Election hub launches, layoffs approved, warehouse ban advances

Redlands News | May 14, 2026


This week in Redlands news:


CITY HALL

🏗️ Redlands planners voted Tuesday to advance a proposed citywide warehouse ban to the City Council, but not before debating whether existing warehouses should still be allowed to add truck docks and increase building heights.

The proposal would prohibit warehouse developments larger than 50,000 square feet while allowing existing facilities to seek approval for modernization projects, including taller buildings, refrigerated space and additional loading docks through a conditional use permit process.

Commissioners also clarified that the approved Tennessee Street Prologis warehouse project would remain capped at its previously approved 39-foot limit despite new language allowing limited heights increases for some facilities.

Read more about the debate, industry influence on the ordinance and what happens next for warehouse development in Redlands:

Redlands planners advance warehouse ban proposal
Commissioners voted 5-1 to move the proposal forward after debating whether existing warehouses should be allowed to add truck docks and increase building height.

EDUCATION

📚 The Redlands Unified School Board finalized layoffs for 19 employees Tuesday as the district continues efforts to close a major budget deficit. Positions eliminated include elementary library paraprofessionals, special education aides and student health staff across multiple campuses. Another 20 employees will see reduced hours or reassignment into different roles. Read more about which positions were affected and what comes next for the district:

RUSD board finalizes layoffs for 19 nonteacher employees
Library staff, special education aides and student health workers among positions affected as district continues budget reductions for the 2026-27 school year.

ELECTION 2026

🗳️ Election season is underway, and Community Forward Redlands has launched the Redlands Votes election guide to help readers navigate the races shaping local ballots this year.

As in years past, our local election hub will include information on congressional, state and county races impacting Redlands-area voters, along with upcoming Redlands City Council and school board elections. You'll also find voter resources, including how to register and where to vote.

🔗 Save this link – we'll be adding candidate profiles, voter information and election coverage throughout the 2026 election season.

Redlands Election Guide 2026 | Community Forward Redlands
Explore local and regional races impacting Redlands-area voters in 2026, along with candidate information, voter resources and election results.

Do you have questions about the upcoming primary election? Where do the governor candidates stand on the issues? What does the insurance commissioner do? Please join us Friday, May 15, in Riverside for a conversation with the nonprofit statewide publication CalMatters as they break down, analyze and answer your questions about this year’s primary election, in a conversation centered around the latest edition of their Voting Matters voter guide. More details here:

Community conversation on California’s June primary comes to Riverside Friday
Community Forward Redlands joins CalMatters and regional news partners for a free public election event ahead of the June 2 primary election

💧Redlands has extended the application deadline for residents interested in serving on the Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission. Applications will be accepted through May 29. Read more about the position here.


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PUBLIC SAFETY

📬 Rep. Pete Aguilar highlighted new federal efforts to push the USPS to respond more quickly to theft and vandalism complaints while strengthening protections for mail carriers. Residents and businesses continue to report stolen mail problems in the area. Read more here:

Aguilar highlights efforts to combat mail theft
Congressman says new federal measures would speed victim notifications and improve protections for postal workers

🚔 Two juveniles were arrested in Redlands after police used GPS tracking and an ankle monitor to investigate the theft of a rented Kia Soul, according to this week’s Redlands Police Department update. The report also includes overnight vehicle burglaries, recovery of a live grenade and the arrest of a man wanted on a felony warrant. Read more here.

🚒 A 76-year-old man died after a house fire Sunday evening in Redlands. The fire department responded to a single-story structure fire in the 100 block of Wabash Avenue. Read more here.


🎶 COMMUNITY EVENT SPOTLIGHT
CTA Image

An upcoming benefit concert at the University of Redlands aims to raise funds for genetic research while celebrating the joyful spirit of 8-year-old Eleanor Harrell, a Redlands girl living with the rare genetic condition Kleefstra syndrome.

The May 22 “I Love Someone Rare” concert will feature the Kalama Brothers, student performances from Mariposa Elementary and a community silent auction, with all proceeds supporting research through IDefine.

We recently sat down with Eleanor’s family to hear their story — from the uncertainty surrounding her diagnosis to the race to fund research before regression associated with the disorder could threaten the skills she’s worked so hard to gain.

💛 Read the full story here

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

🍊 Redlands marmalade maker earns international honors. Redlands citrus grower John P. Beall is bringing international attention back to the city’s citrus roots after Old California Botanicals earned eight medals at the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards in England. The awards, and recognition from local and state leaders, highlight Redlands’ continuing connection to California’s citrus legacy. Read more here:

Redlands marmalade maker earns international honors in UK competition
Old California Botanicals earns international honors while spotlighting Redlands’ citrus heritage on a global stage

🎨 The Redlands Festival of Arts returns Memorial Day weekend with more than 100 artists, live music, food trucks, student art exhibits and free family activities in Smiley Park. The free two-day festival runs May 23 to 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Redlands. Read more here.

