This week in Redlands news:
- The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is taking an uncommon role in addressing the challenges of employment for people experiencing homelessness.
- Police make arrest in hit-and-run investigation that killed a 38-year-old Redlands woman earlier this month.
- Study finds that nearly one-third of dementia cases may be linked to hearing loss. A local Redlands audiologist gives advice on how to identify the signs and protect our hearing.
- University of Redlands alum is celebrating the success of her middle-grade fantasy series, plus a national Debut Author Prize, offering an $11,000 publishing package to one new writer.
- Senior water polo starter Jackson Kane found a home in Redlands after surviving the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise.
HOUSING
Redlands Chamber takes unique approach to tackling homelessness
Finding a job can be daunting under the best circumstances. For those without a permanent place to live, the barriers multiply: transportation, technology, paperwork, stigma and the stress of meeting basic needs.
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce had expanded its role in workforce development to address those challenges. Through its New Beginnings – Homeless Employment Services program, launched in 2024, the Chamber works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with employers, resources and support to re-enter the workforce.
Program coordinator Kayla Santos, who began leading New Beginnings in April, works one-on-one with clients referred through local housing partners such as Family Service Association, Salvation Army and Step Up. She also meets clients where they are, whether that's at temporary housing site, partner offices or even motels.
“Transportation is huge, but so are mental health and employment gaps,” Santos said. “Many clients have strong résumés — from pharmacy techs to sales executives — but after years of instability, they need help reestablishing stability, confidence and routine.”
Santos said a lot of her clients began experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they either lost their jobs or were unable to find employment in their field.
📊 Jobs report: The Inland Empire’s unemployment edged down .1% to 5.6% in August as more residents entered the labor force and found work. Government and health care led job gains, while construction and retail saw losses. Analysts call the growth “moderate but uneven,” with steady hiring offset by sector slowdowns and port traffic declines. Redlands mirrored the regional trend with a drop in unemployment. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🏠 In other news... Several California counties are finally reporting decreases in homelessness, but experts warn those gains could be short-lived as federal and state funding faces cuts and new restrictions, leaving service providers bracing for setbacks. Read more form CalMatters reporter Marisa Kendall here:
Contributing Author
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚔 Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run: A Redlands man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a 38-year-old woman last week, police said Thursday. Loren Jonathan Oajdea, 35, was taken into custody in Hesperia on Sept. 24 after leading law enforcement on a brief pursuit, according to the Redlands Police Department. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🚨 Redlands Police Weekly Report: Police assisted San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies in multiple incidents over the weekend. In two separate cases, suspects fled into the Step Up in Redlands housing facility after foot and vehicle pursuits near Alabama Street and Industrial Park Drive. Read more here.
⚠️ Property tax scam alert: San Bernardino County officials are warning residents to beware of scams as secured property tax bills go out in October. Scammers may send fake bills or make fraudulent calls demanding payment. Officials stress that tax payments should only be made through the county’s official website, by mail, or in person at the Tax Collector’s Office. Suspicious calls or notices should be reported immediately. Read more here:
EDUCATION
📚 University of Redlands alum Laura Findley Evans is celebrating the success of her middle-grade fantasy series, The Dragon and the Girl, published by Acorn Publishing. The Southern California–based press, now marking its 10th anniversary, is also launching a national Debut Author Prize, offering an $11,000 publishing package to one new writer. Read more here:
Siw Heede
📋 There's still time to share your input on Redlands schools: Redlands Unified is still collecting feedback on its long-term Facilities Master Plan, which will guide how the $500 million Measure D bond is invested in school upgrades. Families, staff, and community members are invited to rank priorities such as safety, accessibility, and campus improvements, and provide input on specific school sites.
Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rusdcommsurvey
🥁 Redlands High School will host its 45th annual Preview of Champions marching band tournament on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Dodge Stadium. Six Inland Empire high school bands will debut their halftime shows, capped off by a headline performance from the internationally acclaimed Riverside City College Marching Tigers. Admission is $10, with free entry for young children and qualifying students. Read more here:
Community Forward Redlands
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HEALTH
🤧 Flu Season: Doctors are warning of a potentially severe flu season, and for the first time, Redlands residents have access to no-needle vaccine options. Local clinics and pharmacies are now offering both the traditional flu shot and FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine approved for healthy children and adults ages 2 to 49. Find out where to get vaccinated in Redlands and help protect yourself and your community. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🦻Hearing loss linked to dementia: A new study found nearly one-third of dementia cases may be linked to hearing loss. Redlands audiologist Rebecca Sieruga says early detection and treatment can reduce risk and help people stay mentally sharp. Regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices play a key role in protecting both hearing and brain health. Read more here:
Kathryne Mccann
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🧑🍳 Chef Lee Burton brings fun, creativity and confidence to kids in the kitchen. At Burrage Buddies, Burton teaches first- through sixth-graders to slice, stir and serve their own dishes. A former marketing professional, Burton turned to culinary arts 20 years ago and discovered a passion for teaching children, offering easy, budget-friendly recipes they can recreate at home. His classes focus on safety, nutrition and playful learning—complete with egg puns and smiles. Read more here:
Siw Heede
🎨 Cindy Sullivan’s “Eclectic” show at the Redlands Art Association runs from September 27–October 24. A dedicated artist and teacher for decades, Sullivan’s work spans photorealistic watercolors to textured abstract pieces, capturing landscapes, still lifes, animals and more. Come meet her in person at the open house on Saturday, October 4, from 1–4 p.m., and see original paintings, prints and miniatures that reflect a lifetime of creativity. Read more here:
Siw Heede
SPORTS
🤽♂️Redlands East Valley’s Jackson Kane has traveled a long road from surviving the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise to finding a home in Redlands. Now a senior and water polo starter, Jackson has turned tragedy into resilience, making friends, excelling in school and aiming for a bright future in the pool and beyond. Read more here:
John Murphy
🏅Redlands sports are heating up! From REV water polo practicing on the road to the Bulldogs’ thrilling 34-17 football win at Whitworth, local teams are facing new challenges and rivalries. Plus, volleyball, golf and the brand-new Ontario Tower Buzzers baseball team. Check out the full roundup for all the scores and stories here:
John Murphy
👟Redlands-area runners made their mark at the Woodbridge Classic in Irvine: Citrus Valley’s girls took 13th, led by Alyssa Castaneda, while REV had two in the top 100. On the boys’ side, Redlands High finished 15th and REV’s Richard Cunningham placed sixth. All six Citrus Belt League teams will hit the course again Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino. Read more here.
EVENTS
📌 Fri. Sept. 26 – 9 a.m.-12:00p.m.: The Redlands Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Army SoCal will host a community job fair at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center. More than 60 employers and vendors will be on hand with immediate job openings, workforce resources and expungement services. Attendance is free, but job seekers should bring résumés and be ready to interview. Read more here.
📌 Sat. Sept. 27 – 9 a.m – 1 p.m.: A.K. Smiley Library will host 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.
📌 Wed. Oct. 1 – 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Hear Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation at the Redlands Forum as she shares her Tribe’s history, name reclamation and efforts to preserve their heritage. Learn more here.
📌 Wed. Oct. 1 – 5:30p.m.: The Manhattan Short Film Festival will be shown at the Redlands Cinema Classic. All proceeds will benefit art education programs throughout the city of Redlands. Click here for ticket info.
📌 Sat. Oct. 4 – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: A Harvest Health and Youth Wellness Workshop will be held at the Redlands Family YMCA. Ages 12–18 can join interactive sessions on health, wellness and substance use prevention, with guest speakers, activities, free lunch and giveaways. Register for free here.
📌 Sat. Oct. 4: Redlands Oktoberfest will be held at Sylvan Park. Enjoy German food, local beer, live music, contests, games, bounce houses and family fun. $10 adults; kids 20 & under free. Ticket info here.
📌 Sun. Oct. 5 – 6:30a.m.-12:00p.m.: The 18th Annual Believe Walk returns to Downtown Redlands. Participants are invited to walk, raise funds, volunteer or sponsor in support of local cancer care and services. Click here for more information.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Reclaims Ancestral Name
Earlier this year, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians formally reclaimed its ancestral name: Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, meaning “People of the Pines.” The change marks a return to pre-colonial identity and reflects the tribe’s deep connection to the San Bernardino Mountains and valleys. Residents will have the chance to hear more about the significance of the name and the tribe’s regional heritage from Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena at the Redlands Forum on Oct. 1. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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