Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Donald J. Kurth
Courtesy of the city of Rancho Cucamonga

Have you ever wondered how Rancho Cucamonga became the City that it is today?  How is it that over a short span of 31 years since incorporation, an agricultural community morphed into a premier city, “the Jewel of the Inland Empire”?  It all started with a plan, the General Plan to be precise.  The plan was more than mere prevention of haphazard, revenue pumping development and dwellings for folks who held jobs in the urban center.  It was a plan that was more than just well thought out and balanced.  It embraced forward thinking; what an exciting concept!  It was based upon principles and a vision, a vision that even as early as the update performed in 2001, considered the future to year 2020!  

As with all great long range plans, our General Plan document was due for an update to serve us well into the future.  So what is different about this current update?  This update projects our vision in anticipation of the final phases of development in our city and beyond; and, in this update, more so than any other in the City’s history, the guiding principles or the “Spirit of Rancho Cucamonga” Vision Statement, has been amply presented to the community for review and comment.  Secondly, new sections on Healthy Cities, the environment and sustainability will be included for the first time.

The City recognized the pivotal timing of this update and stands firm in its commitment to an ethic of strong citizen involvement in community affairs; whereby community input is key.  The public participation process has included many activities such as stakeholder interviews; the formation of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC); the creation of the General Plan website (www.rcgeneralplan.com); a Visioneering Survey; community workshops; periodic newsletters and press releases; over 40 interactive “Road Show” presentations to service clubs and community groups; and a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission for an additional review of the draft Vision Statement. 

At their last meeting of April 20, 2009, the GPAC reviewed and considered modifications to the draft Vision Statement that were inspired by the comments received at the workshops, presentations, and Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission.  The adoption of the draft Vision Statement is scheduled for the May 6, 2009 City Council agenda.

There will be another opportunity for public participation and comment at a Community Fair on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Central Park, 11200 Base Line Road, at the corner of Base Line and Milliken Avenue. There will be booths and information focusing on the land use alternatives that the City could consider in future development from the perspective of historic preservation, Healthy RC, sustainability, the hillside areas, Victoria Gardens and the immediate vicinity, the Foothill Boulevard corridor, the Haven Avenue/4^th Street gateway and the southeast portion of Rancho Cucamonga. Staff will be on hand for an informational presentation as well.

A final community workshop called “Test Drive the Future” is scheduled for October 3, 2009 at Central Park for the purpose of providing the public a “first look” of the draft text of the General Plan document.