HomeMy WebLinkAboutReporter Spring 2020City’s General Plan to be Updated
Housing, transportation and climate change to be addressed.
Participate in the
2020 Census
pg 3
Healthy RC Honors
Community
Members
pg 4
RCFD Emergency
Preparedness
pg 6
Volume 16, Issue 1
Spring 2020
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is
undertaking an important update to our
General Plan, a road map for decision-
making for a 10-year period. Our award-
winning Healthy RC Program was an
important outcome of the current General
Plan, which was adopted in 2010.
State law requires that we update our
General Plan periodically to keep up with
changing needs and conditions of the city
and region, and also so the plan reflects
new laws. Several development-related
amendments and the required update to the
Housing Element in 2017 have occurred, but
the Rancho Cucamonga General Plan was
last updated in 2010. Our Housing Element
is due to be updated and submitted to the
State in early 2022. Housing laws have been
updated significantly in the last few years,
which are designed to increase housing
production and streamline the development
review process. The significant increase
expected in housing allocations from the
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA
– see City Manager’s Message) will require
changes to the land use and transportation
elements of our General Plan
so we can show how we
accommodate any additional
housing units required. State law
also requires that our General
Plan include policies offering a
balanced, varied transportation
network so that folks in rural,
suburban and urban areas can
travel safely and conveniently.
While our current General
Plan establishes the vision
for Rancho Cucamonga as a
healthy, innovative community
with high-quality development, urban centers
and corridors, a comprehensive update of
our existing General Plan will advance our
vision for a resilient, equitable and healthy
community and take into account the new
laws. The General Plan update will address
diversifying employment opportunities,
expanding housing and mobility choices,
and preserving the character, history and
quality of life that makes Rancho Cucamonga
a special place to live. It will consider a new
law passed in 2016 that requires cities with
disadvantaged communities to incorporate
environmental justice policies into their
General Plans, and we will look at increasing
resiliency to climate change. Our update will
include a Climate Action Plan.
We will need input from our residents,
businesses, property owners and institutional
partners as we embark on this important
visioning project. We look forward to your
participation! More information about the
General Plan update can be found at www.
CityofRC.us/GeneralPlan.
Is Rancho Cucamonga Built Out?
This is a relatively innocuous sounding question that you would think merits a
simple answer. In reality, it’s a discussion that occurs more frequently these days,
but ramps up in California every eight years. The state of California requires that
local agencies ensure there is adequate zoning in place for their agency’s share
of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) on an eight-year cycle.
RHNA is a State-mandated activity whereby the Department of Housing and
Community Development determines the number of new housing units needed
statewide for the next cycle based on income categories. The current cycle
(Cycle 5) ends in 2023 and currently local metropolitan planning organizations
(Southern California Association of Governments, or SCAG) are working on the
draft numbers for the territory they cover for Cycle 6 (2021 – 2029).
Once the allocation of units to each local agency is determined, that agency
must prove to the State Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) that its Housing Element – a mandatory part of all cities’ General Plans –
has enough land zoned at appropriate densities to accommodate all of the units
in its allocation. Failure to prove compliance will result in an out-of-compliance
finding by the HCD. Why does this matter? Changes made several years ago
allow developers in cities with out-of-compliance Housing Elements to obtain
a court judgment that allows them to build “by right” in that community with
virtually no local review or input. In addition, failure to comply can result in the
State suing the agency and the agency losing out on State grants. As a result,
over 95% of California cities have compliant Housing Elements. Cities are not
required to ensure the units are built, but failure to show zoning allowing the units
to be built can mean a loss of local control and potentially bring some pretty
severe penalties!
One component in how the RHNA is calculated is the projected need for
the next cycle based on household growth as well as future vacancies and
replacement units. Existing unmet need based on transit accessibility and job
accessibility is also considered. Once the need is determined, it is allocated
among the various income categories (very low, low, moderate and above
moderate). The HCD originally allocated SCAG a minimum RHNA for the region
of 1,344,740 units. Upon appeal, that number was lowered to 1,341,827
units. Those units are distributed among the counties in SCAG – Los Angeles,
Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura. Within each county, SCAG
distributes the units among the cities. The final numbers are still in flux but Rancho
Cucamonga may need to show how our Housing Element will accommodate
zoning for approximately 10,000 more units (all income categories).
