Tag Archives: Eastvale State of the City

Eastvale Elevates at the State of the City

Staff Reports

Eastvale – The 20th Annual Eastvale State of the City was held on Oct. 7 at VantagePoint Church, located at 8500 Archibald Avenue in Eastvale. This year’s theme was “Elevate Eastvale: Soaring to New Heights”.

The event started with performances from Brittany McMain’s Vocal studio, and Eleanor Roosevelt’s High School Jazz and Vocal Ensemble. Then hosts Hari Dhiman and Leonard Mercado of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce introduced themselves, followed by Pastor Mark Lee of VantagePoint Church leading the invocation.

The Presentation of Colors was led by Girl Scout Troop 1160 and Supervisor Karen Spiegel led the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was sang beautifully by Eleanor Roosevelt High School senior, Layla Lopez. Following these patriotic tributes, was a recap video of the 9/11 Never Forget monument that was unveiled at the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. In addition, pictures were shown of the community honoring fallen hero, Lance Corporal, Kareem Nikoui.

Also honored were Ike Bootsma, Mayor and City Councilmember, and Richard “Ric” Welch, City Councilmember who past away this year. In addition, a recap video showed how much the community enjoyed the monthly Food Truck Festivals that started this year.

The hosts thanked the many that came to the event and those that sponsored it, including the Presenting Partnership, Gold Partnership, Silver Partnership, Bronze Partnership, and Community Level. The hosts also thanked VantagePoint Church for hosting the event.

Mayor Jocelyn Yow and the City Council announced the Commuity Honoree Award, along with awards based on the City’s values of grit, kindness, and being solution driven. Congratulations to Thomas Rife given an Award for Grit, Amber Norwood given an Award for Kindness, Navjot Kaur given an Award for being Solutions Driven, and James Chiang given the CommUNITY Honoree Award.

Mayor Yow celebrated accomplishments and shared goals for the future during the Mayor’s Address. She first thanked the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, City Council, Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, City Manager, and City of Eastvale team for their hard work in the City. The Mayor also thanked the residents and businesses, saying they are the “heartbeat of the City”.

“We champion experiences that engage, excite, and elevate the community, with an emphasis on the word ‘unity’ and ‘community’,” said Mayor Yow. She said we are united with kindness, grit, and being solutions driven.

Mayor Yow shared that the City is right in the middle of the Eastvale 2040 plan, which is the general plan amendment. This plan will help shape the future of the City for decades to come. Mayor Yow mentioned that in the past year, the City has made significant strides in economic development, including establishments at Hammer Place, the Merge and The Station to name a few.

Mayor Yow said that with a healthy budget, the City was able to allocate $14.5 million for the Eastvale City Hall and Library. The City has also committed to allocating $8 million for the City’s own Police substation. In addition, at last month’s CAL City’s Conference, the City built a “strong collation with other cities to oppose a resolution meant to reallocate sales tax revenue from online retailers,” according to Mayor Yow. This means “millions of dollars will come to our City.”

Public Safety continues to be a top priority for the City and Eastvale was recently named the 29th Safest City in the state. In April 2021, the Eastvale City Council budgeted for two deputies to combat the illegal grow houses in the City and to provide additional services to residents.

Mayor Yow said the City received several awards from multiple regional and statewide organizations in this past year. Despite being in a pandemic, the City was also identified as the 2nd least financially at risk city in the entire state. She also talked about how the City is diverse, and how the residents have done so much in the community in the last year.

She challenged the audience to continue to give back to the community and she told the youth they are the future of the City. She ended with having the audience stand and said: “you are what makes Eastvale Elevate so let’s continue to work together to elevate Eastvale every day.”

A video was played that talked about the City, sharing new businesses and a look at the first hotel coming to Eastvale. The City Council shared in the video the great things happening in Eastvale, including new events, our great Police Department, new establishments, a future downtown, and more. Here is the link to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/2dW8zrTV1jw

Towards the end of the event, the host Hari Dhiman thanked the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event and presented a check to VantagePoint Church for $1,500 towards their Living Proof Project. Afterwards, City Manager Bryan Jones, announced the start of a giving campaign by Randall and Janell Lewis from Lewis Group of Companies, with their 2.5 million dollar donation to help fund our future City Library.

After the event ended, the community gathered for the Taste of Eastvale event with several local businesses sharing samples of their food.

The City of Eastvale to Hold 8th Annual State of the City

Staff Reports

The City of Eastvale is excited to announce the 8th Annual Eastvale State of the City Address hosted by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce! Join them as they share the current state of Eastvale, celebrate accomplishments, and share their goals for the future.

They will be kicking off a two-day celebration, including a Business Luncheon, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at the Eastvale Community Center at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Community Event on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Eleanor Roosevelt High School at 6 p.m. Following the State of the City Address on July 18, the community will be treated to the annual “Taste of Eastvale” that they look forward to each year.

