[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557580,"mediaKeyId","3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413","parentId",3289764,"title","Council denies appeal, upholds Planning Commission approval allowing Scholarship Prep to seek site for TK–8 charter","audioSeconds",2247,"startMs",3817000,"endMs",6064000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413&start=3817&end=6064","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413/thumbnail_3817000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557580/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Council-denies-appeal-upholds-Planning-Commission-approval-allowing-Scholarship-Prep-to-seek-site-for-TK8-charter","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557580-ab0a81a95e6d7cdb292fa0cb1a1b812b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196655&Signature=hGGtFkH8UZCmu2~hwhk~sIMiIdFQB6ru-UGwaheBJz7O9Yd0cXvx0SOKnMm95sV9WS66FZrLw3abI5zjOs99Za5d6qY3l7mlR7tcJebWC0oy3XQMm3WjgL4i2T-U1rTxE4~aCSpJACNSFsNcv6kvh2DsZoRHZGt5I1OScu7doywH-1ClL-XCICk1YeIF9OAlpX5pkoyMyJRYfMkNnvc35bG9JxqNc0g56lDHh87dFYbAcygaXyD-S-296cIO9R7ZvDeOkPXHRD5QFQYZg3C66ZS5fMt9WO35JvCJ8uFrcc4RZCYi76mNXXuZgW0LKvw8bu-rrRqteJhLoplKRViXwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Upland","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","UPLAND, Calif. — The Upland City Council denied an appeal and upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit that would allow Scholarship Prep to operate a transitional kindergarten through eighth‑grade charter school at a site on West Seventh Street, the council said.

The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 24‑0011 on Feb. 26, 2025; an appeal filed by Stone Ridge Academy argued the approval was improper because Stone Ridge currently occupies the property and there is pending litigation over unpaid rent and eviction. City staff told the council the CUP is consistent with zoning and the general plan, and that required findings had been made.

Why it matters: The decision affirms the Planning Commission’s land‑use finding; it does not by itself change who currently occupies the site. The property's owner, Stewart Group, said it has initiated unlawful‑detainer proceedings against the incumbent tenant for unpaid rent. Several speakers, including Stone Ridge’s executive director, urged the council to delay action until litigation is resolved; Scholarship Prep and the property owner urged the council to uphold the CUP so a new charter could take possession if the landlord prevails.

What the council decided: After public comment the council voted to deny the appeal, effectively upholding the Planning Commission decision. The city attorney advised the council that action on the CUP is appropriate and legally separate from the landlord–tenant litigation; occupancy and tenancy matters are to be resolved in court.

Public testimony: Speakers included Stone Ridge Academy Executive Director Lois Smith, who said Stone Ridge is operating and is not closed, has invested in playground and site improvements and has an option to purchase the property. She asked the council to uphold Stone Ridge’s CUP while the school continues to occupy the site. Several parents and advocates called for delay, saying displacement would harm students with disabilities and requesting additional time for relocation planning.

Scholarship Prep Executive Director Jason Watts said Scholarship Prep is an established charter network approved by county boards of education elsewhere and described plans for TK–8 programming and wraparound support; he said the county and the property owner support Scholarship Prep’s application. Stewart Group’s managing partner said the landlord had made repeated attempts to collect rent and sought a tenant able to meet obligations.

Ending: The council’s action upheld the Planning Commission’s prior findings and denied the appellant’s request. Councilmembers and staff emphasized the decision addressed land‑use approval only and that occupancy disputes remain subject to the pending court proceedings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Upland - City Council - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After a public hearing that included testimony from the incumbent Stone Ridge Academy and the property's owner, the council denied an appeal and upheld the Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit for Scholarship Prep; occupancy remains subject to ongoing landlord‑tenant litigation.","taxTitle","Upland, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",4300,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557585,"Upland council adopts downtown entertainment zone under new state law",1394,2419000,3813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413&start=2419&end=3813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413/thumbnail_2419000.jpg","/articles/6557585/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Upland-council-adopts-downtown-entertainment-zone-under-new-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557585-4ff441d5a184e8e0868ee1bff0faa0d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196655&Signature=BtAYslC4e-dLTDpG3ChXGm9xLB3LurQIeQw0kYakG-j~933u4eSvqRFXhmI~dJVOaSLuWxVwuhsXLvs55Jc-HLkCTzoxbbZm67dYXKRcDYmv2lq7CYfzTjE2120uxbTQ0MrS6s0MpVOTk20vY3W3YHVT7VbKbKffD9LIvXnF7nfeq7hLhoQV4EhqwYfJ~CyHkO-Vt08tgdSfxNuMIP6tV0AFvZkybyqvr3Bh0d8RvUNEtjAwBqTOqhNWCMXcgYkK2zEbuX~fCf8-7iceWxqw1uZ4mUG4BpKd6GUFP7T1eVhv2SYuX1y7ix1AigeQHVsVCp1NvhKaM2PS0Er9YNV7BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","UPLAND, Calif. — The Upland City Council on Tuesday introduced and adopted an ordinance creating a downtown entertainment zone that will allow businesses with on‑sale alcohol licenses to serve alcohol within a marked district during permitted special events, city staff said.

Development Services Director Robert Dahlquist told the council the ordinance implements Senate Bill 969 (effective January 2025), which allows local governments to authorize “entertainment zones” where restaurants, bars, breweries and similar businesses may sell open‑container beverages for consumption in designated public spaces during a permitted event.

Why it matters: City staff and several downtown business leaders said the ordinance is intended to boost downtown foot traffic and local spending by allowing temporary closures and coordinated events where patrons can dine, drink and move between participating establishments within the entertainment‑zone footprint.

