Elder Fraud Suspect Arrested, Opioid Deaths Decline, Elementary School Eyes School Duel Trophy — Plus, Cinema Classic Returns in April
Increased access to Narcan may have contributed to the decrease of opioid-related overdose deaths.
Recap of the Redlands City Council meeting, March 18, 2025
Elder Fraud Suspect Arrested, Opioid Deaths Decline, Elementary School Eyes School Duel Trophy — Plus, Cinema Classic Returns in April
Increased access to Narcan may have contributed to the decrease of opioid-related overdose deaths.
After hitting a peak in 2023, the deadliest phase of the fentanyl crisis appears to have passed, as drug overdose deaths continue to decline at an unprecedented rate across the United States.
Why it matters: For the first time, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have reported at least some recovery, signaling a potential turning point in the nation’s battle against the opioid epidemic.
Details: According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overall drug deaths in the U.S. have fallen by roughly 25% from their peak in August 2023. At that time, overdose deaths reached a record high of 114,000. By September 2024, that number had dropped to just under 87,000.
Public health experts attribute this rapid decline to several key factors, including increased access to naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), which is now more widely available. Expanded addiction treatment programs and a reduction in the potency of street fentanyl have also contributed to the decrease in fatalities.
Take a closer look at how San Bernardino County is faring and how the local nonprofit Healthy East Valley is working to keep pressure on the issue.
Kathryne Mccann
👮 Man arrested in Redlands elder fraud case: A 53-year-old El Monte man was arrested this week on charges of fraud and elder abuse after allegedly scamming a 73-year-old Redlands man out of $25,000 and attempting to collect an additional $35,000 the following day, Redlands Police announced Thursday. The victim reportedly handed over the money when the suspect posed as an FBI agent. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🍊 City Council Recap: At its March 18 meeting, the Redlands City Council received the Measure T Citizens’ Oversight Committee report, which confirmed proper use of the $20 million in sales tax revenue but raised concerns about oversight timing. Council also approved mid-year budget adjustments, including funding for public safety equipment and parking structure repairs. A proposal to oppose new state emissions regulations was tabled for further review. Other actions included updating sign rules in the Transit Villages Specific Plan and formalizing policies for proclamations and awards. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
💸 Volunteers need to monitor sales tax use: The city is accepting applications for the Measure T Oversight Committee in Districts 1, 2, and 4. The deadline is March 26. Read more about the role and how to apply here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🏗️ Latest on Redlands Mall Development: The property at 175 Orange Street was scheduled for public auction on March 20, but the sale has been postponed once again at the request of the beneficiary. The new auction date is April 4—unless a deal is reached between Village Partners and their lender or the auction is postponed again.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted at the link below:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
A closer look at what inspires so many young riders from Judson and Brown Elementary to race in the Redlands Bicycle Classic's School Duel—many for the first time.
REDLANDS, Calif. – For nearly a decade, one elementary school in Redlands has dominated the Redlands Bicycle Classic's School Duel—a friendly competition among local schools to see which can get the most students to participate in the annual race.
Judson and Brown Elementary has held the top spot for eight consecutive years, and with their continued enthusiasm, they’re on track to make it nine.
Winning the School Duel isn’t about individual victories—it’s about numbers. The trophy goes to the school that has the highest number of student participants. Last year, 124 students from Judson and Brown showed up on race day.
Second and third place went to Kingsbury Elementary with 33 participants and Arroyo Verde with 26 participants.
At the heart of the school’s success is Camille Dahnke, the teacher who has coordinated Judson and Brown’s participation in the duel since the beginning. Dahnke, who once competed in the race as an elementary school student herself, understands firsthand the impact this event can have on young riders.
Dahnke says for many students, the School Duel provides an opportunity to engage in an athletic activity they may not have otherwise considered. Dahnke appreciates how the event is inclusive and accessible—entry is free after completing a bike safety quiz.
“It’s a competition where you can be in the front and train for it, or you can just show up and be a part of something bigger," she said. "Everyone gets a medal, and that makes it feel really welcoming."
Continue reading about the driving force behind the high turnout and why JB students come back year after year:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
The School Duel will take place Saturday, April 12. Online registration is now open and closes on Tuesday, April 8, at midnight.
Follow our coverage of the 2025 Redlands Bicycle Classic here.
Community Forward Redlands is providing special coverage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic as an in-kind media sponsor.
More than 400 volunteers came together on Saturday for the 16th annual Redlands Community Day of Service, rolling up their sleeves to plant trees, paint picnic areas, lay sod, clean up the rose garden, and improve walkways at Sylvan Park.
Although volunteer Scott Reading didn’t feel like he did much, he captured the spirit of the day perfectly:
All these ‘not muches’ add up to something pretty cool.
The event drew volunteers from local service organizations, schools, churches and city departments—all united in their mission to care for one of Redlands’ most beloved public spaces.
Read more about the people who pitched in to spruce up Sylvan Park this year:
Shantell Sunderman
The University of Redlands men’s basketball team’s historic season came to an end with a hard-fought NCAA Division 3 quarterfinal loss to NYU. Plus, updates on Azusa Pacific football’s return, standout local volleyball players, and progress at REV’s stadium.
Read more sports news from writer John Murphy here:
John Murphy
🎨 From muralist to gallery-featured artist, Laurie Martin brings small treasures to Redlands Art gallery: After 30 years as a successful muralist primarily in private homes, businesses, and schools, artist Laurie Martin has pivoted to smaller and smaller canvases, culminating in a featured art show at the Redlands Art Association. Martin brings a variety of acrylic, alcohol ink, collage, and watercolor works to the show, which runs from March 15 to April 11. An open house event is set for Saturday, March 22. Read more here.
Siw Heede
👩🎨 The Youth Art Expo is back at Redlands’ Art in the Park this Memorial Day weekend: Local students from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to showcase their creativity in painting, sculpture, jewelry, and more. Entries will be accepted May 1–10 at the Redlands Art Association. Winners will be selected by a panel of professional artists, with awards and cash prizes announced Saturday, May 24. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring community event!
🎨 Forward this article to a young artist who should enter ⬇️
Julie Farren
📌 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.
Siw Heede
📌 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.
Community Forward Redlands
(Images courtesy of Redlands Animal Shelter via social media.)
🐶 Ivory: 1-year-old spayed white Labrador Retriever. Ivory has been at the Redlands Animal Shelter since March 1, 2025. She’s a lovely lady with a wiggly butt and endless love to give. (ID# A059455)
🐶 Bernadette: 1-year-old spayed blonde standard poodle mix. Bernadette has been at the shelter since March 6, 2025. This lovable girl will steal your heart with her beautiful brown eyes and constantly wagging tail. (ID# A059476)
🐶 Caramel: 2-year-old spayed tan golden retriever mix. Caramel has been at the shelter since March 5, 2025. She’s positively adorable and loves life—especially when treats are involved! (ID# A059472)
As of March 19, the Redlands Animal Shelter was caring for:
Since last week, six dogs and one cat have found new homes.
Ivory, Bernadette, and Caramel are available for adoption now and hoping to find their fur-ever families soon.
To meet them—and other adoptable pets—visit the Redlands Animal Shelter at 504 Kansas St., or check them out on Instagram and Petfinder.
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