Redlands schools address ICE concerns, 50 years of collegiate athletes, Civic Awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations
REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Police are investigating an attempted burglary reported Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 21, in the 1500 block of North
Police recover electronics, luggage, a bicycle and a Vespa scooter.
Redlands schools address ICE concerns, 50 years of collegiate athletes, Civic Awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Chamber of Commerce celebrated the city’s exceptional individuals and organizations Jan. 11 at the 2025 Civic Awards and Installation Dinner, held at the University of Redlands. The event, which also marked the installation of the Chamber’s new Board of Directors, highlighted the accomplishments of local leaders who contribute to the vitality of the community.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Nathan Gonzales, archivist at A.K. Smiley Public Library, who served as master of ceremonies.
Guests were treated to dinner and entertainment by Ben Davis and his trio, followed by presentations that honored both new and seasoned community members.
The department heads recognized the Firefighter, Police Officer, and Service Member of the Year. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce also presented awards for New Organization of the Year, Organization of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year. The annual Man and Woman of the Year awards were presented by past honorees.
Take a closer at each of the 2025 award recipients here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
REDLANDS, Calif. – Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) Superintendent Juan Cabral issued a statement Thursday addressing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in schools.
Why it matters: The message comes in response to a directive this week from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to roll back immigration enforcement protection of "sensitive" areas, including schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship.
Local response: In a letter to students, families, and staff dated Jan. 23, 2025, Cabral reassured the community of the district’s commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming schools for all students, regardless of immigration status.
“We care about your well-being and want to reassure you that our schools are safe for all students and staff, regardless of immigration status, background, or personal circumstances,” Cabral wrote. “You are a valued part of our school community, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where all students can learn and thrive without fear.”
Cabral emphasized that RUSD does not collect or maintain information regarding the immigration status of its students. He also pointed to the district’s policy on handling requests from ICE, referencing Board Policy 5145.13. Copies of the policy were included with the letter to provide clarity on the district’s procedures.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🚔 Burglary investigations: Redlands police responded to two separate residential burglary cases in Redlands last week, resulting in an ongoing investigation and one arrest. Read more below:
Community Forward Redlands
Community Forward Redlands
🚰 Wastewater recycling: The Redlands City Council has approved a 12-year sole-source agreement with Zenon Environmental Corporation for the preventative maintenance and replacement of membrane bioreactor filters at the city's wastewater treatment plant. This action by city council, already included in the city's budget, stems from a near-catastrophic incident in 2017 when the wastewater treatment facility was on the brink of collapse due to inadequate maintenance of the filters.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Women's sports in the early to mid-1970s were in their infancy.
Title IX was passed in 1972 and was a major boost to girls' and women's athletics. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government.
San Bernardino Valley College basketball coach Ray Blake saw the light. Blake in February of 1973 made history by sending a woman, Sue Palmer, into a “men’s” basketball game vs. Grossmont. Teammate Renee Ferguson also later entered the game.
Earlier, Blake tried to send Palmer into a game against San Diego City College, but SDCC players walked off the court. Palmer and Ferguson were on the men’s team because San Bernardino Valley College at that time did not have a women’s team.
Two years later, women’s sports began at the University of Redlands. The university on Feb. 8 of this year will celebrate 50 years of women’s sports. The schedule of events includes Bulldog softball and women’s home basketball games, a chance to tour the campus, and a 3 p.m. reception at the Orton to honor the past and future University of Redlands women’s athletes.
Read more in this week's Press Row column by sports writer John Murphy:
John Murphy
Four-year varsity star Landon Garcia is named after former Redlands East Valley High standout Landon Donovan, so Garcia had no choice but to excel.
Donovan went on to play for IMG Academy in Florida and to national and international fame with the Los Angeles Galaxy and a slew of European professional teams. He is regarded as one of the best all-time players from the U.S.
Tuesday night REV’s current Landon (Garcia) scored the first goal for host REV in a 6-1 victory against rival Redlands.
John Murphy
🏆 Redlands High Hall of Fame dinner: The stars will be out at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 for the Redlands High Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner. More about who's being inducted and ticket information here.
John Murphy
Read more local sports news from reporter John Murphy here.
A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Smiley LIVE! concert series launched its 2025 season with a dynamic performance by Southern California musician Shawn Jones on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Redlands Contemporary Club.
Jones, celebrated for his soulful Americana sound and commanding stage presence, delivered a memorable evening blending roots, blues, and rock. Showcasing songs from his seven albums and demonstrated why he remains a standout artist in the music world. Read more here.
Contributor
📌 Tues., Jan 28 - Redlands Planning Commission: The Redlands Planning Commission will meet in a regular session at 4pm at the Civic Center. Read the agenda here.
📌 Sat., Feb. 1 - AAUW hosts cultural anthropologist: The Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host cultural anthropologist Ellen Gruenbaum as the guest speaker at its brunch meeting on Saturday, Feb. 1. Gruenbaum will discuss “The Struggle for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Sudan,” drawing on decades of research and experience in the war-torn country.
Contributor
The City of Redlands is inviting residents to apply for an open position on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, a volunteer body that plays a vital role in shaping the city’s parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational programs.
The commission advises the City Council on policies related to acquiring, developing, and maintaining parks, public trails, and open spaces. Commissioners assist the city's recreation division by promoting activities, keeping the community informed and serving as a forum for residents’ feedback and suggestions.
The city is currently developing a 10 year Parks Master Plan to guide development and updates of city park land.
Meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday at 4 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 6. Interested residents can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office, located at 35 Cajon St., Suite 4, or download one online at cityofredlands.org/current-openings.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (909) 798-7510.
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