Key provisions: Dahlquist said the proposed chapter 9.18 to the municipal code establishes a downtown zone bounded generally by D Street to the north, A Street to the south (including the Santa Fe Depot building) and First and Second avenues on the west and east. Participating establishments will be limited to the alcoholic beverage types allowed by their California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses; service cups must be paper or plastic and stamped with the vendor’s name; and boundaries must be clearly posted.

Hours and security: The ordinance sets permitted hours for entertainment‑zone events between 11 a.m. and midnight on any day; special‑event permits may set more restrictive hours and will include security requirements. The Upland Police Department reviewed and accepted the ordinance as written, Dahlquist said.

Public support and council vote: Ten downtown business owners, the president of the Upland Chamber of Commerce and representatives of Historic Downtown Upland testified in favor of the ordinance during the public hearing, citing increased sales and vibrancy in other cities that have adopted similar programs. After the public hearing councilmembers moved, seconded and voted unanimously to introduce and adopt the ordinance and find it exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the cited guideline section.

Ending: The ordinance takes effect according to standard municipal procedures; events and any specific use of the zone will require a special‑event permit and ABC’s annual notice of intent from participating licensees.","The City Council unanimously introduced and adopted an ordinance establishing a downtown entertainment zone allowing participating on‑sale alcohol licensees to serve beverages for on‑site consumption within a defined footprint during special events under SB 969.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557590,"Upland residents push back after council pauses plan to place utility bills on property tax roll",3098,683000,3781000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413&start=683&end=3781","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289764-97c47082f9aa85aa09aa86754700a413/thumbnail_683000.jpg","/articles/6557590/Upland/San-Bernardino-County/California/Upland-residents-push-back-after-council-pauses-plan-to-place-utility-bills-on-property-tax-roll","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557590-9aad9cdf3f5ed09c6372f2726b58a45f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196655&Signature=T7K1UtC9K-1q8iIELnhZz7mge~usTotZR0ywPAYz9O3UcSxCQBHso14U4ymwVfq8i7aboWEd8F6ngdF5XJpDVAVGGRNPkqys713by0lrc1pxmefq1SkA0C3iwkZWpFhpKA0W3SY1DatkSg33t87bfBvGMK-I5PKLFyWeJA2nH9rDhOH~qI6HnYInCrHlRc67a9Qt2nBr-Rr7wWi-e-mQjg9DcJV~0e7Qz5E~OrELIaEk2caOdvFutdbjHi7f4wYdjO8sXKqZVGOH4SiozxWEynzrgovNp4rZRKahAYHIb0NyC-7t8MOFL9SfFZM3rYLkNG6RnWgb4Bg59gl6XQWKHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","UPLAND, Calif. — Upland residents urged the City Council to provide clearer information and an opt‑out path after councilmembers removed a proposal that would have placed trash, sewer and storm drain utility charges on San Bernardino County property tax bills.

Speakers at the council meeting said the measure, which staff and a third‑party vendor had discussed in recent weeks, was rushed and poorly explained. “Leave our tax bill alone,” said Lois Sikking Dieter, a longtime Upland homeowner, who told the council she preferred monthly utility bills rather than a semiannual tax charge and asked for data on delinquencies from 2023 and 2024.

The issue drew more than a dozen public commenters. Several residents said a postcard or single flyer did not constitute adequate outreach and that older residents and people without internet access could be left unaware of the change. Natalie Garrett said the city had “one real communication” and that the city should start with more complete information to prevent misinformation on social media.

Why it matters: Placing utilities on the property tax roll typically changes collection remedies and timing; some residents said they feared large, infrequent bills would burden seniors and fixed‑income households. Speakers also raised concerns about participating vendors, the availability of an opt‑out option and whether water could be added later.

What was said and by whom: Several speakers attributed conflicting vendor names and timetables to confusion. Lois Sikking Dieter said the vendor had told residents an “opt out” function would not be available until December and asked why the city was moving ahead sooner. John Walford, a resident of more than 50 years, argued that BurTech (a billing vendor referenced in public remarks) is a for‑profit company and that collection of unpaid accounts is the vendor’s business, not the city’s.

Some commenters asked for budgetary transparency and data. Dieter said the city lost about $900,000 in delinquent payments during 2020–21 and asked for equivalent numbers for 2023–24. A resident who identified himself as a numbers person asked staff to “show your budget to all of us and show us where the money is moving.”

Public‑works and committee context: Council members and staff said the item had been removed from the agenda. At a Public Works Committee meeting earlier in May, staff reported an estimated administrative savings for households and described a proposed voluntary opt‑out program; the committee later summarized that households could see a modest average annual savings (the committee discussed a figure roughly $14 per year tied to a rebate). Councilmembers who spoke emphasized they could not discuss contested items outside public meetings because of the Brown Act.

Outstanding questions and next steps: Residents asked whether San Bernardino County would itemize the charges on property statements, how county liens and late fees would apply, and when — or if — a formal vote would be rescheduled. The council did not set a new date at the meeting; several speakers urged that the city provide additional notice and consider putting any future change before voters.

Ending: Councilmembers said they heard the public’s concerns and reiterated the importance of outreach. The council removed the item from the agenda that evening. If the city places the issue back on a future agenda, speakers asked for clearer timelines, published data on arrears and explicit procedures for opting out.","After the city removed a proposal to place trash, sewer and storm-drain bills on the San Bernardino County property tax roll, multiple residents urged the council for clearer communication, an opt-out path and data on delinquent accounts and fees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council denies appeal, upholds Planning Commission approval allowing Scholarship Prep to seek site for TK–8 charter

Upland council adopts downtown entertainment zone under new state law

Upland residents push back after council pauses plan to place utility bills on property tax roll