Montclair CITY OF 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
INSIDE TWENTY-ONE YEARS ON THE A LINE PAGE 2 ������������������������������������������ ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER PAGE 8 ������������������������������������������ SUNSET PARK OPENS PAGE 12 ������������������������������������������
FUN FOR ALL! CITY EVENTS CALENDAR PAGE 16
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE Off the Track Twenty-One Years on the A Line (affectionately known as the “Gold Line”) Light Rail System D uring the past month there has been considerable regional news coverage on the opening of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) four new A Line stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona — the first day of passenger fare operations was Sept.19. According to Metro, Claremont and Montclair are in line for the next two A Line stations, with scheduled openings in 2031. Over the past 21 years, Montclair’s management team has committed a significant share of their time as well as City and taxpayer dollars toward developing a transit district in North Montclair and pursuing the objectives of the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan—a form-based code that provides guidance in development of Montclair’s transit-oriented district. The housing developments residents, business operators, and visitors see near and around the Montclair Transit Center represent this extensive effort to develop Montclair’s transit district. However, on Sept. 3, Montclair’s vision to further develop its transit district was abruptly undermined when the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board of Directors, by a vote of 15-11, made the decision to terminate plans to extend the A Line light rail system to the Montclair Transit Center.
Independent studies show that extending the A Line into San Bernardino will add boardings to both Metro and Metrolink, generate significant tax revenue and improve quality of life by reducing air pollutants and expanding job access. In other words, the benefits outweigh the costs, especially for our City. What is the A Line?
EDWARD C. STARR CITY MANAGER
The A Line is a public light-rail (non-polluting, all-electric) transit system that runs 57.6 miles between the cities of Pomona and Long Beach, with 48 station stops. Passengers can board the A Line, operated by Metro, every 8 to 10 minutes at each of its station stops, from 4 a.m. to midnight each weekday, and disembark or reboard at any point along the line. During late evening hours the A Line may operate up to every 20 minutes. The A Line is the busiest rail system in Metro’s transit network, carrying over 15 million passengers in 2023, and is arguably Metro’s most successful and important rail line. The general passenger fare, per trip, is $1.75, with transfers to other systems in the Metro system included. Metro also offers the following discount programs: • The Life Program offers free or discounted rides to eligible low-income individuals and families. • The Senior TAP Pass Program offers reduced fare pricing for riders 62 and older. • K-12 students at participating schools can ride with a GoPass at no cost. • For full-time college students, Metro makes available discounted fares through the U-Pass and GoPass programs. The A Line not only achieves the need to provide low-cost transit services, its connection to communities and other rail systems is unmatched, giving the region’s residents the enviable ability to travel both far and wide to access all that Southern California offers. Extending the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center would add an additional 3.2 miles of track to the system; add station stops in Claremont and Montclair; improve transit accessibility and regional connectivity; and, for the first time, introduce a light rail station in San Bernardino County, as directed by voters in their approval of Measure I.
7th St/Met
Artist Rendering of Montclair Transit Center A Line Station
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
with trees, shops and cafes that would serve as a gathering place for outdoor entertainment and events. A market study conducted by a private research firm demonstrates that extension of the A Line to the Transit Center represents positive economic news for Montclair, surrounding communities and San Bernardino County. • For San Bernardino County, extension of the A Line would generate new and ongoing tax revenue that far exceeds the cost for constructing, maintaining and operating the A Line’s half-mile extension across the Los Angeles County border. • For Montclair, extension of the A Line would generate additional new development in North Montclair, including housing; commercial, office, education, and medical office spaces; restaurant and entertainment venues; and a new hotel. Montclair would also realize improved property values; increased sales and property tax revenue; access to a wider range of state and federal grants; improvements to the environment through reductions in both vehicle miles travelled and emission of pollutants. Overall, Montclair residents would realize significant quality-of-life opportunities that include inexpensive and expanded access and connectivity to jobs and centers of health, education, adventure, entertainment, culture and shopping—all for a $1.75, or less, per trip on the A Line. Neighboring cities would also realize shared benefits associated with extension of the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center. Extending the A Line into San Bernardino County would offer an array of economic and quality-of-life benefits to both residents and government agencies.
