Redlands News: June 20, 2025

LATEST

*Demonstrators gather on the corner of Orange Street and Redlands Blvd in Downtown Redlands, June 14, 2025 to protest President Trump. (Photo: Dave Card)*

Redlands joins nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest against Trump policies

Hundreds rallied at Peace Corner as part of a national day of protest involving 2,000 demonstrations across all 50 states.

Redlands, a city President Trump made gains in the 2024 election, became a stage for protest on June 14 as hundreds gathered at Peace Corner to join thousands nationwide for “No Kings Day”—a coordinated demonstration against what organizers describe as rising authoritarianism under President Trump.

The Redlands protest began at the intersection of Orange Street and Redlands Boulevard and extended along both streets, with some estimates placing the crowd above 1,000.

Read more about the demonstration in downtown Redlands here:

CITY HALL

🏡 Redlands approves free pre-approved ADU designs: Redlands homeowners looking to build a backyard unit may soon have access to free, permit-ready design plans. The city has approved a contract with RRM Design Group to create pre-approved architectural plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), part of a broader effort to boost housing options and reduce construction barriers. The designs will include a variety of styles and floor plans, from studio units to two-bedrooms, all compliant with city and state codes. Plans are expected to be available at no cost to residents by the end of 2025. Read more here.

🍊 MOR transferred to city: After more than two decades of planning, Redlands has officially accepted ownership of the Museum of Redlands, a $30 million, 24,000-square-foot cultural facility gifted by the Redlands Historical Museum Association (RHMA). The Museum of Redlands (MOR), located at 700 Brookside Avenue, represents the culmination of years of community fundraising and partnership to create a home for Redlands history. Read more here.

🌳 🍦 Texonia Park is getting a makeover — and your voice matters: The city of Redlands is planning a renovation of Texonia Park, and they want your input. Join Parks and Recreation staff on Wednesday, June 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Texonia Park (1321 Texas St.) for a casual community gathering with free ice cream and a chance to share your ideas. Residents have already voiced opinions through surveys and on social media. This is your chance to weigh in before plans take shape. Read more here.

EDUCATION

📚 School board delays vote on racism resolution: Redlands Unified School Board declined to adopt a new anti-racism resolution at its June 10 meeting, opting instead to explore a unified statement that reflects the current board’s views. Of the 40 people who spoke during public comment, most urged the board to reaffirm the district’s 2020 resolution, developed after George Floyd’s murder. Read the full breakdown here.

🍊 Community Forward Redlands is locally owned and reader-supported. We don’t have a paywall because we believe quality local news should be accessible to everyone. But we can't do it alone. Can you pitch in $5/month to help sustain independent journalism in Redlands?

Learn more

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 Mentone man arrested in Redlands PD child pornography investigation: Read more here.

🚨 Weekly Crime Report: Redlands police arrested a 19-year-old man after three runaway teens reported being drugged and assaulted at a local motel. Officers also responded to gunfire at the Redlands Mall, a robbery outside 24-Hour Fitness, and a rock-throwing incident on Orange Street. Read more here.

💰 Need a safe spot for Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace pickups? The Redlands Police Department offers a 24/7 monitored e-commerce exchange zone outside its main station at 1270 W. Park Ave. Whether you're meeting a buyer from OfferUp or selling through Facebook Marketplace, the video-surveilled parking lot provides a safer alternative to meeting at a stranger’s home or an unfamiliar location. Learn more about how to stay safe during in-person transactions. Read more here.

⚽ Redlands FC Home Stand: 2 Big Games. 1 Big Goal.
The playoff push is on — and Redlands FC needs you in the stands!

Catch all the action as RFC takes on two of the Southwest Division’s top teams right here at Dodge Stadium:
📅 Friday, June 21 vs. FC Tucson
📅 Thursday, June 27 vs. Ventura County FC

Let’s pack the stands and fuel the playoff run.
🎟️ Get your tickets now:

Buy RFC Tickets

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Redlands Footlighters Community Theatre looks to the future

One of Redlands’ oldest arts institutions is launching a bold new chapter—and they’re asking the community to help make it possible.

