- The city management gave presentations around town on its proposal to fund a flood control project, culminating in a community question-and-feedback event at City Hall. Two readers who had attended (and had differing positions on the issue), called me to say her coverage exactly depicted the event, and was informative, accurate and fair.
Redlands residents give their feedback on FAST infrastructure programREDLANDS >> Several questions related to the city's proposed tax initiatives to fund flood control and infrastructure improvements keep recurring, as city officials continue their campaign to seek public feedback. City staff presented the proposed flood control, ADA ramps, sidewalks, trees and parks (or FAST) infrastructure program and funding to several residents Monday at City Hall.- She concurrently kept us up-to-date on the city's largest elderly-care facility's request to add more beds -- this on a quiet, narrow, tree-lined street whose residents object to the ambulance and parking disturbances.
Permit up for review for Pacific Pines Manor in RedlandsREDLANDS>> The Planning Commission next week will review its decision in 2012 to allow a 14-resident elderly care facility to operate on a narrow residential street. Pacific Pines Manor at 1438 Pacific St. has been offering assisted-living services to 14 elderly residents since November 2012, when the commission agreed to issue the facility a conditional-use permit, despite protests by several neighbors.- In the middle of her following those stories, a Redlander forwarded me an email from a Press-Enterprise editor saying she was unavailable for our reader's event because she was trying to scoop the Los Angeles Times, who she had learned was doing a story on Redlands' becoming a food-and-beverage destination in Southern California, Sandra Emerson said, "I can do that for Sunday."It was a Wednesday.She immediately went out to talk to some of the restaurateurs that have sprung up with unique local offerings, called the Chamber of Commerce and interviewed the mayor pro tem.She filed on Friday, and the link immediately popped up on multiple Facebook profiles.It has been on our most viewed list since, for two weeks now.Sandra's can-do spirit, combined with her objective voice, resourcefulness and excellent writing came together here to serve the readers' interest well and help us scoop both papers we compete with
Redlands gaining reputation as food, beverage destinationREDLANDS >> Foodies are traveling from within and beyond Southern California to find artisan foods, craft beverages and locally sourced ingredients in Redlands. Word of the town's many local restaurants, wineries and breweries has gotten out, helping to brand the city as a food and beverage destination.- While all this was going on, she read the city's budget audit for a newsy report, did a series on the district's oldest schoolhouse's being renovated and put together a fabulous Sunday enterprise piece (which we had to hold and will run this Sunday) on panhandling. She was out on freeway offramps and in the parks talking to panhandlers; she met with the chief of police; and she went to the places that provide services to the needy.
- Redlands receives positive financial audit reportREDLANDS >> An audit of the city's 2012-13 fiscal year shows an increase in reserves and accurate reporting of the city's financial condition. Brea-based accounting firm Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP reviewed the city's internal controls and financial statements for the fiscal year during two trips, in June and October, before giving an "unmodified" or "clean" opinion to the city.
Redlands City Council considers funding Barton School House projectREDLANDS>> Since finding a new home in Heritage Park, the historic Barton School House has been structurally secured, but the work is far from done. The Grove School board of directors and supporters are seeking $250,000 in funds from the city's Palmetto Grove sale to help with exterior and interior improvements.
Sandra Emerson DFMie submission
New city reporter in Redlands followed several contentious city issues and knocked out a few features and enterprise pieces to boot.
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