Redlands Council Take Oaths in Swearing-in Ceremony

Redlands welcomed back two leaders to its council and a new councilmember in a swearing-in ceremony Dec. 2. Paul Foster won re-election and was voted by the council as the city’s newest mayor. Jon Harrison, who also won re-election, was voted as mayor pro tem. Paul Barich, the council’s newest member, was sworn in to the seat of former Councilman Bob Gardner. Barich is the owner of Barich & Associates, an insurance agency in downtown. He thanked residents, campaign team and family for their support. “You’ll get the best of me and I will do the best job as I can,” Barich said, drawing inspiration from his father. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have the guidance of that man that I look up to. He taught me: do the best you can do and you’ll turn out just fine.” Harrison, who has served on the council for 13 years, said he was honored for the chance to serve an additional four years and help “steer Redlands toward the goals and aspirations of its residents,” he said. Harrison felt the city has several opportunities including the arrival of light rail, expansion and improvement of public parks, trails and open space, and continued economic growth. He said, “As the council, city staff and community members work toward a better future, it will be essential that robust efforts, community outreach and involvement are included in the process.” Foster, who announced that he plans to retire in 2016, told the audience it was the job of the current council to build on the foundation past city leaders created. “I’m confident that with this team here on the dais now… we will do just that,” Foster said. Foster, who has worked with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group for 32 years, thanked his SCPMG colleagues, his campaign team and his family – son Taylor and wife Julie, whom he called “a daily inspiration.” Foster and other council members thanked city staff for their work. “Without your work, ladies and gentlemen… none of what we envision up here would ever come to pass,” Foster said. The council also recognized Gardner, who served one term on the dais after his election in November 2010. Gardner retired in September from his position as vice president of administration and finance at Cal State San Bernardino. Councilwoman Pat Gilbreath recalled working with Gardner through two budget cycles. Though the process was hard work, Gilbreath said, “When you have someone working with you that can appreciate it as much as you do, it goes very quickly. I do appreciate that, because this time it was fun.” Gardner extended thanks toward the council and city staff for their leadership. “Thank you to my colleagues… for creating the environment where we can do good governing,” Gardner said. “In a time—whether it’s local, state or national—where people can’t get together and get things done, we have proven that we can get together, have good discussion, debate and get things done. It’s been a privilege to be a part of that, and I know you will continue to do that.” Gardner called city staff “incredibly responsive,” and encouraged the council to show appreciation toward staff. He asked the council and staff to “constantly keep the whole idea of governing, which is about doing the most good for the most people, and put aside… personal agendas and (engage) in some sacrifice.” Additionally, former Mayor Pete Aguilar was elected to Congress, where he will represent California’s 31st District that includes Redlands. He will be resigning from his council seat in the future.