This week in Redlands news:
- Redlands Unified has fallen behind the state in math, while student achievement in English and math remains below pre-pandemic levels.
- Redlands' $78 million police station is about to take shape, with vertical construction expected to begin in December.
- What's next for Downtown's Morning Market? The City Council narrowed potential locations to three downtown sites and plans to seek a new market operator.
- A man was arrested after allegedly striking a person with his vehicle in downtown Redlands.
- Looking for Halloween fun in Redlands? Here are some local Halloween events happening through the end of October.
EDUCATION
Redlands Unified falls behind state in math as test scores remain below pre-pandemic levels
More than a decade of state test results shows that Redlands Unified, which consistently outperformed California before the pandemic, now trails the state in math and performs roughly on par with the state in English language arts.
The latest California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results, released Oct. 15, show that about half of Redlands Unified students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, compared with just over one-third in math.
Community Forward Redlands analyzed test results from 2015 through 2026, examining long-term achievement trends, persistent economic disparities and differences in performance among individual schools.
Redlands Unified is scheduled to present its analysis of the results at the school board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Here's a closer look at the data ahead of that presentation:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
CITY HALL
🚔 Redlands police station construction timeline: After months of demolition, foundation preparation and underground work, Redlands' new police station at the former Kmart property is about to take shape. City officials told the City Council Tuesday that structural steel installation is expected to begin in late December, with the $78 million facility on track for potential occupancy in fall 2028. Read more here:
CFR News Desk
🥕 What's next for Downtown's Morning Market? The Redlands City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to narrow the market's potential locations to three downtown sites: its current parking lot near Ed Hales Park, State Street or Smiley Park. The decision comes as the market faces declining attendance and vendor participation following a change in operating hours earlier this year to address parking concerns posed by downtown businesses. Read more here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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PUBLIC SAFETY
🚨 Backflow prevention device thefts: Redlands Police arrested a 41-year-old man after more than a dozen city-owned backflow prevention devices were stolen, mostly from commercial properties. A city water employee spotted the suspect's vehicle, leading officers to recover stolen devices and burglary tools. Investigators are now looking into possible thefts in neighboring communities. Read more here.
🚔 Police update: A man was arrested after allegedly striking a person with his vehicle in downtown Redlands. Police also reported arrests following a theft at Ulta, an attempted bicycle robbery and two DUI incidents. Read more here.
ELECTION 2026
🗳️ Redlands Votes 2026: Election Day is less than two weeks away! Still researching your ballot? Our Redlands Votes 2026 election guide has information on local races, ballot drop-off locations and voting deadlines. Plus, explore CalMatters' interactive quizzes and videos to help you understand California's statewide propositions before casting your ballot.
CFR News Desk
GET INVOLVED
🏗️ Redlands seeks applicants for Traffic and Parking Commission: The city of Redlands is accepting applications for volunteer positions on its Traffic and Parking Commission. The commission advises the City Council on issues affecting parking, traffic and development. Applications are due Nov. 5. Residents can apply through the city's website.
📣 Applications open for Leadership Redlands Class of 2027: The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is seeking 20 participants for its 10-month leadership development program, which brings together local professionals and community members to explore regional issues, build connections and complete a community service project. Applications are due Oct. 31. Read more here.
🚒 Emergency preparedness meeting Monday: The Redlands Disaster Council will host a public meeting Monday, Oct. 26, featuring a presentation on the response to a hazardous materials incident in Garden Grove. Vicki Osborn, emergency management director for the Municipal Water District of Orange County, will share lessons learned and how they can inform local disaster preparedness. The meeting runs from 4 to 5 p.m. at City Council Chambers. Read more here.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
🌧️ Free repairs and preparing for a wet winter: ANCA Redlands is hosting two community events this week. On Saturday, Oct. 24, volunteers will repair everything from bicycles and small appliances to clothing and jewelry for free. Then, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, residents are invited to discuss climate preparedness as El Niño raises the possibility of a wetter-than-average winter in Southern California.
CFR News Desk
🎃 Looking for Halloween fun? From trunk-or-treats and family festivals to the city's Plane-or-Treat celebration and traditional trick-or-treating on Olive Avenue, there's plenty happening around Redlands this month. We've rounded up local Halloween events with dates, times, locations and admission details to help you plan your festivities. See the full Halloween events guide.
EVENTS
📅 This weekend in Redlands
Friday, Oct. 23
- Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM. - The Haunting of Hill House | 7:30 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information.
Saturday, Oct. 24
- 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. - 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. - The Haunting of Hill House | 7:30 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information. - Repair Cafe | 9 a.m. to noon
ANCA Redlands volunteers offer free repairs for everything from jewelry and small appliances to bicycles, clothing and electronics. Register here.
Sunday, Oct. 25
- Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers. - The Haunting of Hill House | 2 p.m.
Redlands Footlighters Theatre presents F. Andrew Leslie's stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's classic ghost story, directed by Pamela Lambert. More information. - The Redlands Chamber Dog Jog | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A dog-friendly jog through downtown, a hot dog-catching contest and the popular canine costume contest. Benefits the Redlands Animal Shelter. Kids under 18 are free. More information.
Check out more Redlands events here.
ICYMI 👀
In case you missed it...
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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