This week in Redlands news: A local school board member is under fire for her social media activity, Loma Linda University Medical Center ranks first in the Riverside-San Bernardino area and Redlands High 1979 football team reunites.
EDUCATION
Trustee Candy Olson faces resignation demands over social media activity
Together for Redlands says Olson engaged with “violent, racist, homophobic, antisemitic and ableist” memes on Instagram and calls her conduct incompatible with public service. Olson denies endorsing the content.
A local parent and advocacy group is calling for the resignation of Redlands Unified School District Board Member Candy Olson after uncovering her interactions with a meme account that has posted racist, homophobic, antisemitic and ableist content.
The group, Together for Redlands, launched a public campaign Monday, alleging that Olson has “liked and shared” content from the account over the past several months. Community Forward Redlands independently verified that Olson’s private Instagram profile has liked multiple posts from the account, which frequently shares politically charged memes targeting marginalized groups and promoting far-right ideology.
As of Friday morning, more than 1,300 letters had been sent to the school board through the group’s Action Network campaign.
In a statement emailed to Community Forward Redlands on Monday, Olson said her personal social media activity has been "misinterpreted or taken out of context."
Read the full story here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
CITY HALL
🚗 Measure I continues to help fund transportation upgrades in Redlands: City Council recently received an update on Measure I, the half-cent countywide sales tax that funds local transportation improvements. Redlands receives about $2 million each year to help repave streets, improve traffic signals and support Metrolink’s Arrow Line. To learn more about the projects Measure I has supported, keep reading here.
Kathryne Mccann
PUBLIC SAFETY
🌎 A cluster of small earthquakes shake the Inland Empire: A series of quakes jolted Southern California Thursday morning, with the strongest—a magnitude 4.3—striking near Muscoy around 9:30 a.m. A 3.1 tremor followed minutes later near Rialto, and earlier quakes measuring 3.0 and 2.8 also hit the area. No major damage or injuries were reported.
Community Forward Redlands
🚓 Weekly Crime Report: 7-Eleven employee assaulted, DUI crashes and hit-and-run downtown. Redlands police are investigating a robbery at the Lugonia Avenue 7-Eleven where two teens assaulted an employee during an attempted theft. Also in this week’s report: multiple DUI arrests after early-morning crashes. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎨 Redlands Art Association features Martha Cowan and James Bowden in August gallery show: The Redlands Art Association is showcasing longtime members Martha Cowan and James Bowden as August’s featured artists. Cowan, a painter and retired art teacher, brings expressive still lifes and desert-inspired landscapes to the walls. Bowden, a silversmith and flintknapper, presents jewelry crafted from locally sourced stones and glass enamel. The show runs August 2–29, with an open house and artist meet-and-greet Saturday, Aug. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the RAA gallery, 215 E. State St. To learn more about the artists, read more here:
Siw Heede
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HEALTH
🏥 Loma Linda University Medical Center ranked best in Riverside-San Bernardino metro area: The U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals report placed LLUMC among the top 13% of hospitals nationwide. It earned high-performing marks in 14 adult procedures and national recognition in obstetrics and gynecology, gastroenterology and urology. Read more here:
Kathryne Mccann
🔌 Support the Grid, Earn Bill Credits with Power Saver Rewards: The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the California Public Utilities Commission to bring Power Saver Rewards to our community—a free program that helps protect California’s power grid during summer heat waves. By voluntarily reducing energy use during Flex Alerts (typically 4–9 p.m.), residents can earn automatic credits on their electricity bills while helping ensure reliable service for everyone, especially vulnerable populations. Learn more here.
Contributor
SPORTS
🏈 Redlands High 1979 football team reunites nearly half a century after legendary run: Members of Redlands High School’s 1979 football team reunited Saturday at quarterback Pat Hafley’s home to remember their historic season. The Terriers went 11-3 that year, defeating Mater Dei, Loyola and St. Francis to reach the CIF title game. Though they fell to powerhouse Edison, players fondly remembered the playoff run, their late coach Paul Womack and the bonds built on and off the field. Read more here:
John Murphy
⚾ Western Regional Little League tournament returns to San Bernardino: The Western Regional Little League tournament kicks off Aug. 2–8 at Al Houghton Stadium in San Bernardino. The event includes the West, Northwest and Mountain Region tournaments. Opening games begin Saturday and Sunday, with teams from California, Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska and more competing for a spot in the Little League World Series. Games are open to fans and aired on ESPN. Read more here:
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Fri. Aug 1: State Street Ballet presents The Jungle Book at the Redlands Bowl: This iconic coming-of-age story comes alive in a visually stunning showcase.
📌 Sun. Aug 3: Back2School Jam: Micah House is teaming up with the Redlands Police Department, city of Redlands and local partners to host its annual Back2School Jam on Sunday, Aug. 3, at Sylvan Park. This free event provides backpacks and essential school supplies to local families. Attendees will also enjoy a community celebration and chances to win bicycles. Read more here.
📌 Tues. Aug 5: Bee Gees Gold brings disco classics to Redlands Bowl: Recreating the iconic Bee Gees sound, this show will feature early hits such as "Massachusetts" along with fan favorites like "Stayin' Alive" and "More Than a Woman."
📌 Wed. Aug 6: Redlands to celebrate Fire Station 262 reopening: After over a year of renovations, Fire Station 262 at 1690 Garden St. is set to reopen with a public event on Aug. 6 from 4 - 6pm. Read more here.
📌 Thurs. Aug 7: Redlands Unified School District welcomes students back to school.
📌 Fri. Aug 8: Footlighters Theatre kicks off its 2025-26 season with The Curious Savage, a whimsical and heartfelt comedy. Ticket information here.
📌 Fri. Aug 8: Emmy nominee Michael Londra, the voice of Riverdance on Broadway, will perform at the Redlands Bowl: Expect a night filled with Celtic music, dance and breathtaking footage of Ireland.
📌 Tues., Aug. 12: Planning Commission meets at 4 p.m., Redlands City Hall
📌 Thurs. Aug. 21: Redlands bartenders to compete at Chamber Cocktail Competition Twelve local bars and restaurants will compete Aug. 21 at the Mitten Building to create Redlands’ official 2026 Orange Drop cocktail. Hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the event features mocktails and cocktails crafted to reflect the city’s spirit, with attendees voting for a People’s Choice winner. The winning drink will debut at the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Fri. Aug. 22: Sparkles & Strings at Redlands Jewelers with the Redlands Symphony. Tickets
ICYMI
In case you missed it... Redlands is creating a collection of pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans in four architectural styles—Craftsman, California Ranch, Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern—paired with three floor plan options. The initiative aims to remove financial and bureaucratic barriers and promote more local housing. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
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