School lockdown, heat wave and Redlands Symphony names director

This week in Redlands news:

• A loaded gun on campus triggered a lockdown at Moore Middle School and led to multiple arrests.
• A heat wave is pushing temperatures into the upper 90s and low 100s, with a heat advisory in effect through Friday evening.
• A "No Kings" protest is planned March 28 at Peace Corner.
• RUSD School Board approved two negotiated agreements clarifying staff display rules under the new flag policy.
• The Redlands Symphony named Deanna Tham as its next music director.

Student, parents arrested after loaded gun found at Moore Middle School

A student showing a bullet during lunch led to the discovery of a loaded firearm on campus Thursday, triggering a lockdown and a large police response.

Authorities say a 12-year-old boy brought the weapon from home to show other students. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm on a school campus. His parents were also arrested on suspicion of improper storage of a firearm. Read more here:

Moore Middle School locked down after student found with gun

Student was reportedly showing a bullet before administrators located a loaded firearm; police continue investigation

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🌡️ A record-breaking heat wave is pushing temperatures in Redlands into the upper 90s and low 100s. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Friday, urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure and check on vulnerable neighbors. Read more here:

Redlands heat wave could break March temperature records

Redlands could see near-record highs this week as a heat wave pushes temperatures into the upper 90s and low 100s.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

CITY HALL

💰Mentone land sale price raised to $300K: Earlier this month, the Redlands City Council approved the sale of nearly five acres of city-owned land in Mentone for $250,000 after receiving an unsolicited purchase offer. On Tuesday, the council approved an amendment increasing the sale price to $300,000. According to the staff report, the higher price brings the sale in line with the property’s appraised value. Read more here.

👑 Protesters plan to gather in downtown Redlands as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement. The rally will be held at "Peace Corner" from 10a.m. to noon. Read more about other demonstrations around the Inland Empire here:

No Kings rallies planned across Inland Empire, including Redlands

Demonstrators will gather March 28 at Peace Corner as part of a nationwide day of protests.

Community Forward Redlands NewsKathryne Mccann

EDUCATION

🤝 The RUSD School Board approved two negotiated agreements with employee unions addressing a recently adopted policy on flag displays and commemorations. Under the agreement, employees may continue displaying personal items at their work desks even if those items fall outside the parameters of the policy. Read more here:

Redlands school board approves labor agreements tied to flag display policy

Split vote clarifies how teachers and staff may display personal items following district limits on flags and ceremonial displays.

Community Forward Redlands NewsKathryne Mccann

📚 Educators, librarians, teachers and book lovers came together at the 29th Annual Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival. Award-winning author Nikki Grimes was presented the festival's namesake award. Read more about the two-day event here:

A celebration of imagination and curiosity at Children’s Literature Festival

It was a slightly smaller conference than usual at the 29th Annual Charlotte S. Huck Children’s Literature Festival. Nevertheless, educators, librarians, teachers and book lovers enjoyed learning from authors, illustrators, researchers, curators and experts about what is new in children’s literature. “I know she would be thrilled to

Community Forward Redlands NewsSiw Heede

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚓 Redlands Police and agents with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control cited one person for allegedly furnishing alcohol to a minor during a statewide enforcement operation. The operation was part of ABC’s Shoulder Tap program, which targets adults who buy alcohol for people younger than 21. Read more here:

Redlands police cite 1 in underage drinking sting

Statewide Shoulder Tap operation targeted adults suspected of buying alcohol for people younger than 21.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🚨 Redlands police are investigating a series of incidents across the city this week, including an armed robbery at a Citrus Avenue hair salon and the theft of nine shipping containers from an Amazon warehouse. Read more here:

Redlands police update March 19, 2026

Police report robberies, DUI crashes and thefts in Redlands, including an armed salon robbery and stolen shipping containers.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🎼 The Redlands Symphony has named Deanna Tham as its next director and conductor. Tham will be the first woman to serve as music director of a major orchestra in the Inland Empire. She will step into the role July 1, ahead of the orchestra's 75th season. Read more here:

Redlands Symphony names Deanna Tham as music director, marking Inland Empire first

Conductor to lead orchestra beginning July 1 as symphony prepares for 75th season

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

🎨 Student artists are invited to submit work for the Redlands Art Association's annual Youth Art Expo. The event, which celebrates the creativity of students K-12, will be held Memorial Day weekend. Read more here:

Redlands Youth Art Expo 2026: Call for Student Artists

K–12 students invited to submit artwork for the Redlands Art Association’s annual Youth Art Expo during Memorial Day weekend at the Redlands Festival of Arts.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

🥾 This week’s Trail Days with Toni reflects on a hike that didn’t go as planned, but ended up offering something more valuable than a summit. Read more here:

I need a second try on Topanga Canyon trail

Trail Days with Toni

Community Forward Redlands NewsContributing Author

SPORTS

👟 REV improved to 2-0 in Citrus Belt League track and field with a sweep of Citrus Valley, while Beaumont dominated Redlands and Yucaipa edged Cajon in a tight boys meet. Read more here:

REV sweeps Citrus Valley; Beaumont dominates Redlands in CBL meets

Wildcats improve to 2-0 in league as Cougars post dominant wins and Yucaipa edges Cajon in boys competition

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🏃‍♀️ Former REV track stars Astrid and Catalina Teran are making waves at the Division I level, posting top Big West times and national marks after championship runs in community college. Read more here:

Teran sisters shine at Division I level after REV success

Former Redlands East Valley standouts Astrid and Catalina Teran continue to break personal records at Cal Poly and UC Irvine after state championship runs in community college.

Community Forward Redlands NewsContributing Author

EVENTS

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, March 20

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

Saturday, March 21

• Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon (rain or shine)
  Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors.
• Downtown's Morning Market  | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market.
• Southern California in Film Series  | 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
  The A.K. Smiley Library will be honoring the region's rich cinematic legacy with a screening of "The Naked Gun."

Sunday, March 22

• Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
• Redlands Recital Series | 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
  Redlands Symphony Orchestra bassoonist Jon Stehney will wrap up the recital series with a performance at the First Presbyterian Church of Redlands. Ticket information.

Check out more Redlands events here.

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... The Redlands Cinema Classic returns this spring with a monthlong series of international films. Five award-winning features and documentaries will be shown at the Harkins Mountain Grove 16 theater throughout April. Read more about the films:

Redlands Cinema Classic brings festival favorites

The Redlands Cinema Classic Spring 2026 series brings five internationally acclaimed films to Harkins Mountain Grove 16 throughout April.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

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