San Jacinto is “A Lifestyle Worth Living” according to Mayor Phil Ayala who addressed hundreds of guests at the annual San Jacinto State of the City address on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Soboba Springs Golf Course.
Ayala was delighted to introduce his guests that included other city officials, school district educators, state and local government officials, churches, water district board members, members of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, area Chambers of Commerce, nonprofit organizations, Valley-Wide Recreation and many others. The gala evening included an executive dinner, wines and desserts prepared and served by the Maze Stone’s chefs and staff.
In his review of the City of San Jacinto’s progress in the past year and in previous years, he emphasized the city of 58,000 residents has seen amazing growth with no end in sight. The most significant increases in services came in the economic theater with $1 million in new real estate coming into the 106-year-old city. Additionally, new park equipment, expansion and use of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services San Jacinto campus, high levels of education with a 94.5% high school graduation rate cited. Additionally, six new retail centers, added city employment including new firefighters and police officers, a new fire engine at station 78, highway and sewer improvements, and improving relationships with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians have all added to the city’s gains over time.
He said he is “very proud” of the city that is in “strong financial standing” with the City Reserve Funds with up to $14.5 million in the past two fiscal years adding to the general fund balance.
He outlined the city’s six strategic priorities: increasing business revenues, Main Street revitalization, special events, local job growth, public safety, and continued positive relationships with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.
In the future he said the city is looking to see a new Main Street city hall, an event business center with outside amphitheater and lighting, a major shopping center at the southwest corner of State Street and Ramona Avenue, a KPC development on the northwest corner of the Ramona Expressway with hotel, sit down restaurant, shopping and a medical office building and senior living complex. A pre-application has been submitted for three new hotels at State St. and Idyllwild Dr. and a light industrial center north of Palm Ave.. He said there is also “something [special] in the works, but I am going to keep that secret for a while.” He added that a 12-acre sports facility park and concert center is also being considered for the future.
At the conclusion of the State of the City address, Ayala asked the audience to take time out to remember the late city councilman and mayor Russ Utz who died in 2023. He called up longtime City Councilman Alonso Ledezma to honor him with a Key to the City for his 10 years of service on the city council. He also recognized a city firefighter and a police officer with new “Excellence in Service” awards from the city for their valiant deeds in saving and protecting the lives of others.
San Jacinto City Manager Robert Johnson started the State of the City program with introductions and names of the sponsors followed by the Presentation of the Colors made by the San Jacinto Valley Academy Military Explorers Post 111 Color Guard introduced by Councilmember Crystal Ruiz.
Councilmember Brian Hawkins led the invocation with Ledezma giving the Pledge of Allegiance and introducing San Jacinto Police Chief Capt. Burton and CalFire Division Chief Dan Olson.
Mayor Pro Tem Valerie Vandever introduced Gifi Vega from the San Jacinto Valley Academy choir to sing the national anthem.
Ayala’s eldest daughter, 2nd Lt. Alyssa T. Ayala from the California Army National Guard, proudly introduced her father as the main speaker.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
