Community Update

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