Roseville mayor delivers State of the City embracing past, exciting future

While honoring cherished legacies from the past, Roseville Mayor Krista Bernasconi embraced the dynamic future ahead for the city with deep optimism and excitement during her State of the City address Wednesday. "Ours is a city that honors its past, shines in the present and boldly shapes the future," declared the mayor with clear enthusiasm for the coming year. The event was held at Denio's Farmers Market and Swap Meet in Roseville. It began bright and early with breakfast, then Roseville High School's marching band, dance team and cheerleaders literally kicked off the event with a festive musical performance. Members of the Roseville Chamber of Commerce officially ushered in the speaking part of the event with an emotional tribute to Roseville native Sergeant Nicole Gee, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in the line of duty in 2021. In a powerful show of honor, two US Air Force T-38 Talons conducted a flyover during the national anthem. Mayor Bernasconi began her optimistic speech with a salute to the many legacy businesses who helped shape Roseville into the city it is today, including host venue Denio's, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. "It's fitting that we gather at Denio's today, a place that has shaped our city," said the mayor. Bernasconi also acknowledged the Roseville Press Tribune, a publication since 1923, with a legacy of covering local news for 102 years. The mayor gave a nod to longtime family-owned businesses such as Bud's Dry Cleaning, open since 1957; Better Foods Deli; Roller King, which has brought flashing lights and disco balls to Roseville since 1977; and Roseville Meats, a beloved business in town since 1946, to name a few. The mayor took a brief trip down memory lane, explaining Roseville is now 116 years old; it incorporated in 1909 and began with a population of 2,000. Now, the city's population is 160,000 with a median age of 39. The city has received many accolades for being a destination spot to raise a family or retire due to its relative affordability in California and quality of life. "There is so much to celebrate in Roseville," Bernasconi said during a pre-speech interview with the Press Tribune. "It's not to say that we don't have our challenges or challenges that growing cities have, especially when it comes to traffic and congestion, but overall, I find that people in Roseville are very happy to be here." During her speech, Mayor Bernasconi said one top focus of city officials is to ensure the community remains safe and healthy. Public safety is at the top of the priority list. "We've added two police officers and one detective to support an eighth patrol beat in west Roseville," said the mayor. "We've equipped every police vehicle with state-of-the-art, mobile data computers, and traffic lights into, out of and all areas in between our city have license plate readers, enhancing security response times and communication; and we continue to address retail theft." Bernasconi referenced last year's Operation Grinch, which resulted in $20,000 worth of stolen goods recovered during the holiday season. "Don't try to commit any crime here, that's for sure," the mayor said. Bernasconi also proudly discussed the city's emphasis on disciplined and responsible financial management; she announced that city officials wrapped up the fiscal year with a budget surplus of $15 million. "Roseville stands on solid financial ground. This past June, our city council adopted a balanced budget close to $1 billion dollars," said Bernasconi. "It adds 20 new positions in our police, parks, traffic, signal maintenance, utility services and IT, and funds key projects such as improvements to our fire stations, water systems, roads and public safety technology. … We're also thinking long term. We made a one-time $6 million dollar payment to CALPERS to lower our pension liability. That move not only strengthens our financial position, it also saves us money on future interest costs." The mayor discussed many exciting future developments that will bring more jobs and financial diversity to the city. One shining light is semiconductor company BOSCH, which has already brought hundreds of jobs to the region with hundreds more anticipated. The company has also committed $100,000 to Sierra College to develop its STEM programs. The city also will soon see a new sprawling soccer complex; the Placer Valley Complex will bring 10 lighted fields and will draw teams from all over the state to the area, said Bernasconi. There are countless other new areas of growth, from exciting new eateries, a new Costco on the horizon, new parks, especially in the area of West Roseville, and park upgrades. Kaiser and Sutter Health are also in the process of expanding their facilities in Roseville to meet the growing needs of the community, ensuring residents can have all their needs met locally rather than traveling elsewhere, said Bernasconi. The mayor also thanked Congressman Kevin Kiley, who was in attendance, for helping to secure federal funds for a project that will expand Highway 65, a major source of traffic congestion in the region. "Together, we keep our community growing, vibrant and connected. Everything we do ultimately comes back to serving our community," said the mayor. "When I reflect on all that we have accomplished, one truth stands out. Roseville's story is above all a story of people. Our community's strengths and resilience were built by visionaries who saw what Roseville could be. Together, we have the responsibility and the privilege to carry that legacy forward." Mayor Bernasconi made it clear she's grateful to be in this position, at the helm of one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. "I love it. It's an honor. It comes with great responsibility and I take that seriously, but I love our city," explained the mayor. "My family for five generations has called Roseville home. So I am really proud of it and I want to make sure it maintains that charm and all the qualities that brought people here." In closing, Bernasconi echoed her theme of the day: Roseville has a legacy worth continually honoring, and an exciting future with endless opportunities. "Roseville is ready," the mayor said. "We're bold in our vision, strong in our spirit and unstoppable in our future." And then, as people gradually departed the venue, they were offered to take home one of the beloved symbols of Roseville's past, present and future: A Denio's corndog. To watch the entire State of the City speech, you can view it here: https://www.roseville.ca.us/government/city_council/state_of_the_city_2025