As always, we have a full and promising agenda! Riverside Police Department will provide an update on recent crime in our area and City Councilman Mike Gardner will discuss progress on the Jurupa/Grand shopping center as well as other Ward 1 news. Deputy General Manager Steve Badgett of Riverside Public Utilities will discuss the project to replace historic street lights. Also, members of the Wood Streets Green Team will talk about creating a community garden at Tequesquite Park and encouraging local input for that garden.

Future 2012 quarterly meetings to be held on May 3, August 7 (National Night Out), November 8.

It’s a potluck, so please bring your favorite side dish. There will also be a toy drive for Riverside County Mental Health Department (gift cards are great too).

Come, have fun, celebrate the holidays and meet your neighbors!

**December 19 at 6 p.m. in the Izaak Walton Building in Fairmount Park**

Click on flyer for more detailed information: HolidayPartyFlyer2011

Representative for Riverside Public Library spoke in favor of Measure I. It will be on the November 8 ballot and supports the Riverside libraries. Will continue funding for library programs without raising taxes. Funds can only be used for library and locally. Please vote yes!

Councilman Mike Gardner encouraged residents to vote and indicated that absentee ballots may not get counted if sent in too late but before the 8^th. A large portion of the library budget comes from Measure C and I (if passed by voters).

Grand Area and Ward One update from Mike Gardner

Progress continues to be made on Tequesquite Park. Have received bids between 6 and 6.5 million dollars. There is 4 million dollars budgeted, and another 2 will come from the general fund. Mike encouraged folks to send letters of support for the park to their councilmen/women.

Q: What is happening with the Jurupa Grand shopping center?

A: It is still in escrow. The buyers are also purchasing a property at Arlington that has issues that have prevented the joint escrow from closing. However, in conversations with the buyer’s representatives, Mike has been reassured by their willingness to meet with the subcommittee (and later with larger group) to discuss improvements.

RPD Update from Officer Mike Dillon

Occupy Riverside has occupied much of RPD’s time. They moved the tents off of the downtown mall today. RPD conducted a clean-up of the Santa Ana River bottom about a month ago. There is a County employee who is responsible for monitoring the trail. She was assaulted by someone with an axe in the river bottom.

Mike Gardner added that there were recent arrests made by RPD of a couple who seemed to play a very large role in mail theft throughout the city. He also added that there is a project to restore native habitat near 5900 block of Old Ranch Road.

Q: How much is this costing and won’t it help to fuel fires?

A: It is costing “a lot,” however, the native plants will do a better job of preventing fires than non-natives.

Officer Dillon reported on the GNA Block Walk in October 2011 which was very successful. He also discussed the effectiveness of the noise ordinance. When residents are cited, the fine is substantial and if they don’t pay it, it is attached to their utility bill so there is motivation to keep quiet.

Q: What should I do if I hear gunshots but don’t know exactly where they’re coming from?

A: Call the non-emergency number and report it. Chances are others will call and that will help the police pinpoint where the shots are coming from.

Q: Why don’t the police respond to calls about fireworks?

A: Unfortunately, they are not top priority for RPD to respond to instantly, however, residents should call because the house responsible for the fireworks will get a visit from RPD the next day to advise them against fireworks.

Patricia Lock-Dawson, PLD Consulting, on the Santa Ana River Trust

See SART flyers at end of post for details

The goal of the trust is to make the SAR trail a good neighbor. PLD applied for a small grant for a section between Martha McLean and Tequesquite park to increase use and make improvements. At this point, the trust is only engaged as a study.

The trust grew out of intercounty partnership to get the trail done. Like a “friends of” group to encourage use and make a more positive feature of city. It was established just this year. Seeks to work with the community and improve access. There will be five community meetings between Nov. and April.  Other agencies such as Riverside Land Conservancy and Flood Control are involved.

Resident comment: There is plenty of trail access. Our area doesn’t need more. Would like to see the Trust improve what we already have.

