1996 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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3) Intergovernmental Relations. Agreement between the County and the City resulted in a jointly funded state of the art animal shelter and a major new health clinic at Indiana and Washington. Good relations with Moreno Valley translated into the building of a joint frre station, a frrst for two cities in the history of California. The station will both save money and enhance public safety. Kudos to the past Mayor of Moreno Valley, Greg Lefler, for his good will and his focus on cooperative leadership. 4) Open Spaces. Many good examples could be cited, including the Hidden Valley Wetlands Enhancement and Water Reclamation Project where the City and County worked together. Especially noteworthy was the return of Fairmount Park represented by the dedication of the restored band shell and the opening of the new boat house. Have you tried the paddle boats on Lake Evans? Kudos to the exceptional volunteer work of Bob and Pat Stewart It was fitting that we named the boat house in their honor. 5) Neighborhoods. 1995 was the year of neighborhood initiatives. The first annual Riverside Neighborhood Conference was held last June. A city wide neighborhood organization was fonned called Riverside Neighborhood Partnership. The Council approved the Mayor's Contract with Riverside, directing the City to encourage and enhance home ownership and neighborhood preservation. The City Manager developed in cooperation with the Council's Land Use Committee and its chair, Chuck Beaty, a varied and comprehensive strategy to improve neighborhoods. And with tonight's meeting in Arlanza, I will have completed Mayor's Night Out in each of the City's 18 community neighborhoods. Kudos to Rita Norton, Debbie Lorenzi, and Patrick Culver for their extraordinary dedication and hard work in making good things happen at Mayor's Night Out. 6) Downtown. Downtown Riverside is now the downtown of the Inland Empire. California Tower opened. The Justice Center was celebrated. The County found the monies to restore the Courthouse. The Mission Inn had its best year yet. Royal Citrus expanded its Marketplace facilities to become the nation's largest citrus packing house. Perhaps most importantly, the Festival of Lights became a Riverside holiday tradition. Many people, especially families, discovered and treasured the downtown experience of lights, sounds, and activity. Kudos to Duane Roberts for asking what is the best and then making the best happen. 7) Arts and Culture. Hundreds of people discovered "101" Things to Do in Riverside, and we are conducting the contest again in 1996. Two defining moments--frrst, the California Riverside Ballet presented Darci Kistler, one of the most celebrated dancers in the world, Prima Ballerina, and Riverside native. Second, the Community Players received the deed to the land for their current playhouse. Kudos to Glenda Hensley, Artistic Director and Administrator of the Ballet and to Michael Charles, immediate past President 2