Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutReporter Fall 20111 ' ; 1 � � / � • ,: ' / , , • `, - •" ,' ' , .• ,. Rancho Cucamonga, recognized as a model of excellent community planning, has launched a comprehensive review of the City's Development Code. Residents, business owners, and developers are encouraged to give their input. The Development Code is the detailed blueprint that guides development of private property in the city. It sets development standards and permitted uses, as well as governs a wide range of things such as building height and setbacks, subdivisions, parking and sign standards, even landscaping requirements and animal keeping regulations. The City is holding two Development Code Update workshops for the general public and one aimed at gathering input from area businesses. Everyone is welcome. The first public meeting was July 12, 2011 and the others remain to be scheduled. Stay up-to-date and involved by checking the website: www.CityofRC.us/DCUpdate. Information will be posted to the site regularly. It is the City Council's goal to have this comprehensive Code Update completed by April, 2012. The eventual draft will be open to comment by the public and will be reviewed by both the Planning Commission and City Council before being voted on by Council. This is the first comprehensive update of the Development Code since it was adopted in 1983. At that time, the city was predominandy open land. Development applications were common for hundreds of residential units or large distribution warehouse complexes. Today, Rancho Cucamonga stands as a well-planned maturing city and most land use Y `� . ..... ,,.� ��... �a����, �'�� = - �� r . � �-a�""'� �.�� �s j :����, ��'���1 ' ..,�..,� � applications are small residential subdivisions or high quality commercial or industrial development. The comprehensive update will be designed for Rancho Cucamonga's current conditions and will aim to set the stage for continued smart growth and prosperity in the city. It will fold in changes encompassed in the more than 100 Development Code amendments passed over the years, and will implement the policies of the newly updated 2010 City General Plan. The City has contracted with Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) to assist in the update. The principal objectives of the Development Code Update are to: • Implement the policies of the General Plan • Ensure the Code is consistent with state and federal laws • Make the Code modern, integrated and easy to use for developers, business owners, residents, staff and decision makers • Streamline approval procedures while ensuring meaningful public participation • Create value by promoting mixed use development in designated areas • Allow for the development of modern housing and business uses • Promote sustainable development • Simplify design standards without compromising 4he quality of development • Incorporate and update regulations located elsewhere in the code, including Entertainment, Tree Preservation, Signs and Historic Preservation. For more information or questions regarding the Development Code Update, please contact Associate Planner Jennifer Nakamura at (909) 477-2750 or email Jennifer.NakamuraC�CityofRC.us. L1il�lL11�I 1s 11:\l q; THE �0�1 12 i �� ��' � � ;; .� �� � :;� � � � �.t="t i " �" La , ;� � �i � �y tp [ � t.` � � �� ,� i �,� : � -� � ' �� � �`"�'�F �`� � � i , ; ' In June of 2011, the City of Rancho Cucamonga adopted its Budgets for Fiscal Year 2011-12. The F'Y 2011-12 Budget Summary which provides an overview of the City's General Operating Budgets, including the Library and Fire District is available on the City website at www.CityofRC.us under the Finance Department webpage. As Southern California continues to endure the ongoing realities of a deep national and state recession, virtually all levels of public agencies have been affected. There are small signs that "The Great Recession" is very slowly starting to ease in 2011, although true recovery is not expected until 2012. Complicating matters further is the fact that California is leading the nation currently in unemployment and is mired in the middle of another annual budget struggle at the State level. In the meantime, local governments are once again dealing with the impacts of high levels of unemployment (which affect sales tax), a greatly depressed housing market (which affects development and property taac revenues), and the continued attrition of businesses that have been unable to weather the economic downturn. Rancho Cucamonga, long known for conservative fiscal policies, has over the last three years used gradual strategic cuts, natural attrition and judicious use of reserves to achieve a"softer landing" with minimal disruption to essential