How can downtown Redlands remain a shopping destination?

That's too bad that your view is so narrow that you refuse to take, as the video is called and you can do a google search for: "Take Just One Minute." It is all connected. I was not off topic. I am only making the point that there are problems with this city council, city manager, and the Mayors blue ribbon committee which is the reason why this town is and has been going down hill. The person I moved here with was raised here, and his mom lived here for 84 years. He left here in 1963, but visited here since then. When we came here 5 years ago he was devistated over the horrible turn this town has taken. He died broken hearted that such destruction had occurred here. I have spoken with many elderly people in the past 5 years, and they all say the same as he did. I do not think the high rent rates are a good thing either as it reveals greed. However, I also see a failure on the part of the peopl of this town to get involved and speak up to the city council at the city council meetings. They have demolished our fire department while no one but me had the guts to object to their horrible mismanagement of this town. They are recklessly pouring out bad policy while the people turn a blind eye. The city council must be held accountable by the people, or the people will suffer their bad policy. The people and the public safety personnel are the ones who are paying the price, but the people share the blame for not speaking up. It's all connected-the city council let those people in who charge outrageous, greedy rent charges. The city council fails to provide our police department the means to combat the criminals flooding your downtown I found a woman covered in feces, a church with urine and feces and trash overflowing on their property, city hall being urinated on plus a lot more. The city council, after I asked them to go out at night and find out what is going on in their town, chose to ignore me. A concerned citizen showed me the horrors long enough after I asked the city council to go check the town out. I observed enough to know that this city council is ignoring the needs or the people of this town and ignoring the needs of our public safety workers. As far as fire chief Drabinski goes, he selflessly served the people, sacrificing his life for 25 years, and this year the city council should have been honoring him for his sacrafice but instead chose to figuratively chop off his head, cut off his legs, and showed themselves for the cold, calculated fools they are! People please get involved before they get away with wrecking more havoc! The disaster the city council and city manager did to the fire department is a representation of their lack of true concern for anyone else but themself. Why else would they have filled the city manager with taxpayer money while crying the city is broke? look close at what they are up to. If you don't, innocent people pay the price! You can put the blame on them and the peole turning a blind eye to what they are doing to this town-and should!

Anne wrote:

I too am concerned about State St. This is ridiculous that after 20+ years of plans to revitalize downtown, nothing has been accomplished. Pat and John have been on the council long enough to have attempted to get something started, but to no avail. They remind me of pork barrel politicians with lots of talk and no action. Our State St. could look and be like Old Town Pasadena. I don't get why after all these years and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on reports, no one can seem to get it right.

Honor the police and the firefighters - ban TOGETHER and stop this city council from continuing their destruction on this town! it is the public safety workers who risk their life for you when you need help - NOT THE CITY COUNCIL, NOR THE CITY MANAGER, NOR THE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE!!! Stand up against the ones causing the problem and STOP TURNING A BLIND EYE TO THE TRUTH!

Laura, I appreciate hearing your contribution to this discussion, and your interest in figuring out what can be done to improve the situation. I have to say I've all but given up on State St. We've lived here for almost 8 years, and I've wanted nothing more than to support the businesses there. Unfortunately, the negative experiences I've had in the stores and restaurants there have outweighed the positives. I've reached the point where there's just not enough reason for me to go there very often, and I know many who feel the same. I get my hair cut on State St. every couple of months, and we eat at Gourmet Pizza once every six months or so.:( I now go to LA, Pasadena and Palm Desert to eat out and shop. You're right about Pasadena having it's issues with parking-but I'd be more than willing to put up with that when I know I'm going to have an excellent meal, and that there will be a variety of merchants that carry what I'm interested in.
It's probably not realistic to think businesses that match every taste level in Redlands could be supported with the population here. It is a small place, after all.

