Calimesa Insider

Calimesa Insider

By City of CalimesaGovernment
Download on the App Store

Calimesa Insider episodes

  • Growing Up in Calimesa: Councilmember Eric Cundieff’s Journey from Navy Service to City Hall
    In this special episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow sits down with Councilmember Eric Cundieff for an in-depth, non-political conversation about his life, his service, and his path to the Calimesa City Council.Eric shares stories from growing up in the Yucaipa–Calimesa area, what inspired him to join the U.S. Navy, and a few memorable moments from his time at sea. He also talks about his years as a San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff, how he became involved in the Calimesa Planning Commission, and what eventually led him to run for City Council.We also explore what he’s learned along the way, the surprises of serving in local government, and his reflections on community, leadership, and public service.Topics in this episode include: • Growing up in the Yucaipa–Calimesa community • Influences and early experiences that shaped his path • Joining the U.S. Navy and stories from his time in service • A career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department • How he became a Planning Commissioner • What inspired him to run for City Council • Lessons learned about public service and community leadership Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Calimesa, this episode offers a warm, personal look at one of your Councilmembers and the experiences that shaped him.🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Calimesa Insider: https://calimesa.gov/podcast📅 Watch City Council meetings live or on demand: https://calimesa.gov/youtube00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode01:40 Upcoming Community Events04:01 Interview with Councilmember Eric Cundieff04:47 Eric Cundieff's Early Life and Influences09:55 Joining the US Navy12:08 Life in the Navy14:57 Stories from the White House26:21 Transition to Law Enforcement30:21 Entering Local Politics38:55 Balancing Development and Community Benefits40:15 Lessons from the Planning Commission41:47 Decision to Run for City Council44:10 Campaign Challenges and Surprises44:24 Public Safety and Budget Realities48:17 Running for Office: Experiences and Reflections54:27 Council Dynamics and Responsibilities58:06 Future Plans and Community Engagement01:13:52 Advice for Aspiring Public Servants01:16:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
    1 hr 18 min
  • Decoding Your Property Tax Bill: What Every Calimesa Homeowner Should Know
    In this episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing—and most important—documents every homeowner receives: your annual property tax bill. Whether you pay it directly or through an impound account with your mortgage, the numbers on that bill can vary dramatically from one home to the next, even on the same street. Today, we explain why.City Manager Will Kolbow walks through each section of the Riverside County tax bill, explains how Proposition 13 and Mello-Roos (CFDs) shape what you pay, and uses real Calimesa examples—from long-time homeowners to the newest Summerwind Trails residents—to show how assessed value, voter-approved bonds, and development-specific special taxes all add up. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why your bill looks the way it does, why your neighbor’s might look completely different, and where every dollar actually goes.We also preview this Monday’s City Council meeting, including:• Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Update (Ordinance 418) – adding an in-lieu fee option to support affordable housing.• County Line Road Corridor Project Close-Out – a formal administrative step after years of delays, frustration, and construction impacts.Finally, Will provides a detailed update on the Oak Valley Town Center bond lawsuit, including the recent federal court order granting an interlocutory appeal and what that means for the timing of the case.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Property Tax Season00:36 Welcome to Calimesa Insider Podcast01:26 City Council Meeting Preview02:43 County Line Road Project Closure04:06 Oak Valley Town Center Bond Lawsuit Update07:13 Understanding Your Property Tax Bill08:15 Proposition 13 and Melrose Act Explained11:37 Reading a Property Tax Bill: Real Examples28:46 Summary and Key Takeaways29:52 Closing Remarks and Upcoming EventsIf you’d like help interpreting your own property tax bill, you’re welcome to send in a redacted copy for a future episode.👉 Watch City Council live or on demand: calimesa.gov/youtube👉 Subscribe to the podcast: calimesa.gov/podcastAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.Thanks for tuning in, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!#CalimesaInsider #Calimesa #PropertyTax #CaliforniaTaxes #Prop13 #MelloRoos #LocalGovernment
    31 min
  • Why Calimesa Regulates Mobile Home Rents — and What That Really Means
    In this Halloween edition of the Calimesa Insider, City Manager Will Kolbow breaks down how Calimesa’s Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance actually works: why it exists, what it covers, where the City’s authority begins and ends, and how petitions (like capital improvements or “fair return”) are reviewed by an independent Hearing Officer. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can the City just deny a rent increase?”—this episode explains the legal framework and due-process steps that guide every decision.We also preview Monday night’s City Council meeting (Nov 3, 6 PM) including a presentation from the Blue Zones Project and consideration of a Strategic Plan update with Jacob Green & Associates.00:00 Introduction to Calimesa's Mobile Home Rent Regulation01:27 Upcoming City Council Meeting and Blue Zones Project02:41 Understanding Calimesa's Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance03:32 Historical Context and Evolution of the Ordinance05:36 Key Features and Provisions of the Ordinance09:55 Petition Types and Procedures16:09 Hearing Officer System and Fairness in the Process19:19 Clarifying Misconceptions and Legal Safeguards25:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    27 min
  • Beyond the Wish List: The Real Story of How Cities Attract Retail

