Visiting the Library
Here’s a photo of a regular library patron, Polly, who had out-of-state visitors last month. She brought them to the library because she wanted them to meet the circulation staff and see the library she visits!
Our Library team attended OMSD’s Annual Parent Leadership Conference in May. Cynthia and Melissa from the Youth Services team interacted directly with over 200 parents and school district staff members to inform them of our library programs and services, provide them with books to build their students’ home libraries, and give them library swag at their outreach booth. Additionally, John and Starla from the Adult Services team participated in one of the parent workshops given by Brenda Rios, the health services administrator for OMSD. Her presentation was Taking Care of Your Heart, and she explained how parents can prevent heart disease. The library staff gave a brief presentation on the blood pressure monitors available for checkout. Great job, library team!
Convening of the Local Access Program
Members of our museum team attended the first meeting of the local access program with LACMA and the Art Bridges Foundation. OMHA is honored to be one of seven partners in the next cohort. The LACMA team shared info about the four exhibits that will rotate venues from summer 2025 to 2028. Here are photos of the team in front of the Chris Burden sculpture, and the Pics are of the new LACMA building (under construction).
Serving with a purpose
In May, I had the pleasure of attending the Serving with a Purpose Conference. The conference’s goal is to provide more insights and increase engagement in our local libraries, bringing back more volunteers and promoting our organizations to our community.
From May 31 -to June 1, I accompanied our Soroptimist of Montclair/Inland Valley Chapter, “Live Your Dream” Scholarship winner, to the Regional Awards in Tucson, Arizona. I was honored to accompany Desiree, who has overcome many obstacles and challenges and is an inspiring model of resilience. Congratulations to Desiree for being awarded two scholarships to help her towards her goal of becoming a registered nurse.
Annual Comic Con Revolution
Rec. Team preparing for Independence Day Parade
I am very proud of our Recreation & Community Services Team! Here, they are preparing for the Independence Day Parade. Independence Day is the biggest day of the year for the Department! With three major events happening all on the same day, it is all hands on deck to make sure they provide a fun-filled day for the Ontario community to enjoy.
Our Library team participated in the annual Comic Con Revolution at the Ontario Convention Center on Saturday, May 18. They met around 500 people, talked about library services, and made library cards and zines with them.
Annual Comic Con Revolution
Opening of Bon View Park
On April 26, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Recreation & Community Services ribbon cutting of a new playground at Bon View Park, a project funded by Measure Q!
This new, colorful playground has a tree house theme and insects displayed on the rubberized surfacing of the play area. The play structure features a 2-5 year old tot lot and a 5-12 year old playground. Play elements include a viper slide, climbing features, play panels, music equipment, canopies, balance features, an inclusive spinner, and benches. The community is enjoying this new playground, and it is a a great addition to Bon View Park!
Opening of fitness court & playground
At Homer F. Briggs Park
New month, new ribbon cutting! On June 28, 2024, our Recreation & Community Services Department celebrated the grand opening of a new fitness court and playground at Homer F. Briggs Park, funded by Measure Q!
The fitness court is a free, 7-movement bodyweight circuit training system designed for adults of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. The Free Fitness Court app digitally connects it and provides a coach-in-your-pocket platform supporting a comprehensive wellness experience.
The new youth playground was designed to promote a playful and fun experience for children to develop a wide variety of skills, ranging from problem-solving and cognitive planning to memory and self-regulation. Play elements include a slide, climbing features, benches, swings, and a new movement feature that allows people of all ages and abilities to move and creates an atmosphere of competition, fun, and engagement.
These additions to this park are another step towards making Ontario the premiere community in the Inland Empire.
Scan QR code to read the article!
Opening of X-Treme Fitness Course
On March 30, 2024, our Recreation & Community Services Department celebrated the grand opening of the new X-Treme Fitness Course at John Galvin Park! This project was also funded by Measure Q!
The X-Treme Fitness Course infuses the playground experience with a fitness component, challenging older kids who have aged out of traditional play areas. The course is the first in the City of Ontario and the region! The fitness course has twenty different features, including a rock wall for building grip strength, a spider walk for core strength, and a finish wall to culminate the course with a spectacular ending!
This project has gotten A LOT of exposure in the recreation world.
MakerFair
Our Library team hosted it’s first Maker Fair in June! With fun activities like print making, 3D printing, craft workshops, and screen printing there was something for makers of all ages and expereince levels. My sons, Henry and Tom had a blast learning about the different crafts and gadgets. Kudos to the libary team for making this an event to remember.
Ribbon cutting for Ontario Silver S.T.A.R.S Program
On May 8, 2024, our Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department and Omnitrans held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ontario Silver S.T.A.R.S. Program.
