Redlands News: December 20, 2024
Mayor rotation rejected, $5.3M encampment grant accepted, CLB basketball opener, Plus where to ring in the new year in Redlands
Commission recommends North Redlands mixed-use development, Redlands' neighbor rejects warehouse, REV has right stuff and preview of new Lego-themed store Downtown
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.
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.
🎤 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.
💸 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.
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.
🌳 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.
🚔 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.
🌳 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.
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.
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.
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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