City Hall Weekly Update – August 7–14, 2025

From Councilman James Breitling

As we enter the final weeks of summer, Upland continues to make meaningful progress across all departments—from enforcing public safety and improving streets to supporting local businesses and launching community programming. Here’s your complete update on the City’s activities this past week:

Administrative Services

Finance
Following the Public Hearing held on July 28th, the City has officially submitted delinquent utility accounts to the San Bernardino County property tax roll for collection. This includes two commercial accounts totaling $2,241, five multi-family accounts totaling $24,468, and a combined 255 single-family residential accounts—both open and closed—amounting to over $585,800. In total, the City sent $612,512.28 worth of delinquent charges to the tax roll (not including processing fees).

In addition, during the month of June, the Customer Service team processed 958 utility payments totaling $349,104.17 and issued 166 animal licenses valued at $6,588. Meanwhile, the Business License Inspector issued over 100 administrative citations for non-compliance with license tax regulations.

Human Resources
The Wellness Committee hosted a successful educational seminar focused on fraud prevention and common online scams. Recruitment remains active across several key positions including a Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager (Utilities), Customer Service Specialist II, and an Animal Services Officer. One new employee, Jessica Neiheisel, joined the team as a Background Investigator. Interviews were also conducted for the Facilities Technician role and a part-time Police Dispatcher I/II position.

Information Technology (IT)
The IT Department has been busy with critical systems upgrades. Most notably, the police records management software was successfully migrated to the latest Windows operating system. To enhance connectivity, new Wi-Fi routers were installed at the Animal Shelter. IT staff also collaborated with the City Clerk to plan improvements to Council Chamber technology.

Several backend updates were completed as well. These include network enhancements to support new Water Division hardware, permission adjustments across Development Services directories, updated staff contact information for Planning Commission communications, and a refreshed internal phone extension directory.

Development Services

Between August 7 and 13, the Building & Safety Division performed 152 building inspections, issued 62 permits, and reviewed 23 sets of construction plans. The Planning Division also reviewed 10 zoning clearances for new businesses.

On August 13, the Technical Review Committee evaluated two major projects. The first is a proposed five-story, 150,000-square-foot parking structure with 9,900 square feet of ground-floor commercial space at First Avenue and C Street. The second, known as the Buffalo Grove Specific Plan, is a 72-unit detached residential development proposed at the site of the Old Buffalo Inn on West Foothill Boulevard.

Planning staff also met with the City’s parking structure consultant, Watry Design, Inc., to review construction documentation and cost planning for the downtown parking project.

Economic Development & Housing

The City’s Economic Development team continued work on the Discover Upland business promotional video with KSNN and participated in the Historic Downtown Upland (HDU) board meeting to discuss fall event planning. Staff also held a strategic call with the City Attorney to begin drafting a disposition and development agreement related to the sale of industrial-zoned land at Arrow Route and Benson Avenue.

On the housing front, City staff conducted inspections and processed payments for emergency home repairs, held preconstruction meetings with two mobile home loan recipients, and oversaw a façade improvement project at Hair Secrets in Downtown Upland.

Land Development & Transportation

Traffic safety enhancements were made with the installation of raised pavement markers along a 2,000-foot stretch of Benson Avenue. Bidding also opened for a citywide traffic signal hardware upgrade under the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Meanwhile, staff supported claim resolution for a damaged tree on Monte Vista Avenue, and assisted a resident on Philo Court with issues related to excessive utility markings. Eighteen encroachment permits were processed, including one for a major steel pipe replacement on Mulberry Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. A sidewalk event permit was also issued for King’s Brewing Company in Downtown Upland.

The City’s annual Weed Abatement Program has officially concluded for 2025 and will resume in January 2026. Residents with concerns about overgrowth or nuisance conditions can contact Code Enforcement directly at (909) 931-4260 or codeenforcement@uplandpd.org.

Police Department

The Upland Police Department remained highly active this past week, addressing a range of criminal investigations and public safety concerns across the city.

On August 7, detectives continued their investigation into an organized retail theft crew. In a disturbing twist, the suspect—a mother—was found to have repeatedly used her juvenile daughter as an accomplice to commit multiple thefts across several counties. Detectives successfully obtained a Ramey Arrest Warrant, charging the mother with felony child endangerment.

On August 8, Upland officers conducted a DUI saturation patrol funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol. Both were also found to be unlawfully carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles and were booked on additional charges.

The following day, August 9, an alert officer identified a stolen vehicle traveling in the area of San Antonio Avenue and 11th Street. The vehicle, originally reported stolen out of Los Angeles, was safely stopped and its occupants detained. The driver was arrested on felony charges for possession of a stolen vehicle.

On August 10, detectives continued to pursue suspects involved in a series of coordinated thefts targeting a national beauty supply retail chain. The thefts were carried out by a group identified as part of a South American Theft Group. The department is in the process of obtaining arrest warrants for those involved.

