Friday, March 13, 2026

Honoring Officer Patton

Please join us in celebrating the life and honoring the service of Cleveland Heights Officer Thomas Patton II, who died sixteen years ago today in the line of duty. He was 30 years old.

Officer Patton served dutifully on the Cleveland Heights Police Department for seven years and was respected by his colleagues. We honor his sacrifice and wish his friends and family comfort and peace today as they remember him.

An invitation to apply for the Cumberland Pool Facility Task Force - Deadline March 19

Do you love our local pool and its historic charm? Do you also wish to see it modernized, serviceable, and thriving for multiple generations to come?

Consider applying to serve on the Cumberland Pool Facility Task Force.

Mayor Jim Petras will introduce legislation on March 16 requesting the formation of a nine-person committee to advise the Mayor and City Council on the reimagining of the pool complex. Task force members, serving in an advisory capacity, will assist with determining design and renovation priorities, accessibility and recreational needs, sustainability concerns, and future funding mechanisms.

The task force must represent a full range of Cleveland Heights residents across demographics and neighborhoods, including adult swimmers, families with young children, pool programming and recreation providers, individuals with disabilities or accessibility advocates, senior citizens, nonprofit leaders and business owners, and those interested in economic and community development.

In anticipation of legislation being voted on and adopted at the March 16 City Council meeting, interested persons may apply now by visiting Council’s Boards and Commissions Application page. The deadline is March 19.

CIFF returning to its roots for 50th anniversary at Cedar Lee Theatre

Cleveland Heights and Cedar Lee Theatre will take center stage at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cleveland International Film Festival, April 9 - 18, with a showcase of films and special events, including post-screening Talk Backs with film directors, actors, and more. Cedar Lee Theatre launched the festival 50 years ago through the initiative of theater operator Jon Foreman and others.

Tickets go on sale March 18 at 11 am for ten unforgettable days of independent film. To view the schedule, including the films at the Cedar Lee, visit www.clevelandfilm.org.

City releases home inspections list for 2026

The exteriors of all owner-occupied single-family homes are inspected by City of Cleveland Heights Housing Department officials on a street-by-street basis on a five-year rotation. Properties that had a Point-of-Sale conducted within the preceding three years are not subject to a new exterior inspection. There are no fees for these inspections.

Property owners will be notified by mail regarding the status of the inspection and any violations that have been identified. Property owners have 90 days to make repairs, unless the violation presents a health or safety risk for which a shorter time frame to comply will be issued. Inspectors will re-inspect properties with violations after the 90 day compliance date has passed to verify if violations have been completed.

The City recently posted the 50 streets where homes are scheduled to be inspected in 2026 to the City website. Tap here to see the list.

To prepare for a housing inspection, please download the CH Housing Inspection Checklist.

To learn more about housing inspections in Cleveland Heights, please visit the FAQs page on our website.

Council and Mayor to hold joint listening session on Blanche Avenue Extension

Cleveland Heights City Council and Mayor Petras will be holding a joint listening

session on the Blanche Avenue Extension Project. The meeting will be held on

March 19 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers. Council and the Mayor will receive a brief presentation about the project from City staff and will hear from a prospective

developer. The main focus on the meeting will be to hear from neighbors. The meeting is open to the public.

Tap here for more information about the project.

Upcoming events

Starting in March 2026, over 5,400 Cuyahoga County residents face Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cuts due to new federal work requirements, with up to 25,000 in the county potentially impacted by stricter rules. Able-bodied adults up to age 64—including parents of teens and refugees—must now work or train 80+ hours monthly to maintain benefits.

Legal immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers and domestic violence survivors, are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits.

About 4,200 immigrants living in Cuyahoga County were immediately cut off from benefits.

Youth Opportunities

Cain Park announces Theatre Summer Camp

Nestled in the emerald heart of Cleveland Heights, Cain Park is thrilled to launch our 2026 Youth Theatre Camp, a dynamic new program bringing creative, community-centered arts experiences to our beloved art park. Designed for ages 8-15, the camp blends theater, imagination, and outdoor exploration to help young performers step away from screens and into the spotlight.

Campers will build essential skills—like collaboration, storytelling, confidence, empathy, and improvisation—while benefiting from a supportive 1:4 camper-to-counselor ratio and age‑appropriate groupings. Each week concludes with a Friday showcase on the Alma Theatre mainstage, giving families a chance to cheer on their rising stars. Join us as we cultivate creativity, elevate youth voices, and continue the legacy of art in the park with a summer that promises to be truly show‑stopping. Registration is now open!

Tap here for more information.

Are you a lifeguard? We are hiring

If you are a lifeguard and looking for immediate and summer employment, the City of Cleveland Heights is hiring lifeguards for the indoor pool at Heights High School and for the summer at Cumberland Pool. For questions, email HJanor@clevelandheights.gov or click here to apply.

Want to be a lifeguard but need training?

Location: Cleveland Heights High School Pool

Class dates: