MAY 2012 – City News by Council Member Jon Harrison

By Council Member Jon Harrison

In March of 2010,Redlands became one of only 10 cities chose by Southern California Edison to participate in the California Green Communities Challenge. The program enables us to highlight progress in 10 “challenge areas”, including energy efficiency and conservation, green building efficient transportation and land user and community design that contribute to keeping our quality of life high and save money for the city, its residents and its businesses.

 The City Council and staff rose to the challenge, developing materials for the California Green communities’ website, creating a checklist of existing sustainability measures and projects and an action plan to designate future sustainability projects to meet different levels of participation in the program. These are all local actions that create more efficient operations for the City and reduce ongoing costs through energy efficiency, waste-stream diversion, water conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

The action plan submitted to the California Green Communities in April 2011 includes programs currently in operation such as the City’s Recycled Product Preference policy, passed by the Council six years ago to increase the use of recycled products; marketing of the City’s LNG/CNG fueling station, which increases sales of alternative fuels from the City to private vehicle owners as well as commercial alternative fuel fleets; and installation of a photovoltaic system at the City’s wastewater treatment plant, saving the City $16,000, and 200,000 kilowatt hours every year.

Other aspects of the plan will be implemented over the next several years such as conversion to highly efficient and long lasting LED street lights; retrofitting City equipment and facilities to take advantage of newer, more sustainable and cost effective technologies and building materials; and improving the City’s non-motorized transportation, making it easier for local residents and visitors to walk or bicycle to destinations throughout the City. Cost/benefit analysis of programs like theLED streetlights show the savings on operating costs cover the capital investment in only a few years and continue to yield savings to the city.

With the Redlands Rail Project coming ever closer to reality the City is reviewing land use and community design around the stations, including downtown, to promote residential and commercial development in these areas and take advantage of investments in roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure that already serve the community.

A report on the status ofRedlands’ involvement in the California Green Communities Challenge, including a comprehensive discussion of each of our initiatives, will be coming before the City Council during an upcoming meeting. That report will be available at City Hall and online.

I encourage each of our residents and all our local businesses to get involved in promoting a more sustainable future for our City. Feel free to contact me or Danielle Garcia in the City’s Quality of Life Department at dgarcia@cityof redlands.org.

APR 2012 – Redlands Chamber to present business seminar-Navigating the Road to Business Success

          The Redlands Chamber, in support of their mission to improve Redlands business and build a better community, is hosting a seminar on Thursday, April 26, 7:30 – 9:00 AM, to provide local business owners access to a team of key business resources.  Free to members ($25 non-members), this seminar will give business owners timely and critical information on legal matters, Insurance, Accounting, Banking/Lending, and Wealth Management.  What questions should you be asking your attorney?  How do you obtain credit for your business? What insurance do I need, where is my greatest risk? What are your goals with tax planning and financial statement preparation? What key issues should you address in your financial planning?  How should you use your “TEAM” of resources most effectively in support of your goals?

 This is an opportunity for business owners to access critical information at little to no cost, information that if missed, could cost your business a great deal in the long run.

 Call the Chamber office to make your reservations, 793-2546.

 

APR 2012 – Chamber’s Government Review Committee suggests amendment to sign code

     The Redlands Chamber of Commerce Government Review Committee has proposed an amendment to the Sign Code that will allow business outside the downtown business arena the opportunity to use portable of A-frame signs. The current code does not allow businesses to use A-frame structures if located outside the geographic confines of the Downtown Business District. Because the business district was recently dissolved the committee that had been working on the revisions decided it was the perfect time to submit changes, as the language in the code required modification because of the disbanding.

        The need for expanding the use of portable signs came to the attention of the Chamber when a number of businesses indicated that during these extremely difficult economic times businesses are reinventing, recreating new and innovative ways to find new customers and clients and many are looking for unique and distinctive advertising opportunities. While A-frames have been banned in commercial areas outside of downtown many businesses have opted for using them attempting lure customers in, but have found themselves on the wrong side of the law and have been cited by code enforcement and forced to remove the violating sign.

        In an effort to be fair and equitable to all businesses located in commercial zones and in specific plan areas, the Chamber is proposing that portable signs be allowed with size restrictions, and noted location limits. The proposal has been sent to Council liaison for review. Watch for details as the recommendation moves forward through channels at City Hall.

