$16M approved for City Hall and housing changes in Redlands

This week in Redlands news:

An ordinance update allowing two-story accessory dwelling units was advanced by City Council Tuesday night, expanding housing options in Redlands.
Council approved $16.1 million in contracts for the new State Street City Hall building. Construction is expected to begin in February 2026.
Students across the district continue to struggle with chronic absenteeism years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Orange Drop returns to downtown Redland

That’s a wrap for 2025

Today's newsletter will be Community Forward Redlands’ last issue of the year. We’ll be taking a short two-week break and will return in January with fresh reporting, new community voices, and deeper local coverage.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting local news this year. Your engagement makes this work possible. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026 and to continuing to cover the stories that put our community forward.

Wishing you a restful holiday season and a strong start to the new year.

Stephanie
Community Forward Redlands

CITY HALL

Redlands City Council approves $16.1 million in contracts for new City Hall

Redlands City Council unanimously approved more than $16.1 million in construction and professional service agreements Tuesday night to move forward with renovations that will transform the former Citrus Center at 300 E. State St. into the city’s new City Hall.

City officials say the project represents a long-term investment in modernizing city operations and creating a more accessible and transparent seat of local government.

The approved funding covers three major components: construction contracts, which accounts for $15.43 million, audio/visual equipment for the council chambers and special inspection services. Read more here:

🏠 Redlands moves to allow two-story ADUs: During Tuesday's meeting, an ordinance that would permit taller accessory dwelling units under specific setback rules was introduced, expanding housing options in Redlands. The change aims to increase flexibility for homeowners and support the city’s push for more diverse and affordable housing. Read more here:

🚛 Redlands updates truck routes to keep heavy traffic out of neighborhoods: City Council unanimously approved a revised truck route map that removes routes from residential areas and shifts regional logistics traffic toward commercial and industrial corridors. The changes bring Redlands into compliance with a new state law aimed at reducing truck exposure near homes, schools and parks. Read more here:

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report: Police arrested two juveniles and cited a third after a hit-and-run crash that investigators say is connected to a string of vehicle thefts and vandalism across Redlands. The weekly police report also includes an active shots-fired investigation, a burglary at Hillside Memorial Park and an arrest following allegations of a sex crime. Read the full summary of notable police activity from Dec. 11–18. Read more here:

🚔 Arrests made in Redlands missing person case tied to alleged high-control religious group: The disappearance of Emilio Ghanem in 2023 has led to multiple arrests and murder charges against alleged members of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, authorities said. The investigation also reopened a 15-year-old homicide case, with prosecutors filing charges in both cases this week following a multi-agency operation. Read more here:

🚔 Redlands police investigate suspected hate crime targeting Jewish family: Authorities are investigating an incident in which an antisemitic slur was shouted and shots from what police believe was an airsoft gun were fired at a home displaying Hanukkah decorations. City leaders condemned the act, increased patrols near places of worship and urged residents to report suspicious activity as the investigation continues. Read more here:

🍊 Community Forward Redlands is a reader-supported, locally owned publication. We can only continue our work with the support of readers like you. Can you pitch in $7/month to help sustain quality local journalism in our community?

Support Local Journalism

EDUCATION

🎓 Redlands Unified attendance, academics show mixed results: The latest California School Dashboard reveals chronic absenteeism in RUSD remains high at 20.4%, particularly affecting students with disabilities, English learners and homeless students. Despite this, the district’s graduation rate hit 92.2%, above the state average, and some academic gains were noted on recent state assessments. While recovery from post-pandemic setbacks continues, consistent attendance remains a key challenge for the district’s most vulnerable students. Read more here:

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

🍊 Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Orange Drop returns to downtown Redlands: The annual Orange Drop celebration takes over Citrus Avenue on Dec. 31 with live performances, kids activities, food vendors and the signature orange drop at 9 p.m. Hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the early evening event offers a festive way for families to ring in 2026, with a limited VIP experience also available. Read more here:

🧸 Star Tulip Stuffies founder Kathy Harper looks back on nearly 30 years in business, from selling Beanie Babies at Market Night to navigating mall closures and shifting shopping habits. The specialty stuffed animal shop has remained a community favorite by blending education, nostalgia and loyal local support. Read more here:

SPORTS

🏐 Redlands, Arrowhead Christian athletes earn All-CIF volleyball honors: Redlands High senior Ava Reyes and Arrowhead Christian standouts Josie Weirs and Emilee Drumright were named to the 2025 All-CIF Southern Section teams after standout seasons. Reyes anchored a historic 31-win campaign for the Terriers, while Weirs and Drumright powered ACA’s deep CIF playoff run to the Division 6 finals. Read more here:

EVENTS

🎭 The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

Dec. 5–21, 2025
Redlands Footlighters Theatre
Join Lou as he tries to escape the holiday chaos in this hilarious holiday comedy, only to be stranded in an airport by a freak snowstorm. Will a few unexpected characters help him rediscover the true Christmas spirit just in time? Tickets here.

🎭 Scrooge! - A Christmas Classic

Dec. 12–28, 2025
LifeHouse Theatre
Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” comes to life in this powerful family production. Music, comedy and the powerful redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge combine with the sights and sounds of the season for an unforgettable presentation of the true Christmas Spirit. Tickets here.

🍊Redlands Chamber NYE Orange Drop

Wed., Dec. 31 • 6 p.m.
Citrus Ave. and 6th Street, Redlands

More community events here.

ICYMI

In case you missed it... Redlands is seeking residents to serve on key city commissions including the Traffic and Parking Commission, the Cultural Arts Commission and the Airport Advisory Board. Applications are due Jan. 7. Read more here:

🍊 Want to advertise to our 25,000+ monthly readers while supporting local journalism? Learn more here.

😄 Thank you to our paid subscribers and sponsors who make Community Forward Redlands news possible!

📩 Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.

$16M approved for City Hall, 2-story ADUs, NYE Orange Drop

Juveniles arrested after hit-and-run, linked to thefts and vandalism, police say

Longtime Redlands business owner reflects on changes from the mall days to today

Stephanie Hastings Miranda

Kathryne Mccann

Siw Heede