May 3, 2014
Edition #7
Greetings to all Ward 3 residents, business owners and friends.
I continue to be steadfast in my approach to serving you, your needs and addressing your concerns. I am committed to carrying out the wishes of those living in Ward 3. There are many issues coming before the council soon which will potentially impact our city, non-emergency ambulance providers, a proposed sewer rate increase and more. There are also new stores opening, new dining and new businesses that all help to make Riverside a "destination city." Make your opinion count! I am always open to your call, email or meeting you to discuss issues. I am here to serve you.
Mike
My personal cell phone is (951) 515-1663
or email - msoubirous@riversideca.gov
Feature Expands Giving Public More Options for Input
The system that allows public to comment on City Council agenda now includes boards and commissions
The City of Riverside’s online eComment system, which gives members of the public an opportunity to weigh in on issues facing the City Council even if they cannot attend the meeting, has expanded to allow for input even earlier in the process.
Riverside community members have been able to use the system to comment on issues scheduled for debate at City Council meetings and Council committees for more than a year. That service now has been extended to City boards and commissions, where issues often receive their first public airing.
“The eComment feature is an excellent way for members of our community to get involved and let us know how they feel about different policy topics in our city,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “We understand that not everyone can make it to City Council or other committees, so being able to give your input on a computer, tablet or smart phone is a great opportunity for our residents to engage in the decision-making process.”
City Clerk Colleen Nicol said the new feature has the potential to get more residents involved in City matters.
“The Mayor and City Council invite their constituents to step up participation in public meetings through eComment, which is expanding beyond City Council meetings to include boards and commissions,” Nicol said. “eComments deepen the scope of the deliberative process before decisions are made that affect Riverside residents, businesses and neighborhoods.”
Previously, constituents were able to express opinions and comment only on City Council agenda and Council committee items starting the Friday before each Tuesday’s meeting. The eComment feature, which is available via a blue click-through link on the city’s website calendar, now includes boards and commissions as well. Constituents will be able to express their thoughts and choose to support or oppose agenda items until two hours before each meeting begins. At that point, the eComment link will be turned off so that comments may be printed for members of the Council, boards or commissions and made part of the official record.
All residents with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer can use the eComment feature and are invited to view it at riversideca.gov under “Meetings Calendar and Agendas” in the “New and Noteworthy” box on the left side of the page.
Adolfo Cruz Named Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
 Adolfo Cruz, who served as Deputy Director of Stockton’s Community Services Department for nearly four years, has been named Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services in Riverside.
City Manager Scott Barber said he hired Cruz because of his ability, leadership style and experience. In addition to his official duties in Stockton, Cruz has handled much of the day-to-day operation of the Community Services Department for the past 30 months, reporting directly to the Assistant City Manager, while the Director position there has been vacant.
“Adolfo Cruz has demonstrated an ability to successfully manage a wide range of programs through a 24-year career in Stockton and San Jose,” Barber said. “During difficult times, he has maintained a high level of service and successfully balanced budgets, despite significant reductions in both full-time and part-time staff. I look forward to him joining the City family in Riverside.”
Prior to becoming Deputy Director in Stockton in 2010, Cruz served as Recreation Superintendent in the Parks and Recreation Department for six years and as a Recreation Supervisor for four years. Before being hired in Stockton, Cruz worked as a Recreation Program Coordinator for the San Jose Parks and Recreation Department for 10 years.
“I am thrilled to be joining the City of Riverside’s management team, and I look forward to continuing a tradition of excellence in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department,” Cruz said. “From recreation programs to community gardens, the department has a close working relationship with the community, and I am eager to become a part of that.”
Cruz is scheduled to start work on June 2. His salary will be $160,000.
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Poll workers are needed at voting locations throughout Riverside County for the June 3 Consolidated Primary Election. No experience is required and training will be provided by the Registrar of Voters office. Poll workers may earn up to $125 as precinct inspectors or $90 as precinct officers. Poll workers must attend a special two-and-a-half hour training class to familiarize themselves with election procedures and to prepare them to assist voters when the polls open at 7:00 a.m. on Election Day. Workers in both posts also receive $20 for attending the training class.
The Riverside County Registrar of Voters is also seeking bilingual individuals who speak proficient English and one of the following languages: Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.
Anyone who wishes to participate as a poll worker should call the Registrar of Voters office at (951) 486-7341 or (877) 663-9906.
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