Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: November 9, 2018 at 12:25 pm | Updated: November 9, 2018 at 7:17 pm
Redlands police have arrested a former high school drama teacher on suspicion of having sex with two underage students and possession of child pornography, making him the third former teacher in the school district to be charged with sexual abuse in the past five years.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: October 17, 2018 at 1:58 pm | Updated: October 17, 2018 at 9:01 pm
A state agency that enforces professional standards for California educators is investigating Redlands Unified School District for a series of sexual abuse cases that has resulted in more than $21.7 million in legal settlements, according to an attorney representing several victims.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: July 27, 2018 at 10:22 am | Updated: July 27, 2018 at 11:00 am
Pornographic images of an underage Redlands High School student, seized from teacher Kevin Kirkland, were never examined by police before prosecutors negotiated a plea deal that allowed him to go free the day he was sentenced for sexually abusing four students, the Southern California News Group has learned.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: June 22, 2018 at 2:56 pm | Updated: June 22, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Joshua Polo earned a visit to the vice principal’s office at Redlands High School when, in a heated squabble with English teacher Laura Whitehurst, he called her a “whore.”
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: June 22, 2018 at 3:08 pm | Updated: June 22, 2018 at 7:49 pm
A top Redlands Unified School District official attempted to destroy evidence and obstructed the 2013 criminal investigation of a former teacher convicted of sexually abusing students, according to sworn statements and police reports supporting allegations in eight pending lawsuits against the district.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: April 17, 2018 at 7:07 pm | Updated: April 18, 2018 at 8:56 am
The Redlands Unified School District on Tuesday was slapped with another sexual abuse lawsuit alleging a former Redlands High School theater technician had an intimate three-year relationship with a female student beginning when she was 15 years old.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
February 9, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Attorneys alleging the mishandling of reports of sexual abuse by former Redlands High School teacher and convicted sex offender Kevin Patrick Kirkland have sued another former teacher, alleging he sexually abused a student.
Richard Winton
August 19, 2016
A former student who fathered a child with a onetime Redlands schoolteacher convicted of having sex with him and two other students will receive a $6-million settlement from the school district, officials said Friday.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 08/14/16 – 2:13 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> A lot is happening in downtown Redlands.
Several long-anticipated development projects are getting underway, all of them set to bring in more business and activity to the city’s historic core.
By Jeff Horseman, The Press-Enterprise
Posted: 04/27/16 – 5:54 PM PDT |
Redlands police are investigating a report from Republican congressional candidate Paul Chabot that one of his campaign signs was stolen and replaced with a rival’s sign.
February 6, 2016
January is a good time for government. While most citizens are recovering from the holidays and getting back to normal life, they aren’t paying much attention to the ramblings of elected officials.
Published: Oct. 6, 2015 – Updated: 5:06 p.m.
“A City That Works” didn’t when it comes to California’s campaign finance rules, and the result is a $2,000 fine for the city of Redlands.
To read article by Jeff Horseman in The P-E Political Empire Blog, click here.
By Neil Nisperos, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 07/12/15 – 7:59 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> A major industrial project is taking shape next to the 10 Freeway and adjacent to the Splash Kingdom Waterpark.
Published: June 24, 2015 – Updated: 4:40 p.m.
Amazon has announced it will create 1,000 more jobs for its Inland Southern California fulfillment centers.
To read story by Debra Gruszecki in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Published: June 9, 2015
Updated: June 10, 2015 2:58 p.m.
A pair of warehouse construction projects is transforming the view of Redlands from Interstate 10.
Construction of the Redlands Commerce Center, a 1.1-million-square-foot industrial development to serve the warehousing and logistics industry, has begun on a 51-acre swath of land between the westbound lanes of the freeway and Lugonia Avenue.
To read story by Debra Gruszecki in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 06/06/15 – 6:48 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> The city’s budget for next fiscal year has been approved and includes funding for several additional employees.
By Neil Nisperos, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 06/02/15 – 2:15 PM PDT |
Amazon is creating 1,000 full-time jobs in the Inland Empire.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 05/20/15, 6:47 PM PDT |
REDLANDS>> The City Council on Tuesday approved new contracts for the city manager and city attorney, which include salary increases and a change in their retirement contributions.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 05/20/15 – 6:45 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> In the same vein as Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga and other mixed-use developments across Southern California, a 340-unit gated apartment complex, with a retail component, has been approved for development in an unincorporated area of this city.
