Olive Avenue will close to traffic Oct. 31 for a family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, live entertainment and Halloween fun.
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Smiley Park and The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St.
This week in Redlands news:
A series of meetings this month will help shape updated truck routes in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
San Bernardino County is redrawing its truck routes — and residents can help shape the map.
Why it matters: The law, signed in 2024, directs local governments in California’s Warehouse Concentration Region—including the Inland Empire—to designate approved truck routes by Jan. 1, 2026. The goal is to protect residents and sensitive sites such as schools, parks, and hospitals from pollution and noise while ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods.
County plan overview: Under the county’s draft plan, officials are focusing updates in the Valley Region—particularly around Redlands, Fontana, Bloomington, and Muscoy—while determining that no new routes are needed in the mountain or desert areas.
In Redlands, proposed changes in the unincorporated “donut hole” would align county routes with city designations along Alabama Street, California Street, Palmetto Avenue, San Bernardino Avenue, and Almond Avenue, while removing Nevada Street from the plan.
Zoom in: Redlands already has a designated truck route for city streets as part of its 2035 General Plan. An updated map for local roads is expected to go before the city council for approval this fall, according to city planners.
View the map of the proposed county changes and learn about upcoming meetings here.
🍊 Redlands approves $2.3 million contract to maintain city-owned citrus groves: The Redlands City Council voted Tuesday to approve a three-year, $2.3 million contract with Larry Jacinto Farming, Inc. for as-needed citrus grove management services. The agreement ensures continued care of the city’s 23 groves, which span about 200 acres. Maintaining the groves requires year-round management to prevent pest infestations, soil depletion, and frost damage. City officials say the program not only preserves open space but also connects modern residents to Redlands’ historic role in California’s citrus industry. Read more here:
Kathryne Mccann
🚑 Redlands City Council tables paramedic tax increase: The city council unanimously agreed to delay action on updating the paramedic parcel tax, opting instead to continue covering a $130,000 funding gap through the General Fund. Staff said costs remain manageable and will revisit the issue in future years. Read more here:
Kathryne Mccann
🏡 Redlands housing market shows first signs of cooling: After four years of steady growth, local home prices are dipping as inventory increases in Redlands ZIP codes 92373 and 92374, according to new Realtor.com data. Experts say the shift could signal the start of a long-awaited market correction. Read more here:
Contributing Author
🔥 Norco man sentenced to 16 years to life for massive 2024 wildfires: A Norco resident was sentenced for starting two San Bernardino County wildfires, including the Line Fire that scorched 44,000 acres and forced mass evacuations near Redlands. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚨 Redlands man arrested for child sexual abuse images and narcotics: Detectives seized more than 600 illegal images and narcotics from a Brookside Avenue apartment. The investigation is part of a regional task force targeting online sexual exploitation of children. Read more here:
Community Forward Redlands
🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report: This week’s Redlands Police update covers two weeks of incidents, including a man arrested after fighting officers at Dairy Queen, a Home Depot robbery involving a butcher knife, and multiple domestic violence cases. Police also responded to shots fired outside Projekt Redlands. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
📚 Banned Book Week in Redlands: As debates over banned books reach local classrooms, Redlands residents are engaging in thoughtful dialogue about access, education, and free expression. A screening of Banned Together brought the conversation to the University of Redlands this week. Read more here.
Siw Heede
🧑💻 Redlands Unified partners with Google to bring Gemini AI to classrooms: The new tools will help teachers save time on lesson planning and give students personalized support and creative resources. The rollout aligns with the district’s EMPOWER framework to prepare students for a technology-driven future. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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✂️ New playground opens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands–Riverside: Community leaders and families gathered Oct. 8 to cut the ribbon on a $150,000 playground at the Redlands club, built in partnership with Redlands Unified and backed by supporters including County Supervisor Dawn Rowe, the Rochford Foundation, and the Optimist Club of Redlands. The new space is designed to boost active play and connection for local youth. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🎶 Paris concert artist Laurent Jochum to play Turner pipe organ in Redlands: French concert organist Laurent Jochum will perform for The Spinet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at First Congregational Church, 2 W. Olive Ave., showcasing the sanctuary’s Turner pipe organ. Jochum, winner of the International Organ Competition of Lorraine and a veteran of Paris venues, brings more than two decades of international touring to Redlands as part of his Southern California concert swing. The event is open to the public. Read more here
🏈 Terriers, Wildcats amped for Smudge Pot Game: The most storied rivalry in Redlands football is back under the lights. Redlands East Valley and Redlands High will meet Friday at 7 p.m. at Dodge Field to battle for the Smudge Pot — the distinctive trophy fashioned from an old citrus heater.