APR 2012 – Another Shop Redlands winner announced

     Congratulations to Nancy Botelho, the lucky winner of the March, Shop Redlands, $100 Gas Card provided by Big Mike’s Rooter & Plumbing Co. April’s Shop Redlands prize is a $100 pre paid VISA Card sponsored by Inland Community Bank, brought to you by Jim Walling.

          Do you want to play? Bring in your shopping receipts from chamber members or local businesses and be eligible for the drawing that will be held the last day of April. By shopping at chamber members you will receive two tickets for the drawing, non member receipts qualify you for one ticket. The member directory can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.Redlandschamber.org. The receipts must be $25 or more.

          Once again congratulations to Nancy Botelho, thank you to Big Mike’s Rooter & Plumbing, and here we go again so …… let’s get shopping!

 

APR 2012 – New Chamber Members – March 2012

 A STORAGE PLACE–BARTON ROAD

Kierstin Wasko

26419 Barton Road

Redlands,CA 92373

Phone:  796-4447        Fax:  796-6547

Web Site:  www.aspselfstorage.com

 BRISKETS

Dave Kaney

256 E. Citrus Avenue

Redlands,CA 92373

Phone:  335-2649

 FARMERS INSURANCE – A. T. EICHER AGENCY

Andrew Eicher

1450 Iowa Avenue

Riverside,CA 92507

Phone: 817-291-0557  Fax:  951-684-5238

 RENAISSANCE BANQUET HALL

Maricela Silva

19 E. Citrus

Redlands,CA 92373

Phone:  798-3462

Web Site:  www.therenaissancebanquet.com

 SYLVANLEARNINGCENTER#556

Paul Lay

413 E. Palm

Redlands,CA 92373

Phone:  792-9669        Fax:  792-8510

Web Site:  www.educate.com/centers/92373

 WESTCOAST DERMATOLOGY BILLERS, LLC

Risa Kanavas

319 E. Stuart Street

Redlands,CA 92374

Phone:  335-8638        Fax:  335-8644

Web Site:  www.dermatologybilling.com

 

APR 2012 – Chamber Members Renewing – March 2012

The Chamber thanks renewing members for their continued support of the Chamber’s mission;

ALL FOUR PAWS PET CARE

Elizabeth Kulbin

P. O. Box1322

Redlands,CA 92373

380-1337

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Yevette Ramos

202W. Rialto Avenue

San Bernardino,CA 92408

888-1481

 BARICH & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE

Paul Barich

408 E. State Street, Suite C

Redlands,CA 92373

793-0385

 BON APPETIT UNIVERSITY CLUB & CATERING

Jessica Arthur

1259 E. Colton Avenue

Redlands,CA 92374

748-8970

 BRENNA HAMRICK-STOTTS DDS, INC.

Brenna Hamrick-Stotts

1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite T

Redlands,CA 92373

793-9711

 C-21 LOIS LAUERREALTY-FredaEngland

Freda England

1998 Orange Tree Lane

Redlands,CA 92374

800-5054

 CALIFORNIA HOUSING FOUNDATION

Steve Von Rajos

1200 California Street, Suite 104

Redlands,CA 92374

793-9600

CALIMESA COUNTRY CLUB

Bev Carlson

1300Third Street

Calimesa,CA 92320

795-1488

 CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

Christine Brents

1505 South Ford Street

Redlands,CA 92373

793-8722

 COLDWELL BANKER REALTY-JEFF DILL

Jeff Dill

32829 Yucaipa Blvd

Yucaipa,CA 92399

809-8181

 CONNECTION TO CRUISE

Marlys & George Aballi

Redlands,CA 92373

798-9133

 DALE E. VENTRES

Dale Ventres

Redlands,CA 92374

793-7347

 DAVE & VIRGINIA BARNES

Dave & Virginia Barnes

Redlands,CA 92373

792-7996

 DAVID RAFF & COMPANY

David Raff

104 E. Olive Avenue, Suite 201

Redlands,CA 92373

335-8900

 DAVIS & GRAEBER INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.