METRO A LINE EXTENSION PROJECT
Fillmore Del Mar Memorial Park South Pasadena
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
Lincoln/Cypress Heritage Sq Southwest Museum Highland Park
Chinatown
Union Station
DOWNTOWN LA
tro Ctr
Pico
Grand/LATTC
Glendora Station
San Pedro St
Washington
In 2004, the voters of San Bernardino County approved a 40-year extension to Measure I, a one-half cent sale tax for transportation and transit projects, with 8% of all Measure I revenue dedicated to transit projects. Every sales tax-related purchase made in Montclair contributes toward Measure I’s revenue earnings. The Expenditure Plan included in Measure I commits to extending light rail to the Montclair Transit Center, which is designated by state law (AB 1600) as the A Line’s eastern terminus. How the A Line Benefits Montclair Based on the commitment by San Bernardino County voters and the continued support of the SBCTA to extend light rail to the Montclair Transit Center, Montclair has also developed a Master Site Plan to develop the Transit Center parking fields into a transit village that will include (i) a multi-level 1,600± space parking structure, (ii) passenger terminal serving ground transit operators (bus services) and the Metrolink and A Line station platforms, and (iii) affordable and market rate housing, with a mix of commercial services. CIM Group, owners of Montclair Place, the City’s regional shopping center, in cooperation with Montclair, has also developed a specific plan (the Montclair Place District Specific Plan) designed to capitalize on, and promote transit- oriented development that includes a phased approach to introduce new retail and residential development projects onsite, as well as a new central downtown core that includes an expansive rambla-style boulevard—a broad avenue lined
Vernon
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Slauson
Florence
Light rail train at new San Dimas Station
Firestone
103rd St/ Watts Towers Willowbrook/ Rosa Parks
Compton
Artesia
Del Amo
Wardlow
Willow St
Pacific Coast Hwy
Anaheim St
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
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Why SBCTA Voted Against the Extension The SBCTA Board’s decision centered around the following issues: 1. Structural framework. Several Directors expressed frustration that construction and management of the Montclair extension rests with Los Angeles County agencies, including Metro and the Foothill Gold Line Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) — agencies that Director’s argued should have no primary role in relation to building and operating the A Line one-half mile into San Bernardino County without SBCTA’s direct control and oversight. In fact, the Construction Authority is a State of California entity, not a creature of LA County, charged by the State, via AB 1600, to build the light rail system in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Further, AB 1600 also charges Metro with the duty and responsibility to operate and maintain each segment of the A Line as they are completed by the Construction Authority; and provides that the Construction Authority shall enter into cooperative construction and funding agreements with respective governing agencies. Extension of Southern California’s expansive rail network across political borders always requires the commitment of private companies and State and local governing agencies working together to achieve inter-agency cooperation to see projects through to completion. 2. Construction Authority Board representation. Directors objected to the lack of a voting seat for SBCTA on the Construction Authority’s Board of Directors. In fact, in 2018, Montclair sponsored a bill, AB 2417 (2018) , authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, that would introduce a change to membership on the Construction Authority Board by granting Montclair a voting seat, thus giving San Bernardino County two out of six voting seats—one voting seat is currently held by the City of Ontario. SBCTA stated opposition to the bill unless it was amended to give the agency its own voting seat. However, at that time, State legislators were unwilling to support legislation granting three voting seats to San Bernardino County when it was then unclear when the light rail system would be extended into San Bernardino County. During recent negotiations for a cooperative agreement to extent the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center, the Construction Authority agreed to support legislation granting SBCTA a voting seat on the Construction Authority Board of Directors. 3. Length of time the Project has been on the books. The light rail extension to Montclair has been an SBCTA project since at least 2004, when voters of San Bernardino County overwhelmingly approved the A Line extension to Montclair as part of Measure I’s Expenditure Plan. During the 21 years after Measure I was adopted the State, Metro, the San Gabriel Valley COG and SBCTA have been the agencies tasked with funding the light rail extension from Pasadena and, ultimately, into San Bernardino County. Concurrently, the Construction Authority has been tasked with project design and construction of the A Line extension. Over the past two decades, SBCTA had not been tasked with any work related to design or construction of the A Line extension through Los Angeles County. Now, with the Construction Authority recently completing the Glendora to Pomona Segment of the A Line, SBCTA was asked in early 2025 to become involved with various construction and funding approvals
Light rail train traveling through Glendora Avenue grade crossing in Glendora
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE for the Montclair Segment. SBCTA staff asked for a cooperative agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) and controlling oversight for project design and construction. Ultimately, the Construction Authority and SBCTA were unable to come to terms on levels of responsibility, leading to a lack of resolution on the cooperative agreement. 4. Parallel running of Metrolink and A Line from Pomona to Montclair. Several SBCTA Directors consider extension of the A Line from Pomona to Montclair a redundancy because the Metrolink San Bernardino Line already runs between Pomona and Montclair, and that parallel running of the two rail lines would ultimately harm farebox recovery for both systems, and cost additional dollars in ongoing maintenance and operations. Metro studies demonstrate that between Claremont and Montclair, the A Line is projected to add up 7,800 additional daily boardings, and Metrolink would pick up 2,500 to 5,000 additional daily boardings. These estimates are supported by an independent market analysis demonstrating that an estimated 33,000 San Bernardino County residents who work in A Line corridor cities live in and around Montclair including in the cities of Upland, Ontario and Chino; and 24,000 Los Angeles County residents living in cities along the A Line corridor work in the Montclair area, including in the cities of Upland, Ontario and Chino. These cross-county workers represent a pool of potential riders for the A Line into and out of the Montclair Transit Center— riders who would contribute greatly to improving the farebox recovery ratio, resulting in reduced maintenance and operation costs for SBCTA, if not actually produce profitability for light rail services in San Bernardino County. The independent market analysis also demonstrates that San Bernardino County could annually expect to gain $1.4 million for every $1 million they invest in construction of the Montclair A Line extension, and $3.5 million for every $1 million they invest in operation of the line. These benefits are in addition to the jobs and labor income associated with activities both during and after construction of the A Line extension to the Montclair Transit Center. The independent market study estimates do not include the positive economic impacts for Montclair stemming from planned and anticipated transit-oriented developments in and around the future Montclair A Line station. Montclair anticipates that a separate economic analysis related to future development projects in Montclair will be completed in December 2025. Parallel running of the A Line and Metrolink systems between Pomona and Montclair has also been identified as an advantage because Metrolink will absorb A Line ridership demand that exceeds passenger capacity. The A Line currently operates at capacity, and Metro has determined that the A Line must add additional train cars or increase operating headways from 8 minutes to every 5 minutes in order to meet growth in ridership demand. The four new A Line stations in Glendora, La Verne, San Dimas and Pomona, alone, are projected to add 11,400 additional riders each day; Claremont and Montclair stations are projected to add 7,800 additional daily riders. Growth in A Line ridership demand necessitates a combination of solutions that include additional A Line train cars, improved headways, and parallel operations between Metrolink and the A Line from Pomona to the Montclair Transit Center — the only transit station outside of Union Station that has the size, parking capacity and ground transit services (Omnitrans, Foothill Transit, Riverside Transportation Agency, and Greyhound) capable of meeting the growing demand for regional transit services.
