Tag Archives: Jurupa-community-services-district

This Weekend: Picnic in the Park 2019

Photo Courtesy: JCSD

Courtesy: City of Eastvale

The 15th Annual Picnic In The Park at Eastvale Community Park is almost here! This three-day celebration welcomes a summer season of non-stop fun in Eastvale, brought to you by JCSD. There will be carnival rides, games, food and craft vendors, and spectator seating to watch the fireworks display. 

Location:
Eastvale Community Park located at 12750 Citrus Street, Eastvale, CA 92880

Days and Times: 

  • June 28 (Friday) 5 PM – 11 PM
  • June 29 (Saturday) 2 PM – 11 PM 
  • June 30 (Sunday) 3 PM – 10 PM

Parking: 
Parking will be available at Eastvale Community Park. Additional parking will be available at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (courtesy shuttle service will be available to visitors parking at ERHS.) 

Walking & Biking to the Event: 
Picnic In The Park is a friendly event and can also be accessed by pedestrians. Bike Valet service is provided free of charge. 

Road Closures: 
Due to the anticipated number of attendees that will be parking and walking throughout the Eastvale Community Park (ECP), the following street will be closed during event hours: 

  • Citrus Avenue at Scholar Way
  • Please note, Southbound Hamner Avenue traffic may turn right onto Citrus Avenue only until ECP parking lot is full. 
Road Closure Map (Courtesy City of Eastvale)

Fireworks: 
The Fireworks display will take place on Saturday, June 29, at 9 PM. The Park will open at 10 AM on Saturday, June 29.  
* No one will be allowed to set up prior to 10 AM to reserve spectator seating. JCSD is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.  

Pre-Sale Tickets: 
Pre-Sale Tickets are available now, $10 for 8 rides. To purchase tickets, visit either of the following locations: 

  • Eastvale Community Center (13820 Schleisman Avenue)
  • Neighborhood Center at Harada Heritage Park (13099 65th Street)

Day of Event Tickets: 

Carnival Rides
$1.50 each ticket
$25 per sheet of 20 tickets
$30 per sheet of 36 tickets 

Wristbands for JCSD Fun Zone
$5/day of $10 for the Weekend! 
*Includes access to all Bounce Houses and Virtual Reality Game Truck. 

Ring in the New Year at the Eastvale Community Center

By JCSD

JURUPA VALLEY, CA (December 10, 2018) – Back by popular demand, the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department will turn the Eastvale Community Center (ECC) into the ultimate party destination.  This exciting event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a disc jockey and dancing, a buffet dinner with a dessert station, two wine and beer bars, a photo booth, raffles, and a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. The party concludes at 1:00 a.m. Designated pick-up and drop-off areas will be available for those who are using alternative transportation. 

No babysitter? That’s no problem! A separate Kids’ Corner, staffed by JCSD personnel, will be available for an extra charge of $10 per child. Games, activities, and snacks will be provided for their entertainment. Admission is $50 per person and tickets may be purchased at the ECC. This event sold out last year so don’t delay! For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524.

About JCSD – Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a public governmental agency which provides services and programs to the cities of Jurupa Valley and Eastvale. It is governed by five elected representatives (Board of Directors) from both cities. Serving over 130,000 people in a 40-square-mile area, JCSD provides a variety of community services and programs including water, sewer, streetlights, frontage landscape maintenance, graffiti abatement, and parks and recreation services. Visit us at http://www.jcsd.us

Tyler Slavin to Host Football Camp with JCSD!

Photo courtesy: JCSD

Photo courtesy: JCSD

Staff Reports

EASTVALE– Tyler Slavin will be offering a one day football camp where you can work on your football skills under the watchful eye of an NFL player.

Tyler is a 2010 graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where he played football, played basketball, and ran track.  The 1st-Team D2 All-American wide receiver has been the recipient of several awards, including the National Best Wide Receiver award, the Daktronic Award, the NCAA Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the D2 Statistical Leader Award.

Tyler has played for the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.  He says that it has always been a passion of his to give back to kids, and he can think of no better way to do that than to give to the young people of his hometown of Eastvale.

