Calimesa Insider

Calimesa: From Native American Roots to 21st Century Challenges Jun 14, 2025

Join us for the 50th episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast. Host and City Manager Will Kolbow takes us on a historical journey, exploring Calimesa's evolution from indigenous roots through incorporation, the rise of master-planned communities, and how the modern economy has sparked a warehouse boom. Learn about the intricate history, key developments, and future plans for the city. We also provide updates on the upcoming City Council meeting, community events like Popsicles in the Park, and the Summer Lunch Program. Don't miss out on this comprehensive look at Calimesa's past, present, and future!

00:00 Celebrating Episode 50 and 35 Years of Calimesa

01:15 Upcoming City Council Meeting and Community Events

03:49 A Listener's Request: The History of Calimesa

04:03 Native American Roots and Early Settlers

05:09 The Mexican Rancho Era and American Settlement

06:15 The Birth of Calimesa: From Community to City

09:26 The Push for Incorporation and Cityhood

11:23 The Oak Valley Specific Plan and Development Disputes

18:01 Modern Master Plan Communities: Summerwind Ranch and Mesa Verde

23:05 Balancing Growth and Preservation in the 21st Century

28:55 Conclusion and Future Outlook for Calimesa

Behind the Orange Cones: The Long Journey of Interchange Improvements May 31, 2025

Join City Manager Will Kolbow on Episode 49 of the Calimesa Insider Podcast as we unveil the intricate process behind major interchange projects like the I-10/Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange upgrade. Discover why these projects take years, from planning and environmental reviews to detailed design, right of way acquisition, and construction. Learn about Caltrans QMAP and the key phases that ensure project success. Plus, hear the latest updates on traffic signals at I-10 and County Line Road, an upcoming city council meeting, and more. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just curious, this episode offers valuable insights into the worldof city government and infrastructure. Don't miss it!

00:00 Introduction to Freeway Interchange Projects

00:35 Host Introduction and Episode Overview

01:21 Addressing Local Traffic Complaints

02:53 Upcoming City Council Meeting

04:45 Understanding the Caltrans QMAP Process

06:49 Project Initiation Phase

09:35 Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase

14:51 Detailed Design Phase

19:43 Right of Way Acquisition

24:08 Right of Way: Handling Properties and Emotional Stakes

24:43 Phase Five: Bidding and Awarding the Construction Contract

25:10 Advertising and Selecting the Contractor

26:56 Challenges and Nuances in the Bidding Process

29:00 Phase Six: Construction Begins

30:31 Managing Traffic During Construction

32:52 Construction Challenges and Delays

35:21 Final Phase: Project Closeout

38:18 Why Do These Projects Take So Long?

42:43 Recap and Final Thoughts

From Dollars to Sense: Understanding Sales and Gas Tax May 16, 2025

In Episode 48 of Calimesa Insider, City Manager Will Kolbow dives into the intricacies of how sales tax and gas tax work in the state and their impact on the local economy. Before diving into the main topic, Will shares his personal experiences from a recent bowling tournament in Louisiana and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness. Finance Director Celeste Reid invites the community to the upcoming budget workshop. The episode provides a historical overview of sales tax rates, their allocation, and the challenges of online sales tax distribution, followed by a detailed explanation of gas tax and its allocations. Don't miss this informative discussion on taxes and their critical role in city finances.

00:00 Introduction to Sales and Gas Tax

00:38 Host's Personal Update and Ice Bucket Challenge

02:57 Upcoming City Meetings and Events

04:34 Deep Dive into Sales Tax

12:56 Impact of Online Shopping on Sales Tax

25:54 Gas Tax Breakdown and Distribution

31:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Unraveling the Delays: The Real Story Behind the County Line Road Project May 03, 2025

In this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, CityManager Will Kolbow dives into the complexities and setbacks of the County Line Road project. From unexpected delays in funding to coordination issues among various agencies, Will breaks down why this project is taking so long and what's being done to finally complete it. Additionally, updates on the next City Council meeting, personal life updates, and more. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into your city government at work.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:32 Podcast Updates and Personal Anecdotes

01:20 Upcoming City Council Meeting

02:22 County Line Road Project Overview

04:08 Detailed Breakdown of County Line Road Projects

09:21 Challenges and Delays

20:21 Future Plans and Final Paving

23:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Launching the Yu-Cal Generals: Youth Football's New Frontier Apr 04, 2025

In this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow welcomes Marc Gallo, President of the Yu-Cal Generals, to discuss the area's newest youth sports program. They delve into the program's formation, objectives, challenges, and partnership with Yucaipa High School. The episode also covers updates on the city's new online permitting platform, a capital improvement program workshop, and the upcoming city council meeting focused on community initiatives such as the YCJUSD Summer Lunch Program and fire hazard zone mapping. Tune in to learn more about how youths and parents can get involved, player safety measures, and the long-term vision for the Yu-CalGenerals.

