Lampkin Walks Neighborhood West of Kimball Park to Hear Residents' Priorities

Ontario City Council candidate D'Andre Lampkin continued his community listening walks in South Ontario, meeting residents west of Kimball Park to discuss neighborhood safety, homelessness, traffic, housing, City communication, permitting, and quality of life.

D'Andre D. Lampkin, candidate for Ontario City Council, District 3, recently walked the neighborhood west of Kimball Park to hear directly from residents about what they appreciate about Ontario and what they believe deserves greater attention.

The conversations reflected a familiar balance: residents expressed pride in Ontario's direction and long-term planning while identifying practical concerns affecting their daily lives.

"I continue to hear from residents who genuinely like Ontario and believe in the city's future," Lampkin said. "They also want the same level of attention given to neighborhood safety, traffic, communication, and basic services that they see in Ontario's larger investments."

Several residents spoke positively about the city and said Ontario compared favorably with other places they had lived.

One resident described Ontario as his favorite city and praised Ontario International Airport as safe, clean, and efficient. He also appreciated that the City has a long-term plan and is preparing for future growth.

Another resident highlighted Ontario's investment in itself, pointing to Ontario Town Square and the continued expansion of the airport.

Residents also expressed support for the city's new professional baseball stadium, although one person said Ontario should continue developing more family-oriented destinations and activities.

"Residents recognize that Ontario is investing in its future," Lampkin said. "They want those investments to create a city where families have more places to gather, spend time together, and enjoy the community."

Multiple residents identified the 7-Eleven near Euclid Avenue and Walnut Street as an area associated with increased transient activity and people experiencing homelessness.

Residents reported concerns about individuals moving from the commercial area into the neighborhood, including through a nearby alley that provides a less visible route between the store and surrounding homes.

Residents also described:

• Burglaries and attempted burglaries
• A stolen trailer
• Theft of a residential lamp
• Individuals climbing property walls
• Vehicles believed to have been stolen and later abandoned
• Homeless encampments under nearby bridges and freeways

These accounts represent resident observations and were not independently verified during the walk.

One resident who had experienced attempted property crime emphasized that many people living under bridges or near freeways need meaningful assistance rather than simply being taken to jail.

Lampkin said the comment reflected the need to balance compassion with neighborhood safety.

"Residents should feel secure in their homes, but addressing homelessness also requires outreach, treatment, temporary housing, mental-health services, and a clear understanding of why people are living outdoors," Lampkin said. "Enforcement alone cannot resolve every underlying problem."

Residents repeatedly raised concerns about speeding along Walnut Avenue.

One person referenced a recent collision near Walnut Avenue and South Sultana Avenue and suggested that a traffic signal or another traffic-control measure may be needed.

Lampkin said the concern should be reviewed through traffic data and professional analysis rather than an immediate political promise.

"Residents who travel these roads every day often recognize patterns before they appear in a formal report," Lampkin said. "Their observations should lead to careful review of collision history, traffic speeds, visibility, and whether additional safety measures are warranted."

Speeding was also reported on residential streets, where parked vehicles and neighborhood activity can increase the risk to pedestrians and families.

Residents also described the entrance to the eastbound 60 Freeway from Euclid Avenue as difficult and potentially dangerous.

Drivers attempting to enter the freeway must compete with trucks and other vehicles in a constrained area. Residents said some motorists run red lights or make hurried turns across approaching traffic in an effort to reach the freeway entrance.

Lampkin said he had recently witnessed a collision at the intersection after a driver attempted to turn across traffic as the light changed.

"The freeway entrance is a regional transportation issue experienced at the neighborhood level," Lampkin said. "Residents should not have to choose between long delays and unsafe driving behavior. The intersection deserves careful attention based on actual traffic conditions and collision data."

One resident said the City should communicate more effectively with constituents so they better understand City Hall's goals, long-range plans, and upcoming projects.

Lampkin said the comment aligned directly with one of his central campaign priorities.

"Residents are more likely to trust a decision when they understand what is being proposed, why it is being considered, and how it will affect their neighborhood," Lampkin said. "Communication should begin before frustration and rumors take hold, not afterward."

The resident praised the stadium but wanted more information about how Ontario's broader investments would benefit families and surrounding communities.

Another resident described difficulty navigating the City's permitting process while trying to construct a patio.

The resident's frustration involved not only the standards themselves, but also a lack of explanation about why the City required the patio to be built in a particular way.

Lampkin said government rules should be communicated in plain language.

"A resident may not agree with every requirement, but staff should be able to explain the safety, zoning, structural, or neighborhood reason behind it," Lampkin said. "People should also understand what alternatives are available and what they need to do to move their project forward."

He said making government easier to navigate does not require abandoning important building or safety standards. It requires clearer explanations, consistency, and better customer service.

Residents also raised concerns about limited street parking.

Some households were said to own several vehicles, while other residents reportedly parked fleets connected to private businesses on neighborhood streets for extended periods.

Residents said the number of vehicles reduced parking availability and contributed to congestion.

Lampkin said the issue may require a review of existing parking regulations, enforcement practices, and whether business-related vehicle storage is appropriate on residential streets.

One longtime resident said he wanted the City to make greater efforts to keep homeownership within reach.

Although he had recently experienced a burglary, the resident remained optimistic about his neighborhood's safety and expressed a strong attachment to Ontario. He was born in the city and had lived in the same home for more than 30 years.

Another resident expressed concern about the increasing number of mixed-use developments proposed for the area.

Lampkin said these views reflect the need to evaluate how new development affects existing neighborhoods while also addressing housing demand and economic growth.

"Residents want Ontario to continue growing, but they also want housing that is attainable, development that fits its surroundings, and clear explanations of how projects will affect traffic, parking, services, and quality of life," Lampkin said.

One resident initially identified potholes as a concern but later pointed primarily to locations outside South Ontario, including San Antonio Avenue and State Street near the railroad tracks, as well as Campus Avenue near Holt Boulevard.

Lampkin said the distinction was worth noting.

"The resident's examples were not centered in the neighborhood we were walking, but they still reflect a broader perception about street maintenance," Lampkin said. "Specific locations are important because they allow concerns to be documented and directed to the appropriate department."

The conversations west of Kimball Park reinforced a broader theme heard during Lampkin's previous walks:

Residents appreciate Ontario's planning, public investments, airport, amenities, and overall direction, but they want neighborhood safety, traffic management, communication, permitting assistance, and daily services to receive the same level of attention.

Residents generally did not describe Ontario as a city moving in the wrong direction. Instead, they asked for practical improvements that preserve the quality of life they value.

Lampkin thanked residents for taking the time to speak openly about their experiences.

"I am grateful to every resident who stopped, invited conversation, shared a concern, or explained what they believe Ontario is doing well," Lampkin said. "These walks are helping me understand not only the major policy issues, but also the everyday experiences that shape whether residents feel heard and supported."

Lampkin said he will continue walking District 3 neighborhoods and following up on recurring concerns involving traffic safety, neighborhood security, homelessness, communication, infrastructure, and development.

Residents can share their priorities, ask questions, volunteer, or receive campaign updates at LampkinForOntario.org.

Service • Experience • Community