services during these difficult economic times. Rancho Cucamonga has made judicious budget cuts in the previous three years and once again did so in FY 2011-12. At the same time, the City Council has continued to emphasize the need to preserve core services and maintain adequate levels of public safety. The recently adopted General Fund Budget has increased only 1% from FY 2010-11, largely due to increases in fixed operating costs including fuel, water, utility and ancillary persomlel costs. Once again, City employees will furlough and most City facilities will Ue closed from December 22, 2011 through January 2, 2012. Additionally, the City's work force has been reduced by some 76 full-time equivalent positions. Finally, the State of California continues to take Redevelopment and other funds from local agencies. In the past two years alone, the State took over $38 million in local infrastructure funding and with the recently approved elimination of all Redevelopment For anyone who has ever visited the Apple Store in Victoria Gardens (that is, if you can actually get in the door), it doesn't take long to realize that it's one of the most popular retailers in Rancho Cucamonga. The store is packed with Apple fans young and old. And when Apple releases a new product—like the latest version of its iPhone or iPad—be prepared to stand in a line that wraps around the outside of the store. All of the attention that the Apple Store in Rancho Cucamonga has received since it opened in 2004 is well deserved. After all, the Apple brand is well lmown throughout the U.S. and the world. In fact, in its annual assessment of the "Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands," global research agency Millward Brown ranked Apple number one for 2011. That `� �� i'�, ` T� �''' recognition placed die company ahead of corporate �� � �� E ,� giants like Google, IBM, McDonald's and Microsoft. � �i; �'� �_�1 ��z Sq it made sense for Apple and the owners of `����'-�-=--W--_ m --< _, _pt"-� v�� ' j` � Victoria Gardens, Forest Ciry Enterprises, to tty to ��'° grow Apple's success in Rancho Cucamonga. The ��� ..�r��-a� �..w� �.� ..:� ��'� good news is that within the last several weeks that j:: seed has been planted. Currendy, the Apple Store at Victoria Gardens ' occupies approa�imately 3,900 square feet at its '' present South Mainstreet location. However, before ' the end of the year (most likely in time for the 2011 ' holiday shopping season), Apple's retail orchard will I be considerably larger. The new Apple Store will be I about twice the size, allowing for larger retail display space, genius bar and other amenities not currendy ; available in its present location. f Apple is taking over the former Talbots location at i the corner of South Mainstreet and Waterland Place, 'j as well as a majority of the space formerly occupied by � J. Jill. When the new Apple Store is completed, it will not only be much larger, but enjoy about four times i the amount of frontage, further enhancing its visibility. i Over the years, the Apple Store has made a positive I impact on the local economy by generating sales ' taY revenue for the City and has provided many � employment opportunities for local residents. It is �� consistenfly one of the top 25 sales tas generators in the city and its expanded presence could result in even i higher volume and revenues. � � % ����. Agencies statewide, is poised to take another $27 million in FY 11-12. The State also recently took over $600,000 in vehicle license fees paid by Rancho Cucamonga residents that should have gone for public safety in the City. Due to additional State takeaways from all public libraries, the recently adopted Library Budget has declined by 1.5% from the previous fiscal year. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, which has an independent budget as a legally separate but subsidiary district, experienced a negligible increase of 0.4 percent from the previous year. Despite all of these challenges, the City of Rancho Cucamonga under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council is well positioned far what lies ahead. This year the City's budget was balanced without the use of reserves and even managed to add, in addition to absorbing fixed cost increases as noted above, new General Fund dollars for the existing Senior Transportation program whose initial outside grant funding had ended last year. The City has aggressively pursued grants and stimulus funds that help offset some of the impacts of the current recession. While these grants often have strict limitations on how much can be used for operations, they are a critical component in the City's longstanding policy of investing in infrastructure improvements, public and private job creation, and