Azusa Together

By Robert L "Bob" Donnelson

Where we've been and where are we going?

Our city has made major strides, in not only improving the infrastructure, but the overall quality of life. Reduced crime, the redevelopment of the Edgewood Shopping Center, the new businesses in our downtown, the soon to begin redevelopment of "Block 37" in our downtown, the remodeling of the Stater Bros/Marie Callendars Shopping Center, the new construction in the west end industrial area, and the proposed major renovation of the Foothill Shopping Center, are tremendous improvements for our city and it's residents.

Many other projects have made our city a much better place to live. The new Skateboard Park, and the ongoing renovations of all our city's parks, has made outdoor recreation more accessible and enjoyable for all age groups. The ongoing major renovations of our school facilities will provide much needed improvements for our youth and provide a safe and nurturing environment that will enhance their overall education.

The Azusa Citizen's Congress has taught us, that if we get involved, if we ask the questions, if we express our wants and needs, and mostly, if we work together, we can accomplish great things that will affect generations of Azusans to follow.

There is still much left to be done, and many new areas to be explored, to continue the growth and maturity of our city. There are many projects and programs that will have tremendous and positive impacts upon our city, the Monrovia Nursery Housing Development, the Gold Line Light Rail Extension, the Downtown redevelopment, and the implementation of the new General Plan and Development Codes, to name a few.

We need to develop and expand stronger connections with the different organizations within our city that provide a variety of services and resources, to our residents, to help fill the gaps that the city, as an organization, can not fill. There are many great non-profit groups that provide a varied array of information, support and services that are greatly needed, by a wide spectrum of our citizens.