Redlands News: May 23, 2025

Warehouse rules up for discussion, homelessness update, Redlands soccer returns, and Memorial Day ceremony details

CITY HALL

Redlands homeless population drops 31% amid $40 million response

City sees second year of progress as outreach and housing investments show impact, according to Point-in-Time Count

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Redlands dropped 31% this year, marking the second consecutive annual decrease, according to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count released by San Bernardino County.

The results follow a 34% decrease in Redlands' homeless population in 2024 from a record-high of 324 in 2023. 

City officials attributed the progress to strategic investments in housing, services, and outreach. "Two years of reduction in homelessness, according to the Point-in-Time Count numbers, demonstrate that we are on the right track and making significant progress," said City Manager Charlie Duggan in a statement Friday, May 16. "We will continue our efforts to provide for the health and safety of all our residents."

Since 2022, city of Redlands has secured more than $40 million in state grants to address homelessness. Measure T tax revenue has also supported the city’s efforts, with $1.2 million allocated to homeless services and Homekey project matching funds since 2023.

Read more about the results of the annual Point-In-Time-Count and where the money is being spent here

Redlands homeless population drops 31% amid $40 million response
City sees second year of progress as outreach and shelter investments show impact, according to Point-in-Time Count

🚚📦 Redlands revisits distribution warehouse rules: The Planning Commission will discuss whether to strengthen the city’s warehouse development rules—or recommend an outright ban—at its May 27 meeting. The conversation follows continued public outcry and recent state legislation that sets new environmental standards for large warehouses. Learn what’s on the table and what it could mean for Redlands’ future growth. Read more here.

Redlands reopens warehouse debate amid community pressure
Planning Commission to revisit city rules and weigh stronger limits or possible prohibition on new distribution centers.

🌍 Redlands Joins Cities Opposing Zero-NOx Appliance Rules: The Redlands City Council voted May 20 to oppose two proposed clean air regulations from the South Coast Air Quality Management District that would phase out residential gas appliances starting in 2027. Supporters say the rules are crucial to protecting public health and reducing emissions. But Redlands officials and residents raised concerns over the high cost to homeowners, despite rebates. The city’s draft Climate Action Plan 2050 shows residential gas use accounts for about 10% of total emissions. Read more here.

Redlands City Council to oppose proposed air quality rules citing cost, resident concerns
The proposed regulations aim to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions through new residential gas appliance standards.

🚲 Orange Blossom Trail final phase: The final segment of the ambitious Orange Blossom Trail project takes another step towards completion after the Redlands City Council approved a $960,145 construction contract with Tryco General Engineering during their May 6 meeting. Read more here.

Final phase of Orange Blossom Trail Project moves forward with $960,145 contract
City Council approves contract with Tryco General Engineering to complete 7.5-mile recreational corridor connecting east and west Redlands.

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 DUI Checkpoint This Friday in Redlands: The Redlands Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location. Officers will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and reminding the public that driving under the influence—whether from alcohol, marijuana, or certain medications—is illegal and dangerous. First-time DUI offenders face up to $13,500 in fines and a suspended license. The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Read more here.

Redlands Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint Friday Night
Checkpoint aims to remove impaired drivers from roads and raise awareness about DUI risks and penalties

🚓 Weekly Crime Report - Armed Threats, Juvenile Robbery, and Vehicle Thefts: Redlands police responded to a robbery involving a juvenile with a gun, a tow truck driver threatened during a repossession, and a burning stolen car found abandoned by fleeing teens. Officers also recovered a stolen U-Haul, made a DUI arrest, and assisted in a bombing investigation in Palm Springs. Read more here.

Redlands Police investigate armed threat, robbery involving juveniles and stolen car fire
Redlands Police Weekly Update May 15-22, 2025

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EDUCATION

🏆 Celebrating RUSD’s outstanding educators and artists: Redlands Educational Partnership honored 33 teachers and staff at its annual Evening of Appreciation on May 7, recognizing standout contributions across Redlands Unified. Four were named Outstanding Teachers and four were named Outstanding Classified Employees. The event also featured artwork from 14 elementary students selected for REP’s 2025 ArtsAlive! notecard collection. See the full list of honorees and student artists at here.

Celebrating the educators and staff who make Redlands schools shine
The 2025 Evening of Appreciation honored outstanding teachers, classified employees, and student artists whose work is helping shape the future of Redlands Unified.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Magical Night of Prom 2024. (Photo: Courtesy)

‘We are living with autism’: Redlands mom creates joy-filled spaces for neurodiverse youth

Unite 2 Live With Autism offers free, inclusive events—like prom night on June 7—to help families celebrate their children’s uniqueness

A local mom’s mission to bring families living with autism together has grown into a year-round effort of inclusive events open to the entire community.

Unite 2 Live With Autism, a Redlands-based nonprofit, is inviting more residents to join and support its free celebrations. The next big event, a prom night for teens and young adults, is set for June.

“Through our events, we aim to break down barriers, spread awareness and build a stronger, more inclusive community -one celebration at a time,” writes Founder and CEO of Unite 2 Live With Autism, Val Noble.

