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Local Issues

Crime in the City of Rancho Cucamonga

I want to discuss an issue that's vital to our community: crime in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. While our city is renowned for its beautiful neighborhoods and strong sense of community, we face challenges with crime that we must address together. Let's look at the crime rates over the past decade, the types of crimes committed, and what we can do to enhance our safety.

Crime Statistics in the City of Rancho Cucamonga

According to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, our city's crime rate has shown some concerning trends. If we compare the data from 2018 to the most recent statistics in 2023, there has been a noticeable rise in certain types of crimes. Going back further to 2013, the increase becomes even more pronounced. Here’s a closer look:

  • Violent Crimes: Since 2018, violent crimes, including assault and robbery, have increased by approximately 15%. Comparing these figures to 2013, the rise is even more significant, with a nearly 25% increase over the past decade.
  • Property Crimes: Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, have also seen a rise. Since 2018, these crimes have gone up by about 10%. When we compare to 2013, the increase is around 20%.
  • Drug-Related Crimes: Drug-related offenses have remained relatively stable but still pose a significant challenge to our community.

Types of Crimes Committed

Here’s a breakdown of the crimes affecting our city:

  • Violent Crimes: These include assault, robbery, and occasionally, homicides. While less frequent, their impact on our sense of safety is substantial.
  • Property Crimes: These crimes, including burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism, are more common and tend to occur in commercial zones and areas with lower community engagement.
  • Drug-Related Crimes: Drug possession and trafficking continue to affect our community safety.

Possible Reasons for Crimes

Several factors contribute to these rising crime rates:

  • Economic Disparities: Higher unemployment and poverty rates often correlate with increased crime. Economic hardships can push individuals toward illegal activities.
  • Population Density: Higher population density can lead to more opportunities for crime, particularly in urbanized sections of our city.
  • Drug Abuse: Substance abuse is closely linked to various types of crime. Addressing drug abuse through community programs is essential.
  • Youth Disengagement: Lack of engagement and recreational activities for youth can lead to delinquency.

What Can We Do to Reduce Crime?

As your City Council Member, I believe we need to take proactive measures to address these rising crime rates:

  • Community Policing: Strengthening the relationship between our police and the community can lead to better crime reporting and prevention.
  • Economic Development Programs: Initiatives that create job opportunities and support local businesses can reduce economic disparities and, consequently, crime rates.
  • Youth Programs: Investing in youth engagement programs, sports, and educational opportunities can deter young people from engaging in criminal activities.
  • Substance Abuse Programs: Enhancing access to substance abuse treatment and prevention programs can significantly reduce drug-related crimes.
  • Neighborhood Watch Programs: Encouraging residents to participate in neighborhood watch programs can foster a greater sense of community and deter criminal activities.

By addressing these key areas, we can work together to make Rancho Cucamonga a safer place to live. Reducing crime requires a collaborative effort between law enforcement, community members, and policymakers. Together, we can ensure a secure and thriving environment for all residents.

Sources: Rancho Cucamonga Police Department crime statistics (2023)

Let's continue to work together for the safety and well-being of our community. Your input and involvement are crucial in making a positive change. Thank you!

City of Rancho Cucamonga Parks - Overdue Improvements

As someone deeply invested in the well-being and growth of our community, I want to talk about an issue that affects us all: the condition of our parks. We all cherish our local parks—they are where our children play soccer, where families gather for picnics, and where we all go to enjoy a bit of nature in our bustling city. However, it’s clear that our parks need more attention and improvement to truly serve the needs of our community.

The Current State of Our Parks

Over the years, the City of Rancho Cucamonga has made some efforts to maintain and improve our parks. There have been upgrades to playground equipment, the addition of some new facilities, and regular maintenance. However, these efforts have often fallen short of what's needed.

As a volunteer AYSO Region 65 referee I have experienced the poor conditions of the soccer fields every weekend during the season.

Many parks lack adequate facilities for all the sports our kids love to play, and parking is a constant headache.

What’s Been Done (and What Hasn’t)

The City has invested in park beautification projects and periodic maintenance, but these efforts often seem more like bandaid solutions rather than comprehensive improvements. The playgrounds are updated, but the fields are uneven and sometimes poorly maintained, making it difficult for sports leagues to use them effectively.

Parking, too, has been a longstanding issue. During peak times, such as weekends and evenings, finding a spot can be nearly impossible. This not only frustrates park-goers but also can discourage families from utilizing these spaces altogether.

What Should Be Done

  1. Improving Facilities for All Sports: To truly support our youth, we need to invest in high-quality, versatile sports facilities. This means leveling fields, installing proper lighting, and ensuring we have the right amenities for sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and more. We should also consider adding facilities for less common sports to accommodate a wider range of interests.
  2. Enhancing Parking Solutions: Parking needs to be a priority. This could involve expanding existing lots, creating overflow parking areas, or even exploring options for parking structures in larger parks. Additionally, we should look into better traffic flow management around these areas to reduce congestion.
  3. Completing Central Park: The saga of Central Park is one that many of us have followed for years. Promised as a central hub for our community, it has seen delay after delay. The primary issues have been funding, bureaucratic red tape, and perhaps a lack of prioritization.

How to Move Central Park Forward

First, we need to secure dedicated funding for Central Park. This could involve a mix of city funds, state grants, and private donations. Next, we must streamline the planning and approval process. This means cutting through the red tape and possibly appointing a dedicated task force to oversee the project. Finally, we need to ensure that the community is kept in the loop with transparent progress updates and opportunities for public input.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine a Rancho Cucamonga where our parks are vibrant, well-maintained hubs of activity. Where our children have the facilities they need to excel in their sports, where families can enjoy a leisurely day without the stress of finding parking, and where Central Park stands as a proud testament to our community spirit and commitment to quality of life.

