This week in Redlands news:
- Redlands earned a state Fire Risk Reduction Community designation that could help lower homeowners insurance costs.
- A $3 million grant will fund the final segment of a regional bike and pedestrian trail connecting Redlands and Highland.
- Next week, City Council will considers the future of a supportive housing project and more than $20 million in public works contracts.
- Redlands FC's season ended just short of the playoffs after a draw with Ventura County Fusion.
CITY HALL
🔥 Redlands has been designated a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community by the state, recognizing years of wildfire planning, mitigation and preparedness.
Why it matters: About 30% of Redlands lies within state-designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, making wildfire preparedness a growing priority for the city.
The designation reflects years of planning, updated building standards, infrastructure improvements and vegetation management. It also requires insurers to consider the city's verified wildfire mitigation efforts when setting rates, which could benefit homeowners.
The story includes an interactive fire hazard map, CAL FIRE home-hardening tips and resources to help residents prepare. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🍊 City Council Preview: City Council to consider Step Up In Redlands ownership, labor contracts and major infrastructure projects
The Redlands City Council has a full agenda Tuesday, including a proposal to create a nonprofit corporation that could allow the city to acquire and preserve the Step Up In Redlands housing project after the original developer defaulted.
Council will also consider:
- New three-year labor agreements with police officers, firefighters and Teamsters employees.
- Contracts for the design and construction management of Fire Station 264.
- A $5.5 million contract for the California Street and Redlands Boulevard intersection widening project.
- A $5.1 million contract for the next phase of the California Street Landfill expansion.
The agenda preview breaks down the meeting's key items, what they mean and what to watch before the council votes. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🚲 The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority secured $3 million in clean transportation funding for the Highland-Redlands Regional Gap Connector Project. The award will support the final 2.85-mile segment of the five-mile bicycle and pedestrian corridor linking Citrus Valley High School in Redlands with Arroyo Verde Elementary School in Highland. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚔 Stolen vehicle tracked to Mexican border. A vehicle reported stolen from a Redlands hotel was tracked more than 180 miles to the Mexican border, where two suspects were arrested and police recovered firearms and suspected drug evidence. This week's Redlands Police update also includes an unusual investigation after a driver unknowingly ran over a man lying in a dark alley, a crash into the Redlands Unified School District offices following an apparent medical emergency and several other notable arrests. Read more here.
CFR News Desk
🍊 No paywall. Just local news.
We don’t limit access to local news.
Help keep this community service strong by becoming a sustaining subscriber.
Support local journalism for just $7 a month.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎒 Help a child start the school year strong. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside is looking for volunteers to help local students shop for back-to-school clothing and shoes during its annual Kohl's shopping event on Saturday. Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with a child and help them shop using a provided $200 Kohl's gift card. Those who can't volunteer can still support the program by making a donation to help provide clothing, shoes and school supplies for local youth. Read more here.
CFR News Desk
🎶 Summer continues at the Redlands Bowl. Last week's vibrant performance by Leyenda Folklorico filled the Bowl with colorful costumes, live mariachi music and traditional Mexican dance.
Next week, the Bowl transforms into the kingdom of Arendelle as Disney's Frozen: The Musical opens Thursday, July 23, for a free four-night run featuring local and regional performers. Performances begin nightly at 8 p.m. through July 26. Read more about the season here.
CFR News Desk
SPORTS
⚽ The Redlands FC season has come to a close after a draw on July 11 against the Ventura County Fusion. Redlands finished tied for second in the Southwest Division on points but placed third after the league's tiebreakers. Read a play-by-play of their final match here:
Caden Henderson
EVENTS
🫧 Looking for a fun (and free) way to cool off this summer? The City of Redlands Recreation Division is hosting three Foam Fiesta events featuring giant foam zones, bubble entertainment, lawn games, music, slushies and a photo booth. The free events take place from 4–6 p.m. on July 25 at Brookside Park, Aug. 1 at the Redlands Sports Complex and Aug. 8 at Martinez Park. Registration is encouraged. Read more here.
🛠️ Before throwing out a broken household item, Redlands residents can bring it to a free Repair Café on July 25, where volunteers will repair everything from bikes and clothing to small appliances and electronics. Pre-registration is encouraged, though walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Read more here.
📅 This weekend in Redlands
Friday, July 17
- Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM. - The Hutchins Consort | 8 p.m.
Experience Vivaldi's Four Seasons and other string classics performed at The Redlands Bowl. More information. - Redlands Theatre Festival: Men on Boats | 8 p.m.
Comedy inspired by John Wesley Powell's 1869 Colorado River expedition at Prospect Park. More information.
Saturday, July 18
- Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon
Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine. - Downtown's Morning Market | 7 a.m.–11 a.m.
The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market. - Redlands Theatre Festival: Native Gardens | 8 p.m.
A neighborhood dispute over a garden fence grows into a hilarious comedy at Prospect Park. More information.
Sunday, July 19
- Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers. - Redlands Theatre Festival: Blithe Spirit | 8 p.m.
Noël Coward's classic supernatural comedy takes the stage under the stars. More information.
Check out more Redlands events here.
ICYMI 👀
In case you missed it... Redlands artist Kayla Smith is the featured artist at the Redlands Art Association from July 11 through Aug. 7, showcasing original pastel paintings inspired by nature alongside her hand-painted ceramics. Read more here.
Siw Heede
☀️ A quick note...
I will be taking a short break from the newsletter next week, so there won't be an edition on Thursday, July 23.
We'll continue publishing news on our website throughout the week, so you'll still find the latest local updates while I'm away.
The newsletter will be back in your inbox on Thursday, July 30, with your weekly roundup of local news, events and community updates.
Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing stories and supporting local journalism. I hope you have a wonderful week, stay cool, and I'll see you back here soon.
-Stephanie
🍊 Want to advertise to our 35,000+ monthly readers while supporting local news? Learn more here.
😄 Thank you to our paid subscribers and sponsors who make Community Forward Redlands news possible!
📩 Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.