Resident comment: I live where the proposed path for increased access would be. Already dealing with multiple problems due to transience from river bottom: urinating on yard, sleeping on easement, trash, theft. It is a constant battle. Has had to install flood lights and own dogs are constantly barking because of traffic from river bottom to shopping center. Would not in any way support putting a formal access path between Old Mill and Carlingford easement.

Ralph Nunez: This is a good opportunity for the community to voice its concerns.

Resident comment: There are six public access points to the trail. Why not improve those six instead of adding more?

Resident comment: The easement/road is a private road. Wouldn’t the city have to acquire the road through eminent domain? A: Yes. Owner could deny the plan.

Resident comment: Access is not an issue. Should not be a focus of the trust to create additional access. Safety is the issue. The current trail and access points should be better maintained and made more secure, safer.

PLD: The intent of the Trust is to make the SAR safer and increase usage. She encourages everyone to attend the community meetings.

Eliza Echevarria, Riverside County Transportation Commission, on the 91 Fwy HOV Lane

Click on HOV flyer for details. See also websites:  http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/projects/mi_fwy_215-sb-riv.html

http://rctc.org/

http://rctc.org/stateroute91.asp

Sales tax passed in 1998 and 2002 supports the construction of an HOV lane on the 91 freeway, from Adams St to the 60/215/91 interchange.

The project has environmental clearance and is partnering with Caltrans.

Will cost 279 million and already have funds to support project, funded by a state bond. Won’t begin to see construction activity until Feb/March 2012, with 2015 completion.

Residents should check the www.rctc.org site for updates on the project and flyers at end of post for details

Q: Who created the bond to pay for this project?

A: It’s a state bond that is paid out of state tax dollars.

Q: Does the project take into account increased traffic over time?

A: Yes, the plans are developed with traffic projections of 20 to 30 plus years.

Wendy DeBoer on GNA Business

There will be an Area 1 holiday party on 12/19 at 6pm Fairmount Park

2012 schedule of GNA meetings is listed on our website and on tonight’s agenda

2011 has had many successes and we’re hoping to spread them out to other parts of neighborhood. Would like to create a leadership team made up of folks in different areas throughout Riverside who can serve as GNA representatives and help plan for 2012.

Volunteers for Leadership Team:

Old Mill Road: Geoff Showell and J.B. Harrison

Jurupa Ave: Karen Shiels

Park Cliff: Steve Whatley

Carlingford/Londonderry: Debbie Darling (Londonderry)

Old Ranch Road: Rhonda Marquis

Charlotte Way: Shirley Camp

Tower Road: open seat

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Flyers:

SART

SARTb

HOV91a

HOV91b

A number of residents have expressed concern about the potential negative impact of this access path for our area, pointing to likely increases in transience and crime.  I strongly encourage GNA members to participate in the discussion of this path at the Nov. 3rd meeting.

See below for details and agenda.

Meeting Agenda for November 3, 2011

Location: 5105 Jurupa Ave. in the ARC facility next to the Laundromat

6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

6:30     Welcome, Wendy DeBoer, GNA Leadership Team

6:35     Introductions, All meeting attendees

6:40     Grand Area Update, Mike Gardner, City Councilman

6:50     Update on Activities in the Grand Area, Officer Michael Dillon, North NPC POP Team, Riverside Police Department

7:00     Santa Ana River Trust Grant Study, Patricia Lock Dawson, PLD Consulting

7:30     91 Freeway HOV lane—Design, Construction and Impacts, Dennis Green, Consultant, Riverside County Transportation Commission

7:50     GNA Business and 2012 Plans (time permitting)

Please e-mail questions and comments to gnariverside@yahoo.com

For more information about GNA, visit our website at www.grandareariverside.wordpress.com

Save the dates for the 2012 meetings!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012 (National Night Out)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Join the Walk with the Mayor scheduled specifically for the Grand Area. These walks with Mayor Loveridge have taken place throughout Riverside and offer a unique opportunity to highlight the parks and neighborhoods of Riverside, and to meet the Mayor. Our very own Councilman Mike Gardner will also be in attendance to add to the conversations about our area’s history, landscape, and character. Water will be provided. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and sunscreen.

GNA Block Walk on Wednesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., starting at the corner of Jurupa Ave. and Sunland Place

Join us on a group walk through the smaller neighborhoods bordering Jurupa and Grand Aves. (Streets to be covered during this walk include Sunland Place, Grassy Trail Drive, Deerfield Ave., Greenbrier Drive and Old Mill Road.) This walk will include members of the Riverside Police Department, Code Enforcement, and residents from the Grand area in an effort to identify trouble spots in the neighborhood and work collaboratively toward improving these areas. We will also be talking about larger safety issues. Bring your flashlights and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Last Quarterly Meeting of 2011: Thursday, November 3^rd from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the ARC facility at 5105 Jurupa Ave.

Guest speakers to be confirmed…but we’re hoping to have a “meet and greet” with the new owners of the shopping center at Grand and Jurupa Aves. This would be a great opportunity for them to talk about their plans for the Center and for local residents to provide input concerning our community’s concerns, needs, and goals.

Just a quick reminder that this Tuesday, August 2nd from 6pm to 8pm will be the GNA’s National Night Out event at the 5400 block of Grassy Trail Dr. (right at the corner of Grassy Trail Dr and Greenbrier Dr) We’re very much looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting new friends and neighbors, in addition to having the opportunity to chat with members of RPD, Councilman Mike Gardner, and other City of Riverside folks. We’ll have lots of chairs, tables, snacks and drinks. It’s our very own neighborhood block party! Please join us and show your support for our community.

*Please note that this event will serve as our August meeting and will replace the one originally scheduled for the first Thurs. of August.*

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I’d also like to invite folks to join the Walk with the Mayor scheduled specifically for the Grand Area on August 13. These walks with Mayor Loveridge have taken place throughout Riverside and offer a unique opportunity to highlight the parks and neighborhoods of Riverside, and to meet the Mayor. Our very own Councilman Mike Gardner will also be in attendance to add to the conversations about our area’s history, landscape, and character. This walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will start at the corner of Jurupa and Grand Aves. Water will be provided. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and sunscreen.

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Many of you know that the shopping center at Jurupa and Grand Aves. is in escrow with the Hopkins Group. (The escrow has taken longer than expected but is expected to close next month.) You can see more about them and their development history here: http://hopkinsgroup.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp&page=development_history_key&section=0 Once escrow closes, our subgroup of GNA members will be meeting with them. By all accounts, Hopkins is enthusiastic about meeting with the GNA and it is our hope to have them attend the last quarterly GNA meeting of the year on Thursday, November 3rd. Please mark it on your calendars.

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As Mike Gardner mentioned at our last GNA meeting in May, the City of Riverside has taken over Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park, a true natural gem of our area, from the County. Though I have not seen it yet myself since this transition, my park peeps tell me that it looks better than it has in a long, long time. There has been extensive clean-up and tree trimming. I met with Mike Gardner last week and he was kind enough to share with me the original plan for the park when it was very first developed. He hopes to work toward returning it to its original glory, restoring its ponds and other natural features. I also hope that the GNA will work to actively support improving this beautiful park in the upcoming year. (Perhaps we could schedule regular GNA member weekday morning walks through the park?) If you’re interested in being part of that effort, please let us know. You can read more about the City’s take over of the park here: http://www.pe.com/localnews/riverside/stories/PE_News_Local_D_wparks27.27c7bcd.html

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Finally, I am pleased and proud to announce that the Grand Area is prominently featured in the June-July issue of Riverside Magazine. There is an AWESOME article about the wonderful and unique aspects of our area, with some great photos and highlights of individual properties we are all familiar with. You can link to the article here: http://www.riversidethemag.com/issues/june_july_11/ Just click onto the issue named City of Renewal and go to page 38. It’s a great piece and it’s totally worth the time to check it out. You will feel big feelings of love for our area after reading it, I promise! Really, go look at it right now.

