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<br />and the Department heads of our City. Bill Mathis, a highly respected consultant to
<br />California cities, stated, "I work with 45-50 city staffs in California and your executive staff is
<br />in the top 10% ...." Specific congratulations are in order for Dave Carlson, 2004 California
<br />Fire Chief of the Year and for the Building and Safety Division as the California 2004
<br />Building Department of the Year. Would all our City's Department heads please stand and
<br />receive our applause.
<br />
<br />Despite current budget stresses, the City has substantial reserves and the City Manager
<br />and Council have identified ways both to increase revenues and to reduce expenditures.
<br />To lead the search for the next city manager, the Council hired Norm Roberts, judged by
<br />many as the best in business, The final choice by the Council should be announced no later
<br />than than end of March,
<br />
<br />While I could point to many City Hall success stories in 2004, one such story illustrates
<br />investment, priorities, and teamwork. The entry way to downtown off 60 at Market has
<br />been undistinguished at best, and embarrassing at worst. No longer. It now makes the
<br />statement of a city which invites visitors and shows its promise, Thank you to Michael Beck
<br />for his leadership and to Mosche Silagi for building two class A office buildings.
<br />
<br />GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
<br />
<br />Today let's recognize, and celebrate, Riverside as a great place to live,
<br />
<br />There are about 18,000 towns, cities, and regions in this country. In April, Riverside was
<br />selected as one of America's 30 most livable communities. Every ten years, the Partners
<br />for Livable Communities makes their choices. Six California cities were selected: San
<br />Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Ventura, and Riverside. The selection criteria
<br />used by their Board of Directors were summarized as follows: "Those American cities that
<br />have taken leadership efforts toward preparing themselves for the creative economy, while
<br />focusing on quality of life issues and amenity-based economics." In the words of our
<br />Governor, "These California cities have been acknowledged because they have created
<br />livable communities that are good for business.. ,and are people-friendly."
<br />
<br />When we received the award in Washington at the National Press Club Auditorium, I
<br />offered these comments....
<br />
<br />Let me identify the strengths that define us as a livable community: besides a high level of
<br />social capital, they are dynamic neighborhoods, vibrant arts and culture, expanding
<br />university community, lively downtown, diversity, community of faith, citrus history, open
<br />spaces, and a wealth of partnerships and nonprofits, Each is important; together they
<br />explain why Riverside is one of America's most livable communities.
<br />
<br />Overall, a safe place is a necessary requirement for a livable community. I salute the
<br />Riverside Police Department for its partnership with the community and the effectiveness of
<br />its services, Kudos to Chief Russ Leach and the men and women of the RPD. We are well
<br />on our way, according to Attorney General Bill Lockyer, to becoming "a model police
<br />agency,"
<br />
<br />One best practice example is the Crime Free Multi Housing Program. It is the best in the
<br />country, Over 335 apartment complexes participate by meeting rigorous standards. The
<br />differences, before and after, are striking. In 2004, Officer John Start was recognized as the
<br />Crime Free Coordinator of Year as well as the Officer of the Year for Riverside County. In
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