As development discussions continue across the city, Rancho Cucamonga City Council candidate David VanGorden is encouraging residents to take a closer look at how long-term planning decisions are made and how those decisions evolve over time.
In 2019, the City of Rancho Cucamonga approved the Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan, which established a framework for approximately 3,000 homes, along with preserved open space.
More recently, a proposal has been introduced that could increase that number to approximately 6,000 homes.
Changes of that size naturally raise questions among residents—not just about the project itself, but about how planning decisions are made and communicated over time.
“Rancho Cucamonga has grown for decades, and growth itself isn’t the issue,” VanGorden said. “The question residents are asking is how that growth is planned and whether infrastructure is keeping pace.”
A Look at Continuity
Understanding how development plans evolve also includes understanding who was involved in those decisions.
When the Etiwanda Heights plan was adopted in 2019, the City Council included:
• Mayor Dennis Michael
• Councilmember Lynne Kennedy
• Councilmember Ryan Hutchison
• Councilmember Kristine Scott
• Councilmember Sam Spagnolo
Today, the City Council includes:
• Mayor Dennis Michael
• Councilmember Lynne Kennedy
• Councilmember Ryan Hutchison
• Councilmember Kristine Scott
• Councilmember Ashley Stickler
In other words, four of the five council positions remain largely the same today as they were in 2019.
Large planning decisions often take years to unfold, and continuity in leadership is a natural part of that process.
A Question of Process
VanGorden says the goal is not to assign blame, but to better understand how decisions are made.
“When plans change over time, residents deserve clear communication about why those changes are happening and what they mean for the future of the city,” he said.
As development continues, residents have raised questions about:
• infrastructure capacity • traffic and congestion • public safety resources • long-term planning
“These are common-sense questions,” VanGorden said. “Growth without infrastructure is not progress.”
Continuing the Conversation
VanGorden will be discussing development and infrastructure issues at upcoming community meetings, including the April 7 California Republican Assembly (CRA) meeting in Rancho Cucamonga.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate or submit questions or comments by clicking Contact David VanGorden
ABOUT DAVID VANGORDEN
David VanGorden is a retired law enforcement officer and longtime Rancho Cucamonga resident. He is running for Rancho Cucamonga City Council in District 2 in the November 2026 election against incumbent Kristine Scott.
His campaign focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure planning, fiscal accountability, and ensuring residents have a stronger voice in local decision-making. For more information please click David VanGorden for Rancho Cucamonga City Council.
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City: Rancho Cucamonga
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Website: https://www.vangordenforrancho.com