City Hall Weekly Update

🏛 City Hall Weekly Update

Week of October 3, 2025
From Councilmember James Breitling

Hello Neighbors,

I want to take a moment to thank you for subscribing to receive my weekly Upland Updates. Keeping our community informed about current city matters is something I take seriously, and I truly appreciate your interest and engagement.

If you ever have suggestions, ideas, or topics you’d like to see included in future updates, please don’t hesitate to email me. I’m always looking for ways to make these updates more helpful and relevant to you.

Lastly, if you find the Upland Updates valuable, I’d be grateful if you shared them with your friends, family, and fellow Upland residents. They can easily sign up to receive the weekly updates by visiting www.theuplandupdate.com

Thank you again for staying connected and for being an active part of our community.

Warm regards,

James Breitling

City Council Member, District 2

City of Upland

I can be reached at (909)342-2523 or by email jbreitling@uplandca.gov

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SPECIAL REPORT CLICK TO WATCH BRIEF CEREMONY VIDEO

Honoring Our Veterans with Quilts of Valor

Yesterday, the Upland Chapter of Quilts of Valor presented 10 hand-crafted quilts to local veterans, a powerful gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Quilts of Valor is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. Each quilt is made by dedicated volunteers who pour their time, creativity, and heart into every stitch. More than just fabric and thread, these quilts represent honor, comfort, and recognition for the men and women who have served our nation.

The mission of Quilts of Valor is simple but profound: to wrap veterans in warmth and healing, reminding them that their service is seen, their sacrifices are valued, and their courage will never be forgotten. By presenting these quilts, the organization gives back to those who gave so much, offering a tangible reminder of the community’s respect and appreciation.

I am honored to support the Upland Chapter of Quilts of Valor and deeply grateful to its volunteers for their dedication to our veterans, ensuring they receive the comfort, dignity, and recognition they have so fully earned.

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Building Upland's Future Part 6: Peer Agency Comparative Analysis | The Upland Update
📉 See how Upland stacks up against our neighbors — and why it matters.

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Economic Development Update Presentation CLICK TO VIEW

Watch Latest City Council Meeting CLICK TO VIEW

Administrative Services Department]

Finance Division

For the month of September, Customer Service processed 904 utility payments totaling $199,343.44, along with 143 animal licenses generating $4,536 in revenue. In an effort to maintain accountability and timely payments, approximately 1,500 past-due accounts were notified and assessed the standard $15.75 delinquent fee.

Human Resources (HR)

The Human Resources team continued recruitment efforts this week, opening one new position and conducting interviews for two vital roles: Police Dispatcher (Part-Time) and Custodian. These efforts reflect the City’s ongoing focus on filling key positions that directly support frontline and facility operations.

Information Technology (IT)

IT staff provided critical cross-departmental support this week:

• Restored the Wi-Fi module on a Police K-9 body camera, enabling full synchronization with the department’s mobile application.

• Installed a video editing suite to enhance content production for the Public Works Department and integrate media across cloud platforms.

• Resolved an internet outage in partnership with Spectrum.

• Created new virtual servers as part of the upcoming Police Department platform rehost project.

• Resolved CLETS access issues at the Police Department and configured an upgraded CAD software version for officer training.

• Attended a CAD migration demo to evaluate long-term system improvements.

• Configured a wearable smart device and companion app to support future multimedia field initiatives for Public Works.

• Restored functionality to downtown security cameras, ensuring continuous monitoring coverage.

Development Services Department

Building & Safety

Between September 25 and October 1, the division conducted 209 building inspections, issued 58 building permits, and reviewed 21 plan sets.

Planning Division

Planning staff reviewed 10 zoning clearances for new businesses, continuing to support economic growth and commercial revitalization. Notable activities included:

• Coordination meetings with Claremont McKenna College regarding the construction of the Roberts Sports Park at Foothill Boulevard and Monte Vista Avenue.

• Discussions with developers on the Foothill and Central Avenue northeast corner project.

• Collaboration with San Antonio Water Company on the entitlement process for their new headquarters project on 20th Street, scheduled for Planning Commission review on October 22.

• Finalization of the Regional Utility to Support Housing (RUSH) Grant design contract, slated for City Council approval on October 13.

• Recordation of all easement documents for the Upland Storage Project at 20th Street and Campus Avenue.

Land Development, Transportation & Economic Development

• Completion of plan check for the 16th Street & San Antonio Avenue traffic signal improvement project.

• Receipt of 60% design plans and cost estimates for the REAP 2.0 Transportation Improvement Project.

• Issuance of an encroachment permit for patio expansion at Kings Brewing Co., supporting downtown revitalization.

• Final project review meeting held with KTUA to close out the Upland Mobility Master Plan.

• Coordination underway for public frontage improvements at Upland Village Center.

• Ongoing project check-ins with Claremont McKenna College development teams.

• Support to PGA Engineers on fire lane and no-parking zone design near SCE infrastructure.

• Collaboration with SoCalGas on a blanket pavement repair permit spanning 25 sites citywide.

• Integration of the Sunset Ridge Affordable Housing Development into the Turnkey Turf Removal Program, securing $117,000 in grant funding for sustainable landscape conversions.

