Montclair Today, Apr. 1
Annual State of City Address draws hundreds
More than 250 people attended the annual State of the City and Taste of Montclair event on March 23.
The event included 14 vendors from the city inside the Community Center.
This year's theme, " Montclair Delivers on Progress," was the topic of a video presentation that conveyed an ongoing plan for progress that promotes major public improvement achievements and outstanding community services.
Mayor Paul Eaton introduced the 17-minute video that highlighted how the city of Montclair has effectively used redevelopment financing to construct capital improvements and facilities, according to the city manager's report.
In the video, council members took turns discussing the following accomplishments, according to the city manager's report:
Councilman Leonard Paulitz reported on the completion of major public facility projects initiated during the last decade, including the Montclair Senior Center, completed in October 2010; the Montclair Youth Center, completed in January 2010; and the Montclair Police Facility, completed in August 2008.
Councilwoman Carolyn Raft discussed the significant progress on infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Ramona Avenue Grade Separation, a 260-foot four-lane bridge spanning the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and West State Street Storm Drain Channel and vital street improvements along the Mission Boulevard Corridor.
Councilman John Dutrey brought much-deserved attention to the completion of three affordable housing projects that have achieved a positive transformation and eliminated blight throughout the San Antonio Gateway Project Area.
Mayor Eaton brought focus to the City Council's approval of two residential developments within the boundaries of the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan, signaling the beginning of north Montclair 's transformation into a desirable, urban-style, transit-oriented neighborhood.
Councilman Bill Ruh spotlighted innovative public safety services provided by the Police and Fire Departments that maintain Montclair as a safe and crime-free community.
Event dignitaries included Fourth District County Supervisor Gary Ovitt, Chaffey Joint Union High School District Board Member Sue Ovitt, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Gary Thomas, and legislative representatives from the offices of Rep. David Drier, Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D- Montclair , and Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Chino.
General Manager of Costco Montclair Jeff Marshburn served as master of ceremonies, welcomed the attendees, and introduced the dignitaries; and Montclair Chamber of Commerce Board Chairwoman Rosa Rangel presented the Chamber's Address. Montclair police Chaplain Vicki Brobeck gave the invocation.
Guests dined on an assortment of food from Applebee's, Chili's Grill and Bar, Costco, Elephant Bar, Farmer Boys, Jean Hamilton Catering, John's Incredible Pizza, La Cita, Macaroni Grill, Paradise Restaurant, Pomona Valley Mining Company, Red Lobster, Rocco's Pizza, and Starbucks Coffee.
State of the City 2011 was planned by Redevelopment/Public Works Director Marilyn Staats, Assistant Director of Redevelopment Christine Caldwell, Economic Development Coordinator Miguel Garcia, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Darleen Curley, Melinda Flores, Assistant Director of Human Services Marcia Richter, Public Works Superintendent Xavier Mendez, Facilities and Grounds Superintendent Mike McGehee, and Information Technology Supervisor John Nguyen.
Audio and video services and programming were provided by Senior Information Technology Specialist Ricky Tankersley, GIS Specialist Steve Dague, Information Technology Technician Robert Castillo, and junior intern Travis Agajanian.
Public Works crews refurbished the Civic Center grounds and provided logistical support and traffic control.
Personnel Services Coordinator Lisa Shannon and Public Works Leadworker Chad Quidor provided excellent video narratives.
Metro Gold Line workshop slated April 12
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, the Federal Transit Administration and city officials invite the public to a workshop on the proposed Montclair Gold Line station on April 12.
The Gold Line is part of a proposed 12.6-mile extension of the Metro Gold Line from Azusa to Montclair currently under environmental review.
The workshop is an opportunity to learn more about the proposed station plan and provide feedback on ways to make it even better.
Join in on the Station Planning Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. April 12 at the Montclair Senior Center (behind City Hall) at 5111 Benito St., Montclair .
Gold Line station planning requirements and the proposed Montclair station location will be reviewed, followed by a discussion in which you can provide feedback to be considered in the planning process.
Additional workshops are being hosted in the cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona and Claremont.
To learn about all of the workshops and the environmental review process underway, visit www.foothillextension.org or call the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority 626-471-9050.
In addition, in the coming months, the Construction Authority will host tours of the Metro Gold Line light rail line between Pasadena and Los Angeles.
Tours provide an opportunity to experience how light rail interacts within communities, the design of stations and street crossings and the various train sounds.
Contact Sylvia Beltran sbeltran@foothillextension.org or 626-305-7012 if interested in a tour.
New police impound
lot in the works
Construction by the Engineering Division on the new Police Department Impound Lot is in progress.
The lot will allow the Montclair Police Department to control its own vehicle storage and impound facility. It will be at the corner of Monte Vista Avenue and Richton Street, just north of the Police Department.
The existing two-acre site is used by Metro Nissan of Montclair for new and used vehicle storage.
Metro Nissan will continue to use a portion of the lot as construction improvements modify the existing facility to accommodate use by both agencies.
Improvements include an additional vehicle entrance, fencing and gates, and security camera and surveillance equipment, and are expected to cost approximately $160,000.
This project is completely funded by the Montclair Redevelopment Agency.
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