special programs that provide services to the community. This newsletter contains numerous examples of projects or programs funded by outside grants or special funds. Further, the City is a leader in the area of pension reform, having enacted a number of changes to reduce public employee pension costs, while remaining one of the few agencies in California with no unfunded post employment benefit liabilities. All of these actions are coming to fruition as unemployment continues to decrease in Rancho Cucamonga, already one of the lowest areas of unemployment in San Bernardino County, while the City is seeing modest numbers of new applications for restaurants and commercial businesses along Foothill Boulevard and in Victoria Gardens. These "green shoots" must be carefully nurtured and the City must continue its fiscal prudence in order to ensure that positive growth continues, and even accelerates, in the coming years. The City Council and City staff remain committed to monitoring current economic conditions and taking reasonable, timely actions, if necessary, to adjust to any further revenue reductions or reclaim through the legal system monies improperly taken by the State. For updates and information on holiday facility closures, visit the City's website at www.CityofRC.us. en2f g�l u pgrad eTM CALIFORNIA S 35 :�'W_�.� .. ,�.,,t � September is National Preparedness Month. Be ready! The City of Rancho Cucamonga's Emergency Management Program encourages i'', ' you to use the following resources in �` ' ortler to be ready before, during and after � I an emergency. Please contact the City's ' Emergency Management Program at �, (909) 477-2700 for additional information. ' � � * f� h€' . � �: . � � ,• ..:�1 :. ,�-.� � -� ,: � � 1�� � , f `�; a u �r .\�, ,..r;, ls '.� �.t � C�. d--..�: �� a � � `�- `',3. !` y �� � ��a�� � �� (p��� t : „� " �,v, �',��: - N' �� � b '\ ��f �`4. y9"� .i t F`f$ �� ,� ��+� �� �: �¢ . �M�. '4 . . R:,_ �."�1 Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed! We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now will minimize their impact. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Get an Emergency Supply Kit, make a Family Emergency Plan, and be informed about possible emergencies and appropriate responses. For more information and resources visit www.ready.gov, or www.listo.gov. Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) Accurate information is important for you to be able to make decisions before, during and after an emergency. Through a parmership with San Bernardino County, Rancho Cucamonga residents can now register their cell phone numbers to receive emergency alerts via text messages. Landlines are already in the system based on the e�sting 9-1-1 database. To register your cell phone, please visit www.sbcounty.gov and click on the "Sign Up for Emergency Notification Alerts" button. � n,.; Community Emergency • Response � �, Team (CERT) ` ' . � Training �. .. � CERT training is the best way to prepare you, your family and your neighborhood to deal with an emergency. The 20-hour basic course teaches valuable techniques for emergencies. New classes will be taught in the fall including the basic course and a specialized module on how to handle animals in emergencies. Classes can be found in the Grapevine under Emergency Prep. Visit www.RCpark.com to create an account and register today! ,, ;':i�r��� Fifteen gorgeous new Canary Island Pine trees beautify �;��� , Rancho Cucamonga's Church Street Park thanks to a grant from ,,, ``z� ��' r the Home Depot Corporation and the hard work of local Boy ��� M s �,�r�;' Scout Troop #694. �`°�', The ceremonial planting took place in April in honor of Arbor �;�. `� '�� Day. The event was attended by elected officials, City staff, and �•a q;, � representatives from Home Depot, the California Department of �` f' Forestry and Fire Protection, and CLS Landscape. The project �� r� �,. ��; was funded by a Home Depot "Building Healthy Communities" i'''� �, ' +�:r:Y^ grant awarded to the City of Rancho Cucamonga. �,�, 43� � � Members of local Boy Scout Troop #694 volunteered a total of �`i ,��'` 125 hours to plant the 15 drought-tolerant Pinus Canariensis �a�`` � f trees. The pines are fragrant, long-needled, subtropical trees that �� + -.< grow to over 100 feet tall. The new trees will increase the park's � . . . .