RUSD launches Spanish dual language program; Planning Commission OKs new shopping center

This week in Redlands news:

• Redlands Planning Commission advances a new 71,400-square-foot shopping center to City Council.
• The city is seeking applicants to serve on the Human Relations Commission.
• A look at the new Citibank that opened in downtown Redlands.
• Police arrested a third suspect on murder charges in the 2023 Redlands missing person case.
• A Spanish dual language program will launch at McKinley Elementary in the 2026-27 school year.

CITY HALL

🛍️ A new shopping center on the northeast corner of Lugonia Avenue and Tennessee Street advances to City Council for approval. The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the 71,400-square-foot project that would include a grocery store, a drive-through restaurant and several smaller retail buildings.

Planning Commission OKs North Redlands Shopping Center

A proposed 71,400-square-foot retail center with a grocery store advances in North Redlands amid rapid residential growth.

Community Forward Redlands NewsKathryne Mccann

🍊 The city is accepting applications from District 1 residents and college students to serve on the Human Relations Commission. This advisory body works to promote equity, goodwill and positive relations among all Redlands residents.

Applicants sought for Redlands Human Relations Commission

City seeks District 1 residents and college students for advisory body focused on equity and community relations.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🚨 Emergency alert emails explained. Some Redlands residents received emails this week about opting out of the city’s Emergency Notification System. City officials say no action is needed for residents who want to continue receiving emergency alerts.

Redlands clarifies emergency alert opt-out emails

After residents received opt-out emails this week, officials say no action is needed to continue receiving emergency alerts.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚔 Police arrested a man on multiple felony charges after he was shot by a homeowner during a late-night break-in. Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Church Street shortly before midnight Jan. 15. The homeowner fired his weapon, striking the suspect after the intruder pointed a shotgun at him.

Redlands homeowner shoots intruder

Police say suspect confronted resident with shotgun during late-night Church Street break-in

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🚨 Redlands police have arrested a third suspect on murder charges in the 2023 disappearance of Emilio Salem Ghanem, who was last seen in a Redlands coffee shop. Detectives traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to arrest 44-year-old Ramon Ruis Duran Jr., who is now being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $1 million bail.

Third suspect arrested on murder charges in 2023 Redlands missing person case

Detectives arrest Nashville man on murder and conspiracy charges in 2023 disappearance of Emilio Salem Ghanem

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

EDUCATION

✏️ RUSD will launch a Spanish dual language immersion program at McKinley Elementary in the 2026-27 school year. The program, designed to develop students who are bilingual, biliterate and culturally proficient, will begin with transitional kindergarten and kindergarten and expand one grade level at a time.

McKinley Elementary to add Spanish dual language program

Spanish-English program will begin with TK and kindergarten at McKinley Elementary in 2026–27 and expand by grade level

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

💵 Citibank has opened a new branch in downtown Redlands. The new location, which opened in November 2025, brings new in-person banking opportunities, financial education and small-business services to the downtown corridor.

Citibank opens new downtown Redlands branch

New location underscores the bank’s investment in financial access and community partnerships

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

EVENTS

🔧 Got something broken at home? Don’t toss it just yet. ANCA’s Redlands Repair Cafe returns Saturday, Jan. 24, offering free, hands-on help to fix lamps, small appliances, bikes, clothing and more. Local volunteers will help repair items on the spot or guide residents through do-it-yourself fixes. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Flores Senior Center. Advance registration is encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome while space allows.

Free Repair Cafe returns to Redlands on Jan. 24

Free community event offers hands-on help to repair household items and reduce waste

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🍩 Family Paint and Donut Series: Families are invited to spend their Saturday mornings painting, snacking and spending time together during the annual Family Paint and Donut Series at the Joe R. Gonzales Community Center. The free, drop-in program presented by Redlands Recreation will be held Saturdays on Feb. 7, Feb. 21, Feb. 28 and March 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the community center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave.

Free Family Paint and Donut Series returns to Redlands

A free, drop-in Saturday program at the Joe R. Gonzales Community Center offers guided painting, donut bites and family fun.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

🎤 San Bernardino County Board of Education President Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers will speak at the American Association of University Women Redlands branch brunch meeting on Saturday, Feb. 7. The presentation will focus on how community members can engage in school board meetings, participate in public comment and contribute to policy discussions. RSVPs are requested by Jan. 25. Read more here.

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, Jan. 23

• Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
  Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.
• Beauty and the Beast | 7 p.m.
  The classic musical opens at LifeHouse Theatre. More information

Saturday, Jan. 24

• Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon (rain or shine)
  Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors.
• Redlands Repair Cafe | 9 a.m.–noon
  Free community repair event by ANCA. Learn more here.
• STEM Saturday at San Bernardino County Museum | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Mushrooms and Calendars is the theme of this month’s hands-on science activities for kids and families. More information.
• New Year’s Night Market at Redlands Public Market | 5–10 p.m.
  Evening market featuring local vendors, food and a social atmosphere.
• Beauty and the Beast | 7 p.m.
  The classic musical opens at LifeHouse Theatre. More information
• Cosmic Nights | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
  An evening of quiet discovery where the night sky becomes a gateway to wonder. More information.

Sunday, Jan. 25

• Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.
• Beauty and the Beast | 2 p.m.
  The classic musical opens at LifeHouse Theatre. More information
• Redlands Recital Series | 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
  Brings RSO musicians into Downtown Redlands. Learn more here.

📅 Check out more Redlands events here

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... The YMCA of the East Valley is marking the national YMCA’s 175th anniversary in 2026 with what officials say is its largest New Year membership promotion to date, offering new members a $0 joining fee and a discounted first month of $17.50 for a limited time. Learn more here.

YMCA of the East Valley marks 175 years with membership deal

New members can join with no enrollment fee as the YMCA of the East Valley marks the national organization’s 175th anniversary.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

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