The Local Slice

Choosing a wedding planner comes so early in the process, that the only thing you have to choose first is the person to marry.

The planner is going to facilitate everything and be everything -- sometimes therapist, bodyguard, dry cleaning runner, seamstress, cake server….

During open enrollment in the fall, insurance companies hire part-time employees, which doesn’t help with service, particularly for those with individual plans who need to speak with someone for assistance, Donovan said. And that’s where having an insurance agent makes all the difference, Bernardini added. Medical groups know agents drive memberships through health plans to them, he explained.

Any customer who does come into the store nestled in the downtown on Redlands Boulevard is met by a smorgasbord of history. There are the coins, some ancient, dating back before the birth of Jesus Christ. Paper money from across the globe sits on a desk and fills display cases. Stamps of all sizes and colors sit in paper envelopes, waiting for attentive eyes.

The store's motto is "Autenticamente fresco con amibilidad" -- which is Spanish for "authentically fresh with friendliness." Inside the store, there is a panaderia (Spanish for bakery), a café with a vast assortment of Mexican dishes, and of course, there are freshly made tortillas and chips, which are often still carried out steaming inside their bags because of their warm freshness.

There's never been a question about the foundation of the Ranch Market. Once only a haven for Hispanic food, Ranch succeeds in new markets.

Breweries are undoubtedly one of the top places to kick-back and relax with friends and family. In addition to the tasty beverages available, breweries are family friendly (yes, this includes your fur-babies) and a great place to visit.

Who has the best tacos in Redlands? Conduct your own taste test and decide for yourself with this handy guide to all the locally owned taco restaurants in town.

Are you curious your old coins may be a rare find? Before you take them in for an appraisal, don't clean them. Discover why you should take them into Coops Coins instead.

It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct. Remember, to your dog, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunder.

Over the years, Redlands restaurateurs have treated us well. From international cuisine to classic comfort food, there have been some amazing spots around town to grab a bite. Unfortunately, some of those spots have closed. And darn do we miss them!

Take a walk through one of Redlands newest open spaces preserved by the City of Redlands and maintained by Redlands Conservancy. The preserve lies just below the ridge of Sunset Drive, one of Redlands’ most picturesque neighborhoods.

Jill Ruth Rooks, fitness expert and health coach, signed a publishing deal with Scriptor Publishing Group to release the book "Strong Living."