Weekly City Hall Update Week of May 29th

City Hall Weekly Update – Week of May 29, 2025
From Councilman James Breitling

Here’s your detailed update on the work your city departments have been doing to serve Upland residents. From critical infrastructure repairs and economic development progress to community engagement and public safety operations—City Hall continues moving Upland forward.

Also, remember to check out www.theuplandupdate.com for my city council blog posts for the latest information.

View the last Council Meeting here

Administrative Services

Human Resources
This week, our HR team welcomed two new team members: Anthony Solis, who joins our Water Division as a Water Meter Technician, and Alyssa Ramirez, who joins Recreation as a new Recreation Leader. We also celebrated the well-earned promotion of Ryan Collins, who was elevated from Maintenance Worker I to Facilities Technician.

HR opened a recruitment for a Utility Worker I/II – Water Division, helping address long-term operational needs in Public Works.
Additionally, the Wellness Committee wrapped up its spring initiatives with a Puppy Play Date and Cat Play Date at the Upland Animal Shelter. The pet photo contest closed May 29, and the winner will be announced on June 2.

Information Technology (IT)
Our IT team provided essential support this week across departments:

• Resolved a Munis printer issue that allowed the Finance team to cut checks on time.

• Installed and configured Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) and resolved traffic software issues for Upland PD.

• Set up new computers for the Library and Animal Shelter.

• Replaced outdated cell phones for Public Works and Police field staff.

• Fixed speaker issues in the Council Chambers, ensuring smooth meeting operations.

• Provided Web Chameleon training to improve shelter operations and digital processes.

Development Services

Building, Planning, and Economic Development
From May 22–28, the Building & Safety Division completed 270 inspections, issued 52 permits, and plan-checked 20 construction sets.
The Planning Division reviewed 12 zoning clearances for new businesses, including a major new addition to Downtown:
Kings Brewing Company will open a BBQ restaurant and taproom at 296 N. 2nd Avenue.

Other key highlights:

• The Technical Review Committee reviewed a proposal for a 15,462 sq. ft. Event Center and Aviation Museum at Cable Airport. The project includes an additional 11,135 sq. ft. of office space and is designed to reflect a classic mid-century airplane hangar.

• Staff guided developers on a new Starbucks drive-thru at College Park Center on Arrow Route.

• A $19 million AHSC grant application was submitted for an affordable housing project (174 units) on Stowell Street, led by WPH Holdings.

Housing Programs

• Five seniors entered construction in the Emergency Repairs Program this week.

• Two other participants completed final inspections and payments.

• The Crestwood Communities Townhome Project (7 units) on Washington Blvd received grading and water meter permits and is moving forward.

Business Development

• Staff hosted the SBDC Restaurant Startup Training on May 28 at the Carnegie Building.

• Attended ribbon-cuttings for Foothill Credit Union and the One Health Center at 199 N. 2nd Avenue.

• Finalized loan underwriting for Kings Brewing Co. through the Business Attraction and Assistance Program.

Police Department

Our Police Department had an active and impactful week, addressing everything from violent crime and public disturbances to narcotics enforcement and online safety.

Major Arrests and Incidents

• Domestic Violence & Felony Assault: Officers arrested a suspect involved in a violent domestic incident on May 24–25, including assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. The suspect was located the following day after officers heard an active altercation and intervened to make the arrest.

• Assault with Stun Gun & Pepper Spray: On May 25, a multi-vehicle collision at 7th and Mountain escalated when an off-duty security guard used pepper spray and a stun gun on another driver. He was arrested and weapons were seized.

• Theft Arrests:

  • May 27: A shoplifter fled a thrift store near 7th Street but was quickly apprehended near Benson Ave. The merchandise was returned.

  • Later that day, officers responded to two separate disturbances at businesses on W. Foothill and N. Central Ave—both individuals were arrested for causing disturbances and harassing customers.

• Firearm & Narcotics Enforcement:

  • May 28: Officers responded to a group altercation from a prior robbery near Stillman and Maxwell. One suspect discarded a loaded firearm under a car and was arrested.

  • On the same day, another subject was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia and someone else's EBT card. His vehicle was impounded for expired registration.