“I want to show the community that it is possible to accomplish your dreams, and that I was once the underdog.  No one expected me to get this far, but through it all, I persevered and made it- I know the next person can and will too.”

The camp will take place at the Eleanor Roosevelt Stadium on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Your camp registration will consist of a two hour training session, a camp T-shirt and an autographed photo.  There will be a full coaching staff on hand and all positions will be worked with.

Register online at www.parksreg.jcsd.us or at the Eastvale Community Center.  Registration will end on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Age Requirements:
Ages: 4-12 10a-12p
Ages: 13-18 12p-2p

Spots are limited! Register today to ensure your spot!

Prevent Clogged Pipes During the Holidays And Year-Round

Courtesy of Jurupa Community Services District

 

Scraps of turkey, stuffing, potato peels, and other uneaten remnants of Thanksgiving are usually the culprits for a busy holiday season for plumbers across the nation and also for Jurupa Community Services District crews.

From Thanksgiving Day through the New Year celebrations, it’s a very busy time for JCSD’s Sewer Operations team.

Families across the JCSD service area will be hosting holiday feasts that result in an increase in cooking, eating, and disposing of large amounts of food over a short period of time. Additionally, many families will have an increase in guests which equates to the extra usage of showers, toilets, washing machines, and sinks.

Wastewater leaves a home through a lateral line which falls under the responsibility of residents. The main sewer line, which serves multiple homes, is the responsibility of JCSD. Residents count on lateral lines, which are usually 4-inches in diameter, to transport wastewater to main sewer lines.

Before disposing of any items down the drain or the toilet, keep in mind that only sanitary and liquid waste should be discharged into the sewer system.

The main culprit for clogged pipes is grease. When grease makes its way into sewer pipes, it cools, solidifies and sticks to pipe walls, eventually causing a clog. Grease also binds to other items in the sewer, such as roots and solid items that should not enter the sewer system. Food waste disposed of in the “garbage disposal” is a common cause of lateral blockages during the holidays. Solid food waste should be disposed of in the trash can, rather than the sink.

With Thanksgiving Day and other holiday celebrations around the corner, it’s important to keep these tips in mind, so you can spend more time with your family and less time contacting a plumber or JCSD:

  • Place food preparation and leftover waste in the trash instead of kitchen sinks. Use strainers to capture food preparation wastes before they go down the drain. Scrape all leftovers you may have on your plate into the trash before washing your plate.
  • Never pour fats, oils or grease down drains. The safest way to dispose of kitchen grease is through the trash. Make sure the grease has cooled down before disposing of it in the trash.
  • Never flush so-called “flushable wipes,” cotton balls, swabs, feminine hygiene products, or facial scrub pads down the toilet. They do not dissolve and can cause clogs. The only solid waste that should be flushed is toilet paper and human waste!

When sewer problems arise, residents should first call JCSD at (951) 685-7434, so the main sewer can be checked. JCSD’s main phone line is answered on holidays and after regular business hours. JCSD will conduct an inspection to determine if the stoppage is in the main or the lateral line. If the main sewer is clear, the resident will need to contact a plumber or sewer contractor to clear the lateral line. Although there is no extra charge for JCSD to check the main line on a holiday, residents will be responsible for the cost of contacting a contractor or plumber regardless of the location of the stoppage.

 

Local Students Showcase Artistic Talent and Water Conservation

Photo courtesy: Clarissa Rosario

Photo courtesy: Clarissa Rosario

Staff Reports

Four local students are the winners of the Jurupa Community Services District’s (JCSD) annual “Water is Life” children’s poster contest.

While approximately 1200 posters were submitted, these four students stood out.  Students were asked to design a poster that embodied the contest theme and promoted water conservation awareness. A panel of internal judges selected the top 100 finalists, according to district officials. Two winners were selected each for the grand prize and Community’s Choice Award.

