An Update from the Mayor

MORENO VALLEY>> Although summer is typically light on news, I do have a few things to share with you. This summer, the City of Moreno Valley partnered with both the Moreno Valley and Val Verde school districts to provide job training and job experience for 36 high school students. For the second consecutive summer, we worked with 23 students from Moreno Valley’s A.S.T.E.R.I.S.K program. Staff tells us that the students were great to work with and they look forward to working with them again next summer. The 13 students from Val Verde Unified School District were part of a new program known as Summer at City Hall. I initially saw the success of this program in San Jose and decided to meet with Superintendent McCormick from Val Verde to develop and implement the program. These students met at City Hall for a curriculum based program in addition to their internship. They were taught “soft” workforce ready skills, leadership skills and how government works and why citizen participation is an important part of governance. Students received a graduation certificate, a stipend and 5 elective credits. They were all amazing. My plans are to bring this back next year and expand it. To help spread awareness about the benefit of shopping local, our awesome economic development team developed a Shop MoVal video designed to capture those ‘back-to-school’ sales. Yes, people are already gearing up for the new school year. The video will be played in Harkins Theatres and at the Regency. We also distribute it via social media periodically, in the newsletter and on MVTV-3. I know that many of you may be wondering about what is happening at the Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club. Bridge Investment Group Holdings is currently preparing a formal Planning application that will include the development of apartment units in addition to other improvements related to the golf course and its use. They plan to keep the 18-hole golf course. They have scheduled an open-house style meeting for the Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club community on Aug.13 from 12-4 p.m. to share their development plans and to provide information specific to the golf course use and rehabilitation. During the summer, the city offered weekly live music and movies. This summer's program turned out well with a battle of the bands finale. This program is one way the City provides family friendly things to do over the summer. Moreno Valley's State of the City Address is Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Conference & Recreation Center. This is a luncheon event you will not want to miss. I’m excited to deliver the address to you this year because when we review where we’ve been and reveal where we’re going, I’m sure you’ll be just as proud to be a member of this great community and as excited about its future as I am. We are fortunate to be partnered with the Chamber on this event, so questions about sponsorship opportunities and RSVPs can be made with the Chamber office. Targeted Enforcement throughout the City is in effect to help reduce crime. You might have noticed increased policing in specific areas. The enforcement team is working with the Police Chief to consider a new proposed technological program to identify shootings in the Fall. Lastly, the Parks and Community Services department hosts YouthFest each year to showcase youth-oriented businesses and services in a fun community event atmosphere. The event this year is Sept. 10th at Community Park. This is a great time for families to come out to see what our business and service community has to offer Moreno Valley youth. Applications for booth space will be online the first week of August. Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez City of Moreno Valley