Redlands Continues to Move Upwards and Onwards

In the last year the City of Redlands has met several accomplishments and continues on a path of economic stability, expansions in infrastructure, a vibrant artistic culture that draws people from around the world, and overall growth. That's what city leaders told the event's largest audience in its history - this year more than double its typical attendance, noted Mayor Paul Foster - at the University of Redlands Orton Center last Thursday, June 25. The address was hosted by the City of Redlands and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. "As a community, we are truly blessed to have great people doing great things," said Mayor Foster. Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison and Council Members Pat Gilbreath, Paul Barich and John James shared the city's accomplishments and plans for the future in a State of the City address punctuated by short, informative video presentations to provide visual aids. Councilman James touched on the city's roads and transportation as key assets to the city. The city is currently seeing street improvements via its PARIS (Pavement Accelerated Repair Implementation Strategy) project, repairing or restoring more than 90 miles of city roadway. James also spoke of the Redlands airport, which he called a unique asset. "It brings entertainment and recreation; it brings education as local schools with classes in aviation take students there for field studies; it serves emergency purposes and it serves economics, by providing jobs," said James. Councilman Barich highlighted business growth, including the opening of the Redlands Village, home of a new 44,000 square-foot Stater Bros. market, and the 468,000 square-foot Mountain Grove Regional Shopping Center. A video presentation explained that in 2014, more than 300 business licenses were opened in Redlands, increasing sales tax revenue and creating new jobs. Barich noted how the city's beautification efforts, including the addition of planters, bike lanes, lights and artwork highlighting Redlands history, all help contribute to a vibrant community that others aspire to be a part of. "This is a great city," said Barich. "The Chamber of Commerce, the City and its staff are very positive that you not only want to come to Redlands, but you want to stay here." Councilwoman Gilbreath highlighted the city's public safety efforts, headed by the city's police and fire departments. "They're creating safe, sustainable neighborhoods and preserving the past while protecting the future," Gilbreath said. And the departments are doing it despite budget cuts. The departments are upgrading their vehicle fleets, trading them in for more modern, state-of-the-art emergency response vehicles that are more safe and better equipped with necessary technology to respond to emergencies in a timely manner, she shared. The police department has purchased 25 new explorers with more on the way, and the fire department's new Type 1 Fire Engine will replace two that are over 25 years old. Additionally, she noted the importance of the city's CERT program and emergency notification system, which can immediately notify residents of emergencies in their area. Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison discussed the city's quality of life factor. Redlands was rated in the top 10 by financial advice website NerdWallet as one of the best places for families to live, with its notable school district, its vibrant downtown, an abundance of community events such as Market Night and Movie Night, its abundance of youth sports, its annual Bike Classic and Run Through Redlands events, miles of open space, parks and public resources, like the University of Redlands and the A.K. Smiley Library. "Quality of Life is the third most important factor for businesses...Parks and open space attract a young workforce and retains retired employees who use a portion of their disposable income to eat, shop and play. It brings tourism, parks enhance the value of nearby properties and the beauty of the city," said Harrison. Foster asked the audience to "celebrate our accomplishments as stewards of the past and look forward to the opportunities of the future." He discussed the continued need for infrastructure updates and continuing to pass balanced budgets, highlighting that the city has $9 million in its reserves for the 2015-2016 fiscal year just starting. The city has also improved its credit rating in the last year, he said, and has been able to boom in one of "the worst economic recessions since the Great Depression," he said. To continue its reputation for the arts, as well, Mayor Foster introduced two new public initiatives, calling on residents to conceive and develop a public art project where a new piece of public art could be created and unveiled this time next year. The "art in public spaces" effort currently has $10,000 appropriated for it. He also asked the public to contribute to the purchase of a new police command vehicle, which cost about $200,000. Police Chief Mark Garcia, Fire Chief Jeff Frazier, Foster and Councilmember Barich are spearheading the effort to fundraise for the remaining $100,000 needed to purchase the vehicle. The ceremony also included the recognition of eight individuals and groups with two beautification awards, four local hero honors and recognition of two employee heroes. Beautification Awards were presented to the Rochford Foundation for Adaptive Reuse of a Historic Property for the Burrage Mansion; and to ChurchWest Insurance Services for Adaptive Reuse of a Historic Property for the former YWCA/Y-Alliance building on the corner of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue. Community Hero Awards were presented to Isabella Hoskings, Heidi Mayer, Maria Lopez and City Clerk Sam Irwin, a surprise recipient. The State of the City luncheon was sponsored by Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, Redlands Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.