This week in Redlands news: A new report shows Inland Empire jobs in the warehouse sector have declined for six straight months, the City Council moves to streamline commissions, and local talent shines in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Redlands Bowl.
WAREHOUSES
Warehouse and transportation jobs on the decline in the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire is a national hub for the warehouse industry — but June marked the sixth straight month of job losses in the sector.
Transportation and logistics shed 900 jobs last month alone, part of a troubling trend analyzed by Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO).
The transportation and warehousing industry—covering shipping, distribution, and fulfillment—has added 47,000 jobs across the region over the past five years. But in 2025 alone, 26,000 of those jobs have vanished.
That steady erosion is now helping to push the region’s unemployment rate higher. In June, the Inland Empire’s rate jumped to 5.3%, up from 4.7% in May. The 0.6-point increase outpaced California’s modest rise (+0.1%) and ran counter to the national rate, which fell slightly to 4.1%.
The losses come as Redlands approved two new distribution warehouses over the past year, even as the city leaders consider a possible ban on future warehouse development.
Read more about the job report and industry trends here:
Kathryne Mccann
🧑⚖️ City Council moves to streamline commissions: The Redlands City Council voted unanimously July 15 to begin overhauling the city’s commissions, boards, and committees. Proposed changes include shifting most meetings to a quarterly schedule, setting standard agendas, and introducing term limits. A final vote is expected in September, with updates taking effect in early 2026. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚨 Weekly Crime Report: Redlands police recovered multiple stolen vehicles from a Barton Road apartment complex, investigated two armed incidents downtown, and responded to ongoing copper wire thefts disrupting service in San Timoteo Canyon. Also in this week’s report, hikers rescued in Live Oak Canyon. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚒 Fire State 262 Grand Opening Planned: After over a year of renovations, Fire Station 262 at 1690 Garden St. is set to reopen with a public event 4pm on Aug. 6. The upgraded facility features remodeled dorms and restrooms designed to support a diverse workforce. Community members are invited to tour the station, meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. Read more about the renovation here.
Community Forward Redlands
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🎭 Redlands Bowl’s ‘Joseph’ blends heart, tech and hometown talent: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat promises a high-energy, family-friendly show featuring dazzling costumes, cutting-edge tech and deep community ties. With a cast of 40, a live orchestra and choreography that spans decades of dance styles, the summer musical, which opened yesterday, is shaping up to be one of the Bowl’s most seamless productions yet. Meet the cast and crew here.
Dave Card
🎶 Redlands Bowl workshops celebrate 50 years of music and magic: This year marks half a century of The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival's free children’s workshops, offering hands-on experiences with a wide range of performers. Held at the Contemporary Club and Redlands Community Center, the sessions welcome hundreds of local families for 45 minutes of music, movement and interactive fun. A special passport program lets kids ages 4–12 earn prizes for attending multiple sessions. Read more here.
Shantell Sunderman
🍸 Redlands bartenders to compete at Chamber Cocktail Competition: Twelve local bars and restaurants will compete on 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 next year’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Read more for details on how to register.
Community Forward Redlands
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SPORTS
🏈 Redlands High 1979 football team to reunite: The 1979 Redlands High Terriers, who went 11-3 and made a memorable playoff run before falling to Edison in the CIF-SS title game, will gather for a reunion at quarterback Pat Hafley’s home on Saturday. The team defeated several powerhouse Catholic schools that season and remains a cherished part of Redlands sports history. Read more about the team and upcoming sports events here.
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Sat. July 26, ANCA Repair Cafe comes to A.K. Smiley Library: Have any broken items that can be repaired or reused? Bring them to the Assembly Room at A.K. Smiley Library between 9 and 12 p.m. where skilled volunteers are available to fix them for free. To pre-register for the event, sign up online here.
Contributor
📌 Sat. July 26, Foamy fun comes to Martinez Park: Get ready for bubbles, foam zones, lawn games and music at this free family event hosted by Redlands Recreation. The celebration runs from 4–6 p.m. and towels and play clothes are recommended! Register here.
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Tues. July 29, Chicago's Pack Drumline brings the beat to Redlands Bowl: The high-energy Pack Drumline, the official drumline for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and Sky, will bring their signature mix of show-stopping beats, choreography and visual flair to the Redlands Bowl.
📌 Sun. Aug 3, Back2School Jam aims to equip 1,000 students: Micah House is teaming up with 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.
📌 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.
📌 Fri. Aug. 8, Footlighters Theatre kicks off its 2025-26 season with The Curious Savage, a whimsical and heartfelt comedy. Ticket information here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... The historic Redlands Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is now accepting applications for its Summer 2025 Docent Training Class. Docents will learn how to guide guests through the iconic 128-year-old mansion all while sharing its rich history. For information about the training sessions, read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
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