A tribal Yuhaaviatam billboard along Interstate 10 in Yucaipa was defaced with an anti-Native Thanksgiving message. City officials condemned the vandalism and asked the public for tips.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 2, to consider grants aimed at addressing substance abuse and homelessness, changes to several advisory boards, and updates on fire safety. The council will also weigh in-kind support for holiday events, including the Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Orange Drop and Redlands Bowl’s “Christmas Under the Stars.”
Here’s how the meeting breaks down:
Closed Session
Before the public meeting, the council will hold a closed session, which is legally confidential except for any “reportable action” announced by the city attorney. Under California law, closed sessions cover sensitive matters such as litigation, human resources issues and property negotiations.
During the closed session beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 2, the council will:
Confer with legal counsel for existing litigation in Coyote Aviation v. City of Redlands.
Consent Calendar
The consent calendar groups together routine, non-controversial items for approval in a single vote, unless a council member pulls an item for separate discussion or a public comment is submitted.
On this agenda, highlights include:
Acceptance of a $15,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente to support substance abuse prevention outreach and fund a limited-term, part-time outreach coordinator for up to two years.
Approval of the final map for a housing tract at the northeast corner of Eureka Street and Stuart Avenue.
Extension of the city's contract with RRM Design Group through June 2026 so they can continue creating standard Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design plans for the community.
Approval of $35,000 of in-kind support for the Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Orange Drop celebration and necessary street closures.
Approval of around $5,800 for street closures needed for the Redlands Bowl’s “Christmas Under the Stars” event on Dec. 12, 2025.
Adoption of a resolution to formally receive its yearly report on city-owned surplus property.
Public Hearing
Public hearings are formal opportunities for residents to speak on specific items that legally require public input before the council can take action. These often involve land use decisions, budgets, fees, tax-related measures and environmental or development reviews. The council must open the hearing, allow public comment, then close the hearing before voting.
A public hearing will be held to consider adopting updated statewide building rules. If approved, this ordinance would update Redlands’ construction standards to match the 2025 California Building Codes. These codes cover everything from residential and commercial construction to electrical, plumbing, energy efficiency and green building practices, as well as rules for older or historic buildings.
New Business
The new business section addresses larger or more complex topics requiring individual council discussion and action.
Highlights include:
Council will consider reducing the number of members and switch to quarterly meetings for several advisory boards and commissions, including Airport, Parks & Recreation, Utilities/Public Works, Traffic & Parking, Cultural Arts, Citrus Preservation and Human Relations. (K-1)
The city will consider replacing the current Street Tree Committee with a formal Street Tree Commission and transfer existing members over, giving the group more authority and a clearer role. (K-2)
Acceptance of a $2 million state grant to be shared with local nonprofit partners aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance-use disorders or involvement with the criminal justice system. (K-3)
The Fire Department is requesting approval to use about $31,773 in reserve funds and move forward with buying a new brush fire engine and a water tender truck for about $1.33 million to improve wildfire response. (K-4)
Adoption of the latest 2025 fire safety standards to keep local fire regulations aligned with updated state and national codes. (K-5)
Revisions to safety rules for wildfire-prone land, replacing an older version from 2008 to improve fire protections in high-risk zones. (K-6)
Council will consider appointing Ray Casey as Interim Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director. (K-7)
5:00 p.m. Meeting open for public comment before closed session 6:00 p.m. Open Session
City Council Chambers 35 Cajon Street Redlands, California
To join via Zoom: Visit www.zoom.us, click Join a Meeting Enter Meeting ID: 896 2789 8341 Audio-only Zoom access: Dial 1-877-853-5247, then enter the Meeting ID
Kathryne is a journalist and creative writer who has contributed to CFR since 2023. When she isn't reporting, she can be found curled up with a thick fantasy book.