<< I think people should check there facts before passing judgment on the stores downtown. The brands and variety of products offered downtown are what dictates the price. Many of the items you see downtown are usually sold in HIGH END dept. stores and specialty stores for much more than the stores downtown sell them for. You should compare apples to apples. >>

IN RESPONSE TO BRUTTALY HONEST: HAVE YOU EVER HEARD YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR WHEN YOU SHOP IN UP SCALE BOUTIQUES THAT CARRY ONE OF A KIND UNIQUE AND DESIGNER CLOTHING YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO PAY A HIGHER PRICE THAN YOU WOULD IF YOU WERE PURCHASING AT TARGET OR WALMART!!!! THEIR ARE MANY DESIGNERS WHO CHOOSE TO PUT THERE LABEL IN CLOTHES THAT ARE NOW BEING SOLD AT KOHLS, MERVYNS, K-MART, WAL-MART AND TARGET SO TO BE BRUTTALLY HONEST IF YOU KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FASHION BUSINESS YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THESE FASHIONS CAN BE SOLD AT SUCH STORES FOR LOWER PRICES BECAUSE THEY'RE MADE OVER SEAS AND IN FACTORIES...HOW EVER MUCH OF THE CLOTHES THAT ARE OFFERED IN HIGHER END UP SCALE BOUTIQUES ARE MOSTLY HAND PAINTED HAND EMBELLISHED AND/OR MADE IN THE U.S.A. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PURCHASING CLOTHING AT A CHEAPER DISCOUNT STORE IF THATS WHERE YOUR BUDGET REQUIRES YOU TO SHOP. SOME PEOPLE,AND I COULD NAME AT LEAST 100 ON A WEEKLY BASIS FREQUENT STATE ST AND THE UNIQUENESS OF THE BOUTIQUES THAT ARE OFFERED THERE. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO CARE TO STAND OUT IN A CROWD. SO, WHAT'S THE POINT OF YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT A $84.OO LINEN TANK TOP WHEN YOU COULD PURCHASE THE COTTON TANK TOP FOR $12.99 AT TARGET, HAPPY SHOPPING

CRYSTAL wrote:

<< I think people should check there facts before passing judgment on the stores downtown. The brands and variety of products offered downtown are what dictates the price. Many of the items you see downtown are usually sold in HIGH END dept. stores and specialty stores for much more than the stores downtown sell them for. You should compare apples to apples. >>
IN RESPONSE TO BRUTTALY HONEST: HAVE YOU EVER HEARD YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR WHEN YOU SHOP IN UP SCALE BOUTIQUES THAT CARRY ONE OF A KIND UNIQUE AND DESIGNER CLOTHING YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO PAY A HIGHER PRICE THAN YOU WOULD IF YOU WERE PURCHASING AT TARGET OR WALMART!!!! THEIR ARE MANY DESIGNERS WHO CHOOSE TO PUT THERE LABEL IN CLOTHES THAT ARE NOW BEING SOLD AT KOHLS, MERVYNS, K-MART, WAL-MART AND TARGET SO TO BE BRUTTALLY HONEST IF YOU KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FASHION BUSINESS YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THESE FASHIONS CAN BE SOLD AT SUCH STORES FOR LOWER PRICES BECAUSE THEY'RE MADE OVER SEAS AND IN FACTORIES...HOW EVER MUCH OF THE CLOTHES THAT ARE OFFERED IN HIGHER END UP SCALE BOUTIQUES ARE MOSTLY HAND PAINTED HAND EMBELLISHED AND/OR MADE IN THE U.S.A. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PURCHASING CLOTHING AT A CHEAPER DISCOUNT STORE IF THATS WHERE YOUR BUDGET REQUIRES YOU TO SHOP. SOME PEOPLE,AND I COULD NAME AT LEAST 100 ON A WEEKLY BASIS FREQUENT STATE ST AND THE UNIQUENESS OF THE BOUTIQUES THAT ARE OFFERED THERE. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO CARE TO STAND OUT IN A CROWD. SO, WHAT'S THE POINT OF YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT A $84.OO LINEN TANK TOP WHEN YOU COULD PURCHASE THE COTTON TANK TOP FOR $12.99 AT TARGET, HAPPY SHOPPING

Shut your mouth crystal. You're the one who will be out of a business when average people stop going to stupid shops on state street, not us. Better yet, keep talking so that more people will realize what a bunch of pretentious lame jerks you store owners on state street really are.

