Community Forward Redlands

🗳️ Election Day is here.

Voting centers and ballot drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. today.

Redlands voters can return vote-by-mail ballots at any of the secure drop box locations listed below. Need a voting location, Same-Day Voter Registration information or candidate guides?

Visit the Redlands Votes Election Guide at

Redlands Election Guide 2026 | Community Forward Redlands Explore local and regional races impacting Redlands-area voters in 2026, along with candidate information, voter resources and election results.

San Bernardino County’s air quality improved slightly, but the region still ranks among the worst in the nation for ozone pollution.

The latest American Lung Association report found residents are still experiencing roughly five months of unhealthy air each year, putting children, seniors and people with asthma or heart disease at greater risk.

The Los Angeles metro area, including San Bernardino County, once again ranked as the most ozone-polluted region in the country.

Experts say wildfire smoke, extreme heat and climate change contribute to smog across Southern California.

Read more at the link in bio.

🎬 Redlands students return to the big screen

Harkins Theater turned into a showcase of student storytelling as Redlands Unified students premiered their original films during the fourth annual Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) FilmFest, a districtwide celebration of student creativity, storytelling and filmmaking.

Learn more about the student filmmakers and watch this year's top films here:

RUSD Film Fest highlights student filmmakers Nearly 100 Redlands Unified students showcase original films, from documentaries to sequels, at annual festival.

🌳 A planned overhaul of Texonia Park will focus on accessibility and inclusive design after U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar secured $1 million in federal funding for the project, officials announced Monday.

City officials said planned renovations include construction of an off-street parking lot, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, new restroom facilities, improved lighting, walking paths, sports fields and updated picnic and group gathering areas.

Read more here:

$1M secured for inclusive playground in Redlands Rep. Aguilar secures federal funding for Texonia Park upgrades to improve safety, accessibility in Redlands neighborhood park

First look: Whole Foods in Redlands.

A new rendering shows the planned store, confirmed as the anchor for The Marketplace shopping center, approved by the Redlands City Council last month.

The shopping center at Lugonia and Tennessee aims to meet growing demand in the city's north end.

Construction could begin in 2026.

Photos Courtesy of KTGY

Read more here:

Whole Foods approved for Redlands shopping center City Council unanimously backs The Marketplace, a 71,400-square-foot retail project at Lugonia Avenue and Tennessee Street

🚴‍♀️🚴🏽 Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8–12.
Here's what to know about races, rides, events and road closures.
Plus links to register for the Stater Bros. Charities School Duel and Legends' Fondo:

A local’s guide to the Redlands Bicycle Classic Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8–12. What to know about races, rides, events and road closures.

Redlands Unified is facing a $20 million budget gap — and the school board has authorized the elimination of up to 138 positions.

District leaders say one variable still in play is attendance. Even a small increase in student attendance could generate millions in additional revenue.

📉 Districtwide attendance dropped during the pandemic and is currently about 93%.
📈 Officials estimate that increasing attendance from 93% to 98% could generate roughly $13.5 million in additional funding.

In this week’s feature, Community Forward Redlands sat down with Superintendent Juan Cabral and Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill to break down:
✔️ how attendance-based funding works
✔️ why “excused” absences still count financially
✔️ what families can do now — including short-term independent study contracts

📌 Full story at the link in bio.

How Attendance Impacts Redlands Unified’s Budget District leaders say a small attendance boost could generate millions and reduce layoffs. Here’s how.

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas in Redlands appears to be shuttered after moving trucks and furniture removal were seen outside the theater Sunday night.

Federal court filings show the theater’s parent company is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

🔗 Read more:

LOOK Cinemas Redlands appears closed amid bankruptcy Moving trucks, missing showtimes and an ongoing Chapter 11 case raise questions about the theater’s status.

A nationwide general strike is planned for Jan. 30, with some local businesses announcing closures and protests scheduled in the region on Friday and Saturday.
⁠
Organizers of the “National Shutdown” are urging a day of no work, school, or shopping in response to killings by federal immigration agents in Minnesota earlier this month.⁠

A growing list of local businesses will be closed tomorrow in solidarity. Read more here:

Nationwide Strike Planned Jan. 30; Redlands Businesses Join A national general strike tied to protests over immigration enforcement is planned for Friday, with demonstrations in Redlands scheduled for Saturday.