Planning for these units will be a major challenge for our City’s General Plan
Update, which kicks off this year. SCAG will finalize and adopt the numbers in
October 2020. A new General Plan and Housing Element are not anticipated
to be complete until sometime in 2021-2022, so there’s plenty of time for
community engagement and dialogue. RHNA’s goal is to ensure that there is
sufficient and affordable housing in California for people in all income levels. A
constrained housing supply negatively impacts affordability. People face longer
commutes and their quality of life suffers when a family spends most of its income
on housing. Overcrowding can result and people will move to other states with
more affordable housing.
So, is Rancho Cucamonga built out? Let’s just say that we might not be as close
to that finish line as it seemed a few years ago. Follow the discussion and stay
tuned!
— John R. Gillison
City Manager
City Manager’s Message
State of the City Address
SAVE THE DATE: February 20, 2020
The City of Rancho Cucamonga proudly presents the
2020 Mayor’s State of the City Address, presentation and
networking event, on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the
Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. This year’s theme, “See
the Difference,” offers an insider’s view into the projects
and initiatives that further Rancho Cucamonga’s status as a
world-class community.
Join us for an evening of informative insight, delicious
appetizers and a heartfelt celebration of our wonderful city
on Thursday, February 20, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00
p.m. Tickets are $25 for the presentation followed by a
networking reception. For tickets, contact the Box Office at
(909) 477-2752 or visit www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.
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Spring Shredding Event
Shredding old and unwanted documents
helps prevent identity theft.
Burrtec Waste Industries and the City of Rancho
Cucamonga are partnering to host a shredding event for all
Rancho Cucamonga residents. Bring your old documents
to be securely destroyed to LoanMart Field (Quakes
Stadium), 8408 Rochester Avenue, Parking Lot B (enter
at Jack Benny Drive), in Rancho Cucamonga. The event is
Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
• Proof of Rancho Cucamonga residency is required.
• Limit of three file size boxes (15x12x10) per
household/vehicle.
• Please do not place documents in plastic bags!
• Participants must personally transport their documents
to the shredding truck.
• No need to remove staples or paper clips.
For more information, call the Environmental Programs
Info Line (909) 919-2635.
Participate in the 2020 Census
Make yourself count,
make Rancho Cucamonga count!
The 2020 Census is only a few months away!
Make sure you educate yourself on what the
Census entails and its importance to your
community, as participating in the upcoming
count is both your right and responsibility.
Every 10 years, the United States Constitution
requires the federal government to count every
person living in the country, regardless of their
age, race, or citizenship. Every household
should complete a Census form by mail,
phone, or online by April 1, 2020.
Census data shapes the future of our
community and defines our voice in Congress.
Its results determine how more than $700
billion in federal government resources will
be distributed nationwide each year for the
next decade, including where schools, roads,
hospitals, child care centers, senior centers and
other services should be built. It also dictates
the apportionment of Congressional seats
and redistricting at all levels of government.
Under the law, Census data can only be used
for statistical purposes. Title 13 of the U.S.
Code requires respondents’ information to
be kept confidential, guaranteeing that your
personal information will not be used against
respondents in court or by a government
agency.
In March 2020, every household will receive
a mailing from the U.S. Census Bureau with
instructions to visit their website and fill out a
simple 10-question form. Other options for
completing the form by telephone or mail will
also be available. For more information, call
the U.S. Census Bureau at (800) 923-8282 or
visit https://ask.census.gov/.
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Local Resident Helps Renewable Energy Efforts
Grid Alternatives offers free solar systems. See if you qualify!
