[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6543137,"mediaKeyId","3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b","parentId",3741248,"title","Upland council approves Via Serena specific plan and certifies EIR for 65‑home project","audioSeconds",1681,"startMs",2207000,"endMs",3888000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b&start=2207&end=3888","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543137/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Upland-council-approves-Via-Serena-specific-plan-and-certifies-EIR-for-65home-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543137-6795bd9a190751836f935c786f976a9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190511&Signature=Gb0B7uPBWVBH~4NLgUWNWkaST-EeJQoszoL88XMuHiQWIlh3F8g7Twqd9cY2qGRfke2pIws8k2oLw2xgLXAXbOn-jzgl2aVVu3qb0SqLmqXLlKA5jkmo49GRZ~z6ewhH94M-LoV2ItxFqdsExd9C3lDHeo3n4JCWbDbxDkzqmGDIYDyX5YLfoldYNsRCmpLSTlcp78nFZ03XZlYpFNBtIkWsmJ6eMTddeEmihSohx1K2FTM1wK8fYqtHY8hZNZl3aUD5DvqWyo5Z-hQsYDEXCbtzCeKav9muZOG3J1HeAvImL5UEgFGl5IENyM6bUrcPOXH024QGhhgrlH5hCmXJ~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Upland","date","2025-06-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Upland City Council on June 9 approved the Via Serena specific plan, authorizing a general plan amendment, zone change, the specific plan itself, and a tentative tract map and development plan that will allow construction of 65 single‑family homes on about 9.2 acres in the Fifteenth Street basin area.

The council certified a final environmental impact report (EIR) prepared after a 2020 court challenge set aside an earlier mitigated negative declaration. The EIR concluded mitigation measures and monitoring can reduce biological, noise and water‑quality impacts to less‑than‑significant levels and includes a habitat mitigation and monitoring plan (HMMP) for wetlands and riparian planting on the project’s eastern conservation area.

City planning staff said the project will: reconfigure the existing basin to provide flood control and additional pollutant detention; extend Fifteenth Street into the development as a gated, primary access; create an HOA‑maintained park and four pocket parks; and provide a trail and public open‑space loop adjacent to the basin. Homes will range roughly from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet, with three to five bedrooms and two‑car garages. The developer proposes 12 common lots for open space and infrastructure and an HOA to maintain on‑site improvements.

Why this matters: The site was previously the subject of litigation that required further environmental study. Neighbors raised concerns at the public hearing about potential loss of wetlands, whether the revised basin would provide equivalent groundwater recharge and pollution control, impacts to views and privacy for existing backyards, increased traffic and the adequacy of public notice. Regional and state agencies submitted technical comments during the EIR circulation; the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board reviewed the basin redesign and informed the city it had no outstanding objections after additional design information was provided.

Key technical and mitigation points
- Biology: The EIR requires pre‑grading biological surveys (burrowing owl, nesting birds and other special‑status species) and an HMMP. The HMMP as proposed includes wetland planting and monitoring and allows either on‑site restoration of about 1.2 acres of mule‑fat scrub plus 0.3 acres of palustrine wetland or purchase of mitigation credits; the EIR and staff reports note that the city and state resource agencies will review and approve final HMMP details and long‑term funding and monitoring plans. City staff and the applicant said they have been working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on a streambed alteration agreement.
- Water quality and basin redesign: The developer will deepen a portion of the basin to increase detention and pollutant removal capacity (staff cited an increase in detention time and dead storage in technical responses). The Regional Water Quality Control Board commented during review and later confirmed its technical concerns were resolved after additional design and pollution‑control information was provided.
- Noise and construction: The EIR contains construction‑period mitigation measures (hours limits, fencing, and monitoring) and pre‑construction surveys for species that could be affected by grading.
- Traffic/parking: The plan adds an extension of Fifteenth Street as the gated primary access; a secondary egress point is limited and intended primarily for emergency vehicle access. Staff said traffic studies did not identify intersection operations below city thresholds; the plan includes driveway and driveway parking for each home plus on‑street spaces internal to the subdivision.

