Category Archives: Economic Development

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Public Policy, Safety, Social Capital

City Manager Joins UNA Feb 2025 Meeting

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We Are Just Getting Started Sign

Join City Manager Mike Futrell and Deputy Public Works Director Nathan Mustafa for a discussion about creating the neighborhood of our dreams. Add your input to the topic list:

University Neighborhood Feb 2025 Meeting Discussion Topics

Public Safety

  • Fire Protection
  • Wildfire maps
  • Homeowners Insurance is problematic in our neighborhood.
  • Status of the fire departments grant to expand awareness of fireproofing residences.
  • Mt. Vernon properties illegally clearing vegetation
  • Consider a city-wide ban on discing. Each time it generates more fuel after spring rains.
  • RTRP – Reconsideration to underground
  • Freshen the reflective paint stripes along Watkins Dr from the Freeway to Mt. Vernon.

UCR Lawsuits

  • Status of the City’s
  • UNA lost their suit over some of the same issues as the City.

Environmental

  • Donkeys as a public safety issue.
    • Who in the City is accountable for this? Not a normal job posting.
    • What is the status of regional collaboration to address the issue
    • Where do the 311 calls get routed?
    • How many donkey calls for service in the past five years?
  • Traffic Watkins Dr – 215 to Spruce
    • Compare traffic data from UCR’s study showing the need for a lighted intersection at Watkins Dr and Big Springs Rd., to current trends based on camera data from Watkins Big Springs intersection since the lights were hooked up to traffic system.
    • What is the quantity of cars per hour/day/week since camera data available. Some graphs would be helpful.
    • How many days has the camera feed been live?
    • How many big rigs are on camera since camera feed went live?
  • Watkins Dr parking hazard West side Watkins, Blaine to Valencia Hills Dr
    • How often is Watkins Dr from Blane to Valencia hills drive maintained?
    • How many times since parking was removed from the East Side of Watkins, has this stretch been maintained.
  • Street maintenance: how often is Watkins Dr South of Piccacho Drive to the 215-freeway scheduled for maintenance?
    • When was the last time a work order was issued for anything along that section of Watkins Dr.
    • How many over the past 5 years?
  • How many public works service calls for water or sewer line issues in our neighborhood?
    • How many on Watkins Dr?

Placemaking Opportunities

  • Trails
    • Possibility of paving terminus of Two Trees Rd for enhanced parking Two Trees Trailhead
    • Parking along Marlborough for trail access behind Nordstrom warehouse
    • Access to Sugar Loaf trail along Gage Canal South of Citrus
    • Remove parking on Watkins Dr from Blane to Valencia Hills Dr and the neighborhood specific plan can take shape. This provides for dedicated bike lanes in both directions, plus trail connectivity options to the Gage Canal trail, Islander Park and campus. These could be class A lanes with barriers given the traffic volumes we have.
    • Trail signage needed.
    • Bridge, tunnel to reopen access to the Box Springs Reserve and trails.
      • This is an opportunity to attract State or County funding. The entire Metrolink line has a trail easement for the asking. This is alternative transportation funding and can be applied for. Especially since our trail plan includes Moreno Valley. The line goes to Perris and in plans beyond.
  • Blaine & Watkins train crossing medians add planters with succulents, natives
  • Islander Pool is underutilized. What is the annual operational budget for Islander Park?
    • What has been the trend for the past five years?
  • Watkins Dr is the Gateway to the UNA. It leads to campus and points north. It deserves to be treated as such which means a budget to keep it looking attractive, and managed for fire along Coyote Hill, and beautified from Blaine to Spruce along a half mile of chain link fence. Surely we can do better as city of arts and innovation.

 

Economic Development, Open Government, Public Policy, Social Capital

UNA September 2024 Meeting Agenda

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Every 2nd Thursday  6:30 – 8:30

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                         5 min.

2. City Clerk Donesia Gause, MMC   Q&A        40 min.

3. City Innovation & Technology

Chief  Q&A                                                              40 min.

4. Council Updates

5.Announcements Updates:                                      5 min

General Plan Advisory Committee Interest Form

Neighbors Better Together Ballot Rebuttal

Sign the Change.org Petition to

RTRP Underground or Above Ground Survey .

