This week in Redlands news:
- City Council approved a two-year budget and an $85 million financing package for major infrastructure projects.
- RUSD proposes a $126.4 million accountability plan aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening academic performance.
- Redlands firefighters responded to two major emergencies less than an hour apart Wednesday afternoon.
- Officials urge residents to attend the city-sanctioned fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, reminding residents fireworks remain illegal.
- Redlands will celebrate Juneteenth with a free community event at Sylvan Park on June 20.
CITY HALL
Redlands City Council approved a new two-year budget Tuesday and authorized up to $85 million in financing for major infrastructure projects, including a new police station, relocation of Fire Station No. 264 and library improvements.
City officials say revenue growth is slowing after several strong years, while costs tied to labor, inflation and capital projects continue to rise.
The budget also anticipates the city's acquisition of the Good Nite Inn transitional housing facility and operational costs for the new Museum of Redlands.
The budget vote also set the stage for a January discussion on future fire staffing and additional stations.
Read the full story for a breakdown of where the money is going and what projects were left unfunded.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚒 Redlands firefighters responded to an apartment fire on Kansas Street before assisting with a serious injury traffic collision at Texas Street and Lugonia Avenue less than an hour later on June 17. The apartment fire displaced five residents, while three people were injured in the crash. Fire officials say the back-to-back emergencies required mutual aid from neighboring agencies and highlighted the challenges of managing multiple major incidents at once. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🔥 Redlands firefighters assisted with suppression efforts on the Shore Fire burning in Riverside County. The wildfire, which started Monday, had grown to 3,085 acres and was 78% contained as of Thursday evening. Read more here.
🚓 A woman was robbed of nearly $5,000 in gold jewelry while leaving the downtown parking structure, according to Redlands police. The department's latest weekly update also details a stabbing at Sylvan Park, a shooting investigation, large juvenile disturbances at Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove, and several vehicle theft cases. Read more here.
🚓 The Redlands Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 19, at an undisclosed location. The locations are selected based on data identifying areas with a history of impaired driving-related crashes. Read more here.
EDUCATION
🎓 Redlands Unified has proposed a three-year accountability plan that would invest millions of dollars in academic support programs, counseling services, attendance initiatives and family engagement efforts. The plan outlines how the district intends to use state and local education funding to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve student outcomes across the district. Read more about the proposed LCAP here:
Kathryne Mccann
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎶 Redlands will celebrate Juneteenth with a free community event at Sylvan Park on June 20. The annual celebration includes live entertainment, cultural activities, food vendors and an interactive family history experience exploring ancestral connections and historical records.
CFR News Desk
🎆 Redlands officials are encouraging families to celebrate the nation's 250th Independence Day at the city's official firework show and other approved displays around the area. All fireworks remain illegal within city limits. Violators can face fines up to $1,000 per violation. Read more here:
CFR News Desk
🎶 The 103rd Summer Music Festival at the Redlands Bowl opens on Friday, June 19 with Yacht Rock Symphony featuring Ambrosia and John Ford Coley. Throughout the summer, audiences can enjoy patriotic pops, The Filharmonics, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and a fireworks finale. Plus, the Broadway musical Frozen will headline this season. See the full 2026 lineup and performance schedule here:
CFR News Desk
🎥 Accelerated Climate Action Now (ANCA) will host a free summer movie series at the University of Redlands featuring two films focused on environmental awareness and climate issues. The movies to be shown are The Human Element and Pixar's WALL-E. Read more here.
SPORTS
⚽️ Redlands FC returns home Saturday night with plenty on the line. After earning a 3-2 road win over the Southern California Eagles earlier this week, RFC will look to make it two wins in a row against the Eagles when the teams meet again Saturday at Dodge Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Read more here:
Caden Henderson
EVENTS
📅 This weekend in Redlands
Friday, June 19
- Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM. - Redlands Bowl Opening Night | 8 p.m.
Yacht Rock Symphony. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 20
- 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. - STEAM Summer Series: Rockets | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
San Bernardino County Museum invites families to this interactive science activity in their outdoor lab. Timed wristbands are required. More information. - Southern California in Film Series | 2-4 p.m.
The A.K. Smiley Public Library is screening the movie "The Graduate" as part of their film series honoring the region's rich cinematic legacy. - Juneteenth Celebration | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Redlands will host its ninth annual Juneteenth Celebration at Sylvan Park. - Redlands Football Club Home Game | 7 p.m.
Redlands FC vs. Southern California Eagles at Dodge Stadium. Ticket information here.
Sunday, June 21
- Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
Check out more Redlands events here.
ICYMI 👀
In case you missed it... The Downtown Morning Market is now open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays. The schedule change stems from a recent City Council decision to reduce parking impacts and city costs as officials explore third-party management and possible relocation of the market.
Kathryne Mccann
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