New condo project, $2M in housing funding, and holiday events

Redlands News Weekly: December 5, 2025

New condo project, $2M in housing funding, and holiday events

This week in Redlands news:


DEVELOPMENT

Council approves eight-unit Cajon Street condominium project in 4–1 vote

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council voted 4–1 on Nov. 18 to approve an eight-unit condominium project on Cajon Street, siding with staff and the Planning Commission despite residents’ concerns that alley access would worsen traffic and safety issues near Kingsbury Elementary School.

The council adopted Resolution 8731, which grants a Tentative Tract Map, Conditional Use Permit and site plan approval for four two-story Craftsman-style buildings at 516 Cajon St. The vacant half-acre site previously held two early-1900s homes that were demolished in the 1970s.

The project will return to the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission for a required Certificate of Appropriateness before building permits can be issued.

Read more here:

Redlands OKs Cajon Street condo project in 4–1 vote
Council approves revised Craftsman-style project in Historic District despite residents’ warnings that alley access near Kingsbury Elementary poses traffic and safety risks.

CITY HALL

💸 City secures $2 million Proposition 47 grant: The Redlands City Council unanimously approved a $2 million Proposition 47 grant this week to expand homelessness prevention and workforce development programs. The funding will support city staffing and supplies, as well as partner organizations including the Salvation Army, the Church of Religious Science and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. Read more here.

Redlands Approves $2M State Grant for Homelessness Programs
Proposition 47 funding will bolster city services and community partnerships aimed at rehousing residents and connecting them to employment opportunities.

🗳️ Council advances proposal to shrink advisory commissions: City Council voted to move forward with a proposal reducing eight advisory commissions from seven to five members and shifting most meetings to a quarterly schedule. Officials say the changes aim to streamline operations, while residents and business leaders caution that fewer commissioners and meetings could limit public input and slow city projects. Read more here.

Redlands Moves to Cut Commission Meetings and Membership
The proposal would reduce eight commissions from seven to five members and cut meeting frequency; residents warn changes could limit public input and slow progress.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report — Nov. 20–26: A spike in residential burglaries, along with several weapon-related arrests and attempted robberies, kept Redlands police busy the week of Nov. 20–26. Officers responded to knife threats, foot pursuits, an attempted carjacking and break-ins across multiple neighborhoods. Read more here.

Redlands police report late-November burglaries, arrests
Redlands Police Report — Nov. 20–26: burglaries, arrests and attempted robberies

🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report — Nov. 26–Dec. 4: Robbery investigations, a rollover crash, a DUI hit-and-run arrest and an unusual shoe-throwing incident were among the cases handled between Nov. 26 and Dec. 4. The week also included new developments in two downtown robbery cases and a commercial break-in at Eureka Burger. Read more here.

🚔 Vandalized billboard sparks investigation in Yucaipa: A Yuhaaviatam billboard along I-10 was defaced with an anti-Native message ahead of Thanksgiving, prompting Yucaipa officials to condemn the act and launch a police investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Yucaipa Police Department as they work to identify those responsible. Read more here.


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

YMCA Holiday Weekend returns with shopping, treats and festive home tours

The YMCA of the East Valley is bringing back its Holiday Boutique, Pantry Bakeshop and Annual Home Tour on Dec. 6–7 for a two-day celebration of local makers, homemade treats and beautifully decorated Redlands homes.

With more than 75 artisans, a bakeshop stocked with donated holiday goodies and a six-home tour showcasing seasonal décor and architecture, the weekend blends festive fun with community impact. All proceeds support YMCA financial assistance and the Y’s Legal Aid Program. Read more here.

YMCA Holiday Home Tour, Boutique Return Dec. 6–7, Redlands
From 75+ local makers to fresh baked treats and festive décor, the YMCA’s holiday weekend brings all the seasonal vibes while supporting families in need.

🍊 Local Maker Revives Citrus Heritage for Holiday Shoppers: Redlands native J.P. Beall is reviving his family’s citrus heritage through Old California Botanicals, from orange soap made with a 1920s mold to small-batch marmalades crafted from century-old trees. He’ll be at the YMCA Holiday Boutique this weekend. Read more here.