☀️ Redlands area residents are invited to attend “Your Health in a Changing Climate” on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Flores Community Center, where experts will discuss how climate change has become a growing public health risk and is already affecting health and wellbeing in San Bernardino County. The free public program is presented by ANCA’s Resilient Living program. Read more here.


SPORTS

🥎 The University of Redlands softball team is headed back to the NCAA Division III playoffs after steamrolling through the SCIAC Tournament with three mercy-rule victories. Led by SCIAC athlete of the year Katlyn Gandara, the Bulldogs improved to 38-4 and travel to Iowa for regional play beginning Thursday. Read more here:

Univ. of Redlands softball team wins SCIAC tourney, advances to NCAA playoffs
Bulldogs sweep conference tournament at home and head to Iowa regional after dominant 38-win season

🏌️‍♂️ Cal State San Bernardino’s men’s golf team is headed back to the NCAA Division II national championship tournament, and local golfers Kamron Hopson of Redlands High and Tyler Price of Yucaipa played key roles in helping the Coyotes secure the final qualifying spot at the West-South Central Regional. Read more here.

🥎 ⚾️ Citrus Belt League champions Yucaipa softball and Cajon baseball headline a busy week of CIF playoff action for Inland area schools. While both league champions hit the road under the CIF’s power-ranking format, Redlands East Valley, Citrus Valley and several area private schools also earned postseason berths. A look at each local matchup and where teams are headed this week here:

CBL Baseball recap
CBL Softball recap

🏃 REV sophomore Elijah Medina continues his breakout season after qualifying in both the 1600 and 3200 meters for the CIF Southern Section Division 2 finals. Medina headlines a strong showing from Inland athletes across multiple divisions as competitors from REV, Beaumont, Citrus Valley, Yucaipa and Arrowhead Christian advance to Moorpark High School. Read more here.

🏊‍♀️ Redlands-area swimmers turned in strong performances at the CIF Southern Section finals, led by Arrowhead Christian Academy senior Juliette Early, who earned four runner-up finishes as the Eagles placed third in Division 4 girls team standings. Read more here.


EVENTS

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, May 15

  • Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
    Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.
  • The Great Y Circus | 7 p.m.
    The Great Y Circus is back with a family-friendly show themed around Saturday morning cartoons at the Redlands Family YMCA, 500 E. Citrus Ave. Tickets are $24. Children seated on an adult’s lap are admitted free. More information.
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers | 7 p.m.
    A lively musical comedy at LifeHouse Theater following Milly as she attempts to civilize her new husband’s six unruly brothers. Expect high-energy dance numbers, humor and heart in this beloved Broadway favorite. Buy Tickets

Saturday, May 16

  • Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon
    Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine.
  • Downtown's Morning Market  | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market.
  • Citrus Blossom Summer Market | 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    More than 100 local small businesses will showcase their products at Edwards Mansion. More information
  • STEAM Saturdays: Fantastic Frogs | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    San Bernardino County Museum invites families to this educational program focused on frogs and amphibians. More information
  • Featured Artist Show Opening Reception | Saturday, 1–4 p.m.
    Explore surreal wildlife paintings, constellation-inspired artwork, laser-cut designs and ceramics during the opening reception for featured artists Sarah Soward and Hillary Klem at the Redlands Art Association 215 E. State St. More information
  • Southern California in Film Series | 2-4 p.m.
    The A.K. Smiley Public Library is screening the movie "We Bought a Zoo" as part of their film series honoring the region's rich cinematic legacy.
  • The Great Y Circus | 5 p.m.
    Family circus performance featuring youth performers, acrobatics and themed entertainment at the Redlands Family YMCA, 500 E. Citrus Ave. More information.
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
    A lively musical comedy at LifeHouse Theater following Milly as she attempts to civilize her new husband’s six unruly brothers. Expect high-energy dance numbers, humor and heart in this beloved Broadway favorite. Buy Tickets

Sunday, May 17

  • Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers | 2 p.m.
    A lively musical comedy at LifeHouse Theater following Milly as she attempts to civilize her new husband’s six unruly brothers. Expect high-energy dance numbers, humor and heart in this beloved Broadway favorite. Buy Tickets
  • The Great Y Circus | 3 p.m.
    Catch another weekend performance of the Great Y Circus at the Redlands Family YMCA, 500 E. Citrus Ave. Tickets are $24. Younger children are free if seated on an adult’s lap. More information.

Check out more Redlands events here.


ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... Redlands Unified students premiered original films during the fourth annual RUSD Film Fest, a districtwide celebration of student creativity, storytelling and filmmaking. Nearly 100 students participated in the 59 projects showcased. Read more about the student filmmakers and their projects here:

RUSD FilmFest highlights student filmmakers
Nearly 100 Redlands Unified students showcase original films, from documentaries to sequels, at annual festival.

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