City of Redlands issued the following announcement on Nov. 19.
Today, it’s a pleasure for Juli and me to welcome you to our home for this message.
We are quickly approaching the end of what has been an especially difficult year for our country and no less so, in our community.
We have all been adjusting to life in a time of global pandemic, longing for a day when we can return to “normal,” take pleasure in gathering with family, meeting with friends, enjoying entertainment and events outside a protective social distance. We all want to participate in and enjoy everything that makes Redlands unique and special.
The holiday season is often a special time to reflect, to give thanks and to celebrate as the year draws to a close. It’s also a time for hope and optimism as we forge ahead into a new year. This is especially true this year.
As we consider the challenges of the past year and the opportunities that lie ahead, I would like to express my thanks and that of the City Council for the trust many of you have shown by approving Measure T. Measure T will provide the revenue stream necessary to allow us to weather the economic storm caused by the pandemic and as the economy improves, plan for a bright future for our hometown, with much needed expanded City services. Thank you for putting your confidence in us. We expect you to hold us to our promises to wisely use the resources you have entrusted to our care.
This year, as we are unable to gather in the traditional celebrations of the season, the City has become creative, finding ways to continue treasuring those special times. I especially want to commend our dedicated City staff as they have worked to create normalcy in a time that is anything but normal, creating festive holiday events, such as the upcoming drive-thru Christmas display, to replace the traditional parades and parties that are so dear to us.
I also want to thank the many organizations, businesses, non-profits, churches and individuals, who are stepping up to create cheerful displays. And this year, we are asking our community to go above and beyond to “Light up the Community,” bringing even more bright and colorful displays to their homes and businesses and providing just a little more cheer to all of us, but especially the children of Redlands who are so impacted by the pandemic.
If you have decorated your home for the holidays in the past, I challenge you this time to make it just a little brighter, a little more festive. If you don’t traditionally decorate, maybe this year can be the exception, even if it is just a light in your window. Even the smallest glimmer can cast away the darkness and bring joy and hope to our community, at a time when we all could use some.
My hope for the new year remains optimistic. It is especially important—maybe now more than ever—that we work together in the spirit of community to nurture our hometown, support our local businesses, and care for one another.
The opportunities are still here – as they always have been - to show the true spirit of the season in giving to those less fortunate. We may have to look a little harder, give it some extra effort and be a little more diligent, but we can continue to make the holidays brighter for our friends and neighbors right here in Redlands.
As you shop for a special gift or prepare for a festive holiday meal – maybe scaled back with those closest to you – you can still support our community by seeking out and patronizing the many local businesses that make up the fabric of our town. And more than ever, pause to cherish those we love and remember those whose lives have brightened our own.
Perhaps this year the greatest gift we can give to those we love and care about is distance. Distance this year to ensure we can embrace one another next year.
This time of uncertainty is temporary. It will pass. In the meantime, we can continue to celebrate all that is Redlands, and look forward to the bright future that has always been on our horizon.
From our house to yours, Juli and I send you the heartfelt warmth of the holiday season.
As your Mayor, to all of the residents of our great community, on behalf of my council colleagues, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Davis, Council Members Toni Momberger, Eddie Tejeda, Paul Barich, Council Member Elect, Jenna Guzman-Lowery, our City Manager Charlie Duggan, Jr., and our entire city family, I’d like to wish you the most joyous of holiday seasons and the happiest of new years.
May God bless each of you and our beloved hometown of Redlands, now and forever.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Redlands
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