
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.
Like this:
Like Loading...