Bug-inspired fun returns to Redlands with Arthropolooza: The Ultimate Bugfest
March 29 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Housing gains leave out middle class, oversight panel seeks transparency, Title IX lessons arrive at RUSD and two film fests light up April
Redlands is making headway on its state-mandated housing goals — but not for everyone. While the city has issued hundreds of permits for market-rate and low-income affordable units since 2021, the numbers reveal a major shortfall for middle-income households.
In our latest article, we break down the city's progress, where it's falling short, and what it means for working families who earn too much to qualify for the affordable housing being built — but not enough to afford market-rate homes.
👉 Read the full story: Redlands Builds for High and Low Incomes — But Leaves Out the Middle Class
💰 Sale tax annual report: The Measure T Citizens Oversight Committee presented its annual report to the Redlands City Council on March 18, confirming that the city has used its voter-approved sales tax revenue in alignment with campaign promises while calling for greater transparency in the budget process. Read more here.
🚓 Weekly police update: From a tragic medical emergency on the I-10 offramp to a string of late-night break-ins, Redlands police responded to a range of incidents between March 20 and 27. This week’s update also includes a report on more than 100 envelopes containing potential hate speech found along Redlands Boulevard. Here’s a roundup of notable calls from the Redlands Police Department. Read more here.
Redlands Unified students will participate in classroom video lessons on sex-based harassment between April 14–25 as part of a federal resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Students in grades 3–12 will also be asked to complete a climate survey. Counselors will be available for support during and after the lessons. There is also an option for families who wish to opt out of the lessons.
The lessons follow a multi-year federal investigation that found the district failed to adequately respond to reports of sexual misconduct between 2017 and 2020.
April brings two exciting film events to Redlands, each offering a unique window into storytelling from around the world—and close to home.
The Redlands Cinema Classic spring series returns for its 26th year from April 2 to May 1, now at Harkins Theatres Mountain Grove 16. The lineup includes international selections from Thailand, France, Japan, and Iceland, along with Every Little Thing, a documentary spotlighting a Los Angeles woman who rescues injured hummingbirds.
Later in the month, the AAUW Redlands Film Fest celebrates women in film on Friday, April 25, with an evening of critically acclaimed shorts written and directed by women. The event includes a pre-screening reception and will be held at the ESRI auditorium.
🎬 Women Take Center Stage: A Local Film Fest
🎥 Widen Your Horizon at the Upcoming Redlands Spring Cinema Classic Series
🌎 What it means to have a healthy planet: The latest Redlands Forum featured Dr. Nicholas Reksten, associate professor and co-chair of the Economics Department at the University of Redlands, in a discussion titled “What is a Healthy Planet? Moving Towards a Common Framework to Guide Policy and Action.” The event took place March 26 at Esri’s auditorium. Read more here.
The Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 9–13, and with it comes the blur of wheels, cheers from the crowd, and a deep sense of local pride.
This week, we’re spotlighting four local riders who grew up watching the Classic and are now racing in it—each with their own journey, motivation, and connection to the event. From a gravel national champ to a young rider honoring her late father, these stories capture the heart behind the handlebars.
Read more from sports writer John Murphy about the riders bringing pride, grit and personal stories to the start line:
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.
⚾ New Faces, Same Results: Yucaipa Baseball Keeps Rolling
It was a fresh look for Yucaipa High baseball on Thursday—new coach, new sky-blue uniforms, and plenty of new players. But on the field, it was the same old Thunderbirds, grinding out a 5-3 win over Citrus Valley to keep their reputation as a local powerhouse alive.
In this week’s roundup, we check in on Yucaipa’s early-season momentum under first-year head coach P.J. Jimenez, take you inside Citrus Valley’s rebuilding effort, and highlight standout performances from Arrowhead Christian and Redlands East Valley. Read more here.
📌 March 29 - 30, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Arthropolooza: The Ultimate Bugfest - If creepy crawlies don’t give you the creeps, then Arthropolooza: The Ultimate Bugfest will. The San Bernardino County Museum will celebrate all things creepy, crawly, sticky and prickly this weekend. More information here.
📌 April 1, 6:45 pm AAUW Redlands Branch Meeting: Neurodiversity in Today’s Society by Dr. Jessia M. Lascano, Owner of Strive ABC. Read more here.
📌 April 2, 5:30 p.m.–6:30 pm Redlands Fire Readiness: What the Community Should Know: Learn how to prepare for wildfire season at this community panel featuring local fire, police, and city officials. Topics include prevention, evacuation plans, emergency services, and tips for staying safe. Register for free event here.
📌 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.
Turns out, venom isn't just for snakes and scorpions. According to researchers at Loma Linda University, some plants have evolved venom-like defenses too, using stinging hairs, spines, or even alliances with venomous ants to ward off threats.
So, next time you're pulling weeds, remember: some flora come with their own biochemical defense systems.
Read more about the study here.
🍊 Want to advertise to our highly engaged growing audience? Email hello@communityforwardredlands.com or fill out this form.
😄 Thank you to our paid subscribers and sponsors who make Community Forward possible!
📩 Missed a newsletter? Catch up here.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter