This week in Redlands news:
- RUSD School Board passed a new book removal policy after months of heated debate.
- Unemployment rates increased in the month of July across the Inland Empire.
- The search for Redlands Symphony’s next conductor culminates in three performances led by the three finalists.
- Football season is upon us. Check out the Citrus Belt League teams and a look ahead to REV's stadium grand opening tonight.
EDUCATION
Redlands Unified Board passes controversial book removal policy
After months of contentious debate and hours of tense public discussion, the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education voted on Aug. 19 to approve a sweeping revision to its library materials complaint policy, creating a new process for challenging, and in some cases immediately removing, library and media center materials deemed inappropriate.
The measure passed on a split vote, with Board Members Candy Olson, President Michele Rendler and Clerk Jeannette Wilson in favor while Vice President Patty Holohan and Board Member Melissa Ayala-Quintero opposed.
The new rules give parents, guardians, students, district residents and staff the ability to formally challenge books and other materials in school libraries. If the complaint alleges sexual content, the material can be pulled from shelves while it is under review.
Kathryne Mccann
CITY HALL
🔥 Redlands expands wildfire hazard zones, completes protections at key sites: Last month, the City Council formally introduced an ordinance adopting the state’s expanded wildfire hazard map. Fire Marshal Vincent Anderson confirmed that defensible space has been completed around critical infrastructure, including Helen Court and the Tate Water Treatment Plant. The fire department is also working with state insurance officials to ensure Redlands’ mitigation efforts are reflected in coverage models. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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PUBLIC SAFETY
🚨 Parents arrested in case of missing Cabazon infant: Jake and Rebecca Haro, the parents of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, were arrested Friday morning at their Cabazon home on suspicion of murder, authorities said. Emmanuel was reported missing Aug. 14 in Yucaipa, and investigators say the search for him will continue. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚔 This week in the crime report: A 71-year-old bicyclist was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a car on Orange Street near the Santa Ana River wash. Police also arrested two juveniles in a stolen vehicle case — one found with a loaded, un-serialized handgun — and made a DUI arrest after a two-vehicle crash downtown. Plus, burglars targeted Carolyn’s Café and El Pollo Loco in separate overnight break-ins. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
BUSINESS
📈 Inland Empire unemployment ticks up: The region’s jobless rate rose to 5.7% in July, reflecting statewide and national trends. Despite the uptick, private-sector employment grew in several industries, led by transportation, warehousing and health care. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
The search for Redlands Symphony’s next conductor takes center stage
Three finalists will take the podium this fall as part of the Redlands Symphony’s 2025–26 season, giving the community a front-row seat in the search for its next music director. The position was left open after the retirement of beloved conductor Ransom Wilson.
The candidates are Kalena Bovell (Sept. 6), Deanna Tham (Oct. 11) and Roger Kalia (Nov. 15). Each will spend a week in Redlands rehearsing, performing and connecting with the community before a new leader is chosen in 2026.
Siw Heede
SPORTS
🏈 Citrus Belt League football season preview: Learn more about the Citrus Belt League teams as the 2025 football season approaches. From returning champions to fresh starts, see how each squad stacks up before kickoff. Read more here.
John Murphy
🏟 This week in sports: The Redlands East Valley girls flag football team is off to a scorching 8-0 start, outscoring opponents 260–10 behind standout sophomore quarterback Charlotte Cox. REV also celebrates a milestone tonight with the grand opening of its long-awaited on-campus stadium at 7 p.m., following a pregame ceremony at 6:40. Meanwhile, Arrowhead Christian volleyball is 9-1, Beaumont football is ranked No. 3 in the area, and the University of Redlands opens its season Sept. 6. Read more in this week's sports round up here.
John Murphy
🏈 Arrowhead Christian Academy football: Arrowhead Christian Academy kicked off the 2025 season Thursday at Yucca Valley with a roster full of new faces, including quarterback Josh Rice and standout freshman running back Isaiah DeStigter. Coach Rod Robison says the focus will be on “moving the chains” as the Eagles look to build on last year’s 5-6 record in the Mesquite League. Read more here.
John Murphy
🗞️ Press row: Sunday strolls, sports & Redlands pride. In his latest column, John Murphy recounts a meandering Sunday walk with Mia the Wonder Dog, unexpected mishaps and encounters that capture the charm of Redlands. Along the way, he shares local sports tidbits from new coaching hires to standout athletes. Read more here:
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Fri. Aug. 22: Sparkles & Strings at Redlands Jewelers with the Redlands Symphony. Tickets
📌 Sat. Aug. 23: Bulldog Football Alumni, Family & Friends Day. University of Redlands football invites alumni, families and fans for a day of camaraderie and Bulldog pride. Enjoy a family tailgate and watch practice from 4:30–7 p.m., tour the fitness center and field house at 5:30 p.m. and join the “Inside the Huddle” program from 7–8 p.m.
📌 Sat. Aug. 30: Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live presents Glow-N-Fire. Tickets and info.
📌 Tues. Sept. 9: The Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome international theme park designer Thelma Muro as guest speaker for its Tuesday, Sept. 9, evening meeting. Read more here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... The Redlands’ Planning Commission approved a five-acre commercial project at 913 California Street, bringing a 90-room hotel, drive-through coffee shop and car wash to the East Valley Corridor. The development is expected to create about 40 local jobs and generate nearly $300,000 in annual surplus revenue for the city. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
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