The City of Azusa’s water utility (also known as Azusa Light & Water, or ALW” will conduct a public hearing on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in the ALW First Floor Conference Room, located at 729 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702, to consider adopting new water rates. The new rates, if adopted, will become effective for all utility bills rendered on and after November 1, 2023, and each July 1 thereafter.
ALW has retained an independent rate consultant to conduct a comprehensive cost of service analysis and rate study (“Study”). The Study shows that new water rates are necessary to ensure the water utility’s financial integrity and future sustainability. The proposed water rates will result in an average 15% increase in revenue for Fiscal Year 2024, 9% in FY 2025, and 4% annually thereafter through FY 2028. Water rates and tier pricing will be updated based on the capacity of meter sizes and the cost/availability of water sources to ALW (i.e., cost of service). The cost-of-service rates will increase by $7.38/month for an average/typical residential customer (¾-inch meters using 13.5 units of water per month). For an average/typical commercial water customer with a 2-inch meter using 108 units of water per month, the projected bill impact of the new cost-based rates will be an increase of $52.45 per month.
Details regarding the proposed water rates are available at the Office of the City Clerk, by calling Azusa Light & Water at (626) 812-5225, or on the City of Azusa’s website at www.ci.azusa.ca.us
The City of Baldwin Park has launched a new program that provides eligible Baldwin Park residents with installation of up to two high-efficiency toilets and showerheads at no cost. The high-efficiency toilets use 0.8 gallons per flush and the high-efficiency showerheads use 1.5 gallons per minute.
The city has committed $600,000, making this one of the largest investments that focuses on climate
resiliency and resident aid. The project is funded with American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. The funds
come with unique caveats that allow the city to invest in private water infrastructure. The city of Baldwin Park has al so funded a $1 million dollar project to connect homes that rely on environmentally
detrimental septic tanks to the city’s sewer system.
The toilet replacement program will be a collaboration amongst the City of Baldwin Park, Valley County
Water District (VCWD) and Metropolitan Water District (MWD). The water entities will provide an
accumulative maximum of $110,000 in rebates to offset the costs of the project. Also, Upper San
Gabriel Valley Water District will provide a sewer conservation kit that is filled with a variety water
conservation and leak detection items.
The city sits above the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin which is the main
source of water for the majority of residents. This underground aquifer is like a large pool of water,
which gets replenished from local rainfall and water imported from northern California and the Colorado
River when available. The Main San Gabriel Basin is located in eastern Los Angeles County and
includes the water-bearing sediments underlying most of the San Gabriel Valley and includes a portion
of the upper Santa Ana Valley that lies in Los Angeles County.
Any questions about the program can be directed to the City of Baldwin Park Public Works Department,
which is administering this program. To reach the Department, call (626) 960-4011, ext. 486 or email
publicworksdept@baldwinpark.com.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has detected the presence of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease and its carrier, the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), in our vicinity, posing a risk to our citrus trees.
The CDFA conducted extensive surveys between August 4th and August 14th, 2023, which confirmed the presence of the bacteria causing HLB. The disease affects the vascular system of citrus trees and plants. It does not pose a threat to humans or animals. The ACP can spread the bacteria as the pest feeds on citrus trees and plants.
Residents of affected properties will be invited to public meetings or contacted directly by CDFA Staff. Experts from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will address your questions and concerns.
For detailed treatment area information go to: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/treatment_maps.html?fbclid=IwAR3YgypQ6WLX8FPztSSwd9syCcVemcdVRZzKmNdB2tCTQiaP_NLrOBGXBvg
Report signs of HLB you may be seeing on your backyard citrus trees to 1-800-491-1899.
Southern California Edison (SCE) will be conducting equipment and pole inspections in some Chino Hills neighborhoods over the next few weeks using drones and/or helicopters as part of their wildfire prevention and mitigation program.