The State of the City Business Luncheon is a paid, ticketed event however the Community Event is FREE to the community. To register for either or both events, visit the official Eastvale State of the City website at EastvaleSOTC.com. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities or general inquiries, please email the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce at info@EastvaleCOC.org.

We hope to see you there!

Eastvale Strong: State Of The City

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News Sharyn Link and Mayor Ike Bootsma enjoy the National Anthem by ERHS student, Briana Velasquez.

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News
Sharyn Link and Mayor Ike Bootsma enjoy the National Anthem by ERHS student, Briana Velasquez.

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale held their 4th Annual State of the City address on Tues., Apr. 14, at 6:30 p.m., at the Eleanor Roosevelt High School auditorium.  The meeting was sponsored in part by the Silverlakes Equestrian & Sports Park.

After welcoming remarks by Eastvale Community Foundation Executive Director, Sharyn Link, Pastor Rob Norris of The Crossings church led the Invocation, followed by the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 2012, the Pledge of Allegiance by our Honorable Mayor Ike Bootsma, and the National Anthem, sung by talented ERHS student, Briana Velasquez.  After the Mayor’s introduction of dignitaries, the City got right down to business.

Interim City Manager, Michele Nissen, eloquently led the meeting, which began with video statements from each of the Council members:  William Link, Mayor Bootsma, Adam Rush, Joe Tessari and Clint Lorimore.

Planning Director, Eric Norris, took the podium to speak on the 30 major and minor projects that Eastvale is working on.  Norris said the planning on the Goodman Commerce Center’s two million square feet of business park is coming along, with a ground breaking planned for May.  There was also a brief update on the 160-acre mixed-use Leal Lifestyle Center.

“The bar has been set very high [for the property] with a very forward thinking owner, Brad Leal,” said Norris.

Norris also provided updates on the future Chandler Area Community Vision Plan, a new project around the forthcoming fire station; the 190,000 square foot Walmart retail center at Limonite and Archibald; and a new commercial center at Limonite and Sumner, featuring a specialty grocery store and restaurants.

Next, City Engineer, George Alvarez, provided updates on the forthcoming fire station; the recently implemented Bicycle Master Plan; as well as the new (improved) interchange at Limonite and the 15 freeway, which will commence construction in 2018.

Nissen said that Eastvale is one of the fastest growing cities in Riverside County, which was easy to see with all the building projects in progress.  She then introduced City Clerk, Marc Donahue, followed by Code Enforcement Officers, Travis Engelking and Alynn Evans, who provided brief updates.

Captain Jason Horton then gave a dynamic update on the status of the Eastvale Police Department.

“The Eastvale Police Department is an independent entity; a full-service, 24/7 station,” said Horton, allaying any concerns that Eastvale isn’t protected at all times.

Horton went on to share that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – who supplies Eastvale’s personnel – is known for its integrity, leadership, loyalty and professionalism in 118 years of providing public safety, and every service is available to Eastvale.  Horton then went on to provide crime stats for 2014’s 28,641 calls for service.  He reiterated that there is always a patrol in the City, as well as a dedicated traffic team, two community service officers, two Special Enforcement Team personnel, and a new motorcycle officer.

Following Captain Horton, Battalion Chief, Jackie Williams, provided a Cal Fire update, sharing their five core values, and introducing a new paramedic squad forthcoming this July, which will replace the one currently on loan.

After the commencement of the meeting, attendees were invited into an adjoining room to enjoy coffee, desserts, and mingling with event sponsors, including Waste Management, Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza, Five Star Catering, Creative Digital Images, Interwest Consulting Group, Michael Baker International, BIA, Lewis Group of Companies, Goodman-Birtcher, Empire Soccer Club, CNUSD, Dickson, Lennar Homes, Citizen Business Bank, WRCOG, Southern California Edison, Eastvale Banners & Design, Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, Stars Above Balloon Décor, Joel’s Mobile Notary & Appraisal Service, Albertson’s, Mid-Hill Golf Center, and Great Harvest Bread Company.

Eastvale Strong

By Michele Nissen, Interim City Manager

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale is fast approaching its 5th birthday, and the community has much to be proud of!

The 4th Annual State of the City Address will be held on Tues., Apr. 14, at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) in the Performing Arts Center.  Doors will open at 6 p.m., and once again, citizens will enjoy a free event with performances by ERHS’s Festival Winds, the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 2012, and the National Anthem sung by ERHS student, Brianna Velasquez.  A complimentary dessert and coffee bar will immediately follow the State of the City Address.

Residents will hear updates from each City department and gain insight into the future plans for our wonderful community.  There will be an opportunity to hear directly from City Council Members and staff about what makes Eastvale strong – from the history of the community, to where we are now, to where we plan to be in the future.

In addition, citizens will have direct access to City staff for questions and resources, as well as plenty of time to mix and mingle with Council Members, Planning Commissioners, Public Safety Commissioners, event sponsors and more.

Please bring your family, friends and neighbors for a great night of celebrating Eastvale’s successes over the past year, with a glint of what lies ahead.  We have a bright future here in Eastvale and together we make Eastvale Strong!

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”.