00:00 Show Introduction

00:51 City Updates and Announcements

01:58 Upcoming City Council Meetings and Workshops

03:41 Introduction to Marc Gallo and Yu-Cal Generals

04:11 Marc Gallo's Background and Business Ventures

05:24 Formation and Challenges of Yu-Cal Generals

09:59 Yu-Cal Generals' Programs and Community Involvement

16:03 Player Safety and Pop Warner Affiliation

19:24 Long-term Goals and Community Engagement

22:39 Conclusion and Final Announcements

Calimesa Developments: Unpacking the Rumors and Realities Mar 23, 2025

In this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, host and City Manager Will Kolbow returns from a brief hiatus to clarify the latest information on significant development projects within the city. Will addresses zoning misconceptions and provides crucial updates on major projects such as Summerwind Commons and Oak Valley Town Center. Key discussion points include the status of proposed and ongoing developments, infrastructure challenges, and upcoming city council events. Will also tackles community rumors, emphasizes the importance of accurate information, and outlines the role of private property owners and city regulations in urban development. Stay informed about your city's growth and future plans by tuning in.

00:00 Welcome Back to Calimesa Insider00:42 Addressing Development Concerns02:38 City Council Budget Workshop and Online Permitting Portal03:31 Understanding City Development and Zoning06:00 Clearing Up Project Misconceptions09:44 Summerwind Commons Project Update14:31 Oak Valley Town Center and Lift Station Details25:33 Mesa Verde and Other Major Projects36:51 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Meetings

Capital Project Updates Mar 01, 2025

In this week's episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow provides crucial updates on various city projects, including the Cherry Valley Boulevard and Singleton Road interchanges, and the Calimesa Creek project. Additionally, significant changes to the podcast's schedule are announced, with episodes now airing biweekly. Tune in to hear about the upcoming city council meeting and efforts to secure federal funding for essential projects.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Changes

01:53 City Council Meeting Preview

02:43 Addressing Political Comments

04:33 Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange Update

09:51 Singleton Road Interchange Project

13:31 County Line Road Interchange and Warehouse Impact

17:26 Pavement Management Program

19:01 Calimesa Creek Flood Control Project

20:40 Library, Park, and Senior Center Updates

21:50 Conclusion and Next Steps

CalCities City Manager Conference Feb 22, 2025

Join City Manager Will Kolbow for this week's episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, where he recaps last week's episode with Chris Gray, discusses the upcoming WRCOG used oil recycling event, and previews a detailed discussion on the County Line Road Project timeline. Will also shares insights from his busy three-day week, and key takeaways from the CalCities City Manager Conference from a couple of weeks ago, which included economic forecasts, and the mental health impacts of city management. Tune in for in-depth city updates, event announcements, and a heartfelt thank you to the supportive Calimesa community!

00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider

00:49 Upcoming Event: Used Oil Recycling

01:29 County Line Road Timeline

02:47 City Council Meeting Highlights

03:21 Meeting with Congressman Ken Calvert

04:56 CalCities City Manager Conference

29:10 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Building a Better Riverside County: Chris Gray on Transportation and Growth Feb 15, 2025

