NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Hello Redlands,
We hope you’re enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. As many of you head out to tackle holiday shopping, we want to help you shop local and support small businesses in Redlands this season.
This year, we’re doing something special to celebrate our vibrant small business community. We’ve partnered with local business owners to offer our newsletter subscribers exclusive holiday treats!
Throughout December, our email subscribers will be entered to win special prizes and discounts from local favorites like:
- Melt'm Jewelry - $100 gift card
- JRNO Wellness and Skincare - $100 gift card
- Fern Cottage Florals - Wrapped bouquet
- Redlands Improv School - One Sunday drop-in class, two tickets to a Saturday Night Improv Show, and one 6-week Beginner Improv Course
- Epicure - Spice and seasoning gift basket
- Right at Home - Community gift basket
- Viva La Boba - Free drink
- Small Business Accounting Services
- Greek Movers
- Vantage Insurance & Wealth Strategies
- And more...
Additionally, this week’s newsletter highlights how shopping local supports local infrastructure and one local restaurant winery's plan to pay back weekend shoppers.
We’ll return to regular local news updates next week, but in the meantime, thank you for supporting Community Forward Redlands—your locally owned source for Redlands news.
Happy holiday shopping,
Stephanie
SPECIAL EDITION
Shop local: How holiday shopping strengthens Redlands
This holiday season, shopping local means more than finding unique gifts—it’s about supporting the businesses and city services that keep Redlands thriving.
As the holiday season approaches, Redlands residents are encouraged to shop local, supporting the businesses that make our community unique.
With a vibrant mix of independent retailers, restaurants, artisans and entertainers, the city offers countless opportunities to find one-of-a-kind gifts and enjoy festive and unique experiences—all while directly investing in the local economy.
Since April 2021, Redlands residents and businesses have been subject to an 8.75% sales tax, a rate that includes a one-cent tax approved by voters under Measure T in November 2020.
This measure was designed to generate $18–$20 million annually to fund essential public safety, city services, and infrastructure projects.
Read more about what this local tax revenue has funded here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Uncorked on State offers local shoppers weekend discount
Uncorked on State, a restaurant and winery in downtown Redlands, is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a special offer: diners who show a receipt from a local business will receive 15% off their bill during lunch on Friday and brunch on Saturday.
Located at 404 E. State St., Uncorked on State opened in February 2023 after Jake and Suzanne Doll transformed the former building into a vibrant dining destination. Read more about the menu, wine selection and the couple's plan to support local shopping in Redlands here.
Contributor
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Jack’s Toy Shop: A decade of joy in Downtown Redlands
For ten years, Jack’s Toy Shop has been a source of wonder and joy in downtown Redlands. Owned by Michael and Erika Eubanks, this family-run store has become a community favorite for its timeless toys, creative activity kits, and family-friendly games.
From nurturing children’s creativity to fostering lasting memories, Jack’s Toy Shop is more than just a place to shop—it’s a part of Redlands’ story. In this week’s community spotlight, we dive into how this beloved store has brought smiles to local families for a decade, Michael’s reflections on their journey, and the special way they celebrated their 10th anniversary.
Read on to rediscover the magic of Jack’s Toy Shop:
Shantell Sunderman
UPCOMING
📌 Dec. 6-8 - Feast of Lights: The University of Redlands' Feast of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition since 1947, returns Dec. 6–8 with performances showcasing a 60-member orchestra, choirs, and dramatic tableaux telling the story of Jesus' birth. This year’s event features an original composition by senior Mena Williams and introduces an American Sign Language interpreter for the first time. The production, involving over 250 participants, combines stunning visuals, including 500 candles and luminaries, with captivating music in the historic Memorial Chapel. Read more here.
Contributor
📌 Dec. 5 - Senior holiday sing-along: The city of Redlands invites local seniors to join a festive holiday sing-along at the Joslyn Senior Center on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. Read more here.
Staff Writer
📌 Dec. 2 - 22 - A Sherlock Carol at Redlands Footlighters Theatre: Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages.
Find these events and more on our community calendar.
FINALLY
The Redlands Airport invites the community to its annual Stuff a Plane Charity Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the airport lobby, 1745 Sessums Drive, Redlands.
This family-friendly event promises a day of giving, fun, and aviation appreciation, concluding this year’s toy drive with an unforgettable celebration.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
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