Grand prize winner, Margaret Angela Rosario, 13, of Ramirez Intermediate School in Eastvale, drew a picture of a group of teens and animals drinking water under a rainbow sky with a truck filled with water gallons. She states on the image, “water energizes everything to make our surroundings healthy” and “people need water to live.”

“I thought my art piece was too dark colored to understand my message,” Margaret said. “I knew there were plenty of talented artists out there, most likely my sister, and I was extremely grateful to have my art contributed in being displayed in the community.”

Third-grader Samara Campos of Stone Avenue Elementary in Jurupa Valley was the second grand prize contest winner.

The contest proved to be a family affair when community judges selected Margaret’s sister, Mariah Camille Rosario, 15, for the Community Choice Award. “I am really grateful and honored to win a contest that inspires many in my community to conserve water and make the environment a better place,” the Eleanor Roosevelt High School sophomore said.

Fifth-grader Elisha Savalia of Eastvale Elementary was also selected for the Community Choice Award.

Each of the grand prize winners received an iPad mini. The community choice winners each received a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Each winner and their teacher were also recognized at a ceremony during the JCSD’s Board of Directors’ meeting. The teacher of each winning student received a $75 CM School Supply gift card. All four of the student’s artwork will be displayed in the district’s main gallery.

“This win helped me become more aware in conserving water at home and even in my own community,” Margaret said.

The district is looking for the next young talent. The 2016 “Water is Life” poster contest will begin taking entries starting Jan. 5. The contest is open to all students who live or are enrolled in schools within the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) service area. The deadline to submit is Feb. 5.  For more information, visit http://www.jcsd.us/PosterContest or call (951) 727- 3521.

 

JCSD Earns National Accreditation

Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community

Photo Courtesy: JCSD

Photo Courtesy: JCSD
Eastvale Community Center

Courtesy of JCSD

Jurupa Valley – On Sept. 14, Jurupa Community Services District’s (JCSD) Parks and Recreation Department, which serves Eastvale residents, joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies and departments across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2015 NRPA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.

As part of the accreditation process, JCSD had to demonstrate compliance with 144 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the Parks and Recreation staff, as well as the key personnel from other JCSD departments that made this possible. JCSD Parks and Recreation may be the youngest department to receive this recognition and it would not have been possible without the commitment of our Board of Directors and the cooperation of other local agencies,” said Jane Anderson, Board President.

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an Annual Report and is reviewed again in five years. The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network and the Council of State Executive Directors.

JCSD staff is honored to serve the Eastvale community and will continue its commitment to deliver the best services possible. The Board of Directors and staff extend their gratitude to the community for their support of JCSD’s Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.

Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is an independent local government agency, governed by a five-member, elected Board of Directors. JCSD serves more than 118,700 people in a 41-square mile region of western Riverside County that encompasses the City of Eastvale and a significant portion of the City of Jurupa Valley. JCSD provides a variety of critical services such as water, sewer, frontage landscape and street light maintenance, and graffiti abatement. JCSD also provides park maintenance and recreation program services throughout most of the City of Eastvale. For more information, visit our website at http://www.jcsd.us. About NRPA The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 50,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit http://www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit http://www.parksandrecreation.org.

JCSD Successfully Refinances Special Tax Bonds

Tax savings for approximately 3,600 homes in Eastvale

 

Staff Reports

Jurupa Valley – The Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) has completed a refinancing of $45,685,000, for Series A in special tax bonds for four Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), and a refinancing of $19,090,000 for Series B in special tax bonds for eight CFDs.

Many new communities, such as Eastvale, require the construction of infrastructure such as parks and public facilities, street lights, and connections to water and sewer systems. CFDs levy special property taxes paid by homeowners for the construction of such infrastructure.

The CFDs included in the Series A refunding were Nos. 18, 19, 22 and 39. The CFDs that were included in the Series B refunding were Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 14, 24, and 29. The average reduction in the residential annual tax bill will range between $53 and $251 per parcel for Series A, and between $16 and $185 for Series B.

