San Dimas councilmember highlights safety, housing and $18 million in infrastructure in 2026 address

Councilmember Emmett Bednar delivered a State of the City address focusing on public safety, housing and infrastructure investment, telling residents the city is preparing for near-term growth and for the citywide San Dimas 2026 celebration.

Bednar opened the address by thanking community partners and city staff and said San Dimas would continue to lean on collaboration. "Good morning, San Dimas. Thank you for joining us for this state of the city 2026," Bednar said, framing the year as a chance to showcase civic pride and local partnership.

Economic context and local revenue: speakers noted recent local gains. The Chamber of Commerce's outgoing chair highlighted that San Dimas recorded a 2.3% increase in taxable sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 and generated more than $2.3 million in sales tax revenue during that period, figures the city said are helping to support services and infrastructure.

Public safety and Metro impacts: public-safety planning was front and center as the city adjusts to the Metro A Line extension. Bednar described parking restrictions and a permit program intended to limit overflow into residential areas. Captain Michael Mullen of the San Dimas Sheriff's Station said the station has prepared for shifts in activity around the station and described the Community Action Team's approach to transient and quality-of-life responses. "The San Dimas Sheriff's Station is in charge of all the law enforcement activities within the city and we are here to provide safety and security for the residents and the community members," Mullen said.

Emergency preparedness and volunteers: the city said it strengthened its emergency-operations capabilities, conducted a three-day brush-fire preparedness drill at Bonelli Park and invested in new geo-mapping tools for hazard response. Bednar highlighted growth in the Community Emergency Response Team: the program grew from three members in 2020 to 26 active members, and staff reported two CERT classes that engaged more than 41 residents. Bednar recognized longtime volunteer coordinator Larry Giannoni for his leadership in CERT and volunteer mobilization.

Infrastructure and grants: Sherry Garwick, the city's public-works director, reported that the city invested more than $18 million in public-works improvements this year for roadway rehabilitation, drainage and a downtown street-light project to improve safety and accessibility. Bednar also announced the city secured an $850,000 federal grant to support projects including the San Dimas Canyon Road Project and thanked congressional staff for assistance in pursuing federal funding.

Housing and development: Luis Trejo, director of community development, outlined three entitled residential developments. He said the first project will include 164 townhomes with 17 units reserved for moderate-income buyers; a second project will add 37 single-family homes with seven affordable units (five low-income and two moderate-income); and a third Morley development will deliver 12 single-family homes in four phases, with initial off-site improvements already underway. "Our first project includes 164 town homes... 17 of these homes will be affordable units sold to moderate income households," Trejo said, emphasizing the citys approach to meeting housing requirements while preserving neighborhood scale.

Housing services and grants for mobile-home residents: Emily Flores, housing manager, said the city secured a $1.5 million state MHOR (Manufactured Housing Opportunity and Revitalization) grant to fund rehabilitation and replacement in mobile-home communities; staff reported helping more than 15 low-income mobile homeowners with repairs and completing multiple full replacement units by April 2026.

Parks, events and the 250th celebration: Parks and Recreation Director Scott Wasserman said Parks & Rec recorded more than 15,000 combined attendees at major community events in the past year and opened new pickleball courts at the Sportsplex. Bednar invited the public to a large, free July 3 event at Civic Center Park to mark the 250th anniversary of the nations founding featuring a light show, classic cars and live music.

Closing and recognition: Bednar closed by reaffirming the citys emphasis on collaboration and presented a special community-service award to Larry Giannoni for decades of volunteer emergency-preparedness work. The program concluded with remarks of thanks and a reception.