Redlands Wildfire Risk Grows, Police Investigate Burglaries, Plus Earth Day Preps and Classic Countdown Begins
REDLANDS, Calif. – Former Citrus Valley High School standout Ashley Williams continues to make an impact at Fresno State as she
Kids and families swarmed the San Bernardino County Museum for Arthropolooza’s opening weekend, where insects took center stage through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and fluttering fun.
Redlands Wildfire Risk Grows, Police Investigate Burglaries, Plus Earth Day Preps and Classic Countdown Begins
New Cal Fire map shows increased fire hazard in North Redlands and critical infrastructure sites, but officials say proactive work has been underway for years.
A new wildfire hazard map released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) this month shows expanded risk zones across Redlands, including areas of North Redlands now classified as “Moderate” to “Very-High” fire hazard.
The March 24, 2025, update marks the first time since 2007 that Cal Fire has revised the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Southern California.
The maps classify land based on the likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period. The new map uses a scientific model that considers fuel sources, wind, slope, historical fire behavior and terrain. While the maps are not intended to reflect current fire “risk”—which would account for home hardening or fuel mitigation—they provide a long-term view of the physical conditions that make wildfire more likely.
Southern and eastern Redlands, including San Timoteo Canyon, Live Oak Canyon and the Crafton Hills area, remain in the “Very High” fire hazard category.
The updated maps now include the east side of Interstate 210 and large areas in far north Redlands with "moderate" and "high" fire hazard risk.
Read more to find your zone and resources that are available to protect your home and lower insurance costs.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🏠 Debate over electric home space, water heaters continues: Redlands City Council voted to table a decision on whether to oppose South Coast Air Quality Management District's (AQMD) proposed rules affecting natural gas furnaces and water heaters during their April 1 meeting, following extensive public comment and council discussion. The debate was carried over from their March 18 meeting, where South Coast AQMD presented a revised proposal on gas appliance regulations, emphasizing manufacturer targets rather than consumer mandates. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
🚨 Smashed windows, power outages: Redlands Police are investigating string of southside home burglaries. Break-ins reported between March 26–29 involved smashed doors, stolen valuables and, in some cases, suspicious power outages disabling home security, according to police. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
The streets will soon be buzzing with elite cyclists from around the world—and the energy downtown is set to match from April 9-13.
From grueling mountain climbs to crowd-thrilling criteriums, here’s what to expect at this year’s Classic, plus how to register for everything from junior races to the Legends’ Fondo.
👉 Read more about the race schedule, community events, and how to get involved:
John Murphy
Redlands residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and dig into sustainability at A Day of Climate Action on Saturday, April 26, a community-wide celebration featuring more than 30 hands-on projects, workshops and a festival in honor of Earth Day.
The event, organized by a coalition of local organizations and businesses, runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning with morning volunteer projects and workshops throughout Redlands and culminating in a free community festival at Smiley Park.
From composting and food preservation to turf removal and jewelry-making, activities are designed to give residents practical tools for more sustainable living.
“This is a day for our community to come together, learn something new, and celebrate our shared responsibility for the planet,” said Linda Hamilton, executive director of the Inland Empire branch of ANCA, the event’s lead organizer.
Read more about this year's event and how to sign up here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🐛 Arthropolooza continues: Hundreds of young museum goers got up close and personal with centipedes, tarantulas and beetles at San Bernardino County Museum last weekend for Arthropolooza: The Ultimate Bugfest. Read more about the event and where you can go to see bugs this weekend. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
In a show of community support ahead of spring break, the Redlands Unified School District's Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department teamed up with the Redlands Education Support Professionals Association (RESPA) and Feeding America to distribute snack packs, hygienic items, and fresh produce to local families.
Community Forward Redlands
The County Clash baseball event, created in the early 2000s by former area high school coaches Jeff Stout and Steve Hernandez, returns this weekend.
A host of area teams are involved in the games at San Manuel Stadium, home of the minor league Inland Empire 66ers. Redlands High meets Beaumont at 4 p.m. Friday and Redlands East Valley faces Citrus Valley at 7 p.m. Both are Citrus Belt League games.
CBL title contenders meet at 10 a.m. Saturday when Yucaipa takes on Cajon. Also, Arrowhead Christian Academy faces Woodcrest Christian of Riverside in an Ambassador League game at 7 p.m. as the event concludes.
John Murphy
🤽Redlands’ Ashley Williams making waves in Fresno State water polo: Former Citrus Valley High School standout Ashley Williams continues to make an impact at Fresno State as she helps lead the Bulldogs’ women’s water polo team toward another championship season. Read more here.
Dave Card
📌 April 2 - May 1 - Redlands Cinema Classic Spring Film Series: Widen your horizon at the upcoming film series. The Redlands Cinema Classic spring film series returns April 2 - May 1 for its 26th year with a new venue, a fresh lineup of international films and a documentary highlighting a local hummingbird rescue. Film schedule and ticket information here.
📌 April 5, 7:30 pm: Redlands Symphony will debut a new bassoon concerto by Estonian-American composer Lembit Beecher at its upcoming concert, “The Wondrous Bassoon,” on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands. Ticket information here.
📌 April 9, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Redlands Forum Leveraging Technology to Save Lives in an Era of Growing Conflict: Hear from James Cowan who has led HALO Trust since 2015, using tech like GIS, AI and robotics to clear landmines in 29 countries. A former British Army officer, he’s a global voice in humanitarian demining. Register for free event here.
📌 April 25, 5:45 pm - Film Fest AAUW Redlands: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Redlands branch will celebrate women in film with a Film Fest on Friday, April 25, at the ESRI auditorium in Redlands. Ticket information here.
Julie Farren
The Leadership Redlands Class of 2024 revealed a vibrant new mural last week on the side of Viva La Boba (501 Orange St.)
Painted by artist Frank A. Samaro III, the artwork celebrates the city's landmarks and community spirit in postcard style.
We’re working on a full story about how the project came to life — and how this year’s class is building on the legacy of last year’s Leadership Redlands project, which we covered here.
🎨 Stay tuned for the behind-the-scenes look at the mural’s creation, community partnerships and what it means to those involved.
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