See you Tuesday at National Night Out!

Wendy DeBoer
Grand Neighborhood Alliance
Leadership Team

Deputy Chief of Fire Michael Esparza, Riverside Fire Department

Spoke about the way in which RFD responds to a fire. They have a response team and management team that respond to all fires, whether large or small. Try to establish a stronghold around fires and surround it. Operate “surgically” and focus on the firefight, each group has a specific task. Have one of the top investigative teams and arson canine who train with ATF and FBI.

When fighting large fires, resources may have to be brought in from elsewhere, such as crews and bulldozers.

In the case of the Oct. 2010 riverbottom fire, still not clear what caused it. They evacuated 5-6 homes near Anza Narrows.

Question: Can the city or county do a better job of clearing brush?

Answer: Not really. There are so many organizations that have jurisdiction along the river. Can’t make firebreaks and paths through the riverbottom because that habitat and ecosystem is protected. The bike path is the main access but fighting fires from that position can also trap firefighters.

Question: Why not take back the brush when doing the sewer project?

Answer: Can get into trouble with the federal government due to protection of habitat issues.

Question: In recent fire, seemed to be confusion about how to navigate the riverbottom. Can RFD do a mapping system?

Answer: They do have a mapping system, but the real challenge is being familiar with the river, for example, when bring in crews from other areas. They have aerial photos that are about one year old, but the river also changes shape with rains and other events.

Question: Residents are frustrated with the city’s lack of attention to its own responsibility for brush clearing in areas that are not habitats, but just empty lots.

Answer: Unfortunately, the Grand area is not designated as a high danger zone for fire. It would be great if it were because there would be more resources to address the overgrowth. There are general rules for maintaining properties, but RFD can’t do enforcement. Other agencies are in charge of that. They have cleared debris like palm fronds and can put fire break around the growth.

Question: Can have people who are required to do community service at work to clear brush and make fire breaks?

Answer: They’re generally not in good enough physical shape to do it! RFD has contracted with the conservation corps, but they haven’t used “weekend warriors.”

Question: What about the problem of the homeless who start fires in the riverbottom?

Answer: Esparza says that RFD is aware of homeless problem and campfires. There is enforcement, but they can’t do much if the fire is started accidentally rather than as arson. Mike Gardner says that the City has great programs to address the homelessness issue but they only work if people want to stop being homeless and there are many people who choose to be homeless. There is a new court ruling in CA that encampment is squatting and grants rights to homeless, and requiring that they be formally notified and allowed time prior to eviction.

Question: Can people be prosecuted for having grocery carts which are stolen property?

Answer: Mike Gardner says that several cities have adopted ordinances to keep carts on commercial premises. Riverside is considering adopting such an ordinance. The City does try to keep them out of the riverbottom. He reiterated that the homelessness issue is very complex but encourages residents to report the problem.

Fire Marshall William Schellhous, Riverside Fire Department

RFD’s goal is to protect lives of residents first. A challenge that they face is getting resources together quickly and coordinating crews who may not be familiar with the area. Troops get sent to homes first. In the case of the riverbottom fire, it is hard to do preparation on state-owned land.

A strong form of prevention is improving one’s own property. The “Ready, Set ,Go” booklet (passed out at meeting, copies available) offers valuable advice regarding how to keep one’s property safe and how to prepare for evacuation. Some important guidelines: don’t have flammables near the house, embers can blow a long way and ignite in vents and attics, can ignite the entire roof. Need to have a plan and be prepared.

With the geography of the riverbottom, this area in particular needs to be prepared because the fire will blow into these neighborhoods.