Understanding WRCOG: How Local Development Shapes Transportation and Community GrowthIn this special Valentine's Day episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow welcomes Chris Gray, Deputy Executive Director of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). They dive into the significant contributions of WRCOG to transportation infrastructure and discuss the impact of changing demographics on community development. The episode also covers upcoming city council meetings, insights into development impact fees, and the challenges faced by small cities. Plus, learn about WRCOG's unique role and how it assists local governments in managing growth responsively and effectively.00:00 Introduction to WRCOG and Its Impact00:38 Host Introduction and City Updates01:07 City Council Meeting Announcements02:20 Discussion on Local Taxes and Government Funding04:30 Interview with Chris Gray: Career and Experience07:30 Understanding WRCOG's Role and History11:52 The Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Program21:28 Challenges in Transportation Funding and Development29:20 The Consequences of Stagnation30:22 The Impact of Prop 13 on Revenue33:05 Responsible Growth and Development36:26 Regional Demographics and Development Trends41:31 The Warehouse Dilemma50:39 The Future of Workforce and Consumption53:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 41 - More Tax Talk Jan 31, 2025

Understanding State and Federal Taxes & The Demise of RDAs in California | Calimesa InsiderTwo major topics in this episode: the origins and distribution of state and federal tax dollars, and the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California. Join City Manager Will Kolbow as he delves into how your tax contributions fund various government operations and examines the legislative changes that have affected school funding and infrastructure projects. Plus, get ready for key updates on local programs and the upcoming City Council meeting. Follow us to stay informed!00:00 Introduction and Overview00:31 Host Introduction and Program Updates01:40 Senior Meal Program and City Council Meeting03:54 Understanding Federal and State Taxes05:26 Federal Budget Breakdown09:14 State Budget Breakdown13:37 Comparing State Revenues and Expenditures19:28 Education Funding and Proposition 9825:24 Redevelopment Agencies and Their Impact41:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Episode 40 - Mythbusters: Property Taxes Jan 25, 2025

The Hidden Truth Behind Your Property Taxes - Unpacking Prop 13's ImpactWelcome to another insightful episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast! This week, City Manager Will Kolbow dives deep into the complex world of property taxes and their consequential impacts on local government services. Are the proposals of more sales taxes a result of mismanagement, or is there much more beneath the surface? Discover how a law passed over 40 years ago, Proposition 13, continues to affect city revenues, property values, and funding for essential services in Calimesa and cities all over California today. With a focus on recent city council appointments and the upcoming budget process, this episode is packed with vital information every resident should know. Make sure you understand how local tax policies influence the services you receive and why over 100 cities had sales tax measures on the ballot. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to keep your community informed!00:00 Introduction and Overview00:38 Host Introduction and Podcast Updates01:24 City Council Meeting Highlights02:20 Diving into Taxation Issues04:06 Understanding Property Taxes08:24 Impact of Proposition 1315:22 Comparing Local Tax Distributions16:07 State Budget Deficits and ERAF18:33 Vehicle License Fees and the Triple Flip21:45 Current Property Tax Distribution26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 39 - Conflicts and Bias Jan 18, 2025

Happy Friday and welcome to another episode of Calimesa Insider! This week, we discuss the latest updates on our social media growth, upcoming city events, and key topics on the agenda for our upcoming city council meeting, including park expansion and senior center renovations. We delve into the complexities of conflict of interest and bias in governmental decision-making, offering insights from historical cases and current events in neighboring cities. Stay informed and engaged with everything happening in Calimesa. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more updates!00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider!00:33 Social Media Updates and Announcements01:01 Public Safety and Community Updates01:53 Upcoming City Council Meeting Highlights04:56 Main Topic: Bias and Conflicts of Interest06:11 Understanding the Political Reform Act22:22 Case Studies on Bias and Conflict of Interest30:02 Best Practices for Decision Makers31:42 Closing Remarks and Reminders

Episode 38 - New Year, New Laws Jan 10, 2025

New Year, New Laws: Understanding Sacramento's Impact on Calimesa in 2025Welcome to the first episode of the new year! In this video, we discuss the impactful new laws that Sacramento has introduced and how they affect Calimesa's operations, housing regulations, and more in 2025. Despite a challenging start to the year with events like the New Orleans terrorist attack and Vegas truck bombing, we remain hopeful. Tune in to learn about the latest changes in local legislation, including SB 9, SB 450, and AB 1413, as well as updates on our expanded social media presence and plans for community engagement through virtual and in-person town halls.00:00 Introduction to New Year and New Laws00:35 Reflecting on Recent Events01:25 Podcast Updates and Social Media Expansion03:42 Community Engagement Plans for 202504:58 Overview of New Laws Impacting Daily Life07:29 Impact of New Laws on City Operations12:33 Changes in Housing Laws and Their Implications26:06 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

Will Kolbow's Appearance on Yucaipa 360 Dec 27, 2024

As you enjoy your holidays, please enjoy this "simulcast" of the Yucaipa 360 Podcast, where City Manager Will Kolbow was a guest alongside Joe Turner, the host of City Manager Unfiltered.

