Duarte Mayor Delivers a Healthy Report on State of the City

Duarte Mayor Margaret Finlay takes Duarte’s motto, “The City of Health” to heart. She recently challenged the community to get into shape by joining her “Biggest Loser” weight loss contest and she demonstrated her own fondness for fitness at her State of the City talk (Feb. 2) by roller skating to the podium.

No surprise then that the “health” of the City, relating to Duarte’s fiscal outlook, economic development, the environment, public safety, and community well-being, were the focus of Mayor Finlay’s remarks to the more than 100 business leaders, residents and elected officials in attendance at a luncheon hosted by the Duarte Chamber of Commerce at the City of Hope’s Cooper Auditorium.

On the fiscal health of the City, Finlay reported that Duarte’s “rainy day” policy to keep a healthy reserve in the general fund has helped the City weather the economic storm. While most cities endeavor to keep a 20% reserve, Duarte has managed to maintain a 50% reserve level of $5.3 million in general funds. The City’s proactive steps to cushion itself against a proposed additional $2.3 million in gas tax and redevelopment funds take from the state include a hiring freeze and retirement incentives to reduce the work force.

The City’s economic development picture is also showing healthy signs, despite the nation’s still lagging economy. Duarte was the only city in Los Angeles County to register a slight increase in sales tax in the fourth quarter. Duarte’s sales tax numbers increased approximately 7%. Major contributors include retailers Best Buy, which opened last May and is projecting $30 million initially in annual sales, Staples, whose million dollar remodel increased overall sales by 10% in 2009, and the Duarte Target store which remains one of the highest grossing stores on a square foot basis.

On the horizon, Qdoba, a nationally recognized fresh mix, quick serve style Mexican restaurant is set to open this summer on Mountain Ave, the first tenant in the new inline shops built adjacent to the Best Buy/Staples shopping center. The Maryvale Educational Center, in the last stages of construction is preparing for a spring 2010 opening. The new Leslie and Susan Gonda Diabetes and Genetic Research Center being built at City of Hope is projecting completion by autumn 2010. The four-story, 41,000 square foot expansion will double laboratory space for investigations into diabetes and other serious metabolic diseases. Between Maryvale, Best Buy, Staples, City of Hope and the new Sonic Drive-in, approximately 300 new jobs have been created.

While the City offers residents many ways to stay healthy and appreciate the outdoors including hundreds of acres of parks, trails, and a community fitness center, of major concern is the proposed Vulcan mining expansion to an area bordering Duarte residences that is currently under consideration by the City of Azusa. If approved, the mining project could have major impact on air quality, create visual blight and destroy the mountain ridge over Duarte. “We don’t want our views ruined or health ruined and we don’t want a mountain taken down,” said Mayor Finlay who urged the community to attend the Azusa City Planning Commission and Council meetings and comment on the Vulcan Draft Environmental Impact Report.

Keeping the community safe from crime is job number one for the City of Duarte. Duarte ranks lowest in Part One crime categories among neighboring cities including Glendora, Monrovia, and Arcadia. Mayor Finlay reported that Part One crimes were down 20% in 2009, with the exception of residential burglary, which is up nationally. There was one homicide in 2009. Four persons were arrested and are currently awaiting trial.

The City’s comprehensive strategy of suppression, intervention and prevention efforts to reduce crime and gang violence is proving successful, reported Mayor Finlay. Since Dec. 1, 2009, Sheriff’s deputies have made 42 arrests, among them 8 of the identified top 10 gang members. Intervention programs include the close monitoring of parolees and probationers and a jobs program instituted in conjunction with Foothill Workforce Investment Board.

Mayor Finlay noted that prevention is central to helping keep Duarte safe. The City’s more than 100 recreation, sports, mentoring, education, volunteer community service, and job and job training programs for youth are working to provide positive and healthy outlets to help ensure that Duarte youth grow into well-rounded, successful adults. A committee of 27 community members is currently involved in creating a Youth and Family Master Plan that will further enhance the City’s programs, services and quality of life for youth and families.