Community Forward Redlands

07/18/2025

🚛 A revised plan for a 193,469-square-foot distribution warehouse on Tennessee Street was approved by the Redlands Planning Commission on June 24.

The approval comes just over a year after the commission denied a similar warehouse plan following intense public backlash over traffic, air quality and proximity to nearby schools.

This time, commissioners said the updated proposal met all current zoning and design standards and emphasized that broader concerns fell outside their decision-making authority.

Read more at the link below:

Planning Commission approves revised warehouse project on Tennessee Street despite opposition over proximity to schools and housing

07/18/2025

📌 This week in Redlands news: Our in-depth report examines why the city Planning Commission approved a revised warehouse project at the former La-Z-Boy site on June 24, one year after rejecting a similar proposal amid public opposition.

Plus:
📚RUSD approves funding for after-school programs
🖨 A downtown landmark marks 138 years in business
🎭 Redlands' summer musical returns to the stage next week.

Read more here 👇

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07/09/2025

🚗⚡ Redlands just adopted a bold new Climate Action Plan — but 77% of its emissions reductions rely on electric vehicles, just as federal support is starting to disappear.

The plan outlines how Redlands hopes to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, but residents and councilmembers alike are raising big questions about feasibility, equity, and regional coordination.

📊 See what’s in the plan, what’s at stake, and what comes next:

77% of the city’s projected emissions reductions hinge on electric vehicle adoption — but tax credits are set to expire, among other major roadblocks.

07/08/2025

Diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer before his first birthday, Michael Crossland was given a 4% chance to live.

Now, he’s coaching the Aussie Expos from the Redlands Shire of Queensland, Australia in the Australian Baseball Tour of Redlands. This month, he’s sharing a powerful message of resilience, hope, and heart.

⚾🇦🇺 Don’t miss this story of survival and strength.
Read more here:

Diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer as a baby, Aussie coach who beat the odds inspires on and off the field

07/03/2025

🚨 The city of Redlands has agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle another sexual misconduct and retaliation lawsuit filed by a former police department employee, marking the latest in a series of harassment claims tied to former Deputy Chief Michael Reiss.

Why it matters: To date, the city has paid out $3.7 million to settle claims connected to Reiss and the city, including allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment, retaliation and a hostile work environment within the Redlands Police Department.

Read more details ⬇️

The settlement resolves a 2022 lawsuit by Julie Alvarado-Salcido alleging sexual coercion and retaliation by then–Deputy Chief Michael Reiss.

06/29/2025

🔥 Wildfire Update – San Timoteo Canyon

This evening, firefighters have halted the forward progression of the Smiley Fire, which ignited on Saturday afternoon.

As of 8:15 p.m., the fire is 30% contained and has burned approximately 83 acres, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire, Redlands Fire, and Riverside County Fire are leading the response. No injuries have been reported.

Read more below:

Smiley Fire ignited in San Timoteo Canyon prompting multiple unit response.

06/26/2025

Redlands Unified School Board passes flag rules and revised book review policy despite unprecedented public outcry.

More than 500 public comment cards were submitted Tuesday night as community members packed the board room to oppose controversial new policies on book removals and flag displays.

Despite overwhelming opposition, the board passed three policies in 3–2 votes, prompting emotional responses from students, parents, and educators.

📖 One policy sets a process for challenging books, requiring removal of certain titles before review.
🏳️‍🌈 Another limits which flags can be displayed at schools, excluding Pride flags unless part of a curricular event.
⚖️ A third expands board control over curriculum materials.

Full story ⬇️

Board cuts speaking time, passes revised book removal process and flag rules despite overwhelming opposition from students, parents and teachers

06/23/2025

A startling discovery has left a Redlands couple searching for answers after they found a young mountain lion dead in their backyard.

The homeowners say the cougar appeared emaciated and may have been sprayed by a skunk. They contacted local police, who directed them to California Fish and Wildlife, but haven’t yet received a response.

Read more at the link below.

📸 Warning: This story includes a photo of the deceased animal, which some may find disturbing.

Homeowners found what appeared to be a young, emaciated mountain lion deceased in their backyard Sunday

06/23/2025

With their playoff hopes on the line against the defending Southwest Division champions, Redlands FC stepped up and earned a huge 3 points by defeating FC Tucson 2-0. The first ten minutes showed why Tucson was at the top of the table, as they dominated possession and sent in some

06/20/2025

🍊 Redlands weekly news update ⬇️
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ADUs approved, anti-Trump protests come to Redlands, Museum of Redlands milestone, and girls flag football primed for second season

06/19/2025

🏡 Housing news: Want to build a backyard unit but overwhelmed by the red tape and design costs? That’s about to change.

The city just approved a contract with RRM Design Group to create free, pre-approved ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) design plans. Homeowners will soon be able to choose from a range of architectural styles and layouts — no design fees, no permitting guesswork.

It’s all part of Redlands’ push to expand housing options and make it easier (and more affordable) to build. Designs will be available by late 2025 — stay tuned!

Read more ⬇️

The city will partner with RRM Design Group to streamline the Accessory Dwelling Unit creation process and boost affordable housing options.

06/15/2025

🏈 NFL star Jaelan Phillips brought the energy — and the inspiration — back to Redlands!

The Miami Dolphins linebacker and former REV standout hosted a free football camp for more than 400 local kids on Saturday.

Held at his alma mater, Redlands East Valley High, the camp featured obstacle courses, passing drills, tug-of-war, and lots of laughs under the 90-degree sun.

“It’s always been a goal of mine,” Phillips said. “I wanted to come back to Redlands and make an impact in my city.”

📸 See photos and read the full story by sport's writer John Murphy: https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/more-than-400-kids-participate-in-jaelan-phillips-football-camp/

Miami Dolphins linebacker and former REV standout returns home to inspire the next generation with a free youth football camp.