Input on parks wanted, $1M MOR loan, Redlands Bowl lineup

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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HEADLINER

Attend on Wednesday, March 13 or Thursday, March 14 at 6pm

REDLANDS, Calif. — A plan to preserve and enhance Redlands' parks is being developed and the city of Redlands is asking residents to share their thoughts at two upcoming workshops in March.

Why it matters: A Parks Master Plan will be the blueprint for the future of the city's parks, open spaces, and recreational services. Input from a wide range of residents is wanted to develop a plan that reflects the diverse needs and desires of the community.

Details: In October 2023, the City Council approved a contract with RHA Landscape Architects-Planners, based in Riverside, not exceeding $248,890, to develop a Parks Master Plan.

Over the course of a year the city will work with consultants to develop a plan that reflects the needs and desires of the community. As part of this outreach effort, two "Community Listening Sessions" will be held in March at 6pm.

Wednesday, March 13 at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave.
Thursday, March 14 at the Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St.

About the workshops: The upcoming workshops are the first step in helping consultants develop questions and ideas for future surveys that will ultimately drive the final Parks Master Plan, according to city spokesperson Carl Baker.

These sessions will be interactive. Participants will be able to use their mobile devices to engage during the meeting, according to Baker.

The Parks Master Plan website will provide opportunities to submit comments and take the community surveys later this year.

In addition to the workshops, residents are encouraged to take a self-guided virtual tour of the city's park system. The city of Redlands recently released the Redlands Park Map Tour Storymap to display all of the city's park resources and infrastructure in one place.

Click the article link below to view the Storymap and learn how to get involved if unable to attend the upcoming workshops.

NEWS BRIEF

🍔 In-N-Out Burger freeway sign: A towering 95-foot freeway sign could be erected in Redlands to help promote the soon-to-be open In-N-Out Burger at the southwest corner of west Lugonia Avenue and Citrus Plaza Drive, pending approval from the City Council. If approved, this sign will be the third largest in the area, trailing behind the Starbucks and Domino's Pizza sign and the 76 Gas Station sign, both on Parkford Drive. Considerations come as other Southern California cities have tightened rules around freeway-facing signs. The sign permit will first be discussed at a public hearing during the Tuesday, March 12, Redlands Planning Commission meeting. Read more here.

🏘 541 housing units approved: The City Council unanimously approved the new 541 unit Lugonia Village housing development during its meeting on March 5. The development planned for the corner of West Lugonia Avenue and Karon Street includes a mix of single family homes, townhomes and apartment units for a range of incomes and lifestyles. Read more about the mid-century modern inspired development here.

🚴‍♂️ $1M grant for city bike trail: The final segment of the Orange Blossom Trail will soon be completed following the City Council’s acceptance of a $1,282,000 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program grant. Residents can expect the section on the west side of town to be completed within six months of receiving the awarded funds, as is required by the grant guidelines. Read more about the grant and view of the route map by clicking the link here.⁠

🍊 Museum loan approved: The Museum of Redlands (MOR) is one step closer to completion after receiving a loan from the city of Redlands. On Tuesday, March 5, the Redlands City Council gave unanimous approval for a $1 million loan to the Redlands Historical Museum Association (RHMA) to finish building the MOR. The loan is the final piece of funding to finalize construction on the $27M project, according to the RHMA. Read more about the terms of the loan and how it will be paid back here.

🍂 No action on gas-powered leaf blower ban: The Redlands City Council took no action on banning gas powered leaf blowers during its meeting on March 5. The City Council voted 4-1 to focus on promoting rebate opportunities to transition away from gas-powered lawn equipment. The City Council also agreed to move forward with researching the feasibility of transitioning city landscaping equipment to electric alternatives. Council member Mario Saucedo voted in opposition to the action. Read more about the grant and rebate opportunities here.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Local food bank faces "urgent need" as food prices remain high

A local food bank that provides meals and assistance to thousands of local families and individuals each year needs help feeding families this spring and summer.

Inflation has slowed, but the cost of food remains higher than it was four years ago. Rising costs of food have increased the number of families in the community needing food assistance, according to Redlands Family Service Association (FSA).

The local non-profit took to social media on Tuesday to announce the "urgent need" for help to supply food for local families in need.

Read more about how to help fill Easter food baskets and preparing the pantry for summer food needs here.

UPCOMING

🎺 Summer music festival releases schedule: The schedule for the 101st season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival has been released. The Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA) announced the list of performances for the 2024 season, which span a variety of genres, including Spanish flamenco, Motown, bluegrass, jazz, and country. The festival runs from June to Aug. with the first performance Friday, June 21. Read more about the 2024 line up for this free community event here.

🌾 Climate change impact on health and diet: The local climate action group, Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA), will host three public health experts at its monthly workshop focused on the escalating health risks associated with climate change in the Inland Empire. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Redlands Community Center located at 111 W. Lugonia. Learn more about the event speakers here.

🖐 Self defense for women: The Redlands Police Department is gearing up to empower women with essential self-defense skills once again. In an effort to bolster personal safety awareness and equip women with the tools to minimize the risk of victimization, the department will host a seminar tailored specifically for women next month. Read more about the workshop and how to sign up here.

🚙 Drug-free coalition hosts MADD: The Healthy East Valley (HEV) non-profit is teaming up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to bring to light the local issue of underage alcohol use ahead of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Healthy East Valley will host Cheryl McMahen, Program Manager from MADD California-Inland Empire as the guest speaker during this month’s coalition meeting to discuss MADD’s prevention efforts in our community. Read more about the coalition meeting here.