The City of Redlands and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce have canceled the 2020 State of the City event, originally scheduled for June 12.
“It was a difficult decision, but the right one, said Mayor Paul Foster. “Staff from the City and the Chamber spend a full year planning for this event and many members of our community look forward to being a part of it. It’s an opportunity to share the challenges and successes of the previous year and the plans for the year to come.
“Unfortunately, with all public gatherings closed indefinitely as a result of the coronavirus, and considering the amount of planning necessary to hold an event such as this, we needed to make the determination now to cancel this year’s event.”
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chris Alvarez particularly wanted to thank all of the companies and individuals who have sponsored the event each year. “We look forward to seeing you in 2021,” Alvarez said.
One feature of the annual event will go on, however. The City has extended the deadline for nominations for the 2020 Beautification and Redlands Heroes Awards to June 5.
Winners are traditionally recognized at the annual State of the City lunch at the University of Redlands Orton Center. This year, the City will determine an appropriate time and venue, possibly in the fall, to present the awards.
More than one winner may be selected for the Beautification Award, which will recognize non-residential buildings and facilities within the City of Redlands that capture outstanding landscape, cleanliness and curb appeal.
Award recipients will be judged on the building exteriors for architectural design, sustainable design, general maintenance, landscaping, screening of utilities, building improvements, historical preservation, adaptive reuse and parking lot beautification.
Redlands Heroes Awards will be presented to individuals and organizations residing or based in the City of Redlands who have performed voluntary activities that address a community need or enhance the quality of life for Redlands residents and demonstrate acts of generosity and kindness. The nomination should reflect a meaningful commitment of time and service by the nominee.
Nomination forms are available online at the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/awards. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, June 5.
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