Redlands Rising: Rankings, Recognition,
and One Hell of a Linebacker

September's winding down and we've got some hometown pride to talk about.

Will McHargue, Yucaipa kid, Ken Hubbs Award winner, is out on the East Coast making noise at the Coast Guard Academy. First solo tackle, playing at Fenway Park in November, and bringing that Inland Empire grit 3,000 miles from home. The kid's living proof that what we build here travels.

Closer to home: University of Redlands just cracked another national ranking, Krispy Kreme's slinging Harry Potter donuts at Citrus Plaza, and the city's rolling out a climate plan that could actually save you money on gas.

Oh, and Oktoberfest hits Sylvan Park this weekend. German beer, bratwurst, and zero chance of finding parking if you wait too long.

Let's dig in.

Carlos Samaniego, 
Publisher RedlandsNow.com

University of Redlands Continues National Recognition Streak

University of Redlands Continues National Recognition Streak

The momentum continues for the University of Redlands following its recent inclusion in the prestigious Colleges That Change Lives consortium. The university has now been ranked #8 in Best Value Schools for Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report, while Moody's has upgraded the institution's financial outlook from negative to stable.

These achievements are creating a ripple effect throughout our community, with increased campus visits from prospective families boosting local restaurants and businesses. The recognition reinforces Redlands' reputation as an educational destination and strengthens our local economy.

City Launches Climate Action Initiative with Transportation Focus

Redlands is taking bold steps toward a cleaner future with the announcement of a special Resilient Living program on October 15 at the Flores Senior Center.

The city-backed forum will spotlight cleaner transportation options including electric vehicles, transit improvements, walking, and biking infrastructure. This initiative stems from Redlands' newly adopted Climate Action Plan 2050, which aims to cut local greenhouse gas emissions from 7.1 metric tons per capita to just 1 metric ton by 2050.

With nearly two-thirds of our city's emissions coming from transportation, this program represents a significant step toward environmental sustainability while potentially saving residents money on fuel and vehicle costs.

Krispy Kreme has officially opened its doors at 27421 San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands, drawing sweet lovers to the Mountain Grove at Citrus Plaza shopping center.

Beginning Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the grand opening kicks off with special promotions, including Celebration Tickets for seventy-five lucky guests — granting a dozen free Original Glazed® doughnuts each month for a year.

Krispy Kreme is also enchanting fans with a limited-edition 'Houses of Hogwarts™ x Krispy Kreme Collection,' featuring four magical doughnuts and a whimsical Sorting Hat treat.

The menu includes the Golden Snitch™ Latte, a caramel toffee beverage topped with cream and Biscoff crumbles.

Fresh doughnuts are signaled by the Hot Light daily and the shop opens from early morning to late night.

As Krispy Kreme joins other dessert destinations like Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Redlands locals can look forward to more sweet choices in town.

Will McHargue, former Yucaipa High School star and Ken Hubbs Award recipient, is quickly leaving his mark at the United States Coast Guard Academy nearly 3,000 miles from home.

The 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker recently recorded his first solo tackle as the Bears rolled past Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 49-21.

McHargue, once Yucaipa’s team captain and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, has smoothly transitioned to Division III football, bringing relentless drive and leadership to the field.

The Coast Guard Bears’ high-powered offense, which scored a record-breaking 92-60 win over Nichols College, has caught national attention among college football fans.

Looking ahead, McHargue is set to play at historic Fenway Park in November’s Secretaries Cup against Merchant Marine—a major milestone for both him and the program.

McHargue’s impact extends beyond the gridiron, reflecting the same character and commitment to service he demonstrated in the Inland Empire community.

15 Days Left: Your Tax Extension Deadline Is October 15th

15 Days Left: The Collector Is Coming

April’s deadline is long gone. Summer vanished. Halloween skeletons are already on the porch.

But if you filed an extension, you’re still on the IRS’s radar. And you’ve got 15 days before The Collector—the IRS’s relentless enforcer—makes his move.

October 15th is the cutoff. No extensions. No mercy.

The Collector’s Weapons(IRS)

Miss the deadline, and here’s what he unloads:

• Failure-to-File Penalty – 5% of unpaid taxes per month, maxing at 25%.

• Failure-to-Pay Penalty – Another 0.5% stacked on top.

• Interest – Compounding daily.
  
  

A $10,000 balance can morph into $12,500 in penalties in five months. That’s before interest digs its claws in. Ignore The Collector, and you bleed cash.

How To Survive the Next 15 Days

• File—even if you can’t pay. That shuts down the biggest penalty.

• Get a payment plan. The IRS will deal if you file on time.

• Don’t hide. The Collector loves silence.
  
  

Bottom Line

You bought six extra months. Don’t waste the final two weeks. File now. Pay what you can. Stop the bleeding before The Collector drags you deeper into the Tax Underworld.

October 15th is coming whether you’re ready or not.

Carlos Samaniego is an Enrolled Agent and founder of Tax Debt Consultants LLC. If you're facing tax problems or need help navigating IRS issues, visit TaxDebtConsultant.com or call for a consultation.

This Weekend in Redlands (October 1-6)

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That's all for this week! Thanks for reading, and we'll see you around the groves.

Stay connected, stay local,

The RedlandsNow.com Team

P.S. Don't forget to mark your calendars for the October 15 transportation forum—it's free and could save you money while helping our environment!