EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 60, NO. 21
May 11, 2023
Viva La B oba E xpands to Redlands, B ridg ing Ar t, Food, and Sustainable Practices with San Ber nardi no
iecn.com
CSUSB student David Murillo Awarded Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Pg. 3
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PHOTOS MANNY SANDOVAL
Viva La Boba Owners David Friedman and Tansu Philip standing in front of the forthcoming Redlands location at the corner of Orange Street and Stuart Avenue. Both Friedman and Philip met the qualifications of Realicore Real Estate Group (who sold the property) by having a strong connection to the city; after three years of negotiations.
By Manny Sandoval
iva La Boba, the famous bubble tea shop known for helping revitalize downtown San Bernardino, is set to open a second location at 501 Orange
I
Street in downtown Redlands.
The new shop will commence construction in the Summer of 2023 after being vacant for a decade, promising to deliver the same unique atmosphere, amenities, and commitment to the community that has made
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Owners David Friedman and Tansu Philip, both residents of Redlands, have played a significant role in bringing new energy and life to downtown San Bernardino since opening Viva
La Boba in March 2019. They aim to bring their success and positive vibes to the Redlands community while maintaining their dedication to the original location. "It's a trauma response when Boba cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino Ends Carousel Mall Site Developer Agreement, Aims to Address Surplus Land Act Violations
By Manny Sandoval
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms across the Inland Empire and beyond. You are appreciated!
its San Bernardino location a local favorite.
n a significant move, the San Bernardino City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, May 3, to terminate its exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with the San Bernardino Development Company (SBDC) to redevelop the 43-acre Carousel Mall site.
This decision is expected to clear the way for the city to resume the development process, addressing concerns raised by the California Housing and Community Development Division (HCD).
In March, San Bernardino received a notice from HCD alleging multiple violations of the Surplus Land Act. This state law mandates public agencies to first offer property intended for sale to affordable housing developers. The city, however, disputes these claims.
According to an official press release issued by the city, recent conversations with HCD staff have concluded that terminating the agreement with SBDC will resolve the outstanding issues associated with the March letter.
"We are committed to working closely with HCD on the Surplus Land Act process as we proceed with the disposition of the mall property to avoid potential delays and litigation," said Public Information Officer Jeff Kraus.
Terminating the agreement with SBDC also addresses HCD's concern about potential conflicts of interest when evaluating new proposals for the Carousel Mall site. As a result, the March Notice of Violation will not apply to future dispositions.
The timeline for San Bernardino to seek new development proposals, particularly those that include affordable housing at the Carousel Mall site, remains to be determined. Meanwhile, the mall's demolition, which began in April, will continue as the city evaluates nearby infrastructure improvements that may expedite the site's future development.
Previously, Donald Monti, CEO of Renaissance Downtowns USA and ICO Real Estate Group, now SBDC, expressed frustration with the counPHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL cil's handling of the matter during a A demolition ceremony being held at the entrance of the Mall cont. on next pg.
Carousel Mall property on April 24, 2023.