Redlands News: October 4, 2024
50 very affordable units approved, who's running for school board, cell phones in schools: how some students and teachers feel, and Trails at 10 return
HEADLINER
Redlands City Council approves 164-unit addition to The Venue at Orange and $1.5M loan
The project will bring more affordable units to Redlands, however funding concerns were voiced during the public hearing.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The City Council approved Phase 2 of The Venue at Orange housing project during their Oct. 1 meeting, which will add 164 apartment units to an existing 328-unit development at the southwest corner of Orange Avenue and Alabama Street.
Why it matters: Of the new units, 50 will be designated as very low-income affordable housing for 55 years.
Details: To support the project, the council approved a $1.5 million interfund loan from the city's general fund to its inclusionary housing fund, which currently has no money.
The loan is an incentive for the developer, LuxView Properties, to cover permit fees and other entitlement costs.
Several council members expressed concerns about the loan structure but ultimately supported the project due to the affordable housing component.
Some during the meeting questioned whether density bonuses should already offset affordable housing costs without additional city funding. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
NEW BRIEF
💵 More funding to address homelessness: The city of Redlands has just landed a $5.3 million grant to boost its efforts in addressing homelessness, according to an announcement by Gov. Gavin Newsom today. This funding, which is part of the state's Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 program, will help Redlands strengthen its existing programs, including permanent housing, emergency shelter, employment services, and outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Read more about the grant here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
💦 Water tastes funny: Some Redlands residents might notice their tap water tasted a bit off this past week, but city officials confirm it's still safe to drink and use. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
REDLANDS ELECTION HUB 2024
Redlands Unified School Board Candidates
Redlands Unified School District seats for Trustee Areas 3, 4, and 5 are up for election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Read more about who's running, who's funding, and candidate statements at our School Board Candidate Profile.
Staff Writer
♻️ Climate Policy Forum: Candidates for Redlands City Council discussed their views on climate change and environmental policies during a recent forum, focusing on development, public transportation, electrification, and water conservation efforts for the city. Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) and Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) sponsored the event. Three of the five declared candidates for Redlands City Council participated: Eddie Tejeda and Jennifer Maravillas from District 2, and Jenna Guzman-Lowery from District 4. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🗳 Meet the City Council candidates: AAUW and the University of Redlands Public Policy Program invite residents to a City Council candidate forum on Thursday, Oct. 10. More details here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Updates and news for the 2024 election can be found at Redlands Election Hub 2024:
Staff Writer
EDUCATION
Mixed reaction follows new law to limit the use of smartphones during school hours
The law comes as research reveals how cell phone use in K-12 can impact learning, mental health and social interaction
By DAVID JAMES HEISS
For parents who have a constant desire to know what their kids are up to, cell phones are their salvation. But in the classroom, smartphones have become a pain and disruption for many teachers.
In August 2024, the state legislature passed the Phone-Free School Act, a law that requires school districts, county offices of education and charter schools to develop policies officially limiting the use of smartphones during school hours by July 1, 2026.
At least five other states, including Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina and Ohio have similar laws in place.
Compounded research indicates that smartphones have increasingly become tools to facilitate cyberbullying and anxiety among students and are distractions that contribute to higher rates of academic dishonesty.
The Redlands school district does not yet have an official policy in place, but its Parent-Student Handbook provides some guidelines. According to the handbook, "individual schools may regulate the right of pupils to possess or use electronic signaling devices" during school hours and at school functions.
The guidelines indicate that students using electronic devices to threaten or bully others, engage in 'sexting,' or become a "disruption on campus" can face suspension, expulsion, or even arrest.
California’s new law has sparked mixed reactions from educators, students, and parents.
Contributor
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Healthy East Valley awarded $125,000 federal grant for youth substance use prevention
The grant was awarded just as the local nonprofit prepares to host its Drug Free Coalition meeting for National Substance Use Prevention Month.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Healthy East Valley, a Redlands-based nonprofit, has been awarded a $125,000 federal grant to support its efforts in preventing youth substance use across eastern San Bernardino County.
Why it matters: Drug-induced and alcohol-related deaths in San Bernardino County have been steadily increasing over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for prevention efforts.
Details: Healthy East Valley serves the communities of Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, Calimesa and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The organization's mission is to reduce the prevalence of substance use and associated chronic diseases by enhancing knowledge and outcomes across eastern San Bernardino County.
The grant, provided by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, will enable the organization to implement new strategies and expand existing programs.
Read more about the grant and upcoming programs with Healthy East Valley here.
Kathryne Mccann
SPORTS
REDLANDS – The University of Redlands was its own worst enemy on Saturday night in a 32-10 loss to Chapman before 1,147 on a balmy night.
The Bulldogs were intercepted five times and handed the Panthers two touchdowns via turnover.
It added up to a third consecutive loss to start the season for Redlands (0-3 overall, 0-1 conference).
“We’ve got to get better up front – the offensive line,” Redlands coach Jim Good said. “And we need to do a better job with our decision-making at quarterback.”
It is an ignominious beginning for a team that has also possibly lost starting quarterback Tyler Tremain for the season to a shoulder injury in the season opener against George Fox University of Oregon.
Read more from sports writer John Murphy here.
John Murphy
UPCOMING
📌 Oct. 5 - ANCA Repair Cafe: The Repair Cafe is all about fixing things for FREE! Local handy men and women who love to fix things will be available to fix your item on the spot, let you know how to fix it, or let you know if it can be fixed!
📌 Oct. 11 - Movies in the Park: Join the Redlands Recreation Division for a family-friendly night under the stars at Martinez Park on Friday, Oct. 11, to watch Kung Fu Panda 4. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., and the movie starts at dusk. Admission is free.
📌 Oct 18 and 26 - Trails at 10: The Redlands Conservancy is gearing up for its annual Trails at 10 series this October, featuring two guided hikes on local public trails. Read more here.
Contributor
🎨 Oct. 18 - 20 - Art for Heaven's Sake! Fine Arts Festival: Redlands United Church of Christ is gearing up for its 45th annual art festival. The event brings together over 70 artists from around Southern California working in various media, including painting, photography, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, and metal sculpture. Read more about the weekend festivities here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
FINALLY
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
The A.K. Smiley Public Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with two free concerts featuring acclaimed musicians as part of its Smiley LIVE! series. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
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