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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReporter Summer 2016City Facilities Get Sustainable Boost from Solar Energy Rancho Cucamonga embraces renewable energy and continues to lead by example eporterRM NDMATTERS Tour de Fork pg 3 National Mental Health Awareness Month pg 4 Kitten Nursery pg 7 Volume 12, Issue 2 Summer 2016 The City of Rancho Cucamonga is boosting its commitment to renewable energy by installing solar power at five City facilities: Central Park, Epicenter Stadium and Sports Complex, Animal Center, Banyan Fire Station, and Day Creek Fire Station. The SolarRC Expansion Project consists of 1.8 megawatts of solar power and will prevent more than 33,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the air— which is equivalent to taking 7,100 cars off the road. The City is expected to save $7 million over the life of the project. SolarCity, selected through a competitive bidding process, began installation mid-February and the project is slated for completion this summer. The Epicenter and Animal Center solar power systems covers the entirety of Epicenter parking lots B and C. At Central Park the installation will provide shaded parking for both the James L. Brulte Senior Center and the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center parking lots. Banyan Fire Station has elevated solar carport structures that accommodate fire apparatus. Day Creek Fire Station will include both carport and ground-mount solar panels. Over the last several years, the City has made significant strides toward becoming a solar-friendly community. City Hall, City Corporate Yard, and the Paul A. Biane Library were each outfitted with solar power systems that partially offset energy use. In an effort to make it easier for Rancho Cucamonga homes and businesses to go solar, the City streamlined its permitting process and reduced permitting fees through the Solar RC initiative. The installation of these latest solar power projects adds to the sustainability efforts of the Healthy RC initiative and positions the City to continue leading by example and demonstrating that renewable energy is an attractive choice. To learn more about the SolarRC Expansion Project and the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s sustainability efforts, please contact Deborah Allen, Management Aide- Sustainability, at (909) 477-2700, ext. 2047, or by email at Deborah.Allen@CityofRC.us. You can also visit www.HealthyRC.info. sAve THe dATe Community Forum & sustainability expo June 2, 2016 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Victoria Gardens Cultural Center For more information visit www.CityofRC.us/SustainableRC Reporter Summer 2016.indd 1 4/14/16 10:46 AM Winter has transitioned to spring and summer and the temperature is rising. By the time you read this California may have set new water conservation targets. Even if changes are made, it is not likely they will have a substantial effect on Rancho Cucamonga. The good news is the conservation efforts of the citizens and businesses of Rancho Cucamonga have been excellent thus far. Reduction levels are steady and the community is very close to its required conservation goal. City staff has worked hard to reduce consumption, reaching about 36 percent total savings to date. Together, we have made a substantial difference and that is an accomplishment we can all be proud of. This level of conservation ensures Rancho Cucamonga will remain sustainable, viable, and open to further growth opportunities in the future. The City is not, however, standing still on its accomplishments to date. The Public Works Department has several projects scheduled in 2016 that will not only continue to reduce water use, but also maintain city beautification and help promote long-term cost savings. Drought tolerant plants will soon augment turf removal at the Archibald Library and along Victoria Park Lane. In addition, Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD) 2R and 4R will each leverage a $100,000 budget to focus those same efforts along sidewalks. The Civic Center and LMDs 8 and 9 are also set to benefit from drought friendly landscape improvements. Projects like these help lower costs over time by conserving water and the use of the utilities that deliver it. As City Hall continues to focus on drought smart projects, we invite residents to join us in a pursuit that requires all of our efforts. This time of year many of our neighborhoods are treated to the cooling shade of beautiful trees. As the drought lingers our urban forest is under tremendous stress, making trees highly susceptible to weakness, disease, and even death. They cannot fight off fungus and bacteria introduced by insects like the beetle bore and the glassy winged sharp shooter, and their roots become too weak to properly intake water or anchor them in the soil. You may see trees that have been impacted by disease being removed by our crews before they become a public safety issue. Whenever possible, we also seek to replace diseased trees with new, drought tolerant native trees that are adapted to the warm and dry climate. It is important to properly care for trees in a drought-friendly manner so that they can continue to contribute to the health and beauty of our community. These trees help cool the hard surfaces of a suburban environment, clean the air, and beautify the community we all