Redlands Mall Update, Student Filmmakers Shine, REV Wins League Title and New Patio Opens Downtown
The annual Youth Art Expo returns to Smiley Park on Memorial Day weekend, offering local students a chance to display their creativity in painting, sculpture, and more. Entry deadline extended to May 15
Learn what makes Lappert’s Ice Cream Redlands’ only super-premium ice cream — and discover the journey that brought owner Joe Genua to town.
Redlands Mall Update, Student Filmmakers Shine, REV Wins League Title and New Patio Opens Downtown
Sabine Robertson-Phillips will retire in September after more than a year on paid leave, with the district paying out over half a million dollars in leave, contract payouts and legal settlement
REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District’s longtime human resources director, Sabine Robertson-Phillips, will resign and collect approximately half a million dollars under a settlement agreement approved by the school board last month.
Why it matters: Robertson-Phillips has been a central figure in media investigations and public scrutiny over the district’s handling of sexual abuse scandals for years. Her settlement and resignation come one year after the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights completed a major Title IX compliance review of the district.
Details of settlement: The agreement, approved unanimously by the school board on April 22, allows Robertson-Phillips, 54, to remain on paid leave until Sept. 1, when her resignation and retirement will take effect.
According to the settlement, obtained by public record request by Community Forward Redlands, she has been on paid leave since April 2024, receiving approximately $25,000 per month.
🏘️ State Street Village property foreclosure auction canceled: The May 1 auction of the Redlands Mall property has been canceled after the lender rescinded its foreclosure action. Public records show Chicago Title Co. filed a notice of rescission on April 28, effectively ending the trustee’s sale process. While the foreclosure threat is off the table for now, the future of the stalled State Street Village redevelopment remains uncertain. Village Partners has not yet responded to a request for comment. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🍊 City Council Recap - May 6, 2025: At its May 6 meeting, the Redlands City Council approved more than $3 million in infrastructure contracts, including upgrades to the Citrus Avenue parking structure, Ford Park restrooms, and the Orange Blossom Trail. The city also formalized support for Fourth of July events, adopted May proclamations, and disclosed a settlement agreement with former Deputy Police Chief Travis Martinez. All new business items passed unanimously. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚨 Fatal accident: An 83-year-old Banning woman died after crashing into a power pole in Redlands on Wednesday, May 7. Police say she may have suffered a medical emergency before veering off Barton Road. Westbound lanes were closed for several hours during the investigation. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
More than 100 students from Redlands Unified were celebrated at the 3rd Annual RUSD FilmFest, where 53 original short films premiered at Harkins Theatres. From stop-motion LEGO dioramas to personal documentaries and noir thrillers, students showcased incredible creativity and storytelling. Sixth grader Calvin Catania’s film Cheap$kate was named a finalist for the California Student Media Festival. Read more about the student filmmakers and how to view their creations online.
Siw Heede
Lappert’s has doubled its indoor seating — making your next visit cooler and more comfortable than ever. Whether you’re escaping the heat or savoring a treat with friends, there’s now plenty of room to relax and enjoy. Stop by, check out the expanded space, and grab your favorite scoop (or two)!
Learn what makes Lappert’s Ice Cream Redlands’ only super-premium ice cream — and discover the journey that brought owner Joe Lappert to town. From island roots to local favorite, don’t miss our profile on the sweet history (and future) of this beloved shop.
Siw Heede
🧑🎨 Rooted in Resilience opens this weekend at the Redlands Art Association: Meet featured artist Mona Kadah on Saturday, May 10, from 1–4 p.m. Her evocative watercolors explore memory, identity, and heritage through Middle Eastern motifs and California landscapes. Exhibit runs through June 6. Learn more about the artist and her work here:
Siw Heede
🎨 Youth Art Expo entry deadline extended to May 15: The annual Youth Art Expo returns to Smiley Park on Memorial Day weekend, offering local students a chance to display their creativity in painting, sculpture, and more. Entries are open from May 1 to May 15 at the Redlands Art Association. Read more here.