What residents said: Residents living immediately south of the site told the council they were not included early enough, said the project would block mountain views and reduce privacy because proposed two‑story homes would face existing backyards, and asked whether alternatives — reorienting the rear eight lots or requiring single‑story homes adjacent to the existing houses — had been explored. Others urged the city to ensure the conservation area is permanently protected, adequately funded for long‑term management and monitored to prevent weed invasion.

City and applicant responses: Planning staff and the applicant said multiple biological surveys were completed in 2022–2024 and additional focused pre‑construction surveys will be required. The applicant’s project team said they have provided the draft HMMP to agencies for review and agreed more detail on long‑term management and funding will be finalized before grading. The applicant and staff also said the basin redesign increases detention time and pollutant removal capacity compared with the existing condition.

Council action and votes: The council took five separate actions required under CEQA and local land‑use law — certifying the EIR, approving a general plan amendment, approving a zone change ordinance, adopting the Via Serena specific plan, and approving the tentative tract map and development plan. Each action was moved and seconded during the meeting and passed unanimously by the council members present (one council member absent at the vote). The council adopted conditions of approval that add or clarify landscape selections and require staff review of the HMMP, monitoring, and related funding mechanisms.

Next steps: The developer must finalize the HMMP and required agency permits (including the CDFW streambed alteration agreement) and secure construction and grading permits. The project includes standard pre‑construction species surveys; if special‑status wildlife or aquatic resources are found during those surveys, the EIR’s mitigation measures require additional steps before work can proceed.

Ending: The council’s approval moves a long‑running, litigated project toward construction; residents and agencies will continue to review and monitor implementation of mitigation measures as grading and construction permits are processed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Upland - City Council - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Upland City Council on June 9 approved the Via Serena specific plan, certifying a final environmental impact report and authorizing a general plan amendment, zone change, the specific plan, and a tentative tract map and development plan to allow 65 single‑family homes on roughly 9.2 acres in the Fifteenth Street basin.","taxTitle","Upland, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",4300,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543118,"Votes at a glance: council approves mid‑cycle budget, easement vacation, water‑plant contract and other items",0,5200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b&start=5200&end=5200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b/thumbnail_5200000.jpg","/articles/6543118/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-midcycle-budget-easement-vacation-waterplant-contract-and-other-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543118-476b8833cd1ade989507ffc4c6bfd5e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190511&Signature=jy0k5onNC3jaGkyIpp6xemrzdLddOLNpC~oa3XHry0Bb6RB8NFvfQNCftXm-~ze8w~PRm-COFnQbJA6Qe1fPXOYwtA38tkvaGhvq2TyIP2C7MM1jRI27n3U4M7VNORb1OQ~xzPcUcNuZ7wIJmUMn2OkGVq6aqqHZINgAtQsf4tM75lsH4mREIpgdwkGPfJ9NIk2X4JMGhnVCOFwfArZjV5DC9un60QORZwMfII3Yn15DQVQO~zvVS3UdnQek78QIxc5NpFgRfOWAUKRbd5hKRxAgzCYTVYt~2zlHLw7H46zHIoaTSnmtDJgTXktWxeFdLDSe6Xkp4D-dm0gjD63~4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council took several formal votes on June 9. Key outcomes follow:

- Mid‑year budget and CIP: The council approved the FY 2025‑26 mid‑cycle budget adjustments and the Capital Improvement Program budget, approved an updated schedule of authorized positions (including freezes, reclassifications and additions described in staff materials), and adopted an appropriation limit resolution. Staff said the adjustments reflect revised revenue projections and targeted funding for items including water retail sales updates and a placeholder for regional homeless shelter participation. Motions were moved and passed with unanimous votes by council members present (one council member was absent for votes noted in the record).

- Planning Commission appointment: Geoff Johnson was ratified to serve on the Planning Commission by unanimous vote of council members present.