enjoy, thereby maintaining property values. If you see the crews at work, please share your appreciation with them for their hard work keeping our City beautiful for all who live, work and play in Rancho Cucamonga. — John R. Gillison City Manager City Manager’s Message June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election Voting Information Register and Vote! VOTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible to vote in California you must be: • A U.S. Citizen • A resident of California • At least 18 years of age on or before the next election • Not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction • Not declared mentally incompetent by court action ARE YOU ALREADY REGISTERED TO VOTE? To find out if you are currently registered to vote, visit the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters website at www. sbcountyelections.com or call 909-387-8300 or 800-881-VOTE. DO I NEED TO RE-REGISTER? You will need to re-register to vote when: • You move to a new permanent residence • You change your name • You change your political party choice WHEN IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION? Monday, May 23, 2016 HOW AND WHERE DO I REGISTER TO VOTE? Register online at the California Online Voter Registration website at www. registertovote.ca.gov. Visit the County of San Bernardino Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters at 777 East Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino; or by phone at (909) 387-8300 or (800) 881- VOTE. Residents can pick up voter registration forms at multiple locations in Rancho Cucamonga: • Archibald Library, 7368 Archibald Ave. • Paul A. Biane Library, 12505 Cultural Center Dr. • Goldy S. Lewis Community Center, Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd. • City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 10500 Civic Center Dr. • Department of Motor Vehicles, 8629 Hellman Ave. Post Offices: • Alta Loma, 6649 Amethyst Ave. • Rancho Cucamonga, 10950 Arrow Rte. • Etiwanda, 7615 Etiwanda Ave. WHERE DO I GO TO VOTE? Your polling location is printed on the back of your sample ballot pamphlet. You can also visit the Registrar of Voters website at www.sbcountyelections.com, or call (909) 387-8300 or (800) 881-VOTE. 2 Reporter Summer 2016.indd 2 4/14/16 10:46 AM Tour de Fork Love food? Then save the date for the Victoria Gardens 4th Annual Tour de Fork on Thursday, June 23rd, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Join fellow epicures in the popular retail, dining, and entertainment district and stroll along South Mainstreet sampling delicious fare from Victoria Gardens restaurants. You can even pair your favorites with tastings of craft beer, wine, and soft beverages from select local wineries and breweries. Just be sure to purchase your tickets early. Considered one of the top social “foodie” events of the year, the Tour de Fork is always a sell-out. The price for tickets is $40 per person until June 20th, and $50 per person starting June 21st. All proceeds benefit the Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation and the Rancho Cucamonga Library Foundation in support of arts and literacy programs and services. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center Box Office at (909) 477-2752, or the Paul A. Biane Library at (909) 477-2720. You can also visit the Victoria Gardens website at www. victoriagardensie.com/events. Rancho Cucamonga Service Council Strives to Make a Difference Collaborate and explore the various needs of the community The Rancho Cucamonga Service Council is dedicated to supporting service opportunities that meet the needs of Rancho Cucamonga’s citizens. The organization was founded in 2012 as a community partnership between the City, businesses, churches, non-profits, service clubs, and civic-minded individuals. The Council meets monthly from January to October to collaborate and explore the various needs of the community. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month, from 3-4:00 p.m. at the R.C. Family Resource Center. Caryn Payzant, Director of Public Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and current Rancho Cucamonga Service Council President states, “We knew there were a lot of good deeds being carried out in Rancho Cucamonga by many different organizations. Creating the Service Council allows these groups to come together and combine their resources, therefore expanding their ability to reach out and serve more people.” The Service Council sponsors the Rancho Cucamonga Service Awards Dinner each spring, the Rancho Cucamonga Service Fair in the fall, and the popular Cyber Seniors program that enlists community youths to mentor senior citizens on social media. Cyber Seniors takes place Tuesday through Friday at the James L. Brulte Senior Center, and on Thursday afternoons at Alta Loma Junior High. The service council also holds the Pastors Roundtable three times each year to bring faith-based leaders together to share information and perspectives on current topics. The Service Council is always accepting new members. If you or your organization are interested in becoming a part of this dynamic group, please contact Miguel Armendarez in the Community Services Department at (909) 477-2781, ext. 2363. Additional information can be found online at www.rcservicecouncil.org or www.facebook/ RCServiceCouncil. Special Needs Partnership Coalition Brings Partners Together to Inspire & Change Lives Making an impact with local organizations Inspired by the 2015 Special Olympic World Games, the Rancho Cucamonga City Council established the Special Needs Partnership Coalition to bring area cities together with local organizations and non-profits and provide networking and programming for Inland Empire residents with special needs. Members of this dedicated group represent various cities and organizations including the Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department and Public Library, the cities of Ontario and Chino Hills, Special Olympics Southern California: Inland Empire Region, OPARC, West End SELPA, Rising Stars, Pomona Valley/Inland Learning Disabilities Association, Unity Tree, and Little League Challengers. The Coalition meets monthly to share ideas and create opportunities to expand existing programs. Since its first meeting in February 2016, the group has already made a significant impact, implementing additional trainings for Rancho Cucamonga City Staff who work with individuals with special needs, and a new art class for the IncredABLES program. Coalition leaders say there is much more that can be done for the members of this awesome community. Next on the agenda is establishing the upcoming Special Olympics Local Program, set to begin with soccer this fall. This is only the beginning. The Coalition has high hopes for growth in the future, in both membership and programming. For more information, please call (909) 477-2760, ext. 8053. 3 Reporter Summer 2016.indd 3 4/14/16 10:46 AM Celebrate Bike to School Month This May, join the Healthy RC Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program and schools from Rancho Cucamonga and around the world to celebrate International Bike to School Month. Students are encouraged to strap on a bicycle helmet and pedal to school instead of riding in a car. Bike to School events work to create safer routes for walking and bicycling while emphasizing the importance of issues such as pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment, and building connections between families, schools, and the broader community. Walking and rolling to school also embodies two main goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign: increasing our children’s physical activity, and empowering parents to make healthy choices. For more information regarding the Healthy RC SRTS Program, please visit www.HealthyRC.com. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month Start the conversation that can make an impact May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Join Healthy RC and communities nationwide throughout the month to spread awareness, reduce stigmas, and promote overall health and wellness for individuals and the community. As many as one in five Americans is affected by a mental health condition each year. Unfortunately, social stigmas prevent many people from seeking treatment for themselves or their loved ones. Nearly 60 percent of adults with a mental illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year. Mental health is an important aspect of community health. In fact, it is one of the community health priorities identified in the Healthy RC Strategic Plan. Over the last several months, Healthy RC, the Healthy RC Youth Leaders, Community Champions, and our community partners have developed a comprehensive mental health campaign. The goal of the effort is to dispel the stigma associated with confronting a mental health issue and encourage residents to access appropriate services. Look for campaign posters throughout the City and join the conversation on social media. For more information on the mental health campaign and available resources, visit our website at www.HealthyRC.com or call (909) 477-2700. 4 Rancho Cucamonga community members identified mental health as an important health priority for Healthy RC. For more information and resources, please visitwww.HealtHyRC.Com You deserve to be the best version of Yourself. let’s talk. remember, you deserve to be well taken care of too. Asking questions or seeking help is not selfish—it is essential. mAtterYour needs mAtter m NDMATTers m NDMATTers m NDMATTers Posters.indd 1 3/7/16 5:20 PM www.HealtHyRC.Com opciones Tienes opciones m NDMATTeRs m NDMATTeRs m NDMATTeRs lAs respuestAs están solamente un paso enfrente. los trastornos mentales afectan a 1 en cada 5 personas y es más común que el cáncer, la diabetes y las enfermedades del corazón. Haciendo preguntas de trastornos mentales también es común. Hablemos de salud mental. Miembros de la comunidad de Rancho Cucamonga identificaron la salud mental como una prioridad de salud importante para Healthy RC. Para más información y materiales, visite Posters.indd 5 3/7/16 5:20 PM M NDMATTERS Reporter Summer 2016.indd 4 4/14/16 10:46 AM Recycle with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes See a free home game on Tuesdays! The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Healthy RC are partnering to increase beverage container recycling with a special Recycle Tuesdays ticket promotion. Baseball fans can bring 10 beverage containers with a California Redemption Value (CRV) to any Tuesday home game during the Quakes regular 2016 season and receive one club level ticket. You can keep up the healthy fun and sign up to participate in the Healthy RC Recycle Tricycle race, or just kick back and enjoy the game. Save up your bottles and cans