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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE From Track, Page 5
The Path Forward While it appears that SBCTA’s vote is terminal, Montclair will continue to work toward solutions that bring A Line light rail services to the Montclair Transit Center. The SBCTA Board of Director’s vote does, however, most certainly delay progress for construction of the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center to a date outside the current procurement effort to extend the A Line from Pomona to Claremont. The delay will also make the extension from Claremont to Montclair a standalone project, resulting in significantly higher costs should the extension proceed to the Montclair Transit Center at a future date. Take Action: Residents are encouraged to contact their State representatives to express their concerns and opinions on the extension of the A Line light rail to the Montclair Transit Center. 53 Assembly District Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez District Office: 13160 7th St. Chino, CA 91710 Phone: (909) 902-9606 22nd Senate District Senator Susan Rubio District Office: 1520E N. Mountain Ave. Building E, Suite 201 Ontario, CA 91762 Phone: (909) 460-6064
The parallel running of transportation services is not unique. Southern California is known for its network of freeways and roadways that run in multiple and parallel directions. Ground transit services also overlap, particularly as the number of competitors increase. Further, the argument against parallel rail services loses merit when it is apparent that SBCTA does not oppose other transportation projects that operate in parallel and share the same passenger pool — for example, there appears to be no SBCTA opposition to the proposed Brightline West high-speed rail cars and ONT airline services competing to attract from the same potential passenger pool bound for Las Vegas, Nevada. 5. Funding Gap A February 2025 bid on the Montclair Segment pushed the price tag from $93 million to somewhere between $145 million to $240 million, requiring an additional $66 million to $166 million in funding. The Construction Authority, displeased with the bid estimate, rescinded the design-build delivery method and opted, instead, to rebid under a construction management at risk delivery method that is expected to bring down the overall cost of the project. That bid is not expected to be received until February 2026. In any event, Montclair is confident that, in contributing toward the $4 billion to extend the A Line east from Union Station to Claremont, the State of California would agree to fund the additional cost to build the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center. Alternatively, Montclair would work with its transportation agency partners to secure federal funding for the project.
Light rail train at new Pomona North Station
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MIKEY FUENTES DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER Montclair Welcomes New Animal Resource Center T here is now a new place for Montclair residents to call or visit for animal services: The Animal Resource Center (ARC) of the Inland Empire, a joint powers authority formed by the cities of Ontario, Montclair and Chino Hills.
“We do want everyone to spay or neuter their pets,” Thacker said. “We are inundated. In the first 45 days, we had over 1,000 animals come in. Spay and neuter is good for the health of the animal and they’re not making those babies.” All the animals adopted, rescued or released from the center are sterilized. ARC has a Trap-Neuter-Release program in which stray cats are vaccinated, sterilized and microchipped before being released where they were found. “There it knows where it’s food, water and shelter is,”
CLINT THACKER ARC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Any service that residents would have gone to Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) for, they would now come to us,” said ARC Executive Director Clint Thacker. Montclair ended its contract with IVHS on June 18. The temporary ARC location on Shearwater Street in Ontario celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 14. A permanent location will open in 2027-28, also in Ontario. Services at the center include animal sheltering, lost and found, licensing and microchipping, wildlife response and adoptions. The center is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for adoptions. No appointment is necessary and potential adopters can walk the facility on their own and request to meet pets of interest in an inside or outdoor space.