    Join City Manager Will Kolbow in this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast as he unpacks the complexities of economic development in Calimesa. Addressing common questions from residents about the city's infrastructure and planning decisions, Will explains the factors influencing retail and industrial growth. Topics include funding challenges, the impact of consumer behavior on development, and the realities of attracting businesses in a competitive market. Additionally, updates are provided on the city's upcoming projects and council meetings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your city government works to balance growth and maintain community values.00:00 Introduction and Viewer Questions01:20 City Council Meeting Announcements02:32 Addressing Viewer Comments03:14 Road Maintenance and Funding Challenges06:55 Homelessness in Calimesa11:57 Economic Development Overview13:28 Retail Trends and Market Realities15:01 Warehouse Demand and Land Use24:10 Infrastructure and Economic Strategy29:01 City's Role in Retail Development39:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

    41 min
  • Building a Better Calimesa: 2025 State of the City

    Join City Manager Will Kolbow for a special edition of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, where we discuss the 2025 State of the City. Learn about exciting new projects, modernized permits, public safety, and future plans. Discover the details behind our latest pavement work, the new Calimesa Library, and enhancements in energy efficiency. We’ll also cover updates on the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange, and encourage community involvement in our strategic plan. Tune in to stay informed about your city’s progress and how you can contribute!00:00 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast00:50 Special Edition: 2025 State of the City Address02:21 City Growth and Development Updates03:39 Infrastructure Improvements: Roads and Library05:54 Energy Efficiency Initiatives06:45 Modernizing Permits and Big Developments08:25 Public Safety: Police, Fire, and Public Works10:14 Parks and Recreation Projects11:05 Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange12:19 Financial Health and Strategic Planning13:02 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts15:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    17 min
  • Keeping Calimesa Running: A Chat with our Public Works Leaders

    Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast! In this episode, City Manager Will Kolbow hosts an engaging discussion with Calimesa’s Public Works Director, Mari Shakir, and Public Works Superintendent, Kyle Coney. They delve into their professional backgrounds, career journeys, and the vital role of the Public Works department in maintaining city infrastructure. The conversation covers various challenges faced due to limited staffing, the importance of public safety, and how the department prioritizes its time and resources. Additionally, the episode touches on critical compliance programs like NPDS for stormwater management and SB 1383 for waste diversion. Don't miss this insightful episode to understand what goes on behind the scenes to keep Calimesa running smoothly!00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider Podcast00:15 Meet the Public Works Team04:16 Challenges of Managing Public Works in a Small City07:20 Public Perception and Communication13:22 Behind the Scenes: Compliance and Regulations21:29 Future Opportunities and Challenges25:04 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

    27 min
  • Capital Project and Development Updates

    In this episode, we cover a wide range of updates onthe City's capital and development projects. Key capital projects discussed include the Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange and Singleton Road Interchange, and updates on major development projects like Summerwind Commons, Mesa Verde, and Oak Valley Town Center. Additionally, don't miss critical announcements about the upcoming City Council meeting and the 2025 State of the City event.Tune in to stay informed about the latest happenings within Calimesa's city government and community development efforts.