Neighborhood  Resources

Neighbors Better Together

Do It Yourself Wildfire Protection

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

 

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Environment, Ethics, Green Energy, Health, Public Policy, Safety, Social Capital

Add Your Name To Riverside Neighbors Demanding Underground RTRP Transmission Lines

3 Comments

RTRP Route Map

At June’s UNA meeting, we will take a vote to submit the following letter on behalf of our neighborhood group, and joining groups from across the city who are demanding a safer, transmission line project.

Thousands of Riverside residents will be affected by higher insurance rates, lower property values, viewshed  destruction, enhanced wildfire risk, other public safety risks, plus the theft of generational equity from some of our most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Dear City Council Members,  I am writing to you on behalf of the University Neighborhood Association with a request to reconsider the  vote to stop the working group from obtaining the  information needed to proceed with a request to  underground the power lines in our city.

As a concerned citizen,  who has witnessed both past and  present  Councils echoing the Community’s voice,  saying that we do  not have enough information or cost data regarding this project, I remain dismayed at the refusal to get that information.

Yet we persist in a course of action we all know is fraught with peril and foreseeable public health and safety risks. The very risks you swore an oath to put foremost in your elected stewardship duties. This is a risk to current and future residents as well as a dire risk to our regional neighbors who expect more from a city always eager to take leadership for innovation.

It is especially dismaying that we are proceeding in spite of State requirements that all new transmission line projects shall be underground. Did we not get the memo?

This is information we do have. We also know the easement needed to proceed is not forthcoming unless this project is underground. We know the longer we delay the greater the fire danger and the costs.

I am wondering if any of you have considered the possibility of having a shovel-ready project in three years and built in five?

What is needed is the political will to request a new EIR or Supplemental EIR to include current conditions. I know that if there was political will, time frames can be shortened.

We also have a mayor who is an expert in this arena and I am urging you Mayor Dawson, to bring the best of your considerable talents, experience, and demonstrated love for Riverside to show up on this.  Your legacy is at risk. Have you considered the optics of having an environmental expert as mayor and proceeding with this monstrosity of a project? Even Edison is telling us to underground everywhere except for the City of Riverside apparently.

Political will  gives us all the information we need and the project ready to submit in less than a year – if we require it. And if this project is as critical to our future as Staff, Edison, SEIU, the Chamber and a host of paid performers, shilling during Council deliberations, have said it is, then it is equally critical to listen to your community.

One of you needs to step up and request a reconsideration to get this rolling. If we are serious about need and the speed, then the shortest time frame starts with a new EIR process. One or all of you newly elected has an opportunity to step up and demonstrate the kind of leadership we have seen from Councilmen Conder, Hemenway and Councilwoman Cervantes.

We expect you to do your jobs and due diligence on this or risk the likely result of being a one term councilman.

Gurumantra Khalsa
Co Chair, University Neighborhood Assn.
951-640-3868

 

 

 

Economic Development, Environment, Green Energy, Parks, Resoration Economy, Safety

RTRP Reconsideration Request To City Council

1 Comment

Our council needs to hear from you on this issue. Thousands of Riverside residents will be affected by insurance rates, viewshed  destruction, enhanced wildfire risk, and a host of forseeable public health and safety issues.

Here’s a sample request from another neighborhood group:

Hi Neighbor,

High Power Transmission Line Tower

I’m asking you to request the City Council reconsider the motion to stop the undergrounding working group.

Click here to send email

Please watch the video and then click on the link above.  This will send an email to all of the City Council Members. All you have to do is click on the link and sign your name.

You can also sign the Petition LINK to have them research putting the power lines underground.