This refinancing is estimated to save residents approximately $248,213 of annual debt service savings for Series A, and $145,301 for Series B. The total payments over the life of the bond in today’s dollars are equivalent to approximately $5,455,153 in savings for the property owners of these 12 CFDs. As a result of the lower debt service payments, the homeowners in the following 12 CFDs will have a reduced special tax levy beginning with the upcoming December 2015 property tax bill:

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

The refinancing of existing CFD bonds does not extend the original terms of repayment to maximize the total interest savings for each resident of the CFD. This refinancing reflects JCSD’s ongoing commitment to maintain the lowest cost financing available for the CFD debt. JCSD reviews the CFD debt on an ongoing basis and refinances existing debt when there is an opportunity for savings.

The current round of refinancing was preceded by $33 million of CFD debt that JCSD refinanced in 2013, and $97 million in 2014. Those two refinancings produced a total of $15 million of savings, and generated more than $1,110,000 in annual debt service savings for those 15 CFDs.

The total combined amount refinanced is approximately 60% of the total CFD debt outstanding, saving Eastvale residents a total of $20.5 million over the lifetime of the outstanding bonds.

If you have any questions, please call the JCSD Finance Department at (951) 685-7434 extension 115.

JCSD Board Announces New Board Member

 

City of Eastvale

Jurupa Valley– At a Special Board Meeting on July 1, 2015, Jurupa Community Services District’s (JCSD) Board of Directors interviewed seven candidates to fill a vacant Board seat, as a result of the unexpected passing of Director Robert Craig. Joan E. Roberts, Ph.D., has been appointed by the Board to represent Division No. 3 of JCSD’s service area. Her appointment is effective immediately through November 2016.

Ms. Roberts is a lifelong Jurupa Valley resident and business owner. She has held numerous leadership positions including two terms as President of the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is currently serving as President of the Riverside Community College District Foundation and the Riverside Medical Clinic Foundation.

“As a resident and business owner in Jurupa Valley, I would like to work with the other Directors to collaborate with neighboring water agencies to enhance the reliability of long-term water supplies. I am honored to be selected and look forward to working with the community, Board and staff.” Currently Ms. Roberts is the president of Roberts & Associates, Inc. and is the owner of Visiting Angels of Riverside County, a non-medical homecare company. Her experience also includes more than 20 years in the field of education. Being selected as the “Woman of Distinction” in 2014 for the 61st California Assembly District and earning numerous Summit Awards for being a top 20% Visiting Angels Living Assistance franchise owner are just a few of her many awards and honors.

Ms. Roberts earned her Doctorate in Education from University of California, Riverside. She received her B.A. and M.S. in Communicative Disorders from University of Redlands.

“On behalf of JCSD, I’d like to welcome Ms. Roberts to the Board, and I look forward to working with her. She brings to the Board valuable professional and community experience and expertise,” said Jane Anderson, Board President.

About JCSD

Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a public agency known as a Special District, governed by a five-member, elected, Board of Directors. JCSD serves over 118,500 people in a 40.79-square-mile region of western Riverside County in the newly-incorporated cities of Jurupa Valley and Eastvale by providing a variety of critical services such as water, sewer, street lights, frontage landscape maintenance, and graffiti abatement. JCSD is also responsible for parks maintenance and recreation programming within the JCSD parks territory. For more information, visit our website at www.jcsd.us.

Eastvale: Holiday Showcase 2014 – Santa, Snow and Fun!

Eastvale-holiday-showcaseDate: 12/6/2014 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Eastvale Community Center13820 Schleisman RoadEastvale, California 92880

Please join the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department for the annual arrival of Santa and the tree lighting ceremony on December 6th from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Eastvale Community Center (ECC), 13820 Schleisman Road, Eastvale.

Tree lighting ceremony will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

  • Snow Play area
  • Pictures with Santa Claus
  • Holiday Crafts and Activities for Kids
  • Craft and Food Vendors
  • Holiday Movies
  • Fun for the Entire Family!

The ECC will be adorned in festive decorations and will make the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday photos. Be sure to dress in your favorite holiday ensemble, bring the whole family to Holiday Showcase 2014 at the ECC. Additional parking for this event will be available on the west side of Ramirez Intermediate School, which can be accessed from Whispering Hills Drive. For more information about Winterfest 2013, please call the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524 or visit their website at www.parks.jcsd.us.