Hosted by Yucaipa City Manager Chris Mann, Yucaipa 360 is a biweekly video podcast that dives into the heart of municipal government, exploring the issues that impact Yucaipa with the people who work behind the scenes to keep Yucaipa running smoothly. From budget updates and major projects to interviews with key staff and regional leaders, ”Yucaipa 360” is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged with the future of Yucaipa. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this podcast offers insights and information to help you connect with your community on a deeper level.

Episode 37 - 2024 Recap: Resilient Dec 21, 2024

In this final episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast for 2024, City Manager Will Kolbow reviews the key activities and developments within Calimesa throughout the year. Topics include the adoption of campaign donation limits, changes to city fees, council actions on public safety, and community events like spay and neuter clinics and the Christmas parade. Major capital projects such as the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange and the new library's progress are discussed, along with residential and commercial development updates. The episode also highlights the city's resilience and plans for enhanced community engagement and a new video format for the podcast in 2025.

00:00 Welcome to Calimesa Insider

00:15 Reflecting on 2024: Challenges and Achievements

01:09 Key Council Actions of 2024

03:58 Community Events Recap

07:56 Major Projects and Developments

14:33 Looking Ahead to 2025

21:22 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Episode 36 - Fiscal Health Dec 13, 2024

The California Policy Center established a new local government fiscal health dashboard, which is meant to replace the State Auditor's previous dashboard (which is no longer available). City Manager Kolbow reviews the City of Calimesa's scores on the dashboard, as well as those of surrounding cities. He also discusses the commutation of a prison sentence for the perpetrator of one largest local government embezzlements in the history of the US, as well as some of the items coming up on this Monday's City Council agenda.

Calimesa's score on Local Fiscal Health Dashboard: https://californiapolicycenter.org/fiscal-health-dashboard/#calimesa

Article on Commutation of Rita Crundwell's sentence: https://news.wttw.com/2024/12/12/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-who-embezzled-almost-54m-public-funds-has

Documentary on Crundwell's crime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXSZhKEddxI

Podcast Series on Crundwell's crime: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crooked-city-dixon-il/id1633245610

Episode 35 - Social Media Dec 06, 2024

After a one week break for Thanksgiving, Calimesa Insider is back and Will discusses what many may consider a controversial decision by a city in Canada, and discusses the pros and cons about comments from certain social media platforms. He also shares the final election results for Calimesa as well as other cities in the San Gorgonio Pass.

Episode 34 - Capital Project Updates Nov 22, 2024

City Manager Will Kolbow gives you the latest on projects involving County Line Road, Singleton Road missing ramps, and the Cherry Valley Blvd. interchange. He also shares the latest City Council election results and discusses the special City Council meeting on December 10 to swear in the new City Council.

Episode 33 - Updates Nov 15, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow provides an update on the City Council election results, talks about the holiday events coming up in the City, previews the next City Council meeting, and talks about some of the highlights of his week.

Episode 32 - Cherry Valley Blvd. Nov 08, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow dives deeper into the Cherry Valley Blvd., following up on a video posted on the City's Instagram page this week. He shares his frustration with the process of how the traffic signal improvements lacked a right-turn pocket for eastbound Cherry Valley Blvd. to eastbound Interstate 10, the ridiculous amount of time it takes to process a change to add the turn lane, and whether or not it is a good use of time and resources which might take focus away from a much bigger project that will make this interchange serviceable now and in the future.

Link to Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/cityofcalimesa/reel/DCC3i0EImeA/

Episode 31 - Community Services Nov 01, 2024

Community services is an important aspect of a City's identity, and it is often up there in importance after public safety and roads. City Manager Will Kolbow discusses some background on community services in Calimesa as well as what the City is doing to increase its efforts in this area. He also previews the upcoming City Council meeting.

Episode 30 - Jumping to Conclusions Oct 25, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow addresses some information out on social media that is incorrect regarding contracting for the County Line Road project. He discusses the progress of the project since he came to the City, the many hiccups and frustrations along the way, and where the light at the end of the tunnel might be. He also directly addresses an incorrect conclusion about conflicts of interest regarding the firms working on the project.

