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John R. Gillison

Elisa C. Cox

Over 18 years ago, I came to Rancho Cucamonga. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to work for my hometown—one of the premier communities in Southern California and the jewel of the Inland Empire. 

Fourteen years ago, I was fortunate to interview for and step into the City Manager role when my predecessor, Jack Lam, retired after several decades of exceptional leadership. At the time, we were navigating the Great Recession, and the State faced a multi-year structural deficit. The Redevelopment Agency was about to be eliminated, and significant change was on the horizon. 

In the years since, the City, under the steady hand and thoughtful guidance of the City Council, has continued to prosper. Central Park has grown with the addition of the outdoor pavilion, the fitness court, Freedom Courtyard, and The Bark at Central Park with the iconic big yellow dog. At the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, the Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond® interactive discovery space opened, and the redesigned outdoor courtyard will soon be complete. Victoria Gardens continues to thrive as one of the premier outdoor shopping centers in the country, with new stores and restaurants added regularly. West Foothill Boulevard has been reimagined into a stunning gateway, and the former Empire Lakes site is now The Resort—a vibrant new community. Haven Avenue is evolving into a dynamic mixed-use district, and in the coming years, Brightline West high-speed passenger rail will arrive at Cucamonga Station. 

Now the time has come to pass the torch to a new era. Elisa Cox—a Rancho Cucamonga resident and long-time employee, has been named the City’s fourth City Manager. She brings experience in a variety of cities and departments and is recognized nationally through her service on the International City-County Management Association board. More importantly, President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” No one cares more than Elisa, and her heart for people will be evident in the years ahead. 

And so, Rancho Cucamonga, this is my final message. Continue to do what you do, be who you are, and keep working together to make our city one of the finest communities in California. 

Sincerely,

John R. Gillison signing off 

Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, at Central Park (11200 Base Line Road), from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.!

What’s Included:

• Delicious breakfast provided by Gina’s Kitchen + Catering
• Holiday crafts and letters to Santa
• Festive photo opportunities with Santa himself
• A special take-home treat for Santa’s reindeer!

Choose Your Seating Time:

• 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25 per person (ages 3 and older). All guests ages 3 and up must be registered.

Make lasting memories, soak in the holiday magic, and start the season with joy—but hurry, spots are expected to fill up quickly! Click the button below to register before it's too late!

Experience Rancho Cucamonga’s festive twist on winter at our tropical snowy celebration on Saturday, December 13, at Red Hill Community Park (7484 Vineyard Avenue), from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy real snow play and sledding, holiday crafts, live reggae music from Upstream, treats from local vendors, and a photo with Santa before he heads off on vacation.

Wristband Details:

• Required only for sledding and snow play ($10 per person)
• Wristbands are not required for crafts, entertainment, photos with Santa, or for those assisting children or participants with differing abilities

Purchase your wristbands early and skip the lines by purchasing your wristbands online, at Central Park (11200 Base Line Road) or at the RC Sports Center (8303 Rochester Avenue) during business hours. Please bring your receipt to pick up wristbands early and avoid event-day lines.

This is one of our most popular holiday events, and wristbands are expected to sell quickly. Get yours today before they’re gone by clicking the button below.

Join us for the 5th Annual Santa Paws Adoption Extravaganza at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center (11780 Arrow Rte.) on Friday, December 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.!

The guest of honor himself—Santa Claus—will be stopping by! Bring your four-legged friends for a free festive photo session and capture your pet’s irresistible charm with Santa.

That’s not all! Take part in an exciting raffle filled with amazing prizes, browse our holiday pet boutique for unique finds, and indulge in treats from our bake sale—all benefiting pets in need of loving homes.

Click below to view animals available for adoption!

Gift cards for the Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond® are now on sale! 



Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond® is a unique children's discovery space dedicated to intergenerational experiences and inquiry-based learning. Now, you can gift an afternoon of wonder! Whether you're looking to support a child's next big question or treat a family to a shared, memorable learning adventure, our new gift cards are the perfect way to share the magic. 