Here is what the email says:  (if you could add a few words of your own at the beginning, that would be great)

Dear City Council Members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you with a friendly request to reconsider the recent vote on stopping the working group for undergrounding the power lines in our city. As a concerned citizen, I believe that allowing the working group to continue its efforts could greatly benefit our community. By exploring the possibility of undergrounding the power lines, we have the opportunity to enhance the safety, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for our residents. One of the primary advantages of undergrounding power lines is the reduced risk of outages caused by severe weather conditions, falling trees, or other external factors. This increased reliability can be particularly beneficial for businesses and essential services, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing economic losses. Additionally, undergrounding power lines can significantly improve the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and public spaces. Removing the unsightly overhead lines and poles can contribute to a more attractive and inviting environment, potentially increasing property values and fostering a sense of community pride. While I understand that there may be concerns regarding the costs associated with undergrounding power lines, it is important to note that Edison’s quoted figures of $40-50 million per mile seem to be significantly higher than the estimates provided by PG&E and the Federal Government, which range from $2-6 million per mile. It would be prudent for the City Council to demand a detailed explanation from Edison regarding this discrepancy. Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention the new PG&E pilot program called the Ground-Level Distribution System. This innovative approach not only offers cost savings but also promises a quicker installation process compared to traditional undergrounding methods. By allowing the working group to continue its efforts, we can thoroughly explore these alternative options and potentially find a solution that balances the benefits of undergrounding with cost-effectiveness. It is important to note that Edison does not yet possess the necessary easements to proceed with the installation of new towers. This presents an opportune moment for our city to carefully evaluate all available options before committing to a course of action. I kindly request that the City Council reconsider the decision to stop the working group and instead encourage their continued exploration of undergrounding possibilities. By doing so, we can ensure that our city remains at the forefront of progress, prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of our residents. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a productive dialogue and a collaborative effort toward finding the best solution for our community.

Residents for Responsible Representation

RRR.LaSierra@gmail.com

951.217.7966

In collaboration with:

Mission Grove Neighborhood Alliance

missiongrovena@gmail.com

https://www.missiongrovena.org/

951-394-2526

 

 

 

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Environment, Green Energy, Public Policy, Resoration Economy, Safety

Raise Your Voice Against SCE Lawsuit Threat For Transmission Lines

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Hi Power Transmission Tower

Ask for a new EIR with underground option  included

Our city and our region will be severely endangered from building high voltage transmission  lines above ground in a severe fire risk area.

The State has mandated all new lines be built underground. SCE is threatening to sue Riverside for protecting our future generations.

Take Action. Here’s  How  Sign the Petition. Here’s the link to the petition https://chng.it/TtdYgZNdmf   

My ask of YOU…as many of you as can do 😊

  • SHOW UP if possible Tuesday May 14th at the CC meeting; RTRP is on the Agenda. 6 pm, Item 25,  Council Chambers.

 

  • Write and CALL ALL Council Members NOW and state your position on a new EIR for undergrounding the RTRP  If they are unsure or unwilling, ask for the issue to be added as a ballot initiative for November. (Include Mayor,  City Manager and DEFINITELY the City Clerk) asking that your emails become public record.

Clarissa Cervantes  Chuck Conder  Jim Perry  Steve Hemenway  Philip Falcone  Steve Robillard  Sean Mill        Mayor Lock Dawson   City Manager Mike Futrell    Donesia Gause City Clerk

  • e-Comment – Agenda item 25
  • Zoom participation:https://zoom.us/j/92696991265
    Select the “raise hand” function to request to speak.
    An on-screen message will prompt you to “unmute” and speak.
  • Phone participation: Call (951) 826-8686, and follow the prompts to access your language of preference.Press *9 to be placed in the queue to speak.Individuals in the queue will be prompted to unmute by pressing *6 to speak. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes.

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Environment, Resoration Economy

Support Underground Power Lines Sign The Petition

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Riverside Deserves Better

Please open the link below and ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION to underground the RTRP Transmission lines…One click is all it takes to share your voice – and to ask your friends and neighbors to do likewise. This is our stewardship opportunity for Riverside’s future.

https://chng.it/TtdYgZNdmf

“Frankenstein Towers” or Protecting Hidden Valley and Living in Paradise? It’s time to have your say in the matter.

High Power Transmission Line TowerHidden Valley Nature PreserveHidden Valley Equestrian Trail Rivers

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Environment, Green Energy, Public Policy, Resoration Economy

Leave A Voicemail At CPUC – Underground RTRP – Voting Thursday

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Hi Power Transmission Tower

The CPUC is voting Thurs. Mar 21st whether or not to underground the RTRP.  This is a pivotal moment to take action and share the call to action. Your voice for your future.