By Liset Marquez, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 05/11/15 – 3:18 PM PDT |
A prominent Rancho Cucamonga political action committee could be fined $6,000 by the state’s ethics watchdog for failing to timely file two campaign statements, and failing to timely disclose contributions it received and made during the 2010 election.
By Steve Scauzillo, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 04/08/15, 9:14 AM PDT |
Several cities in Southern California will have to reduce water use by as much as 35 percent under a new conservation schedule released by the State Water Resources Control Board.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 04/02/15 – 6:52 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> Two civil cases filed against the city and Walmart related to a proposed store on the city’s North Side have come to an end.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 03/04/15, 4:07 PM PST |
SAN BERNARDINO >> The final environmental document for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project has been certified by the San Bernardino Associated Governments Board of Directors.
Saturday, February 28, 2015 – 11:30 a.m.
San Bernardino County leaders, not Inland Empire as a whole, seem fascinated with building public works projects that will never be self-sustaining. Even though they say otherwise.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/24/15, 12:01 AM PST | Updated: 1 day ago
REDLANDS >> With a voter-approved commuter rail project that would take riders from San Bernardino to Redlands and back looming as early as 2018, local public transit critics are ringing bells over its funding.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/23/15, 12:47 PM PST | Updated: 55 secs ago
REDLANDS >> When voters approved an extension of Measure I in 2004, they also voted to fund the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, which was specified in the measure.
Published: Jan. 23, 2015 – Updated: 5:50 p.m.
REDLANDS – Top officials with BMW of North America were on hand Friday for the opening of a new regional parts distribution center north of I-10.
The ceremony capped a two-year project of moving BMW’s warehouse operation east from Ontario.
To read story by Fielding Buck in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 01/21/15, 12:01 AM PST | Updated: 1 min ago
REDLANDS >> John James is the newest member of the City Council.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 12/09/14, 8:12 PM PST |
REDLANDS >> The Redlands City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday to discuss filling a vacancy following Pete Aguilar’s vacating his seat.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – 09:30 a.m.
Here’s some area election results of note.
In San Bernardino, voters dumped charter reform Measure Q. The measure would have removed wage-setting provisions from the city charter to collective bargaining. The city’s police and fire unions easily tubed the measure. The result is a blow to novice Mayor Carey Davis and backers, who put very little effort in support of the measure.
By Toni Momberger, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/28/14, 7:47 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> The third City Council candidate forum of the season will be tonight at the University of Redlands.
The event will be free and open to the public.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/25/14, 6:31 PM PDT | Updated: 41 secs ago
REDLANDS >> The amount of money flowing into the City Council race at this point has nearly reached $180,000, of which $18,528 was raised this month, according to campaign finance reports.
October 25, 2014
Who knew that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians had significant interest in the quiet little town of Redlands? The tribe, which has a large casino on reservation land North of San Bernardino is taking great interest in the Redlands City Council election, and spending big money too.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/24/14, 5:04 PM PDT | Updated: 1 min ago
REDLANDS >> Former county Supervisor Neil Derry has been endorsed by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association for the City Council.
Friday, October 24, 2014 – 06:00 p.m.
It’s been interesting to watch the Redlands City Council campaigns finally play out.
Published: Oct. 19, 2014 Updated: 10:13 p.m.
Two political actions committees have been established and have raised thousands in an effort to keep Neil Derry off the Redlands City Council.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Posted: 10/16/14, 5:32 PM PDT |
The Redlands Area Democratic Club will meet Saturday at Napoli Restaurant, 24960 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.
Little ole Redlands, California is becoming the hot bed of local politics this cycle.
The simmering, by a handful, over Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry vying for one of three seats up for election on the Redlands City Council is taking the spotlight. One has to admit the contest is more interesting than the sleepy 31st Congresssional District race.
Published: Oct. 11, 2014 – Updated: 6:27 p.m.
Three of five seats on the Redlands City Council are up for grabs in the Nov. 4 election.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/07/14, 8:14 PM PDT |
REDLANDS>> A political action committee opposing Neil Derry’s run for Redlands City Council has amassed a significant amount of contributions.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/06/14, 8:42 PM PDT |
REDLANDS>> The amount of money in the Redlands City Council race has become official, as candidates met the Monday deadline for filing their campaign finance disclosure paperwork.
Monday, October 6, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.
A Northern California political action committee (PAC) set to send out mailers attacking Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry may have assumed the name of a legitimate business.
