This week in Redlands news:
- Former Kmart demolition underway for Redlands' future police station.
- Redlands launches its annual community survey.
- Local nonprofit warns of increasing pressure following federal food cuts.
- Local artist Kayla Smith opens a featured exhibit at the Redlands Art Association.
- The Repair Café returns July 25 to fix broken household items.
- One last chance to catch Redlands FC as the club battles for a playoff spot.
CITY HALL
🏗️ Demolition is underway at Redlands' future police station as City Council approves nearly $50 million in construction contracts. The former Kmart building came down this week as Redlands moves into the next phase of its long-awaited police station project, advancing one of the city's largest infrastructure investments. See what's next for the estimated $78 million project and how it compares with other major Inland Empire infrastructure investments. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🥫 Food assistance cuts: During a visit to Family Service Association, U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar criticized recent federal food assistance cuts while nonprofit leaders warned that local charities cannot replace the public safety net as more families turn to emergency food programs. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🍊 Redlands has launched its annual community survey, giving residents a chance to help shape city priorities, services and future spending. A randomly selected group will receive invitations by mail, while a public online survey will open later this month and run through Aug. 26. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚔 Police Blotter: A suspect stole a funeral donation jar from a Redlands Subway and allegedly pushed an employee to the ground while fleeing, according to Redlands police. This week's crime roundup also includes an alleged assault on an officer with a vehicle and an attempted theft from a local car dealership. Read more here.
CFR News Desk
EDUCATION
🚒 🚓 Thirty-one recent high school graduates are spending the week training like first responders. The 27th annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA) is underway, giving participants hands-on experience in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services through a week of boot camp-style training. The competitive program has helped launch public safety careers for local graduates for more than two decades. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🎒 Back2School Jam returns Aug. 8. Thousands of local students will receive free backpacks, school supplies and a chance to win bicycles during Micah House's annual Back2School Jam on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Sylvan Park. Families can attend at no cost while supplies last, and community members still have time to donate filled backpacks, volunteer or sponsor the event before the July 24 donation deadline. Read more here.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎨 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. Meet Smith during the opening reception on July 11 from 1–5 p.m. 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.
CFR News Desk
🏛️ Redlands residents can get a sneak peek at the future Museum of Redlands during a free presentation on July 16 at the Joslyn Senior Center. The talk will explore the museum's 27-year journey and preview its inaugural exhibits ahead of its opening. Read more here.
CFR News Desk
SPORTS
⚽ Redlands FC kept its playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 win over City SC and now controls its postseason fate. A victory over first-place Ventura County Fusion in Friday's regular-season finale would send Redlands to the playoffs. Read more here:
Caden Henderson
EVENTS
📅 This weekend in Redlands
Friday, July 10
- Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM. - Leyenda Folklorico at the Redlands Bowl| 8 p.m.
A folklorico dance and mariachi music performance with a cast of over 25 performers. More information.
Saturday, July 11
- 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.
Sunday, July 12
- 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 field is beginning to take shape for this fall's Redlands City Council races. Although the official filing period doesn't open until July 13, early campaign paperwork offers the first look at who's signaled an intention to run, which incumbents have yet to draw challengers and what it takes to get on the ballot. Read more here.
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