Isabel in San Dimas

At the City Council meeting on March 9, the Council will--once again--consider changes to Via Verde could have potential impacts on all of San Dimas. The conversation hinges around increasing the amount of grading (or excavating or moving dirt around) allowed in Specific Plan 11, which comprises properties in the Via Verde Ridge Homeowners Association. The concerns from residents range from aesthetic, to environmental, to ethical. And the impacts of the Council's decision has the potential to impact communities all over San Dimas. Listen to this episode to hear how this issue could affect you.

In this first episode of the new year, Angelica Hernandez of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence joins me to talk about the work her non-profit organization does to promote healthy living and prevent alcohol and drug use in communities. We talk about Stay Well San Dimas, a health-oriented coalition for local residents, and we dive into one of their current campaigns to reduce second-hand smoke and tobacco use in San Dimas and neighboring cities.

My husband Phil Ebiner joins me on the show today to talk about his participation in the City of San Dimas Housing Element Subcommittee.

Since launching the No Big Hotel effort and this podcast, I have encouraged friends, neighbors, and listeners to speak at City Council meetings to have their voice heard. But public speaking does not come easily for everyone--sometimes people tell me they feel shy or intimidated or simply unsure of what to say. In this episode, I give you some tips from my own experience of speaking at City Council meetings that will hopefully give you the knowledge and confidence you need to stand up for what matters to you.

My husband Phil and I may have had a little too much fun making this episode. Today, the tables are turned, and I am the one being interviewed! Get to know me--your neighbor Isabel--and what I love about San Dimas.

Established in 1933, the San Dimas Experimental Forest, which consists of 17,000 acres just north of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Claremont, seems to be a mystery to most local residents. Thanks to my conversation with US Forest Service Physical Scientist Pete Wohlgemuth, this episode attempts to shed light on the history of the forest as well as some of the important research that has been conducted right here in our own backyard.

Listen to this episode, featuring an interview with Le Cordon Bleu-trained baker and co-owner of Palermo Cafe and Bakery Joseph Durkan. Joseph shares the story of why he and his fiancé Nhancye D'Angelo came to revive the original D'Angelo family-owned bakery and how they came to find a new "home" for the bakery in Via Verde in 2019. Using old traditional recipes infused with modern techniques, the Palermo Cafe and Bakery reboot in San Dimas is a modern twist on traditions of the past.

In light of recent events, I made a last-minute change to my plans for today's episode to say a word about the current coronavirus pandemic. As you know, I am not a medical professional nor am I an expert. I am simply a member of the community sharing my thoughts on how the threat of the virus impacts my family and how I witness the kindness and resilience of the human spirit during this challenging time.

When most of the candidates for City Council and Mayor share the same priorities of "public safety" and "quality of life", it can be hard to tell what really sets each person apart. In this last week before the election, I thought it would be helpful to do a quick summary of all the candidates, recapping the major issues and characteristics that I believe make each one stand out. I also briefly review the arguments for and against the sales tax Measure SD.

In this fifth and final interview of my candidate series, I talk with incumbent Councilmember John Ebiner. John talks about his accomplishments during his time on the City Council, as well as his goals and ideas for the future direction of San Dimas. The Councilmember reiterates his priorities of maintaining a high quality of life for residents, protecting historic neighborhoods from overdevelopment, and preserving open space.

The next episode in my series of interviews features Emma Ramirez, a retired LAPD detective sergeant and current San Dimas Public Safety Commissioner. Emma is a long-time resident, small business owner, and single mom who raised her two sons in San Dimas. Emma describes her campaign for City Council as part of her lifelong commitment to public service. Issues important to Emma include preparing for the Gold Line station, revitalizing downtown, and bringing City Hall to the community.

In today's episode, I interview San Dimas City Council candidate Nichole Gonzales. Nichole is a married, working mother holding a senior role at a global humanitarian nonprofit. Her motivation to run for City Council comes from her desire to listen to and be a voice for the community. With the impending Gold Line station and recent state legislation, Nichole believes in historical preservation, responsible development, and community revitalization.

I interview David Estrada as part of my series of interviews with candidates for San Dimas City Council and Mayor. David has been a proud labor leader his entire professional career and a strong advocate for mental health issues. David expresses his concerns about California's state government limiting local control and his hope that San Dimas can collaborate with our neighbors to stand up to Sacramento. He also shares his views on local issues like public safety, revitalizing business in town, and the upcoming sales tax on the ballot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the first episode of Isabel in San Dimas!

Listen to the show to get to know me, Isabel, and why I started this podcast. If you are interested in local politics, community events, or just general happenings around San Dimas, this is the podcast for you! Join me, your neighbor, and let’s chat.