- Public utility easement vacation (1010 East Twentieth Street): The council adopted a resolution approving the vacation of a 33‑foot portion of a public waterline easement across the property at 1010 E. 20th St. Staff said the easement segment is no longer required because the developer relocated the water line to accommodate an approved self‑storage project; the relocation will be recorded with a new easement alignment. The motion passed unanimously by council members present.

- San Antonio Canyon Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation (sole‑source award): The council awarded a sole‑source construction contract to Misco Water (exclusive California representative for West Tech Trident filter systems) to replace filter media, update obsolete control equipment and rehabilitate filter internals at the San Antonio Canyon Water Treatment Plant. Staff said the plant’s filter media and control components have not been replaced in decades and that some replacement parts are proprietary; the base contract award was approximately $2.66 million plus a construction contingency bringing the total program budget to about $3.15 million sourced from water‑fund bond project allocations. The motion passed unanimously by council members present.

How the council voted: Staff recorded motions as passing unanimously among council members present at each vote. For items with formal roll calls the transcript records unanimous approval with one council member noted as absent for those votes.

Ending
Staff said the projects and personnel updates are intended to accelerate capital work and restore operational capacity in critical systems; several items require follow‑up permits, recording of easement adjustments, and continued agency coordination.","At the June 9 meeting the council approved the fiscal year 2025‑26 mid‑cycle budget adjustments and related personnel changes, adopted a schedule of capital projects, approved a waterline easement vacation at 1010 E. 20th Street, and awarded a sole‑source construction contract for rehabilitation of the San Antonio Canyon Water Treatment Plant.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543122,"Council recognizes volunteer ‘Litter Free Upland’ organizer after monthly cleanups",779,443000,1222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b&start=443&end=1222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b/thumbnail_443000.jpg","/articles/6543122/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Council-recognizes-volunteer-Litter-Free-Upland-organizer-after-monthly-cleanups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543122-ed78828388d54035bfc9f46c707421fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190511&Signature=ABIUcBbJeW5jRVL65CIvNutSdHJdMOHKbIAgn8p~jiLHUC7a1AOdU-w4~7k9~M75eT1RjuzIqq5A-oi-CsjLKo1pf0hB3XHOzaHkcqSvkZdamnnJZTCIDT8WeJ~OCdI7B2E~QLq-KPDNsFDCTKjlLzVt1p6T5n0v9U26Oi6-vEgzkBxOvYe1sOmdVM-20JNxRGMHUY6L17IZVEqHviiO1ejjqX3AMwqeHmu2AWux1AfbL8b7H0AQjnVgT9lcZ9zO3Xt63sydt2oGy82DCSYp332E7-Wbk5jpEoS1KynIEZxhViVJar1wDly6fxtAZ0E6HsFOOokilO9jwsXX6oXjjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the June 9 meeting the City Council presented a certificate recognizing Joshua Day for community cleanup work and for organizing Litter Free Upland, a volunteer group that stages regular pickups along the Pacific Electric Trail, downtown and on freeway ramps.

Day told council he started picking up litter while rehabilitating after surgeries and turned the activity into a regular volunteer effort; he said the group’s Facebook page has 74 members, the group holds monthly cleanups open to residents and families, and volunteers reported one 131‑pound pickup on a 210 Freeway on‑ramp. The council and city staff thanked Day and volunteer Stacy for their work and encouraged residents to report large items through the city’s Public Works app rather than moving debris themselves.

