In a recent government meeting, Gabe Garcia, President of the Upland Police Officers Association, passionately advocated for a proposed 1¢ sales tax measure, emphasizing its critical importance for the city’s future. Garcia described the measure as a \"lifeline\" for Upland, aimed at enhancing public safety, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for residents.

Garcia highlighted pressing challenges faced by the Upland Police Department, including outdated equipment and a shortage of personnel. He noted that the department currently operates with only about 1.0 officer per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than neighboring cities, which average between 1.5 to 1.9 officers. This shortage has led to overextended officers working in a facility that is nearly 40 years old, with inadequate space for essential teams addressing critical issues like homelessness.

The police department's impact team, responsible for tackling homelessness and related crimes, is stretched thin, operating with limited resources compared to neighboring cities that have more robust teams. Garcia pointed out that Upland has only one homeless coordinator and a small impact team, while other cities have significantly larger teams dedicated to similar challenges.

Garcia also raised concerns about a rise in organized retail crime, linking these incidents to dangerous individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. He reported alarming statistics for 2024, including 50 robberies and 131 burglaries, while the department has only one detective focused on property crimes. He stressed that without the necessary funding, the police department's ability to ensure community safety is compromised.

The proposed sales tax measure is seen as a vital source of funding to hire more officers, replace outdated equipment, and enhance investigative capabilities. Garcia concluded by framing the measure as an investment in the future of Upland, urging the community to support it for the sake of safety and quality of life.

Following Garcia, resident Brian Taylor echoed support for the tax measure, citing the need for funding to address various city issues, including road maintenance and public safety. He highlighted the rising costs of city projects and the necessity of generating funds to retain police personnel and improve infrastructure. Taylor's remarks reinforced the sentiment that the proposed sales tax is essential for Upland's continued growth and safety.