Last year, the Wildcats stunned the Terriers 31-21 to reclaim the trophy, captured in an enduring image of REV’s Dominic McDermott clutching it in celebration. REV leads the all-time series 16–12, though Redlands dominated the early years, winning the first six matchups from 1997 to 2002.
Fans can expect a packed house, school pride on full display, and plenty of nostalgia when the Wildcats and Terriers meet once again for city bragging rights and the Smudge Pot trophy. Read more about the matchup and a roundup of local sports news here:
John Murphy
🏃🏃♀️ Medina leads REV to strong finish at Central Park Invitational: Redlands East Valley sophomore Elijah Medina took first place out of 233 runners at Saturday’s Central Park Cross-Country Invitational in Huntington Beach, clocking 14:56.7 on the three-mile course, just shy of his personal best. Medina’s win helped the Wildcats secure second place in the boys varsity section 2 race with 92 points, trailing only Foothill Technology of Ventura. On the girls’ side, REV’s junior varsity squad took the team title in section 2, led by Melany Plumb (third, 21:38.7). All six Citrus Belt League teams—including Redlands, REV, Beaumont, and Cajon—will compete next at the CBL Cluster Meet on Oct. 18. Read a full recap of the meet here:
John Murphy
📌 Sat. Oct. 11 – 10 -1 p.m.: At the inaugural 'Fair for a Change' Redlands residents can connect with more than 20 local nonprofits at this family-friendly event in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands. Explore volunteer opportunities, sign up for projects or board service and enjoy food and drinks. This event is free and open to the public. Read more here.
📌 Sat., Oct. 11 – 7:30 p.m.: Redlands Symphony: Finding Renewal - The Redlands Symphony’s search for a new conductor continues Saturday with finalist Deanna Tham, performing works by Smith, Berlioz and Stravinsky. Read more here.
📌 Wed. Oct. 15 – 6:30 - 8 p.m.: Spotlight on cleaner transportation - Residents can attend Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action’s Resilient Living program at the Flores Senior Center to explore ways to reduce transportation emissions. Experts will share tips on EVs, transit, biking and more. This is a free event with a Q&A, discussion, raffle and refreshments. Read more here.
📌 Sat. Oct. 18 – 9 - 12 p.m.: Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) invites Redlands residents to a free Repair Café at Flores Senior Center. Volunteer “fixers” will help repair up to two items per person, including bikes, electronics, clothing, jewelry, small appliances, lamps, and clocks. Register items in advance using this link.
📌 Sun. Oct. 19 – 12 - 5 p.m.: Enjoy a lively, family-friendly Art Walk in Downtown Redlands with local artists, live music, a kids’ zone, a car show and food vendors. Proceeds benefit the Kids Cures Foundation, supporting children and families facing medical challenges. Click here for more information.
📌 Sun. Oct. 26 – Lace up and leash up! The Redlands Chamber of Commerce hosts its 7th Annual Dog Jog in Downtown Redlands. Expect a full day of fun with a canine costume contest, agility course, K-9 demos, hot dog catching contest, food vendors, and an adoptable dog parade featuring pups from local shelters. Tickets are $30, with half the proceeds benefiting the Redlands Animal Shelter. More details and link to register here:
📌 Thurs. Oct. 23– 5 - 7 p.m.: The Redlands Symphony Purse Party will be held at the Laura and Jack Dangermond Events Pavilion and Gardens at the Museum of Redlands. Guests can bid on hundreds of designer purses in silent and live auctions—including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Kate Spade—while enjoying wine and appetizers. Proceeds support the Symphony’s education and community programs. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.
In case you missed it... Looking for a way to get more connected with local leaders and organizations in Redlands? The Redlands Chamber of Commerce leadership program is currently accepting new applications. The 10-month program aims to prepare the next generation of community leaders.
It brings together up to 20 participants from business, government, education, nonprofits, healthcare and other sectors to explore key issues facing the region. Sessions are held at locations throughout the city and include meals, networking opportunities and exposure to local decision-makers.
Learn more and how to apply here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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