Development News for Eastvale, California

Affordability Crisis in Eastville: Candidate Warns of Rising Costs and Stagnant Wages

Sukhbir Singhil, a candidate for Riverside County Supervisor, addressed the council on affordability and cost of living in Eastville. He stated that the city's reliance on warehouses and corporations, which can afford increasing leases, is driving up costs and pricing out residents. He cited the high number of Starbucks and Chevrons, the $800K+ housing prices, and the inadequacy of a $34/hour job ($70K/year) to afford a $5K/month mortgage payment, plus other expenses. Singhil argued that entry-level jobs do not pay enough and that surviving on $17/hour ($2K/month) is difficult, even for a single person, let alone a family. He emphasized the loss of self-determination and potential for abuse when individuals are dependent on others to make ends meet. He noted that gas costs $100 to fill up and that expenses surpass city revenue, questioning how everyday people can afford necessities. Singhil highlighted that $2 billion of Riverside County's $10 billion budget goes to vulnerable families and housing. He stressed the need for prices to drop if wages remain stagnant, as Eastville lacks sufficient jobs for the cost of living. He advocated for economic buying power and opportunities for residents to become less dependent on the system. Singhil also raised concerns about traffic congestion and the impact of development being majority residential, questioning if students graduating locally can afford to live in Eastville.

Eastville Council Reviews Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, Focusing on Infrastructure Upgrades and Bike Network Expansion

The Eastville City Council reviewed the proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031. The plan outlines strategic infrastructure investments, including roadway safety, traffic improvements, street maintenance, and facility upgrades. Key updates discussed include relocating the Canto-Galliana Ranch Interchange Gateway Feature Project due to Caltrans requirements, removing the SCE Easement Trail Improvement Project due to right-of-way acquisition complexities, and removing the Santa Ana River Area Passive Park Project due to site accessibility issues. New critical projects proposed for fiscal year 2026-2027 include the Civic Center surface parking lot, the Parkway Landscape Infill and Enhancement Project, and a Tree Management Plan and Installation Project. The council also discussed the 'Improvement of Bike Network Connectivity' project, which aims to install Class 1 bike lanes on Scholar and Harrison streets, and the Schleisman Road Mobility Safety and Connectivity Project. Council members expressed concerns about staffing levels to manage the proposed projects and the need for protected bike lanes, with some advocating for leaving the ordinance language as is regarding sidewalk riding to ensure safety until protected lanes are more prevalent. The council provided feedback and direction to staff, who will finalize the CIP for formal adoption later.

Waste Management Secures Annual Rate Increase Amidst Council Concerns Over Extraordinary Adjustments

The City Council approved Waste Management's request for a rate adjustment for fiscal years 2026-2027. The agreement allows for an annual rate adjustment between 1-4% based on CPI and processing/disposal costs, with the possibility of extraordinary adjustments for unforeseen circumstances. Waste Management requested a standard 4% increase due to a 3.28% CPI increase and rising processing costs, along with an extraordinary adjustment for labor cost increases. This results in a 33-cent increase for residential accounts and a 25-cent increase per cubic yard for commercial mixed solid waste services. Councilmember Rigby expressed concern about the annual availability of extraordinary adjustments, fearing cumulative cost increases over the contract's duration. Waste Management clarified that the extraordinary adjustment is necessary due to significant labor cost increases post-COVID and that this request aims to keep the company financially whole with minimal customer impact, stating they do not anticipate needing further extraordinary adjustments in subsequent years. The council ultimately approved the adjustment.

Eastville City Welcomes Three New Staff Members to Key Positions

Eastville welcomed three new staff members: Anthony, the new landscape and facilities superintendent; Nina Kiambao, the new principal accountant; and Clarissa Olivares, the new senior administrative specialist in community development. Mark, the Director of Public Works, introduced them, highlighting their extensive experience and commitment to public service. Anthony brings 22 years of public sector experience in facilities management. Nina holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and has over a dozen years of public sector accounting experience. Clarissa has a diverse background in property management and municipal government. The Mayor emphasized the city's high standards for employees and expressed pride in bringing on qualified individuals who will serve the community with excellence. The new staff members expressed their enthusiasm for joining the city and contributing to its growth.