HEADLINER

Redlands Unified reviews book challenge policy amid spike in complaints

The School Board discusses ways to improve parental involvement.

*Redlands Unified reviews book challenge policy at recent board meeting, taking no action on banning books. (Photo: iStock Photo by* *Thi Soares*)

REDLANDS, Calif. – As challenges to library books spiked nationwide in 2023, the Redlands Unified Board of Education reviewed the district’s book challenge policy. School board members discussed ways to streamline the process during the March 12 meeting, taking no action to ban books.

Why it matters: Redlands Unified’s process for reviewing complaints against library books has been tested for the first time, according to school officials. The school board’s agenda item to discuss “complaint concerning instructional material” prompted a broader discussion by community members and parents about the removal of books from school libraries.

Details: Superintendent Juan Cabral provided the board with an overview of the complaint process from the initial challenge of a book, through the multiple levels of review, up to the final decision by the district committee.

Read more about what the book review process looks like and what parents and community members had to say about student access to library books.

NEWS BRIEF

🅿️ Enforcement of timed parking begins Monday: Drivers could soon be ticketed for not following posted parking times in Downtown Redlands. The city of Redlands announced that enforcement of posted public parking times will begin on Monday, March 18. Drivers will be granted a two-week grace period before warnings and citations will be issued started in April. Read more about the new enforcement times and alternative parking spots in the downtown core here.

🍔 95-foot highway sign moves forward: The Redlands Planning Commission gives In-N-Out the go-ahead for its proposed 95-foot-tall sign.⁠ The Commission voted during its meeting on Tuesday, March 12, to recommend the City Council approve a conditional use permit to allow for the freeway-oriented sign visible from the 210 freeway.⁠ If approved by the City Council, the sign will be the third-tallest in the area. ⁠The proposal will need a 4-5 vote by the City Council to pass. An amendment to the Redlands municipal code is needed to allow freeway-oriented signs on both sides of the freeway near the Tennessee Street off-ramp and Lugonia Avenue intersection.⁠ Read more about the meeting here.⁠

🚔 2 arrested in 'Shoulder Tap' operation: In a collaborative effort aimed at curbing underage drinking, the Redlands Police Department (RPD) and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested two individuals on Saturday, March 9, for allegedly furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. The effort was part of a statewide effort to crack down on underage drinking. Read more here.

💦 Inequity in testing: A new study conducted by researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health uncovered inequities in wastewater testing of COVID-19. These findings highlight a significant gap in disease outbreak data in areas with low-income demographics or small, privately owned wastewater treatment plants. Read more about the study here.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Redlands City Council to consider changes to support for community event

Some organizations would be impacted more than others

The Redlands City Council is set to discuss whether to limit in-kind support for community events put on by nonprofit organizations.

Why it matters: The proposed changes would limit most nonprofits to one in-kind request per year, with exceptions being made for organizations with a strong history in the community.

The monthly downtown event Giving Sunday, organized by the nonprofit Stronger Together Now, prompted the question of whether there should be a limit on the number of times a nonprofit can request in-kind support.

Details: On average, the city of Redlands approves 20-30 special events per year. These events include in-kind support and allocation of city resources, such as waiving reservation fees and assignment of personnel such as police, fire, and facilities.

Read more about the rules around in-kind support and why some council members think there should be a limit to yearly requests.

UPCOMING

🦋 Arthropolooza: The ultimate 'bugfest' is back at the San Bernardino County Museum this month. This year, Arthropolooza: The Ultimate Bugfest will spotlight a transformative journey into the enchanting world of butterflies. FlutterBy Ranch, will bring a mobile butterfly exhibit for an immersive experience designed to captivate, educate and inspire. Event details here.

🌎 Climate Teach-In: The University of Redlands will host a climate change and environmental justice teach-in on Thursday, March 21 as part of their Climate Action Week. The teach-in is part of a larger initiative to spark dialogue on climate and environmental justice on campuses and in communities worldwide. Read more about the 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.