Weekly City Hall Update

City Hall Weekly Highlights –

August 1, 2025
By Councilmember James Breitling | District 2 | City of Upland

As we close out another eventful week in Upland, I want to share the latest updates from your city government. A great deal of work is happening across departments to keep services running efficiently, plan for our future, and respond to community needs. If there’s anything that needs my attention, I’m just a call or email away. I hope you and your families enjoy a safe and relaxing weekend!

Thank you for staying engaged and being an active part of our Upland community.

James

Summary of July 28, 2025 City Council Meeting click here

To view the City Council agenda and attachments click here

Administrative Services The Finance Division reported that the City Council has approved a property tax lien totaling over $800,000 for collection of delinquent utility bills. Human Resources celebrated wellness with an all-staff Acai Bowl Bar and conducted interviews for both a Risk Management Coordinator and Maintenance Worker I. One new employee, Benjamin Castro, joined the team as an Equipment Mechanic. The HR team also announced a promotional recruitment for the Accounting Technician role.

IT staff supported several high-priority citywide needs, including deploying computers for the Police Department’s Drone as First Responder pilot program, conducting a telecom cost-saving review to convert legacy phone systems, and resolving copier issues for PD Records. They strengthened security infrastructure through auditing tools, resolved remote access and printing issues at Magnolia Rec Center, and coordinated with vendors for repairs at the Senior Center. IT also updated software access for Development Services and configured a new scan-to-email account for the City Clerk’s Office.

Development Services Between July 24 and July 30, the Building & Safety Division completed 279 inspections, issued 42 permits, and reviewed 20 plan sets. Planning reviewed 12 zoning clearance applications and completed final inspection of 8 units at the Downtown City Ventures development.

Staff met with SBCTA, SBCOG, and Michael Baker International to discuss future REAP 2.0 grant-eligible housing projects. Economic Development coordinated with Allure Image Medical Spa on a potential expansion and with the Upland Chamber on promoting Tour de Foothills as a Downtown Entertainment Zone event.

Azure Seafood held preliminary discussions to acquire a 3.5-acre site near Arrow and Benson for new business development. The Development Services Director also walked the historic Santa Fe Depot with Architerra Design Group to begin scoping conceptual design plans for rehabilitation—funded through the City’s FY24 Community Project Funding Grant.

Staff, including Mayor Velto, were interviewed by Business View Magazine for a feature article highlighting the City of Upland. In transportation, staff kicked off design for a new traffic signal at San Antonio Ave and 16th St., investigated traffic control requests at Notre Dame & Magnolia and San Bernardino Rd & 11th Ave, and issued 54 new business parking permits.

Land Development helped resolve a resident’s gas leak by connecting them with SoCalGas and extended an encroachment permit to BAR/CHP for roadside emissions surveys. City Council also approved the 2025 Weed Abatement Infraction List to remove public nuisances from non-compliant properties.

Housing prepared contracts for two Manufactured-Home Improvement Program participants and conducted preconstruction job walks. Staff oversaw façade improvement work for Eden Garden Fusion Grill and Hair Secrets Salon and promoted SBDC business training events. The “Discover Upland” video series launched its first episode with KSNN.

The team also coordinated with Historic Downtown Upland and ABC to schedule a fall meeting with downtown businesses regarding Entertainment Zone Ordinance requirements. On the financial front, staff completed Phase I of the Planning Deposit Cost Recovery audit—converting over $221,000 in legacy deposits to City revenue and identifying $117,000 in refunds for project applicants.

Police Department The Upland Police Department remained highly active this past week, responding to a broad range of public safety incidents, conducting targeted enforcement operations, and advancing several investigations. On July 24, officers were called to a shopping center near Foothill Boulevard and Euclid Avenue regarding a suspicious male who was reportedly intoxicated and holding a beer. The individual became uncooperative and resisted officers during contact. He was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest. Later that evening, a vehicle was stopped near Euclid Avenue and 9th Street; the driver, who had been drinking, was arrested for DUI and booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

On July 25, officers responded to a call near a pharmacy parking lot where a female reported being chased to her car by a man acting erratically. The suspect was located and arrested on outstanding warrants. That same day, the department conducted a DUI checkpoint, resulting in four DUI arrests, two other arrests, seven citations for being unlicensed or driving on a suspended license, and five vehicles being stored or impounded. The checkpoint was funded through a traffic safety grant.

On July 27, while patrolling the 1000 block of W. 9th Street, an officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near closed businesses. The driver was found to be a felon in possession of ammunition and was booked accordingly. On July 28, officers responded to a department store theft. While one suspect was being detained, another theft in progress was reported—resulting in two suspects being arrested and booked for shoplifting. That same day, officers received a call from a convenience store owner who refused service to an intoxicated customer attempting to purchase alcohol. The customer fled the location, was stopped by officers, and arrested for DUI.

Also on July 28, officers contacted a male subject on Mountain Avenue who was flailing his arms, yelling obscenities, and kicking the curb. The subject was determined to be under the influence of drugs and was arrested. In court-related matters, Traffic Officers testified at two preliminary hearings—one for a felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, and another for a DUI murder case. Both suspects were held to answer on all charges.