Claudia Paz and her husband recently applied online with the non-profit organization
Grid Alternatives, which offers a no-cost solar program for income-qualified families. The
Paz family had heard about the City’s partnership with Grid Alternatives from a neighbor
and were interested in the program. At the start of the new funding cycle in October 2019,
the Paz family became one of the most recent families in Rancho Cucamonga to receive the
complimentary solar-powered system!
Mr. and Mrs. Paz are both retired and are longtime homeowners in southwest Cucamonga.
Solar panels were installed at their home in November 2019. The solar-powered system
installed on their roof came at no cost and there were also no loans or liens associated with
the solar system, which has a 10-year warranty.
“I love these solar panels on my home,” said Mrs. Paz. “My electricity bill is almost nonexistent
and it will make a huge difference in the summer when we need to keep the house cool with
the air conditioner. I am encouraging my friends and family to apply.”
GRID Alternatives is a community‐based nonprofit that makes renewable energy accessible
for income-qualified families. Here’s what you need to know:
• GRID received Cap and Trade funding from the State of California to enable income-
qualified families to have solar systems installed on their homes.
• To qualify, applicants must own and live in their home, live in a qualified section of the city
(namely below Foothill Boulevard), meet certain income requirements, and pass a roof
inspection.
• The process requires no money from the homeowner. There are no loans, liens or credit
checks.
• You can refer a family or friend to the program and receive a $200 referral fee upon
successful installation.
To learn if you meet the eligibility requirements for a Grid Alternatives solar system, please
call (951) 465-2864 or visit gridsolar.org. Or, contact the City of Rancho Cucamonga,
Deborah Allen, Management Aide, at (909) 774-2047 or Deborah.Allen@CityofRC.us.
Caring is
Always in Season
Judy Alvarenga creates a
welcoming sanctuary with
random notes of kindness.
Healthy RC and the City would like
to recognize a community partner
who has gone above and beyond
to serve our community. Three
years ago, our City Council
proclaimed the City as a
“Compassionate Community”
to inspire a culture of kindness
and inclusivity. We wish to
celebrate and share with
you the efforts of community
members who are positively
impacting the lives of those
who live, work, and play in
our City.
During the November 2019 City Council Meeting,
Judy Alvarenga, a local Starbucks store manager, was
recognized for her outstanding leadership in creating
an inclusive and supportive community through the
Affirmation Mailbox she set up at her Starbucks store.
Her passion for uplifting others and offering messages
of support, hope and positivity make her a true
Compassionate Community member!
See more about this effort and join Judy in making
an impact in your community: https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=B3NufR6-N04.CompassionateCommunityCornerHealthy RC Honors
Community Members
Honorees spread kindness and mental healthcare awareness
around our City.
Since 2008, Healthy RC has celebrated many successes in large part due to the
dedication and commitment of our community members who give their valuable
time, effort and expertise. Members of the Healthy RC Steering Committee have
dedicated thousands of hours to improving the health of our Rancho Cucamonga
residents, and these generous community partners have been instrumental in
establishing policies and implementing various programs.
Healthy RC honors four community members with Outstanding Leadership
Awards and a Compassionate Community Award. They were selected for their
work in 2019 focusing on the goals and strategies of Healthy RC that benefit all
Rancho Cucamonga residents. At the Healthy RC End of Year Celebration held on
December 9, 2019, the following community members were recognized:
• Manuela Amaya, Campeones Para La Comunidad
• Dr. Emily Shum, Healthy RC Partner
• Natalie Masachi, Healthy RC Youth Leader
• Nanette Hart, Compassionate Community Award
Manuela Amaya has been a part of the Campeones Para La Comunidad
(Community Champions) since 2016. She has done an incredible job carrying
out the Healthy RC Quality of Life Survey to identify needs of our community. Her
passion for community outreach is unmatched because of her outgoing personality
and love for serving her community.
Since 2018, Dr. Emily Shum has consistently contributed her expertise as a mental
health professional to support Healthy RC’s effort to destigmatize mental health.
This year, she received an Outstanding Leadership Award as a Healthy RC Partner
for her collaboration with mental health symposiums, our annual Teen Summit, and
Steering Committee.