Thacker explained. “These programs are not perfect but they are showing signs of reducing the population of feral cats in those areas.” If you find a lost pet, Thacker
What: Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire Services: Sheltering, Lost & Found, Adoptions, Fostering, Volunteering, Licensing, Microchipping, Wildlife Response Where: 1630 Shearwater St., Ontario Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week Field Services Phone Number: (909) 321-1080 To Volunteer or for more Information visit our website:
says to first post on social media and walk the neighborhood to look for the owners. ARC can scan for a microchip and take down information about the animal to help reunite owner and pet. Bringing the animal to the center
should be the last resort, only because it could be exposed to animal diseases, he said. If a lost pet is brought to the center, it will be examined and given vaccines and the staff will endeavor to find its home. He wants residents to know that animal welfare is their first concern. Two ARC programs that are essential on the road to preventing euthanasia and caring for all the animals are fostering and volunteering. Fostering involves caring for an animal in your home, which frees up
https://www.cityofmontclair.org/ departments/animal-resource-center- of-the-inland-empire-arc/
ARC offers microchipping for $25. The
chip is linked to ARCs database
with all the owner’s information. “If the animal
space at the center. The animal still belongs to ARC and they provide all the necessary medical care. “It’s a great program for people who want to care for all different animals from dogs and cats, to tortoises and horses,” Thacker said. Volunteer opportunities range from offsite fundraising and data entry to onsite cleaning, maintenance, greeting and interaction with the animals. The center just held its first dog-walking class for volunteers. The greatest need now is cat kennel cleaning and other tasks including laundry. Those interested in fostering or volunteering, must first fill out on application online. “Our board of directors is very pro-life for animals and they want us to do the best we can for the animals, which is why we have many programs to do just that,” Thacker said. He is encouraged by an increase in adoptions and growing relations with many rescue organizations that are beginning to care for more animals. Unfortunately, many strays continue to arrive.
has a microchip, it’s 30% more likely to get back to the owner. If the microchip is updated with current information, there’s an 80% return rate. So, it’s important to update the chip, which we can do here,” Thacker said. There is a veterinarian on staff, but the center does not currently provide vaccines, spay/neuter and other vet services. Thacker said these services are planned for the permanent location.
“I am a numbers guy. I like to make decisions by numbers. The numbers tell a story,” Thacker said. “But all of us here in management see these numbers as individual animals. In the end, we do what’s best for each animal.”
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Implementation of General Plan Begins T he City of Montclair has a
neighborhoods on either side of the downtown area and Montclair Transcenter. It builds on existing industrial uses while featuring a mix of small-scale manufacturing, with supporting retail and office space, housing types, civic buildings, and recreational facilities. Alexan-Kendry Expansion Finished The 137-unit Alexan Kendry
new vision for the future. The City completed and approved its updated General Plan at the end of last year and implementation began in February. “The general plan
Expansion is ready for apartment tenants to move in and join this community developed by Trammell Crow Residential. This expansion is on the southwest corner of Arrow Highway and Monte Vista Avenue and includes a parking garage. “What I like about this expansion is it’s not exactly like the original
Alexan-Kendry Expansion
MIKE DIAZ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
is the City’s long-term, comprehensive policy document that serves as a blueprint for future growth and development,” said Director of Community Development Michael Diaz. “It sets forth the community’s vision and establishes goals and policies to guide land-use decisions to enhance the quality of life for our residents.” The State requires cities to update their General Plans every 15 to 20 years with input from residents. Key components of the City’s vision include a City-wide green network, reimagined streets, new and improved neighborhoods, a transit-oriented downtown, a transformed mall area at Montclair Place; and a revived manufacturing zone. The City also finalized two more land use documents to implement the vision of the new General Plan: the Corridors Code and the Arrow Highway Arrow Highway Mixed-Use District (AHMUD) Specific Plan. The Corridors Code focuses on the intentional revitalization of Central Avenue and Holt and Mission boulevards. Some of the vacant and underutilized infill sites along the city’s major corridors offer the greatest potential for new growth. The plan allows for mixed use zoning and upgrades to make the Corridors more accommodating to all types of transit. A 42-unit residential development was recently approved by the Planning Commission for a site on Mission Boulevard. The Mission Boulevard and Ramona Avenue Business Park project is finished at the former site of the Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre. Three of the eight buildings have sold, Diaz said. The project includes two warehouse buildings over 100,000 square feet and six smaller industrial office buildings. The AHMUD Specific Plan includes areas located on both sides of the boundaries of the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan. The AHMUD Specific Plan envisions creating two cohesive
development,” Diaz said. “This project succeeded in creating a complementary design that includes a strong and well-designed corner statement for the building. It sets a precedent for how to do a corner right.” Trammell Crow recently began construction on its third Montclair development, The Marlowe, a 302- unit residential community in the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan area that will have a pool, community building and a dog park near existing walking trails and the planned San Antonio Creek multi-use trail. The architectural design for the project features a modern farmhouse look and it will be completed in late 2026. “Trammell Crow has been a good company to work with because they bring a lot of knowledge and experience on higher density housing and have worked with City staff on producing designs that have enhanced our community,” Diaz said. Village at Montclair Nears Completion The Village at Montclair, developed by Village Partners, is an approximately six-acre, 350-unit multifamily mixed-use development with pedestrian access to the Montclair Transcenter. The units are distributed in four main buildings, several of which should open at the end of this year. The project includes a town square with retail shops and a small public park . “The buildings, which showcase different styles from Mission to Mediterranean, and are nearly complete and demonstrate the look of the area is changing in attractive way,” Diaz said. The project, designed by Torti Gallas + Partners, also features a parking structure, pool, co-working suites, clubhouse, fitness center, and more.