Ann, it is nice that you tried your best.=) I understand that repeat negative experiences will do that, it's sad to hear that it has happened to you! We have only been open a year and a half, so I am unaware of a lot of what went on prior. I agree with you about the parking in Pasadena, it is much easier to tolerate the situation when you know you will get at least a half a day of good shopping, dining and fun out of the effort. There are not enough stores here at the moment to make the bad parking more tolerable. I think that Redlands itself may not be large enough to support that, however, if it were big like Pasadena we would have a large area to draw from. There is no downtown like it within close proximity. Wouldnt that be nice! ;) Thanks for your comment, I do care and am interested to hear what others have to say.

Ann wrote:

Laura, I appreciate hearing your contribution to this discussion, and your interest in figuring out what can be done to improve the situation. I have to say I've all but given up on State St. We've lived here for almost 8 years, and I've wanted nothing more than to support the businesses there. Unfortunately, the negative experiences I've had in the stores and restaurants there have outweighed the positives. I've reached the point where there's just not enough reason for me to go there very often, and I know many who feel the same. I get my hair cut on State St. every couple of months, and we eat at Gourmet Pizza once every six months or so.:( I now go to LA, Pasadena and Palm Desert to eat out and shop. You're right about Pasadena having it's issues with parking-but I'd be more than willing to put up with that when I know I'm going to have an excellent meal, and that there will be a variety of merchants that carry what I'm interested in.
It's probably not realistic to think businesses that match every taste level in Redlands could be supported with the population here. It is a small place, after all.

Ann, I agree, there is not enough reason to visit State Street. That should change,if the merchants and business owners get together at the next city council meeting and let these people know that we want a recall because of ineptness. Yes, business is down everywhere, but in most places the city itself does not react by making parking even more difficult. Go figure. No one would object to parking meters (as in Pasadena) if the services offered were of superior quality. All it would take is one flagship , popular enterprise that would appeal to young and old alike. As I said, take the city council on a bus ride to Pasadena. Crackerjacks' was not that type of store, even though it was delightful, how about a Cheese Cake Factory, or a Z Gallery, something, anything. We appreciate all the stores that have a faithful following, I am just not one of them. I am neither old nor young, I am in between and though I have a few dollars to spend, I don't feel I can waste it on one T-Shirt. I do not buy clothes at Target or Walmart, I too go to the Desert. Redlands does not care it seems, all they can do is shorten the parking time on State Street. Please elect me, I can easily make these stupid decisions, even though it would be hard. We are not all just complaining, if the mayor, the chamber of commerce, city government would just read this, then they know, just like Schwarzenegger they are no longer wanted!

INEPT! Thank you for noticing. yes, people need to go see what they are really all about. Only then will you find out why this town has gone down hill. Please check out your city council and city manager-you are being duped people, and failing to get involved at the council meeting leaves YOU open to their destructive policies. Thank you for speaking up. There is a problem in this town and it doesn't take much to see where it is coming from! Stop the ineptness before they cripple this town anymore than they already have!

lover of redlands wrote:

That should change,if the merchants and business owners get together at the next city council meeting and let these people know that we want a recall because of ineptness. Redlands does not care it seem We are not all just complaining, if the mayor, the chamber of commerce, city government would just read this, then they know, they are no longer wanted!

DUMB..I have to respond to this. NO WHERE in ANY of my posts does it say ANYTHING about the merchandise that is sold downtown as being over-priced in regards to quality and designers. And to be 'brutally honest' I could give a sh!t about fashion and the business.

One again, Im going to repeat myself. The question is....HOW CAN DOWNTOWN REDLANDS REMAIN A SHOPPING DESTINATION???? And once again here's my answer. More of a variety of stores that can compete with the big boys! I would have to say that the concensus agrees with me.

I can only speak from my experience with State Street. While I love eating out and supporting local businesses I find myself having to sacrifice certain things due to the economy, like eating out or buying home decor or designer clothing.