Jurupa Valley: Funtional Turf Areas Will Undergo Overseeding

CITY OF EASTVALE
 
JURUPA VALLEY, CA (November 17, 2014) – At the beginning of each fall season, Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) overseeds lawn areas at Eastvale parks that appear to be “worn out.” As a result of California’s drought status and mandatory state and local ordinances, only functional turf areas such as sports fields are being overseeded. Ornamental turf at Eastvale Parks will not be reseeded.

The overseeding process requires additional water in order for turf to be re-established. Repairing heavily used areas help also protects the grass from irreparable damage. JCSD is committed to only using the amount of water necessary to ensure the reseeding process is successful. Overseeding is the process of planting grass seeds directly onto existing turf. As part of the process, grass seeds require constant moisture in order for it to take root or germinate. To ensure the newly seeded turf areas are successful, JCSD will be conducting additional watering cycles of newly seeded areas during the day for the next few weeks.

While there are certain watering restrictions during California’s emergency drought status, the restrictions are for ornamental landscaping and do not apply to functional landscape that that uses non-potable water or water-efficient devices that are operated properly. These water-saving devices include:

  • Drip/micro irrigation systems
  • Stream rotor sprinklers
  • Operation weather-based irrigation controllers
For more information about state and local drought regulations, please visit JCSD’s website at www.jcsd.us. If you have any questions about the overseeding process, please call JCSD’s Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524.

About JCSD
Founded in 1956, the Jurupa Community Services District is a public agency known as a Special District, governed by a five-member, elected, Board of Directors. JCSD serves over 107,000 people in a 48-square-mile region of western Riverside County in the newly-incorporated cities of Jurupa Valley and Eastvale by providing a variety of critical services such as water, sewer, street lights, frontage landscape maintenance, and graffiti abatement. JCSD is also responsible for parks maintenance and recreation programming within the JCSD parks territory. For more information, visit our web site at www.jcsd.us.

Eastvale: Jurupa Community Services District To Begin Hike In Water And Sewer Rates

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Eastvale – On Sept. 8, Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) voted to begin the process of increasing both water and sewer rates over the next five years. The results were tallied at 4-1 (with Director Blais casting the dissenting vote). The increase was announced via a Proposition 218 notice, which was mailed out to customers near the end of September. A public hearing to discuss these changes will be held in November.

According to JCSD, as presented at their Board Meeting, the decision to raise these rates came after a series of three Board workshops were held to determine the District’s financial needs. A comprehensive cost of service study was done by Municipal & Financial Services Group to determine a financial model based on Operations and Maintenance revenues and expenditures, capital needs, debt service, and maintaining a healthy reserve balance. The result of this study was a recommended increase in “Water Revenue” of 5% over the next five years, and a 2% increase in sewer revenue rates over the next five years.

In the Board package, JCSD outlined their considerations for both the water and sewer rate structures, as follows:

 

Considerations for Water Rate

  • Alternative A – Unit Rate: All customers pay same rate per metered hundred cubic feet (HCF).
  • Alternative B – Alternative Tiers: Aggressive conservation structure for Single and Multi-Family Residential.
  • Alternative C – Current Structure: Increase Water Rates.

 

Considerations for Sewer Rate:

  • Alternative A – Fixed Charge: All customers pay fixed charge per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU), with an HCF charge capped at 8 HFC.
  • Alternative B – Reduced Cap and % of Usage: Reduce cap to 11 from 20 HCF, and base HCF charge on 39% of annual average usage.
  • Alternative C – Modified Current Structure: Reduce cap to 11 HCF from 20 HCF and use current average of two lowest winter months for HCF charge.

 

The board ultimately decided to adopt Alternative C in relation to the water rates and Alternative A in relation to the sewer rates. Both alternatives will result in an increase in rates beginning as early as January 2015.

While the revenue increase is only four percent each year for water, and two percent each year for sewer, this refers only to the increase in total revenue generated, not actual increases in rates. The increases in rates are far higher.