Village at Montclair
Mission and Ramona
The Marlowe
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POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Department Grows Specialized Teams B uilding on the momentum from 2024, the Montclair Police Department continues to expand services to better serve the community. Recruitment and retention efforts continued into 2025, and the Police Department is pleased to announce full-staffing for all positions. “As with any entity, positions become available for various reasons and a major objective of our department is to continue to expand services and opportunities for our members,” said Chief Jason Reed. “These opportunities for specialized assignments lead to more successful recruitment and retention efforts.” In law enforcement, communities have various needs and concerns, and some of those require specialized teams in addition to black-and-white patrol services. In addition to patrol, MPD staffs a full Detective Bureau and Crime Analyst, a complete Dispatch Center, a full-time Special Enforcement Team (SET Team), School Resource Officers, participates in a joint Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team, has a member on the joint US Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSRFTF) and is in the process of establishing a traffic program. In 2025, MPD expanded its level of specialized
It has already been successful in bringing several high-risk situations, including one involving an attempted murder suspect, to non-violent conclusions, Reed said. Lastly, Montclair PD has assigned an officer to the newly established “HIDTA 50” task force that also includes officers from Corona, Ontario, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Upland
JASON REED POLICE CHIEF
Police Departments, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Established in Los Angeles in 1990, the HIDTA program was created by Congress with the establishment of the Anti–Drug Abuse
Act of 1988. HIDTA provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas which are determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. HIDTA 50 will have the ability to directly assist the Montclair Police Department with any major problems, assist specialized units such as SET and the Detective Bureau, coordinate and provide specialized training, and assist with operational needs. The Montclair Police Department strives to meet the needs of the community while also providing specialized training and opportunities to officers in this growing city.
services to add a member to the joint High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) team and form a joint Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team with the Upland Police Department. “The addition of these specialized assignments in 2025 in conjunction with those in 2024 has put Montclair PD on the map in San Bernardino County as a full-service highly effective Police Department,” Reed said. The department also added three fully outfitted e-bikes and training for officers with funding from a 2021 Justice Assistance Grant. “There’s no better way to do safety patrols in our renovated parks and along trails, such as the developing San Antonio Creek Trail,” Reed said. “We also use them for high- visibility safety and theft deterrent at the Montclair Place Mall and outreach at community events.” The new joint SWAT team is also an advantageous community builder. “When they bring their equipment out to city events, it helps the community understand why we have a big armored vehicle and green uniforms,” Reed said. “It’s not that we’re the military. It’s designed to protect the community and members of the Police Department. It’s been a very successful outreach and recruitment tool.” The team, which is assembled on an as-needed basis, includes six Montclair officers and 16 from Upland PD currently. The purpose of the team is to respond to high-risk situations, lower liability and provide better safety. All the officers go through extensive training that includes negotiation tactics.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
RYON DIERCK FIRE CHIEF
Fire Department Classification in Top 5% Nationwide
T he Montclair Fire Department’s ongoing effort to provide top-level fire and emergency services received national acknowledgement this year. The department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, also known as the Public Protection Classification (PPC), improved from a Class 3 to a Class 2. “This rating places our department amongst the top 5% of departments nationwide,” said MFD Chief Ryon Dierck. “It shows that our department has kept up with training, staffing, equipment modernization, and response times. For property owners, it means a positive impact on insurance rates as well as overall service level.” ISO classification is based on several considerations including emergency communication systems, water supply, hydrant location, staffing, training, fire prevention and community outreach. Departments are typically assessed every five years, and the vast majority of property insurance providers use the PPC rating as one of many rate- determination factors. “It’s a great achievement for our department and good news for property owners who should see a reduction in their normally scheduled insurance premiums starting after the October timeframe” Dierck said. “It is important to note however that this past year has been particularly tragic with historic fire losses throughout the State. Although property owners should see a reduction in their premiums, they may still see a net increase due to the effects of the wildfires on the insurance providers. The resulting rate should be lower than what would normally be realized however as the reduced PPC rating should result in a reduction overall.” The Fire Department leadership team recognizes the continuing hard work of the entire staff and cooperation of city departments that led to this improved national classification and the department will continue to strive for excellence.
Mechanical CPR Device Makes a Difference A ll three of the MFD responding apparatus are now equipped with LUCAS CPR devices. These mechanical instruments can replace human-powered chest compressions in certain situations. “The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consistent, high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions for the return of spontaneous circulation,” Dierck said. Human fatigue and slight interruptions when people are switched out affects the rate and depth of compressions, the AHA website explains. It continues to state that “the use of mechanical CPR devices by trained personnel may be beneficial in settings where reliable, high- quality manual compressions are not possible or may cause risk to personnel.” Specifically, said Dierck, the LUCAS CPR device frees up MFD personnel to perform other life-saving measures such as airway management and the administration of IV medications. “The device has definitely made a difference in complex emergency situations and we will continue to train personnel on the use of this life-saving tool,” Dierck said. The department budgeted for the devices, received city approval, and purchased the three machines over the past two fiscal years.
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PARKS & RECREATION Sunset Park Opens and Reeder Ranch Park Nears Completion O n May 6, the City celebrated the eagerly awaited re-opening of Sunset Park. The park is now open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Grand Opening event was a big success with more than 400 community members in attendance. The renovated park includes two new playgrounds with inclusive equipment, a walking path, landscaping, restrooms at the north and south end, shade Shoshone people. The Grand Opening included a unique opportunity to meet tribal elders from the Gabrielino Shoshone Nation of Southern California and hear them speak about their history as the original people of this region. The festivities also included a speaker from the Clean California Grant Program, which contributed 4.2 million dollars, through a grant, toward helping the City with the park rehabilitation. “Since the park’s re-opening, the community has embraced it. Every day families use the park, walking the many paths, stopping to exercise on the health equipment, and playing on the new turf. It’s amazing to see the daily use,” said Rosemary Hoerning, Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager. The Montclair Community Fruit Park (located at the center of the park) structures and picnic tables, exercise stations and a pilot of the San Antonio Creek Trail. The City also ensured the native people of Montclair were acknowledged through a mural on the Southern Restroom Building depicting the Gabrielino
The re-opened Sunset Park is at 4351 Orchard St.
is thriving, the trees look healthy and are bearing edible fruits, such as avocados, pomegranates, grapefruit, lemons and more, available for the community to enjoy. On Thursday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. community members of all ages come together for the Healthy Montclair Walk & Talk group. “These participants have adopted the park, every week they enjoy time with their fellow community members. While walking the path around the park, the participants take time to take care of the park by either picking up litter or reporting items that need attention. The community takes pride in the newly renovated Sunset Park and the City strives to create these community connections so the park will continue to be a place for all to enjoy,” said Alyssa Colunga, Assistant Director of Human Services & Grants Manager. For more information on the Walk & Talk group, please call Leticia Gavilanes, Health Education Specialist at (909) 625-6485. The park features a state-of-the-art surveillance camera system, which can alert the Police Department to inappropriate activities, and record the people who cause damage in the park. The City strives to keep the park clean and welcoming for the entire community, damage to our community
ROSEMARY HOERNING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
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PARKS & RECREATION
assets will not be tolerated. “Our goal is to keep these facilities in a condition that promotes community pride and makes the park a desirable destination spot,” Hoerning said. “The City hopes you agree the park is a lovely, safe, exciting, and relaxing place to unwind
activities or simply gathering with their family. The new park is a unique, exciting, and relaxing place to visit,” said Director of Public Works Monica Heredia. Once opened, Reeder Ranch Park will be available to the public seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Reeder Ranch Park Recreation Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
from the stresses of the day.” Reeder Ranch Park
MONICA HEREDIA DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Construction of the park is estimated to cost $6.5 million. This project will be completed thanks to a $5.1 million grant from the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program with the remaining project costs paid by City of Montclair 2021 Lease Revenue Bond funds. The ribbon cutting and Grand Opening event will be announced via social media and the City’s website, please stay tuned for more information. GEORGE C. AND HAZEL H. REEDER HERITAGE FOUNDATION The George C. and Hazel H. Reeder Heritage Foundation promotes understanding of the diverse history of Southern California and the City of Montclair through the preservation and interpretation of the historic Reeder Citrus Ranch. The Foundation serves the public by preserving, exploring, and sharing the agricultural, economic, cultural, and social history of the Reeder Citrus Ranch and its extensive collections.
Residents will be excited to hear that the construction of Reeder Ranch Park is almost complete. City Staff are working through the final details for power installation at the site. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced when the park is completed. Reeder Ranch Park is developed on 1.53 acres next to the historic George C. and Hazel H. Reeder Citrus Ranch Home. The park features a 2,500-square-foot multipurpose building with a stage, a natural playground, shaded picnic area, fitness stations, two murals, drinking fountains, bike racks, LED lighting, parking lot, and landscaping. “Visitors will be able to enjoy exploring additional amenities for
Reeder Ranch Park, which is nearing completion, is at 4405 Holt Blvd.
You can help by volunteering your time or a special skill. For more information on how to voluntee, please call Ginger Eaton at (909) 560-0043 or visit: reederranch.org
CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER | 13
MONTE VISTA WATER DISTRICT
Keeping Your Tap Water Clean and Flowing M onte Vista Water District (MVWD) provides high-quality, dependable and affordable water to Montclair residents and businesses, and is dedicated to maintaining this vital service for future generations. “We ensure that the water delivered through a customer’s tap is great tasting, high-quality and readily available,” said MVWD General Manager/ CEO Justin Scott-Coe. “As a water agency we are required to provide water service at cost and that includes maintaining a robust and resilient treatment and distribution system.” MVWD, a county water district formed in 1927, provides retail and wholesale water supply services to a population of over 135,000 within a 10-square-mile area, including Montclair. Scott-Coe explained that like many water districts founded decades ago, MVWD is investing in infrastructure replacement as well as upgrades to meet new regulations and demand.
quality regulations. Just two years ago we completed a $17 million treatment plant. “All of this costs money, but we are very sensitive to the many rising costs our customers
are experiencing and do all we can to make our system efficient and keep rates as low as possible,” Scott-Coe said.