and meet your friends at the ballpark on Recycle Tuesday. For additional information about Quakes tickets call (909) 481-5000, or visit the Quakes website at www.rcquakes.com. Recycle Tuesday Schedule: April 12th May 3rd May 10th June 7th June 14th July 19th July 26th Aug 9th Aug 23rd Waste Tires Recycled Through Street Repaving Project Recycling makes big impacts on local streets A total of 41,252 passenger car tires have been recycled as rubberized asphalt for use in repaving projects across the city. The work was funded by a grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) that promotes surfacing products generated in California that are made of recycled-content derived from waste tires. The program decreases the adverse environmental impacts created by unlawful disposal and stockpiling of waste tires. The following seven sections of roadway were repaved with rubberized asphalt, and two more sections are scheduled for this summer: • Foothill Boulevard from Vineyard Avenue to Archibald Avenue • Archibald Avenue from 4th Street to Foothill Boulevard • 4th Street from Archibald Avenue to Haven Avenue • Baker Street from Main Street to Foothill Boulevard • 8th Street from Baker Street to Hellman Avenue • 6th Street from Hermosa Avenue to Haven Avenue • 7th Street from Hellman Avenue to Archibald Avenue New Building & Safety Automated Permit Program Proves Successful Automated plan review and permitting with Accelerate The Community Development Department is streamlining processes for building, planning, and engineering projects by keeping pace with today’s technology. The department implemented the Accelerate permit tracking program by Accela, Inc. in July 2014, followed by an electronic document review service in January 2015. These automated systems proved enormously successful and feedback from the public, the Building Industry Association, and the development community has been overwhelmingly positive. The primary benefit of these innovations is the automation of the plan review and permitting processes for construction projects. Applicants can create an account on Accelerate whether they are the homeowner, developer, architect, engineer, or contractor. The account then provides real-time access to plan review status and the option to receive electronic notification of updates to approval progress. Accelerate also allows applicants to create cases for projects, submit construction plans, and pay for plan check services. The approval process for many permits that do not require plan check can be completed online, including fee payments and inspection requests. Homeowners and contractors no longer need to visit City Hall or even make a single phone call. The Building Department reports that 70 percent of all inspection requests are now made online. The most common submittals are tenant improvements, fire sprinklers, and fire alarms. In 2015, 3,366 applications were completed online and 320 permits were issued using the streamlined “No Plan Check-Permits” format. There are currently 4,291 registered users on Accelerate. In the first two months of this year 578 applications were made online using the system.55 Reporter Summer 2016.indd 5 4/14/16 10:46 AM Police and Fire District Train for Active Shooters Innovative tactical response can save lives The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department (RCPD) and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District (RCFD) firmly believe that tactical education for City employees, businesses, and citizens is critical to reducing injuries and even death in an active shooter situation. Over the last six months, these agencies partnered to train City employees and businesses in response strategies and first aid for traumatic injuries similar to ones created by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Now, this same training is available to the citizens of Rancho Cucamonga in an effort to “harden the target” and prepare the public with a solid plan. The RCPD and RCFD first partnered together in 2003 to develop an innovative and dynamic response that combats an active shooter situation. Their efforts focused on neutralizing the immediate threat and preserving life. Experts from both departments developed a cutting edge joint tactical response that is now modeled by law enforcement and fire department agencies throughout the country. Rancho Cucamonga’s police and fire personnel have trained in over 120 active shooter scenarios at schools, theaters, businesses and recreational areas. The scenarios are designed to expose first responders to realistic and complicated scenes. Deputies that arrive first form tactical teams to locate and stop the shooter, while secondary deputies and fire personnel form medical aid teams to provide emergency care for victims, even while the threat of the shooter still exists. Statistics prove this response model saves lives by providing immediate medical care. The program has evolved to include a focus on managing the incident efficiently and safely. Organized multi-agency coordination is critical due to the rapid response from other fire and law enforcement agencies in a situation like this. RCPD and RCFD command staff work together to deploy teams of deputies and firefighter/paramedics, while coordinating evacuation and scene preservation. For additional information on the training please email safeRC@sbcsd.org. Council Electoral Districts An Important