Isabel in San Dimas

Starting this week, I launch a series of interviews with candidates for San Dimas City Council and Mayor.

In this episode, I interview Eric Weber, a San Dimas Public Safety Commissioner and Police Detective with over 12 years of law enforcement experience. He shares how his desire to be involved in the community and interest in public safety led him to run for City Council. Eric believes his professional expertise will be an asset when planning for the new Gold Line station. He also shares about his ideas for downtown San Dimas, as well as his views about the sales tax measure on the ballot.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

If you live in downtown San Dimas, you may have received information about a community meeting on January 15 regarding the Specific Plan No. 23 Moratorium. But--what exactly is the Specific Plan No. 23 Moratorium, and why should you care?

In the fall of 2019, the San Dimas City Council approved an emergency moratorium, or pause, on any new or existing developments for three commercial properties, which have the potential to significantly impact (either positively or negatively) the nearby neighborhoods and downtown. In this week's episode, I attempt to simplify this extremely important issue for downtown San Dimas residents, property owners, prospective buyers, and anyone else who cares about our historic downtown.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

Have you ever driven by a school during peak pick-up or drop-off times? Try living near one!

For this first episode of the new year, I meet with San Dimas resident Lysa Takacs, who lives walking distance from Allen Avenue Elementary, and Allen Avenue Elementary Principal Debbie Grenier. While Lysa knew living close to the school might bring some unique challenges, Lysa shares about how the problem has worsened over time and some potential solutions she has in mind. Both Lysa and Principal Grenier agree that safety for the students, parents, and neighbors needs to be a priority. And perhaps, as a New Year's resolution, we could all be a little more respectful and considerate of our neighbors.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

As a little holiday gift to you, this week's episode explores the history and charm behind San Dimas's iconic Walker House. I chat with Susan Davis, the archivist and museum manager for the Historical Society, who shares some little-known stories and fun facts about the historic home. If you haven't been to the Walker House, I highly recommend a visit! If you are interested in visiting, volunteering, or becoming a member, check out the San Dimas Historical Society website for more information.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

As of October 1, 2019, the new San Dimas Graffiti Hotline is (909) 542-2500. The City is working with a new company, Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., for graffiti abatement services. The new process is meant to be streamlined, with Urban Graffiti providing reports to the City, which will then share that information with the Sheriff's department.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

At the San Dimas City Council meeting on December 10, 2019, the Council will review proposals from three developers for the vacant Bonita/Cataract lot.

Listen to this episode as I share about my personal experience with one of those developers, Creative Housing Associates, and their unique plan for Pioneer Square in downtown San Dimas.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many salons in San Dimas? Do you wish downtown San Dimas offered more diverse businesses? Do you feel like you are always leaving San Dimas to dine and shop in nearby cities? You are not alone!

This week, I interview Jaymes Dunsmore, an AICP-certified planner and urban designer. Jaymes talks with me about why businesses such as salons might thrive in a place like San Dimas. Also, given the historic nature of downtown San Dimas, Jaymes explains some of the challenges and potential solutions for transforming ours into a more vibrant and revitalized downtown.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

On November 12, 2019, the City Council unanimously voted 5-0 to add a proposed 0.75% sales tax increase on the March 2020 ballot.

Historically, the City has been very fiscally conservative with healthy reserves, so why did the Council put this measure on the ballot? Listen to this episode to get more information about the City's rationale behind the decision as well as details about what the sales tax could mean for the City and its residents.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

Ballot Measure Text:
SAN DIMAS ESSENTIAL SERVICES PRESERVATION MEASURE
To preserve San Dimas’ long-term financial stability; maintain emergency response, neighborhood sheriff patrols; prevent thefts/burglaries; protect/clean local water sources; keep public areas safe/clean; repair streets/potholes; maintain senior, youth/afterschool services/other general services; shall a measure be adopted establishing a 0.75% sales tax providing approximately $4,700,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits/public disclosure of all spending, all funds benefiting San Dimas residents?

What's with those orange No Big Hotel yard signs?

This episode features a very special guest, my husband Phil Ebiner, who launched the No Big Hotel effort with me back in the Fall of 2018. We talk a little bit about the history of the Bonita/Cataract lot, why we walked door-to-door with our three-month-old twins handing out yard signs, and where the City stands now with developing the vacant lot.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes and to share your thoughts on this episode.

Have you ever seen a coyote at 5th and Eucla? I haven't! But coyotes are an important local topic nonetheless.

Listen to this episode, where I dive into the City of San Dimas's recently adopted Coyote Management Plan and give you a concise summary of the City's plan of action.

Visit IsabelinSanDimas.com for show notes, more episodes, and to leave a comment on this episode.