This week in Redlands news:
- The recently released 2024 Redlands Police Report shows an overall drop in crime though drug offenses increased.
- Opening arguments began in a lawsuit alleging Loma Linda University Medical Center security guards assaulted a patient in 2018.
- Mentone transitional kindergarten teacher Kristen Mariani was named a San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year.
- Rain and a venue change didn't deter the community from supporting the city's oldest nonprofit.
- Terriers score decisive win to stay on track for another title.
CITY HALL
REDLANDS, Calif. — Total crime in Redlands fell 5 percent in 2024, according to the Redlands Police Department’s latest annual report, with most violent and property crimes trending down. But the year also brought sharp increases in drug and weapons violations, underscoring what police say is the effect of more proactive enforcement.
The report, released earlier this year, is the first full edition under Police Chief Rachel Tolber. It also reflects the city’s third year using the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which tracks all offenses in an incident rather than just the most serious one.
“Our 2024 Annual Report is the first opportunity we have had to compare three full years of NIBRS crime data, and the results are positive: Crimes Against Persons dropped by 5 percent, and Crimes Against Property decreased by 20 percent compared to 2023,” Tolber wrote in an email to Community Forward Redlands.
During the same period, Crimes Against Society increased by 47 percent. Tolber said this trend “reflects the proactive work of our newly established Community Engagement Team,” to address these crimes.
Continue reading here for a closer look at the numbers:
Kathryne Mccann
🍊 City Council Preview: The Redlands City Council will meet Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a full agenda that includes a report of the paramedic parcel tax, in-kind support approvals and a $2.3 million contract for farming services on the city-owned citrus groves.
Click here to read about what's on Tuesday's agenda.
Kathryne Mccann
PUBLIC SAFETY
⚖️ Trial begins in LLUMC security assault case: Opening arguments kicked off in a lawsuit alleging Loma Linda University Medical Center security guards assaulted patient Jesse Simpson in 2018. Attorneys presented conflicting accounts and video evidence as jurors weigh claims of excessive force, injury and negligence. Read more here:
Contributing Author
EDUCATION
🏆 Mentone teacher named San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year: Kristen Mariani, a transitional kindergarten teacher with 31 years of experience, has been recognized as one of San Bernardino County’s four Teachers of the Year. Known for inspiring her youngest learners with a focus on academic readiness and growth mindset, Mariani now advances to the California Teachers of the Year Program. Read more here:
Community Forward Redlands
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Despite a last-minute venue change, more than 400 guests gathered at the Esri campus on Saturday for Dinner in the Grove, the signature fundraiser for Family Service Association of Redlands.
For 127 years, Family Service has fought hunger and prevented homelessness in the East and Central Valley of San Bernardino County. Last year alone, the nonprofit provided meals, housing, clothing and employment support to 3,555 families.
Read more about the evening — including the history of the dinner, a volunteer who has supported the silent auction for more than a decade, and the behind-the-scenes effort to pull off a scratch-made outdoor meal.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🏛️ Redlands Heritage Club Fair debuts with strong turnout: Nearly 200 locals attended the first Heritage Club Fair on Sept. 30, where 27 historic and community organizations shared their missions, recruited volunteers and highlighted Redlands’ rich history. Groups ranged from the 1886 Redlands Camera Club to newer organizations like Two Canyons Conservancy, all aiming to connect past, present and future residents. Read more here:
Siw Heede
SPORTS
🏐 Terriers edge Beaumont in five-set thriller: The Terriers overcame mid-match struggles to outlast Beaumont, celebrating a key victory that moves them closer to another league crown. The Terriers rallied for a 25-15, 22-25, 17-25, 25-21, 15-8 victory against Beaumont and then celebrated joyously in the middle of the court. After, a team photo was taken, there were no frowns seen on Terrier faces. The contest was the Terriers’ annual Dig Pink match, honoring those affected by breast cancer. Read more here:
John Murphy
🏈 Beaumont avenges early-season loss to REV: On Senior Night, Beaumont dominated Redlands East Valley 39-6, led by sophomore quarterback Tessa Martinez’s six touchdown passes and a defense that tallied five sacks and three interceptions. REV avoided the shutout with a late touchdown from backup QB Leylii Christenson, who connected with Charlotte Cox in the final seconds. Both teams now advance into Citrus Belt League carousel play beginning Tuesday. Read more here:
John Murphy
🏃 Redlands cross-country roundup: At Saturday’s Citrus Belt League No. 1 cluster meet at Cal State San Bernardino, the REV boys and Citrus Valley girls both finished fourth as teams. The next CBL cluster meet is Oct. 18 at Beaumont High. Read more here:
John Murphy
🏈 Redlands football falls to Cal Lutheran: The Bulldogs’ 11-year Smudge Pot Game streak ended as Cal Lutheran dominated, 27-10, at Ted Runner Stadium. Redlands travels to Chapman University Saturday at 7 p.m. for another SCIAC game. Read more here:
John Murphy
🏅Redlands-area sports news: Local athletes shined this week. Redlands High girls volleyball remains undefeated, REV boys water polo topped Citrus Valley 13-12 and Beaumont 16-2. Matthew Diehl placed second in a college golf tournament and Jacob Nottingham hit a walk-off double for the Tacoma Rainiers. Plus, a spotlight on former San Gorgonio coach Chris Chaddick who stays busy officiating, reporting and coaching while cheering on his daughter at Aquinas football games. Read more here.
EVENTS
📌 Sat. Oct. 4 – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: A Harvest Health and Youth Wellness Workshop will be held at the Redlands Family YMCA. Register for free here.
📌 Sat. Oct. 4 – 8:15 a.m.: Prospective members are invited to join the American Association of University Women Redlands branch for a brunch in the Casa Loma room at the University of Redlands. Read more 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 – 6:30 a.m.-12 p.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.
📌 Tues. Oct. 7 – 5 p.m: The Redlands City Council will meet. Click here to read an overview of the agenda.
📌 Sat. Oct. 11 – 10 -1 p.m.: At the inaugural 'Fair for a Change' Redlands residents can connect with more than 20 local nonprofits at this family-friendly event in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands. Explore volunteer opportunities, sign up for projects or board service and enjoy food and drinks. This event is free and open to the public. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Wed. Oct. 15 – 6:30 - 8 p.m.: Spotlight on cleaner transportation - Residents can attend Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action’s Resilient Living program at the Flores Senior Center to explore ways to reduce transportation emissions. Experts will share tips on EVs, transit, biking and more. This is a free event with a Q&A, discussion, raffle and refreshments. Read more here:
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Sun. Oct. 26 – Lace up and leash up! The Redlands Chamber of Commerce hosts its 7th Annual Dog Jog in Downtown Redlands. Expect a full day of fun with a canine costume contest, agility course, K-9 demos, hot dog catching contest, food vendors, and an adoptable dog parade featuring pups from local shelters. Tickets are $30, with half of proceeds benefiting the Redlands Animal Shelter. More details and link to register here:
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Thurs. Oct. 23– 5 - 7 p.m.: The Redlands Symphony Purse Party will be held at the Laura and Jack Dangermond Events Pavilion and Gardens at the Museum of Redlands. Guests can bid on hundreds of designer purses in silent and live auctions—including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Kate Spade—while enjoying wine and appetizers. Proceeds support the Symphony’s education and community programs. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... 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
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