Hello Redlands - I’m thrilled to announce that we’re expanding both our team and our coverage. Since 2022, we’ve focused on sharing stories that empower civic engagement, informing readers at a point where they can be part of city decisions.
While we continue this mission, we’re also expanding to celebrate the people, groups, and organizations that make our city special.
We’re collaborating with two freelance journalists who bring a wealth of knowledge and deep connection to the Redlands community. Please join us in welcoming award-winning sports writer John Murphy and community news journalist Shantell Sunderman as regular contributors to Community Forward Redlands. You can read their reporting in this newsletter.
As the local news industry evolves, we remain committed to serving our community by building a modern, sustainable, and reliable source for Redlands news.
You can help us by sharing the news and forwarding this email to your neighbors and friends!
Cheers, Stephanie
HEADLINER
The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act provides a timeline for SBD airport's control tower to secure a radar display system (Photo: stock of airplane flying Shutter2U)
Radar display system for San Bernardino International Airport is on the horizon
A timeline to install radar equipment to improve safety at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) has been set, thanks to a provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
The bipartisan legislation, signed by President Biden in May, reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years while improving infrastructure, aviation safety, consumer protections, and workforce development.
One part of the safety improvements includes modifications to existing requirements for Federal Contract Tower radar equipment, like the tower at SBD airport.
Since Community Forward Redlands first reported on this issue in 2023, Rep. Pete Aguilar and the Committee on Transportation Housing and Urban Development (THUD) have joined local aviation officials in pushing for a solution.
Read the latest developments and a local reaction here.
🚔 3D-printed gun surfaces at DUI checkpoint: Redlands Police arrested a driver in possession of a loaded 3D-printed handgun at a recent DUI checkpoint. More than 900 vehicles passed through the checkpoint on Alabama Street south of Park Avenue between 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20, to 1 a.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the Redlands PD on Tuesday.Two drivers were arrested for DUI, and six other drivers received citations. Redlands PD announced the next DUI checkpoint is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, July 27, until 1 a.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location.Read more here.
🚒 56-acre fire north of Redlands' airport: Officials are investigating the cause of a 56-acre vegetation fire that burned in Redlands on July 19. The blaze required a multi-day response from various fire agencies. One firefighter was treated for minor injury as crews battled vegetation blaze north of Redlands airport. An investigation is underway to determine the fire's origin. Read more here.
🏨 Hotel approved: Redlands Planning Commission approves a new 52-room hotel at Plum Lane and Idaho Street. The project got the green light Tuesday after design revisions. Read more here.
🚍 $8.4M for zero-emission buses: Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $8.4 million in federal funding for zero-emission OmniTrans buses, with the goal to reduce air pollution and create job opportunities in the Inland Empire.Read more here.
Redlands Bowl's 'Mary Poppins' brings magic to life on stage
Floating into the Redlands Bowl with her umbrella and improbable bag, Mary Poppins delighted the audience on Tuesday night at the public dress rehearsal.
Director Wayne Scott, who has directed 12 musicals at the bowl, pulled out all the stops. Elaborate sets showing the inside of 17 Cherry Tree Lane and the skyline of 1920s London became just as much a part of the musical as the characters were.
Costumer Beth Derry recreated looks from the movie, from Mary Poppins’ signature white dress in the park to the use of bright, nearly surreal colors during scenes of flights of fancy.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s musical, which was adapted to the stage from the books and movie, had some additional songs as well as the songs multiple generations grew up hearing.
More pictures and a recap from Tuesday's public dress rehearsal below.
🍊 The historic Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is recruiting volunteers for its Fall 2024 New Docent Training Class.
Why it matters: The docent program has become a cornerstone of the Kimberly-Shirk Association's efforts to maintain the property. The program is a great opportunity for volunteers to meet people, learn and grow in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Details: The training program, which begins Sept. 4 and runs through Sept. 25, aims to prepare docents to guide tours and interact with guests at the mansion and its surrounding gardens.
The Terrier sophomores were all smiles on media day. (Photo: John Murphy)
🏐 RHS girls volleyball seeks Citrus Belt League three-peat: Formidable. That was the look of the Redlands High girls volleyball team on its annual media day on Tuesday, July 23 in the Terrier gym. Read more here.
📌 July 25 - 27, 2024 Redlands Comedy Festival: A 3-day comedy festival in Redlands at Escape Craft Brewery. Ticket and show information here.
📌 July 27 - Yeet the Heat: Summer party at Flowstone Climbing gym with food and live music open to the community. Read more here.
📌 Aug 3 - Exploration Station: A STEAM Lab for Kids!: Join the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, August 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as they unveil a new kids exhibit.
📌 Aug. 15 Chamber Cocktail Competition: Local bartenders are set to shake things up at the Fox Event Center on Aug. 15 as they vie to create the official 2025 Signature Orange Drop Cocktail. Details and tickets here.
Explore these and more events in Redlands by clicking on the event list below:
FINALLY
2023 Back2School Jam. Photo: Courtesy
Back-to-school season is here, and local nonprofit Micah House is gearing up for its annual backpack and school supply giveaway event.
Together with the City of Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, and other community organizations, Micah House is hosting its annual Back2School Jam on Sunday Aug. 4 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm in Sylvan Park.
Over 1,000 backpacks are donated each year to families in need.
The Redlands Police Department will be serving BBQ
Street Shaves will be giving free back to school hair cuts
Opportunities for kids to win bicycles
Emma Osterberg de Rodas, community liaison for Micah House, said the event is a chance for the community to come together to get kids ready for school in a positive way.
"Some families have a tradition to go shopping for their own kids and then get another backpack and supplies for another child," said Osterberg de Rodas.
Those interested in attending the event or donating a backpack filled with supplies can find more information here.
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A third-generation San Francisco native. His first job was in Watsonville, where he wrote stories on a typewriter and people smoked in the office. He's covered Redlands, San Bernardino and Riverside.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