Episode 29 - 2024 Cal Cities Conference Oct 19, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow discusses the sessions he attended at the Cal Cities Conference this week held at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Episode 28 - Oak Valley Town Center Update #2 Oct 11, 2024

Back in May, City Manager Will Kolbow provided an update on what is happening at the Oak Valley Town Center (Episode 7 of the podcast). This week, he gives another update on what has been happening over the past few months and the steps that have been taken so far to try and get work going again at the Town Center. He also gives a summary of the business item that was on this past Monday's City Council meeting agenda.

Episode 27 - Legislative Update Oct 06, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow, with the end of the California legislative session, gets into some of the bills that were passed (and one that was vetoed) that will have an impact on local cities, including on homelessness, warehouses and housing.

Episode 26 - State of the City 2024 Sep 27, 2024

This week's episode features City Manager Will Kolbow's keynote address from the Calimesa 2024 State of the City, which took place on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Held in partnership with the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce, the State of the City was attended by over 150 business and governmental leaders from the Pass Area. The full video of the State of the City will be uploaded to the City of Calimesa's YouTube page at cityofcalimesa.net/youtube.

Episode 25 - Empowerment Sep 20, 2024

This week, Will talks about this past week's City Council meeting, what is happening with the Council meeting this coming Monday, and tells about the team building event that the City's executive team participated in this week and how that adds value for the City.

Episode 24 - Development Update Sep 13, 2024

This week, we go over some of the items on the upcoming City Council agenda, including an item relating to the Senior Meal Program. We also provide a development update, including what is happening with the Summerwind Specific Plan, the Calimesa Golf Course, the Sandalwood Travel Center, and other projects.

For the full development update, visit the following link and go to page 96: https://www.cityofcalimesa.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162024-243

Episode 23 - Setting the Record Straight Sep 06, 2024

With the continuation of the Oak Valley North public hearing coming a couple of weeks, the City has been getting a steady stream of feedback on the project. However, there is a theme that possibly speaks to the misunderstanding of the entitlement process, so the City Manager speaks to some of these examples and lays out the process for a project such as this one. He also talks about the purpose of the podcast and why it exists.

City of Calimesa Land Use Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/live/sim71rsYnA0?si=L_aZKr37Tvt-eurs

Episode 22 - Month in Review Aug 30, 2024

This week, City Manager Will Kolbow reviews his activity for the month of August to give you a flavor of what a city manager does on a day-to-day basis. He also provides a quick update about activity on County Line Road and a concerning development regarding the Banning DMV office.

Episode 21 - Homeowners' Insurance Concerns Aug 23, 2024

Fire Chief Tim O'Connell is the guest on this week's episode, where we discuss the inherent fire risks associated with living in a community like Calimesa, what the City has control over when it comes to homeowners' insurance rates and policy availability (and what we don't), what the City does to reduce fire risk, and ways homeowners can help the cause. We also recap Monday's City Council meeting and provide some follow up and clarification on last week's episode.

Episode 20 - Senior Meal Program Aug 16, 2024

This week, our City Manager discusses the City's successful senior meal program and the journey of Assembly Bill 2410, sponsored by Assemblyman Greg Wallis, with regard to grab-and-go senior meals. He also discusses the upcoming City Council meeting, including the reason why the hearing on Oak Valley North will be continued (meaning delayed) until September 23.

Episode 19 - Staffing Levels Aug 09, 2024

In this week's episode, the City Manager discuss City staffing levels and how they compare to neighboring cities. He talks about how lean the City's budget is and how Calimesa has to do a lot of the same things that other cities do, but with a fraction of the staff.

Links mentioned during the podcast:

City Council Public Safety Workshop (April 29, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX6wPxhGSEU&t=4s

Calimesa Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget: https://www.cityofcalimesa.net/Archive.aspx?ADID=231

Episode 18 - State Mandates vs. Voters Aug 02, 2024

This week, City Manager Kolbow talks about a voter initiative in a Northern California city that will, if passed, likely lead to precedent-setting litigation involving state housing mandates and the voter initiatives. This includes a conversation about several other cities that are facing or have faced similar dilemmas where the will of the voters and state mandates are at odds when it comes to housing.

