Redlands Honors Heroes at State of the City

For the first time in the event's history, eight individuals and groups were honored as Redlands heroes at the annual State of the City event held Thursday, June 25 at the University of Redlands Orton Center. The city paid tribute to the Rochford Foundation and ChurchWest Insurance Services with two beautification awards, while community members Isabella Hoskings, Heidi Mayer and Maria Lopez were named Community Heroes. City Clerk Sam Irwin was also named a Community Hero as a special surprise recipient. Additionally, Redlands Police Officer Alex Paredes and Redlands Fire Engineer Don Trujillo were two city employees recognized whose volunteer activities provide a benefit to the community or individual in a substantial, unique way. The Rochford Foundation was recognized for its adaptive reuse of a historic property for the Burrage Mansion. Founded in 2008 by Tim Rochford, the private nonprofit has dedicated itself to restoring and maintaining the mansion. In 2007, Rochford purchased the mansion, built in 1901 by mineral magnate Albert Burrage as a holiday home, his larger goal has been to offer the mansion's grounds to other local nonprofits that serve children. "The Burrage Mansion has been beautifully restored and its grounds made available as a sanctuary as a place of enrichment for our city's youth," said Janice McConnell, assistant to the city manager. ChurchWest Insurance Services was also awarded for its adaptive reuse of a historic property for the former YWCA/Y-Alliance building on the corner of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue. ChurchWest Insurance Services owners Tom and Julie Cutler began reconstructing the building, which they had purchased in 2006 as a new location for their Redlands office. "They meticulously began restoring its rooms and spaces while maintaining its historic architectural features," explained McConnell. "They also captured the grandeur of the original building through landscaping that included graceful palms." Community Hero Awards were presented to Isabella Hoskings, Heidi Mayer, Maria Lopez and City Clerk Sam Irwin, a surprise recipient. Hoskings, a 92-year resident of Redlands, began volunteering at the Redlands Community Senior Center in 1996 and assists daily with the senior nutrition program. "Senior Center staff have commented that Isabella is the most hardworking and dedicate volunteer they've ever seen," said McConnell. Heidi Mayer is the founder of Youth Hope, an organization for at-risk and homeless children. Started out of her car seven years ago, the Youth Hope Foundation recently moved into a building on Redlands Boulevard where they served more than a thousand children in the past year, providing food, shelter, clothing, counseling, job training and educational assistance. "Mayer believes that all children need love and a foundation upon which to build their lives. Youth Hope provides confidence and self sufficiency to children in need," said McConnell. Maria Lopez, a part-time translator for the Redlands Unified School District, has volunteered her time from elementary school to high school as band booster, PTA board member, room mom, barbecue and carnival organizer, seamstress, chaperone and other roles. “To me, she epitomizes the Redlands unsung community hero,” read one nomination form. “She gives what she has to give and asks for nothing in return.” In a surprise Hero Award recognition, Mayor Paul Foster recognized City Clerk Sam Irwin for his dedication to honoring the sacrifices of Redlands veterans. Foster commented on how Irwin has helped bring the city's Military Heroes banner program to fruition, helped re-instate the annual Veterans Day Parade and has restored the Veterans Circle at Hillside Memorial Park. "Sam has often commented that we owe a debt to our veterans that cannot be repaid," said Foster. "He's correct. But he is working hard to see that his community is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of these men and women." The City also recognized two city employees whose volunteer activities provided a benefit to the community or a community member in a substantial, important or unique way. This year’s recipients were police officer Alex Paredes, for his dedication to the city's youth. With a background in martial arts, Paredes began an after-school martial arts program that runs weekly on Friday evenings, teaching youth structure, discipline and respect. Additionally, fire engineer Don Trujillo was honored for his dedication to the city's less fortunate youth. Consistently an active volunteer with the Spark of Love Toy Drive each holiday season, Trujillo has donated thousands of hours to organizing thousands of toys for Redlands children who might have otherwise not have received holiday gifts. The awards were immediately followed by the State of the City address.