HEADLINER

Yucaipa City Council puts brakes on Live Oak Canyon warehouse project

Redlands and Yucaipa residents' concerns over air quality and traffic led to decision for further review and community input

The Yucaipa City Council has voted to put a proposed warehouse development along the I-10 freeway corridor on hold.

Why it matters: This decision comes after residents voiced their concerns during a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 23, about the Pacific Oaks Commerce Center project, which would have included two massive 1-million-square-foot warehouse buildings off Live Oak Canyon Road.

Details: In a 3-2 vote, the Council has directed city staff to revise the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan update to address concerns raised by property owners and residents. The Council also called for more stakeholder meetings and environmental studies before the warehouse project can be reconsidered.

Read more about concerns from property owners and the community that prompted the Council's decision here.

Yucaipa City Council puts brakes on Live Oak Canyon warehouse project

Residents’ concerns over air quality and traffic lead to decision for further review and community input

Community Forward RedlandsStephanie Hastings Miranda

DEVELOPMENT

Redlands Planning Commission recommends approval for Tennessee Village Project

The 460-unit mixed-use development will include affordable housing and commercial space.

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Tennessee Village Project, a 460-unit mixed-use development, during their Tuesday night meeting on Sept. 24, 2024. 

Why it matters: The development aims to provide much-needed housing options in Redlands while incorporating commercial space and amenities.

Details: The project, proposed by Diversified Pacific, includes approximately 18,000 square feet of commercial space and will be located on a 13.4-acre site on the east side of Tennessee Street.

The development will also feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with 20 units designated as affordable housing for very low-income residents. The project will be built in two phases, with the first phase including all commercial buildings, live-work units, and 225 apartments.

Read more about the project's amenities and next steps from reporter Kathryne Mccann here.

Redlands Planning Commission recommends approval for Tennessee Village Project

The 460-unit mixed-use development will include affordable housing and commercial space.

Community Forward RedlandsKathryne Mccann

ELECTION 2024

🎤 City Council Election Forum: Five candidates are vying for two open seats on the Redlands City Council this November. Redlands residents can hear from candidates at an upcoming public forum presented by the AAUW and University of Redlands Public Policy Program on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in the University of Redlands Casa Loma Room. Read more here.

Redlands voters invited to meet Council candidates at AAUW forum

AAUW and University of Redlands to host free Q&A event on Oct. 10, giving voters chance to evaluate candidates on current issues.

Community Forward RedlandsStephanie Hastings Miranda

💸 Measure L: The local ballot measure could lead to $100k pay hikes for San Bernardino County DA and sheriff. Read more about the proposed salary changes from reporter Aidan McGloin at Follow Our Courts, here.

Measure L would increase San Bernardino DA, sheriff pay by $100K each - Follow Our Courts

Basing pay on other counties’ total instead of base pay accounts for most of the proposed boost in electeds’ salaries, which the DA points out has fallen $80,000 in value since 2011 due to inflation.

Follow Our CourtsAidan McGloin

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Bricks and Minifigs to bring family fun to Downtown Redlands

Redlands resident Parny Milien prepares to open a Lego-themed store offering new and retired sets, individual pieces, and event spaces for parties and gatherings.

REDLANDS, Calif. – Games, toys, and minifigs! Oh my! When Parny Milien opens Bricks and Minifigs in Downtown Redlands later this year, families will have a new destination where they can spend time together and build memories.

Milien, who has lived in Redlands for a few years, was looking for additional activities to enjoy with his family in the downtown area. As he reflected on it, he realized that combining his dream of owning a business with offering more things to do made perfect sense.

Milien, who is handling or overseeing the bulk of the renovations to the shop on State Street, is excited to become a part of the downtown community.

He has been “touched and overwhelmed by how welcoming everyone has been,” especially the small business owners already in the neighborhood.

Read the full interview by community reporter Shantell Sunderman here.

Bricks and Minifigs to bring family fun to Downtown Redlands

Redlands resident Parny Milien prepares to open a Lego-themed store offering new and retired sets, individual pieces, and event spaces for parties and gatherings.

Community Forward RedlandsShantell Sunderman

🌳 Naming of Martinez Park: A celebration to commemorate the renaming of Community Park to Martinez Park is set for Saturday, Sept. 28. The city event will commemorate Norman N. Martinez and Oddie J. Martinez, Redlands’ first Latino council members. Read more here.

