggest priority for the City and Bootsma believes that, “If we all work together, we can improve traffic safety around the schools”.

Eastvale: An Interview with Council Member DeGrandpre

BY K.P. SANDER

Eastvale Council Member DeGrandpre

Eastvale Council Member DeGrandpre

Eastvale – Jeff DeGrandpre has been a member of Eastvale’s City Council since 2010.  He was also an integral part of seeing Eastvale through Cityhood as President of the Eastvale Incorporation Committee.  He has been well-invested in our City, and takes pride in its leadership, and as a resident.

Q:  You were Eastvale’s first Mayor Pro-Tem, as well as Mayor in 2011-2012.  What do you love about this City?

A:  I love the interest that residents have for their city. There is a very strong sense of community here. People know their neighbors and watch out for each other. There is also a sense of volunteerism that runs through the city, schools and recreational activities.

Q:  What is your number one goal for the City this year (2014)?

A:  I would like to complete the Leal plan for the property on the northwest corner of Hamner and Limonite.  It affords us a unique opportunity to create something special. This development will outlive me and I want to make sure that it is something special that this Council can leave behind, and I appreciate the input from the community.

Q:  What do you feel are Eastvale’s Biggest Challenges going forward in the next several years?

A:  We have to continue to pass balanced budgets, spend wisely, build up our financial reserves and continue smart growth.

Q:  What brought you and your wife, Deanne, to Eastvale?

A:  We loved the fact that it was a new community.  I had lived in Chino Hills for over 20 years and saw an opportunity to own a larger home on a larger lot.  It was such a successful move that I became involved in the Cityhood effort as President. It was so much fun to help create a city and then to serve its residents as a Council Member.

Q:  You are not only committed to Eastvale, but serve in a number of capacities on other committees.  Care to share a little more of what you’re working on?

A:  I also serve as a member of the Governing Board of the Corona Regional Medical Center; Secretary and Board Member of the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District; Regional Council Member to the Southern California Association of Governments; Executive Committee Member for the Western Riverside Council of Governments; and member of the Legislative Committee and Transportation Committee for the League of California Cities.

Thank you, Council Member DeGrandpre, for sharing a little bit of your story with our local citizens.  We wish you success in all of your endeavors, and appreciate all you do for Eastvale.

Eastvale: An Interview with Council Member, Bill Link

Eastvale Council Member Bill Link

Eastvale Council Member Bill Link

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge for 2014?

A. “I feel the biggest challenge in 2014 is to review the use of our vacant land and determine the best use of this land as defined by what our citizens need, as well as a long-term revenue stream for the city.”

Q: What is your number one goal for the City of Eastvale this year?

A. “My focus this year would be an economic development plan aimed at the financial sustainability of Eastvale for years to come. Everyone wants better law enforcement, fire protection, safety, and a great quality of life; these can only be achieved when the city has long-term financial stability. In years to come, with population increases and inflation, these services will cost more. I read a quote years ago, ‘What works today may not work tomorrow; evolution is mandatory’. I believe this applies to how we must handle the future needs of our residents.”

Q: What feels great about Eastvale to you?

A. “The great feeling I get about Eastvale revolves around our fantastic residents. They are more in tune with this community than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. They participate in community activities as volunteers with no anticipation of any reward other than the betterment of Eastvale. As an example, a few years ago I read on Yahoo Residents website that a mother of three wanted to take her children to the snow and she asked if anyone had snow clothes she could borrow. Within 20 minutes she had three different strangers offering to help. You will not find that anywhere else. Anyone who thinks about this a bit has to feel a little warm inside.”

Q: How long have you been here in Eastvale? What’s your history with the city?

A. “My lovely wife, Sharyn, and I moved to Eastvale in 2008 purely by accident. Our kids, who live in Chino Hills, had just given us a new granddaughter and like any grandparents we wanted to be closer to her. So one Saturday morning we left on an excursion in search of a home closer to our granddaughter and in our travels into different areas we stumbled upon Eastvale. My wife was driving, so it is obvious that at some point a wrong turn was to be made and we would be lost. We just turned into a track for the purpose of turning around when we saw an Open House sign and decided to take a look. Sharyn immediately fell in with the house and we put an offer in the next day. It was accepted and here we are.

Since moving to Eastvale, we have participated in many civic activities. The first thing we became involved in was the Cityhood Celebration, for which I was in charge of logistics, working with Al and Gina Nassar (the greatest event coordinators anywhere). Then I was appointed to the first Planning Commission right after cityhood, where I served for three years, two of which were as Planning Commission Chairman. On January 8th of this year I was appointed to the City Council to fill the remaining term of Kelly Howell, who had resigned. Kelly did a magnificent job. I can’t give her enough praise for her hard work and dedication. To be honest, she is the one that influenced me to apply for the City Council.

Sharyn has been active in many volunteer positions and is currently the Executive Director of the Eastvale Community Foundation. I’m so proud of her for all the unselfish giving of her time and efforts to make the foundation great.”