Something Big Is Coming to Redlands This Weekend (And It's Not What You Think) |
Hometown Heroes Parade Celebrates Local Veterans as Storm Looms - A Father's Journey From Redlands to New England |
Trivia Question❓In Redlands, California, what famous historical figure was known to have escaped from jail in the city during his criminal career? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
By the time you read this, I am Boston-bound with Liz to watch our daughter Bella and her Coast Guard Academy volleyball team battle MIT in the NEWMAC semifinals Saturday. But first, let's talk about what's hitting YOUR doorstep this week: rain. An atmospheric river is barreling toward Southern California starting Thursday night through Sunday. Some areas could see a month's worth of rainfall in one weekend. Flash flooding, mudslides in burn scars, travel chaos, all possible. So before Veterans Day parades and weekend plans, let's talk storm prep. |
🌳 AROUND THE GROVES |
⚠️ 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: 🌡️ Temperature Drop: 🚗 Storm Prep Checklist:
💧 The Silver Lining: 🚨 Safety First: 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. |
Redlands residents gathered on November 11, 2025, for the city's annual Hometown Heroes' Veterans Day Parade to honor veterans. Veteran Matthew Winder saluted a monument at Jennie Davis Park during the celebration. The parade featured veterans marching from Redlands High School to the park, led by retired Army Sgt. Dan Flanigan. The event was hosted by the city and the Redlands Hometown Heroes Foundation, with a ceremony including remarks from Mayor Mario Saucedo and a proclamation honoring Navy veteran Eddie Chacon. The celebration also featured food vendors, a beer garden, live music, flyovers, and photo opportunities with military vehicles. |
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. 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.
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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. |
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🍊 GROVE STREET HEADLINES |
🏐 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!
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🍊 Live Music Events |
The Three Stags Irish Pub & Restaurant, 328 Orange St, Redlands Other Venues with Weekend Live Music: |
🎯 YOUR REDLANDS WEEKEND |
🎉 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" 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 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 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:
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! |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Wyatt Earp |
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 |