SPMG - Yucaipa Redlands News & Events

09/19/2026

Yucaipa City Council Candidates Outline Priorities Ahead of November Election

YUCAIPA, Calif. — Yucaipa voters will select City Council representatives for Districts 1 and 2 during the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election. The District 1 contest features two candidates, while the District 2 race has only one qualified candidate.

City Council members serve four-year terms and make decisions involving public safety, city finances, roads, development, economic growth and community services.

District 1: Greg Franklin and Chelsea Brammer Ramirez

District 1 voters will choose between Greg Franklin, a retired financial officer, and Chelsea Brammer Ramirez, an educator and judicial commissioner. Both candidates submitted official statements and identified public safety, financial responsibility and Yucaipa’s quality of life as priorities.

Greg Franklin

Franklin points to nearly 30 years of experience working directly with the City of Yucaipa, including service as assistant city manager. He says that experience prepared him to understand municipal finances, operations and long-term planning.

Franklin identifies the following priorities:

* Maintaining balanced budgets and strong financial oversight
* Promoting transparency and accountability
* Investing in roads and other essential infrastructure
* Supporting law enforcement and public safety
* Managing growth responsibly
* Attracting quality jobs that could reduce residents’ commuting time
* Protecting Yucaipa’s character and quality of life

Franklin says the city completed major public facilities without relying on outside borrowing during his time in city administration. He promises to approach council decisions by examining how each vote would affect residents’ daily lives.

His campaign theme is: “Ready to listen, willing to serve, able to lead.”

Learn more at gregforyucaipa.com⁠.

Chelsea Brammer Ramirez

Brammer Ramirez describes herself as a Yucaipa native with deep family and community ties. She graduated with Yucaipa High School’s first graduating class in 1995 and has worked in education, workforce development and juvenile-delinquency prevention.

Her experience also includes negotiating purchasing and pricing contracts for her family’s business and connecting local students with employment and career opportunities.

Brammer Ramirez identifies three principal priorities:

* Keeping Yucaipa safe by fully funding law enforcement and public-safety services
* Practicing fiscal discipline through transparent budgeting, taxpayer protection and long-term financial planning
* Protecting the city’s quality of life by preserving Yucaipa’s character and rural heritage, supporting local businesses and attracting amenities desired by residents

Her campaign message emphasizes “common sense,” putting the community first and preserving Yucaipa’s small-town identity while allowing thoughtful progress.

Mayor Chris Venable has endorsed Brammer Ramirez. Additional campaign information is available at chelseaforyucaipa.com⁠.

District 2: Chris Venable

Current Yucaipa Mayor Chris Venable is the only qualified candidate listed for the District 2 seat. The city’s published candidate list indicates that Venable did not submit a candidate statement.

Because Yucaipa’s mayor is selected annually by the City Council rather than elected separately by the public, District 2 voters are considering Venable for another term as a council member.

Venable’s current service gives voters an opportunity to evaluate his record through City Council meetings, public votes and policy decisions. City meetings are streamed on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, allowing residents to review his positions on matters brought before the council.

Shared Issues, Different Experience

Franklin and Brammer Ramirez express several similar goals, including strong public safety, responsible budgeting and preserving Yucaipa’s quality of life. The primary distinction presented through their official statements is the experience each would bring to the council.

Franklin emphasizes his municipal management and financial background, while Brammer Ramirez highlights her experience in education, workforce development, community service and public accountability.

District 1 voters may therefore be deciding which type of professional background and leadership approach they believe will serve the city most effectively.

Candidate information and official statements can be reviewed through the City of Yucaipa’s 2026 election page⁠. The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters will begin mailing ballots to active registered voters on October 5.

Which local issue should Yucaipa’s next council members address first: public safety, roads, economic development, growth or another community concern?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News — Providing residents with nonpartisan information about the people and issues shaping our communities.

09/19/2026

Yucaipa Voters Prepare for November 2026 General Municipal Election

YUCAIPA, Calif. — Yucaipa residents will have an opportunity to help determine the future direction of their community when ballots are cast in the November 3, 2026, General Election.

Local elections directly affect many of the services residents encounter every day, including public safety, street maintenance, economic development, parks, housing, community programs and decisions about future growth.

Yucaipa operates under a council-manager form of government. Its five City Council members serve as the city’s legislative and policy-making body, while an appointed city manager oversees daily municipal operations. Council members are elected by district to staggered four-year terms, with either two or three seats coming before voters during each even-numbered election year.

Unlike cities that elect a mayor citywide, Yucaipa’s mayor is selected annually from among the five council members. The mayor presides over council meetings and represents the city throughout the region, but each council member has equal voting authority.

Because Yucaipa uses district-based elections, residents vote only for the council candidate seeking to represent the district in which they live. Voters who are uncertain about their district can use the city’s online Find Your Voting District map.

As voters evaluate candidates, important local issues may include emergency response, wildfire preparedness, homelessness, traffic, road improvements, responsible development, support for local businesses and the preservation of Yucaipa’s quality of life.

Residents should review their official county voter-information guide before voting. That guide will contain the races, candidates and measures appearing on each voter’s specific ballot. Voters are encouraged to study candidate statements, attend public forums and examine how candidates propose to address Yucaipa’s needs.

The City Clerk serves as Yucaipa’s local elections official and manages candidate filings, nomination documents, legal notices and city ballot measures. The election itself is consolidated with and administered by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.

California voters may cast a vote-by-mail ballot, return it at an authorized ballot drop box or vote in person at an approved location. Residents should confirm that their registration, residential address and mailing address are current well before Election Day.