Why you'll love these gift cards: 

• You choose the amount: Got $5 for a small treat? Got $500 for a season of exploration? You can load the card with any amount you wish—making it the most flexible gift around! 
• Zero stress: These cards never, ever expire. The value is safe until they're ready to dive into their next discovery. 
• Instant gifting: Digital delivery option means you can snag a last-minute present without leaving your cozy reading nook. 
• Tickets or memberships: Our gift cards can be redeemed for either single-day tickets or an annual membership.  

Ready to make someone's day (or encourage their lifetime learning journey)? Purchase online by clicking the button below or stop by this December and purchase in-person. 

As we head into the final month of 2025 and kick off our festive holiday shows, we want to thank you for making the first half of our 2025-2026 season truly memorable. Your energy and enthusiasm for live entertainment continue to bring our theater to life.

As we celebrate the magic of the holidays, we invite you to look ahead to the exciting performances still to come in 2026, including:

• Cocktail Hour: Songs of the Rat Pack (January 24-25)
• The glamorous swing band sensation Lizzy & the Triggermen (February 14)
• The beloved Mary Poppins the Musical (March 7-15)
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Ballet (April 25-26)
• A special visit from SNL comedian Melissa Villaseñor (May 22)

The second half of our season promises even more unforgettable moments at the Lewis Family Playhouse (12505 Cultural Center Drive). Don’t miss what’s coming up next. To view the lineup of shows, click the button below or visit LewisFamilyPlayhouse.com!

This holiday season, make a big impact with every small purchase. When you shop local, your dollars stay right here in Rancho Cucamonga—supporting local jobs, fueling small business growth, funding community programs and enhancing the quality of life we all enjoy.  

Whether it’s a gift, a meal, or a service, your choice to shop RC helps our community thrive. Shop local, ShopRC this holiday season! Learn more about the ShopRC Program, by clicking the button below. 

December is the perfect time to shop and support your library! 

Looking for meaningful, affordable gifts this holiday season? Be sure to visit the Friends of the Library Bookstores at both the Archibald Library (7368 Archibald Avenue) and Paul A. Biane Library (12505 Cultural Center Drive). You’ll find new and like-new books, festive gift baskets, greeting cards, and other great finds for readers of all ages. Gift certificates are also available—perfect for stockings or last-minute surprises! 

If you’re clearing out for the holidays, the Friends gladly accept gently used books, puzzles, games, magazines, and holiday cards. All donations are tax-deductible, and every purchase helps fund valuable library programs and services. 

Please note for December: 

• Friends of the Library hours may vary this month—we recommend calling ahead: 1-909-477-2790 for the Biane Bookstore or 1-909-477-3905 for the Archibald Bookstore. 
• All Library locations will be closed December 23 - January 5 for the winter closure. 
• During that time, enjoy our online library, available 24/7 with eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more. 
• Don’t forget to stop by our 24/7 Library locations, including the Library Kiosk at Fire Station 178 (10595 Town Center Drive), to check out materials anytime.  

To learn more about the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library services, locations, hours of operations, etc., click the button below.

The Grapevine, our RC lifestyle guide, is back with a new issue just in time for the new year! Start the new year off informed and inspired with everything happening in Rancho Cucamonga. 

As always, the Grapevine includes:  

• A convenient pull-out calendar with upcoming events  
• Informative articles 
• A full lineup of programs and classes, organized by age group 

Click here or the button below to view the digital flipbook version or stop by a City facility to pick up a printed copy to stay current on upcoming events, programs, and class offerings. The online digital flipbook of the Grapevine provides a user-friendly experience with direct links to additional information, and registration for all of our programs, events, and services.   

You can also sign-up to receive a print copy of future Grapevine publications to be mailed to your home three times a year by clicking here. In order to receive your FREE copy of the Grapevine, you must be a Rancho Cucamonga resident and a subscriber.  

