The City of Redlands invites residents to apply for a position on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommends to the City Council policies for the acquisition, development, maintenance and improvement of parks, public trails and open space areas, and for the planting, care and removal of landscaping and amenities in all parks, public trails and open space areas. In addition, this commission’s duties relating to recreation include; using the Commissioners’ skills, knowledge and experience to assist and advise the City Recreation Division staff; keeping the public informed about the city’s recreation program; serving as a forum for the promotion of activities for the Recreation Division and the City’s community center; and serving as a forum for resident’s suggestions, reactions, opinions, interests and needs regarding the City’s Recreation Division and its programs.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m.

Deadline for filing applications is Feb. 23.

Residents interested in applying for this non-paid position may request an application form from the City Manager’s Office, Civic Center, 35 Cajon St., Suite 200,  Phone:  (909) 798-7510, or by downloading an application from the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/current-openings.

Following the lifting of public health orders and the resumption of outdoor dining by the State of California Public Health Department last month, the City of Redlands worked with local downtown restaurants to resume its popular State Street Promenade outdoor dining event, closing portions of East State Street and Fifth Street, beginning Feb. 11.

On Jan. 25, California Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted stay-at-home orders that had restricted outdoor dining along with other business sectors.

The City of Redlands worked with local downtown restaurants to resume outdoor dining in Historic Downtown Redlands beginning Feb. 11 on East State Street between Orange Street and Sixth Street, and Fifth Street, from Redlands Boulevard to Citrus Avenue, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and on one block of East State Street between Orange and Fifth streets from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

On Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, the expanded area, including East State Street and Fifth Street will be available for outdoor dining.

Participating restaurants include the Tartan, Caprice Café, Darby’s, Don Orange, Rok n Fondue and the State. Some restaurants may not participate each day. Diners should call ahead to confirm hours.

In addition, the Tartan will offer outdoor dining from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 4-6, on a block of Fifth Street between Redlands Boulevard and East State Street.

The outdoor dining event is intended to allow Redlands restaurants to reopen safely, promoting physical distancing and safety consistent with State and County public health orders and recommendations.

On June 16, the Redlands City Council approved a resolution authorizing agreements with restaurant owners to set up outdoor dining and food service in designated closed street areas on State and Fifth streets.

Outside dining will be set up adjacent to each participating restaurant. Each restaurant will provide full dining service to their respective dining areas, including serving alcoholic beverages, with the approval of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization Application.

Tables will be spaced at least six feet apart to comply with social distancing recommendations. Restaurant employees will be required to wear facial coverings. Patrons should also wear facial coverings when not dining.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted unanimously to endorse Measure T. The Measure would impose, commencing April 1, 2021, an additional 1-percent sales tax on each dollar of taxable sales of goods in the City of Redlands, and on the storage, use or consumption in the city of goods purchased from a retailer. Measure T will be on the November 3, 2020 statewide ballot and requires approval of a majority of the City’s voters (i.e., 51%). The sales tax would be deposited into the city’s general fund to be used for general municipal governmental purposes. Although Measure T does not obligate the city to use the proceeds of the sales tax for any particular services, facilities, or programs, the use of the funds would be overseen by an independent citizens’ advisory committee and subject to a financial audit. The city’s Finance Department estimates that the annual revenue to the city generated by the sales tax would be approximately $10.7 million.

The Board’s endorsement came after a month of various meetings with proponents both for and against the measure, as well as review of all documents and arguments relating to the Measure. The Chamber’s Government Review Committee also played an extensive role in researching and evaluating the Measure.

There are several reasons for the Board’s endorsement. First and foremost, the City finds itself facing a $5.6 million deficit after budget cuts of over $10 million. Although the City has a reserve to draw from, it is projected to be exhausted in two to three years without more budget cuts. Without the passage of Measure T, it is the Board’s conclusion that quality of life in Redlands will be negatively affected. Homelessness issues, police protection, and community safety needs would suffer. Further, the current sales tax rate of 7.75 % is relatively low compared to surrounding communities. The 1-percent increase would place the City approximately in the middle of sales tax rates compared to other communities.

This endorsement, however, does come with the expectation that our City leaders will undertake a concerted effort to rein in costs and look for opportunities to generate revenue. There is, in the Board’s opinion, a true need for this Measure. However, we do not want this sales tax increase to disincentivize our leaders from making politically difficult, but necessary choices, such as addressing the costly pensions that burden our City budget. Additionally, we would hope to see a compensation review based on today’s environment, comparative to other same-sized, southern California cities, which will affect tomorrow’s pension issues.
There is never a good time for a tax increase, but the austere measures required without the passage of Measure T would create a loss for all citizens and businesses in Redlands. We endorse Measure T but hope we can also begin to address growing concerns shared by businesses and residents alike.

Thank you to our members who renewed in April 2020! Please see the April 2020 Renewal Listing

From 2 year members to 62 year members, it’s quite a list! Thank you for your continued partnership.