2005 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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April, Riverside will host the 7th Annual International Crime Free Conference. Kudos to the Riverside Art Museum and its Executive Director, Daniel Foster, for in 2004 they held a remarkable number of noteworthy exhibitions, programs, and events--my wife and I especially liked "Off the Wall" where the works of many local artists were on sale. The Art Walk on First Thursday also began in 2004, starting a tradition of coming to downtown to eat at restaurants and to experience different forms and places for arts and culture. Kudos to the start in 2004 of the Downtown Wireless Mall, led and managed by SmartRiverside, It provides free Internet access to anyone with a laptop computer or hand- held PDA. And in 2004, we were awarded a $15,000 grant by SBC to expand wireless services, Kudos also to our tradition of achievement and excellence in sports, brilliantly highlighted each year by the Riverside Sport Hall of Fame, In 2004, Joanna Hayes won gold in the high hurdles at the Olympics, the only American woman to so medal in the track and field competition. Kudos likewise to her high school mentor Charles Leathers, the track coach at North. Leathers' girls teams have won since 1995 seven CIF Championships and most significantly, three State Championships! PERSONAL CELEBRATIONS 2004 was a year that I personally will long remember and highly value. I had the unique privilege and honor to serve as President of the League of California Cities. It was a year when Proposition IA passed, by a 84% yes vote. Local revenues are now separated from state revenues; no longer can the State use local government as its A TM machines. Putting a coalition together, developing a ballot measure, collecting signatures, working with the Governor, negotiating with the legislature, securing support from diverse interests, and raising major campaign dollars was the most complex, difficult, and in the end satisfying political quest I have ever experienced. Every week was another Robert Ludlum plot. I will not forget the dozen or so conversations with the Governor, over the phone and in person. Many people were central to its passage; however, I would personally like to thank our Assembly members, John Benoit, Russ Bogh, and now State Senator Bob Dutton for their extraordinary help. In addition, my thanks to Supervisor John T avaglione for his cooperative leadership, Dave Willmon for his organizing work, and Mike Williams for his fund raising genius and skillful requests. Also, kudos to SEIU's petition signatures and Firefighter President Tim Strack for his participation at varied events in Riverside and in Sacramento. As Mayor, I focused my policy attention in 2004 primarily on three overriding objectives: economic development, quality of life, and building an inclusive community. See the Chamber Program for a commentary on major 2004 accomplishments and strategies. 2004 saw the completion and Council's approval of two outstanding task force reports. The Santa Ana River Task Force, chaired by Tom Evans, presented a vision that has become the City's action agenda for the River. And the Senior Housing Task Force, chaired by Michael Grabendike, provided a conceptual blueprint addressing the needs in Senior Housing. In 2004, kudos are in order for the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board and the Mayor's Commission on Aging. The Youth Board sought and received Council approval to 3