Episode 17 - Realities Special Part 4 - Economic Development Jul 26, 2024

In the final episode of our four-part special, Will discusses what economic development is, one of the most common misperceptions about economic development, what one popular retailer looks for in a potential site, and how land use decisions and economic development influence one another. We also wrap up the series and how all of these realities come together to influence almost all decisions that the city makes.

Episode 16 - Realities Special Part 3 - Influences on Land Use Decisions Jul 19, 2024

In part three of our four-part series of the realities in which Calimesa, and California cities in general, operates, we discuss the City's General Plan and zoning ordinance, the various considerations that go into land use decisions, how staff formulates its recommendations, and how changing laws and market forces have shifted how we look at land use decisions.

Calimesa General Plan: https://www.cityofcalimesa.net/DocumentCenter/View/163/Calimesa-General-Plan-PDF?bidId=

Calimesa Land Use Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sim71rsYnA0

California Housing Graph: California Housing.jpg

Episode 15 - Realities Special Part 2 - Land Use History in California Jul 12, 2024

This week, we present the second episode in our four-part series on the regulatory and economic realities of local governments in California. This episode focuses in on the history of land use, how different movements have shaped land use policies and restrictions, and a court case that led to a significant piece of legislation that is an integral part of large scale development.

Land Use Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sim71rsYnA0

150 Years of Land Use: https://www.cacities.org/UploadedFiles/LeagueInternet/91/91ed1e31-0a7b-43cf-b7c4-260ad9de2e0f.pdf

Episode 14 - Realities Special Part 1 - Long-term Effects Jul 05, 2024

This month, Calimesa Insider is presenting a 4-part special that will explore some of the economic and regulatory realities that cities up and down California are facing, and how those realities influence decisions.

In this first part, we explore three decisions that have occurred over the past 45 years that have greatly impacted the revenues and costs of local governments.

Episode 13 - Infrastructure Updates Jun 28, 2024

City Engineer Mike Thornton is the guest this week on the podcast, speaking about what functions the Engineering Division does for the City and gives updates on some major projects, including various projects along County Line Road, the Singleton Road missing on and off ramps, pavement management, and Calimesa Creek.

Episode 12 - A Captain's Legacy Jun 22, 2024

City Manager Will Kolbow is joined by soon-to-be retired Riverside County Sheriff's Captain Evan Petersen. Captain Petersen served as the Calimesa Police Chief over the past year and made some great changes that will leave us better than he found us. Captain Petersen tells about how he found a career in law enforcement, some interesting moments in his career, the changes he implemented at the Cabazon station and Calimesa specifically, and the state of law enforcement services for Calimesa.

Episode 11 - Cherry Valley Blvd. Interchange Jun 15, 2024

The Cherry Valley Blvd. interchange had traffic signals installed and activated about 6 months ago, but is that all that is happening? Fortunately, the answer is no. City Manager Will Kolbow talks about what steps have been taken so far in the project to upgrade the interchange, and where we are going. He also gives a preview of this coming Monday's City Council meeting.

Episode 10 - Budgets and Truck Lanes Jun 08, 2024

This week, the City Manager talks about the Interstate 10 truck climbing lane project taking place between Live Oak Canyon Rd./Oak Glen Rd. and County Line Road as well as the City budget...but from a different approach. He talks about the taxes you pay at different levels of government, the services provided at each level, and the cost of doing business. It gets to the heart of some of the biggest concerns residents and businesses have when it comes to taxes and public services.

Links referenced in today's episode:

Information on running for City Council: https://www.cityofcalimesa.net/194/City-Council-Elections

San Bernardino I-10 Truck Climbing Lanes Project: https://www.gosbcta.com/project/i-10-truck-climbing-lane/

Riverside County I-10 Truck Climbing Lanes Project: https://www.rctc.org/projects/10-truck-climbing-lane-project/

Video of Budget Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulj4r2g9TTE

Video of Budget Adoption: https://www.youtube.com/live/PuMYmryVVdo?si=OI_k0X9JuuEBkzun&t=1157

Agenda for Latest City Council meeting (includes draft budget starting on page 42): https://www.cityofcalimesa.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032024-220

