Alleged arsonist charged in Line Fire, air quality impacts weekend events, and Believe Walk returns to Redlands in October.
City cancels Morning Market, outdoor sports, and Movies in the Park due to smoke from Line Fire; cooling centers remain open for residents seeking relief.
Wildfire burns north of Redlands, YMCA CEO makes history, Redlands seeks help fighting invasive species
HIGHLAND, Calif. – Cal Fire responded to a 172-acre fire that is burning north of Redlands on Thursday night.
The Line fire started around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at Baseline Street and Alpine Street in Highland, according to Cal Fire.
Burning just north of Redlands Airport, multiple airplanes could be seen dropping water and pink fire retardant to slow the blaze.
So far, no structures have been damaged, and no injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Updates will be made to this post.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Redlands is under an excessive heat warning through Monday, with temperatures up to 110°F on Friday. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has also issued an air quality alert for the Inland Empire due to high ozone levels.
The air quality alert, in effect from Tuesday through Friday, coincides with the heat warning, creating potentially dangerous conditions for residents, especially those in sensitive groups.
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys are expected to see temperatures between 102°F and 112°F.
Why it matters: Ozone pollution can cause respiratory health problems, including trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and lung damage. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or COPD are particularly at risk.
How to stay safe: The city advises residents to:
The city of Redlands also offers cooling centers for residents who need a place to go in the heat.
The big picture: Climate data suggests Redlands could experience 22-28 more days at or above 105°F by mid-century, indicating a trend of increasing extreme heat events. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚔 Redlands Unified sees second lockdown in 2 weeks, threat unfounded: Citrus Valley High School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after reports of a student potentially possessing a gun on campus. The threat was later determined to be unfounded, according to the Redlands Police Department. The incident comes just two weeks after Moore Middle School was placed on lockdown with the suspicion of a weapon on campus. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚔 Olive Dell Ranch suspect charged with murder: A 62-year-old Redlands man faces murder charges in connection with the deaths of Daniel and Stephanie Menard, the San Bernardino County District Attorney announced Tuesday. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
♻️ Trash and recycling collection hikes: Redlands residents will soon be paying more for their trash and recycling collection services. Redlands City Council voted Tuesday to increase solid waste rates by 9% annually for the next three years, followed by a 4% increase in the fourth year. This equals an increase of about $27 bimonthly by 2028. During Tuesday's meeting, some residents questioned the need for steep percent increases year over year and the equity of the rate system for lower trash producers. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🏘 Historic Design Guidelines: Updates to Redlands historic architectural guidelines dating back to 1986 were approved by the City Council on Sept. 3. The guidelines include chapters on integrating energy systems and ADA accessibility into historic structures, balancing preservation with contemporary needs. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
💵 Homeless outreach grant: A new outreach position for the Redlands Homeless Solutions Division was approved during Tuesday's City Council meeting. Partial funding for the role comes from a grant from Kaiser Permanente of Southern California Region. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
By: Julie Farren
Growing up in the YMCA family was a natural fit for Brandi Collato.
However, her professional aspirations didn’t include working for the community organization that serves all ages throughout the region.
“I didn’t have any thoughts of going into the family business,” Collato said.
Then in June 2024, she became the first female CEO of the YMCA of the East Valley in its 137-year history.
Collato will speak on her 17-year history with the YMCA during the AAUW meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands.
The 6:30 p.m. program “From Men to a Movement: How this female CEO found her calling with the Young MEN’S Christian Association” is open to the community at no charge.
Read more about Collato here.
Contributor
The University of Redlands football redemption tour begins at 7 p.m. Saturday when the Bulldogs open their season at home against George Fox University of Newberg, Oregon.
The Bulldogs are trying to atone for a disappointing 5-5 record last season, including a 4-4 conference record.
“I have a positive feeling,” veteran Bulldog coach Jim Good said. “This is a special group, and they love to play and compete. They’re students of the game and a fun group, and they can’t wait until Saturday night to play a game.”
Read more about the upcoming season from sports writer John Murphy.
John Murphy
🌡 How extreme heat and growing population threaten California cities: CalMatters reports More extreme heat + more people = danger in these California cities. ‘Will it get as hot as Death Valley?’
🏗 California legislature passes new regulations on warehouse: CalMatters reports: Job killer or neighborhood protector? Proposed warehouse rules divide Inland Empire
📲 Limiting cell phones in school: EdSource reports: California passes bill to limit student cellphone use on K-12 campuses
📚 California gets "D" in reporting on student progress: Edsource reports: California School Dashboard lacks pandemic focus, earns a D grade in report
📌 Sept. 8 - Made in love in Redlands Fall Market: A day of shopping small, big smiles, and even bigger deals at 325 Alabama St., Redlands.
📌 Sept. 10 - Renaming Community Center: A community celebration will commemorate the renaming of three Redlands city facilities on Sept. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Read more here.
📌 Sept. 14 - YouthHope's Day in the Park car show: This event is free for spectators and will include a great car show, food, goods to purchase from local vendors, a kid's zone, plus more! Learn more here.
📌 Sept. 16 Redlands Forum: The Parable of the Sower, a discussion of a community-wide book reading, led by Dr. Heather King, professor of English at the University of Redlands, and sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Read more here.
📌 Sept. 18 - Living Closer, Moving Smarter: A Blueprint for a More Sustainable Future: ANCA's fall Resilient Living Series with guest speakers Denise Davis, Redlands City Councilmember and Bobby Garrity, Lead of Redlands YIMBY. Read more here.
📌 Sept. 20 - Job Fair: Redlands job fair offers free professional photos. Read more here.
Redlands Conservancy is urging trail users to help remove invasive weeds from local nature preserves and parks. The organization aims to protect native vegetation and wildlife habitats by combating problematic plants like stinkwort, Russian thistle, and puncture vine.
Driving the news: A new invasive species, stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens), has been identified at San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary and Caroline Park in Redlands.
Why it matters: Invasive weeds can monopolize areas and out-compete native vegetation, leading to habitat loss for native wildlife that doesn't adapt to these plants.
How to help: Trail users are encouraged to participate in weed abatement efforts following specific guidelines:
Be aware: Stinkwort can cause dermatitis in humans. Trail users unsure about plant identification can check for sticky leaves and an unpleasant odor.
What's next: The Redlands Conservancy encourages community members to report sightings of invasive plants by calling 909-782-6208.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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