Redlands to celebrate renaming of Community Park to honor Latino trailblazers

City event will commemorate Norman N. Martinez and Oddie J. Martinez, Redlands’ first Latino council members.

Community Forward RedlandsKathryne Mccann

🚔 RPD Citizen volunteers needed: The Redlands Police Department is inviting residents to join its Citizen Volunteer Unit, offering individuals the opportunity to play an active role in enhancing community safety. Established in 1991, the volunteer program is a vital part of the department, providing support for events and assisting officers with patrol and administrative tasks. Read more here.

Redlands Police seek citizen volunteers to aid in public safety efforts

Community members invited to assist with events, patrols, and public safety efforts through longstanding volunteer program

Community Forward RedlandsContributor

🌳 Former coach fights to protect Live Oak Canyon: Former teacher and baseball coach David Matuszak leads the charge against a controversial plan to build a fulfillment center in Yucaipa’s Live Oak Canyon, citing environmental concerns and a threat to the area’s rural lifestyle. Read more about Matuszak and his efforts here.

Former coach fights to protect Live Oak Canyon from proposed warehouse project

Former teacher and baseball coach David Matuszak leads the charge against a controversial plan to build a fulfillment center in Yucaipa’s Live Oak Canyon, citing environmental concerns and a threat to the area’s rural lifestyle.

Community Forward RedlandsJohn Murphy

SPORTS

REV has right stuff for victory

Possessing a mobile quarterback who can throw and tall receivers who can catch, is a head start toward having a great flag football team. Turns out Redlands East Valley High has all of that. The Wildcats proved it Tuesday night in a 32-0 victory against rival Redlands.

Freshman QB Charlotte Cox threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in the Wildcats’ romp. The Terriers stopped Cox a handful of times but generally had no answer for her. Read more here.

REV has right stuff for victory

Freshman QB throws four touchdown passes, runs for another as Terriers struggle to contain high-powered REV offense

Community Forward RedlandsJohn Murphy

Press Row: Nottingham leads Redlands High Hall of Famers

Redlands High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame has revealed its 2024-2025 inductees, led by pro baseball player Jacob Nottingham (Class of 2013). The class includes standout athletes in track, soccer, volleyball, and more. The induction dinner is set for Jan. 24 at Terrier Hall. In sports action, Redlands High’s volleyball team is tied for first in the competitive Citrus Belt League after a key win over Beaumont. Meanwhile, the Redlands girls golf team continues to dominate, and exciting league showdowns loom in flag football and basketball.

Read more from sports writer John Muphy in this week's Press Row column.

Nottingham leads Redlands High Hall of Famers

Press Row

Community Forward RedlandsJohn Murphy

IN OTHER NEWS

Judge halts controversial warehouse project in Bloomington, orders new environmental study

A California Superior Court Judge ruled last week that San Bernardino County must redo an environmental study for a controversial warehouse project in Bloomington.

KVCR NEWSAnthony Victoria

Cal State campuses brace for ‘severe consequences’ as budget gap looms

The university predicts a 2025- 26 budget hole of $400 million to $800 million — a sizable chunk of Cal State’s estimated operating budget.

CalMattersMikhail Zinshteyn

Newsom Signs Bill to Help California Neighborhoods Ditch Gas and Go All Electric | KQED

The law will allow up to 30 neighborhoods to end gas utility service and swap out gas appliances for electric ones — at no cost to residents.

KQEDLaura Klivans

California may soon let workers apply early for paid family leave

Currently, workers cannot apply for benefits until their first day of leave, and can go weeks without pay.

LAistElly Yu

UPCOMING

Poe’s darkest tales come to life at Footlighters in October

“Nevermore: The Tales & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” brings the iconic author into his own haunting stories, adapted and directed by Katharine Buffy Henshaw. The original production opens October 11, promising an immersive theatrical journey just in time for Halloween.

Community Forward RedlandsContributor

FINALLY

The Redlands Conservancy hosted a free Community Open House at the historic Asistencia on Sunday, Sept. 22. Visitors enjoyed music in the chapel, with performances by the Kimberly School chorus and the a cappella group Rhymes with Orange, AK Smiley's children's librarian hosted book readings and Master Gardeners taught seed planting.

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