Ending
Council presented a certificate of recognition and encouraged residents who see volunteers in orange safety gear to honk in support while noting safety guidance for pickups near traffic.","The council awarded a certificate to Joshua Day and acknowledged the Litter Free Upland group’s neighborhood cleanups, which the organizer said includes monthly pickups, a 74‑member Facebook group and one recent 131‑pound collection on a 210 freeway ramp cleanup.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543127,"Upland files annual AB 2561 vacancies report; city reports 38 current vacancies and recruitment steps",949,4208000,5157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b&start=4208&end=5157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b/thumbnail_4208000.jpg","/articles/6543127/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Upland-files-annual-AB-2561-vacancies-report-city-reports-38-current-vacancies-and-recruitment-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543127-08b5137666aa9fe75e845d372e59ce98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190511&Signature=CzlCIJzrlFIJvZ7Hdm0-I5bDhiAJzYdWAOQupIHVVxblqhi0i~71URT11TwGrlZBkKAhVEXKadLOX6GRwWia1nOwNehr3eyCkZmwChpoDHdaXK2ehxBlxt~ss4D1c1Lnt3OCOe9t7QDU1NdRTo8zXxoxMFgPC4aW7OWOxbqu~c-6SUL~GKxez2LbUiYc0MWGg7B5C-SUw~MSO71DeNvSvyB8cCBPChurqqBhmviDWkrVe1uyBIIXCrdVFlo6Mo1ywJ0gBEotRptL8fV8YZiJH8SLLVSleGQ9ad2NUdVv6OJcDcmb~j07Kx-VdC21jkBDYSy3x~eFS9OA8CYdOFC99A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the report required under Assembly Bill 2561 (Gov. Code §3502.3) at the June 9 meeting, disclosing the city’s workforce numbers and steps to improve recruitment and retention.

Deputy Director of Human Resources Cecilia Todd told the council the city has 270 budgeted full‑time positions and 38 vacancies as of May 31, 2025. Staff provided a breakdown by employee group: the general employee group had 26 vacancies out of 135 positions (about 19%); management (UMMEA) reported 3 vacancies of 40 positions (7.5%); Police Officers had eight vacancies of 65 positions (12%); and police management had one vacancy of 14 positions (7%). No bargaining unit exceeded the 20% vacancy threshold that would trigger expanded AB 2561 reporting.

Recruitment and retention measures described by HR include setting recruitment timelines, using virtual interviews, prescheduling test facilities, expanding outreach to niche boards and job fairs, and removing pre‑employment medical screens for non‑manual positions (a change HR said trimmed 2–4 weeks from hiring time). The department also described pay and incentive changes targeted to public‑safety recruitment: a hiring bonus for police officers and enhanced certification pay.

Labor response and operational implications
Representatives from AFSCME Local 20, which now represents general employees, and representatives from the mid‑management group spoke during public comment and urged the city to accelerate hiring and reduce reliance on outside contractors. AFSCME noted vacancies in equipment mechanics and other maintenance classifications, said prior attempts to hire had not always produced hires, and argued that insourcing certain work (storm‑drain cleaning, fleet maintenance) could save money in the long run and retain institutional knowledge. Mid‑management asked the city to complete an update of personnel rules and to continue cooperative work with HR on recruitment.

No council action required; council members asked for follow‑up communications and encouraged HR to continue process improvements. Staff said they will monitor the vacancy rate and report changes to the council per AB 2561 requirements.

Ending
City staff and labor representatives agreed to continue coordination on recruitment strategies and to prioritize filling critical operational classifications tied to service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.","Under Assembly Bill 2561, Upland presented an annual report on staffing and vacancies: 270 budgeted full‑time positions and 38 vacancies as of May 31, 2025. Human Resources described process improvements and targeted recruitment, while labor representatives urged more hiring and equipment to replace contracted services.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543132,"County fire officials brief Upland on new Local Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps; homeowners in foothills newly affected",1197,1257000,2454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b&start=1257&end=2454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3741248-8f145846f3d3fafe7ecbea03a79aab5b/thumbnail_1257000.jpg","/articles/6543132/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/County-fire-officials-brief-Upland-on-new-Local-Fire-Hazard-Severity-Zone-maps-homeowners-in-foothills-newly-affected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543132-991299ce5415f44634d7327bed4cfaeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190511&Signature=TqcwJXaTyg3QsxIrMsFKC5da5y1VSoVHWsKL1k4IdGmwkKFWP9jzgR4M9~vovuHWMeFCpSmWAPfikzJ67qCjii1mBz5IvdNucU0asU7swbCimXlu-GZFgAbgTkJ-oS9oh4vC1bpDh40APmIQg1JLCOJvOwrGU3dQCqKWUU1V2IMYaNf-9-a4UR2AfH53SxkCvx7xqv2YJ0qIYA-PO~9GyCiAPpNS38a7rqC~eQVL9ocJlAy4eSrZSIfW17EO3tf-V9cnz3j874HZSTnOaZTxql~eWbho6Ox3YX8PUReJzH0nYeJRIkg9tScRDPsw4wIw6r5lGNdLEMqsQMU2xbR60Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Bernardino County Fire officials briefed the Upland City Council on June 9 about recently released Local Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and the steps homeowners and the city must take under state law.