Natalie Masachi is a tenth-grade student at Rancho Cucamonga High School
and has been in the Healthy RC Youth Leaders since 2018. She immediately
displayed outstanding leadership skills volunteering for various projects, speaking
at meetings and events, and contributing to a mental health awareness video that
won first place in the state last year.
Healthy RC honored Nanette Hart with a Compassionate Community Award
for truly embodying the essence of kindness and compassion. Her service at Los
Amigos Elementary School and the Compassionate Community initiative has
helped create an inclusive culture in the City of Rancho Cucamonga.4
It’s Your Turn
You too can get involved in creating a welcoming
and unifying environment for everyone. Take action
and share your #BeKindRC story and/or tag us on
social media. You can also participate by sharing your
compassionate stories, becoming part of the planning
committee, or getting involved as a volunteer.
To get involved, please contact us at HealthyRC@
CityofRC.us or call (909) 774-2043. Visit www.
HealthyRC.com for more information.
Participate in Bike Month with Healthy RC
Celebrate pedal power this May in your community.
May is National Bike Month! Join Safe Routes to School
as we celebrate all throughout Rancho Cucamonga. You
can be a part of the festivities! Whether you’re a resident,
student, parent, teacher, or you just work in the City, here
are some ways to get active, get pedaling, and celebrate
Bike Month:
1. May 6th is Bike to School Day. Gather up your kids
and bike to school with them.
2. May 15th is Bike to Work Day. Make it a team-
building activity and ride to work together.
3. Attend a Smart Cycling class hosted by a League
Certified instructor. (Check BikeLeague.org for more information).
4. Don’t miss the Rancho Cucamonga Ron Ives Bike Rodeo.
From bike rodeos to group rides, community members all over the country find unique ways to
celebrate biking and cultivate an active living community. This is just one of the ways our community
is working to make Rancho Cucamonga a healthier city and encourage bike riding.
It’s not too late to join Healthy RC’s Safe Routes to School, a program that promotes physical activity
and safety in and around school campuses. It involves parents, teachers, students, and your City
staff working together to address street safety issues through education and encouragement. Looking
for a guide to help you start your own SRTS program? We have a Starter Kit that has a variety of
resources for those who are interested in starting a Safe Routes to School program at their school. If
you would like to learn more, please reach out to SRTS@CityofRC.us or call (909) 774-2045.
55
Save the Date for 2020 Teen Summit
on March 25th
The 3rd Annual Teen Summit is
fast approaching! This year’s event
will include a full day devoted to
empowering teens. All teens currently
in high school are welcome to attend.
Come and learn how you can make
your voices be heard.
The 3rd Annual Teen Summit takes
place on Wednesday, March 25,
2020, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at
Central Park: 11200 Base Line Road
in Rancho Cucamonga. For more
information, call (909) 774-2044 or
e-mail Joanna.Marrufo@CityofRC.us.
Evolution Fresh Joins Green
Business Recognition Program
Local juice company showcases their sustainable business practices.
Evolution Fresh has joined the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Green Business Recognition Program
which recognizes businesses that have demonstrated a commitment towards environmental
sustainability.
Evolution Fresh, located on Jersey Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga, crafts cold-pressed juices
that are distributed throughout the United States. The business has been steadfast in its environmental
purpose and values much like its parent company, Starbucks Coffee Company, showing a strong
commitment to a sustainable future. Evolution Fresh is part of a comprehensive environmental program
and its foundation consists of three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, and Profit.
Evolution Fresh has focused its sustainable efforts on landfill waste reduction, recycling, water
conservation, energy efficiency, and partner engagement. Waste reduction efforts in 2019 include
diverting approximately 21 million pounds of organic waste (fruit and vegetables) to a hog farm.
For water conservation, Evolution Fresh saved 600,000 gallons of water by adjusting their food
manufacturing line. To maximize energy efficiency, a significant investment to retrofit the entire site
with LED lights was completed over a multi-year period.
