Redlands News | Oct. 1, 2026

This week in Redlands news:

Redlands has shelved plans for a new 140-space downtown parking lot after spending $104,000 on studies and design, as officials weigh other options costing as much as $28.5 million.
California students continue to struggle with math, and a new state law will require early testing to identify K-2 students who need additional help.
Redlands education candidates have been invited to an online forum Monday, with voter questions due Friday.
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is asking local employers and job seekers to weigh in on the local job market, including hiring challenges, employment barriers and what workers want from local jobs.
Redlands author Tracy Wise has released her second novel, a Regency-era story set against the changing society of 1820s Britain.

CITY HALL

🚗 Redlands shelves plans for new downtown parking lot: The city has spent $104,000 studying and designing a proposed 140-space lot between Seventh and Ninth streets, but officials say they can't recommend spending another $650,000 to build it amid current budget constraints. The decision comes as Redlands prepares for downtown redevelopment that could put more pressure on parking. The council discussed other options ranging from a $4 million surface lot to a $28.5 million parking structure. Read more about what’s next for downtown parking:

🏛️ Coming up at City Hall: The Redlands City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 6, with a long-debated warehouse ordinance returning for another round of discussion. The council will consider changes to city zoning rules that would prohibit new warehouses and logistics distribution facilities while allowing existing facilities to remain, and in some cases expand. The public hearing was continued from the council's Sept. 1 meeting.

Also on the agenda:

$216,482 agreement for conceptual design of a Citrus Avenue and Redlands High School crossing project;
Possible purchase of property at 21 N. Church St.;
Changes to the process for filling Planning Commission vacancies; and
A resolution supporting Proposition 1, the statewide Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act.

Read the full agenda here. The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Council Chambers, 35 Cajon St., with a livestream available online.

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EDUCATION

🧮 Why early math skills matter: California students continue to struggle with math, with just 37% proficient statewide last year. New research points to the importance of building strong math skills before kindergarten. In Redlands Unified, 38% of students were proficient in math in 2025 — still below pre-pandemic levels. CalMatters looks at what California is doing to improve early math learning.

⚾ Angels bring baseball to RUSD families: The Los Angeles Angels donated 2,000 game tickets to students and families at five Redlands Unified elementary schools this fall. Kimberly Elementary students also got a visit from the Angels for an on-campus baseball clinic, complete with hats, gloves and plenty of practice.

ELECTION 2026

🗳️ Candidate forum set for Oct. 5: Candidates for the Redlands Unified school board and San Bernardino County superintendent of schools have been invited to an online forum hosted by AAUW Redlands and the University of Redlands Public Policy Program. The forum begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. Voters can submit questions for the candidates through 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Learn more here:

And bookmark Redlands Votes 2026 for our latest candidate profiles, election reporting, voting information and resources for the Nov. 3 election.

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚒 One person died and four others were injured in a fiery three-vehicle crash on westbound I-10 near Mountain View Avenue late Thursday night. Firefighters arrived to find one vehicle engulfed in flames, with its occupant pronounced dead at the scene. One of the four people with minor injuries was transported to a hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

🚨 One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and 33 others were cited during a Redlands Police checkpoint Friday night. Officers screened 632 vehicles at Brookside Avenue and Eureka Street.

🚙 California adds four new DUI laws: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed four bills aimed at preventing impaired driving and repeat DUI offenses, but advocates say more changes are needed. Here’s what the new laws will do — and what could return to the Legislature next year.

BUSINESS

📉 What’s working — and what isn’t — in Redlands’ job market? The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is asking local employers and job seekers to share their experiences for a new study examining hiring challenges, employment barriers and what workers want from local jobs. The short survey is open through Oct. 9, with results expected later this month. Read more here:

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Local author launches second novel: Redlands author Tracy Wise debuted her new Regency-era novel, Manufacturing a Duchess, at the Contemporary Club. Wise shared how caring for her mother gave her the opportunity to return to writing, and why she hopes the new book will become a trilogy.

🐾 The Redlands Chamber Dog Jog returns Oct. 25 with a dog-friendly jog through downtown, adoptable pups, K-9 demonstrations, an agility course, a hot dog-catching contest and the popular canine costume contest. Half of adult registration proceeds will benefit the Redlands Animal Shelter. Kids under 18 are free.

EVENTS

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, Oct. 2

Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon
Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine.
Downtown's Morning Market | 7 a.m.–11 a.m.
The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market.
Redlands Symphony | 7 p.m.
Redlands Symphony will launch its 75th anniversary season Oct. 3 with “Shostakovich’s Fifth,” featuring works by Derrick Skye, Mélanie Bonis and Dmitri Shostakovich. Ticket information.
STEAM Saturdays: Monster Mash | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monster-themed crafts in the museum's STEAM Lab for young learners at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Drop in any Saturday in October.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
Smart Photography Workshop | 5 – 6 p.m.
Renowned Redlands photographer Bruce Herwig will be at Gateway Ranch on Sunday, Oct. 4 to show you how to be smarter with your smartphone camera. More information.

Check out more Redlands events here.

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... If you don't know what to do with the extra fruit on your trees, consider donating it to Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino. They'll even pick and package the fruit for you, then distribute it to local families in need. Read more here:

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Redlands shelves downtown parking lot plan

Redlands shelves proposed 140-space downtown parking lot

Student math scores are abysmal. A new California law requires early testing for skill

CFR News Desk