The current featured artist at The Redlands Art Association joined the association on a whim, a decision that lead her
Generations of performers find connection, trust, and lifelong friendships through the Redlands Y Circus — including one family that credits the program with bringing them together.
Proposed expansion near San Bernardino airport faced pushback over safety and noise concerns
$872K police settlement, Measure D school upgrades, Easter Bunny events, and The Great Y Circus returns May 2
Travis Martinez to retire within 10 days as part of agreement resolving his whistleblower claim. City Council approves deal in 3-2 closed-session vote.
The Redlands City Council voted 3-2 in closed session Tuesday night to approve a settlement agreement with Deputy Police Chief Travis Martinez, resolving the government claim he filed against the city in 2023.
Following closed session, the city attorney reported that under the agreement, Martinez will retire within 10 days and receive $871,956, in addition to his accrued leave and other accruals. The city also agreed to:
Both parties will release each other from any current or future claims.
City spokesperson Carl Baker provided the following statement by email on April 18:
"The Redlands City Council and Deputy Chief Travis Martinez have reached a settlement agreement that resolves current and future claims between them resulting in Deputy Chief Martinez’ retirement from the Redlands Police Department. The City Council action was publicly reported following closed session on April 15, 2025. A copy of the settlement agreement is available in the Redlands City Clerk’s Office."
Martinez’s attorney, Daniel Moussatche of Wagner, Zemming and Christiansen, wrote the following in an email to Community Forward Redlands following the decision:
"The City just gave up the best person to fix their deeply problematic police department. I can't understand why the City of Redlands would pay almost $1 million to force a conscientious and competent deputy chief of police who brought to light serious problems in the police department to leave his job. Travis Martinez is the type of public servant any City would want to have because he is the kind of man who fixes problems and doesn't cover them up. What a waste."
Mayor Mario Saucedo, Council Member Eddie Tejeda and Council Member Denise Davis voted in favor of the settlement, while Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw and Council Member Paul Barich opposed it.
Read more about the June 2023 claim filed by Martinez.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚧 City Council approves $2.3M increase for police facility: The Redlands City Council voted on April 15 to approve an increase to the total contract agreement with Holt Architects, Inc. for the design and construction management of the Redlands Police Department’s new Safety Hall Facility to $4.54 million. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🌳 Have your say on Redlands’ climate future: The Planning Commission will host a public study session Tuesday, April 22, at 4 p.m. to review updates to the city’s Climate Action Plan. City staff will share results from community workshops and surveys and invite residents to weigh in on proposed strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through 2035. The meeting takes place at City Council Chambers, 35 Cajon St. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚨 Weekly Crime Report: Vandalism, DUIs, and Gunfire Reports
Redlands police responded to a string of incidents last weekend, including swastikas spray-painted on a local church, two DUI crashes, a break-in near the University of Redlands, and separate reports of gunfire across the city. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
💊 Safely Dispose of Unused Medications: Got expired or unwanted prescriptions? Drop them off anonymously on Saturday, April 26, between 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Gonzales Community Center during National Drug Take Back Day. Hosted by the Redlands Police Department, DEA, and partners, this event helps keep medications out of the wrong hands and protects the environment. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚒 Clear Your Yard the Smart Way: The Redlands Fire Department is hosting a free drive-thru Chipper Day on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at Kimberly Elementary. Bring your trimmed branches (under 15" long or 10" wide) for on-site chipping—no bags of leaves or finished wood allowed. Redlands residents only. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🎪 Inside the Ring: Great Y Circus Launches 83rd Season with ‘Fantasy’
The Redlands YMCA’s beloved youth circus is back Friday, May 2! With nearly 300 performers, mythical creatures, and high-flying acts, Fantasy promises thrills for all ages.
🎟️ Tickets are available for purchase only at the YMCA Redlands front desk.
In part one of our behind-the-scenes series, we go inside the making of the show with director Emilie Gleisberg: Read more here.
Siw Heede
Redlands Unified serves more than 1,600 English learners speaking 56 different languages—and this month, the district’s English Learner Advisory Committee shared its annual progress report with the school board.
From improved reclassification rates to new tutoring requests and potential dual immersion programs, the committee’s work highlights the challenges and triumphs of multilingual education.
Plus: 200+ students will be honored with the State Seal of Biliteracy in 19 languages this year.
