Calimesa Insider

Every January 1, hundreds of new California laws quietly take effect. Some change daily life for residents and businesses. Others reshape how cities are required to operate — even if the public never sees those changes directly.

In the first episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast for 2026, City Manager Will Kolbow breaks down a focused list of new and newly operative state laws that will have the biggest real-world impacts this year.

This episode covers:

This episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast is a little different—and intentionally so.

Rather than a highlight reel or a list of complaints, this is a candid year-in-review of what really happened in Calimesa in 2025: the moments that brought the community together, the behind-the-scenes work residents don’t always see, the challenges that tested us, and the progress that quietly moved the city forward.

In this episode, we reflect on:

In this special Town Hall edition of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow is joined by City Engineer Mike Thornton and Transportation Project Manager Brandon Reyes to explain the long-awaited reconstruction of the Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange.This episode answers the questions residents ask most:Why the interchange has taken years to reach constructionHow Caltrans approvals and environmental review affect timelinesWhat a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is and why it was selectedHow construction will be phased to maintain access and emergency responseWhy developers can’t simply build a $70 million interchangeHow the City is pursuing state and federal transportation fu...

In this special episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow sits down with Councilmember Eric Cundieff for an in-depth, non-political conversation about his life, his service, and his path to the Calimesa City Council.Eric shares stories from growing up in the Yucaipa–Calimesa area, what inspired him to join the U.S. Navy, and a few memorable moments from his time at sea. He also talks about his years as a San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff, how he became involved in the Calimesa Planning Commission, and what eventually led him to run for City Council.We al...

In this episode of the Calimesa Insider podcast, we’re breaking down one of the most confusing—and most important—documents every homeowner receives: your annual property tax bill. Whether you pay it directly or through an impound account with your mortgage, the numbers on that bill can vary dramatically from one home to the next, even on the same street. Today, we explain why.City Manager Will Kolbow walks through each section of the Riverside County tax bill, explains how Proposition 13 and Mello-Roos (CFDs) shape what you pay, and uses real Calimesa examples—from long-time homeowners to the newest Summerwi...

In this Halloween edition of the Calimesa Insider, City Manager Will Kolbow breaks down how Calimesa’s Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance actually works: why it exists, what it covers, where the City’s authority begins and ends, and how petitions (like capital improvements or “fair return”) are reviewed by an independent Hearing Officer. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can the City just deny a rent increase?”—this episode explains the legal framework and due-process steps that guide every decision.We also preview Monday night’s City Council meeting (Nov 3, 6 PM) including a presentation from the Blue Zones Project and consideration of a...

Join City Manager Will Kolbow in this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast as he unpacks the complexities of economic development in Calimesa. Addressing common questions from residents about the city's infrastructure and planning decisions, Will explains the factors influencing retail and industrial growth. Topics include funding challenges, the impact of consumer behavior on development, and the realities of attracting businesses in a competitive market. Additionally, updates are provided on the city's upcoming projects and council meetings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how your city government works to balance growth and maintain community values.00:00 Introduction and...

Join City Manager Will Kolbow for a special edition of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, where we discuss the 2025 State of the City. Learn about exciting new projects, modernized permits, public safety, and future plans. Discover the details behind our latest pavement work, the new Calimesa Library, and enhancements in energy efficiency. We’ll also cover updates on the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange, and encourage community involvement in our strategic plan. Tune in to stay informed about your city’s progress and how you can contribute!00:00 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast00:50 Special Edition: 2025 State of the City Address02:21 City Grow...

Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast! In this episode, City Manager Will Kolbow hosts an engaging discussion with Calimesa’s Public Works Director, Mari Shakir, and Public Works Superintendent, Kyle Coney. They delve into their professional backgrounds, career journeys, and the vital role of the Public Works department in maintaining city infrastructure. The conversation covers various challenges faced due to limited staffing, the importance of public safety, and how the department prioritizes its time and resources. Additionally, the episode touches on critical compliance programs like NPDS for stormwater management and SB 1383 for waste diversion. Don't miss this insightful episode to...

In this episode, we cover a wide range of updates onthe City's capital and development projects. Key capital projects discussed include the Cherry Valley Boulevard Interchange and Singleton Road Interchange, and updates on major development projects like Summerwind Commons, Mesa Verde, and Oak Valley Town Center. Additionally, don't miss critical announcements about the upcoming City Council meeting and the 2025 State of the City event.Tune in to stay informed about the latest happenings within Calimesa's city government and community development efforts.

00:00 Welcome to the Calimesa Insider Podcast

00:54 Upcoming City Council Meeting

01:41 Cherry Valley Bou...

In this episode of Calimesa Insider, host and City Manager Will Kolbow explores the complex history and current state of highway funding, with a focus on California. From the golden age of gas taxes to the rise of toll roads, this episode delves into the evolution of road funding mechanisms and the factors driving the resurgence of tolls. Learn about the fiscal challenges, political decisions, and innovative solutions shaping our roads today. Whether you're a daily commuter or just curious about infrastructure, this comprehensive look at toll roads will provide valuable insights.

00:00 Introduction to Toll Roads

Join us on the Calimesa Insider Podcast as we sit down with Deputy City Manager and City Clerk Darlene Gerdes. Darlene shares her nearly two decades of experience guiding Calimesa through significant growth, her pivotal role in the creation of the new library, and the importance of mobile home rent stabilization in the community. Gain insight into the inner workings of the city government and hear about Darlene's personal journey and dedication to public service. Don't miss this engaging episode live from the Calimesa Public Library!

00:00 Introduction to the Calimesa Insider Podcast

00:38 Meet Darlene Gerdes: De...

Join host and City Manager Will Kolbow on the Calimesa Insider Podcast for an exciting update on the major expansion happening at Fourth Street Park, soon to be renamed Mountainview Park. Discover the details of this extensive project, including construction updates, new amenities like pickleball courts, and a brief history of the park. Additionally, learn all about pickleball—the fastest growing sport in America—with a comprehensive guide for beginners. This episode also highlights community feedback and the dedication of Calimesa’s Public Works team. Don't miss this episode for all the latest on your local parks and more!00:00 Big Ch...

Join us for a packed episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast! In this episode, we cover the latest in the saga of the new signals at the County Line Road interchange, provide a sneak peek of two major public hearing items for the next City Council meeting, and take you behind the scenes of our recent advocacy trip to Washington D.C. We also discuss upcoming community events including the Friday Food Roundup and the grand opening of our new library. Stay informed on city government workings with host and City Manager, Will Kolbow.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast...

In this episode of the Calimesa Insider Podcast, City Manager Will Kolbow delves into the responsibilities and challenges of the City Manager role. The episode explores the unique structure and fiscal health of Calimesa, highlighting its balanced budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, infrastructure investments, and public safety allocations. Will also shares personal anecdotes and addresses the importance of respectful public interactions. Stay informed on city governance, budget details, and community updates in this comprehensive episode.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:01 City Manager's Weekly Update

02:28 Fireworks Safety Reminder

03:27 Understanding the Role of a Ci...

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...

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 wo...

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...

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 Coun...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Y...

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...

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 <...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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-b7c4-260ad9de2e0...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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

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.