DOJ claims CIF rule violates U.S. Constitution; California pushes back
New Police HQ renderings, DOJ report on RUSD, Spring All-League picks — plus Redlands summer fun guide
Second annual event brings community together for Father's Day weekend at San Manuel Stadium
New Police HQ renderings, DOJ report on RUSD, Spring All-League picks — plus Redlands summer fun guide
District praised for reforms, but struggles with backlog of complaints
A year after state and federal officials demanded an overhaul of how Redlands schools handle sexual harassment and abuse, the DOJ released its first progress report. It finds most reforms are on track — but hundreds of cases still face delays.
Read more about what Redlands Unified is doing well and where improvement is needed:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
From a new Safety Hall for the Redlands Police Department to a 30% drop in homelessness, city and Chamber leaders shared wide-ranging updates at this year’s State of the City event. Read highlights on downtown redevelopment, new housing projects, public safety upgrades, and how local partnerships are helping job-seekers and small businesses thrive. Read more here.
Contributor
💵 $205M bond issuance for Plymouth Village upgrades: Redlands City Council unanimously approved a resolution on June 3 allowing the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) to issue up to $205 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds on behalf of HumanGood, a nonprofit that operates senior living communities throughout the region. A portion of the funding will support upgrades to Plymouth Village, including renovations to housing units, infrastructure upgrades and enhancements to resident amenities. Read more about the bonds here:
Kathryne Mccann
🚓 Weekly Crime Report: Loaded Gun Outside Club, Teen Alerts Police to DUI Dad: Redlands police made multiple arrests this week, including a man found with a loaded handgun after an altercation at a gentleman’s club and a father arrested for DUI and child endangerment after his daughter texted family from the car. Other incidents included a fleeing suspect who jumped into a police cruiser and a DUI crash involving a suspended driver. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🆘 Emergency Alert System Test Set for June 16: The city of Redlands will test its Emergency Notification Alert System on Monday, June 16. No action is needed during the test—but now is a great time to make sure you're signed up to receive emergency alerts. The system sends critical updates during wildfires, floods, evacuations, and other public safety threats. Read more here.
📲 Sign up today to get alerts by text, call, or email: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=cityofredlands
Community Forward Redlands
✉️ Local pastors unite to support LGBTQ+ students: A coalition of eight Redlands churches has sent an open letter to the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education, urging trustees to reject policies they say would harm LGBTQ+ students. Pastor Craig Hadley of Paradox Church, speaking on behalf of the coalition, said in an email to Community Forward Redlands that the group is concerned for the well-being and safety of all students, "and in particular, our queer students." Read more about the coalition and the full letter here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🕯️ Prayer vigil in support of LGBTQ+ student rights: Interfaith clergy, educators, students and community members will gather outside the Redlands Unified School District Board Room on Tuesday, June 10, for a prayer vigil in support of LGBTQ+ student rights. The vigil will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the lawn at 25 W. Lugonia Ave., ahead of the school board’s regular meeting. Organized by Inland Empire Prism Collective (IEPC), the event is intended as a peaceful demonstration of solidarity in response to district policies that advocates say marginalize LGBTQ+ students. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
⚾ Redlands Night Out at the Ballpark – June 14
Celebrate Father's Day weekend with a fun, affordable night out!
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce, IE 66ers, and Town & Gown invite you to Redlands Night Out at San Manuel Stadium on Saturday, June 14. Cheer on the 66ers as they take the field as the Redlands Pickers—a tribute to our city’s roots. Game starts at 6:35 pm.
🎟️ Perks include:
• Half-price club-level seating
• 30% off parking
• $7 Metrolink Arrow train rides from Redlands
• FREE limited-edition Redlands Pickers hat for early arrivals!
🧢 Brought to you by Redlands Community Hospital and Town & Gown.
Tickets, parking and train fare must be purchased in advance.
School’s out and summer is in full swing—bringing longer days, more free time, and the perennial question for many families: What are we going to do today? Whether you're looking to encourage creativity, keep kids active or simply enjoy some air-conditioned fun, Redlands and nearby cities offer a variety of programs, camps and activities for all ages and budgets.