As a candidate for City Council, I am committed to making this vision a reality. Together, we can push for the changes needed to ensure our parks are places we can all be proud of and enjoy for generations to come.

Thank you for your support, and let’s work together to make Rancho Cucamonga’s parks the best they can be.

Problems with Overdevelopment of High-Density Housing in Rancho Cucamonga

One of the pressing issues we face is the overdevelopment of high-density housing. While these projects aim to solve our housing shortage, they bring significant challenges that impact our community’s quality of life.

The overdevelopment has a cascading effect that creates more problems in other areas.

The Strain on Our Infrastructure

Traffic Congestion: We’ve all felt it – the increased traffic on our streets especially Foothill Boulevard. Many of these high density projects have been or will be built directly on Foothill. Look at the development at Grove and Foothill either side of the Sycamore Inn.

High-density housing means more people and more cars, leading to longer commutes and more congestion even for simple errands.

Our roads, designed for lower population densities, are struggling to keep up. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) reports that traffic volumes have significantly increased in areas with new high-density projects. We need solutions to manage this growth effectively.

Section 8 Housing in Rancho Cucamonga

Approximately 15% of our new high-density units are designated for Section 8, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program helps low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals afford decent housing. However, it also brings up questions about its impact on our community and an increase in Rancho Cucamonga crime rates.

Water Usage and Conservation in Rancho Cucamonga

In the past, Rancho Cucamonga residents and business owners have been asked, or more to point directed, to conserve due to water shortage. Unless a new supply of water has been found, the overdevelopment of the high density housing puts our water infrastructure under even greater stress. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency has highlighted the sharp rise in water consumption, which challenges our long-term sustainability. It’s crucial we find ways to conserve water while accommodating growth.

Moving Forward: Solutions and Engagement

To address these challenges, we need a comprehensive plan:

  • Improving Infrastructure: Let’s invest in expanding our roads, enhancing public transportation, and upgrading our water management systems. These steps will help alleviate the strain on our infrastructure.
  • Balanced Development: We need a mix of housing types and densities to prevent overconcentration of high-density units. Balanced growth is key to maintaining our community’s character.
  • Community Engagement: Your voice matters. By involving residents in planning decisions, we can find solutions that work for everyone. It’s about fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in our community.

Support me for City of Rancho Cucamonga City Council

Overdevelopment of high-density housing is a significant issue, but together, we can navigate these challenges. By taking proactive measures and engaging with you, we can ensure sustainable growth for Rancho Cucamonga. Let’s work together to preserve our quality of life and make our city a better place for everyone.

There needs to be an immediate change at City Hall otherwise we will see this trend of high density and Section 8 housing in Rancho Cucamonga to continue.

The trend will continue to the detriment of Rancho Cucamonga residents and business owners.

As President of the Foothill Family Shelter, I am deeply familiar with the causes of homelessness. Our philosophy focuses on giving people a leg up, not a handout.

Despite various government assistance programs, many individuals remain on the streets. The three primary reasons for homelessness are: (1) mental illness, (2) drug or alcohol addiction, and (3) a preference for that lifestyle.

Some supporters of my opponents believe that developing more "stack-n-pack" low-income housing will resolve homelessness in Rancho Cucamonga. This notion is often pushed by special interest groups, like developers, who benefit financially from such projects.

While it may sound appealing at first, this idea lacks factual support. For example, low-income housing may still be unaffordable for many homeless individuals. Would developers and the current City Council be willing to accept rent at or near zero to help the homeless? Of course not. And would neighboring tenants be happy living next to someone paying no rent? Again, the answer is no.

Addressing homelessness requires understanding its complexities and providing comprehensive support systems that go beyond mere housing. This includes mental health services, job training, and access to affordable housing. Each homeless person has unique needs and should be treated as an individual.

Despite government assistance availability, some individuals choose not to engage with these services for several reasons:

  • Stigma and Fear: Many facing homelessness encounter stigma, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment. Fear of judgment can deter them from seeking help.
  • Complexity and Accessibility: Government programs can be complex and hard to navigate. Individuals may lack the information, resources, or support to access these services effectively. Long wait times and bureaucratic hurdles can further complicate matters
  • Distrust of Authorities: Negative past experiences with government services or law enforcement can lead to distrust. Some individuals may feel that government assistance is inadequate or fear poor treatment, causing them to avoid these programs altogether.

While homelessness is not a major issue in Rancho Cucamonga at this time, we must act now to prevent a situation like those unfolding in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento.

Unlike the current City Council, if elected, I plan to tackle homelessness head-on by:

  1. Enhancing Support Services: Expanding access to mental health services and addiction treatment programs that address the root causes of homelessness.
  2. Job Training Programs: Creating partnerships with local businesses to provide job training and employment opportunities tailored to the needs of homeless individuals.
  3. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Advocating for the development of truly affordable housing options that include transitional housing for those in need, ensuring that rent is manageable for all.
  4. Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement to break down stigma, promote understanding, and create supportive networks for those experiencing homelessness.
  5. Streamlined Access to Resources: Working to simplify the process for accessing government assistance and ensuring that individuals have the support they need to navigate these systems.

By taking these steps, we can effectively address homelessness in our community, preserving the dignity of every individual while maintaining the character of Rancho Cucamonga. Together, we can create a more compassionate and proactive approach to this pressing issue.

Let’s work towards a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.