For partner engagement, Evolution Fresh is currently instituting the Green Apron certification
program, an electronic training platform, that educates employees about various sustainability and
eco-conscious programs. The business also collaboratives with upstream and downstream partners
to ensure environmental sustainability practices are in place.
Our City is delighted to have Evolution Fresh participate in the Green Business Recognition Program.
Their efforts to reduce organic waste and conserve water in their manufacturing process is truly
impressive. For more information about joining the Green Business Recognition Program, please
contact Deborah Allen, management aide, at (909) 774-2047 or Deborah.Allen@CityofRC.us.
Black History Night at the Library
Enjoy entertainment, displays
and activities for all ages!
Join the Rancho Cucamonga Library
in celebrating its 13th Annual Black
History Month Cultural Arts Night
on Friday, February 21, 2020 from
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Paul A.
Biane Library. This year’s event, with the
theme of Trailblazers, will explore the
African American S.T.E.A.M. (science,
technology, engineering, art and
mathematics) trailblazers. Building on
the success of previous years’ events,
this year’s program will offer something
for everyone including entertainment,
displays and activities for children,
teens, adults, and families. Free tickets
will be available at both libraries
beginning February 3, 2020. For
more information call (909)
774-3907.
RCFD Emergency
Preparedness
Take a class to prepare for a fire, disaster or emergency.
In 2012, the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District (RCFD) created a citywide initiative to
become a community of preparedness and coined the term “ReadyRC.” Since then, RCFD’s
Emergency Management Division has worked hard to create classes and programs to spread
knowledge of preparedness to homes, schools and businesses. In 2020, RCFD is proud to
continue expanding preparedness education for all interests, lifestyles and ages:
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) This 20-hour course provides
community members ages 16+ with a certification recognized nationally through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Skills such as building your emergency kit,
properly using a fire extinguisher, search and rescue procedures, disaster medical techniques
and more are provided through in-depth instruction and hands-on training from RCFD
personnel. This course is a stepping-stone to becoming an Advanced CERT member under
the ReadyRC volunteer program. Advanced CERT members may be called upon to assist first
responders during a crisis or disaster.
Business Emergency Resiliency Training (BERT) Developed in 2013 by RCFD, this
six-course curriculum encourages businesses to create disaster and emergency plans in case
their business faces an emergency. Nearly 75% of businesses do not have an emergency
plan, and because of that, 40% of businesses will never re-open after a disaster because
they lack the resources to recover. This program will give your business the tools needed to
become resilient and overcome devastation after an emergency.
ReadyRC Academy Launched in 2019 for ages 14+, the ReadyRC Academy includes
four different preparedness classes that can be taken as a series or individually. These two-
hour, hands-on classes are offered twice a year to practice important practical skills for
you to become more prepared in your home and community. Topics include fire safety and
prevention, shutting off utilities, Hands-Only CPR, building emergency kits, basic first aid,
hazard awareness, and stop-the-bleed tourniquet techniques.
Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) With the high possibility that electricity and
cell towers will be out of service when disaster strikes, this team can be called upon to provide
emergency communications for our first responders. To participate in this team, community
members must first obtain an amateur (Ham) radio license. Our ACS members offer technician
and general amateur radio courses and licensing tests several times throughout the year. The
ACS group meets and trains regularly so they can ensure communications can be maintained
during an emergency.
Visit RCPark.com to register for a class or check class schedules in the Grapevine. Visit
RCFire.org/ReadyRC to learn more about how these important programs are making our
#RCCommUNITY more resilient.
Kids Enjoy Shopping with a Cop
Deputies serve as holiday personal
shoppers for kids in need.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s
Department proudly participates in the
Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association’s
(SEBA) Shop With A Cop Program every
year. Children from disadvantaged families
are selected and given the opportunity to
go on a $200 shopping spree for Christmas
gifts they may not otherwise receive. What
makes Shop With A Cop stand out from the
many other holiday assistance programs is
that 80% of the participants are teenagers,
a group often neglected by other programs.
