🎉 Happy New Year

Redlands rings in 2025, how to recycle your Christmas tree and Downtown's Morning Market returns

EDITOR'S NOTE

A warm welcome to our many new subscribers who joined us recently, whether through our holiday sponsor giveaway or at the New Year’s Eve Orange Drop hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. We're excited to share our community's stories and keep you updated on everything happening in Redlands this year!

We post stories throughout the week at Community Forward Redlands, and you can expect a weekly round-up of local news in your email inbox each Friday.

In the meantime:

  • Catch up on local development and city hall news here.
  • Explore our extensive election coverage and results here.
  • Stay updated on community events here.
  • Local sports coverage is here.
  • Check out our previous newsletters here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!

This week’s newsletter is our holiday edition. Look out for a full newsletter next Friday.

Here's to putting the community forward in 2025,

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Redlands rings in the New Year with family-friendly celebrations

Thousands gathered on Citrus Avenue for the annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop, while many enjoyed an earlier Beach Ball Drop timed with London’s midnight.

Pictures and a recap of both events here:

Redlands rings in the New Year with family-friendly celebrations
Thousands gathered on Citrus Avenue for the annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop, while many enjoyed an earlier Beach Ball Drop timed with London’s midnight.

🕎 Menorah lighting Downtown: Ed Hales Park glowed with the light of menorah candles on Thursday, Dec. 26, as Congregation Emanu El hosted its annual Hanukkah celebration in the heart of downtown. Community members of all ages gathered for the Festival of Lights, bringing their family menorahs—each unique in shape and size—to illuminate the holiday. The event offered a warm and festive atmosphere, uniting attendees in a shared tradition of joy and hope. Read more here.

Menorah lighting brings Hanukkah joy to Downtown Redlands
Community gathers for menorah lighting, blessings, and shared traditions in downtown Redlands

CITY HALL

🎄 Tree Recycling: The city of Redlands announced its annual Christmas tree recycling program, encouraging residents to dispose of their trees responsibly after the holiday season. Read more here.

Your guide to recycling Christmas trees in Redlands
From curbside pick-up to free drop-off options, the city of Redlands offers convenient ways for residents to recycle their holiday trees responsibly.

đźš’ Apartment fire: Firefighters swiftly extinguished a blaze at a single-story apartment building on East Central Avenue Thursday afternoon, Dec. 26, after a Redlands Fire Department captain spotted smoke while returning from an emergency call.

Crews quick to extinguish Redlands apartment blaze
No injuries reported

SPORTS

✍️Press Row: Sporting wishes for the New Year by John Murphy

Sporting wishes for the new year
Reader supported, locally owned, Redlands news

🏀 ICYMI Kiwanis tourney coverage: Read more here

Gragg, Terriers run past Banning
Reader supported, locally owned, Redlands news
Unselfish play leads Arrowhead Christian to victory
Arrowhead Christian Academy defeated Vista del Lago 73-49 on Thursday in Kiwanis Tournament

UPCOMING

đź©ş  Jan. 7 - AAUW Branch Meeting: Community members seeking inspiration for the new year are invited to attend the Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, featuring author Peggy Lanum. Lanum will present “The Science of a Well-Lived Life,” offering insights into embracing change and overcoming outdated limitations.

Redlands AAUW to host author Peggy Lanum for new year program on well-being
Reader supported, locally owned, Redlands news

🍊 Jan. 10 - Chamber's Rise and Shine: Usually held on the first Friday of the month, January's networking and current community information event will be held on Jan. 10 from 8 - 9 a.m. in the Casa Loma Room at the Unversity of Redlands.

🥕 Jan. 11 - Downtown's Morning Market Returns: Held in the parking lot adjacent to Redlands Blvd. between 5th and 6th Streets from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

đź“Ś Jan. 21 - Redlands City Council: The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Closed session at 5 p.m. and public meeting at 6 p.m.


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