ONTARIO, California – Continuing their commitment to focus resources in Ontario’s residential neighborhoods, the Mayor and City Council are excited to host a community event celebrating the highly successful Ontario CARES program.  This event will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and will commemorate the opening of the Jay Littleton Phase II Focus Area.

“Since the inception of the Ontario CARES Program, the City of Ontario has invested over $13 million improving the exterior conditions of over 3,200 residential properties in eight different Focus Areas in our community,” explained Mayor Paul Leon. The CARES Program allows eligible homeowners to receive assistance from the City to improve the appearance of their homes by installing sustainable drought-tolerant California Friendly front yards, high-efficiency irrigation systems, parkway landscaping, and new exterior painting at no cost to the homeowner.

The CARES Program is now concentrating its efforts in Jay Littleton Phase II.  The general boundaries for the Jay Littleton Phase II Focus Area are Fifth Street to the North; “D” Street to the South; Vineyard Avenue to the East; and Campus Avenue to the West.

“We take pride in our neighborhoods and are committed to offering the CARES Program to every neighborhood in the City, “added Mayor Leon.

Participation in the Exterior Beautification Grant Program for residents living within the Jay Littleton Phase I and Phase II Focus Areas is based on household size and income limits: 1 person – $54,600; 2 people – $62,400; 3 – $70,200; 4 – $78,000; 5 – $84,250; 6 – $90,500; 7 – $96,700; 8-$102,950.

Saturday’s event will be held on Lassen Avenue at “I” Street, (south of “I” Street, east of Grove Avenue). At the community event, interested residents in Jay Littleton Phase II will receive applications and an explanation about the CARES Program and California Friendly landscapes. Representatives from other City Departments, such as Public Works, Recreation and the Library will also be at Saturday’s event, offering information regarding various programs available to residents along with other organizations such as The Gas Company and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services. Additional information may be obtained by calling the City of Ontario Housing Agency at (909) 395-2006.