Community Forward Redlands

05/10/2026

San Bernardino County’s air quality improved slightly, but the region still ranks among the worst in the nation for ozone pollution.

The latest American Lung Association report found residents are still experiencing roughly five months of unhealthy air each year, putting children, seniors and people with asthma or heart disease at greater risk.

The Los Angeles metro area, including San Bernardino County, once again ranked as the most ozone-polluted region in the country.

Experts say wildfire smoke, extreme heat and climate change contribute to smog across Southern California.

Read more at the link in bio.

05/07/2026

🎬 Redlands students return to the big screen

Harkins Theater turned into a showcase of student storytelling as Redlands Unified students premiered their original films during the fourth annual Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) FilmFest, a districtwide celebration of student creativity, storytelling and filmmaking.

Learn more about the student filmmakers and watch this year's top films here:

Nearly 100 Redlands Unified students showcase original films, from documentaries to sequels, at annual festival.

05/07/2026

🌳 A planned overhaul of Texonia Park will focus on accessibility and inclusive design after U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar secured $1 million in federal funding for the project, officials announced Monday.

City officials said planned renovations include construction of an off-street parking lot, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, new restroom facilities, improved lighting, walking paths, sports fields and updated picnic and group gathering areas.

Read more here:

Rep. Aguilar secures federal funding for Texonia Park upgrades to improve safety, accessibility in Redlands neighborhood park

04/23/2026

A new rendering shows the planned store, confirmed as the anchor for The Marketplace shopping center, approved by the Redlands City Council in March.

The shopping center at Lugonia and Tennessee is designed to meet growing demand in the city’s north end, developers say.

Construction could begin in 2026.

Photos Courtesy of KTGY

Link in bio for more.

04/23/2026

First look: Whole Foods in Redlands.

A new rendering shows the planned store, confirmed as the anchor for The Marketplace shopping center, approved by the Redlands City Council last month.

The shopping center at Lugonia and Tennessee aims to meet growing demand in the city's north end.

Construction could begin in 2026.

Photos Courtesy of KTGY

Read more here:

City Council unanimously backs The Marketplace, a 71,400-square-foot retail project at Lugonia Avenue and Tennessee Street

04/07/2026

🚴‍♀️🚴🏽 Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8–12.
Here's what to know about races, rides, events and road closures.
Plus links to register for the Stater Bros. Charities School Duel and Legends' Fondo:

Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8–12. What to know about races, rides, events and road closures.

02/20/2026

Redlands Unified is facing a $20 million budget gap — and the school board has authorized the elimination of up to 138 positions.

District leaders say one variable still in play is attendance. Even a small increase in student attendance could generate millions in additional revenue.

📉 Districtwide attendance dropped during the pandemic and is currently about 93%.
📈 Officials estimate that increasing attendance from 93% to 98% could generate roughly $13.5 million in additional funding.

In this week’s feature, Community Forward Redlands sat down with Superintendent Juan Cabral and Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill to break down:
✔️ how attendance-based funding works
✔️ why “excused” absences still count financially
✔️ what families can do now — including short-term independent study contracts

📌 Full story at the link in bio.

District leaders say a small attendance boost could generate millions and reduce layoffs. Here’s how.

02/02/2026

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas in Redlands appears to be shuttered after moving trucks and furniture removal were seen outside the theater Sunday night.

Federal court filings show the theater’s parent company is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

🔗 Read more:

Moving trucks, missing showtimes and an ongoing Chapter 11 case raise questions about the theater’s status.

01/30/2026

A nationwide general strike is planned for Jan. 30, with some local businesses announcing closures and protests scheduled in the region on Friday and Saturday.
⁠
Organizers of the “National Shutdown” are urging a day of no work, school, or shopping in response to killings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota earlier this month.⁠

A growing list of local businesses will be closed tomorrow in solidarity. Read more here:

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

01/29/2026

Redlands Unified school board members voted 3-2 Tuesday to authorize the elimination of up to 138 positions for the 2026–27 school year, a move that drew strong rebuke from parents, educators and students.

District officials say the action is aimed at closing a projected $17 million budget deficit driven by declining enrollment, chronic absenteeism and the expiration of pandemic-era funding. Nearly all of the positions identified are school-site, student-facing roles, including counselors, nurses, librarians, PE teachers and special education staff.

Importantly, the vote does not automatically trigger layoffs. The district has not yet determined how many employees will receive preliminary layoff notices, and that number could change as staffing analyses continue.

We break down:
• What was approved — and what wasn’t
• Why the district says it reached this point
• What parents and staff warned the board about
• How trustees sharply disagreed over responsibility
• What happens next and when key decisions are due

Read the full story here:

District leaders cite enrollment decline and expiring one-time funds as the board approves reductions affecting up to 138 positions.

01/13/2026

Demolition work appears to be underway at the former Redlands Mall site on Monday.

Construction crews were observed removing hardscaping, light poles and site features this week — the first visible on-site activity since the property was sold to Jack and Laura Dangermond in November 2025.

It’s not yet clear when demolition of the main mall buildings will begin. We’ve reached out to the owners’ representatives for clarification and will continue reporting updates.

Full story from Community Forward Redlands ⬇️

Early site work appears underway Monday following recent sale