What can I do to support undergrounding the RTRP?

  • Email the Commissioners

    • If the link above does not work correctly, copy the following email addresses into a new email and use subject “Proceeding A1504013 – Underground RTRP”
      • alice.reynolds@cpuc.ca.gov;
      • genevieve.shiroma@cpuc.ca.gov;
      • darcie.houck@cpuc.ca.gov;
      • john.reynolds@cpuc.ca.gov;
      • karen.douglas@cpuc.ca.gov

  • Call and provide one minute of public comment at this week’s upcoming CPUC meeting

  • What To Say

Subject: “Proceeding A1504013 – Underground RTRP”

Dear Commissioners,

I am asking that you accept Norco’s Petition for further consideration to underground the RTRP (Riverside Transmission Reliability Project).

I WANT THIS PROJECT UNDERGROUND; I do not want overhead transmission lines for the following reasons:

  • This area is designated as a high fire zone
  • This would go through a Wildlife Nature Habitat
  • This would negatively impact a socioeconomically disadvantaged population (~ 82% Hispanic families) affecting their:
    • Generational Wealth
    • Their property value
    • Their quality of life
  • Towers that reach almost 200’ would impede helicopters and small planes from fighting fires with retardants subjecting residents to property loss and loss of lives
  • This land is used for the “recreation and enjoyment of the people” as this land was purchased with State Funding through California Department of Fish & Wildlife

There are more reasons than there is time for you to read, please know that Riverside residents, Norco residents, Jurupa Valley residents, Eastvale residents, and many more DO NOT WANT OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES.

Please review the entire comment file on this project. Almost all our elected officials have voiced their support for undergrounding this project.

(your name)

How do I learn more about the City of Norco’s request to underground the RTRP?

Economic Development, Environment, Open Government, Safety, Social Capital

RTRP Update

3 Comments

Hi Power Transmission TowerMost Current Talking Points

Coalition of Riverside City Council & Norco to underground High Transmission Lines Norco will spend approximately $300,000 to $500,000 in this effort.

Edison is engaging in a full-court, behind the scenes press distributing misinformation. Facts:

  • Project will not cost a “billion dollars”
  • Project is not shovel ready
  • The project regardless of above or below ground will be spread out over every rate payer in the state – either way will cost approximately $1.00 additional per year. (Cal Strategies: Steve Larson & Hope Christman/CPUC)
  • We will be petitioning for the entire length of line: under river, Norco, County, La Sierra (we are correcting the press release)
  • No Riverside residents’ rates will go up more then a dollar per year due to this project
  • Norco has hired the same attorney and consultant who undergrounded Jurupa Valley and Chino Hills
  • Undergrounding in the EIR was deemed the superior way to go but it was not explored.
  • In the short term undergrounding disturbs the area but in the long term is better for the environment
  • When high transmission lines go up, it impedes the ability for helicopters to drop water on fires – that is exactly what saved Norco during the two large fires on our SW and SE quadrant – without those helicopters Norco would have been in trouble.
  • The center of Norco is rated highest for fire danger.
  • The river bottom is an urban forest – the EIR downplays the vegetation
  • The City of Riverside invested in new helicopters that may not be able to function effectively with smoke obscuring the transmission lines.
  • The EIR was completed prior to the devastating Paradise Fire, Norco’s two major fires and Lahaina.
  • The Santa Ana winds reach a higher wind speed then the hurricane winds that caused the Lahaina fire.
  • Hope Christman, our areas CPUC Rep is creating a fact sheet with additional information

We need a strong response from elected who carry more weight with the CPUC: we need specifically targeted letters to both electeds and CPUC. In the next few days we will be releasing talking points.  Below are elected officials to contact and status of their support and our ask: please be respectful.

We Are Just Getting Started Sign

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Alex Padilla (310) 231-4494 https://www.padilla.senate.gov/contact/contact-form/

Is looking for a way to fund the undergrounding – send letters to encourage.

Congressman Ken Calvert Office (951) 277-0042
https://calvert.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact/email-me

He is in full support and is currently working on figuring out the status of the re-alignment of the high transmission lines through the Hidden Valley Nature Preserve. We need a full-support letter.