From free story times at Smiley Library and hands-on science exhibits to rock climbing camps, splash pads, and bowling deals, this guide has something for every interest and energy level. Read on for a roundup of ways to make the most of summer—without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat:
Kathryne Mccann
🎨 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, with an open house on Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come meet the artist and explore a vibrant collection inspired by memory, nature, and curiosity. Read more here:
Siw Heede
The Citrus Belt League has announced its All-League selections, recognizing standout student-athletes across a wide range of sports.
Redlands High School dominated in boys and girls swimming and tennis, while Redlands East Valley led the way in baseball. Both schools had a strong presence on the badminton first team. Click below to see the full lists for each sport:
John Murphy
⚽ Redlands FC on the road again: After earning a dominant victory in a recent friendly, Redlands FC will return to USL2 action on Saturday as they travel to face Coachella SC. Later this month, RFC returns home Thursday, June 19 vs Capo FC at 7PM, followed by a Saturday, June 21 game vs FC Tucson, also at 7pm. Read more Redlands FC coverage here.
Caden Henderson
🗞️ Press Row: In this week’s sports column, writer John Murphy reflects on Redlands’ impact at the state track and field meet, bids farewell to a longtime REV coach, and looks ahead to Friday night lights. Read more here:
John Murphy
📌 Fri. June 6 - Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin: Footlighters Community Theatre brings Steve Martin’s absurdist comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile to the stage June 6–22. Set in a Paris café in 1904, the play imagines a hilarious, mind-bending encounter between a young Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso on the verge of their greatest breakthroughs. Evening and matinee performances run across three weekends, with an opening night gala on June 6 and a special cast talk-back on June 21. Tickets available now. Read more here.
📌 Sat. June 7 - 11th Annual Redlands Hunger Walk and Run: Join Redlands Family Services to help alleviate food insecurity in our community and bring awareness to this critical issue. This family-friendly 5K walk & run takes place on the University of Redlands campus and all proceeds benefit our food pantry and breakfast program. Runners begin at 7:45AM. Walkers begin at 8:00AM. Same day registration available at 7a.m. on June 7. Read more here.
📌 Tues. June 10 - Smiley Library summer reading program kick off event: A.K. Smiley Public Library is kicking off its 2025 Youth Services Summer Reading Program, Color Our World!, on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 am. The event includes free lunch in Smiley Park provided by RUSD nutrition services. Weekly events for families on Tuesdays and Thursdays are scheduled through July 31. For more information and a full schedule click here:
📌 Sat. June 14 - Touch a Truck: Redlands Rotary Club Touch-A-Truck is an affordable event, fit for the whole family. From 9am – 2pm, come learn about the dozens of vehicles – emergency vehicles, transport vehicles, tow trucks, public health and safety trucks, buses and more – that will line the stadium parking lot. Visitors even get a chance to climb inside, honk the horns, and flash the lights. More information here.
📌 Sat. June 14 - Redlands Night Out: Join the Redlands Chamber and Town & Gown for a family night at the ballpark with the IE 66ers! Enhance your experience by adding a ticket for an Arrow train ride to and from the game. Plus, be among the first to grab a stylish IE 66ers pickers hat, available while supplies last. More information here.
📌 Fri. June 20, 10 to 11:30am - Fire Safety at Healthy East Valley Meeting: As fire season begins across Southern California, local fire officials will join the Healthy East Valley coalition on Friday, June 20, for a public meeting focused on wildfire safety and community preparedness. Read more here.
📌 Fri. June 20, 8:00pm - Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival Opening Night Celebrating the legacy of Whitney Houston and other Great Pop Divas: The Bowl’s opening evening celebrates the greatest female voices of all time, featuring award-winning vocalist Nicole Henry. The musical performance will include timeless hits from Whitney Houston, such as “The Greatest Love of All,” “I Have Nothing,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Sponsored by Esri. 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:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Members of the Redlands Camera Club got rare access to A.K. Smiley Public Library after closing time, capturing the rich architectural details of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Take a visual and historical journey through Redlands’ 126-year-old library — from its Mission-style roots to its enduring civic legacy:
Dave Card
🍊 Want to advertise to our highly engaged growing audience? Email hello@communityforwardredlands.com or fill out this form.
😄 Thank you to our paid subscribers and sponsors who make Community Forward possible!
📩 Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