With ambitious renovation plans and a benefit show on the horizon, the Redlands Footlighters is raising funds to upgrade its historic venue and preserve its 80-year legacy for future generations.

The benefit show “A Poirot Double Bill” by Agatha Christie is happening next weekend: Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m. with a mixer an hour before showtime.

A look at the renovation plans and how to get tickets to the fundraising event here:

🎎 New Japanese Cultural Center Launches With Weekend Events
Redlands is now home to a new hub for Japanese arts and culture. The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center, located at 542 E. Stuart Ave., is kicking off its programming with two events this weekend: a women’s self-defense workshop and a taiko drum performance. Founded by local artists and martial arts instructors Sabro Foster and Kevin Seishiro Suzuki, the nonprofit center will offer classes in judo, karate, origami, and more — with plans for a mural, garden, and future art exhibitions. The community is invited to attend and get involved ahead of the center’s grand opening this summer. Learn more here.

HEALTH

🥵 New score heat map: As triple-digit temperatures loom across California, state officials have launched a new online tool aimed at protecting residents from the growing threat of extreme heat. CalHeatScore, developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), provides localized heat severity forecasts by ZIP code and connects users to resources such as nearby cooling centers, safety tips, and guidance tailored to vulnerable groups like older adults, children, and outdoor workers. Read more here.

SPORTS

NFL star Jaelan Phillips returns to Redlands for youth football camp

More than 400 kids turned out at Redlands East Valley High for a free, sun-soaked day of drills, games and inspiration led by Miami Dolphins linebacker — and hometown hero — Jaelan Phillips.

📸 Read the full story and see photos from the field:

🏈 CBL Flag football returns: Girls flag football is back for a second year for Citrus Belt League teams, beginning in August. While some girls sports struggle, flag football's growing popularity forced some teams to make cuts this season. Read more here.

⚽ Redlands FC Draws Capo FC, Faces Must-Win Match Saturday
Redlands FC played to a 2-2 draw in a high-energy clash against Capo FC on Thursday night at Dodge Stadium. Early goals by Jose De La Torre and Praise Maduekwe weren’t enough to secure the win, as Redlands now faces a critical matchup against first-place FC Tucson on Saturday, June 21.

🎟️ The playoff path narrows from here. Get the recap and what’s next for RFC:
Read full coverage of Redlands FC

👉 Local journalism is a team effort—and you're part of it. If you value stories that put Redlands first, please consider pitching in $5/month to keep Community Forward Redlands thriving.

Learn more

EVENTS

🎺 🎭 Two of Redlands’ most cherished summer traditions kick off tonight, Friday, June 20 — offering family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Whether you’re into orchestral music, Broadway classics, or satirical comedy, these venues have something for everyone.

Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival and the Redlands Theatre Festival begin June 20.
👉 Where to see outdoor concerts and plays in Redlands

📌 Sat. June 21, 1 - 4 pm - Scientist-Turned-Artist Featured at Redlands Art Association: Ernesto Gomez spent decades as a physics professor before discovering a love for watercolor. Now retired, he’s embracing bold color, imagination and loose brushwork in a new show at Redlands Art Association. The exhibit opens June 7 and runs through July 4. Come meet the artist and explore a vibrant collection inspired by memory, nature, and curiosity. Read more here.

📌 Sat. June 21, 10am - 5pm - Redlands Juneteenth Festival: The city’s 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Sylvan Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a full day of entertainment, education, and family fun. Presented by the city of Redlands in partnership with Unity in the Community, Common Vision Coalition, the Redlands Police Department, The Village Second Baptist Church, and Portrait Church, the free event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black culture and community. Read more here

📌 Sat. June 21, 6pm - ANCA Summer Film Series: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet The free event organized by Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) Redlands will take place at 6 p.m. in Gregory Hall, Room 161, with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. Read more here.

📌 Fri. July 4, Redlands Fourth of July 2025: The city of Redlands will celebrate Independence Day with a full slate of activities on Thursday, July 4, beginning with live entertainment and a morning parade at Sylvan Park and ending with a fireworks spectacular at Moore Middle School. Details and ticket link here: