City Hall Weekly Update

Week of September 6, 2025
From Councilmember James Breitling

As we close out Labor Day week, City Hall remains focused on moving Upland forward with projects, community programs, and essential public services across every department. Here's a look at what your city government has been working on.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at (909)342-2523 or by email. jbreitling@uplandca.gov

Administrative Services Department

Human Resources

September began on a positive and engaging note as the Wellness Committee launched a fun Bingo activity open to all city staff. In staffing updates, HR welcomed Kristel Sanchez to the team as the City’s new Risk Management Coordinator.

The following recruitments were opened this week:

• Police Dispatcher I/II

• Police Officer Trainee

Meanwhile, interviews were conducted for two key positions:

• Maintenance Coordinator

• Assistant/Associate Engineer

Information Technology (IT)

The IT Division continues to support critical infrastructure across departments. This week:

• New firewalls were deployed at the Public Works – Water Department, enhancing system security.

• Staff partnered with an A/V vendor to diagnose issues affecting Public Works conference room technology.

• The automated drive access process for the Police Department was reviewed and updated for better efficiency.

• The Police Department intranet was refreshed to remove expired links and improve navigation.

• Video recordings were retrieved and archived to fulfill a Public Records Request and for internal PD evidence storage.

Development Services Department

Building & Safety Division

From August 28 to September 3, the division:

• Completed 137 building inspections

• Issued 29 permits

• Reviewed 22 sets of construction plans

Planning Division

• Approved 8 zoning clearances for new businesses this week.

• Approved three Special Event Permits, including:

1. Cable Airport’s 80th Anniversary Airshow – Saturday, September 13
   More Info

2. Fall Sampling at Amazon Fresh – Also September 13, hosted at 235 E. Foothill Blvd to showcase fall-themed flavors, with grilled chicken wing samples and music.

3. Adaptive Foundation Halloween Festival – Coming October 18, this inclusive event for individuals with disabilities will offer costumes, candy, food, music, and resources at 2025/2028 W. 11th Street
   Instagram Event Info

• Staff also accepted proposals for the RUSH Grant project to underground the 66kV transmission lines along Stowell Street.

• A successful workshop with downtown ABC-licensed businesses was held in coordination with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to review the Downtown Entertainment Zone Ordinance. Attendance was strong and included Q&A with the Director.

• Land Development & Transportation Division continued work with consultant KTUA on the Upland Mobility Master Plan, refining the draft and preparing for Council presentation.

• Staff assisted a Pine Street resident with sewer reconnection due to the need to replace an existing lateral.

• Engineering Manager approved SCE overtime work related to a Rule 20A undergrounding project.

• Fuel reduction efforts continue at County Flood Basin #7 (San Antonio Creek), with Basin #6 (Colonies) to follow once bird nesting season ends.

Economic Development

• Launched the first video in the “Discover Upland” business spotlight series.

• Oversaw the decommissioning of the Nextel cell tower at 19th St. and 3rd Ave; demo crews continue site work.

• Worked with Historic Downtown Upland and Public Works to improve the tree-mounted speaker system on 2nd Avenue and 9th Street.

• Staff completed a Tyler Payments reconciliation training and identified a need for credential updates to reconcile transaction fees.

• New iPads were ordered and are being distributed to Planning Commissioners, replacing decade-old equipment.

Police Department

The Police Department has been active across patrol, investigations, traffic safety, and community engagement:

• August 29: Detectives executed two residential search warrants in Victorville and Ontario related to an arson case. Evidence collected will support the identification of multiple suspects.

• August 30: Officers responded to a citizen tip about potential drug activity in an alley near Grove Ave and 9th Street. Contact was made with three subjects. A vehicle search uncovered methamphetamine and sales-related items. The owner was arrested for possession for sale and booked at County Jail.

• September 2: Detectives learned a firearm recovered during a recent Upland disturbance was connected to an unsolved homicide in the County. Upland PD coordinated with the investigating agency and shared intelligence to assist in their case.

