(As published in the Butterfield Stageline...)
A landmark day for me occurred when I looked up at the "Shop Chino Hills First!" sign and thought to myself how dramatically improved that message became with the grand opening of the first 36 stores of The Shoppes. Another 30 will gradually come on line along with the major restaurants: PF Changs, CPK, and Yardhouse all opening around the weekend of June 14th. Parking will improve gradually as the construction traffic begins to slow and more parking is opened for shoppers. In November the 4-story parking structure will be done.
For me the experience of seeing this major project within our community brings great joy and a sense of accomplishment. I have sat through many years of discussions in closed session where an idea of bringing this type of retail to Chino Hills was discussed. When this particular development was a go, I sat through another 130 closed sessions, discussing the deal points of this very complicated public/private partnership.
1) Even in these difficult economic times retailers see The Shoppes as the place to be. Interest has been so strong that the Council, along with the developer is looking to begin Shoppes Phase 2 - adding another 85,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, another parking garage, and rental units inside 12 undeveloped acres between the Shoppes and City Hall. Pretty exciting news.
2) Of all the stores opening at the Shoppes, probably none has generated more interest than Trader Joe's. As new stores open in Chino Hills, I enjoy being the first person to buy something. So, I was the #1 register receipt for Traders, purchasing several liquid beverages with the TJ logo. It's good to be #1. I shall add it to my other #1 receipts from Costco, Great Indoors, Sports Chalet, etc.
3) Did Mayor Hagman win the State Assembly seat? (This was written before the election). If so, his seat would be open in December when he leaves for Sacramento.
4) Carbon Canyon had two fires in the middle of May and this incident gave our safety teams a chance to get ready for the upcoming fire season. This "test run" for our Fire and Police Departments was important as engine companies from around the region came in to assist. Cause of the fire was a tree branch that fell and knocked down a power line, starting the first fire in the Western Hills GC area. That caused a power surge that transmitted thru the power lines to a pole at Chino Hills Parkway and Carbon Canyon Rd, causing a spark. The canyon residents were kept out of the area for a period of time, even after the fire was contained because two motorcycles decided to run into our patrol cars at two different locations within the canyon minutes before opening the road. Most citizens were very understanding and cooperative. I was able to witness the coordination between the various agencies and I was impressed.
5) The City Council approved last month a 70-foot communications tower for police/fire use in the Carbon Canyon area. It was a difficult decision since the tower will be located near homes. We spent many hours looking at various options but this location was the only one that met the needs of the entire Canyon area. Currently the public safety agencies cannot speak to each other and to other agencies due to the numerous dead spots inside the Canyon and this new tower will solve that problem.
6) Here is another update about the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Line Project, otherwise known as the SCE 200- foot Power Lines. The CPUC is currently reviewing the technical merits and environmental impacts of following routes: a) SCE's current proposal b) Chino Hills Alternative A, B, C, D c) Under-grounding of the 500kV line through Chino Hills (One of "Hills for Everyone" proposed alternatives). The CPUC is expected to make the Draft Environmental Impact Review public on August 8, 2008. This document will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various alternatives currently under consideration. This is the first step towards determining the superior route. Once this document is completed interested parties including the City of Chino Hills will be given the opportunity to make official comments and influence the final decision that will be made by the CPUC. I believe we will have to have every resident in CH be ready to contact people at the state level.
7) The Chino Hills Foundation is created to provide an exceptional vision to the children that will use our new library. The foundation will fund raise to provide our children an exceptional experience when using the library. Opus West, the developer of the Shoppes, decided to kick start the foundation by donating $50,000 to the CH Foundation during the grand opening ceremonies. A truly generous gift and I thank them for stepping forward for the children of our community.
8) The Chino Hills name made national news in May as a coyote attacked a little girl and the next day another was aggressive toward a little boy. Alterra Park was closed and the Department of Fish and Game became the lead agency since they handle wildlife issues. Several trackers were called in to dispose of the coyotes and five were removed, including the aggressive ones, after several days of work. Because of the news coverage, I received a ridiculous email from a crazy resident of Boise, Idaho. I encouraged him to stay in Boise so he could serve the good citizens there.
9) "The Commons" have signed the following tenants besides Lowes; Lucille's BBQ, Corner Bakery, Wahoo Taco's, Ruby Tuesday, Toys R Us, Babies R Us. The foundation of the Ayers Hotel is also poured. A 2008-09 winter opening is now being planned.
10) Chino Hills High School will once again be "the place to be" for the Third Annual 2008 Chino Hills Relay For Life event. It honors the courageous spirit of those battling cancer. I have participated in many of these events for it is a special time of reflection for others like myself in remission and others who are in the throws of their battle. For those that are not familiar with this event, it is an opportunity for people to come together as teams for 24 hours (9 a.m. 06/28 to 9 a.m. on 6/29) of fun, excitement, and an all-around good time. Cancer survivors walk the initial lap, which symbolizes the courage survivor's display. You can also recognize your loved ones during the evening's luminary ceremony. Each luminary is decorated with the names of cancer survivors and those who lost their battle to cancer. There will be music, food, contests, awards and prizes.
11) Vandals have been stealing copper wire from various locations in CH. The most recent was the outdoor lights at Grand Avenue Park.
12) The McCoy House, which sits on Peyton in front of the Equestrian Center, just completed its renovation and is available for rentals. Drop by and check out the home and pricing. It is designed for weddings and receptions.
13) People who are currently connected to cable or satellite or other paid services will not be affected by the United States' analog-to-digital-TV transition. The change happens in February 2009. People who are currently receiving their TV broadcast using rabbit-ear or rooftop antennas will be affected, and you will need a digital (DTV) converter box. However, if your TV has a built-in digital tuner already (check your manual), you're OK. The conversion to digital transmission does not mean you will receive high-definition (HDTV); digital doesn't necessarily mean HD.
14) MWD will increase their fees for water 17% this year and probably another 20% for next year. So those increases will be reflected in your water rates. This year the winter storms boosted snow pack levels up to 122 % above average. That compares with 72% last year. However, this year's March and April was one of the driest periods ever recorded in California so those gains were wiped out. Predicted runoff from the snow pack is now way below normal and the various water agencies that control water to So Cal are once again thinking of ways to conserve. For several months a working group of city officials (I was the council representative) have been working on a Water Conservation Ordinance that could be enacted if indeed our purchased water from these agencies is cut dramatically. The new Ordinance will have language that involves citations if residents abuse the water allocated to them. There will be a public process to this ordinance so no one panic. We are attempting to be proactive and get ahead of the curve BEFORE trouble hits the taps. More on this later.
15) The City Council recently added additional professional staff to the team working on our side. The new members include a biology specialist, an environmentalist, a power line construction expert and a public affairs agency. The team is currently reviewing the various routes being considered in an effort to identify the environmental, economic and constructibility issues. These details will be used in our comments to the EIR as we work towards achieving a positive outcome. This will become a battle of politics, not reason.
16) A traffic signal analysis was done at Soquel and Slate, also at BR Road and Slate to see if they meet eligibility requirements for a traffic signal in the future.
As always, please feel free to call or email.
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