('"�� 'a'.: "��:iiµ - appeal and use.by improving both functionality and aesthetics. They will provide enticing shade along the park's lovely wallcing paths, increasing park appeal, functionality, and use. On another green note, this particular species of trees—adapted to dry climates and one of the most fire-resistant conifers in the world—are a welcome contribution to the community's urban forest and the City's ongoing sustainability efforts. During their lifetimes, the 15 trees will absorb 2,055 pounds of carbon from the atmosphere to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City maintains approximately 72,000 trees as part of its urban forest. Get ready for fresh. Certified Farmers' Markets and Community Gardens have the green light under policies just passed in Rancho Cucamonga. It's all part of Healthy RC Kids, a community-led effort committed to making the healthy choice by changing policies and environments to support healthy living and prevent childhood obesity. The Healthy RC Kids Partnership is a collaborative effort of residents and community leaders actively engaged in supporting community iniriatives and developing long-term outcomes that help create a healthier environment for children and families in Rancho Cucamonga. Through a comprehensive community outreach process, including a community forum and focus groups, residents identified challenges to active living and healthy eating in their neighborhoods and strategies to increase access. Subcommittees were created to address the priority areas identified by the residents including farmers' markets and community gardens, among other initiatives. The results of the community outreach process and the work of the Healthy RC Kids Partnership led direcfly to the policies presented to the City Council. The City's groundbreaking policies are aimed at creating access to healthy food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, in areas at greatest risk for obesity. , Certified Farmers' Markets—and all the fresh, tasty, healthy food they deliver—received a major boost when the Rancho Cucamonga City Council passed an ordinance allowing Farmer's Markets in Community Commercial use areas—roughly the area between Foothill and Base Line, Haven and Rochester. The establishment of Community Gardens in residential districts also has a fresh start. Council amended the development code to permit private or publicly owned vacant land to be used by "the community or a neighborhood for the growing of fruits, vegetables and culinary herbs for personal consumption and/or to be offered for sale on site or at a local Certified Farmers' Market." The Council also waived the Conditional Use Permit fees normally associated with this type of use. The Healthy RC Kids Partnership is working to advance policies that support community health, including Safe Routes to School, Healthier Vending, among other initiatives. For information or to join the effort, please contact (909) 477-2700, e�. 2044. Community Champions uses an innovative community based participatory approach—residents are equal partners in the leadership of the project. They help identify specific community concerns related to obesity prevention, which increases participation and fosters a sense of ownership among community members. .� In an effort to advance the Healthy RC Kids initiative, the City has integrated a leadership training program into its obesity-prevention work. "Community Champions" (Campeones para la Comunidad) empowers residents in southwest Cucamonga facing an increased risk for obesity and related health conditions to play a key role in making healthy food and safe spaces for physical activity more accessible. The program is designed to equip residents with the skills they need to meaningfully participate in the policymaking process and build their capacity to change their environments to promote health. Residents participate in monthly workshops to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their community experience. Bilingual classes cover topics such as obesity prevention, the local government process, public policy, and communication. The program emphasizes experiential learning so participants also get out in the community. They have visited the Pacific Electric Trail, toured City Hall, met with the Mayor and participated in Healthy RC Kids Steering Committee meetings. Many residents have gained critical knowledge and skills to navigate the local government process; and recently, they were instrumental in developing the farmer's market and community gardens policies passed by City Council. They also conducted a walkability assessment around Los Amigos Elementary School to gather data for the City's Safe Routes to School grant application to build a sidewalk. � - . _ �;� � �. -=-,. � ' �;�\�� T � --jd�� _ ' �p . � �. :. "-�}S ,' _ :� ' —`r � n > :: ,. _ ,�.