    00:00 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast

    00:54 Upcoming City Council Meeting

    01:41 Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange Update

    07:00 Singleton Road and County Line Road Interchanges

    09:10 County Line Road and Pavement Management

    14:19 Calimesa Library and Park Expansion

    15:53 Development Projects Overview

    16:21 Summerwind Commons and Stearns Property

    19:50 Mesa Verde Specific Plan Amendment

    24:24 Oak Valley Town Center Legal Battle

    30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    33 min
  • Highways in Transition: Understanding Tolls and Transportation Funding

    In this episode of Calimesa Insider, host and City Manager Will Kolbow explores the complex history and current state of highway funding, with a focus on California. From the golden age of gas taxes to the rise of toll roads, this episode delves into the evolution of road funding mechanisms and the factors driving the resurgence of tolls. Learn about the fiscal challenges, political decisions, and innovative solutions shaping our roads today. Whether you're a daily commuter or just curious about infrastructure, this comprehensive look at toll roads will provide valuable insights.

    00:00 Introduction to Toll Roads

    00:17 Historical Context of Road Funding

    03:41 California's Unique Approach

    12:42 The Decline of Gas Tax Revenue

    22:51 Challenges in Modern Road Construction

    31:05 Development Impact Fees: Funding New Infrastructure

    31:44 Limitations and Legal Constraints of Impact Fees

    32:59 Case Study: Orange County Toll Roads

    35:09 Challenges in Funding Road Expansion

    37:36 California's Shift in Transportation Policy

    41:07 The Role of Tolls in Modern Road Funding

    47:11 Toll Roads Across the United States

    48:59 Public Perception and Political Challenges of Tolls

    56:07 Conclusion: The Future of Road Funding

    57:17 Community Announcements and Events

    58 min
  • The Heartbeat of Calimesa: An Interview with Darlene Gerdes

    Join us on the Calimesa Insider Podcast as we sit down with Deputy City Manager and City Clerk Darlene Gerdes. Darlene shares her nearly two decades of experience guiding Calimesa through significant growth, her pivotal role in the creation of the new library, and the importance of mobile home rent stabilization in the community. Gain insight into the inner workings of the city government and hear about Darlene's personal journey and dedication to public service. Don't miss this engaging episode live from the Calimesa Public Library!

    00:00 Introduction to the Calimesa Insider Podcast

    00:38 Meet Darlene Gerdes: Deputy City Manager and City Clerk

    00:58 Darlene's Journey in Local Government

    02:15 Changes in Calimesa Over the Years

    03:08 Challenges and Growth at City Hall

    04:18 Evolving Responsibilities and Roles

    05:32 The New Library: A Community Achievement

    08:02 Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance

    13:38 Community Misconceptions and Clarifications

    16:15 Motivation and Passion for Public Service

    18:40 Memorable Moments and Advice for Aspiring Public Servants

    24:03 Future Hopes for Calimesa

    25:55 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

    28 min
  • Coming Soon to Calimesa: Pickleball at Mountainview Park

    Join host and City Manager Will Kolbow on the Calimesa Insider Podcast for an exciting update on the major expansion happening at Fourth Street Park, soon to be renamed Mountainview Park. Discover the details of this extensive project, including construction updates, new amenities like pickleball courts, and a brief history of the park. Additionally, learn all about pickleball—the fastest growing sport in America—with a comprehensive guide for beginners. This episode also highlights community feedback and the dedication of Calimesa’s Public Works team. Don't miss this episode for all the latest on your local parks and more!00:00 Big Changes at Fourth Street Park00:22 Introduction to the Calimesa Insider Podcast01:15 Community Appreciation and Public Works02:56 Overview of Calimesa Parks03:43 History and Expansion of Fourth Street Park08:40 Pickleball: The Fastest Growing Sport in America11:12 Pickleball Rules and Gameplay14:17 Pickleball Culture and Community15:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    17 min

About Calimesa Insider

From the publisher's feed

Join City Manager Will Kolbow for a look behind the scenes at your city at work. From council meetings, to how your tax dollars are collected and used, and everything in between. This is THE place to…