The amount of time it takes to conduct inspections varies depending on how much equipment is on each pole or tower but should take approximately 30 to 60 minutes for each location. The neighborhoods expected to experience the aerial inspections are Fairfield Ranch, and the greater Butterfield Ranch area.
As part of a strategic land management modernization effort, the City of Covina, California, has selected Clariti’s Community Development Software to improve the end-to-end experience for customers and staff. Implementation of the platform is underway, led by Clariti partner Speridian Technologies.
In 2022, the city brought in $1.3 million in building permitting revenue, and on average, issues 1,000 building permits and conducts 8,000 inspections each year.
Currently, most of the city’s approval and review processes are manual, which was the primary driver in their search for new permit software.
Customers can’t access information or services online, staff have to print out hard copy paper sets to complete reviews, and both customers and staff are spending a lot of time communicating back and forth by phone or email.
Katrina Caro from the city’s Building and Safety Department says she sends anywhere from 30 to 40 emails to applicants each day, and receives just as many from customers looking for general information or project updates - all of which will decrease significantly once their new system is live.
With the permitting software modernization project, the city will completely transform their permitting, planning, inspections, and code enforcement processes, enabling staff to complete concurrent reviews and approvals digitally via one back-office platform, and customers to access services and information online via an intuitive online citizen portal.
In the continuing 57/60 interchange project, traffic control measures and detour signage have been in place since the beginning of the project along Grand Avenue, Golden Springs Drive, and Diamond Bar Boulevard. While most of the work is focused on the freeway, Gateway Center Drive & Golden Springs Drive intersection has been affected by nightly full closures for the on-going work on the freeway overcrossing and traffic control, including a left turn restriction from eastbound Golden Springs Drive onto Gateway Center Drive. Nightly full closures are scheduled to continue next week, with occasional closures expected throughout the remainder of the year. Traffic control measures will remain in effect until the summer of 2024 in preparation and construction of the realignment of a sewer line along Golden Springs at Gateway Center Drive. For additional details about the project, visit the City’s website or the project’s link 57/60 Confluence Project (sgvcog.org)
Beginning in August 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be overseeing construction activities in the Cities of Rosemead and El Monte as part of its groundwater cleanup for the San Gabriel Valley Superfund Site, El Monte Operable Unit (EMOU).
This project is an expansion of one of the original cleanup systems to improve cleanup of shallow groundwater in the EMOU. Construction activities will include installation of water pipelines and electrical conduit from existing extraction wells to the existing groundwater treatment facility located at 4232 Temple City Blvd.
The extraction wells will pump groundwater and transport it through the new underground pipelines to the treatment facility, where contamination will be treated to levels that are protective of human health and the environment prior to discharge to surface water.
Most equipment, including the wells and electrical control panels, will be installed in underground concrete vaults so that there is limited above-ground impact to city residents. Under EPA oversight, and with extensive coordination with the Cities of Rosemead and El Monte, one of the potentially responsible parties, AMETEK, Inc., and its contractors will install approximately one mile of new underground pipeline along Valley Blvd, Temple City Blvd, and side streets
Construction is anticipated to start in August-September 2023 nd take approximately eight months to complete the following activities:
1. Digging small holes (potholes) to locate utilities on select streets in El Monte and Rosemead
2. Digging trenches and installing piping and concrete vaults
3. Restoring the affected areas as close to their former state as possible
Once construction of the treatment system expansion is complete, EPA will oversee the testing and startup of the system.
While EPA will ensure contractors take extensive measures to reduce potential impacts in the construction areas, the pipeline installation may be disruptive at times, especially along Valley Blvd. and Temple City Blvd. EPA appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents and business owners and will continue to work with the community to minimize impacts.
Informational flyers will be mailed to homes and businesses prior to the beginning of work, providing a construction map, schedule, and contact information. All work will be performed in the right of way to allow access to businesses and residences, except for possible temporary interruptions (less than an hour). The work will not affect water or other utility services to homes or businesses.