Community Discussion On Monday, March 14th, the City received a lawsuit alleging that the City is in violation of the California Voting Rights Act. The lawsuit asserts the position that the city’s existing election process dilutes the voting power of Latino residents. Cities across the state are facing this same litigation. To date, no city has successfully defended this litigation; many have faced millions of dollars in legal costs. Being discussed for the November 2016 ballot is a resolution to transition to District Elections. The potential policy would divide the City into four neighborhoods (Districts) and each would then elect a City Council Member to represent that area; the Mayor would continue being elected “At Large.” The City has been working with demographics consultant NDC who has developed www.MyRC.life with information on the process and draft District maps to assist with this community discussion. All Rancho Cucamonga citizens are invited to visit www.MyRC.life and the Public Hearings and participate in the discussion. You can get answers to your questions, contribute your thoughts and share your thoughts on suggested map District boundaries. If the voters not approve Council Districts, a city can still be sued, and if found in violation of the CVRA, a court has the ability to order the implementation of a district based election system. The latter scenario happened most recently in the City of Highland, where the voters rejected a ballot measure to switch to Council Districts. Ultimately the Court ordered Highland to switch to a district based election system. Rancho Cucamonga values the rights and opinions of its citizens equally and hopes you will join us in finding the best solution possible. 6 Sam Maloof Centennial Celebration Two special events honor artistic contributions This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Sam Maloof, one of the finest woodworkers of our time. His contributions to the California modern art movement remain profound and the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation For Arts and Crafts invites the public to visit the historic Maloof home to celebrate him during this special year. The summer calendar for the centennial celebration includes two special events. Sculpture in the Garden 2016 This extraordinary outdoor exhibition features works by 60 California artists displayed in the Maloof Discovery Garden, May 1st through October 29th. Sam Maloof Woodworker: Life | Art | Legacy This new gallery exhibition features more than 60 objects including Maloof furniture, drawings, photographs, and more. The works are divided into four gallery spaces dedicated to Sam Maloof’s art, mentors, innovations and lasting impact, on display now through August 27th. Admission to the gallery and gardens is free. Tours of the house are available for $15. For more information or to make reservations, visit the Maloof Foundation website at www.malooffoundation.org. Reporter Summer 2016.indd 6 4/14/16 10:46 AM Kitten Nursery Gives Furry Friends a Fighting Chance The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center is preparing to open its seasonal kitten nursery in May. The nursery’s staff is dedicated to helping abandoned kittens live full, healthy lives. Two special residents from last season’s nursery are Jessie and James, who arrived at the Animal Center at the end of September. They were just 3 weeks old and barely knew how to eat on their own, but the caring nursery staff helped them become strong, healthy kittens. As they grew bigger it became clear that they were both born with a congenital condition called eyelid agenesis, which means they were born without a complete and normal upper eyelid to prevent the hair around their eyes from rubbing the eyeball. The Veterinarians at the Animal Center partnered with Dr. Sara Calvarese, a Veterinary Ophthalmologist at Eyecare for Animals, to evaluate their eyelids and determine treatment options. With the help of generous donations, Dr. Calvarese performed cryosurgery to freeze the hair follicles around the abnormal eyelid. The process prevents the hairs from growing back, keeping their lids comfortable. All that remains is a slight cosmetic abnormality. Jessie and James are now happy, pain free, and living in their new forever homes! Summertime and the Great Outdoors Tips for a fun & safe summer California is famous for its warm climate and active residents, and Rancho Cucamonga is no exception. In fact, part of what makes living here particularly wonderful is that the beautiful weather is perfect for our wide array of outdoor activities. Whether you bike, hike, or walk, the City has plenty of trails and pathways to explore. Get outside this summer for some fun and relaxation. Check out all the great classes, outings, and recreational opportunities available to keep you and your family HealthyRC! Hike in the Foothills The foothills above Rancho Cucamonga offer picturesque hiking areas like the Etiwanda Preserve. If you decide to plan a trek, make sure to go prepared with sturdy shoes, weather appropriate layers, and sunscreen and drinking water to help you beat the heat. Remember to leave the land as you found it and take all plastic water bottles and trash home with you. Make sure to stick to designated trails. Wandering off established paths can be dangerous, and in some cases it’s considered trespassing. As a reminder, the area commonly known as “Sapphire