By Greg Cappis, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 10/04/14, 5:44 PM PDT |
A judge has ordered the Redlands Unified School District to alter its public record policies, which, he ruled, violate the California Public Records Act.
Friday, October 3, 2014 – 10:30 a.m.
The games has started in a local city council election.
An all out effort has officially commmenced to keep Former County Supervisor Neil Derry from winning a seat on the Redlands City Council.
What’s interesting is who’s funding it.
Monday, September 29, 2014 – 08:45 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee has endorsed Former County Supervisor Neil Derry for a seat on the Redlands City Council.
Published: Sept. 25, 2014 Updated: 3:02 p.m.
Attracting new businesses and supporting the small ones that exist were among the topics at a Redlands City Council candidates forum Tuesday night.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Thursday, September 25, 2014 – 09:00 a.m.
So just how is business actually done at Redlands City Hall?
The question is now being asked following the publication of a story in Thursday’s Redlands Daily Facts.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 09/24/14, 12:04 PM PDT | Updated: 1 hr ago
A political action committee opposing Neil Derry’s candidacy to the City Council has filed with the city and state.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 – 08:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 – 10:30 a.m.
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce held a City Council candidate forum Tuesday night.
Six of seven candidates on the ballot appeared for the ninety minute event held in the Council Chambers at Redlands City Hall.
By Ryan Hagen, The Sun
Posted: 09/23/14, 8:18 PM PDT |
REDLANDS >> City Council candidate Neil Derry called Tuesday for the city to ban outdoor growing of medical marijuana after a high school student was killed apparently trying to cut marijuana from a man’s yard.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 09/24/14, 1:26 AM PDT | Updated: 8 hrs ago
REDLANDS >> The six candidates running for City Council on Tuesday participated in their first forum of the campaign season hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014 – 09:30 a.m.
The Redlands Chanber of Commerce has scheduled a candidate forum for Tuesday night.
Monday, September 22, 2014 – 08:30 a.m.
Some person, or persons, is taking aim at signs of republican candidates in the Redlands area.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The City of Redlands will elect three council members on November 4th. Seven candidates have successfully filed for the race including two incumbents, a former county supervisor, a former public information officer, an insurance agent, a tattoo parlor owner, and a “domestic engineer.” Council member Bob Gardner decided not to seek reelection leaving an open seat.
Sunday, Augusr 10, 2014 – 11:00 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom last week. In case you missed it!
Unemployment claims drop by 18,000
First-Time Jobless Claims dropped by 18,000 to 289,000, according to Thursday’s report by the Labor Department. The four-week moving average of 293,500 is the lowest since 2006. The claims estimate was for 305,000.
By Grace Wong, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 08/05/14, 8:51 PM PDT | Updated: 29 secs ago
Across the Inland Empire, residents are filing papers to run for city councils.
Posted: 08/04/14, 8:13 PM PDT | Updated: 55 secs ago
The list of candidates seeking a position on the Redlands City Council in November has gotten longer.
By Toni Momberger, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 08/04/14, 12:08 PM PDT | Updated: 3 hrs ago
Redlands >> Former San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry announced Monday that he will run for Redlands City Council.
Monday, August 4, 2014 – 09:00 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom from the week of August 28, 2014. In case you missed it!
U.S. Gross Domestic product climbs 4.0% in Q2
The second quarter initial reading on U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came in at a healthy 4.0%.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 – 11:00 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom Tuesdy morning. In case you missed it.
Brandt to end council service
Upland City Councilman Brendan Brandt has announced he will not seek another term.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.
Here’s some new flowing across the transom Tuesday morning, in case you missed it!
Inland Cities budget woes ease
Several Inland Empire cities are facing a less dicier budget picture in their upcoming fiscal years.
May 10, 2014; 04:52 PM
On a clear day, the view is to die for.
Step onto one of the three decks running across the back of this under-construction house and there lies much of the city of Redlands, the entire San Bernardino Valley and the San Bernardino mountain range from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Cajon Pass and beyond.
To read story by Jan Sears in The Press Enterprise, click here.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 04/20/14, 8:14 PM PDT |
REDLANDS>> A City of Industry-based developer has broken ground on its second shopping center here, more than 10 years after its first center, Citrus Plaza, began to open — bringing resolution to years of legal battles and contention over the development.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 04/06/14, 2:06 AM PDT |
REDLANDS>> The city is pursuing an agreement with a developer that could be beneficial for both parties.