For more information contact:
Shannon Leonard
City of El Monte Public Works Inspector
(626) 580-2058
engineering@elmonteca.gov
The City of Glendora is developing goals and policies related to “environmental justice” and we want to hear from community members like you on topics such as pollution exposure, public facilities, healthy food access, and safe and sanitary homes. Environmental justice relates to the fair treatment of all people in Glendora with respect to these topics. We invite you to take an online survey to provide input that will help the City understand the community's perspective on these issues.
Give your feedback at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNTRWHJ
In 2017, the City established the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to fund infrastructure projects that will support the expected increase in development due to the extension of Metro’s Light Rail System, now named the “A” Line. La Verne’s EIFD was one of the first formed in the State, the first to partner with the County of Los Angeles, and the first to secure funding and construct a project in California. The completion of the project at E & 2nd Street in downtown La Verne is a proud accomplishment for City Council and the residents.
As part of the larger vision for the Old Town Area, connecting the heart of the City with the future “A” Line (Gold Line) Station, will enhance access to and from the area for the La Verne residents, Students and Faculty of the University of La Verne, and patrons of the businesses and restaurants in the City,
To achieve this linkage, this project at E & 2nd Street widened the previous sidewalk width by 50% while retaining the landscaped parkway features enhancing the beauty of the Old Town District. Updates ensure current accessibility standards are met, allowing all users the ability to reach their intended destination comfortably and effectively. The bulb out curbs installed at the intersection help reduce the crossing length where pedestrians are exposed to traffic lanes and calm vehicle speeds.
As part of the City’s commitment to sustainability, the intersections and parkways feature a mix of drought tolerant plants. This continues the practice of conserving water, a valuable and scarce resource in California. The project expanded street level lighting by installing twenty new energy-efficient LED decorative lights, increasing visibility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The City also integrated storm water quality enhancing design features in the form of decorative tree wells. These special tree wells help capture storm water from the area, filter it, and ultimately ensure the City continues to fulfill its obligation to future generations by protecting the environment.
This project, the first of many EIFD projects, enhances and elevates the connection between Old Town and the Metro Station as a pathway for the community, ULV students and faculty, and local visitors to use and enjoy.
The City of Ontario has unveiled plans for a nearly 200-acre, state-of-the-art regional sports complex that would include a Minor League baseball stadium, restaurants and entertainment, and a wide variety of amenities for the entire community to enjoy.
The City projects that the Ontario Regional Sports Complex will attract about 1.2 million visitors per year, create more than 600 full-time jobs and generate more than $61 million in annual spending and $1.5 million in tax revenues. The complex will be located on the south side of East Riverside Drive, across from Whispering Lakes golf course, on property being acquired by the City.
Key features are anticipated to include 10 new soccer fields, two football fields, four baseball and four softball fields, four tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, four pickleball courts, a skate park, aquatics center and a Minor League Baseball stadium.
The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a memorandum of understanding with Rancho Baseball LLC – owners of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes – to develop a lease agreement for the proposed stadium, which will come before the City Council for review and approval upon successful completion of negotiations and all legal requirements. The Council also authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with two companies to provide architectural, engineering and construction management services for the sports complex and stadium.
The City anticipates beginning construction on the Ontario Regional Sports Complex in 2024, following environmental review and entitlements, with Stadium construction expected to be completed by the spring of 2026.
In addition to the new community recreational facilities, plans for the Sports Complex anticipate the development of up to 80,000 square feet of new commercial/retail development that would include restaurants, bars, stores and hospitality.
The other major open/recreational space project being advanced by the City, the Grand Park at Ontario Ranch, will encompass nearly 350 acres, and is envisioned as a focal point for the entire region, serving the City of Ontario's recreational and space needs. Phase 1 is approximately 130 acres and occurs within the eastern portion of Ontario Ranch, Grand Park Street to the north, Eucalyptus Avenue to the south, Haven Avenue on the east, and Archibald Avenue on the west.