Episode 9 - Transportation Funding Jun 01, 2024

This week, City Manager Kolbow talks about transportation funding in Calimesa, with a focus on the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program. The latest nexus study is out for public review, so we explain what TUMF is, how it is divvied up, and what it is used for. Below are links to participate in the TUMF Nexus Study process:

Link to WRCOG's Studies & Documents page, containing links to the draft 2024 Nexus Study and information on the upcoming informational meeting: https://wrcog.us/201/Studies-Documents

Direct Link to 2024 Nexus Study: https://wrcog.us/DocumentCenter/View/10258/TUMFNexusStudy240513DRAFT

Link to Zoom informational meeting, taking place Tuesday, June 4 at 1 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502368810?pwd=WVlOaExpcVVrR2x2MjA4NTJrc3Vqdz09

Episode 8 - County Line Road May 25, 2024

On this week's episode, City Manager Will Kolbow gets into the status of the County Line Road project, including background on the project, why roundabouts were selected for the project, why 5th and County Line Road took so long to open, and what is still remaining on the project. He also recaps the most recent City Council meeting and provides an overview of the upcoming Scoping Meeting regarding the Mesa Verde Specific Plan Subsequent EIR preparation.

Episode 7 - Oak Valley Town Center Update May 18, 2024

Calimesa Insider is back, and we are moving to a weekly program. Shorter episodes, recapping the week at the city and a look ahead at the next week. This week, we take a look at what is happening at Oak Valley Town Center and why work has stopped.

Episode 6 - City Council Meetings & Public Participation Jan 12, 2024

Happy 2024! The Calimesa Insider podcast is back and on this episode City Manager Kolbow talks about how City Council meetings work, the laws and policies that govern Council meetings, and describes how the public can effectively participate in the public process. It's a long episode because there is so much to go over, but we think it will be worth your time and, as a result, your time spent at a City Council meeting will be much more productive and valuable.

Episode 5 - State of the City 2023 Oct 09, 2023

In this special episode of Calimesa Insider, we are (mostly) recording on location at the 2023 Calimesa State of the City, which had a much different look than years past. We brought the community together to celebrate our town and its accomplishments. In this episode, City Manager Will Kolbow is joined by Councilmembers Jeff Cervantez and Linda Molina, as well as Calimesa Chamber of Commerce President Shea Choy and Executive Assistant Donea Matheson.

Episode 4 - Fire Department Sep 14, 2023

This month, City Manager Will Kolbow sits down with Fire Chief Tim O'Connell and former City Manager Bonnie Johnson to discuss the City's Fire Department. Bonnie shares with us how her professional background prepared her for the heaviest lift of her professional career: starting a fire department from the ground up. She shares why the City went in the direction of forming its own department and the challenges that came along with it. Chief O'Connell then discuss his career journey and what our department looks like today in year six of operation, as well as some of the goals and priorities of the Fire Department to meet the challenges of both today and the future.

Episode 3 - Sheriff Services Jul 28, 2023

By popular demand, City Manager Will Kolbow is joined by Riverside County Sheriff's Department Captain Evan Petersen to talk about sheriff services in the City of Calimesa. In this conversation, we got to know Captain Petersen, what is included in the City's sheriff contract, the role of the City's Problem Oriented Policing deputy, how technology has both helped and hindered police work, as well as the effects that changes at the State level has had on policing in our region.

Episode 2 - All About Finance Jun 22, 2023

With the recent approval of the City's Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget, City Manager Will Kolbow took the opportunity to speak with Finance Director Celeste Reid. She covers what the day-to-day operations of the City's Finance Department look like. Will and Celeste also have a discussion about the creation of the budget, as well as City's annual audit and what that entails.

In addition, Will gives an update on the interim improvements at Cherry Valley Blvd. and I-10, a preview of our State of the City coming up in October, and the City's recently approved animal control contract with the County of Riverside.

By popular demand, our next episode will feature a discussion on police services in the City of Calimesa.

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Episode 1 - What does the City Manager Do? May 19, 2023

Welcome to the premier episode of Calimesa Insider! Here is what on this month's episode:

What Calimesa Insider will be all about
A little bit of background on our City Manager
Some history of Calimesa
General Law vs. Charter
Council-Manager form of government
The role of the City Manager

Next month, Finance Director Celeste Reid will join City Manager Will Kolbow to discuss the City's Finance operations and the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.

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