MVWD has been very successful in securing state and federal grants and low-interest loans to diversify revenue. The District also has tier-based water rates that incentivize efficient use as well as the Lifeline Assistance Program that discounts utility rates for income-qualified customers. “We want our customers to avail themselves of any and all programs and services we offer to save money and water,” he said. “We are proud our customers are the most efficient water users in the region because that helps them keep their water bills as low as possible.” MVWD also offers an indoor leak repair program and leak repair workshops, along with water efficiency programs and rebates for landscapes. “Any leak is wasted water and wasted money,” Scott-Coe said. He added that the District is also using sensors to detect pipeline leaks before they surface. “Wherever we can change our operations to
increase efficiencies and reduce cost, we do so,” he said. “It’s a constant effort by our staff to meet the needs of our customers at the lowest possible cost.”
“Our greatest priority is maintaining a pipeline replacement program in order to keep up with the aging of our pipes. We have about 200 miles
MVWD strives for transparency in all decision making and encourages Montclair customers to attend public meetings and explore all the District’s programs. For more information, visit their website: www.mvwd.org
of distribution pipeline in our 10-square-mile service area. We need to be replacing them at a rate of at least 2 miles per year,” he said. “We’re also investing in groundwater treatment to keep up with more stringent water-
14 | CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS
School Programs
MARCIA RICHTER DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES
MONTCLAIR TO COLLEGE M ontclair to College (MTC) is a ONE-OF-A-KIND college readiness program brought to Montclair High School (MHS) students and their families by the City of Montclair, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, and Chaffey College. If completed successfully, MTC provides students with the opportunity to earn a two-year paid scholarship to Chaffey College – a value of approximately $4,500! The MTC scholarship includes tuition, textbooks, parking permit and enrollment fees. Who can apply to MTC? ANY Montclair High School student can enroll in the program. Students must graduate from MHS without significant disciplinary action and with at least a 2.0 GPA. The MTC application and 20 community service hours at a nonprofit organization can be started in freshman year (9th grade) but both must be completed by March 11 of senior year (12th grade). More information on MTC requirements can be found at www.cityofmontclair.org/montclair-to-college
MONTCLAIR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM C ity of Montclair, in partnership with the Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD), provides Expanded Learning Programs at seven local schools at NO COST to families. The Montclair After-School Program (MAP) begins at school dismissal time and ends at 6 p.m, Monday through Friday. The goal of MAP is to provide a safe place after school for children and to find creative ways to make learning fun! Based on their grade level, students are assigned to a class led by a trained City employee who guides TK-8th grade students in the daily components of MAP, including a well-balanced supper and structured time for homework, physical education, and academic enrichment. Enrichment activities complement the curriculum taught during the school day; enrichment activities may include: art, drama, music, dance, games, and sports.
Enrollment for MAP is held at the school site your child attends: Buena Vista, Elderberry, Kingsley, Lehigh, Monte Vista, Ramona, and Vernon or online at https://www.cityofmontclair.org/montclair-after-school-program/
CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER | 15
HUMAN SERVICES EVENTS
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Montclair Place, 5060 N. Montclair Plaza Ln., Montclair Come and enjoy a fun and spooky evening with the family at the City of Montclair’s Halloween Spooktacular! This haunting evening will include trick or treating, kid’s crafts, carnival-style games, costume contest, live DJ, and other ghoulish surprises for the whole family. Don’t miss out on an inflatable Spooky Haunted Maze for those brave souls who wish to enter. Bring your own bag for candy. Hope to spook you there! VETERANS DAY DANCE Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Montclair Senior Center, 5111 Benito St., Montclair Join us in honoring our Veterans! The Senior Center will be adorned with patriotic decorations and will feature refreshments, entertainment, a photo booth, and fellowship. Each Veteran is encouraged to bring their military picture to be displayed at the event. Join in the theme by wearing your armed forces cap, or red, white, blue or camouflage clothing. Veterans in attendance who RSVP by the deadline, will also receive a certificate of recognition for their time of service in the military. Please RSVP at the Senior Center or by calling (909) 625-9483 before Nov. 5. RSVPs will be accepted through Nov. 5 or until capacity is reached.