According to JCSD Director, Chad Blais, “The increase in the fixed rate and commodity rate (or HCF) for water will increase 28% and 17%, respectively, by 2019; and the increase in the fixed rate and commodity rate (or HCF) for sewer will increase 15.6% and 40%, respectively, by 2019.”

A Public Hearing concerning this issue will be held on November 10, at 7 p.m. at the JCSD offices, located at 11201 Harrel Street in Mira Loma. More information, including links to these reports and board meeting minutes, can be found by visiting http://www.jcsd.us.

 

 

Eastvale: What’s Next For The “Desi House”

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

 

Desi Arnaz Ranch

The Desi ‘Arnaz Ranch’ located behind the Desi Collection Models at Estancia East and West

The “Desi House” has become a symbol of great pride in the City of Eastvale, with its nostalgic history and beautiful design (the former Corona home of beloved actor, musician and race horse breeder, Desi Arnaz – see Eastvale News, October 2013). The immense 365-acre property that it inhabits once belonged to Bert Altfillisch, a construction company owner and breeder and trainer of thoroughbred horses, who passed away in 2006. Altfillisch’s son, Steve, who inherited the home, wanted the Desi Arnaz house to remain a part of Eastvale, Corona, and his father’s history. Much of the surrounding property has already been sold off for development – as is apparent by the beautiful Estancia homes nearing completion at Citrus Street and Granje Vista del Rio – but the Desi House still stands strong right in the heart of it.This year, as part of a $2.2 million purchase, Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) purchased both the home and the land surrounding it to complete the section of the Santa Ana River Trail that will connect Riverwalk Park to Eastvale Community Park. While the primary interest of the area is the need to continue the Eastvale Trail to the eastern city limits, JCSD is interested in exploring the possibility of the Desi House being utilized as a wedding destination/meeting venue, public meeting place, trailhead or concession area.

The acreage around the house is quickly developing as Lennar Homes has transformed the once verdant pasture land into a collection of exclusive homes, including the “Desi Collection” in tribute to Mr. Arnaz. With that project in full swing, the house and the land surrounding the iconic house need to be taken care of. The JCSD Parks Committee is now being asked to authorize the spending of over $1,000,000 to develop the land immediately surrounding the Desi House. The landscape plan was put together by Architerra Design Group, with the best ideas for any future use of the property in mind.

Some of the key points of the design plan include a gazebo positioned as a trailhead – along with three smaller turf sections moving south toward the river trail – which would serve as a perfect south view picture location. The turf sections, according to JCSD, were designed in alignment with the steep slope behind the home, but they also provide an aesthetically pleasing environment. The plans also show a patio and fountain reminiscent of the original style of the home, with an outdoor kitchen area and conservation friendly irrigation design.

At the JCSD Special Parks and Landscaping Committee Meeting held on May 7, JCSD presented Architerra with plans, explained the landscape design, and tried to answer as many questions as possible. JCSD General Manager, Todd Corbin, expressed the need for the staff to move quickly on the landscaping, “as the land surrounding the property is developing fast and site has easier access now.”

However, not everyone is in as much of a hurry. Some members of the community feel that JSCD paid too much for the house and that it simply was not needed to complete the trail project. Chad Blais, JCSD Board Director, wants to make sure that any financial decisions that are made concerning the project are clearly thought about and planned out. “JCSD collects millions of dollars each year from CFD (Community Facilities District) taxes we all pay as homeowners that is used to pay off the $300 million in bonds previously spent to build our water, sewer and parks infrastructure, and to pay for the annual O&M (Operations and Management) to operate the parks system.” Blais is concerned that JCSD wants to spend $1,000,000 to develop the property surrounding the Desi House even though no architectural or financial plans have been developed for the house itself. He simply wants the landscaping plans to be put on hold until a clear decision for the house is made to avoid wasting money should anything need to redesigned. He also would like to see the new residents who are going to move into the homes immediately surrounding the Desi House have some say in what goes on there.