Falls” remains closed by the U.S. Forest Service and trespassers are subject to a hefty fine. Cool Off in the Pool A swimming pool can be a perfect way to cool off or get some great exercise on a hot summer day. For all of the fun they offer, it is important not to overlook the dangers pools present to small children or adults swimming alone. Just remember, safe swimming is as easy as A, B, C: • Adult supervision is key when kids are in the pool. Stay within arm’s reach of your children and avoid distractions that take your eyes off the water. Adults should never swim alone either. • Barriers such as isolation fencing should be installed around pools to protect kids from falling in or trying to swim without supervision. • Classes in both CPR and swimming technique teach survival skills and make stronger swimmers. The Fire District offers monthly CPR classes. Visit the Fire District’s website for details. Grill Up a Tasty Meal A homemade meal grilled on the BBQ in the sunshine tastes like summer. But if your grill master isn’t careful, it can spell disaster. Like any piece of open flame or heating equipment, your grill presents the risk of fire so make sure to take precautions. Carefully place your BBQ away from your home and deck railings, and out from under eaves. Designate a 3-foot area around the grill as a kid- or pet-free zone. When grilling with charcoal, cool the coals completely with water before discarding them. If you live in an apartment, check the latest Fire Code restrictions for complexes on the Fire District website at www.RCFire.org. 7 Reporter Summer 2016.indd 7 4/14/16 10:46 AM Summer in the City Friday, June 3rd, from 5-7:30 p.m. “Summer in the City” brings fun events and activities for the whole family to Central Park on Friday, June 3rd, from 5-7:30 p.m. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy games, entertainment, food trucks, the Play and Learn Islands™, and the Bookmobile. The event is brought to you by the Community Services Department, Animal Care and Services, and the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library. You can also sign up for the Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme, Read For the Win, brings books and sports together and promises tons of summer fun for children, teens, and adults. Pick up a schedule of program events at the Archibald Library or Paul A. Biane Library, and join over 5,000 people who read great books, earn fun incentives, and enjoy weekly story times and entertainment. For more information on the “Summer in the City” event or the Summer Reading Program contact Library Services at (909) 477-2720, or on the website at www.rcpl.lib.ca.us. 8 Live & Learn at the Library The Rancho Cucamonga Library invites adults of all ages to celebrate healthy living at our new workshop series, Live & Learn. As part of the Adult Summer Reading Program, Live & Learn is geared toward adults who want to grow, learn, and enjoy the simple pleasure of mastering something new. Join us for the workshops listed below. For more information, contact Library Services at (909) 477-2720. Wednesday, May 4th: Allen Callaci, author of “Heart Like a Starfish,” joins us for a book release and signing. Saturday, May 14th: Come explore the health benefits of gardening and food growing for mental health and wellbeing. Saturday, June 11th: Get some suggestions that can help keep your heart beating long and strong at “Building Heart Health.” Saturday, June 25th: Learn how to develop good coping strategies and minimize stress. Saturday, July 9th: Exercise can be fun – learn how to develop a healthier lifestyle and “Get Moving!” The Big Read Celebrates Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month This May, the Library is pleased to present its annual community-wide reading program, The Big Read. In conjunction with Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this year’s featured title is Amy Tan’s best-selling novel, “The Joy Luck Club.” The program kicks off at the library’s Asian & Pacific Islander Cultural Arts Night on May 20th at the Paul A. Biane Library. The evening will feature entertainment, activities for children, and fun for the whole family. Free tickets are available at both the Paul A. Biane Library and Archibald Library starting May 5th, and free copies of the “The Joy Luck Club” will be available while supplies last. Visit the libraries for other Big Read events during the month of May. Celebrate Local History this Summer This summer, the Rancho Cucamonga Library will partner with the City’s Planning Department and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District to showcase the ReadyRC preparedness program. The Fire District’s ReadyRC program will highlight historical disasters of the region and how they have shaped our community as we “Remember the Past and Prepare for the Future.” Come out and enjoy live music, informational displays by local historical organizations and Emergency Preparedness groups, crafts, children’s activities and fun for the entire family. It’s all happening on Friday, June 17th, from 7-9:00 p.m. at the Paul A. Biane Library at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. Free tickets will be available at both libraries starting June 6th. www.CityofRC.us 10500 Civic Center Dr., P.O. Box 807, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 · (909) 477-2700 • Fax (909) 477-2846 Reporter Summer 2016.indd 8 4/14/16 10:46 AM