Redlands News | June 11, 2026

This week in Redlands news:

City Council postponed adoption of the proposed 2027-2028 budget after pushing for more public safety funding.
Redlands' overall homeless count falls for the third consecutive year, but the city's unsheltered population increased, according to San Bernardino County's 2026 Point-in-Time Count.
Redlands police arrested a 24-year-old driver in fatal hit-and-run.
Local muralist Larry Dierdorff is showcasing 50 smaller paintings in a featured exhibition at the Redlands Art Association.
Summer meal programs are opening up across Redlands to help meet the growing need for food when school is out.

CITY HALL

🍊 The Redlands City Council postponed adoption of the city's proposed two-year budget for 2027-2028, directing staff to return June 16 with additional information on labor negotiations, public safety staffing and future fire station funding.

The proposed budget comes as city officials warn that Redlands faces a more challenging financial environment than in recent years. Property tax growth has slowed to roughly 4% annually, while sales tax growth has flattened to 1% to 2%, a significant shift from the gains seen in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the budget's major priorities are continued funding for a new police station, design work for Fire Station 264, replacement of the library's cooling tower HVAC system, public safety equipment upgrades and ongoing homelessness response efforts.

EDUCATION

📚 The U.S. Department of Justice has completed its second year of oversight at Redlands Unified. The district has achieved substantial compliance with nearly all requirements of a court-ordered reform plan stemming from a state investigation into its handling of harassment and abuse complaints. But the California Department of Justice says the district still needs to improve the timeliness of some investigations. Read what the latest oversight report found and where concerns remain:

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 A 24-year-old San Bernardino man has been arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run that killed a Redlands motorcyclist on Highway 38. Investigators say witness dash-camera footage and traffic cameras helped identify the suspect vehicle and driver. Read more here.

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ELECTION 2026

🗳️ Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will advance to the November general election in the race for California governor. Becerra, the former state attorney general, secured nearly 27% of the vote in the June 2 primary. If elected in November, he would be the first Latino to serve as California governor in more than a century and the first to win the seat via election. Read more reporting from CalMatters here:

Hilton, a British American former Fox News host, secured about 25% of the vote as of Thursday evening. Hilton, who is endorsed by President Trump, says he's offering a chance for the state to go in a different direction. Read more reporting from CalMatters here:

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

🍽️ For many families, summer break can bring an added challenge: ensuring children have access to nutritious meals when school is out. This summer, two local programs are stepping up to help.

Redlands Unified School District is launching its annual Summer Meals Program with a community kickoff event at A.K. Smiley Library on June 18, offering free meals, activities and resources for families.

Meanwhile, the Family Services Association of Redlands has revived its summer lunch program for the first time since 2016, citing rising food costs and growing demand for assistance. The free Summer Food & Fun program offers meals, activities and cooking lessons for children and teens throughout the summer.

Together, the programs aim to keep children fed, healthy and connected during the summer months. Here's what families need to know about where and when free meals are available:

🎨 Larry Dierdorff has spent decades leaving his mark on Redlands, painting nearly 20 murals across downtown and local schools. Beginning June 13, visitors to the Redlands Art Association can see a different side of the longtime muralist's work, as he showcases nearly 50 smaller paintings in a featured exhibition. Read more here:

SPORTS

🏆 Fifty seniors from local high schools were honored by the Ken Hubbs Foundation for excelling in athletics, academic achievement and community service at the foundation's annual gathering. Read about the stand-out athletes here:

⚽ At home last Friday, Redlands FC extended its winning streak to three matches after defeating AMSG, continuing a turnaround following a 0-1-1 start to the season.

⚽ Earlier this week, Redlands FC faced off against the Ventura County Fusion, one of the top clubs in USL League Two. After a tight match, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Read a play-by-play of the game here:

EVENTS

Redlands will celebrate Juneteenth with a free community event at Sylvan Park on June 20. The annual celebration includes live entertainment, cultural activities, food vendors and an interactive family history experience exploring ancestral connections and historical records.

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, June 12

Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.

Saturday, June 13

Downtown's Morning Market | 7 a.m.– 11 a.m.
The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market in the parking lot adjacent to Ed Hales Park.
Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon
Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine.
Touch-A-Truck | 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Explore dozens of vehicles, including fire trucks, tow trucks, buses, construction equipment and emergency vehicles at this hands-on community event. Tickets here.
STEAM Summer Series: String Telephones | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
San Bernardino County Museum invites families to this interactive science activity in their outdoor lab. Timed wristbands are required. More information.
The Rare Market at Redlands Public Market | 5 – 10 p.m.
Evening public market by The Rare Market featuring 15+ local vendors, food and shopping at 330 Third St., Redlands. More information.

Sunday, June 14

Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.

Check out more Redlands events here.

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... The Redlands Theatre Festival has unveiled its 2026 summer season, featuring five productions ranging from farce and musical comedy to contemporary theater. The lineup also includes two New Works showcases and a Teen Music Workshop concert at the Prospect Park amphitheater. The season runs June 26 through Aug. 1. Read more here:

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📩 Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.

Budget delayed as Redlands seeks more public safety funding

Election update: Republican Steve Hilton to face Becerra in November

Summer lunch program returns amid rising need

Stephanie Hastings Miranda

Kathryne Mccann

Siw Heede