Read more about the inspiration behind the organization and the upcoming event on June 7:

‘We are living with autism’: Redlands mom creates joy-filled spaces for neurodiverse youth
Unite 2 Live With Autism offers free, inclusive events—like prom night on June 7—to help families celebrate their children’s uniqueness

🌲 A Name has Power: San Manuel Tribe Reclaims Ancestral Identity: The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has officially reclaimed its original name: Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, meaning “People of the Pines.” The name change reflects a return to the tribe’s pre-colonial identity and spiritual connection to the San Bernardino highlands. Tribal leaders say the move is both symbolic and sovereign—part of a broader national movement to restore Indigenous place names and cultural legacy. Learn more at sanmanuel-nsn.gov/anamehaspower. Read more here.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation: What’s in a name, and why it matters
Learn why the Tribe is turning to its roots, reclaiming its original name and what that means for its identity moving forward.

SPORTS

The 1930s clock in the corner of the Redlands High Girls Gymnasium confused visiting Kennedy High of La Palma -- its players had never seen anything like it. (Photo: John Murphy)

🏐🏆 Press Row - From vintage gyms to postseason dreams: When Kennedy High defeated Redlands in the CIF boys volleyball playoffs, the real curiosity was Redlands High’s 1936 Girls Gym—complete with a mysterious Depression-era clock that left visiting players scratching their heads. Meanwhile, Arrowhead Christian baseball advanced to the D3 quarterfinals, Redlands East Valley wrapped a stellar season with a league title and 13-game win streak, and standout track athletes Michael Cullen and Jeanna-Marie Lotz head to the CIF-Masters Meet. Catch the full breakdown in this week’s local sports column by John Murphy:

Antique clock mystifies visiting volleyball players; Arrowhead Christian makes quarterfinals
Press Row

⚽ Redlands FC heads to Arizona for back-to-back road games this weekend, including a Friday night rematch against Stars FC and a Saturday showdown with defending conference champs FC Tucson. After a strong season-opening win, the club hopes to keep momentum rolling on the road. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday—both games will be livestreamed on Sports Engine.

Redlands FC hits the road for Arizona doubleheader against Stars, FC Tucson
After a 3-2 win in their home opener, Redlands FC heads into back-to-back road matchups this weekend—including a rematch with Stars FC and a tough test against reigning conference champs FC Tucson.

▶️ Catch up on last Friday night's opening match, where the Redlands Football Club set the tone with a 3-2 win:

Kickin’ it with Redlands FC
Press Row

EVENTS

📌 Sun. May 25 - 6am - 6pm - Redlands Firefighters Car Show: Join us for a day of cars, food, and fun for the whole family all for an amazing cause. Show your car, truck, cycle, or special interest vehicle in the heart of beautiful Downtown Redlands while showing your support for our community. Enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshments, and shopping from local vendors.

📌 Sat - Sun, May 24 - 25 - Festival of Arts and Art in the Park + Youth Art Expo: The Redlands Art Association artists will be hanging their masterpieces in Smiley Park for Art in the Park alongside talented artists from across the county participating in the 13th annual Festival of Arts. Opens at 10 am Memorial Day Weekend.

📌 Mon. May 26 - Memorial Day: A Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen service members will be held at 10:45 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Hillside Memorial Park, 1540 Alessandro Road. Read more here.

Redlands to honor fallen service members at Memorial Day ceremony
Event at Hillside Memorial Park to feature keynote by trailblazing U.S. Air Force veteran Jacki Mortenson

📌 Mon. June 2, 11:30 am – State of the City: City leaders will outline the latest developments and priorities for Redlands during the 2025 State of the City address at the University of Redlands’ Orton Center. Hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the event offers residents, business owners and community members a chance to hear directly from city officials, local leaders and department heads about the status of education, development, public safety and the economy. Speaker list and Tickets available here.

📌 Sat. June 7 - Redlands Symphony Gala Goes Roaring '20s: Step into Club Zanja on June 7 as the Redlands Symphony hosts its annual “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser—this year with a 1920s twist! Enjoy live music, a community dance-off, auctions, and a few surprises as local stars compete for your vote. Proceeds support the Symphony’s music and education programs. Tickets available through May 30. Read more here.

Redlands Symphony Gala goes roaring ’20s with Club Zanja theme
Annual “Dancing with the Stars” inspired fundraiser returns June 7 with live music, local celebrities, and a speakeasy-style celebration of Redlands history

📌 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. Tickets available here.

FIANLLY

(Photo: US flag waves over the US Marine Corps War Memorial designed by sculptor Felix de Weldon and architect Horace W. Peaslee which was unveiled on November 10, 1954, Arlington, VA. Bill Chizek istock)

Redlands Grandfather and Grandson Travel to Iwo Jima for Memorial Ceremony

Ahead of Memorial Day, Redlands resident David Maupin and his grandson journeyed to Iwo Jima for the 80th anniversary of the WWII battle that claimed nearly 7,000 American lives. The rare visit offered lessons in history, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who served. Maupin will share his reflections as a speaker at Redlands’ Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at Hillside Memorial Park.

Read more about the once-in-a-lifetime trip and get details on the Memorial Day ceremony:

History tour to Iwo Jima in Japan provides Memorial Day lessons for Redlands grandpa and grandson
Redlands resident David Maupin and his grandson traveled to Iwo Jima for a historic memorial honoring the 80th anniversary of the WWII battle—an experience that deepened their connection to service, sacrifice, and the meaning of Memorial Day.

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