Congressman Mark Takano (951) 222-0203 https://takano.house.gov/contact/email-me

Is in full support, is working with Calvert to underground. Need letters of encouragement and strong support letter.

Senator Richard Roth Office (951) 680-6750
https://sd31.senate.ca.gov/send-e-mail

Says he is supporting and has sent a rep to all RTRP meetings.  Need a stronger letter that excludes the time restriction and claim of no support should rates go up (this is a false narrative being pushed by Edison)

Senator Kelly Seyarto Office (951) 280-1260
https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=SD32&inframe=N

Fully in support and onboard: Letters of support and ask to continue are appropriate.

Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes Office (951) 371-6860
https://a58.asmdc.org/contact-me
Fully supports and is on board – but, as in the case of Senator Roth, we need a stronger letter of absolute support.

Assemblymember Bill Essayli Phone (951) 369-6644
https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD63&inframe=N
Fully on board and helped bring Riverside and Norco councils together.

First District County Board Supervisor Kevin Jeffries Office (951) 955-1010 district1@rivco.org

Kevin Jeffries told me he was on board and then pulled out stating the process has gone on too long and expressed concerns incorrectly about costs.  He seems to believe Edison and the ask is to fully support the fact that Riverside and Norco have formed and alliance and Norco is spending big bucks to do the right thing – he needs to get on board.

Second District County Board Supervisor Karen Spiegel
district2@rivco.org Office (951) 955-1020

She is supportive and was going to agendize for a vote but it seems Edison is strong arming the Supervisors to stay quiet. Need letters encouraging her to support and agendize issue.  It will not look good if it is agendized and only she votes yes – those voting no will not look so good.

Third District County Board Supervisor Chuck Washington
district3@rivco.org
Office (951) 955-1030

Has stated to me he supports undergrounding – election year, send letters to encourage full support.

Fourth District County Board Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
district4@rivco.orgOffice (951) 955-1040

Do not know him – send letters to support

Fifth District County Board Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez
district5@rivco.orgOffice (951) 955-1050

Told me he supports Norco’s position. Send letters to encourage unqualified support.

Riverside City Council

There appears to be a deadline of September 30 – we are working really hard to have our petition in and to have the funding or a chunk in place.  Steve and Chuck have done a wonderful job but holding that majority together seems to be tough. Particularly given that staff is little help.  Please write each and thank them for support and encourage to do the right thing.

Erin Edwards

Has opposed vocally the coalition – letters encouraging her to support.

Mayor Lock Dawson

On board – thank you.

Clarissa Cervantes

Strongly n board – thank and encourage                                           

Ronaldo Fierro

Strongly on board – say thank you

Chuck Conder

Organized the coalition – say thank you

Gaby Plascencia

Opposes at times – encourage support

Jim Perry

Opposes at times – encourage support

Steve Hemenway

Strongly on board and helping to organize

Economic Development, Environment, Resoration Economy

Entergy Louisiana Proposes $5B Grid Resilience Plan with 10 Potential Microgrids

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Louisiana Power Lines Downed by Storm Damage

A scale version of this would be very doable within RPU’s service territory. Louisiana officials are smart in that they recognize the benefits of deploying hybrid sources of generation, which buys you resiliency, flexibility and adaptability.

And again, the big win is…. we would OWN the sources of generation!

Read the story here.

City Of Our Dreams, Economic Development, Green Building, Green Energy, Public Policy, Resoration Economy

Save California Solar

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Save Solar California Logo

Hi Friends,

I signed this petition to Governor Newsom to keep rooftop solar growing in California. Will you consider signing it too?

https://www.savecaliforniasolar.org/sign-petition

Utilities are lobbying the state to make it harder and more expensive for people to get solar. They are trying to gut net metering, which lets solar users share their extra solar energy with the neighbors for a bill credit.

Even though we have Riverside Public Utilities, we can be doing so much more to lower our energy costs and raise our comfort level. Expanding city rooftop solar should maximize coverage to reduce our collective costs.

We need to make it easier for people to get rooftop solar so they can control over their energy bills and keep the power on. Will you consider signing and forwarding to others?