OROVILLE — Orovillians came out en mass Tuesday at the State Theatre for the 2024 State of the City event.
City leaders took the once-a-year gathering of residents to celebrate achievements and accomplishments in 2023 and 2024, with Oroville sports teams taking the spotlight of the event.
And meeting a quorum, Mayor David Pittman began the event by calling a special meeting with Vice Mayor Eric Smith and Councilors Tracy Johnstone, Janet Goodson and Shawn Webber.
State of the city
City Administrator Brian Ring, who has been with the city for about one year, spoke on the state of Oroville; where it is at and its future projects.
Ring began talking about his first year and said his job has been great.
“You get to work with seven individuals, all with very passionate objectives trying to accomplish in the city … the city has provided really, really strong leadership, and I’m super excited to see where the city is going in the near future,” Ring said.
With Orovillians in the audience, Ring gave a crash course on parts of city government, highlighting hard work in what he says are often “thankless jobs” with the city’s Finance, Business Development, Code Enforcement, Fire, Public Works and Police departments.
Crowds gather at the entrance of the State Theater for the State of the City event Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Oroville, California. (Evan Tuchinsky/Enterprise-Record)
Ring said the city’s budget is currently “fiscally solvent,” and recognized the work to get there by Assistant City Administrator Ruth Duncan.
Oroville’s Business Assistance and Housing Development Department, led by Director Amy Bergstand, was recognized by Ring for bringing in millions of dollars in grants to the city, including funding for Mission Esperanza by the Oroville Rescue Mission The department has been working on a housing program for first time home buyers and rehabilitation program for owners occupying a residence, Ring said.
Ring touched on Code Enforcement which he said has been tending diligently to code violations in the city.
“Ultimately, they deserve a lot of credit,” Ring said.
The Public Works Department is working on moving into its new corporation yard, and is developing a pavement indexing to identify needed road repairs in the city, Ring said. The department also broke ground on sidewalk work for Highway 162.
Oroville’s Fire Department currently has the most calls for service in the county and the city’s Police Department been working to fill vacant positions, Ring said.
Oroville Mayor David Pittman recognized local utility companies in the area, including Sewerage Commission Oroville Region, Lake Oroville Public Utility District, Thermalito Sewer and Water District, Cal Water and PG&E.
Pittman emphasized the work of local utilities to make more capacity as Oroville grows with new homes in the future.
“As I sat out in the crowd like you when I was born and raised in this town, some of you sitting in these seats will be up here filling my job and filling the job of all these city staff workers,” Pittman said, “Part of the reason we want to plant the seed here in their minds as to what would be a future job to have in this city, and hopefully be with the city.”
Award
Oroville State Theatre board president and master of ceremonies for the evening Jim Moll, on behalf of Oroville, recognized Annie Terry for her work in and out of the Oroville Rescue Mission, and voted to award Terry the Samuel J. Norris award, created in 2002 in honor of Norris who was engineer for Oroville from 1911 to 1952.
Terry has worked with the Oroville Rescue Mission, which looks forward to opening Mission Esperanza Project to provide shelter with 30 Pallet shelters and 40 congregate beds; and to provide safe overnight parking and camping for homeless people in the city.
“Many watch as she quietly makes huge changes in so many lives, all without wanting any praise from others for doing so,” Moll said. “Annie terry works tirelessly to get those without housing off the streets and into safer living conditions.”
Terry received her award and spoke about what it means to be and define herself as “Annie,” as one of her friends once encouraged her to do.
“Don’t let anybody define who you are. But in the course of being who you are, be a blessing to the people that you’re around,” Terry said. She quoted two commandments in the Bible, “Love God, and love people.”
Historic preservation award
Planning Commissioner Natalie Sheard presented the first ever historic preservation awards to stewards of two historic homes in the city, where at a future date will be presented with plaques dedicated to honor the history of the homes.
Sheard said the commission looked for recipients who demonstrate a commitment of excellence in preservation and in their reuse of a historic property.
“Most importantly, the work to keep the stories of Oroville’s founders alive,” Sheard said.
The first recipients were Scott Miller and Julie Miller, owners of the Hecker home built in 1885 by Fred Hecker who owned a historic pioneer shoe store.
The second recipient were Gerald and Desiree Vance, owner of the Swayne home built in 1918.
Voice for arts
Oroville Arts Commission chair David Tamori presented the Your Voice for the Arts award to Louisa Louie for her unique visual art displayed at The Union restaurant; her support for music in her involvement with the North Valley Intune Music Foundation; and her efforts organizing the Big Dream music festival.
Sports awards
Pittman presented awards for youth success for Oroville youth sports teams.
Thunderbirds cheer under eight and 10, and under 12 and 14 placed in national competitions, and Thunderbirds football under 10 team ran an undefeated football season.
“We are proud of you, say we are proud of you,” fellow Thunderbirds cheerleaders said, cheering on their cohorts.
Rhinos Cheer and Dance under 12 and 14 placed first place as national champions; and Rhinos Football under 8, too, undefeated Eastern Athletic League champions.
“Rhino power!” their fellow cohorts cheered.
High school teams also recognized Las Plumas varsity wrestling; Las Plumas cheer which placed first in national competitions; Oroville High School girls varsity basketball and volleyball, and Oroville High School cheer placing first in a Northern California championship.
+ There are no comments
Add yours