• That same day, officers responded to graffiti in progress on the bike trail. Two teenage suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended and arrested for felony vandalism and resisting arrest.

• Also on September 2, traffic officers responded to a crash near Mildura Ave and Northstar Lane. A vehicle hit a power pole, likely due to a medical episode experienced by the driver. The driver was hospitalized, and a DMV re-examination was filed.

• September 4: Officers contacted a suspicious person near 9th and Bodenhamer. The subject was determined to be under the influence of methamphetamine and was arrested.

• In a separate case, officers investigated an identity theft in which a victim’s cousin used their name to fraudulently receive medical services. Surveillance footage confirmed the cousin’s identity. This is the second such offense involving the same individuals. Charges are being referred to the District Attorney.

Fire Department

• Station 164 participated in the Relay for Life event on September 6.

• Station 12 (Mt. Baldy Fire) hosted its 67th Annual Steak Fry on the same day.

Public Works Department

Operations

• 11th Street Flashing Beacon & Alley Improvements: The long-delayed Myers cabinet was delivered. Contractor now preparing SWPPP and the construction schedule. Tentative start date: September 15, focused on the alley between Spruce and Birch.

• Foothill Blvd Rehab (Benson to Redding): Water pipeline submittals have been reviewed and approved. Construction expected to begin October 13.

• Foothill Blvd Rule 20A Undergrounding: Crews are working on lateral conduit tie-ins for affected businesses.

• Railroad Sign & Street Sign Repairs:

  • Fixed a railroad crossing sign at San Antonio & 8th Street

  • Repaired a “One Hour Parking” sign at City Hall

• Tree Trimming for Safety: Ops staff cleared a line-of-sight obstruction near a street sign to enhance motorist visibility.

• Water Bond Accounting: Engineering is updating internal documentation to track bond fund allocations vs. expenditures.

• Water Master Plan: Engineering is reviewing the consultant’s Capital Improvement Program recommendations.

• Recruitments: Interviews were held for two open engineering positions in both CIP and Utilities divisions.

Utilities Division

• Water Production this week:

  • Total: 19.8 million gallons per day (MGD)

  • Groundwater Wells: 13.8 MGD

  • Imported Water (WFA): 6.0 MGD

  • San Antonio Treatment Plant: 0 MGD (seasonally offline)

Recreation & Community Services

• On September 3, in partnership with SBCo Fire, the City presented the “Bleed Safe” active shooter response training. Of the 11 participants, all left the course with increased confidence and readiness to render aid in emergencies.

• The Passport Services team has helped 239 guests since July 1, generating over $10,198 in revenue. Service runs Wednesday–Saturday, appointments recommended.

• Park Reservations: 3 groups are booked for the weekend.

• Turkey Trot 5K Registration is now open!

  • 89 participants already signed up

  • Early bird rates: $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K Kids Dash

  • Register at runsignup.com

  • Use code “Upland25” for a $10 discount!

• Ceramics Class Success: Over 45 students attended last Saturday’s free Mt. SAC ceramics workshop, learning to sculpt air-dry clay pinch pots in a lively and social environment.

• Upcoming Events:

  • Gibson Rummage Sale – Saturday, September 27, 9 AM–1 PM
    Over 25 vendors, food available. Info: (909) 981‑4501

  • Health & Wellness – Friday, October 3, 9 AM–1 PM
    Free screenings, flu shots, COVID vaccines, and more

City Manager’s Office

• The City Manager participated in the San Bernardino County Transportation Advisory Committee and Inland Empire City Managers Meeting.

• Emergency planning coordination took place with the County Emergency Services Officer as part of National Preparedness Month outreach.

• The City Clerk administered the loyalty oath to a new employee this week.

• Public communications this week included:

  • Labor Day closure notices

  • Army PaYS program event recap

  • Advisory committee meeting updates

  • Upland Today magazine redesign launch

  • Wellness Committee wrap-up post on LinkedIn

  • Episode 4 of the State of the City 2025 video series

  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) workshop promo