In August, the California State Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation announced $240,000 in federal grants to support local preservation efforts in six cities – through the Certified Local Government program.
Split between the California cities of Pomona, Carmel, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento and Santa Barbara, each city will receive $40,000 to accommodate the development of historic context statements, unit design guidelines and resource-planning guidelines.
Pomona will use the $40,000 in federal funds to establish a “historic context statement” for the 150,000 Latinx population, according to the CLG’s Grant Awards.
The funds will lay a foundation for future preservation efforts, including identifying cultural resources and documenting oral histories of this particularly underrepresented community.
Preservation efforts for California’s Latinx populations date back to the Obama administration -when former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar noticed and instructed his staff to document the lack of diversity in the United States National Register.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga RC Public Art Program has issued a Call for Artist for their Mini Mural Project and is looking for artists to design and install mini murals on select cement directional markers along the Pacific Electric Trail, visible to vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. The Mini Murals will beautify the trail and foster a sense of connection and community pride by further enhancing a beloved community green space.
During the RC Public Art community engagement process, the Pacific Electric Trail emerged as a high-priority area for public art placement. Infusing this vibrant trail with public art will not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but will support the City’s placemaking efforts and inspire community pride and engagement.
The project will cover five (5) intersection locations with two directional markers at each intersection.
Locations include:
This application is open to professional artists 18 years or older. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 stipend for each cement marker painted.
Artists interested in applying for this project should submit their application by October 22, 2023.
For more details go to: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=12219
CapRock Partners has completed the acquisition of 300 E. Arrow Highway, a single-tenant industrial building in San Dimas. The company purchased the property from an undisclosed investor in an all-cash transaction.
Built in 1972 and expanded in 1989, the 165,070-square-foot building features 15 dock-high doors, one ground-level door, a 130-foot secured truck court and multiple points of ingress/egress. Additionally, the property offers ample parking, 4,000A/480V power and approximately 21,000 square feet of two-story office space.
In keeping with its ongoing efforts to serve all members of the public, the City of Upland is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation and transition plan. The accessibility plan provides a comprehensive plan for accessibility for persons with disabilities to City facilities, programs, services, activities and events.
The City is seeking input from the community and organizations assisting persons with disabilities. Your feedback will assist in addressing and prioritizing current and future accessibility needs.
Your comments and opinions are important to us and will provide valuable information regarding how the City can better serve persons with disabilities.
Surveys for the public and for organizations can be submitted online. Surveys can also be filled out in person at City Hall and submitted to the Engineering Division.
Please contact Harry Parr at (909) 931-4193 or hparr@uplandca.gov if you have questions or comments or would like to request a survey in an alternate format.
Information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act can be obtained from the ADA Coordinator.
The City of Upland complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
The City of Upland will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy.
Emanate Health, a Catholic, San Gabriel Valley-based healthcare system, opened a new cancer center on Tuesday, Sept. 19, in the Emanate Health Medical Pavilion in its Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina.
The organization named Dr. Shanmuga Subbiah as the site’s medical director and announced that he will partner with Naveed Khan, a medical oncologist and hematologist, to provide patients with comprehensive care.
According to officials, demographic analysis revealed that most patients in the San Gabriel Valley seeking a medical team of specialists were traveling great distances for cancer treatments. Sharma said the new center will now provide “complete cancer care” with the inclusion of the latest technology such as a Varian True Beam TM Linear Accelerator radiotherapy system.
In addition to treatment, offerings at the new center include support groups, home care through Emanate Health Home Care, spiritual care services, oncology dietitians and social workers.
In the late 1950s, an order of Catholic sisters, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, organized business and community leaders to form the hospital. Opened in 1962, Queen of the Valley Hospital began as a four story hospital but has since grown to a 325-bed fully accredited non-profit with emergency, outpatient and inpatient units.
Along with this location, Emanate Health has two other site: Inter-Community Hospital, 193-bed facility in Covina and Foothill Presbyterian Hospital with 105 beds in Glendora.