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<br />LOOKING BACK TO 1995 AND <br />FORWARD TO 1996 AND BEVOND <br /> <br />State of the City . Riverside, California · January 25, 1996 <br />Mayor Ron Loveridge <br /> <br />Thank you, Art. Once again, it is an honor to present the State of the City Address. <br /> <br />Last year the message was that 1994 was a very good year. The verdict for 1995 is even <br />more significant. In the life and times of this City, it was a great year! Riverside indeed <br />moved to the next level. Together, we made great things happen. <br /> <br />1995 A GREAT YEAR <br /> <br />Why was 1995 a great year? I could cite good services, reduced crime, and increased <br />economic activity. Class I crimes were down by 12%, the first double digit decrease in the <br />City's history; building permit valuations were nearly 40% higher than in 1994; and Trader <br />Joe's opens on Friday at the Plaza. <br /> <br />Today however, I will identify accomplishments that go beyond these standard measures. <br /> <br />1995 was a great year because important concepts became reality...because major events <br />took place...because defining initiatives were completed....because good will was <br />translated into practice...and because innovation and collaboration worked. <br /> <br />I offer my ten best 1995 highlights for Riverside. While your choices may differ, the same <br />conclusion should be reached: 1995 was a great year for Riverside. <br /> <br />In no order of priority, these are my ten selections. <br />1) Citrus Heritage. The first Orange Blossom Festival was held last April. Over 80,000 <br />people came to downtown to participate in the celebration of our citrus heritage. It was a <br />defming moment dfplace, history, and community. Kudos to Festival's Executive <br />Director, Barbara Sheldon and her many volunteers. <br /> <br />2) Business Retention. The City's act came together. Efforts are represented by a Small <br />Business Ombudsman (hundreds of phone calls), Business Development Impact <br />Committee (bimonthly meetings), TLC Lunches (12 a year), Mayor's Weekly Visits to <br />local businesses (now over 63), and Riverside Calling (direct calls and follow up calls to <br />over 6,000 businesses.) Kudos to the leadership of Art Pick and the hard work of Chuck <br />Chandler and Howard Fields. <br /> <br />1 <br />