This week in Redlands news
- The city Planning Commission voted to recommend a citywide ban on new warehouse and logistics projects.
- California voters will decide whether congressional districts should be redrawn to improve Democrats' chances in up to five districts - a change that could reshape Redlands' representation.
- An 82-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing Cypress Avenue, marking Redlands' third pedestrian death in three months.
- Redlands legend Dave Farmer, believed to be the nation's oldest active high school referee, will be inducted into the CIF-Southern Section Hall of Fame.
California’s Prop. 50 would redraw congressional maps. Here’s what it could mean for Redlands
REDLANDS, Calif. — California voters will decide Nov. 4 whether to approve Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would temporarily shift the power to draw congressional maps from an independent commission to the state Legislature.
Why it matters: Proposition 50 would reshape the state’s congressional districts for the rest of the decade. If approved, the measure could strengthen Democrats’ chances in as many as five of California’s 52 congressional districts.
California responds to conservative redistricting efforts
The measure was spearheaded by Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California Democratic leaders after President Donald Trump urged GOP-led states to redraw their congressional districts to boost the number of Republicans elected.
Proposition 50 is a direct response to aggressive redistricting efforts in states such as Texas where congressional maps have been redrawn for partisan gain.
What this means for Redlands
Redlands is currently divided between congressional districts 23 and 33, split roughly along the I-10 corridor.
Under the Proposition 50, most of Redlands — including downtown, the University of Redlands area and North Redlands — would shift into District 33, an inland district extending through San Bernardino and Highland. The seat is currently held by Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar.
The southernmost portion of the city, encompassing Prospect Park, Ford Park and the neighborhoods near Mariposa and Sunset drives, would remain in District 23, which stretches south toward Yucaipa and Calimesa and into the desert communities. That seat is held by Republican Rep. Jay Obernolte.
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Kathryne Mccann
CITY HALL
🚚 New warehouse ban proposal moves forward: Redlands’ Planning Commission voted 5–1 on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to recommend a citywide ban on new warehouse/logistics projects while allowing existing facilities to continue operating. Commissioners cited traffic, air quality and land-use balance in urging the change; supporters said it aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan. Commissioner Mark Stanson cast the lone dissenting vote, citing property rights concerns. The proposal now heads to the City Council for review. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚗 82-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing Cypress Avenue: The driver stopped and cooperated with investigators, who found no signs of impairment. This marks the city's third pedestrian fatality in three months. Read more here:
Community Forward Redlands
🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report: A 19-year-old Redlands man was arrested after allegedly recording a woman in a downtown restroom — and investigators say they found more videos of women filmed elsewhere. This week’s Redlands Police report also includes arrests in a child endangerment case and a carjacking involving a 14-year-old suspect, plus details on two injury crashes and a road rage assault still under investigation. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎬 Redlands audiences voted on international short films at the 28th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival: More than 160 attendees took part in the festival at Harkins Theatre. Guests watched and voted on 10 international short films tackling themes of family, housing, loss and hope. Read more here:
Siw Heede
🪧 No Kings rallies planned across the Inland Empire — Redlands event returns to ‘Peace Corner’: A dozen Inland Empire cities, including Redlands, will take part in Saturday’s nationwide No Kings Rally, a grassroots movement calling for democracy and resistance to authoritarianism. The Redlands rally is set for 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Orange Street and Redlands Boulevard — known locally as Peace Corner. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🇯🇵 🇺🇸 New Japanese Cultural Center comes to Redlands: Celebrate the grand opening of the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center at 542 E. Stuart Ave next weekend. Enjoy live performances including Japanese dance, karate, taiko drumming and more, plus delicious food and drinks. The new center is dedicated to celebrating Japanese arts, preserving heritage and serving the community through cultural and social programs. Read more about the new center here:
Community Forward Redlands
SPORTS
🏈 REV dominated rival Redlands in a record-setting victory to reclaim the Smudge Pot trophy: Senior quarterback Isaac Vitela led Redlands East Valley High to a record-setting 69–28 win over rival Redlands in the annual Smudge Pot game last Friday night, throwing for five touchdowns and rushing for two more as the Wildcats captured their 17th victory in the 29-year rivalry. Read more about the game here.
John Murphy
🏅 Redlands Sports Roundup: REV’s football program is surging under first-year coach and alumnus Kristian King, who has revived team culture and confidence. The Wildcats are now 5-2 overall and 2-0 in league play, sharing first place with Cajon. This week’s roundup also highlights major wins for local volleyball, soccer, golf and college athletes across Redlands. Read more here.
John Murphy
🏆 Redlands legend Dave Farmer will be inducted into the CIF-Southern Section Hall of Fame: Believed to be the nation's oldest active high school referee, Farmer is being recognized for nearly seven decades of dedication to athletics and community service. Read more here.
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Sat. Oct. 18 – 9 a.m. - 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.
📌 Sat. Oct. 18 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m: The Redlands Police Community Foundation will host its annual Coptober community event at Ranch Market in Redlands, offering free food, family activities, and opportunities to meet local officers. Read more here.
📌 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.
📌 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.
📌 Sat. Oct. 25 – 12 - 4 p.m.: Celebrate the grand opening of the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center at 542 E. Stuart Ave. Read more about the event here.
📌 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.
📌 Sun. Oct. 26 — 3 - 6 p.m.: Plane or Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport – Explore decorated planes, grab candy, and enjoy food trucks and a bounce house at this free, family-friendly Halloween event! (1755 Sessums Drive, Redlands) Read more here.
📌 Fri. Oct. 31– 4 - 7 p.m.: The city of Redlands will host its annual Olive Avenue Halloween Extravaganza, offering a safe and festive way for families to celebrate Halloween. Olive Avenue between Cajon and Center streets will close to traffic and transform into a lively block filled with trick-or-treating, inflatable bounce houses, food vendors, live entertainment and photo opportunities with costumed characters. Read more here.
📌 Sat. Nov. 1 – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: The A.K. Smiley Public Library invites residents to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away. The free, family-friendly event will feature music, art, food and cultural activities throughout the morning in Smiley Park and The Contemporary Club. Read more here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... Redlands Unified is partnering 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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