In 2019, over 20 law enforcement officers
from the Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff’s
Station turned out to support our community’s
kids. The officers were paired up with a
child and they had fun shopping together
at our local Walmart for toys, clothes and
other necessities. Not only did the deputies
enjoy serving as personal shoppers with the
children, they also enjoyed an opportunity
to bond with the community they serve.
Some of the biggest smiles came from the
deputies and that made the kiddos feel extra
special!
SEBA raises funds for this program and
is able to treat hundreds of children from
all over San Bernardino County every
year. If you would like to donate, please
make checks payable to SEBA CHARITY
FUND, 735 E. Carnegie Dr., Ste 125, San
Bernardino, CA 92408, or visit SEBA.biz.
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Time for Spring Cleaning
Go green with these spring cleaning tips.
Spring is the perfect time of year to clear out
the clutter! Before you toss anything, though,
please consider the environment and check
to see if the items you are disposing of need
special disposal. Here are some disposal
options that should make your spring cleaning
easy:
Say Goodbye to Bulky Items Our Bulky
Item Pick-up Program can help you properly
dispose of that worn-out couch or other large
items that can’t be reused and are too big for
your trash barrel. Rancho Cucamonga residents
with residential barrel service from Burrtec
Waste Industries are eligible for four free bulky
item pick-ups per calendar year. Examples
of bulky items include furniture, appliances,
rimless tires and televisions. Vehicle parts,
construction materials and hazardous waste
are not eligible. Bulky item pick-ups need to
be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of
your service day. Please do not place items at
the curb until the morning of your scheduled
pick-up day. To schedule a pick-up or for more
information, call Burrtec Waste Industries at
(909) 987-3717.
Green Your Yard After you finish clearing
your yard, your excess seasonal green waste
can be bundled and placed beside your
green waste barrel for pick-up. Tie your plant
clippings into bundles no larger than 18 inches
in diameter and four feet long, and they will
be hauled away at no additional charge.
Remember: your green waste barrel is for
grass and plant clippings, brush, leaves, twigs,
weeds, livestock manure, and small branches
less than six inches in diameter. Your green
waste is not wasted! It’s recycled into compost or mulch. Residents may place excess
seasonal green waste out for pick up at no additional charge up to two times per
year. If you consistently have more green waste than can be stored in your barrel,
call Burrtec Waste Industries at (909) 987-3717 to request an additional green waste
barrel for a nominal monthly fee.
Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste Don’t forget your garage! Did
you know that you can safely dispose of many of your unused household cleaners,
batteries, paint, used motor oil, and electronics at the City’s Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Facility? The collection facility is open Saturdays only from 8:00 a.m.
to noon and is located at 8794 Lion Street between Vineyard and Hellman off of 9th
Street. Please note that the facility will be closed on the following holiday weekend:
Saturday, May 23rd. The service is free, but you’ll have to show proof that you live
in San Bernardino County. Business waste is not accepted. Acceptable items include
used motor oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs and tubes, television sets, and computers.
Visit the City’s website www.CityofRC.us or call the Environmental Programs Info Line
at (909) 919-2635 for a complete list of acceptable items, transportation guidelines,
and for holiday closure info.
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Prepare Your Pool for
Summer
Follow these tips for environmentally
sound summer pool prep.
Best practices for swimming pool maintenance help
keep pollutants out of our waterways and protect
the environment. Chlorine and other pool chemicals
can harm our waterways when they are improperly
discharged. If you must drain your pool, here are five
easy steps to properly discharge the water:
1. Shut off the chlorination system or stop adding
chlorine.
2. Hold the water in the pool for at least five days
or add a de-chlorinating agent.
3. Use a pool testing kit to ensure the level of
chlorine is at 0.1ppm before discharging
the water. Make sure all debris is removed,
chemicals are dissipated, the water is free of
discoloration, mosquitoes, dirt, or algae. The
water’s pH should be between 6.5 and 8.5
before discharging.
4. Submit a Non-Stormwater Discharge
Notification form to the Engineering Services
Department before you drain your pool. You
can download the form at www.CityofRC.us,
or call the Environmental Programs Info Line at
(909) 919-2635.
