Etiwanda Heights Development

Understanding the Background

Rancho Cucamonga is a city many of us chose because of its balance — beautiful open space, safe neighborhoods, and thoughtful growth.

In recent months, many residents have contacted me about the Etiwanda Heights development proposal and the changes being considered for that area.

People are asking important questions:

• How did the project change from earlier expectations?
• Were residents fully informed about those changes?
• Is infrastructure keeping pace with development?

These are fair questions.

And they deserve thoughtful answers.

Understanding the Background of the Plan

In 2019, the City of Rancho Cucamonga approved the Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan.

At the time, the plan included a framework that limited development in the area to approximately 3,000 homes, along with preserved open space.

More recently, a proposal has been introduced that could increase that number to approximately 6,000 homes.

Any major change of that size naturally raises questions among residents.

When development plans evolve over time, the public deserves a clear explanation of:

• why the changes are being proposed
• what the long-term impacts will be
• and how infrastructure will support that growth

Growth itself is not the issue.

The issue is how that growth is planned and communicated.

The Infrastructure Question

Whenever thousands of additional homes are proposed, residents begin asking practical questions:

• Will roads and traffic infrastructure keep pace?
• Will water and utility systems support the increase?
• Will police and fire services expand accordingly?
• How will schools and community services be affected?

These are not political questions.

They are common-sense planning questions.

Responsible city planning should always ask the same basic question:

Growth without infrastructure is not progress.

Who Was On The Council Then — And Who Is On The Council Now?

When residents look at long-term planning decisions, it is helpful to understand who was serving on the City Council when those decisions were made.

When the Etiwanda Heights plan was adopted in 2019, the council included:

• Mayor Dennis Michael
• Councilmember Lynne Kennedy
• Councilmember Ryan Hutchison
• Councilmember Kristine Scott
• Councilmember Sam Spagnolo

Today, the council includes:

• Mayor Dennis Michael
• Councilmember Lynne Kennedy
• Councilmember Ryan Hutchison
• Councilmember Kristine Scott
• Councilmember Ashley Stickler

In other words, four of the five positions remain largely the same today as they were in 2019.

Long-term development decisions often span multiple council terms, which is why transparency and consistent communication with residents are so important.

Understanding the history of these decisions helps residents better understand how large planning changes occur over time.

Why Residents Are Asking Questions

Many residents who attended recent meetings have expressed concerns about how the amendment process unfolded.

Some residents have stated that:

• notice of meetings appeared limited
• the Planning Commission vote occurred during the holiday season
• and the developer did not host a public meeting prior to the vote

These concerns do not automatically mean anything improper occurred.

But they do show why residents want greater transparency and earlier communication when major projects are proposed.

Public trust grows when residents feel informed early in the process.

My Perspective

I believe Rancho Cucamonga can continue to grow responsibly while still protecting the qualities that made this city special in the first place.

Development should never outpace infrastructure.

And residents should never feel like major planning decisions are happening without their voices being heard.

As I have said throughout this campaign:

Growth without infrastructure is not progress.

Good planning requires:

• transparency
• responsible infrastructure planning
• and meaningful public input

Those principles should guide every major decision affecting the future of our city.

Continuing the Conversation

The discussion surrounding Etiwanda Heights shows how much residents care about the future of Rancho Cucamonga.

These conversations are important.

And they should happen openly and respectfully.

If you have thoughts or concerns about development, infrastructure, or city planning, I encourage you to share them.

Good decisions begin with listening.

Have questions or concerns about development in Rancho Cucamonga?

I want to hear from you.

Contact David