- s"2`� �, � 1 � � t � �� *� �:t. , � t z. � � k 1;�. �r' `�' i I�'� �� il ,,�,r . - t S . '� � � `� ,i1ill -> .J _ � �. I Saturday, November y2th the City of Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department invites the public to the 2011 Founders Festival Community Parade with a theme of "Super Heroes... Up, Up and Away!" It's a community parade for the Super Hero in all of us. The annual community parade will start on South Main Street in Victoria Gardens at 9:30 a.m. and loop up to North Main Street. It will feature traditional comic super heroes, historical heroes, community heroes and various interpretations of the super heroes in us all! The Parade will culminate in an awards ceremony and festivities at the Bank of America Imagination Courtyard at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. Awards will be presented in various categories including: Best Representation ofTheme, Most Creative and Most Participation. There will be activities, entertainment, and a cupcake giveaway for a sweet City of Rancho Cucamonga Birthday Celebration. The Founders Festival Presenting Sponsor is Tamer Youssef with Remax Time Realty: "Your Friend in Real Estate." "I'm honored to participate with the Community Services Department in bringing this signature event to the community of Rancho Cucamonga," he said. Other Event Sponsors as of print date include: Mike Gaumer, State Farm Insurance Neighborhood Agent; CORE National Community Renaissance; 99 Ranch Market; and California Mentor. Each year thousands of people line the streets of Victoria Gardens to cheer on the walking and float entries. Applications for Parade Entries can be obtained by visiting the Founders Festival web presence from the Special Events section ofwww.RCpark.com. " aa � A � ��.I-� ri�. i, F ,:��<� �� � � � �s� '" � �. � �� � �: , � �, � , � , ,. ,� � - � ' ���r: , How often do you brush your teeth? Well, according to the American Dental Association, our teeth should be brushed at least twice daily and cleaned every 6 months to reduce and remove bacteria in our mouth to prevent dental disease. When was the last time you brushed your dog or cat's teeth? If the answer is never, you are not alone. Dental care is an essential part of your pet's life to add to their overall health and most importantly their longevity. This article will highlight common dental problems that dogs and cats face in addition to ways you can improve your pet's oral care all with the assistance of your veterinarian. Common Pet Dental Problems Periodontal Disease- 85% of pets have periodontal disease by the age of three years old which is caused by plaque. Tartar build up can be converted into plaque in little as 72 hours. Plaque is an island of bacteria and occupies the crown (the outer part of the tooth we see) as well as underneath the gum line. The associated bacteria can enter the blood stream and expose vital organs such as the heart and kidneys leading i to disease, can shorten ybur pet's life. The best way to prevent dental disease is teeth brushing and dental cleanings. Retained Puppy Teeth- Puppies start to lose their teeth at about 16 weeks of age. The canine teeth are commonly retained. If the teeth do not fall out (commonly due to breed disposition or abnormalities with the underlying adult tooth) then it will almost look like there is a`double tooth'. Retained puppy teeth need to be extracted because they can cause a pocket for bacteria to collect and can potentially lead to abscesses or other orthodontic problems. A great time to get these retained teeth pulled is at the time of your pet's spay/neuter or when getting a dental cleaning. Worn or Dead Teeth- Let's face it, dogs love to chew on things, like fences, rocks, tennis balls, bones, etc. Many times this can lead to teeth getting chipped or warn down. When the tooth root is exposed (a little red or black dot The Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation is changing its name to the Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation. The move is aimed at expanding the image and identity of the non-profit community organization within Rancho Cucamonga and region. This is the first rebranding since the group's founding in 1987. The Foundation was honored with a generous donation of a logo and branding package from award winning, Rancho Cucamonga-based Ignite Design & Advertising. "The new logo creates an individual identity for the Foundation," stated Chris Wheeler, owner of Ignite, "while conveying the synergy of the close relationship the Foundation shares in their mission to support performing arts programs at the Lewis Family Playhouse." The Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation provides financial support to augment performing arts programs at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. Recent Foundation accomplishments include the July Music in the Courtyard Series, Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre, funding for school groups to attend MainStreet Theatre Company productions, artist in, residencyprograms, a newlylaunched