August 11 saw officers responding to reports of a transient individual throwing rocks at passing vehicles near Mountain Avenue and the railroad tracks. While no vehicles were struck, the suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested. Due to his prior convictions and Proposition 36 requirements, he was charged with felony possession.

On August 12, officers responded to a case of a female shoplifter who had stolen merchandise from one store before attempting to steal again from another in the same shopping center. She was apprehended and arrested for shoplifting from both businesses. That same evening, officers cited a male and arrested a female for curfew and drug violations, respectively, after they were found at Memorial Park after hours. The female was under the influence of methamphetamine.

Later on August 12, officers were dispatched to a serious traffic collision at 16th Street and Benson Avenue. One driver was found critically injured and trapped inside his vehicle. Fire Department personnel extracted him, and officers gathered evidence suggesting the driver had been drinking. He now faces felony DUI charges.

On August 13, the Special Investigations Unit tracked down a parolee wanted for robbery committed at a hotel in Upland. The suspect was located at his mother’s home in Rancho Cucamonga and was arrested without incident.

On August 14, officers responded to a mental health crisis call near 17th Street and San Antonio Avenue. A resident had called 911 indicating he wished to harm himself. Officers engaged the individual, who peacefully surrendered and was transported to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. A BB gun was recovered at the scene.

Public Works

The Public Works Department continued to move forward on key infrastructure and maintenance projects across Upland.

Engineering – Capital Projects

Several street rehabilitation and utility projects are advancing. On 14th Street (from Campus to Grove) and Grove Avenue (from Foothill to 15th), design teams are currently preparing exhibits for traffic calming measures that will be presented to residents at upcoming community meetings. Meanwhile, the Foothill Boulevard Rehabilitation Project (from Benson to Redding) is gearing up for the next phase, with a preconstruction meeting scheduled for August 21. This session will cover critical details such as traffic control, public notifications, and scheduling expectations.

On Foothill Boulevard, the Southern California Edison Rule 20A Undergrounding Project is progressing steadily, with contractors currently installing lateral conduits and tying electrical service into nearby businesses. The Alpine/Vernon/Palm street rehab project has reached another milestone, with new streetlights now energized and final punch list items being addressed.

Importantly, the City Council approved the Measure I 5-Year Capital Improvement Program and Critical Projects Needs Analysis on August 11. This vital document ensures Upland remains eligible for continued SBCTA roadway funding. Engineering staff are now assembling the final submittal package. In addition, staff reviewed updates to the Water Master Plan submitted by Brown & Caldwell, providing feedback on cost estimates, project scopes, and pipe sizing.

To ensure cross-departmental coordination, the Public Works team hosted a Project Management Training for staff from Recreation, Police, and other city divisions. The training covered the entire lifecycle of capital projects, from planning through post-construction phases.

Operations

City crews addressed infrastructure issues in several neighborhoods. A section of deteriorated asphalt was repaired in the alley behind Albright Avenue, off 18th Street. On 15th Street, a sidewalk deflection was corrected with an asphalt ramp to eliminate tripping hazards. Public Works also installed a dedication memorial bench on the 1800 block of Euclid Avenue in honor of the Friz family.

Utilities

Upland residents continued to show strong participation in household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal, with 190 residents dropping off materials at the HHW facility to ensure safe and environmentally responsible handling.

For the week, Upland’s water production averaged 20.5 million gallons per day. Of that, 14.4 million gallons came from groundwater wells, 4.8 million gallons were purchased from the Water Facilities Authority (WFA), and 1.3 million gallons were treated at the San Antonio Water Treatment Plant.

Recreation Services

Staff facilitated three facility reservations and five park reservations this weekend. Recruitment efforts were successful, with two new Recreation Specialists hired to support ongoing programming.

Tonight marks the final concert of Upland’s summer concert series! Join your friends, family, and neighbors under the stars for a free tribute to Selena featuring live music, food trucks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Bring your picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and summer spirit for an unforgettable evening.

Senior Center & Special Events

The Gibson Senior Center invites all dog lovers to attend Barkfest on Tuesday, August 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in honor of National Dog Day. This free event will feature pet adoption opportunities, complimentary dog treats, a Paw Art station, and vendors.

Residents interested in sewing and garment design can now enroll in Mt. SAC’s Sewing & Design class, open to adults 18 and over. Instruction includes pattern reading, tailoring, and style design.

The Upland Geology Club will meet on Tuesday, August 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Gibson Center. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, and tectonics. All are welcome to attend—no registration required.

City Manager & City Clerk

The City’s communications team promoted several citywide efforts via social media, including the August 12 City Council Meeting, the Upland Mobility Master Plan, job openings, and City Hall Selfie Day.

The Fall 2025 issue of Upland Today magazine has been approved and will be delivered to homes by the end of the month. This is the first edition featuring upgraded paper stock and a modernized layout. City Clerk staff also administered the loyalty oath to a new employee and participated in Public Records Act training focused on redactions.

Respectfully,

Councilman James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

jbreitling@uplandca.gov

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Upland, California 91786
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