Community Update
Week of March 25, 2025
Upland neighbors,
Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening across our city departments this past week.
Upland Police Department
Our officers and Code Enforcement team continue to keep our city safe and secure:
• Code Enforcement identified a non-compliant fence along W. Arrow Highway and issued notices regarding illegal signage. Eight businesses have already come into compliance.
• Officers responded to a welfare check involving a vulnerable elderly resident and intervened in a restraining order violation. Charges are being filed with the District Attorney.
• A stolen vehicle was recovered at a local business, and the suspect was arrested after being identified via surveillance footage.
• A DUI arrest led to the recovery of a loaded firearm near Foothill Blvd. and Redding Way.
• A wanted suspect associated with a transnational crime group was arrested after attempting to evade law enforcement. He resisted but was taken into custody.
• Narcotics arrests were made following a complaint near 14th Avenue and 9th Street.
• A reckless driver doing donuts near East 20th Street was arrested, and their vehicle was towed. A passenger was also cited for an open container violation.
Administrative Services
• Finance: Residents may have received postcards about utility billing moving to the property tax roll. Our customer service team has been hard at work addressing inquiries.
• Human Resources: HR welcomed a new Utility Worker Trainee, celebrated a promotion in our Police Records division, and conducted interviews for key positions.
• Information Technology: The team installed new IBIS software in police vehicles, resolved a network outage, and provided support across departments.
• Recreation & Community Services:
• We’ve been approved by MLB to host a local Pitch, Hit & Run competition for youth!
• This weekend, staff will assist with a dog adoption event with Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s office.
• The Egg-streme Egg Hunt for Adults is full with 550 participants, and a few spaces remain for the Bark’n Bone-Anza Egg Hunt for Dogs.
• Seniors can still sign up for free Tai Chi classes, iPad workshops, and Alzheimer’s support seminars at the Gibson Center.
• Save the date: the 2nd Annual Women’s Conference is coming soon, themed “I’ve Got The Power”—offering wellness, inspiration, and connection for women 18 and up.
Development Services
• The Building & Safety Division completed 184 inspections, issued 41 permits, and reviewed 20 plan sets.
• Staff reviewed zoning clearances for 7 new businesses and met with a prospective brewery owner for Downtown.
• The City Council held the first reading of the updated ADU/JADU Ordinance, bringing our policies into state compliance.
• The Planning Commission approved a new wireless telecommunications facility and continued discussion on a drive-thru restaurant project in the Mountain Green shopping center.
• Over 12,800 weed abatement inspections have been completed citywide.
• Economic Development advanced property sales, small business expansion grants, and hosted a ribbon cutting for Las Brisas Mexican and Seafood Restaurant in the Vons center.
Public Works
• Major capital projects continue to move forward, including:
• Foothill Blvd. Rehabilitation (Benson to Redding): Now out to bid.
• Reservoir Overflow Improvements: Construction starts March 31.
• Street rehab projects: Lexington, Grove, Alpine/Vernon/Palm are all in active phases of design or construction.
• Parking Lot Rehab near Eden Gardens Restaurant: Staff found a solution to a delay-causing lighting issue and construction will proceed soon.
• Utilities staff helped 222 residents properly dispose of hazardous waste.
• Crews completed roadway patching, continued water production oversight, and advanced upgrades to city infrastructure like HVAC systems at the Library.
City Manager’s Office
• Our leadership team participated in the State of the City event with the Chamber of Commerce.
• The Assistant City Manager hosted the Employee Anniversary Breakfast to celebrate our incredible staff.
• Work is underway for the Summer issue of Upland Today, arriving in homes this May.
• Public outreach included updates on public meetings, community events, and promotions for the Animal Shelter Towel Drive, Women’s Conference, and Farmers Market.
As always, I remain committed to transparency and accessibility in our local government. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. Wishing you all a safe and restful weekend.
Respectfully,
Council Member James Breitling
City of Upland, District 2
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
(909) 342-2523
info@theuplandupdate.com
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