2004 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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y Success Stories In 2003, many stories trumpet the success of Riverside. Let me share just a few with you. Since I came to teach at UCR in 1965, only two city bond measures have passed with more than 2/3 of the votes. Last November, seven out of ten voters said yes to new and improved fire facilities. A number of people worked hard for the passage of Measure G. However, the election was decided by the courage and skill of the fire fighters we watched who fought Southern California's worst wild fires. On these fire lines were 35 fire fighters from Riverside. As we voted, we remembered their courage and skill and why they are important! The Riverside Police Department has come under extraordinary public scrutiny. Where are we now? In 2003, Attorney General Bill Lockyer identified the RPD as California's "Model Police Agency." Reputation is matched by performance; serious crimes for persons and property are down by nearly 13%, the largest decrease of any major city in the Inland Empire. Economic development was at its best in 2003. According to John Husing, "Riverside leads the Inland Empire in every measure of economic power." Interesting statistic-- Riverside ranks eighth among Southern California cities for households earning over $100,000 a year. City revenues, real estate values, employment numbers, and building permit valuations were at their highest levels in 2003. CEO Magazine identified Riverside as the third best city for business in California. Our permit process is increasingly a best practice model for other cities. SHOP Riverside, first recommended by Frank Schiavone, is an outstanding City campaign. Kudos to our Deputy City Manager Michael Beck and his team. For too long, the Plaza was the symbol of unfilled expectations. Rather than the heart of the City, it was a point of humor and despair. The old mall is now gone. Trader Joe's and Save-On have new stores. Islands Restaurant is crowded for lunch and dinner. Gottschalks remains open. Most importantly, the construction of a new lifestyle center will soon begin. The real estate market in Riverside is changing, and dramatically so. The 2000 Census reported a disappointing, even alarming homeownership rate of 56%, the second lowest in the Inland Empire. However, the latest estimate from the U.S. Census is that homeownership is now over 64% in the City of Riverside. In 2003, Mark Rubin opened the Mission Village. For downtown, this is the first new owner occupied housing project in the last 50 years. As of today, escrow has closed on all 46 units. Across America new housing is transforming downtowns. It is now happening in downtown Riverside. The Mission Inn is the City's most distinctive and well known landmark. In 2003, the Mission Inn celebrated its hundredth year. The historic Kimball Organ, after over 30 years of silence, played beautifully again--thanks to the Friends of the Mission Inn. And the Festival of Lights offered a holiday stage for thousands of Riversiders to enjoy. After the Mission Inn, the next likely place to visit is the California Citrus State Historic Park. In 2003, the long awaited second phase of this 400 acre Citrus Park was completed. A first rate visitor center is now open; it offers a superb interpretation of the history of citrus. 2