Something Big Is Coming to Redlands This Weekend (And It's Not What You Think)

The atmospheric river forecast, storm prep you can't skip, what to do if you get damage, and one Coast Guard cadet who's making her Redlands family incredibly proud, all in this week's must-read newsletter

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT: Major Storm System Incoming

Atmospheric River Set to Drench Redlands Thursday Through Sunday

Here's what you need to know about this week's storm:

📅 Timeline:
• Wednesday night: First raindrops arrive late evening
• Thursday-Friday: Steady, moderate rainfall intensifies
• Saturday-Sunday: Heaviest rain expected, with periods of intense downpours
• Total expected: 2-4 inches in valleys, potentially more in foothill areas

🌡️ Temperature Drop:
We're going from 79°F today to mid-60s by Friday, with temps hovering in the low-to-mid 60s through the weekend. Break out those sweaters and jackets—fall is finally arriving with authority!

🚗 Storm Prep Checklist:

• Clear your gutters and drains NOW – Clogged drainage is the #1 cause of flooding issues
• Secure outdoor furniture and decorations – Wind gusts could reach 30-40 mph
• Stock up on essentials – Hit the grocery store today or Wednesday; Thursday will be a madhouse
• Charge devices and backup batteries – Power outages are possible, though not expected to be widespread
• Check your windshield wipers – If they're streaking, replace them before the storm hits
• Bring in citrus fruit – Heavy rain can knock fruit off trees and create a mess
• Delay outdoor plans – This isn't the weekend for hiking Prospect Park or outdoor events
  
  

💧 The Silver Lining:
Remember, we NEED this rain. Our reservoirs are low, our landscapes are thirsty, and this atmospheric river could put a serious dent in our ongoing drought concerns. Yes, it's inconvenient. Yes, we might have to reschedule outdoor plans. But this is exactly the kind of weather pattern California needs heading into winter.

🚨 Safety First:
• Never drive through flooded streets – "Turn around, don't drown" isn't just a catchy slogan
• Stay off hiking trails during and immediately after heavy rain—mudslides and rockfalls are real dangers
• Keep an eye on local alerts – Download the Redlands Emergency Alert app if you haven't already
• Check on elderly neighbors – Community takes care of community, especially in weather like this

Bottom line: This is a stay-home-with-a-good-book-and-hot-cocoa kind of weekend. Embrace the cozy vibes, catch up on projects, and let Mother Nature do her thing. We'll all be grateful when the sun comes back out and our groves are looking green again.

From Redlands to New England: A Father's Pride

So here's where I get a little personal with you all. While I'm writing about Redlands from a tiny airplane seat, my mind is split between the city I love and the daughter I'm incredibly proud of.

Our Bella, officially Cadet Bella Samaniego of the U.S. Coast Guard Academ, and her volleyball team just pulled off something pretty special.

They swept Smith College 3-0 in the NEWMAC quarterfinals last night, avenging an earlier season loss and sending the defending conference champions packing.

Now they're heading into the semifinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, facing top-seeded and #12 nationally-ranked MIT. It's David versus Goliath. It's the underdog story we all root for. And yes, I'm biased, but I'm also realistic—MIT is REALLY good.

But you know what? So are the Bears. And I'll be in those stands, probably embarrassing my daughter with my cheering, watching her and her teammates leave everything on that court.

This is what service academy athletics is all about. These young women balance a full course load with military training with Division III sports—and somehow they make it look doable. They're future Coast Guard officers who will serve our country, but right now, they're college kids playing a sport they love for a school they're proud to represent.

Bella, if you're reading this before the game (which you better not be—you should be focused!): We love you. We're proud of you. And we'll be the loud ones in the stands. Och Tamale? No, wrong school. But you get the idea. Go Bears!

Read about Coast Guard's quarterfinal victory

Storm Damage and Your Taxes: What You Need to Know

Speaking of this incoming storm, let's talk about something nobody wants to think about but everyone should understand: what happens if you experience storm damage to your property?

The Good News: Casualty Loss Deductions Still Exist

If this storm causes damage to your home or business that's not fully covered by insurance, you may be able to deduct those losses on your taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limited these deductions for personal property to federally-declared disaster areas, but business property losses are still deductible regardless of disaster designation.

Here's What You Need to Do RIGHT NOW:

1. Document Everything BEFORE the Storm • Take photos and videos of your property today • Make a detailed inventory of valuables, especially in garages and outdoor structures • Store these digitally (cloud storage or email them to yourself) • Keep receipts for any storm preparation expenses

2. If Damage Occurs, Document Again • Photograph and video all damage before cleanup • Get contractor estimates for repairs (even if insurance will cover it) • Save ALL receipts—cleanup, emergency repairs, temporary housing, everything • Keep a detailed log of what was damaged, when, and estimated values

3. Know Your Insurance Situation • Review your homeowner's policy NOW—do you have flood coverage? (Most standard policies don't) • Understand your deductible • Know that any insurance reimbursement reduces your tax deduction (you can't "double dip")

Look, I'm not predicting disaster here. Most likely, this storm will come and go with minimal issues. But I've been doing this work long enough to know that preparation beats panic every single time. And if something DOES happen, having your documentation and knowing your tax options can literally save you thousands of dollars.