 

During the meeting, Blais questioned many aspects of the plan, including the structural integrity of the house and how much repair it might possibly need. JCSD member, Jane Anderson, and Director of Parks and Community Affairs, Ric Welch, shared various “wish list” ideas for the property and explained some of the policies that the City already has in place regarding facility rentals and noise issues for the surrounding homes. Anderson also questioned some of the landscape design choices as well as other various design aspects. A representative from Architerra was unable to attend, so some of these questions were tabled until the next meeting. After much discussion, the committee agreed to place the project on hold until an overall plan and concept for the house is finalized. Staff was asked to propose a budget for the investigation and hiring of the necessary architectural consultants to develop an overall plan including what improvements might be needed to create the desired look, feel and use of the building.

While there are still many questions to be answered, the Desi House is part of Eastvale and is loved by many residents – much as Desi Arnaz was – and it will remain a part of our history for years to come. The exact future, however, is still uncertain. While both sides may differ on their desires for the property, everyone will agree that it needs to be done with both the integrity of the property, and the financial health of the City and JCSD in mind.

K.P. Sander contributed to this story.

Eastvale: Here We Grow Again

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Eastvale – With the second, and dare we say much needed, Starbucks location at Archibald and Schleisman (I mean, what if you aren’t heading in the direction of the Starbucks in the Ralph’s shopping center?) opening mid April, two additional businesses opened their doors with a ceremonious Ribbon Cutting.

 

Ponino’s Pizzarena: If you are familiar with the Original Graziano’s Pizza in Ontario, then you can appreciate the grand opening of their sister location in the Cloverdale Marketplace at Limonite and Hamner avenues on April 12. Says owner, Lee Turriciano, “We are fortunate to finally be in Eastvale; it’s been a long time coming.”

 

With bright, welcoming décor, and a business philosophy that caters to local sports teams, Turriciano says they are all about quality. “We make our own sauce and dough daily, use real cheese and fresh ingredients,” he adds. Their menu has a wide variety of choices to satisfy any appetite.

 

With a game room, party rooms, and a spacious dining area, there is plenty of space for teams and families to coincide in a friendly atmosphere to celebrate a team victory, or a regular weekly pizza night.

 

New Day Christian Church: On a cool April 26 morning, Eastvale’s first official church building opened its doors. While they were fortunate enough to have their site completed for Easter Sunday services, New Day Christian Church’s appreciation for what has transpired was very apparent at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

Dignitaries Mayor Ike Bootsma, Assemblyman Eric Linder, Brad Dupray (Senior Vice President of Church Development Fund), New Day church members, and many other City of Eastvale guests were present to share in the celebration of the 8,530 square foot worship center that has finally come to fruition on the 4.36 acre property next to the fire station on A Street. The realization of this building was many years in the making, and Pastor Ed Moreno couldn’t be more pleased, or more humbled. “When you look at this place, look to God, for we had very little to do with it,” says Moreno.

 

With much of the labor and materials either donated or provided at cost, the concrete tilt-up is a welcome addition to the City of Eastvale, and inspiration to the other, now mobile, churches in the City. As Mayor Bootsma said, “As you know all churches in Eastvale meet in schools and homes. It is exciting that New Day has opened its doors as the very first church here.”

 

JCSD Sewer Project: While the growth of Eastvale is very apparent above ground with new homes and businesses all around, a big part of the development is happening below ground. You may have noticed that many of the streets, especially those close to Limonite and Archibald, are undergoing changes. As part of Jurupa Community Services District’s (JCSD) ongoing capital improvement projects, they have been installing and upgrading the sewer system and non-potable waterlines throughout Eastvale and Jurupa Valley.

 

According to a press release from JCSD, this Master Plan B Trunk Sewer and Non-Potable Waterline project includes major construction in order to upgrade and improve the community’s sewer system infrastructure and to build the first major non-potable water supply line in the region.

 

This construction began March 10 and is expected to continue until May 23, 2014, with a portion of the project continuing through August. Segments of this project involve lane reductions and closures; however, designated detours will redirect motorists.