My suggestion would be for the city to try and encourage businesses that serve those who are unable to splurge on many extras, such as a small grocery store or an inexpensive clothing store. It would be great to be able to walk State Street and grab a couple of groceries while I was out to lunch at Oscars and then pick up a $6 shirt off the sale rack at Old Navy. Now that sounds far more reasonable for the average person. Make State Street an affordable one stop shopping area!

On a side note, I love the stores that are there now. Where else can I admire Yorkies, watch people salsa dance, have an organic gourmet meal, attend a cloth diapering class, and get my salon hair products all in one day?

It's not personal; It's just business. But it is personal, at least it is for me, and most of downtown Redlands. State Street is all about personal service. It's about shopping where the employees know your name (I know... the Cheers theme song is playing in my head too), but beyond knowing your name, they know how old your kids are, what you like to buy. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting real people on the phone anymore (Press 1 for... Press 2 for...) It is about waitresses knowing what your "usual" is, and calling you on the one day of the month when they are serving your favorite soup. So I disagree, it is personal and it's business. I am the third generation of my family to work in our store. I grew up here... I know our clients, I know their kids, and sometimes their grandkids. We support their charities, their businesses, and their schools. The article titled, "Times Tough for City's Downtown" (more appropriately the comments made by the Chamber of Commerce) and the resulting fall-out has stirred up the owners of State Street businesses. I don't know of anyone on State Street that wasn't sad to see that Crackerjack is closing its doors. I have been shopping there for 15 years. The story shocked many of us because the Chamber has relegated State Street to being solely an eating destination, not a shopping destination; and also that Downtown Redlands does not have a "unique character" like Citrus Plaza does. Citrus Plaza is a corporate shopping center that looks just like every other corporate shopping center in any other city in America. Business owners know there is no "competing" with big-box-stores. We all know people that work at Citrus Plaza, but we know the owners of State Street. Small business owners offer personal customer service. The beauty industry is one of the industries that is hit hardest in an economic slow-down. Typically when consumers start saving, luxury items are the first ones cut. Our store has been on State Street for more than 35 years, we have weathered economic slumps and recessions. You learn to roll with the punches; it's hard to roll with sucker punches. In the past week and a half I have spoken to other owners on the street, and read all of the forum topics about the question the Facts posed the community, and the feedback is AMAZING!!! Parking seems to be the number one concern, and rightfully so. It has been an issue for years, and now the city is compounding the problem by passing out hefty parking tickets. The second concern is the price levels downtown. One store in particular is mentioned often, and I am going to assume that people are talking about DenM because of the expensive jean comments. DenM offers more than designer jeans. They have fantastic (inexpensive) jewelry. I am constantly asked where I got my necklace, and more often than not the answer is DenM. They aren't just about designer jeans. They carry other lines that are reasonably priced, and you don't have to worry about running into your own shirt everywhere you go. If you haven't been in, I recommend you stopping by some day if for nothing else than to admire the local artwork. The comments say that store owners have lost touch, and have not kept pace with the economy and consumer's tightening budgets. I cannot speak for anyone other than our own store, and we have altered our buying. We have started bringing in more jewelry and gift items that are more moderately priced, as well as, hair and skin care items. Our spa is seeing more people book shorter appointments. We rent 8 spaces behind the spa for our spa guests to use, and we recently began offering a pick-up service for guests with appointments.
We never like to feel like we have lost touch with the community, and we have enjoyed reading the good and the bad responses to the paper's question. We want to show that we are listening. And it is personal to us. Redlands Beauty Centre & Bellissima Aveda Spa

the previous comments are interesting to me-I think what's mentioned is exactly what might be part of the problem. As a non-native Redlander, I have noticed a less-than-welcoming vibe in some of the stores, yet have also noticed some folks seeming to know each other well and that dictating who gets the attention and service. That's just my personal experience in a handful of places. There's a continuous influx of new people in Redlands from all over the world because of the University, ESRI, and other employers-it's not just people who have grown up together.

oh, and I forgot to mention-two of the stores where I've felt that "chill" have since gone out of business.:)

I don't know which businesses you mean, but customer service like that alone can put you out of business.