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"Lebanese-Mexican Fusion: Gratitude & Community at Cedar Agave!"
"Lebanese-Mexican Fusion: Gratitude & Community at Cedar Agave!"
Experience the delicious fusion of Lebanese-Mexican flavors at Cedar Agave in downtown - plus, discover stories of gratitude & community in our latest newsletter! đŽđąđ§đ
Redlands Now
Feb 11, 2026
Sponsored by TaxDebtConsultant.com |
Before That Buyer Blows Up Your Escrow: A Tax Rescue Workshop for Redlands Realtors & Lenders |
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You're nine days from closing. Buyer's pre-approved. Escrow's humming. Your commission check is practically printed. Then the lender pulls tax transcripts and finds a $50,000 IRS lien nobody saw coming.
Escrow detonates. Deal dies. Commission evaporates. Carlos Samaniego has watched this exact disaster gut dozens of Inland Empire agents over the past two years. The brutal part? Most of those deals didn't have to die.
"Eighty percent of real estate transactions threatened by tax problems can be saved," says Samaniego, a Redlands-based Enrolled Agent who's spent over two decades resolving IRS debt.
"But agents panic because they've never been taught what to do in the first 48 hours."
That's why he's hosting a free workshop Tuesday, February 25 at the East Valley Association of Realtors in Redlands, aimed at teaching local professionals how to spot tax grenades before they blow up escrows.
The Problem Self-employed buyers are everywhere in the Inland Empire.
Gig workers, contractors, small business owners with real income who can afford homes. But their tax situations are often messy: aggressive write-offs, skipped estimated payments, unfiled returns.
These problems don't surface during pre-approval. They explode two weeks before closing when lenders pull official IRS transcripts.
The Workshop Samaniego's keeping it smallâ35 seatsâfor real interaction, not lecture. Agents will learn how to identify tax red flags early, interpret IRS transcripts, understand what lenders actually need, and get word-for-word scripts for handling these situations.
"I want people to walk out with tools they can use Monday morning," Samaniego says. "Not inspiration. Actual, practical strategies."
Tuesday, February 25, 2025. 11 AM to 1 PM. East Valley Association of Realtors, Redlands.
Free. Lunch included. Limited to 35 seats. Register at SaveYourCommission.com or call 909-570-1103. |
Valentine's Weekend, Perfect Weather & a Hidden Culinary Gem You Need to Discover |
Cedar Agave redefines downtown dining with Lebanese-Mexican fusion, plus the Rare Market returns, live music heats up, and why Community Forward Redlands just won Organization of the Year |
If February keeps giving us weather like this, I'm not going to complain. We actuall got a little bit welcome rain this morning. While much of the country is still digging out from winter storms, we're living in what feels like perpetual spring here in Redlands. And with Valentine's Day landing on Friday this week, the timing couldn't be better for couples looking for that perfect date-night spot. But before we dive into that, let's talk about what else is happening this week, from a major award for local journalism to the return of the Rare Market, live music that'll get you out of the house, and a President's Day weekend packed with community events.
Let's get into it. |
Secret Little Hack |
Make sure to visit Prospect Park for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. |
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đ GROVE STREET HEADLINES |
1. Community Forward Redlands Wins 2025 New Organization of the YearCommunity Forward Redlands News took home the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Civic Award for 2025 New Organization of the Year on January 31, 2026. The honor, voted on by the community, recognizes CFR's impactful storytelling and community engagement since launching. Founder Stephanie Hastings-Miranda accepted the award, thanking readers, writers, sponsors, and the Redlands community for making local news accessible and relevant. 2. RoadRunner Coffee Brings Desert Vibes & Organic Brunch to State StreetSisters-in-law Teresa Baguyo and Sierra Duro Baguyo opened RoadRunner Coffee last fall at the former Dirtbag Cafe location on State Street. The family-friendly coffee shop features desert-inspired design, organic healthy meals, and a full brunch menu. Signature items include a breakfast burrito with poblano peppers and sweet potatoes, plus coffee from Moongoat and Resolute. Open daily 6 a.m.â6 p.m. 3. Redlands Bicycle Classic Returns April 8-12 with SERVPRO as Presenting SponsorThe iconic Redlands Bicycle Classic is set for April 8-12, 2026, with SERVPRO taking the presenting sponsorship role. The longest continuously running invitational stage race in the country since 1985 will bring world-class cycling, local vendors, and community festivities to downtown Redlands. Road closures are expected Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12. |
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Hidden above Don Orange on State Street, Cedar Agave is bringing a sophisticated, intimate dining experience to downtown Redlands.
This 44-seat boutique restaurant, led by General Manager Rafael âFarelâ Iniguez, seamlessly blends Lebanese and Mexican culinary traditions.
Guests step through a speakeasy-like entrance and are transported into a moody, romantic setting marked by velvet seating and elegant lighting.
Dishes are crafted as mezze and tapas, with standout plates including Lebanese florets, muhammara rojo, harissa lamb chops, and a decadent baklava cheesecake.
The creative cocktail program mirrors the kitchenâs cultural fusion, with drinks like the Zaatar Martini and Golden Aztec.
Since opening in September 2024, Cedar Agave has become a sought-after âhidden gemâ praised for its atmosphere, passion, and dedication to turning meals into true experiences.
Reservations are essential, as this unique addition is changing how Redlanders gather and celebrateâright in their own city. Read More... |
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đł AROUND THE GROVES |
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đł AROUND THE GROVES đ¨ Redlands T-shirt Design ContestSubmissions are open through February 19 at the Redlands Visitor Center (14 N. Fifth Street). Winner announced February 24. Show off your Redlands pride and creativity! đ University of Redlands SportsThe Bulldogs are rolling! Men's and women's basketball teams continue their strong seasons. Check the schedule at goredlands.com for upcoming home games. đď¸ Motorcycles & CoffeeLoma Linda hosts a motorcycle show and "I Love My HOG" photo shoot on Saturday, February 15 (25160 Redlands Blvd). đĽ Rotary's Red, Wine & BluesMark your calendar for Saturday, February 22 at The Mitten Building (345 N 5th Street). More details coming soon. |
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đ Live Music Events |
đ¸ LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT This Week:The District (19 E Citrus Ave)
The Three Stags Irish Pub (328 Orange St)Live music throughout the weekâcheck their schedule for Irish tunes, acoustic sets, and more. Best Guinness in the Inland Empire. LifeHouse Theater (1135 Church St)Beauty and the Beast continues through February 15. Shows Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM. Tickets: (909) 335-3037 or lifehousetheater.com |
đŻ YOUR REDLANDS WEEKEND |
đ THIS WEEKEND IN REDLANDS
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Quick Reads |
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GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY |
Another week, another reason to love this city. From hidden restaurant gems like Cedar Agave to the recognition of local journalism through Community Forward Redlands, it's clear that Redlands continues to punch above its weight when it comes to quality, community, and culture. As we head into President's Day weekend, take a moment to appreciate what we have here, a city that values local businesses, supports the arts, and creates spaces where people can connect. Want to be part of the Inner Circle? If you have story ideas, event tips, or just want a direct line to the editor, email me at carlos@redlandsnow.com. Until next week, P.S. If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's date spot, Cedar Agave is it. Make your reservation nowâthose 44 seats fill up fast. |
Sponsorship OpportunitiesReady to connect with engaged Redlands residents? Our newsletter reaches dedicated community members who support local businesses.
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, The RedlandsNow.com Team |