Home for the Holidays Takes on New Meaning This Year

Storm prep, Christmas spirit, and why staying safe is the best gift we can give!

I'm writing this a little earlier than usual because, like many of you, our holiday plans have taken a sharp turn.

This isn't the Christmas week any of us expected. With the severe storm warnings coming in, Liz and I made the tough call this morning: we're staying put.

We've told the extended family to stay safe at home, too. Fortunately, we got to celebrate a little early last week, but for the next few days, it's just going to be us, Bella, and a quiet house.

I know a lot of you are making similar hard choices right now.

It's disappointing to cancel travel or postpone gatherings, but looking at the forecast, safety has to come first.

This edition is dedicated entirely to getting you through the next 48 hours safely.
Let's take care of each other, Redlands.

Carlos and The RedlandsNow.com Team

MAJOR STORM ALERT: Atmospheric River Hitting Redlands Christmas Eve

It's a big one for Southern California, and Redlands is squarely in the zone for heavy rain and flooding concerns over the next couple of days.

Big picture: what's coming

A moderate-to-strong atmospheric river ("Pineapple Express") is aimed at SoCal from about today through Thursday, with peak impacts hitting exactly during Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.

The Inland Empire (including Redlands) is projected to see several inches of rain through the event, with local mountains receiving significantly more.

Redlands-specific impacts

• FLOOD WATCH: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Redlands from 4 PM today (Dec 23) through 10 PM Tuesday (Dec 24). This is a strong signal they expect flooding to be possible, not just light showers.
• RAINFALL: Forecasts for San Bernardino/Western Riverside counties call for 4–8 inches of rain in the valleys from Tuesday to Saturday, with 6–12 inches possible in the mountains.
• WIND: Gusty southerly winds of 30–45 mph are possible in valleys, and higher in the mountains, increasing the risk of fallen trees, branches, and power outages.
• WARNING: The NWS warns of "widespread moderate to heavy rainfall" with rapid rises in small streams and localized flash flooding from the coast to the deserts.

Context: Media and NWS are calling this potentially one of the stormiest Christmas weeks in recent SoCal memory, with high confidence in significant rain, flooding, and travel disruption.

WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW - Your Redlands Storm Prep Checklist

If you do nothing else today, please run through this quick list to protect your home and family:

1. Clear gutters, downspouts, and yard drains. Heavy bursts of rain need somewhere to go immediately. If they are clogged, water will back up toward your foundation.
   
   
2. Move vehicles. Avoid parking on low spots on the street or right next to storm drains that tend to back up.
   
   
3. Seal vulnerable spots. If you have known leaky spots (sliders, garage doors, low thresholds), get sandbags or towels/boards in place before tonight.
   
   
4. Stay away from washes/arroyos. "Rapid rises in small streams" is exactly what the warning highlights. The Zanja and local washes can become dangerous very quickly.
   
   
5. Prepare for hazardous driving. Expect ponding, heavy freeway spray, and possible mud on Highways 38, 330, and 18 up the hill. If you don't need to drive, don't.
   
   
6. Check on neighbors. A quick text or knock to check on elderly neighbors who might need help moving a patio chair or clearing a drain goes a long way.
   
   
7. Charge devices. Make sure phones, laptops, and power banks are fully charged in case of power outages due to wind.

• 🎄 Christmas Eve Services: Many services may be modified or moved online. Please check with your specific church before heading out into the storm.
  
  
• 🍽️ Restaurant Hours: Many local spots may change hours or close early due to the storm to let staff get home safely. Always call ahead.
  
  
• ⛪ Church Updates: Citizens Church, First Baptist, and First Congregational are all actively monitoring the weather for service decisions.
  
  
• 🎭 Event Update: The University of Redlands "Home for the Holidays" at Burrage Mansion (Dec 20-21) was fortunately completed before the storm arrived.
  
  
• 🛍️ Downtown Closures: Expect many downtown businesses to close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve for staff safety.
  
  
• 🚗 Police Advisory: Redlands PD is asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel on Christmas Eve evening when the storm is expected to peak.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES (Weather Permitting)

Note: Many churches are preparing online streaming options if weather becomes too dangerous. Check church websites/social media for real-time updates.

From Our Family to Yours

The holidays are supposed to bring peace.

But if you're carrying tax debt into 2025, there's no peace.

Just that knot in your stomach.
The mail you don't want to open.

We get it. We've been there.

One call can change everything.

Merry Christmas, Redlands.

You're never beyond rescue.
Tax Debt Consultants

REDLANDS PUBLIC MARKET

330 3rd St, Redlands

Vintage Market Nights Continue

The Public Market hosts their popular vintage and artisan markets with live music, food vendors, and an open-air bar throughout December. Their outdoor entertainment courtyard features local performers in a lively community atmosphere.

Check their December events calendar

Good news, Redlands: The forecast shows beautiful sunshine and clear skies for Saturday and Sunday. After we all stay safe through Christmas, we've got a gorgeous weekend to look forward to.

Downtown will be back in action, trails will be stunning after the rain, and our favorite spots will be ready to welcome us.

GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY

Looking Ahead: Ring in 2025

New Year's Eve events are still being finalized. Downtown Redlands is traditionally quiet and family-friendly for the holiday. Check back next week for local NYE options.

This isn't the Christmas week we planned, but it's the one we've got. Stay safe today and tomorrow, check on your neighbors, and remember, we've got that beautiful sunny weekend waiting for us on the other side. Plus, celebrating a day late with everyone safe beats any "perfect" Christmas.

Liz, Bella, and I are staying cozy at home, probably watching too many holiday movies and eating too much food. We hope you're safe, warm, and surrounded by the people you love.

Merry Christmas, Redlands. We'll see you on the other side of the storm, and we'll see you downtown this weekend.

With love from the groves,

Carlos & Liz Samaniego

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Contact us at info@redlandsnow.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities and tell us about your upcoming events.

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

Stay connected, stay local,
Carlos Samaniego, EA

The RedlandsNow.com Team