  • A traffic stop near Foothill & Mountain uncovered 3 pounds of marijuana, a scale, packaging materials, and thousands in cash. The driver was arrested for transportation and sales of marijuana.

• Online Predator Case:
  In a disturbing but successful case, detectives identified and arrested a man who was sending lewd content to students at Upland Jr. High and attempting to lure them through social media. Once he resurfaced under a new account, students immediately reported him. He confessed to several crimes, including two other similar cases. All charges will be referred to the District Attorney.

Quality of Life & Homeless Outreach

• Code Enforcement cited multiple property maintenance violations on Philo Court.

• The Impact Team helped a family of four transition into permanent housing and conducted extra patrols, making arrests for a warrant and drug possession near W. Foothill Blvd.

Public Works

Engineering & Capital Projects

• Foothill Blvd. (Benson to Redding): Bids opened May 28. Four contractors submitted bids; staff is reviewing for Council consideration.

• Alley Rehab Phase 2: Final punch list in progress; project nearing completion.

• Lexington / 1st / 2nd Ave Rehab: Final walk-through scheduled.

• SCE Rule 20A Undergrounding Project: Vault and conduit trenching ongoing.

• Reservoir Upgrades: Overflow gap installation completed at Reservoirs 7, 12, and 13. The second round of upgrades is scheduled, and the notice to proceed has been issued.

• Police Department Expansion: Preparations for second-floor concrete pour are underway.

• Parking Lot Rehab (A Street): Trash enclosure improved with roofing and repainting.

• Cable Airport Event Center: Under review by Engineering and Planning.

• Grove Ave Rehab & 14th Street Project: Subsurface boring permits secured for both.

Operations & Field Maintenance

• Installed new trash cans at Baldy View Park.

• Trimmed trees to ensure stop sign visibility.

• Replaced missing safety bollards along the Pacific Electric Trail.

Public Works Week Recognition

• Congratulations to Tracy Montez, winner of the E-Bike raffle sponsored by Dr. Wayne McAfee!

• Sincere thanks to Public Works staff, including Alex Carrasco, Adrian Ibarra, Ryan Collins, and others who helped make our Public Works Week event a success.

Utilities Division Response

• Responded to a major water main break on Mariposa Court. Over 40 feet of damaged line was replaced, bottled water was distributed to affected homes, and the new section was disinfected and restored before Memorial Day.

• Interdepartmental collaboration ensured fast excavation, cleanup, and repairs. Long-term plans are underway to replace the full main in the area.

Community Services

Recreation & Events

• Walking Wednesdays concluded with residents logging over 150 miles in just four weeks.

• Virtual Bingo returned with 30 participants competing for restaurant gift cards.

• Travel Buddies Extended Excursion Program kicked off with 43 attendees discussing future trips to Mt. Rushmore, New Orleans, and more.

• Summer Camps are now enrolling: visit Upland Recreation Registration for details on sports, art, LEGO, and STEM camps.

Senior Center

• Over 15 seniors participated in a free wooden puzzle workshop, offered monthly in partnership with West End Family Counseling.

• Gibson Senior Center celebrated May birthdays during the FSA Lunch Program with 65+ seniors in attendance. Special thanks to Aqua Ridge Senior Living and Supervisor Jesse Armendarez for their support.

• Tickets are on sale for Father’s Day Comedy Night on Thursday, June 12. For just $5, residents can enjoy live comedy, prizes, and refreshments.

City Manager’s Office

This week, the Mayor and Assistant City Manager participated in two key regional discussions about a potential Navigation Center to serve the homeless population across up to nine West End cities. These meetings included representatives from San Bernardino County, Ontario, Chino, Montclair, Fontana, and Chino Hills.

Public Information & Outreach
City communications highlighted:

• National Public Works Week

• Memorial Day recognition and Veterans Plaza ceremony

• Lemon Festival wristband presales

• City Council updates, Planning Commission meeting notices

• Job and training programs, including a San Bernardino County Job Fair and Expungement Workshop

Thank you for reading this week’s update and for continuing to stay engaged in your local government. If you have any questions or want to learn more about upcoming projects or programs, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s keep Upland moving forward—together.

— Councilman James Breitling