Why RUSD reached layoffs, ICE protests planned, City Council ahead

This week in Redlands news:

• RUSD school board authorized layoffs that could affect up to 138 positions – here’s a look at what led the district to take this action.
• Some local businesses plan to close Jan. 30 in observance of a nationwide general strike protesting recent killings by federal immigration agents, though the scope of local participation is still developing.
• The Redlands City Council will meet Feb. 3, with a proposed backyard hen ordinance, food security initiatives and federal grant funding on the agenda.
• Plus, the co-owners of Redlands’ newest downtown coffee shop share what inspired its warm desert vibe.

EDUCATION

How Redlands Unified got here: Budget pressures behind potential layoffs

Redlands Unified school board members voted 3-2 Tuesday to authorize the elimination of more than 130 positions for the 2026–27 school year, a move that drew strong reaction from parents, educators and students.

District officials say the action is aimed at closing a projected $17 million budget deficit driven by several intersecting, long-term pressures, many of which trace back to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly all of the positions identified are school-site, student-facing roles, including counselors, nurses, librarians, PE teachers and special education staff.

Read more on how the district got to this point — and what parents and staff are warning:

Redlands Unified budget crisis: Why the potential layoffs

District leaders point to enrollment declines, expiring pandemic-era funding and new obligations as the board authorizes reductions affecting up to 138 positions.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

CITY HALL

🍊 The Redlands City Council will meet on Feb. 3 to discuss whether to permit the keeping of hens in single-family residential districts, the Food Security Task Force and Block Grant projects to fund in 2026-27. Read more here:

Redlands City Council agenda: Feb. 3, 2026

Agenda includes a public hearing on the keeping of hens in residential zones, commission and board appointments and a discussion of the Food Security Task Force.

Community Forward Redlands NewsKathryne Mccann

🪧 Activists are calling for a nationwide general strike on Friday, Jan. 30, urging a day of no work, school or shopping in response to killings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota earlier this month. In the Redlands area, several locally owned businesses have announced plans to close in observance of the strike. Protests are also scheduled in Riverside on Friday and in downtown Redlands on Saturday. Local impacts on Redlands and the surrounding area are still taking shape. Read more here:

Nationwide Strike Planned Jan. 30; Redlands Businesses Join

A national general strike tied to protests over immigration enforcement is planned for Friday, with demonstrations in Redlands scheduled for Saturday.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

📊 Jobs report: The Inland Empire added 1,000 jobs in December as unemployment dipped to 5.1%, according to new state data. Much of the gain came from seasonal transportation and warehouse hiring tied to the holiday shopping rush. Economists caution, however, that the unemployment drop reflects seasonal patterns and a shrinking labor force rather than broad-based growth. Health care and local government continue to drive most long-term job gains, while construction and manufacturing lag. Read more here:

Holiday hiring lifts Inland Empire job numbers in December

Holiday-season hiring in transportation and warehousing helped push the jobless rate lower, though economists caution the decline reflects seasonal patterns and a shrinking labor force rather than sustained growth

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚨 A resident narrowly avoided being struck by a bullet fired from a neighboring apartment. Police later found multiple unsecured firearms accessible to a child. Other significant cases from Jan. 15 through Jan. 20 include a potential hate crime, a knife assault that led to a high-speed pursuit and multiple juvenile arrests involving stolen vehicles.

Bullet narrowly misses resident in apartment shooting, police say

Redlands Police Report: Jan. 15 - 20

Community Forward Redlands NewsCommunity Forward Redlands

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

☕️ New in Downtown Redlands: RoadRunner Coffee
Desert-inspired design, organic brunch and a family-friendly vibe have arrived on State Street. RoadRunner Coffee co-owners and sisters-in-law Teresa Baguyo and Sierra Duro Baguyo reimagined the former café space to create a welcoming community gathering spot. With a full brunch menu, locally sourced baked goods and thoughtful details throughout, the women-owned coffee shop has quickly drawn crowds since opening last fall.

Read the full story on RoadRunner Coffee and the vision behind it here:

RoadRunner Coffee Opens in Downtown Redlands

Desert-inspired design, organic meals and a family-friendly vibe define the new downtown Redlands coffee shop.

Community Forward Redlands NewsSiw Heede

EVENTS

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, Jan. 30

• 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. 31

• Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon (rain or shine)
  Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors.
• 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.
• Beauty and the Beast | 7 p.m.
  The classic musical opens at LifeHouse Theatre. More information
• Annual Civic Awards & Installation Dinner | 6 p.m.
  The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will honor various individuals and organizations at the Orton Center, University of Redlands

Sunday, Feb. 1

• Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.

Check out more Redlands events here.

SPORTS

🥇 Citrus Valley makes history in girls wrestling: The Citrus Valley High School girls varsity wrestling team made school history this month, becoming the first female varsity team to win a Citrus Belt League championship. The Blackhawks clinched the title with a victory over Cajon High School in a league dual on Jan. 21. The milestone marks a major achievement for the program and for girls athletics at Citrus Valley.

Editor’s note: Community Forward Redlands is looking for a freelance sports reporter to help expand our local prep sports coverage. Interested? Email news@communityforwardredlands.com with a short introduction and any clips or writing samples.

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... Family Paint and Donut Series returns to Redlands Feb. 7 

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

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