🏐 U of R Women's Volleyball Update – Our local Bulldogs women's volleyball team continues their incredible season. After that historic comeback against La Verne, they're proving that Redlands athletics are thriving. Check their schedule and support our local student-athletes!

• ☕ Thursday Night at Redlands Public Market – Live music, vintage markets, and good food. Even with the rain starting, the covered courtyard areas make this a viable option. Plus, watching a storm roll in while listening to live music and eating tacos? That's actually pretty magical.
• 🎨 Indoor Activities Week – The Contemporary Club, Lincoln Memorial Shrine, and other cultural institutions are perfect rainy day destinations. Check their hours and plan some cultural enrichment while staying dry.
• 🍂 Citrus Harvest Watch – The storm will knock some fruit off trees, but it's also watering our groves in a big way. That orange blossom scent after the rain clears? That's pure Redlands magic right there.
• 📚 Local Book Clubs – What better time to catch up on reading? Check with Pages and other local bookstores about their book club schedules. Storm weekends are made for books and tea.
• 🏃 Gym Time – If your outdoor workout routine is getting rained out, local gyms and the Community Center are there for you. Don't let weather derail your fitness goals!

The Three Stags Irish Pub & Restaurant, 328 Orange St, Redlands
More Info

Other Venues with Weekend Live Music:
Citrone Italian Chophouse - Live music on the patio (typically 5:30-8:30 PM weekends)
The District - Cocktails, Food & Live Music

🎉 THIS WEEKEND IN REDLANDS

⚠️ WEATHER NOTE: Many outdoor events may be postponed or canceled due to the incoming storm. Check with organizers before heading out!

🎼 Redlands Symphony: "Finding Excitement"
Friday, November 15, 7:30 PM | Memorial Chapel

If there's one event that's storm-proof, it's this one. Guest conductor Roger Kalia (one of three finalists for the permanent Music Director position) will lead the orchestra through an exciting program featuring Bernstein's Overture to Candide, Anna Clyne's "This Midnight Hour," and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.

On a rainy Friday night, there's something perfect about sitting in the beautiful Memorial Chapel, letting world-class music wash over you while the rain patters outside. This is culture, comfort, and community all rolled into one.

Insider tip: The Symphony is searching for their next Music Director, so your presence at these concerts actually helps shape the future of this beloved institution. Plus, Roger Kalia has been getting rave reviews—this should be a special performance.

Get tickets to the Redlands Symphony

🎭 "Steel Magnolias" Continues at University of Redlands
Friday & Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2:00 PM | Frederick Loewe Black Box Theatre

Another indoor, weather-proof option that's absolutely worth your time. The U of R Theatre Department's production of Steel Magnolias has been getting great word-of-mouth, and there's something deeply satisfying about watching a story about friendship and resilience while Mother Nature reminds us why community matters.

Rain can't stop great theater. In fact, it might make it even better—there's nothing quite like emerging from a powerful performance into a rainy night, feeling grateful for art and shelter and the people who create both.

Get tickets to Steel Magnolias

🎺 Redlands Community Orchestra Season Opener
Sunday, November 16, 3:00-5:00 PM | Redlands High School Auditorium

Free, family-friendly, and indoors—what more could you ask for on a potentially rainy Sunday afternoon? The Community Orchestra's season opener is the perfect way to introduce kids to live music or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon of beautiful sounds performed by your talented neighbors.

No tickets required, just show up and enjoy. And if the rain has cleared by Sunday afternoon, you can make a whole afternoon of it—grab lunch downtown before or coffee afterward.

Learn more about the Community Orchestra

🌧️ Smart Storm Weekend Options:

• Visit Redlands Public Market (330 3rd St) – Indoor food hall with covered outdoor seating, perfect for storm watching while eating good food
• Browse downtown shops – Support local retailers while staying dry; State Street has plenty of awnings
• Catch up at local coffee shops – Stell Coffee, Augie's, and others are perfect rainy day refuges
• Hit the library – A.K. Smiley Public Library is a beautiful place to spend a rainy afternoon
• Indoor dining – Try somewhere new; Las Fuentes, The State, and dozens of other spots will welcome you with open arms

Pro tip: This is actually a GREAT weekend to support local businesses that might see reduced foot traffic due to weather. Your favorite shops and restaurants will especially appreciate customers who brave the rain!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Ready 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,
Carlos Samaniego & 

The RedlandsNow.com Team