Economic Development staff remained active in both business support and revitalization efforts:

• Conducted site walks with contractors for the Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Program (Rad Coffee, 2nd Avenue Boutique, Second Avenue Saloon, and Odd Fellows Hall).

• Completed underwriting and loan documentation for Kings Brewing Company under the City’s Business Assistance and Attraction Loan Program.

• Represented Upland at the ICSC Conference, meeting with five shopping center owners and brokers to discuss vacancies and local investment opportunities.

• Attended the Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting for Patra’s Dining on East C Street.

• Coordinated a business consultation for Eden Garden with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

• Installed Decision Engine software on the Energov platform to streamline application selection for residents (in testing phase).

• Submitted Prior Period Adjustment (PPA) documentation for Successor Agency ROPS 23/24 to the County Auditor-Controller.

Police Department

The Upland Police Department continued its dedicated work to protect our community through enforcement, prevention, and investigation. The department handled multiple major incidents this past week:

• Detectives solved a $3,600 organized retail theft case, linking suspects to a Los Angeles gang responsible for multiple regional thefts. The case was submitted for felony filing.

• Code Enforcement cited two illegal sidewalk vendors and addressed ongoing blight issues along 9th Street, including landscaping violations.

• The Impact Team made multiple arrests for trespassing, substance abuse, and outstanding warrants during proactive patrols.

• Detectives identified a suspect vehicle involved in a $6,000 tool theft and are coordinating with a LA County burglary task force.

• Officers made multiple DUI arrests, including a driver who collided with residential property and another who stopped mid-traffic to “move cones.”

• Officers also responded to a downtown indecent exposure incident, a medical emergency where CPR was initiated before hospital transport, and several theft cases resulting in arrests.

  These cases demonstrate the department’s vigilant enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, and swift response to community safety concerns.

Public Works Department

The Public Works Department made significant progress across operations, engineering, water utilities, and capital projects this past week. Below is a breakdown by division:

Engineering & Operations

• 11th Street Flashing Signal Beacon & Alley Improvements – trenching and conduit installation ongoing between Spruce and Birch Avenues.

• 14th Street Rehabilitation Project – a well-attended community meeting on Sept. 23 gathered resident input to inform design progression to 60%.

• Foothill Boulevard Rehabilitation – project submittals reviewed and pending materials approval; construction scheduled for late October.

• SCE Rule 20A Undergrounding – contractor continuing lateral conduit installations between Benson and Central Avenues.

• Water Plant 2 Generator – successfully delivered and installed on the new concrete pad.

• Water Plant 6 Generator – conduit installation complete, trench backfilled.

• SCADA System Upgrade – vendor finalizing long-lead equipment procurement.

  Utilities Division

• Installed new “Softball Only” and “Dogs on Leash” signage at Greenbelt Park.

• Repaired curbing on Veronica Street and filled numerous potholes citywide.

• Water Production averaged 17.3 MGD, with 11.5 MGD from groundwater and 5.8 MGD imported from WFA.

• Installed a new 14-inch production meter and dedicated sample tap at the treatment plant—upgrades that improve data accuracy, SCADA integration, and regulatory compliance.

  Environmental Services

• 171 residents participated in the Household Hazardous Waste program, safely disposing of toxic materials.

• The Free Shred Event at Memorial Park—co-hosted with Supervisor Hagman—saw 277 participants protecting their privacy and environment.

Recreation & Community Services

• The Recreation Division continues to lead vibrant community engagement efforts:

  • 9 park reservations and 5 facility bookings processed for the weekend.

  • The Scary-A-Faire vendor list is officially full, featuring 15 food vendors and up to 58 candy vendors, with participation by the Second Division Ghostbusters Fan Club and Old Skool 66ers Car Club.

  • Bark’n Bingo at Magnolia Park drew 25 participants and their dogs, enjoying prizes and a themed “bark-uterie” snack event.

  • Upcoming Movie Night (Oct. 10 at Magnolia Park): “Hotel Transylvania” screening with crafts, games, and free family fun starting at 5 p.m.

  • Bleed Safe Community Program (Sept. 25): In partnership with County Fire, 25 participants were trained in lifesaving bleeding control techniques—boosting confidence and preparedness citywide.

  • Health & Wellness Fair preparations continue, along with promotion of the Halloween Witch’s Brew Dinner & Dance (Oct. 16) at Gibson Senior Center.

  • The recent Rummage Sale at Gibson was a strong success, featuring 25 vendors and over 100 attendees, thanks to the teamwork of Recreation staff.

City Manager’s Office

• The City Manager’s Office led several administrative and public engagement initiatives this week. Highlights included:

  • Shared updates on Public Works projects, CDFA citrus disease alerts (HLB & ACP), SCE wildfire safety, Metrolink Free Ride Day, and Caltrans lane closures.

  • Published employee anniversary highlights and departmental features on LinkedIn.

  • The City Clerk’s Office administered one new employee oath, attended the California Municipal Clerks Association advocacy webinar, processed 56 public records requests, and received two subpoenas.

  • Notably, the total number of records requests for 2025 has already surpassed all of 2024, underscoring the City’s growing emphasis on public access and accountability.

Community Events

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