In July 2022, Ontario received Measure I funds of $675,582 ($495,582 in operating funding and $180,000 in capital funding) to implement the Silver S.T.A.R.S. program out of the Recreation & Community Services Department. The West End Y.M.C.A previously operated this program.
Since then, City staff have worked diligently to ramp up operations and implement the program. Ontario Silver S.T.A.R.S. aims to improve mobility for seniors by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the availability of transportation mobility options within the City of Ontario. This free service, available to Ontario residents, provides shuttle service to the Ontario Senior Center for active older adults 62 years and up and individuals with disabilities. This allows our seniors to stay active at the Ontario Senior Center and participate in various programs, activities, and classes.
We are also pleased to announce that we were recently notified that the City of Ontario received continued and new funding to expand the Ontario Silver S.T.A.R.S. program operations. Over the next two years, Ontario will receive an additional $1,190,284 ($1,005,290 in operating funding and $184,994 in capital funding) in Measure I funding from Omnitrans for this program. The new funding will allow for additional vehicles and staffing resources, expand transportation options to other city facilities and non-emergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, and expand the program hours into the evenings and weekends.
This program benefits our seniors as we ensure they continue to thrive in the City and participate in the social programs offered by the Department.
Spirit of the I.E.
Our assistant Curator, Sam Herrera, from the Ontario Museum of Art, and CCMA’s curator, Wendy Slatkin, were on the radio promoting the Art of Healing this past June: Ontario Museum Art of Healing with Chaffey Community Museum. Listen in! Scan QR code
American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
I am so proud of Miriam and Marissa from our Ontario Museum of Art team, who presented at the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) national conference this past May. They presented a case study built on water and shared their learning from creating five different types of interactive stations in the exhibit. They also attended the conference and met many colleagues from across the country.
Scan QR code to read!
Congratulations Samantha!
Congratulations to Samantha Ochoa, our Senior and Community Services Supervisor at the Ontario Senior Center, for co-authoring an article published by the National Recreation & Park Association. The Article “From Gen Alpha to the Greatest Generation” discusses fostering intergenerational connection as the antidote for social isolation in our active older adult community.
Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation
On July 2nd’s City Council Meeting, the City Council presented the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation (Promise Scholars) with a check for their proceeds from the 2023 Ontario 5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash.
In 2023, the 5K Reindeer Run & Rudolph’s Dash brought 3,902 runners to Downtown Ontario and received $58,000 in sponsorship packages. The adjusted net proceeds for this event were $106,507.86. Per our agreement with the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation, they received $79,880.90. The remaining funds will be transferred to the Recreation Empowerment Scholarship Fund.
We are thankful for our continued partnership with the school district in their goal of preparing youth for their journey toward a college education. Promise Scholars utilizes the proceeds from the event to provide college and career curriculum in each K-6 classroom, take field trips to colleges, host parent presentations, plan college fairs, and assist students with college applications and financial aid forms.
The 2023 event was a huge success and was sold out. We are now gearing up to plan this year’s event, which will be held on December 14, 2024, and hope to increase our runners!
Museum’s Annual Staff Retreat
Our Museum team held their annual staff retreat in July at the Autry Museum. They reviewed their accomplishments from the last fiscal year, five-year strategic plan, and ASO and worked with Priya on a PowerPoint presentation focused on communication styles. The Autry’s director of education also gave them a tour of two of their current exhibits: “Reclaiming El Camino” and “Out of Site.”
Allison to serve on the 2025 John & Patricia Beatty Award committee
Very proud of our new Senior Librarian, Allison Bridgewater, who has been asked to serve on the 2025 John and Patricia Beatty Award committee. This award honors authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult books that ‘promote an awareness of California and its people.’ Allison says: “As a transplant who long dreamed about living in southern California, I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my love of California with my passion for youth literature, and excited to help choose the next Beatty Award winners.” It is a big honor for the library! Three library staff have been on Beatty over the last decade: Jana Waitman, Shawn Thrasher, and now Allison Bridgewater.
Congratulations to Michelle Muñoz from our CLC team. She collaborated with the USPS postal service to create this year’s holiday cards, released nationwide on September 14. She was also featured on Telemundo for her work!
Scan QR code to watch interview!
Postal Holiday Stamps by Michelle
Full-time staff meeting - Extra mile award
Congratulations to RaShonda, whom the CL&C Mental Task Force awarded the Extra mile award during our full-time staff meeting.
RaShonda is an integral part of our Ontario Promise Corps.
Women Leading Government Leadership Summit
In May, I had the opportunity to attend, along with other ladies on our team, a workshop on Women Leading Government.
The event offered insights and discussions on the power of women’s leadership in the public sector, giving us a better understanding of connecting with intention and supporting our future female leaders.
The event partnered with MMASC and Women Leading Government (WLG).