📚 Read how parents and teachers are shaping support services and what’s next for the district:
Kathryne Mccann
💰 RUSD approves first round of Measure D projects: The Redlands Unified School Board approved over $4.8 million in facility upgrades this week—including a new districtwide master plan and major roofing purchases—funded by the Measure D bond voters passed in November. Learn what’s being fixed first and what’s coming next. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
A once-overlooked wall in downtown Redlands has been transformed into a colorful tribute to the city’s most beloved landmarks, traditions and community spirit.
The recently unveiled “Greetings from Redlands” mural celebrates civic pride and identity through bold, postcard-style imagery. Painted by artist Frank A. Samaro III, the mural spans the north-facing wall of Viva La Boba at 501 Orange St. and features vivid scenes from across the city—from the Redlands Bowl to the YMCA Circus—each letter in “Redlands” filled with a different visual story.
Find out how this project came to life—and how it blends Redlands tradition with a modern twist: Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
REV stuns Cajon 3-2 in emotional Citrus Belt League showdown.
There were five runs scored, all in the eighth inning. There were three hit batsmen. There was a baserunner plunked in the helmet by an errant throw. And there were hurt feelings, the result of bad behavior.
When it was over Tuesday, Redlands East Valley had rallied for three runs in the final inning for the second consecutive day to again stun Cajon, 3-2.
Read more about the game and the drama from sports writer John Murphy here:
John Murphy
🏁 Redlands Bicycle Classic Crowns 2025 Champions: Thousands of fans lined the Sunset Loop to cheer on riders in the final stage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, where Alia Shafi and Eder Frayre claimed overall titles. Stage 5 wins went to Holly Breck and Scott McGill on a picture-perfect race day. Read the full recap and see who else made the podium:
John Murphy
🏆 A Legacy in Cleats and Character: Cajon High’s Richard Imbriani has spent nearly four decades shaping student-athletes on and off the field — and now he’s being honored as California’s Athletic Director of the Year. As he prepares to retire in 2026, the lifelong San Bernardino native and former University of Redlands football player reflects on a career rooted in mentorship, community, and the belief that sports teach far more than how to win.
Read the full story of Imbriani’s remarkable journey and lasting impact here:
Contributor
📌 April 11 - 27 - Tuesday with Morrie at Redlands Footlighters Theatre: The moving and powerful autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Ticket Information here.
📌 Sun. May 4, 7am - 11am - Stand Up to Sigma 5K: This family-friendly event is a great time for us to come together to stand up to mental health stigma. Sign up here.
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Tues. May 6, 6:30 pm - AAUW Branch Meeting: The Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women will host Anne Thorward, president of Newcomers Access Center, as guest speaker at its Tuesday, May 6, evening meeting. Register to attend the dinner at 5:30pm in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands. Read more here.
📌 Sun. May 25 - 6am - 6pm - Redlands Firefighters Car Show: Join us for a day of cars, food, and fun for the whole family all for an amazing cause. Show your car, truck, cycle, or special interest vehicle in the heart of beautiful Downtown Redlands while showing your support for our community. Enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshments, and shopping from local vendors. Register here.
📌 Sat - Sun, May 24 - 25 - Art in the Park and Youth Art Expo: The Redlands Art Association artists will be hanging their masterpieces on pegboards, A-frames and trellises in Smiley Park over Memorial Day weekend. Call for artists and more information here.
Looking for egg hunts and Bunny sightings? We’ve got you covered. From downtown Redlands to the Grove School farmers market and a sweet photo op at Lappert’s, here’s where to find free Easter fun for kids this weekend:
📸 Bunny & Friends at Downtown's Morning Market
Join the Easter Bunny, fairies, and gnomes for free photos and springtime magic at Ed Hales Park on Saturday, April 19, from 9 AM to 1 PM. No reservations needed.
🥚 Egg-Mazing Market Day
Stop by the Farmers Market at the Grove School for all the regular farmers and vendors plus a free event for kids with an egg hunt starting at 10:30 am, crafts, games and more Saturday, April 19, 8:00am to 12:00pm rain or shine (11126 Iowa Street).
🍦 Meet the Easter Bunny at Lappert’s Ice Cream
Swing by Lappert’s Ice Cream on Sunday, April 20, between 12 PM and 2 PM to snap free photos with the Easter Bunny. (206 E State St.)
Community Forward Redlands
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