RUSD Confronts Campus Hate, Coyote Aviation Dispute Continues, Climate Action Day and REV Wins Again
District’s diversity coordinator outlines data, prevention efforts and support strategies in board presentation praised by trustees
Board passes Title IX resolution 3-2 encouraging new rules to ‘ensure fairness and equal opportunity’
RUSD Confronts Campus Hate, Coyote Aviation Dispute Continues, Climate Action Day and REV Wins Again
District’s diversity coordinator outlines data, prevention efforts and support strategies in board presentation
Following a rise in reported racial slurs on local campuses, Redlands Unified’s Diversity and Equity Coordinator, NaChé Thompson, gave a thorough update on how the district is responding at this week’s school board meeting.
The presentation came in the wake of reported racist incidents at local elementary schools and followed a public statement by Superintendent Juan Cabral condemning the use of hate speech on school grounds.
“When we talk about equity in Redlands Unified, we mean every student has the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential,” Thompson said. “That includes feeling safe, supported, and like they belong.”
Thompson said that since the start of the school year, 65 students have been documented using racial slurs against peers. The slurs have targeted multiple racial groups and were formally logged in the district’s student information system.
Thompson detailed the district’s equity efforts, including targeted data analysis, site-based support and the rollout of 'No Hate Zone' lessons. Trustees praised her leadership as she emphasized the urgent need to ensure all students feel safe, included and supported.
Read the full story on how RUSD is confronting hate speech and working to close its belonging gap here.
🏛️ Title IX Resolution Sparks Division at RUSD Meeting: The Redlands Unified School Board passed a symbolic resolution this week urging athletic organizations to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports—a move that drew nearly three hours of public comment and renewed deep community divides. The resolution does not change district policy or state law but has prompted questions about priorities, legality and inclusion. Read what the resolution says, how the district responded and what’s next for the board. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🌎 Planning Commission Reviews Climate Action Plan Strategies: The Redlands Planning Commission reviewed proposed updates to the city's Climate Action Plan during a study session April 22, focusing on strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050. While commissioners generally supported the plan’s goals, several raised concerns about a measure that would require energy upgrades for residential remodels. Residents also weighed in, calling for stronger action on climate change and more support for infill development. The updated Climate Action Plan is expected to head to the City Council for review on June 17. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🏬 Business license compliance: The City of Redlands plans to implement a Business License Amnesty and Compliance Program to address hundreds of businesses operating without proper licensing. The compliance program represents the city's first active business license enforcement effort since 2017, aiming to help businesses achieve compliance without penalty burdens. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🚔 After officer’s death, union pushes for action: The Redlands Police Officers Association is calling on the city to resolve two workers’ compensation claims filed by Officer Seth Franklin before his death. Franklin, who passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer, left behind a wife and two young sons. At issue is whether his illness and back injury qualify as job-related under California law—a finding that could provide his family with financial and health benefits. City officials say they are exploring all legal options, while the union has launched a public call for support. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
⚖️ Judge sanctions Redlands, slams legal tactics in Coyote Aviation dispute: A Superior Court judge blasted the City of Redlands for "purposefully misconstruing" legal inquiries in its battle with Coyote Aviation, ordering the city to answer 21 disputed questions and pay $2,450 in sanctions. The judge warned both sides to resolve their discovery disputes — or risk court intervention. Read more here.
Contributor
🛫 FAA withdraws airspace expansion near Redlands Airport: A proposal to expand controlled airspace around San Bernardino International Airport has been withdrawn after strong public opposition from pilots and aviation advocates. The changes would have extended Class D and Class E airspace into the vicinity of Redlands Municipal Airport, raising safety concerns. The FAA cited potential conflicts with REI traffic and acknowledged that future designs will take these comments into consideration. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚓 Weekly Crime Report: Shootings, Drug Busts and Storage Unit Theft: Redlands police responded to a packed weekend of criminal activity — arresting a man caught breaking into storage units, investigating two separate shootings, and recovering a ghost gun after a 26-mile pursuit. Officers also made multiple drug-related arrests and investigated a residential burglary while the victim was asleep inside. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🎪 Step Right Up! The YMCA's 'Circus Fantasy' Is Here!