Printed copies of the Grapevine are available at the following City facilities:  

• City Hall (10500 Civic Center Drive)  
• Central Park (11200 Base Line Road)  
• RC Sports Center (8303 Rochester Avenue)  
• Archibald Library (7368 Archibald Avenue)  
• Victoria Gardens Cultural Center & Paul A. Biane Library (12505 Cultural Center Drive)  

Click the button to view the Grapevine digital flipbook. 

This December, open your heart—and your home—to a furry friend in need. The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center invites you to be part of Home for the Holidays, a special adoption event dedicated to helping shelter pets find loving families just in time for the holiday season.

All month long, adoption fees are reduced to make it easier than ever to welcome a new companion:

• Cats & Kittens: $25
• Dogs & Puppies: $50

Every adoption includes spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip, ensuring your new family member is healthy and ready to settle in. Standard adoption policies apply.

Click the link below to see pets currently available for adoption and make this holiday season unforgettable—for both you and them. There’s no better gift than a forever home.

Did you know more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles? 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, two (2) out of every five (5) decoration fires occur because decorations are placed too close to heat sources. 

We all enjoy decorating our homes to create that magical, festive environment during the holidays. However, your Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District wants you and your loved ones to remain safe this season by following fire-prevention safety tips! 

To learn more about how to remain safe this holiday season, click the button below. 

City Hall and City facilities will be closed for the holidays. City facilities will be closed on the following dates:

• City Hall and Fire Headquarters: December 24 - January 4, 2026
• Police Department Headquarters: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1, 2026
• Central Park: December 24 - January 4, 2026
• RC Animal Center: All non-emergency services will be unavailable from December 24-26 and December 31 - January 2, 2026. For animal-related emergencies or lost and found pets, call 1-909-466-7387 option 1.
• RC Sports Center: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1, 2026
• Paul A. Biane and Archibald Libraries: December 24 - January 6, 2026
• Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond®: December 24-25 and January 1, 2026
• Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office: December 24 - January 1, 2026
• Household Hazardous Waste Facility: December 27 and January 3, 2026

Many services are available online and can be found by clicking the button below. To report an issue that needs attention, visit https://www.CityofRC.us/service/RC2GO. 

As e-bikes and motorcycles become more common in Rancho Cucamonga, so does the need to ride safely. To help protect riders, pedestrians, and public spaces, the City has adopted E-Bike Ordinance No. 1039, addressing unsafe riding, collisions, and property damage in public areas.

Safety starts before you ride—always choose a bike that fits the rider’s age, skill level, and physical ability. Once on the road, the rules of the road apply. Here are key safety reminders:

Ride responsibly: No racing, stunts, riding against traffic, or carrying extra passengers on single-rider bikes.

Stay hands-free: No handheld phone use while riding unless fully hands-free.

Yield to pedestrians: Slow down or stop when approaching walkways, alleys, or bike paths.

Ride in line: Use single file unless bike paths allow side-by-side riding.

Park properly: Keep sidewalks and walkways clear.

Know the consequences: Violations can lead to fines or impoundment. Parents may be held responsible for minors.

To learn more about the ordinance, FAQs, and safe riding practices, click the button below.

Parents, mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as Healthy RC hosts its 8th Annual Teen Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Central Park (11200 Base Line Road)! This is a FREE, full-day event designed to support and inspire teens in the areas of mental health, leadership, and personal growth.  

This summit offers a safe and positive environment where young people can: 

• Connect with peers 
• Build confidence 
• Develop key life skills  

The highlight of the event will be an impactful keynote presentation by Kyle Quilausing, a former golf champion whose remarkable journey from success to struggle—and ultimately redemption—underscores the importance of making wise choices. Now a motivational speaker and advocate for youth empowerment, Kyle’s story will leave a lasting impression on every teen in attendance. This is a unique opportunity to encourage your teen’s growth and development in a supportive and inspiring setting. 

More details coming soon! Join our email list to stay updated by clicking the button below.