Old California Botanicals Revives Redlands Citrus Heritage
Old California Botanicals blends Redlands citrus history with modern sustainable gifts — and shoppers can find them at the YMCA Holiday Boutique Dec. 6-7

🧸 Caden’s Teddy Bear Drive returns for its ninth year: Redlands college student Caden Henderson and his family are continuing their beloved holiday tradition of collecting new teddy bears for children spending Christmas at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. What began with Caden’s own comforting hospital bear in 2016 has grown into a community-wide effort that has donated more than 1,800 bears and $20,000 to young patients. This year’s goal is 600 bears, with local partners like CycleBar and Star Tulips helping support the drive. All donated bears must be new with tags. Read more here.

Help Caden’s Teddy Bear Drive Collect 600 Bears
A Redlands college student and his family continue a nine-year tradition of giving back by collecting teddy bears for children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital — and here’s how to help reach this year’s goal of 600 bears.

🛩 Stuff a Plane Holiday Toy Drive flies into Redlands Dec. 6: The Redlands Municipal Airport will host its annual Stuff a Plane holiday toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 6. The family-friendly aviation event helps the Salvation Army support children in need. LifeStream will also be on-site with a bloodmobile at the event. Collection of new, unwrapped toys runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the airport lobby at 1745 Sessums Drive.
More information here.

Redlands Airport hosts ‘Stuff a Plane’ toy drive Dec. 6
The annual aviation-themed toy drive features aircraft displays, kids’ activities, Santa, a blood drive and food to support families in need.

EDUCATION

📚 Redlands seeking new library trustee: The city is taking applications for a seat on the A.K. Smiley Library Board of Trustees, the volunteer body that oversees the library, Lincoln Memorial Shrine and Municipal Museum. Applications are due Dec. 16. Read more here.

Library Board of Trustees Applications Open in Redlands
Applications due Dec. 16 for three-year volunteer position

EVENTS

🎅 2025 Redlands Christmas Parade

Saturday, Dec. 6Downtown Redlands — State Street
Redlands’ lighted holiday parade is back! Bring your chairs, line State Street and help kick off the season with one of the city’s longest-standing traditions. This year’s theme is ’Tis the Season, with illuminated floats, marching groups, music. Learn more here

🍪 YMCA Holiday Boutique, Pantry Bakeshop and Annual Home Tour

Dec. 6–7 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Redlands Family YMCA

Proceeds support the YMCA’s Legal Aid Program and Financial Assistance Program. 
Learn more here

🎁 Stuff a Plane Toy Drive

Saturday, Dec. 6Redlands Municipal Airport
The annual aviation-themed toy drive features aircraft displays, kids’ activities, Santa, a blood drive and food/toy collections to support families in need.
Learn more here

🎄 Kimberly Crest: Windows Into Christmas Past

Sun., Dec. 7 • 6 p.m.
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens
Learn more here

🎄 A Burrage Christmas

Sun., Dec. 14 • 5–9 p.m.
Burrage Mansion, 1205 W. Crescent Ave., Redlands
The Rochford Foundation’s annual holiday tradition returns with a Toyland-themed drive-through at Burrage Mansion. Families can enjoy thousands of lights, snowmen, a life-sized train, a nativity scene, live music and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and beloved holiday characters. Registration is free and opens Dec. 10. Learn more here.

More community events here.


ICYMI

In case you missed it… The Redlands Mall has been sold again. Jack and Laura Dangermond, co-owners of Esri, purchased the long-vacant property in November after years of stalled redevelopment attempts by outside developers. The couple plans to move quickly on a new vision for the downtown block, starting with removing deteriorated structures, keeping parking accessible, and developing a full site plan over the next year. No designs have been finalized, but representatives say the goal is a project that complements downtown and uplifts the community. Read more here. Read more here.

Dangermonds Buy Redlands Mall, Plan New Redevelopment
Local business owners step in after out-of-town developers face foreclosure, struggle to move project forward

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