On July 29, officers contacted three individuals at Memorial Park after hours. One subject was arrested for possessing a methamphetamine pipe, while the others were cited for being in the park after closing. On July 30, officers responded to a traffic collision at Euclid Avenue and 8th Street involving a motorcycle. The rider, who was found to be DUI and at fault, was medically cleared and booked. On July 31, an officer observed a vehicle traveling without headlights near Central Avenue and Arrow Highway. After the vehicle ran a red light, the female driver was stopped and arrested for DUI.

The department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted surveillance in connection to an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred on E. Foothill Boulevard. The suspect was taken into custody, and during a vehicle search, officers recovered more than three ounces of methamphetamine. The suspect was charged with both assault and possession for sale of narcotics.

Code Enforcement was equally active, conducting an inspection of a shopping center on West Foothill Boulevard and issuing three new citations. A business in the 1900 block of Huntington Drive received its fourth citation for multiple, ongoing violations. The Impact Team made contact with two subjects on W. 9th Street—one was cited for possessing an open container of alcohol and the other for trespassing. Additionally, Homeless Services successfully placed a homeless veteran into a motel and is currently working to transition him into permanent housing.

Public Works The Public Works Department tackled a full slate of projects this week—spanning engineering, capital improvement, field operations, utilities, and community events. The Engineering Division advanced several roadway and facility projects. Staff continued preparing traffic calming exhibit boards for both the 14th Street (Campus to Grove) and Grove Avenue (Foothill Blvd. to 15th Street) rehabilitation projects, which will be presented to local residents at upcoming community meetings. Streetlights were energized as part of the Alpine, Vernon, and Palm rehabilitation effort, and the contractor is addressing final punch list items.

Three major projects were accepted by City Council on July 28: Phase II of the ARPA Alley Rehabilitation, the Lexington Street/1st Avenue/2nd Avenue street rehab, and a parking lot improvement project on the south side of “A” Street. The Notices of Completion for all three were officially recorded with the County on July 29. City staff is currently scheduling a preconstruction meeting for the Foothill Boulevard rehabilitation project (Benson to Redding Way). A new generator was successfully installed at the Upland Animal Shelter on July 31 as part of an ongoing backup power upgrade at key city facilities. Engineering staff also continued reviewing material submittals for overflow gap installations at Reservoirs 10, 11, 12A, and 13A.

Looking ahead, Public Works is preparing the Measure I Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Critical Project Needs Analysis to be presented to the City Council on August 11. These documents are required to maintain eligibility for regional Measure I transportation funding.

In the Field Operations Division, staff framed and poured two concrete pads for upcoming memorial bench installations on Euclid Avenue. They also assisted with the Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Upland Public Library by transporting and displaying Public Works vehicles for attendees to explore. Routine maintenance work included pothole repair using hot mix asphalt at 22nd Street and Euclid Avenue.

The Utilities Division had a strong week of community engagement and infrastructure performance. A total of 226 Upland residents safely disposed of hazardous waste through the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Program. The recent Bulky Item Disposal and Document Shredding event at Magnolia Park drew a record-breaking 399 households. Public Works staff also participated in the Touch-A-Truck event with three large service vehicles on display, offering children and families an inside look at Upland’s infrastructure tools.

Water production remained strong with a daily average of 19.4 million gallons. Of that, 13.3 MGD came from groundwater sources, 4.8 MGD from imported surface water purchased through WFA, and 1.3 MGD from the San Antonio Water Treatment Plant.

One of the more complex repair efforts took place at Greenbelt Park, where Sewer Division staff addressed a significant sewer lateral blockage. The problem stemmed from a large Sycamore tree whose roots had infiltrated the sewer line. During the excavation process, crews discovered that a maintenance cleanout had been buried beneath a concrete slab. A 10- to 12-foot “horse tail” root mass was extracted from the 4-inch pipe, restoring the line to full functionality. The work required two separate excavations due to the absence of as-built plans for the site’s drainage system.

Recreation Services Recreation staff hosted a packed evening of community fun at Memorial Park, featuring the Kids' Swap Meet, youth performances, a concert by teen band Mechanical Melody, bounce houses, crafts, face painting, and a movie screening of Moana 2. Food trucks included Davo’s Tacos, Fired Up Pizza, and FJ Kettlecorn.

Four park reservations are scheduled this weekend, and Park Monitors return to assist patrons at reserved sites.

The annual Luau Dinner & Show on July 31 was sold out, with over 75 seniors enjoying a ukulele concert and Polynesian dancing. Thanks to Andie and the team for a wonderful evening.

Additional community programs include:

• Grief & Loss Support Group (last Monday monthly) offered by West End Family Counseling

• Free Ceramics Class for adults begins August 30 through Mt. SAC (Saturdays at Magnolia Rec Center)

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed. Your engagement helps us build a better Upland. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns—I’m here to serve you.

Respectfully,
James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

jbreitling@uplandca.gov

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