Assistant Chief Jeff Birchfield and Assistant Fire Marshal Curtis Markoff explained the state fire marshal released zone recommendations this spring and that California law now requires local agencies to adopt designations (moderate, high and very high) within 120 days of receiving the recommendations. The county will adopt zone designations for areas within its jurisdiction; local agencies must designate zones for areas in their jurisdiction according to government code requirements.

What changed for Upland
County staff showed map layers indicating an expansion of mapped areas in Upland and said recent modeling assigned more parcels into high and very‑high categories compared with older maps. Staff cited the area south of the 210 Freeway (near the Tesla facilities and the Campus Avenue corridor) and the ridge above Campus as newly or more clearly designated ‘very high’ fire hazard severity zones. County Fire told the council that for Upland the updated map shows roughly 481 parcels in the very high zone, 534 in high zones and 237 in moderate zones (an increase of about 100 parcels from prior map releases reported in 2011).

Key requirements and timeline
- Natural hazard disclosure: Sellers must include fire hazard designations in real‑estate disclosures for properties located in high and very high zones.
- Building code consequences: New construction located in very high severity zones must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code by July 22, 2025; new construction in high zones will be subject to Chapter 7A starting Jan. 1, 2026, and the State Fire Marshal may later require similar standards in moderate zones.
- Defensible space: Government code provisions and the wildland‑urban interface standards require defensible‑space clearances (and staff described a common defensible‑space guideline of up to 100 feet to the property line or to the structure, whichever is greater).
- Public notice and comment: County Fire published maps and a public comment portal in late March and April. Birchfield said notices were posted on the county and city websites and circulated on social media; he said a public comment period closed and that the Board of Supervisors had scheduled readings to adopt the local designation.

What to expect next
County Fire said the maps themselves are not a direct legal action on insurance (Cal Fire and the State Insurance Commissioner have said the maps are not an immediate insurance action) but acknowledged homeowners are concerned about future insurance availability and rates. Sheriff and council members urged county staff to confirm direct mail notice to affected homeowners; county staff said maps and comment instructions were posted publicly and that the Board of Supervisors was scheduled to act promptly.

Community outreach and mitigation
County Fire said it will mail information to affected parcels in the orange (high) and red (very high) zones and will offer engine company inspections and a residential assistance program (RAP) that allows residents to schedule on‑site reviews and receive home‑hardening and defensible‑space guidance. Birchfield said San Bernardino County Fire will work with Upland to co‑host defensible‑space workshops and to coordinate communication via the city’s social channels.

Ending
Council members said they want joint outreach with county staff and workshops for affected residents. County Fire reiterated that the purpose of the state mapping and local work is to increase public safety and give homeowners the information needed to prepare ahead of wildfire season.","San Bernardino County Fire presented updated Local Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and a required timeline for local action, warning homeowners in parts of Upland — including areas near Tesla and the campus corridor — that they face new or expanded 'high' and 'very high' classifications requiring disclosures and future building‑code measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Upland council approves Via Serena specific plan and certifies EIR for 65‑home project

Votes at a glance: council approves mid‑cycle budget, easement vacation, water‑plant contract and other items

Council recognizes volunteer ‘Litter Free Upland’ organizer after monthly cleanups

Upland files annual AB 2561 vacancies report; city reports 38 current vacancies and recruitment steps

County fire officials brief Upland on new Local Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps; homeowners in foothills newly affected