Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Tensions ran high during the public comment portion of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council meeting on April 16, as residents from the Alta Laguna Mobile Home Park voiced strong opposition to a proposed shift from shared dumpsters to individual trash bins.
Residents shared emotional and logistical challenges that the change would present.
“My name is Sandy Dubois. For those that use walkers, canes or scooters, simple tasks like taking out the trash becomes daily challenges,” she said. “We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for dignity, safety and inclusion.”
Another longtime resident, Jerry Gilbert, explained, “I am definitely against these trash cans. I would have to move my cars out again, take the bins up to the area where I lift it up and move it around to the back of the house.”
He added that while not disabled, the effort was a physical strain.
Residents didn’t just air grievances, they proposed solutions. One speaker offered a practical fix involving a culvert-leveling strategy that he and others had already implemented.
“It’s very easy. It’s level with the street, and it’s level with the driveway,” he said. “If the concrete is done right, we’ve never had a problem.”
Mayor L. Dennis Michael acknowledged the comments, noting that the city manager would respond.
City Manager John Gillison said this was the first he had heard of the issue but assured residents the city would investigate.
“Matt [Marquez] will gather some more information, and then we’ll start looking into this starting tomorrow,” Gillison said, referring to the city’s community and economic development manager.
Beyond the trash issue, the council heard from David Dykstra of the 11 Coalition, who addressed broader political tensions, referencing a recent rally in Rancho Cucamonga.
“People of all political stripes, ethnicities and belief disciplines, showed up in support of democracy, fairness and the rule of law,” Dykstra said. “It’s about strength in numbers.”
The meeting also highlighted a presentation from Claremont Lincoln University.
Anne Turner, Executive Director and Dean of Novel Programs, praised the city staff for their participation in a civic leadership program.
“They took a wicked problem that they identified in the city, and as a group, worked together to create solutions that they’re going to share with you tonight,” Turner said.
Later in the meeting, the council considered the first reading of Ordinance No. 1039, which regulates the use of electric bikes and other e-conveyances.
Erica Lewis Huntley, a management analyst, presented on the growing safety concerns, citing recent serious incidents involving teens and e-bikes.
“These situations are not isolated, they’re part of a growing national trend,” Huntley said.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent calendar, with Councilmember Kristine D. Scott abstaining from Item D3 due to a potential conflict of interest.
