This week in Redlands news:
- A special school board report highlighted how Measure D funds are transforming campuses — from new roofs and playgrounds to pool and stadium upgrades.
- Police arrest man with replica rifle and cite reckless dirt bike riders.
- The Redlands Cocktail Competition drew a record crowd. Check out the winners here.
- Loma Linda University Cancer Center received a $225,000 Believe Walk donation to support innovative treatments.
- Savannah Banana star and Arrowhead Christian alum Robert Anthony Cruz thrilled fans at Petco Park – even with a fractured arm.
EDUCATION
Measure D bond fuels major upgrades across Redlands schools
The Redlands Unified School District’s (RUSD) $500 million Measure D bond, approved by voters in November 2024, is helping transform campuses across the district.
At Tuesday’s school board meeting, Facilities and Planning Director Ken Morse detailed the projects that have been completed, those underway and what’s on the horizon.
Why it matters: Measure D has been used to fund campus improvements across the district, focusing on safety, infrastructure and modernization. More than 80% of local schools are over 60 years old, making basic health and safety repairs critical.
Continue reading here to learn more about Measure D's impact.
Kathryne Mccann
CITY HALL
🍊 City Council meeting agenda Sept. 16 2025: Agenda includes a discussion on possible revenue ballot measure, a fire protection agreement and the consideration of a Homeless Resource Services Agreement. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚔 Man arrested with replica rifle in Downtown Redlands: Redlands police arrested a man carrying an airsoft rifle with its safety markings removed and cited multiple dirt bike riders in separate incidents last week, according to the department’s weekly update. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚦 Redlands lowers speed limits and urges residents to focus on pedestrian safety: Dozens of Redlands streets now have reduced speed limits following a state-mandated review aimed at improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. With September marking Pedestrian Safety Month, police are reminding drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and yield at crosswalks. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🍸 Redlands’ Cocktail Competition Draws Record Crowd: The Mitten Building was packed Aug. 21 as more than 350 guests sipped, mingled and voted in the third annual Redlands Cocktail Competition. The sold-out event featured 12 local bars and restaurants shaking up creations inspired by the city.
Winners: Don Orange (Best Cocktail), The Overland (Best Mocktail), Eureka! (Taste of Redlands), and Finney’s Crafthouse (People’s Choice).
Read more about the evening here.
🍊 Inaugural Heritage Club Fair coming this month: The Redlands Area Historical Society will host the first Heritage Club Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Redlands Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka Street. The free event will showcase clubs more than 50 years old and groups that support local history and preservation — from sports and music to art, horticulture and more. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🌳 🌱 Service project to create native plant garden near Sylvan Park: The Leadership Redlands Class of 2025 is transforming a vacant lot into a sustainable garden filled with drought-tolerant plants, pollinator habitat, and community gathering space. The project fundraising kicked off this week with a fundraiser at Lappart’s Ice Cream and continues this month with “Pack the House” events at Viva La Boba (Sept. 20), Three Stags (Sept. 23) and Don Orange (Sept. 24). Donations will help the class reach its $25,000 fundraising goal. Read more about the garden plans and how to help here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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HEALTH
🎗️ $225K donation funds cancer research at Loma Linda University Cancer Center: Funds raised during the 2024 Believe Walk will support cutting-edge therapies like CAR T-cell and TIL therapy, with this year’s walk returning to Downtown Redlands on Sunday, Oct. 5. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
SPORTS
🏅 Redlands sports shine across the board: From a University of Redlands football win and Tyler Wells’ MLB comeback to standout performances in Colton football, REV flag football and CBL volleyball, local athletes are making headlines this fall. Catch up on all the highlights here.
John Murphy
⚾ Redlands’ Robert Anthony Cruz makes game-winning catch with a fractured arm: Savannah Bananas star and Arrowhead Christian alum Robert Anthony “Coach RAC” Cruz secured a 3-2 win at Petco Park with his trademark backflip catch — only to later discover he played with a broken arm. A social media favorite with nearly 2 million followers, Cruz is known for his resiliency and message of encouragement to young athletes. Read more here.
John Murphy
John Murphy
EVENTS
📌 Tue. Sept. 16 – 5–7 p.m.: RUSD College Fair “Redlands College Fest” at the Redlands East Valley (REV) campus quad. Learn more here.
📌 Tue. Sept. 16 – 6 p.m.: Redlands City Council meeting. Agenda preview here.
📌 Tue. Sept. 16 - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Mapping the Deep: A Book Talk - Redlands Forum presents Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri
📌 Wed. Sept. 17: ANCA’s Resilient Living Speaker Series highlights the city’s new Climate Action Plan. Read more here.
📌 Fri. Sept. 19 - 5:30 pm: Movies in the Park returns to Martinez Park in Redlands with a ‘Wicked’ sing-along. Learn more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 20 – 11a.m. – 2 p.m.: The 2025 Day for Kids hosted by the local Boys & Girls Club is a free carnival-style celebration with crafts, games, a bounce house, rock climbing wall, food, entertainment, raffles and more. Learn more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 20 - 3:00 p.m.: Totally 80s Afternoon: Dust off the neon and headbands—Redlands Symphony is throwing it back with an interactive 80s-themed concert at Escape Craft Brewery’s Barrelhouse. A string quartet will perform bodacious covers of hits from Journey, Michael Jackson, Cher and more, while the audience helps shape the playlist. Tickets ($75 adults, $20 kids) include snacks, a drink and raffle entry, with proceeds supporting the Symphony’s programs. Learn more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 27 – 9 a.m – 1 p.m.: A.K. Smiley Library will hosts its 22nd Annual Family Day. Celebrate reading at Smiley Park with award-winning author/illustrator duo Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome. The first 150 families to arrive will receive a free hardcover of They Call Me Teach. Attendees can enjoy book giveaways, story read-alouds, a musical petting zoo, soccer, craft stations, a rope bridge and more. Read more here.
📌 Tues. Sept 30 – 6:30-8 p.m.: The first annual Redlands Heritage Club Fair will take place at the Redlands Contemporary Club. Discover longtime clubs, local history groups and more. Read more here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... The Redlands Art Association’s popular film series kicks off Sept. 24–25 with Not Alone Anymore, a documentary on Marlee Matlin’s groundbreaking career, and includes the Manhattan Short Film Festival on Oct. 1–2, where audiences worldwide help choose the winners. Other features include The Kiss (Denmark), My Sunshine (Japan) and The Ties That Bind Us (France/Belgium). Proceeds benefit local art education. Ticket information and film details here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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