Experience the magic of Circus Fantasy, this year’s production of The Great Y Circus ® —Redlands' own youth circus held every May! This year’s show will take you on a tour of a mythical world filled with legendary creatures and beasts from long-lost tales, brought to life by performers as young as 3 years old.
For the Starr family, the Redlands Y Circus isn’t just a community tradition — it’s where their story began. Megan and Phil Starr met in the circus as kids, became lifelong friends and eventually built a family that now includes four young performers. In part two of our behind-the-scenes series, read how generations of circus kids find trust, teamwork and a second home in the ring.
Siw Heede
🎟️ Tickets are available for purchase only at the Redlands YMCA front desk: 500 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA 92373
🏆 Redlands teachers honored for excellence at annual celebration: Five Redlands Unified educators were honored at this year's Teachers of Excellence event, where students, colleagues, and community members shared heartfelt stories of the teachers’ impact. Hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the celebration featured personal tributes from former students and surprise observations from a standout seventh grader. Read more here.
🎓 University of Redlands alumni pay it forward: Addie and Pete Pedersen have established a $100,000 endowed scholarship at the University of Redlands, inspired by the full-ride Addie received more than 60 years ago. The Pedersen Family Endowed Scholarship began supporting students this school year—starting with Johnston Center freshman Kate Woodhall. Read the story of how a chance connection led to a life-changing gift and a new legacy. Read more here.
Julie Farren
🎨 Featured Artist Spotlight: Pat Meeker at the Redlands Art Association: Watercolors, collages, and over 30 years of creative passion — artist Pat Meeker returns as the featured artist at the Redlands Art Association Gallery, now through May 9. Known for her imaginative style and love of nature, Meeker’s work blends realism with abstract expression. Meet the artist during a special open house on Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. Read more here.
Siw Heede
The Redlands East Valley High softball team scored early and often on Thursday to defeat host Redlands 12-3.
The Wildcats scored five first-inning runs to seize control and then cruised to victory.
Alaena Martinez drove in two runs with a single in the first, while Juliane Legaspi contributed a run-scoring single, and Jadah Nordby drove in a run with a groundout.
Read more from sports writer John Murphy here.
John Murphy
⚾ REV edges Yucaipa: The Redlands East Valley High baseball team lives dangerously. The Wildcats, winning their sixth one-run game (out of 11 played) defeated Yucaipa 4-3 on Tuesday in a Citrus Belt League game. Read more here.
John Murphy
✍️ Decoding Baseball Lingo, REV Stadium Update, and More: From hilarious baseball fan translations to big news at Redlands East Valley High, this week’s sports column by John Murphy covers it all. REV’s long-awaited stadium is finally complete, the Wildcats are heating up on the baseball field, and Redlands High boys volleyball faced a tough loss. Plus, a nod to NFL Draft season and a local athlete’s college commitment. Catch up on all the action here.
John Murphy
📌 Sat. April 26, 8:30 am - 11:30 am - Free Chipping Event: s part of its ongoing wildfire preparedness efforts, the Redlands Fire Department will host a free drive-thru Chipper Day on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Kimberly Elementary School, 301 W. South Ave. Read more here.
📌 Sat. April 26, 10 am - 2pm - Prescription Drug Take Back Day: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members can anonymously drop off unwanted or unused medications at the Gonzales Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Read more 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.
📌 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.
🌎 Celebrate Earth Day in Redlands!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and take action for the planet! Join the community for A Day of Climate Action on Saturday, April 26, featuring hands-on projects, workshops, a Repair Café, and a free festival at Smiley Park.
Find a project and get involved: Redlands Earth Day 2025
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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