local scholarship program, and providing affiliate status to community ` based groups like the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care Center and Freedom Courtyard fundraising ; efforts. � �� � Visit the Rancho Cucamonga 1 Community &Arts Foundation i' section of www.RCpark.com for more information on the ' Foundation efforts and upcoming Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation sponsored events and programs such as ' �;_. the November 14th - 2011 ` $1,000,000 Golf Tournament presented by Burrtec Waste Industries! Sponsorships to this annual signature event are available by contacting (909) 477-2760, ext. 2105. RANCHO CUCAMONGA COMMUNITY &4RTS FOUNDATION � _ _- �� ;�,� r�= ��i ' � � rcr_ ...:, u �`w: at the center of the broken tooth) it can be extremely painful because the nerve and blood supply are exposed. An exposed root canal provides an open gateway for bacteria to enter the blood supply causing possible abscesses and other problems. Though your pet may not let on because they are stoic creatures, this is something that should be corrected. Depending on status of the tooth, a root canal or pulling the tooth may be necessary. There are also many restoration procedures that can be performed to correct this and get your pet to start feeling better. Feline Resorptive Lesions- Wow, that is a mouthful for what can be simply described as feline cavities. Cats can get them because of abnormalities in their immune system that causes the teeth and supporting structures to be damaged. Unfortunately, the only option is to extract these teeth. Cats do very well with tooth extractions. It helps them feel better as well as preventing further infection. Dental Care The best way to keep your pet's mouth happy is brushing and regular cleanings by your veterinarian. There is poultry flavored tooth paste and toothbrushes for your pet (never use human toothpaste). Depending on your pet's needs, you can brush daily and discuss various special diets and treats that are specialized to promote oral care. Dental cleaning involves your pet going under anesthesia so that the veterinarian can get dental x-rays, see the tooth and jaw structure, and clean under the gum line, where the bacteria and the true problems may be present. Next time you're petting your furry friend, lift their lip and look at those chompers. Think they might have dental disease? For more information and to keep you pet healthy, please contact your veterinarian and get started on a dental plan today! By Yeronica M. Bingarr�ton, 4th year veterinary rrzedical student, with Dr. Michele Toomoth "� _' i : �,a` , f "1 � � � � .1 "" "�' � m w�i �. , �. f � � y�` � 9_i � S 1��� ; , __ t.' !. � �. _ � �; _ �'���" � 1t� a � , � � ! � ��` ��� I � �f (��i i,�r" � �;i ,4�'�� � � 14 � i � , .. -�-- ��_ � � �- _ � �n � �� _. ��.��� y. Emergency medicine in Rancho Cucamonga and the region made-a great leap forward with the launch of a new system to care for stroke patients across San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties. Greatest success lies in early recognition of the patient's signs and symptoms, advanced life support treatinent Uy paramedics in the field, and rapid transpoit to the hospital for specialized advanced care. The new Stroke System closely parallels a recently launched, program for the swift t�eatment of heart attacks. Thc Heart System has increased positive outcornes and similar positive results are anticipated for the S� oke System. Paramedics play a ciucial role in the field, assessing the patient's symptoms to determine if the person is, indeed, suffering a stroke and getting them to a designated "Stroke Center." San Antonio Community Hospital, the local hospital serving Rancho Cucamonga, is in the process of being designated as an aca�edited Stroke Center with the ability to care for stroke patients with specialized medicarions and neurological treatments. If you or a loved one eYperiences one or more of die following signs or symptoms, immediately call 911. Early treatmenrfor those suffering a stroke can reduce ,w., �,...n .,,_.r a:,...�.:r.,:a,. • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm' or leg, especially on one side of the hody e Sudden confusion, trouhle speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination � Sudden severe headache with r�o known cause ' Calling 911 quickly is key. Through well-eseaUlished training and partnerships with local t�ansport providers and hospital staff, the patient will receive the best care in the field as well as the latest in medical care when rhev a,•r;ve ar a rlesiunatet� Srrnlce Center. www.CiryofRC.us 10500 Civic Center Dr., P.O. Box 807, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729 i (909) 477-2700 • I'aY (909) 477-2846 r