BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Eastvale – This year, the City of Eastvale has seen some big changes and restructuring. With the resignation of City Manager, Carol Jacobs, a few months past, and the appointment of temporary City Manager, Robert Van Nort, the operation of the City has come under some scrutiny.

Van Nort’s contract has recently been extended for another 90 days, until March 2015. Public Information Officer, Michele Nissen, has assumed the helm as Acting City Manager during a short absence by Van Nort, currently effective through Dec. 8.

The City is expected to open the official City Manager position up to applicants imminently.

Eastvale’s City Council was affected by the bizarre resignation of councilmember Jeff DeGrandpre last July. This created an immediate opening to which Joe Tessari was voted in to serve out the remaining two years of DeGrandpre’s term.

At the recent General Election, three seats on the Council were open. Council members William Link, and Mayor Pro-Tem Adam Rush ran for reelection, while Councilman Ric Welch did not. Nine candidates applied and campaigned for those positions. In the end, Link and Rush were reelected, along with newcomer, Clint Lorimore.

Lorimore, a small business owner who has lived in Eastvale since 2004, is anxious to start his first term on Eastvale’s Council.

“I am committed to the idea that together, we can make Eastvale a better place to live, work and play. I am looking forward to working with my fellow council members to implement policies of smart growth, which will provide comprehensive solutions to the challenges we face as a young and growing community,” said Lorimore.

Rush – who was Eastvale’s First Mayor in 2010, and has been a council member ever since – is excited to continue to work for the people of Eastvale and keep this City on the right track toward responsible growth, safe schools and a strong fiscal foundation.

Link – who was nominated to fill Kelly Howell’s vacated seat in 2013 – plans on continuing his focus on economic development and growth, as well as public and traffic safety.

The Public Safety Commission has also had a few bumps this year with the resignation of several commissioners for family and job related issues. Melonee Cruse, who was the Chair, also resigned recently due to job responsibilities.

Chris Hook, recently appointed by Mayor Ike Bootsma, is the newest commissioner. Hook hopes to increase and promote safety awareness around school zones and parks in effort to lower the amount of accidents involving pedestrians. His goals include creating a worry-free and safeguarded environment for parents and children in school zones and recreational areas. Hook brings 20 years of safety and security experience to the job, with 18 years as a proprietor of his own security business.