HOLIDAY FOOD AND TOY BASKET Join us in helping members of the Montclair community! For 40 years the City of Montclair has been providing holiday food and toy baskets to Montclair families in need. Last year over 500 of our Montclair neighbors were served entirely through donations of food, toys, and cash from businesses and individuals throughout the community. We hope we can count on your support to assist us this year! Food donations will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 12 to Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Recreation Center building, at 5111 Benito St., Montclair (adjacent to the library). Residents are also encouraged to provide a monetary donation through Montclaircf.org/donate. A donation of $75 will provide enough food to feed a family of two, and a donation of $125 will feed a family of four. A donation can be made any time prior to Dec. 11. For more information on making a donation, please contact Jordi Ubaldo at (909) 625-9489 or MontclairEvents@cityofmdontclair.org
16 | CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
HUMAN SERVICES EVENTS
HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY Date: Thursday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Youth Center, 5111 Benito St., Montclair SNOW PLAY AREA AND SLEDDING, VENDORS, AND FOOD TRUCKS from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY will begin at 6 p.m. FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA, HOT COCOA, COOKIES and LETTERS TO SANTA from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
GIFT LIGHTS! Residents are also invited to purchase a “gift light” for the community holiday tree in memory or in honor of a loved one. Each light costs $10 and includes a commemorative certificate. The name of the person remembered or honored will also be placed in a permanent display at City Hall during the holiday season. Proceeds from gift light sales will benefit youth in Montclair. The application to purchase
DASHING THROUGH MONTCLAIR Date : Saturday, Dec. 6, Noon to 7 p.m. Location: Follow Santa’s route on the day of the event on the City of Montclair’s website! Santa, Mrs. Claus and their sleigh will be dashing through the streets of Montclair, spreading holiday cheer. Please note that while Santa wants to visit every street, he needs to reserve his energy for Christmas Eve deliveries. Santa does change his route every year, though, to travel to as many Montclair streets as possible.
a “gift light” will be available at www.cityofmontclair.org/holly-jolly- holiday . This event is sponsored by the Community Activities Commission
and the Women’s Club of Montclair. For more information call (909) 625-9479. *If there is inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
*If there is inclement weather, the event will be canceled. Santa’s route will be posted at the website below after Dec 1: https://www.cityofmontclair.org/dashing-through-montclair/
CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER | 17
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Special Operations Unit Teams Up to Address Homelessness H omelessness is an ongoing concern in Montclair and the surrounding region. The Special Operations Unit continues to partner with the Montclair Police Department and community groups to conduct outreach. More recently,
Keeping Neighborhoods Clean and Safe W hen people hear “Code Enforcement,” they often think reason, to protect the health and safety of Montclair residents. “For me, Code Enforcement was never just about rules and regulations. It was about serving the community, protecting residents, and finding solutions,” said Montclair Special Operations Officer Denise Ortiz. “And one of the most powerful examples of that is the City of Montclair’s C.A.U.T.I.O.N. Clean Up (Citizens Against Unwanted Trash In Our Neighborhoods).” C.A.U.T.I.O.N. Clean Up brings people together. Volunteers remove trash and debris from alleyways, paint over graffiti, and haul away bulky items that have been sitting untouched for far to long. “But more than anything, we build pride,” Ortiz said. “At one of our most recent cleanups near Kingsley and Bandera, over 80 volunteers showed up, families, churches, city staff, and even businesses like Costco, BEHR Paint, and Caliber Collision who not only donated supplies but also donated their time. Together, we cleaned, we connected, and we reminded ourselves that Montclair is made of people who care.” of warnings or citations but the truth is, it is not just about enforcement it is about education. Every ordinance exists for a Ortiz transitioned in July into Special Operations, a department that falls under the umbrella of Code Enforcement. She and Ronald Goodrich, who also transitioned from Code Enforcement, comprise the Special Operations team. Robert Hargett now leads Code Enforcement alongside his team, Ashley Frydman, Alan Romansky, and Crystal Baze. Code Enforcement handles everything from substandard housing to overgrown vegetation, unpermitted construction to illegal dumping. When Code Enforcement officers make contact with property owners, the goal is not to punish but to inform. Officers will explain why something is a violation and how it could be corrected. For more information about C.A.U.T.I.O.N. cleanups or to report a concern, contact Elaine Cabote, Administrative Specialist, at (909) 625-9431 or ecabote@cityofmontclair.org
DENISE ORTIZ SPECIAL OPERATIONS OFFICER
the unit has coordinated efforts with teams from nearby cities. “If we work together, we will have a greater impact. There is no one answer,” said Montclair Special Operations Officer Denise Ortiz. “I have seen firsthand the challenges our community faces when it comes to homelessness. Our approach has always been about outreach and connection before enforcement. We recognize that every person experiencing homelessness has a unique story, and our goal is to provide support, resources, and encouragement to help them take steps toward stability and independence.” In addition to the Montclair PD, the Special Operations Unit partners closely with Chaplain of the Streets Dianna Delgado, and Pastor Robert Edwards of Set Free Ministries. Each of them brings a unique way of reaching people, and together they form a balanced team. “The Chaplain and Pastor, through their life experiences, are able to build trust and offer guidance from a place of deep understanding, while law enforcement provides safety and structure,” Ortiz said. “They work perfectly together because they share the same goal, to support individuals in making positive changes and moving towards a better life.” Thanks to these partnerships, along with local motels, state and federal funding, and
community-based resources, the unit has been able to place individuals and families into safe environments while working toward more permanent housing solutions.
18 | CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
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