5. Drain the pool water through your lawn or
landscaped area. The flow should be controlled
to prevent erosion and keep it from entering your
neighbor’s property.
Please note that water from saltwater pools should
only be drained to the sewer, or hauled away.
Check with the Cucamonga Valley Water District
for requirements for discharging to the sewer by
calling (909) 944-6000. Also, properly dispose of
filter and backwash solids in the trash or landscape
area, neutralize acid washes before discharging to
the sewer, and do not discharge to the storm drain.
Questions? Call the Environmental Programs Info Line
at (909) 919-2635.
May Fitness Month
Get your exercise in!
The City of Rancho Cucamonga will once again
participate in National Physical Fitness and Sports
Month, which has been honored nationally each
May since being proclaimed by the President’s
Council on Fitness in 1983. Highlighting fitness and
sports reminds our community about the importance
of being physically active through any means of
exercise!
There are several opportunities for people of all
ages to be active in Rancho Cucamonga. Our City
offers pee-wee, youth, and adult sports during the
year at the RC Sports Center, including basketball
and volleyball. Several local organizations fill
in the programming gaps with soccer, baseball,
softball, and other options. You can also create
healthy habits with help from the City, which will
offer free drop-in play at the RC Sports Center and
Goals Soccer Center to residents on certain days
throughout May. If team sports aren’t your cup of
tea, there are 30 local parks consisting of exercise
equipment, fitness and bicycle trails, and open
areas where you can get some exercise in.
Exercising regularly has benefits that extend
beyond improved physical health. Those who
exercise regularly also enjoy better overall mental
health, learn life skills, and build companionship
with their neighbors and workout partners.
Consistent participation in physical activity also
lowers the likelihood of obesity, reduces symptoms
of anxiety and depression, and increases students’
test scores. There’s no need to wait until May to
begin your journey to a healthy lifestyle!
For more details about May Fitness Month, visit
RCpark.com.
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Rejoice with Sister Act!
Broadway at the Gardens presents the hit musical this spring.
This spring, Broadway at the Gardens presents the feel-good musical comedy
smash Sister Act, based on the hit 1992 film, filled with powerful gospel music and
outrageous dancing. With original music by Tony® and Oscar winner Alan Menken
(Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was
nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical.
A truly moving story, Sister Act will feature a fabulous live orchestra to help bring
Menken’s score to life with his disco era inspired songs fused with rich contemporary
musical theatre tunes and joyous gospel music. In addition to the talented local cast,
show-stopping choreography and colorful costumes, Lewis Family Playhouse is also
proud to feature a beautiful set that has been seen on professional stages across the
country.
The plot goes like this: When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder,
she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be
found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid
lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique style and singing talent
to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community.
Lewis Family Playhouse is excited to welcome back Matthew McCray as the
director for Sister Act, after having joined the Playhouse last summer for the well-
received community theatre production of Bye Bye Birdie. McCray is a director,
producer, and performer living and working in Los Angeles. His productions have
garnered acclaim and awards from notables like the LA Drama Critics Circle, LA
Weekly, and Ovation Awards. McCray has directed productions and workshops at
the Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory (StudioSCR), Deaf West Theatre,
Theatre @ Boston Court, Son of Semele, Chapman University, Chance Theatre
and others. He has performed on stage as well as on the TV shows Parenthood,
New Girl, Will & Grace, and Boston Legal. Rounding out the artistic team will be
Playhouse favorites Musical Director Kevin Gassio (The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
Bye Bye Birdie) and Choreographer Zaylin Cano (Bye Bye Birdie, Inland Pacific
Ballet).
Don’t miss this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship. To purchase
tickets, please the call Box Office at (909) 477-2775 or visit LewisFamilyPlayhouse.
comSister Act.
www.CityofRC.us
10500 Civic Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 · (909) 477-2700 • Fax (909) 477-2846
Don’t Miss It!
March 6, 2020 -
March 15, 2020