Question: When resident was renewing home insurance, they asked him if he would allow them to put fire retardants on the house in the event of a fire. What does that mean?

Answer: Can spray a gel that makes home fire-resistant. Prevents embers from taking hold and is sprayed before a fire endangers home. Some fire teams have this product as well. Now insurance companies are coming out to homes with crews who prep homes and this method is very effective. (For more about this method, see: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080919/news_1m19insure.html)

Question: How do you protect vents from bringing in embers?

Answer: Can simply nail/place a wood board over the vent. Also, residents should be aware that RFD will come to your home and conduct an assessment to let you know how fire safe your home is or isn’t.

Mike Gardner, City Councilman, Area Update

Shopping center is currently in escrow with the Hopkins group. They have 140 shopping centers around southern California. It is privately owned. Mike Gardner met with them and they want to meet with a subcommittee from GNA. That should happen in about a month or so. They plan on attending our large GNA meeting eventually. (Mike Gardner is going to see if it might happen at our next meeting in August.) See the Hopkins Real Estate Page and their other developments here: http://www.hopkinsgroup.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp&page=about&section=0

They have gotten the “no loitering” signs up and Mike has the strong impression that they care about the problems at the center currently and want to make it better. He feels encouraged.

A good sign is that they are pre-managing it now, even prior to escrow closing. They are talking to tenants and have a good sense of which tenants are good and who are problem tenants. Mike informed them about the empty lot for sale behind the shopping center and it may be possible that they will buy it. They do not seem to be short of capital.

RPD and the City have been working on some problem houses in the area, taking additional steps by having the city attorney contact the owners. One of the houses was put up for sale yesterday and the other house is also moving toward a positive resolution.

The City acquired the Martha Mclean Anza Narrows park from the county. Mike would like to see the park go back to its original design with a working well. Currently it has no irrigation system and the winter rains did substantial damage to the banks along the bike path. The toll booth will close.

Question: What happened to the playground?

Answer: It did not meet current safety standards.

The city council election is on June 7. Ballots will be mailed on the 9^th of May. Every vote counts, especially in this ward where elections have historically been very tight, with just a few votes determining who is elected.

Question: There was a lot of police activity at the end of Tower the other day. What was going on?

Answer, Lt. Chris Manning, RPD: A stolen car driven by two parolees was pulled over and one suspect set off an on-foot chase on Tower Rd.

Lt. Chris Manning, Riverside Police Dept., update

(Officer Dillon was unable to attend. His family was in a car accident just prior to the meeting, but they are OK.)

The Wood Streets group has an excellent e-mail chain and have been sending alerts about burglaries in their area. RPD is aware of what’s going on there.

To address the homelessness issue raised earlier, the homeless are shifting and are using the bike path. They have been cutting fences to get access to the riverbottom. There is a lot of pedestrian homeless traffic to and from the river. They are working to shift them away from this area, toward other side of river.

Trash diving is also a problem. Encourages people to put trash out the day of collection rather than the night before. (Mike Gardner encourages people to call and report when trash diving is happening.)

There have been car break-ins at Mt. Rubidoux. Advise folks not to leave things in your car, not even if they are simply bags because thieves think you are hiding something valuable and will break in to find out. Better to have it totally empty.

Comment: Thanks to RPD for their efforts in addressing problem homes in our area. They have been very successful and have exceeded expectations.

Answer: Manning says that Mike Gardner has done an outstanding job of working with RPD and other entities in addressing problems in our area.

Our guest speaker will be Riverside’s Fire Marshall, Chief William Schellhous. He will be speaking about fire prevention and safety, a topic of special concern to our residents given the recent river bottom fire in November. We will also have our regular updates from the Riverside Police Department and Councilman Mike Gardner.

Location: 5105 Jurupa Ave. in the ARC facility next to the Laundromat

Agenda forthcoming…