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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. 2 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/. 3 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 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