Martin Davis

470 E. Highland Avenue

Redlands,CA 92373

793-2373

EILEEN SWENSON GRAPHICS

Eileen Swenson

Yucaipa,CA 92399

790-2357

 EXTRA SPACE STORAGE

Jill Meyri

321 Alabama Street

Redlands,CA 92373

792-3671

 FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OFREDLANDS

Cheryl Heesen

612 Lawton Street

Redlands,CA 92373

793-2673

 FOREIGN AUTO TECH

Sid Takouche

1635W. Redlands Blvd

Redlands,CA 92373

335-9575

 HIGHLANDCOMMUNITY NEWS

Laura Greene

27000 Baseline, Suite G

Highland,CA 92346

862-1771

INLAND COMMUNITY BANK

Jim Walling

11175 Mt. View Avenue, Suite O

Loma Linda,CA 92354

437-3194

 INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS BASEBALL CLUB

Kevin Shaw

280 South E Street

San Bernardino,CA 92401

888-9922

 INLAND EMPIRE LABOR MGNT COOPERATION

Jan Hudson

1901 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 200

Redlands,CA 92374

307-3400

 INLAND SURGERY CENTER

Jacquelin Belcher

1620 Laurel Avenue

Redlands,CA 92373

793-4701

 INTERIOR DESIGN SPECIALIST, INC.

Peter Vanderhulst

100W. Stuart Avenue

Redlands,CA 92374

793-0943

 MIRAU, EDWARDS, CANNON, LEWIN & TOOKE

Mark Edwards

1806 Orange Tree Lane, Suite C

Redlands,CA 92374

793-0200

 MOUNTAIN TREE SERVICE, INC.

Dan Begley

Running Springs,CA 92382

867-5772

 OFFICE DEPOT

Cheryl Peetz

602 Orange Street

Redlands,CA 92374

793-2563

 ORANGE TREE TAX AND BOOKKEEPING

Dennis Grimes

300 E. State Street #430

Redlands,CA 92373

798-0759

 PAUL W. FOSTER

Paul Foster

Redlands,CA 92373

427-5348

 REDLANDS COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Beverly Noerr

25 Grant Street

Redlands,CA 92373

793-7316

 REDLANDS CYCLERY,USA

Craig Kundig

415-A Tennessee Street

Redlands,CA 92373

792-2444

 REDLANDS PLUMBING HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

Tyler Miner

429 Texas Street

Redlands,CA 92374

793-8461

 REDLANDS PRINT SHOP & COPY CENTER, INC.

Earl Luevano

409 E. Citrus Avenue

Redlands,CA 92373

792-7221

ROSE GARDEN RESIDENTIAL CARE

Karen Marangakis

1350 No.Wabash Avenue

Mentone,CA 92359

794-1040

 S.B.VALLEYWATER CONSERVATION DIST

1630W. Redlands Blvd, Suite A

Redlands,CA 92373

793-2503

SAN MANUEL BAND OFMISSIONINDIANS

Ed Delgado

777 San Manuel Blvd.

Highland,CA 92346

864-8933

 STATE FARM INSURANCE – EVAN DIETERICH

Evan Dieterich

1150 Brookside Avenue, Suite J4

Redlands,CA 92373

307-2160

 STORAGE WEST SELF STORAGE

Mike & Brina Limon

1680W. Redlands Blvd

Redlands,CA 92373

792-5761

 WYATT VIDEO

Bill Wyatt

31W. Stuart Avenue

Redlands,CA 92374

867-7163

APR 2012 – The Redlands Mall questions and answers

By Mayor Pete Aguilar

     One of the top priorities for the Council and City staff has been economic development.  A number of initiatives are already in the works or in place and some are already bringing results. New businesses have opened their doors and some existing businesses are preparing for expansion.

          But with the positive news in economic development, there is one elephant in the room, or in this case, in the City’s downtown – the Redlands Mall. With the notable exception of CVS and a few outlying buildings, the mall has stood empty for more than a year, seemingly a prime location for economic growth.

          One of the most frequent questions my Council colleagues and I receive is, why hasn’t the City done something about the Redlands Mall? The following Q&A might help explain some of the complex issues the City wrestles with in dealing with this issue.

Does the City own the Redlands Mall?

No. The mall is owned by Howard Hughes Corporation, a real estate development company based inDallas,Texas.

 Does the City own the parking lot?

Yes.  The city owns the parking lot surrounding the mall, the underground parking, and the parking lot to the southeast of the mall.

 What businesses are located at the mall?

