This week in Redlands news:
- Yucaipa council approves 2 million-square-foot warehouse near Live Oak Canyon; residents mobilize to overturn decision.
- Redlands Unified seeks volunteers for new book review committee under stricter library content rules.
- Police arrest 18-year-old Fontana woman in weekend drive-by shooting that left a Redlands teen hospitalized.
- Redlands Meals on Wheels celebrates 55 years of service.
- Redlands East Valley celebrates the grand opening of Wildcat Stadium with a home-field victory.
Yucaipa council approves 2 million-square-foot warehouse off Live Oak Canyon Road
Redlands and Yucaipa residents mobilize final effort to stop the project.
The Yucaipa City Council voted 4-1 Monday to approve an update to the Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, clearing the way for the Pacific Oaks Commerce Center — a two-building warehouse and office complex totaling more than 2 million square feet at the mouth of Live Oak Canyon.
The council’s decision certifies an environmental report, adopts new land-use policies for the 1,242-acre corridor, and grants a conditional use permit for the project. The update also adds 25 housing units and shifts some project approvals to city staff. Because it involves a zoning change, the ordinance must return for a second reading.
Supporters, including Mayor Jon Thorp and Councilmember Bob Miller, said the warehouse represents a long-term investment to diversify Yucaipa’s tax base and address financial needs. “We can’t kick this can down the road anymore… This is our legacy,” Miller said, contrasting the project with short-term gains like a new grocery store.
Opponents, including Mayor Pro Tem Chris Venable and dozens of residents, warned of truck traffic, pollution and loss of open space. Venable said the $35 million in promised infrastructure is overstated and argued the city has been “repeatedly misled by the warehouse developer and staff.”
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
📢 Immediately following the decision, Redlands and Yucaipa residents began mobilizing to overturn the decision. Organizers with Friends of Live Oak Canyon and Yucaipa Preservation Society have launched a fundraising drive to place a referendum on the November ballot, arguing the project will forever alter the rural character of Live Oak Canyon.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
CITY HALL
Redlands City Council will meet Sept. 2 to consider a $1.49 million sewer pipeline replacement, contracts for sidewalks and wastewater services, and approvals for in-kind support for fall events including Oktoberfest, the Believe Walk and the Dog Jog. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
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EDUCATION
📚 Redlands Unified is seeking volunteers for a new book review committee following the adoption of stricter library material rules: Members will help evaluate challenged books, using a district rubric to guide recommendations. Applications are due Friday, Aug. 29. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🏈 Redlands East Valley High celebrates grand opening of Wildcat Stadium: The packed student section, alumni and families helped create an electric atmosphere as the Wildcats took the field for their first full home game experience. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
PUBLIC SAFETY
💧Boil water notice issued this week for Redlands and Mentone neighborhoods: About 200 households are affected after two water main breaks on Tuesday caused a loss of pressure. Boil water notices are issued as a precaution when water lines lose pressure because of the potential for contamination. Officials estimate the order will remain in place for up to 72 hours while officials complete multiple water quality tests. Bottled water is available at Trinity Church until the notice is lifted. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚨 Redlands police arrest woman in drive-by shooting case: An 18-year-old Fontana woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a shooting that injured a 16-year-old boy on Aug. 23. Police say Rebecca Marie Garcia was identified by the victim before undergoing surgery and is now being held without bail. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚔 UPDATE: Leaders of a Hemet-based religious group were arrested as detectives investigating the 2023 disappearance of Emilio Salem Ghanem seized illegal firearms and electronics in a series of raids across Southern California. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚔 DUI checkpoint set for Friday night in Redlands: Police will conduct a checkpoint Aug. 29 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location to target impaired drivers. Officials remind the public that impairment can come from alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Redlands Meals on Wheels celebrates 55 years of service
The volunteer-run nonprofit continues to deliver hot and cold meals to homebound residents, offering not just food but also wellness checks and companionship.
With 60 volunteers, 41 clients and a strong reliance on local donations, the group remains committed to serving anyone in Redlands who needs nutrition.
When Community Forward Redlands joined Meals on Wheels for a delivery day, volunteers brought a hot meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables, along with a cold bag containing milk, applesauce and a cookie.
Read more about the organization and how to support their work here.
Siw Heede
🎨 Redlands Art Association features Rudolph Vessup this September: Known for his uplifting circle-themed paintings and geometric abstractions, Vessup draws inspiration from family, music and great artists like Picasso and Pollock. His work will be on display from August 30 through September 26, with an Open House to meet the artist on September 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. Read more here.
Siw Heede
SPORTS
🏈 REV Wildcats defeat California Military Institute 63-7 at new stadium: Quarterback Isaac Vitela threw for 289 yards and five touchdowns, sophomore Myles Kirkland hauled in three scores, and the Wildcats dominated on both sides of the ball for a statement win. Read more here.
John Murphy
⚾ Redlands area schools welcome new coaches with strong resumes and inspiring stories: Daren Espinoza takes the helm at Colton High baseball, bringing a tough, no-nonsense style and a remarkable personal journey overcoming cancer, while Tyra Faimalo, a former REV player, is set to lead the REV girls basketball program focusing on player development and life skills. Read more here.
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Sat. Aug. 30: STEAM Saturdays: Tissue Paper Collage at the San Bernardino County Museum
📌 Tue. Sept. 2: Redlands City Council Meeting. Read more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 6 - 1 to 4 p.m.: Meet artist Rudolph Vessup during an Open House at the Redlands Art Association. Vessup will talk about his show Circles of Life, Love and Everything in Between. Read more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 6 - 7:30 pm: The Redlands Symphony: Finding Joy with Kalena Bovell, Conducting Finalist, Artina McCain, Piano. Read more here.
📌 Tue. Sept. 9 - 5:30 pm: 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.
📌 Wed. Sept. 17: ANCA's Resilient Living Speaker Series will highlight the new Redlands Climate Action Plan (CAP). City Sustainability Coordinator, Kaitlyn Haberlin, will explain the CAP’s key strategies for reducing carbon emissions.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... the Redlands Symphony is inviting the community to see Music Director finalists in concert this fall. Three candidates — Kalena Bovell, Deanna Tham and Roger Kalia — will each conduct the orchestra in upcoming concerts, giving Redlands audiences a chance to help shape the future of the symphony. Read more and check out concert dates by clicking here.
Siw Heede
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