✒️ Rediscovering a Forgotten Animation Pioneer: At the May 6 Redlands Forum, author and historian Mindy Johnson shared the remarkable story of Bessie Mae Kelley — one of the earliest female animators, long overlooked by history. Johnson’s research revealed Kelley’s trailblazing work in the 1910s and 1920s, including early hand-drawn films and a mouse duo that predated Mickey and Minnie. Catch the highlights from this eye-opening talk and learn more about women at the dawn of the animation industry. Read more here.
Dave Card
The fly ball disappeared into center fielder Connor Towns’ glove and the Redlands East Valley players didn’t hesitate.
The Wildcats sprinted for the center of the diamond. Once there, they jumped and hugged and dumped the contents of a water bucket on coach Chris Paterson.
REV’s 6-2 victory Tuesday against host Citrus Valley was history making. It was the first time the Wildcats finished with the Citrus Belt League's best record since 2018 when REV and Yucaipa both went 12-2 (Yucaipa beat REV twice that season). And REV’s string of 12 consecutive victories is the most since winning 13 consecutive games in 2010.
Read more about the Citrus Belt League finish here:
John Murphy
🏆 Ken Hubbs Award Winners Announced: The school winners for the Ken Hubbs Award have been chosen. The Hubbs Award is the most prestigious high school sports award in the greater San Bernardino area. Local winners include:
Citrus Valley – G: Olivia Elgan, B: Matthew Bline;
Redlands – G: Su’Riah Williams, B: Michael Cullen;
Redlands East Valley – G: Katie Hornung; B: Frank Rodriguez;
Yucaipa – G: Mia Mares, B: Will McHargue.
The Hubbs banquet is at 6 p.m. pm on Monday, May 12 at Indian Springs High. The overall boys and girls Ken Hubbs winners and other awards will be announced that night. Read more for a full list of winners:
John Murphy
📌 Sat. May 10 - Library Days at Smiley Library 11am - 2pm: Drawn to the Library is a playful celebration of both the artistic spirit and the many reasons people are inspired to visit this vibrant community space. Enjoy games, activities, face painting, balloons, and more from 11 AM – 2 PM. In N Out Burger, Happy Camper Creamery, and Nicho’s Ice Cream will be in Smiley Park, at 11:30 while supplies last.
📌 Sat. May 10, 7:30 pm - Redlands Symphony Cinematic Soundscapes: Bask in the thrill, adventure, and romance of cinema's greatest scores. Get swept away in the music from "Jaws," "Jurassic Park," "Star Wars," "Gone with the Wind," "Cinema Paradiso," "Psycho," and more. Experience the Golden Age of Hollywood to the movies of today, expertly performed by the Redlands Symphony Orchestra. Learn more about this concert here.
📌 Sun. May 11, 11am - 2pm - Special Mother's Day Sunday Funday at Redlands Public Market: Take part in Mother’s Day card making workshop, bubbles and lawn games, facial station for moms, photo booth, flower wall and more. Read more here.
📌 Fri. May 16, 10:00 - 11:30 am - Drug Free Communities Coalition Meeting - This month Healthy East Valley's community meeting will focus on behavioral and mental health, a growing area of concern as youth and families across the Inland Empire face increased stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Read more here.
📌 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.
🎉 The wait is over! Redlands Public Market officially opened its doors and patio last weekend — transforming a long-vacant packing house into a vibrant hub for food, family, and local business.
The plaza and patio are now open, with Family Day every Sunday and a special Mother's Day celebration May 11, featuring flower giveaways, live entertainment, face painting, and more. Plus, Trivia Night, every Tuesdays from 7-9pm.
Redlands Public Market brings together more than 20 local food and retail businesses — from first-time restaurateurs to hometown favorites — in a space dedicated to community, culture, and collaboration. Read more about the grand opening ribbon cutting here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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