 Councilman
Burnard’s Update from Last Community Meeting
Thank you to all who attended my April
community meeting at La Sierra Senior Center. As always, it is a privilege to
serve and engage with the community.
I understand there will be occasions when you
are unable to attend our community meetings, for that reason the purpose of
this newsletter is to recap the items that were discussed.
In summary,
Budget:
We are currently looking at a $7-8 million
budget deficit for the year 2015/2016.
Fiscal Year 2016/2017 is forecasting to fall
short 4%, approximately $11 million dollars. Council and City Leadership is currently
reviewing budgets thoroughly in an effort to close the 4% gap.
Crime Statistics:
We have seen an increase in property crime the
last few years. I believe the increase is directly related to AB 109 and
Proposition 47 which have put offenders on the street of every city in
California. I urge you to contact your State Assembly Members and Senator and
ask them to change the States policy on early release and realignment.
Assembly Member Jose Medina: (951) 369-6644
Assembly Member Eric Linder: (951) 371-6860
State Senator Richard Roth: (951) 680-6750
Elections:
June elections are right around the corner. In
addition to the Mayoral election, there are two important measures on the
ballot-Measure A, which will allow the City Attorney’s office to prosecute
misdemeanor cases, and Measure B, which is a pay increase for City
Councilmembers that will bring our salary up to 80% of the Mayors pay.
Both measures were placed on the ballot due
to a Council vote. Measure A- which is estimated to cost $2.3 million dollars,
was passed on a 4 to 3 vote. Measure B was passed on a 4 to 2 vote. I did not
vote in favor of either measures. Please make sure you read and understand the
subject you will be voting on. For more information on the election please
visit http://www.riversideca.gov/city_clerk/elections-muni.asp
  Boards and Commissions:
Residents in Riverside are encouraged to
participate in serving on the City’s Boards and Commissions. Applications are
accepted year round and vacant positions are filled when available. Ward 7 currently
has a vacancy in the Cultural Heritage Board and the City Clerk’s office is
currently accepting applications for the Board of Ethics. For more information
or to pick up an application please visit the City Clerk’s Office- 3900 Main
Street, 7th Floor- (951) 826-5557. You may also download an
application at www.riversideca.gov/city_clerk.
Wells Street Improvement Project:
Funds are available to build a multipurpose
trail on the North side of Wells Avenue. We are in the process of planning a
community meeting with the residents of Wells street and will continue to
provide updates as the project progresses.
Ponds at Hidden Valley:
Several months ago I shared my interest in
getting water to the currently dry ponds at Hidden Valley. From that comment,
a working group was formed and is currently looking for State and Federal
grants for environmental projects. The process is moving forward and continues
to spark interest among our neighboring cities, sewer districts and conservancy agencies.
Hole Lake:
The area is a diverse wetland that can be a
great asset to the community. It has become littered over the past year and we
are working with City departments and local businesses to address issues and
the cleaning of the area.
Engage Riverside:
In an effort to engage in conversation, we
invite you to share your thoughts and provide input on the budget and City Council
matters at Engageriverside.com. Engage Riverside is an online portal intended
to make information available to the public. There you will find vast
information on all city matters and an opportunity to provide your thoughts.
Please visit engageriverside.com and join the conversation.
As always, I invite you to share your
thoughts and input.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the
community,
Your Representative to the City,
John Burnard
Reminder:
Great American Clean-Up
Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful is hosting
the Great American Clean-Up tomorrow Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 – 11:30
a.m.. The clean-up event will be followed by lunch and award presentations. For
more information please visit www.krcb.com.
 
  
Homework Tutors at
La Sierra Library
La Sierra library is offering free tutoring for children in elementary to 8th grade until June 10th. Tutors are from UCR, please come early as the sessions are on a first come first serve basis.
  Connect with the Mayor
When: Saturday, May 21st at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at the intersection of Jurupa Avenue and Tyler Street
  Dork Diaries Event at
La Sierra Library!
La Sierra Library will be hosting a Dork Diaries event on Saturday, May 21st at 2:00 p.m. Come down to the library and celebrate one of children’s beloved book series.
  La Sierra University Church Resource Fair
  Coding Classes at La Sierra Library!
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