Weekly City Hall Update

Administrative Services Department

Finance

· A new Business License Services webpage is live, streamlining access for entrepreneurs to apply, renew, and understand requirements for doing business in Upland.
Visit: uplandca.gov/business-license-services

· AQMD auditors completed an in-person audit of fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Senior Accountant Kelly Duong led the City’s successful compliance response—Upland met all AQMD accounting and funding standards.

Human Resources

· HR hosted a "Lunch and Learn" in collaboration with Claremont University, promoting ongoing employee development.

· Installed AED machines at all City facilities, enhancing emergency response readiness.

· Received three new liability claims.

· Welcomed two new hires:

· Aleeah Aguilera, Administrative Intern

· Ryan Alvarado, Recreation Leader

Information Technology

· Finalized the design phase for the City website redesign, which now enters full development.

· Launched implementation of a new Windows update application to ensure regular server and workstation maintenance.

· Supported Public Works, Police, and Development Services with new software installations and computer replacements.

· Worked with Axon to complete camera integration in police units, and optimized the City’s VPN for video traffic.

· Resolved Crime View access issues, setup iPad testing for PD Detectives, and conducted training with copier techs across departments.

· Staff also finalized plans to modernize the Public Works conference room alongside the Assistant City Manager.

Development Services Department

Building & Safety & Planning

· From May 5–8, staff completed 104 inspections, issued 40 permits, and reviewed 19 plan checks.

· Approved 10 zoning clearances for incoming businesses.

· Issued a Special Event Permit for the Southern California Festival & Sale for World Relief (May 9–10 at Pacific Christian Center), supporting global relief efforts with food, music, and a charity auction.

Housing, Land Development, & Engineering

· City departments coordinated to prepare an AHSC grant application and met with KTUA consultants to advance the Upland Mobility Plan.

· Staff prepared construction contracts and preconstruction meetings for three Emergency Repairs Program recipients.

· The Weed Abatement Coordinator conducted 29,391 inspections to date, with 762 courtesy notices issued and 284 cases closed.

Economic Development

· Finalized ARPA-funded Small Business Expansion Grants for Cookies & Pints and Risen Bakery.

· Attended the CALED Annual Conference and continued work on transitioning from BridgePay to Tyler Payments, with a June 2 go-live target.

· Drafted a contract amendment with EnviroMine for ongoing mining operations compliance under SMARA.

· Participated in the EDI-CPF Grant cohort, focused on federal economic development funding opportunities.

Fire Department

· Station 161 represented Upland Fire at Citrus Elementary’s Career Day, offering students a look into public safety careers.

· Station 163 participated in the 2nd Annual Fun Run, continuing their commitment to community outreach and youth engagement.

Police Department

Police Activity Summary (May 1–7):

· Child Exploitation Arrest (ICAC): Detectives arrested a registered sex offender found in possession of child sexual abuse material. The suspect admitted guilt and was booked into County Jail.

· Lewd Conduct Arrest (May 2): Officers responded to reports of a man exposing himself in a pool area. The individual was arrested and charged with felony sex crimes after further investigation.

· Felony DUI & Domestic Violence (May 2): A traffic stop revealed a domestic altercation inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested for both DUI and felony domestic violence.

· Traffic Enforcement Operation (May 3): 46 citations issued for moving violations during a grant-funded detail.

· Vehicle Fire Response (May 6): Officers ensured quick traffic control near Mountain Ave & 7th St during a large vehicle fire. No other vehicles were damaged.

· Road Rage Incident & Knife Assault (May 6): A physical fight escalated into a knife attack. Officers located the suspects and a loaded firearm; two individuals were arrested.

· Obstruction & Narcotics Arrest (May 7): During a traffic stop, a relative arrived and disrupted the scene. Both were arrested—one for possession of a controlled substance.

· Domestic Battery Follow-up (May 7): A suspect drove at an officer’s vehicle after a domestic call. He resisted arrest but was safely taken into custody.

· Trespassing & Drug Arrest (Impact Team): Arrested a subject for trespassing, drug paraphernalia, and misappropriation of lost property.

· Homeless Services: Placed one person in substance abuse treatment and prevented one potential eviction.

· Code Enforcement: Met with the owner of a problem property on N. Mountain Ave; illegal signage removed citywide; reviewed conditions for new development at 1st Ave & A Street.

Public Works Department

Engineering – Capital Projects

· 14th St. & Grove Ave. Rehabs: Soil boring permits approved—design process continues.

· Foothill Blvd. (Benson–Redding): Bid opening extended to May 15.

· Lexington/1st/2nd Rehab: Asphalt completed; striping installed May 6.

· Parking Lot (A Street): Asphalt, striping complete; contractor working on trash enclosure upgrades.

· Police Dept. Expansion: Steel beam installation began overnight May 7–8.

· Reservoir Safety Upgrades: Project complete at Reservoirs 7, 12, 13; others in progress pending materials with long lead times.

· Foothill SCE Undergrounding: Unknown concrete encasement discovered—under investigation for utility type.

Operations

· Installed concrete base for trash bins at Fern Park, overlaid Greentree Rd, and set up K-rails for the Firefighter Car Show.

· Library HVAC system fully replaced and operational ahead of summer.

Utilities

· Weekly water production: 13.5 MGD

· Groundwater: 9.6 MGD

· Imported: 1.9 MGD

· San Antonio Plant: 2.0 MGD

Recreation & Community Services

· Raised $13,000+ in sponsorships for the 4th of July Light Up the Night fireworks event. Outreach to local businesses is ongoing.

· 8 park reservations and 1 facility rental scheduled this weekend.

· Butterflies in May enrolled 51 children in the season’s first educational session.

· Walking Wednesdays kicked off—a free community fitness program for all ages.

· Met with the Upland Veterans Monument Committee to plan the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26.

· Staff attended the CPRS Funding Workshop for grants in parks and recreation.

Gibson Senior Center Highlights

· Billiards Tournament: 20+ participants, prize winners celebrated with gift cards.

· Cinco de Mayo Mocktail Hour: Included folklorico dance and community celebration.

· Ladies Paint Night: Expected to host 60+ attendees for crafts, music, and door prizes.

City Manager’s Office

· Attended SBCTA City-County Conference and Kiwanis Club meeting featuring District Attorney Jason Anderson.

· Approved and printed the Summer Edition of Upland Today—delivery begins this week!

· City Clerk’s Office celebrated Municipal Clerks Week with trivia, contests, and mascot photos featuring “Quill” the hedgehog.

· Public information team promoted:

· Firefighters Memorial Weekend

· Public Works & Economic Development Committee Meetings

· Police Ride to Live Program

· La Pupusa Festival at Farmers Market

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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