The week of July 21st, I attended the Stanford Institute for Local Government on the Stanford Campus in Northern California. The Institute included lectures from Stanford Professors, presentations from student start-ups, workshops with engineers and researchers, case studies from local City Managers, and a coaching program. It was an incredible opportunity to learn how local governments are leading with solutions related to sustainability, disasters, artificial intelligence, economic development, and more.
Stanford Institute
Team work!
I am very proud of the CLC leadership team working together to problem-solve! At the last quarterly management meeting, the team built a structure out of straws to protect a raw egg. The egg was to survive from a 15-foot drop. Although our egg did survive the drop, we did not win as there were teams that used fewer straws. Great job anyways!
Housing Department Supporting Safety Day
Our Housing Services Department supported the Ontario Police Department’s Public Safety Day on July 31st. Our team provided water, snacks, and cooling supplies to help those encountered combat the heat. In addition, they provided information about the resources available through HSD, including connections to essential homeless services. This initiative underscores our Housing team’s commitment to enhancing community well-being and ensuring residents can access the support they need. HSD Outreach will visit shopping centers along the Vineyard and 60 corridors, City Hall, De Anza Park, James Bryant Park, and John Galvan Park. Additionally, our team will be on standby to assist OPD CET in case they encounter homeless individuals open to receiving services. This collaboration aims to provide immediate assistance and connect individuals with the necessary support systems, further demonstrating our commitment to the community’s safety.
CGU Cohorts
Congnrats to our Claremont Graduate University Leadership Training graduates (missing Steven & Marissa)! HR generously hosted a fabulous event where leaders from various agencies and departments were honored. I’m pleased to share CLC had one of the biggest group of honorees. Congrats!
On August 26, Museum, Arts, and Culture Director Marissa Kucheck enjoyed attending IECF’s celebration of the Creative Corps program grantees. She heard about all the great work artists are doing in the IE.
IECF’s Celebration
‘She Means Business’ Women’s Conference
On August 29th, I participated in a panel at the Ontario Convention Center for the She Means Business Women’s Conference. The conference is an annual event from the Greater Ontario Business Council designed to empower and unite women leaders in our community. The topic was “Navigating Work & Life,” moderated by Janise Graham. The other panelists were Stephanie King, the Director of Community Engagement at Ontario International Airport, and Delinia Lewis, Associate Warden at California Institution for Women. Other presentations through the day featured our Assistant City Manager, Darlene Sanchez and Economic Development Director Jen Hiramoto.
Scan QR code to read the article!
Kinder Go!
I enjoyed reading to Kindergarten students at Euclid Elementary as part of Ontario City Library’s KinderGo program. I ran into Robyn Hockenhull and Veronica Padilla! Wonderful to see strong citywide support for reading! literacy!
Claremont Hispanic Heritage Month
Representing the City of Ontario at the Claremont Heritage Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the historic Padua Hills Theater. The event featured music, food, dance, and short films from Latino filmmakers. Not pictured, but in attendance, were our Planning Commission Chair & CCMA liaison Nancy DeDiemar and Public Art Commissioner Wendy Slatkin.
International City Manager Conference
September 20-25, I attended the International City Manager Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to the outstanding programs and sessions, the trip’s highlights included team building and camaraderie with the Executive Staff team and exploring the parks, programs, and services offered in Pittsburgh. Photos include public art pieces in the cultural arts district and images from the Senator John Heinz History Center, in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
Celebrating 25 years of service
On September 25 we celebrated Chris Kueng and his 25 years of service on the Museum Board of Trustees. Truly an honor to have such dedication to our department.
AmeriCorps end of the year service
We hosted a luncheon for our AmeriCorps members to celebrate the end of the service year. It’s always inspiring to hear these young community leaders share how they have grown as professionals during their service year. The Members dedicate a year of their lives to serving in our cradle-to-career program that builds a stronger community, from early literacy, youth mentorship, and college readiness. The programs help shift the mindset of our youth, helping them follow their dreams. Congratulations to our program coordinator, RaShonda, for her hard work. The tremendous growth in the program in the past few years is a testament to her work on this program!
So you may have heard by now, but our Community Life & Culture Agency hosted its first-ever CL&C CON - a professional conference created by and for our staff. Everyone did an amazing job writing conference proposals and developed and executed presentations for each other during concurrent sessions. It was an incredible event; we could not have done it without the fantastic steering committee who planned and executed it. This feedback on our anonymous survey made it all worthwhile to me: “It felt validating that my professional development is being taken seriously in this agency.” Kudos to this fantastic sterring committee: Maria De La Luz Muñoz, Joceline Seres, John Adams, Nelva Costello, Briana Ochoa, Rebecca Ustrell, and Susan Villa. Also and endless thank you to all of those that participated.
See you next time!