Voters can obtain municipal election information from the City of Yucaipa⁠ and registration, ballot and voting-location information from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters⁠.

Local government has a direct influence on the future of every neighborhood. The November election gives Yucaipa residents a voice in selecting the leaders who will make decisions on their behalf.

What issue should be the highest priority for Yucaipa’s elected leaders during the next four years?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News — Informing residents and encouraging responsible community participation.

09/19/2026

Yucaipa’s Autumnfest Returns to Uptown Park September 26

YUCAIPA, Calif. — Residents are invited to welcome the fall season at Autumnfest on Saturday, September 26, from noon to 9 p.m. at Uptown Park in Yucaipa.

The community celebration will provide an opportunity for families, friends and neighbors to spend time together while enjoying the atmosphere of Historic Uptown Yucaipa. The location also places attendees within walking distance of local restaurants, cafés, breweries and shops.

Autumnfest is part of Yucaipa’s continuing effort to create shared community experiences while bringing activity into the city’s historic business district. Events like this allow longtime residents and newcomers to connect while discovering more of what the community has to offer.

Uptown Park is located at 12062 California Street in Yucaipa. Residents should check the official event information before attending for the complete schedule, activities and any updated instructions.

More information is available through the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center event calendar⁠.

Who will you bring with you to celebrate the arrival of fall in Yucaipa?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News — Your source for community events, local businesses and neighborhood news.

09/19/2026

Business: Autumnfest Offers Opportunities for Yucaipa’s Local Businesses

YUCAIPA, Calif. — Yucaipa’s upcoming Autumnfest is expected to bring residents and visitors into Historic Uptown Yucaipa, creating an opportunity for local restaurants, retailers and service businesses to connect with new customers.

Community celebrations can provide a meaningful economic boost by increasing foot traffic and encouraging attendees to shop, dine and explore nearby establishments. For small businesses, these events also offer valuable exposure to residents who may not regularly visit the Uptown district.

Historic Uptown Yucaipa features a growing mixture of cafés, breweries, restaurants, vintage stores and locally owned shops. Residents attending Autumnfest can support the local economy by arriving early, dining locally and visiting neighborhood businesses before and after the festivities.

Local business owners can prepare by promoting event-day specials, extending hours where practical and sharing Autumnfest information through their social-media platforms. Cross-promotion among neighboring businesses can help turn a one-day community celebration into longer-lasting customer relationships.

Every purchase made at a neighborhood establishment helps support local jobs, entrepreneurship and the continued development of Yucaipa’s business community.

Which locally owned Yucaipa business would you recommend to someone visiting the city?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News proudly supports the entrepreneurs and organizations strengthening our local economy.

09/19/2026

Government: Yucaipa Launches Medic Squad 553 to Strengthen Emergency Response

YUCAIPA, Calif. — The City of Yucaipa has announced the launch of Medic Squad 553, expanding the community’s advanced life-support services and strengthening its ability to respond to medical emergencies.

The new squad becomes Yucaipa’s fourth frontline paramedic unit. City officials say the additional resource will help meet rising emergency-call volumes, improve response capabilities and provide added support during periods of high demand.

The investment represents an important step toward ensuring Yucaipa’s public-safety services continue to keep pace with the community’s needs. Faster access to qualified emergency medical personnel can be especially critical during cardiac events, serious accidents and other life-threatening situations.

Medic Squad 553 also gives local emergency responders greater flexibility when several incidents happen simultaneously. By expanding frontline coverage, the city aims to reduce pressure on existing units while maintaining dependable service throughout Yucaipa.

The city describes the program as another example of Yucaipa residents’ taxpayer dollars being directed toward essential community services. Additional information is available through the City of Yucaipa⁠.

What other public-safety improvements would you like to see in Yucaipa?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News — Connecting our communities through local news, public service and meaningful information.

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

🐾 Meet Astro, September’s Dog of the Month! 🐶

At the September 14 City Council meeting, the Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) proudly introduced Astro as September’s Dog of the Month!

Astro is a 1-year-old Great Dane/American Pit Bull Terrier mix looking for a family to call his own. 🤎

Think Astro might be your perfect match? Learn more about Astro (Animal ID YAPS-A-442) and other adoptable pets at YAPS.org.

09/19/2026

With Yucaipa High School – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/19/2026

AAUW Redlands Invites Community to Annual Membership Meeting

REDLANDS, Calif. — The American Association of University Women Redlands Branch invites community members to learn more about its mission, programs and opportunities during its annual membership meeting on Saturday, October 3, at the University of Redlands.

The event will begin with a membership fair at 8:15 a.m., followed by brunch and a brief program featuring speakers who will share their experiences as AAUW members. Attendees will also hear about the organization’s ongoing advocacy and service throughout the community.

AAUW Redlands supports educational opportunities for women and young people through several programs. Its initiatives include two annual STEM conferences for middle school students, Tech Trek camp for seventh-grade girls, FilmFest and scholarship opportunities for college women.

The membership fair will introduce guests to small-group activities designed to help members form friendships while exploring shared interests. Groups include books, hiking, games, sewing, dining and current-events discussions.

The annual meeting offers both current and prospective members an opportunity to discover how AAUW Redlands advances education, leadership and equity while building meaningful connections among women in the community.

Guests are encouraged to learn more and RSVP for brunch by September 24 at redlands-ca.aauw.net/membership/meetings⁠.

What type of AAUW program or interest group would you most enjoy joining?

Yucaipa Redlands Community News — Connecting our communities through education, service and local news.