This week in Redlands news:
- Redlands planning commissioners approved a 194-unit apartment complex near San Bernardino Avenue and Texas Street, including 17 affordable apartments.
- Strong Santa Ana winds are expected through Saturday, with gusts up to 65 mph possible in parts of the region and the potential for power outages.
- A stolen puppy worth up to $7,000 is back home after Redlands Police arrested a man suspected of taking her.
- Election Day is less than three weeks away. Find out where to drop off your ballot in Redlands and explore new resources to help you understand California's statewide propositions.
- Looking for Halloween fun? Our guide to Redlands Halloween events includes trunk-or-treats, festivals, performances and neighborhood trick-or-treating throughout October.
CITY HALL
🏘️ New apartment complex approved in northwest Redlands: The Redlands Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for a 194-unit apartment complex at San Bernardino Avenue and Texas Street. The development will feature Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a pool, fitness center and 17 apartments reserved for lower-income households for at least 55 years.
Commissioners praised the project's design and affordable housing component while questioning whether construction would move forward amid challenging market conditions. The developer hopes to break ground in late 2027.
Meanwhile, consideration of the proposed Pioneer Park development, which includes 255 single-family residential lots near the 210 Freeway, was postponed to the commission's Oct. 27 meeting.
Read more about the project, its design and what happens next.
🏛️ Coming up at City Hall: The Redlands City Council will meet Tuesday, Oct. 20. The agenda for the upcoming meeting is now available for public review. View the agenda here.
💨 High winds expected through Saturday: Redlands is under a high wind warning as Santa Ana winds sweep across Southern California, with gusts up to 65 mph possible in parts of the region. The strongest winds are expected Friday, with downed trees and power outages possible. As of Thursday afternoon, Southern California Edison's planned power shutoffs were concentrated outside the Inland Empire. Residents can monitor changing conditions and check for potential outages. Here's what to know and where to check for updates:
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PUBLIC SAFETY
🚔 Redlands man arrested after Tribune Street shooting: A 34-year-old Redlands man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Saturday evening after police say he shot a man standing in his front yard in the 900 block of Tribune Street. The victim suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Read more here.
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🚨 Stolen puppy recovered: Redlands Police reunited a 6-month-old American Bully puppy valued at up to $7,000 with her owners after arresting a man suspected of stealing her. In other police activity this week, two DUI crashes were reported over the weekend, including one on Brookside Avenue that sent two people to the hospital. Read more here.
EDUCATION
📚 Banned Books Week brings nearly 200 to University of Redlands: The second annual banned books event Oct. 8 featured a screening of the documentary “The Librarians” and a panel discussion with librarians, educators and local authors. Speakers discussed the rise in book challenges nationwide, restrictions on access to literature and the importance of protecting the freedom to read. Read more here.
Siw Heede
ELECTION 2026
✅ Still deciding how to vote on California's statewide propositions? CalMatters has released interactive quizzes and short videos to help voters understand what's on the ballot and what a yes or no vote would mean. Explore the resources below before casting your ballot.
🗳️ Where to drop off your ballot in Redlands: Election Day is less than three weeks away, and ballots are arriving in mailboxes across Redlands. Three official drop boxes are now open, with 24-hour access through 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. We've updated our Redlands Votes 2026 election guide with drop-off locations, voting deadlines and information on how to track your ballot.
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GET INVOLVED
🏗️ Redlands seeks applicants for two city commissions: The city of Redlands is accepting applications for volunteer positions on its Planning Commission and Traffic and Parking Commission. Both commissions advise the City Council on issues affecting local development, infrastructure and city planning.
Applications for the Planning Commission are due Oct. 19, while applications for the Traffic and Parking Commission are due Nov. 5. Residents can apply through the city's website.
📣 Applications open for Leadership Redlands Class of 2027: The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is seeking 20 participants for its 10-month leadership development program, which brings together local professionals and community members to explore regional issues, build connections and complete a community service project. Tuition is $1,000, with limited scholarships available. Applications are due Oct. 31, and the program begins in February.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
What to do for Halloween in Redlands
Looking for Halloween fun? From trunk-or-treats and family festivals to the city's Plane-or-Treat celebration and traditional trick-or-treating on Olive Avenue, there's plenty happening around Redlands this month. We've rounded up local Halloween events with dates, times, locations and admission details to help you plan your festivities. Plus, we're continuing to update the guide as new events are announced.
See the full Halloween events guide.
🎥 The winners of the 2026 Manhattan Short Film Festival have been announced: Audiences around the world cast their votes for best film and best actor, including moviegoers in Redlands who attended screenings hosted by Redlands Cinema Classic. See how local favorites compared with the global winners — and where Redlands audiences voted differently.
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🎨 Featured artist: From Big Bear's beloved bald eagles to California landscapes and personal reflections, artist and educator Debbie Mount draws inspiration from the world around her. Her latest exhibition at the Redlands Art Association showcases decades of artistic experience and a lifelong passion for teaching. Read more here.
EVENTS
📅 This weekend in Redlands
Friday, Oct. 16
- Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM. - Art for Heaven’s Sake! Fine Arts Festival | 6–9 p.m.
Opening reception featuring 69 artists, live music and art for sale at Redlands United Church of Christ. More information. - Booze and Books Horror, Weird Lit, and Trinket Fair | 5-8 p.m.
Booze and Books is a horror, weird lit, and trinket fair hosted by Inlandia Institute and Pen & Honey Bookstore at Ritual Brewery. - The Haunting of Hill House | 7:30 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
Saturday, Oct. 17
- 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. - Coptober | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A free community event for all ages hosted by the Redlands Police Department, with hands-on activities for kids, bicycle drawings, a barbecue prepared by RPD, and a chance to meet officers and explorers. More information. - Art for Heaven’s Sake! Fine Arts Festival | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Browse fine art, jewelry, pottery and handmade crafts while enjoying live music and food vendors. More information. - STEAM Saturdays: Monster Mash | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monster-themed crafts in the museum's STEAM Lab for young learners at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Drop in any Saturday in October. - The Rare Market: Market Night + Creatif Night | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Redlands Public Market, 330 3rd St, Redlands - The Haunting of Hill House | 7:30 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
Sunday, Oct. 18
- Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers. - Art for Heaven’s Sake! Fine Arts Festival | 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Final day of the annual art festival featuring local and regional artists, live music and food vendors. More information. - Pumpkins & Pilates | Noon
A glute-focused Pilates class with a fall pumpkin theme at Redlands Public Market. - The Haunting of Hill House | 2 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
📝 Free estate planning workshops at Smiley Library: A.K. Smiley Public Library is offering two free financial protection workshops Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Contemporary Club. Presented by Bidaki Law Firm, the sessions will cover long-term care planning, probate, Medi-Cal estate recovery and protecting family assets. Workshops are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Check out more Redlands events here.
ICYMI 👀
In case you missed it...
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