Rancho Cucamonga-based Diversified Pacific Development Group has proposed dedicating 8.12 acres of its property at Judson Street and East Pioneer Avenue to the city in lieu of paying $363,042 in park and open space development impact fees.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 03/08/14, 12:19 AM PST |
REDLANDS >> The city’s budget outlook is looking good for the rest of the fiscal year, as of the mid-year review.
The city’s budget through January of this year, seven months into the fiscal year, shows increases in revenues over last year and does not need any adjustments, according to city staff.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/22/14, 4:42 PM PST |
REDLANDS >> 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.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/19/14, 8:36 PM PST |
REDLANDS >> A subcommittee will be tasked with further developing the city’s proposed plan to improve and fund flood control, ADA ramps, sidewalks and trees.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 02/05/14, 3:42 PM PST |
REDLANDS >> A victim of Laura Whitehurst, a former Redlands Unified School District teacher convicted of having sex with underage students, has filed a civil complaint against Whitehurst, district officials and Citrus Valley High School for negligence and damages caused by a year-long sexual relationship that resulted in the birth of a child.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 01/20/14, 8:15 PM PST |
REDLANDS >> The City Council meets tonight for its first regular meeting of the new year to discuss, among other things, the city’s water conservation efforts in the wake of Gov. Jerry Brown’s recent declaration that California’s drought has put it in a state of emergency.
December 27, 2013; 04:13 PM
Redlands city officials intend to gauge public support in early 2014 for two potential ballot measures that would finance flood control, sidewalks, ramps for disabled access, parks and trees.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Greg Cappis, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 12/04/13, 7:39 PM PST | Updated: 58 secs ago
Redlands Unified School District will pay a former student $505,000 to settle a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by a 2009 Redlands East Valley High School graduate against the district and teacher Megan Kelly.
October 02, 2013; 05:34 PM
The Redlands City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night, Oct. 1, to give Hangar 24 Craft Brewery a $150,000 loan and Citrograph a $25,000 grant.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
By Greg Cappis, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 09/10/13, 11:19 PM PDT |
Redlands is home to the highest polluting power plant in the state, according to a new study.
By Greg Cappis, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 08/21/13, 5:25 PM PDT | Updated: 15 hrs ago
REDLANDS >> City administrators signed a new contract last month. General employees are on the verge of finalizing theirs next month. And city officials are hosting an meeting to discuss the contracts with residents at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the City Council Chambers.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/09/2013 03:43:52 PM PDT
Related stories: Whitehurst receives 1-year jail sentence for sex with students | Superintendent acknowledges police probing district over Whitehurst case | Redlands Unified board president reads statement about Whitehurst case
July 29, 2013; 05:59 PM
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Wal-Mart on Monday, July 29, a company spokeswoman said, in a case that pitted a Redlands group against the corporation.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
July 17, 2013; 06:41 PM
The Redlands City Council has approved contracts for managers and mid-management employees that end furloughs and provide a 3 percent base salary increase but should save the city money in the long run.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
July 11, 2013; 06:56 PM
Redlands police are investigating whether Redlands school district officials broke the state’s mandated-reporter law when they did not tell law enforcement or child-protective authorities of an accusation they received in May that a teacher and student had a sexual relationship.
To read story by Brian Rokos in The Press Enterprise, click here.
June 28, 2013; 05:26 PM
Carole Beswick has been appointed chairwoman of the University of Redlands Board of Trustees, a post she will serve in for five years starting Monday, July 1.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
June 18, 2013; 05:06 PM
Redlands officials may ask residents to dig into their pockets to help pay for better sidewalks, tree trimming and other expenditures.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
June 05, 2013; 04:01 PM
The Redlands City Council adopted a budget on Tuesday, June 4, that funds such necessities as public safety but leaves other areas, such as the library, wanting.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
May 29, 2013; 07:13 PM
Redlands officials have balanced the city’s 2013-14 budget without dipping into reserves.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, Click here.
March 20, 2013; 04:47 PM
Redlands employees staged a demonstration on Tuesday, March 19, over what they said is a 7 percent pay cut and 3 percent cut in benefits proposed by the city.
To read story by Erin Waldner in The Press Enterprise, click here.
January 17, 2013; 05:58 PM
Unemployment in Redlands declined in 2012, housing prices and sales tax revenue increased and the city issued more than 380 business licenses.
To read story by Jan Sears in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Saturday, November 24, 2012 – 10:45 a.m.
There’s some creative thinking going on in the city of Redlands these days.
The financially-strapped city is looking for revenue generators and believes it’s found one.