2009 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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City Hall City Hall is working, and working well. Shared governance is practiced. The Council has effectively focused on big picture policies. Many people do the good work of City Hall. Let me acknowledge and thank Perry Halterman, recently retired City Fire Marshal, and the best in California. Perry worked 30 years for the City, all in the Fire Department. When first elected as Mayor, the complaints about the Fire Department and the permitting process were harsh and intense, and highlighted at almost every business visit. After Perry's appointment as Fire Marshal, complaints were no more. He brought intelligence and human skills to the fire codes, finding solutions rather than identifying rules. Perry Halterman is one among many heroes at City Hall. Two quick markers of City Hall success. The Riverside Police Department surely ranks at or near the top of large cities in California. Part One Crimes continue to decline, even in these difficult economic times. And the City looks good! Praise has come in many conversations, e-mails, and letters. Examples I would point to the now green Evergreen Cemetery, the 195 miles of landscaped medians, and the tree canopy of the City. Walk up Mt Rubidoux and take in a 360-degree view. I agree with Neal Peirce, dean of state and local journalists, "With hard-squeezed municipal budgets, this won't be an easy time for towns and cities, but the `winners' among them will be those that raise the money (and/or volunteer help) to offer attractive city streets, well-kept parks, convenient libraries, events and festivals celebrating their diverse local cultures." Riverside is an award-winning city. When compared to cities across the country, Riverside is frequently recognized for its achievements and excellence. Go on the City Web site to see the awards they are indeed impressive, and they range widely. With pride, I will briefly highlight five national best practices. They illustrate City Hall's high standard of innovation and delivery of services. Riverside Renaissance, a $1.8 billion initiative, is by far the most ambitious "bricks and mortar" investment in the City's history. A five-year program, it focuses on vital transportation improvements such as grade separations, a long list of infrastructure upgrades, and a variety of quality of life amenities. So far, the third year dollar tally is $194 million completed, $250 million under construction, and $612 million in design. All California electric utilities will be required to have 33% renewable energy by 2020. The Public Utilities Department recently signed a contract for geothermal energy which will bring our number to 50% by 2013. This is the highest number of any major utility, public or private, in the State. We alsc generate about a megawatt each from grease to energy, biomass fuel cell, and solar power. 311, "one call does it all," answered over 150,000 calls in 2008. It is a direct, 24 hour a day connection between residents and City Hall. There is follow up, and requests are tracked. There is timely information. It is an exceptional service. 2