Ward 7 Community Meeting Summary:
Thank you to all who were able to
attend April’s Ward 7 community meeting. We were fortunate to have Kim Mullins
from the 311 Call Center in attendance promoting the 311 app and our Call
Center and Teresa Rosales from RPU with a Utilities 2.0 informational booth.
As always I appreciate the time
and effort of our attendees and presenters. We had an evening full of guests
with valuable information. Please see below for a summary of the items
discussed:
Update
from Lieutenant Townsend:
Lieutenant Townsend was present
at the meeting and provided an update on recent activities he has been
conducting. In an effort to reduce auto theft, the Riverside Police Department
is piloting the H.E.A.T. program (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) on the West end. The
program is suitable for cars that are not driven between the hours of 1:00-5:00
am as cars that have signed up for the H.E.A.T. program authorizes Police officers
to stop and verify the ownership of the car if seen being driven between those
hours.
In addition to offering the
H.E.A.T. program, RPD is offering VIN etching into the windows of vehicles as a
deterrent for ‘professional’ thieves as it makes your vehicle easier to
identify and more difficult to ‘part out.
Both programs are free for City
of Riverside residents, if interested please contact Police Service
Representative Antoinette Alexander at (951) 353- 7969 or aalexander@riversideca.gov or
attend the upcoming Arlanza Safety Event taking place Thursday May 11th
from 1:30-4:30 pm at Rutland Park- 7000 Rutland Avenue. Please see flyer below
for additional information.
 Update
from Deputy District Attorney Samah Shouka:
Deputy District Attorney Samah
Shouka introduced herself and talked about collaborate efforts between the
District Attorney’s office and the City to try to combat issues taking place
within the wards. There is currently one District Attorney liaison assigned for
each ward in the City of Riverside that will work collectively with
Councilmembers and the community to discuss and address issues and concerns.
Update
from Budget Engagement Commission Chairperson Robert Mendez:
Robert Mendez- Ward 7 Budget
Engagement Commission (BEC) member and chairperson, provided an overview of the
BEC. The Budget Engagement Commission was formed as a result of the passing of
Measure Z- a 1% sales tax increase. The Commission is comprised of 18 members-
nine resident members and nine business members, who will advise the Mayor and
City Council on spending and policy priorities based on information received
through quarterly financial and performance reports. Members have been meeting
these past four months and will present their recommendations to the Council.
Their recommendations will be discussed in detail on Tuesday, May 16th during
the City Council meeting.
City
Attorney Thomas Chisum:
City Attorney Thomas Chisum provided
an overview of the new Ward Action Teams (WAT) made up of representatives from
City Departments such as Police, Fire and Code to name a few and
representatives from the District Attorney’s office. The WAT will meet
regularly and discuss issues/concerns taking place in the Ward. One of those
concerns include Medical Marijuana dispensaries that are appearing throughout
the Wards. The City Attorney’s office is working in collaboration with RPD and
City departments to close dispensaries that appear throughout the city.
Utility
2.0 Presentation:
Riverside Public Utilities
General Manager Girish Balachandran provided a presentation on Utilities 2.0- a
plan to address aging infrastructure and demand. Many of our utilities
equipment can be dated as far back to the 40’s and 50’s. The aging
infrastructure that exists today needs to be repaired or replaced to suit
today’s needs. With Utilities 2.0, the goal is to address those needs and
improve the overall operations of RPU.
Update
from David Santillan- Field Representative for Assemblymember Sabrina
Cervantes:
The office of Assembly Member
Sabrina Cervantes is a one-stop shop for state information and services. Her
staff can assist constituents with state agencies such as the DMV, State Taxes,
Veteran Benefits and much more. Over the last 5 months Assembly Member Cervantes
has introduced 14 pieces of legislation that have been a result of meetings
with constituents, elected officials and community leaders.
Fireworks:
In preparation of the upcoming 4th
of July celebration, I would like to take an opportunity to remind residents
Fireworks are ILLEGAL in the City of Riverside. This year fines have increased
to $1,000 dollars and additional expenses may be incurred if found in
possession of fireworks.
I encourage residents to report
any firework activity as it can assist our public safety officers to focus on
particular areas.
Councilman Perry and I have
worked to secure the La Sierra Park Firework show for this year and more.
A
Day in the Park:
As a reminder, on Saturday May 20th
Sandy and I will be hosting our inaugural “A Day in the Park” Event. Our goal
is to bring parents and kids to interact with recreational/volunteer
opportunities that exist in the City in which enrich their lives socially and
physically. We will have an instrument petting zoo, obstacle course, a monkey
bridge and many more fun activities. Please see flyer below for additional
information. Hope to see you there!
  The Great American Clean-Up:
The Great American Clean-Up is
taking place this Saturday, May 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
throughout the city. There are still some available spots, if interested in
participating please contact:
John Sanger at jsanger@riverside-chamber.com.
  
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