CVS is located at the east end of the mall and a Denny’s, Banner Mattress, and Union Bank are in a building on the northeast corner of the mall. The rest of the mall is vacant.

 What are Howard Hughes Corporation’s plans for the mall?

There are no plans to sell or develop the mall according to company officials. Howard Hughes has not submitted any proposals to the City or provided the City a proposed timeline.

 Is the Howard Hughes Corporation willing to entertain opportunities for additional tenants at the mall?

The City has provided potential tenant opportunities to Howard Hughes, but no development ensued.

 Can the City or a private company purchase the mall?

There have been numerous offers to purchase the mall, but Howard Hughes Corporation insists that the Mall is not for sale.

 Can the City condemn the mall?

Under the laws governing eminent domain, the City could only condemn the property for a public use.   

 What are the City’s long term plans regarding the mall?

The City has engaged a real estate advisory firm to initiate development strategies to develop the City’s interest in the mall.

          Rest assured that the City Council and City staff will continue to explore every avenue available to us to move the Redlands Mall property toward productive use.  In the meantime, staff has been diligent in requiring the mall’s owners to maintain the property, requiring attractive screens at the shuttered entrances, keeping the property free of debris and graffiti and maintaining the landscape.

          If you have additional questions or need further information, please feel free to contact Michael Lengyel, Economic Development Director, with the City of Redlands Development Services Department at (909) 335-4755 or mlengyel@cityofredlands.org.

 

APR 2012 – Young Professionals Network to host third “Mixinar”

         The Redlands Chamber Young Professionals Network is hosting another “Mixinar” of young professional business men and women ages 21 – 40, Wednesday, May 16, at the Renaissance Hall,19 E. Citrus Ave, in downtownRedlands, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

          The Young Professionals Network, YPN, is a group of young business people who have joined together to form a Chamber Committee to develop programs and activities geared to the next generation of business leaders providing  social networking, professional development, and volunteer opportunity for ambitious young professionals.

          Committee Chair Megan Barich said, “This is our third Mixinar and we are very pleased with the growth of the program. The event is bringing together young professionals who now have a forum to discuss, learn, share and grow in an engaging environment that fuels business development.”

          Admission to the “Mixinar” is $5.00 per person reservations are needed as space is limited. Call the Chamber office to make your reservations 793-2546.

APR 2012 – The Chamber rolls another Cruisin’ Cuisine into town

          Savory, succulent, mouth watering, taste treats fromRedlandsvery finest restaurants must mean that the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Cruisin’ Cuisine is back!

          Friday, May 18, ten restaurants will offer gastronomic experiences to guests as they stroll from one establishment to another in downtown Redlands sampling specialties, delighting in sophisticated tastes and nibbling signature dishes. Attendees will check in at the Chamber office at 4:30, trade their ticket for a wristband and passport and off they go to sample, nibble, test and try to their hearts content.

          Each restaurant will have a host sign their passport that will then make them eligible for a drawing at the end of the evening. For restaurants not located in downtownRedlandshost businesses will partner with them allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure.

          “There is no place better in the Inland Empire to spend an evening out thanRedlands. It plays to our Shop Redlands program and showcases our wonderful restaurants.” said Paul Barich, Chamber President. “This was a sold out event last year and a whole lot of fun. At the end of the evening guests were asking when we were going to schedule the next one. So here it is!”

          Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are limited. To purchase your tickets or for more information about Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine call 793-2546.

 

 

APR 2012 – Alta Vista Credit Union offers annual shred day

          Alta Vista Credit Union is partnering with Cintas- Secure Document Destruction Services to offerFREEdocument shredding on Saturday April 21, 2012 from 9 AM to 1:30 PM at Alta Vista’sLugonia avenuebranch1425 W. Lugonia Avenue,Redlands

          This FREE community event ** not only provides secure destruction of sensitiveinformation and documents, but also provides an earth friendly alternative to landfills for these items.

          Cintas Secure Document Destruction Services provides on-sight destruction so you can watch your sensitive documents being shredded immediately.  This event is open to the community, so tell your friends and family and start planning for Earth Day today and make sure to visit us on Saturday April 21, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM for this FREEcommunity shred event.
          For more info visit www.altavistacu.org or call 909-809-3838; or visit us on Facebook

** Free service is limited to 5 boxes of shred unless prior approval is received from an authorized Alta Vista representative.