City of Redding Podcast

Today, we connect with Redding Area Bus Authority Transit Manager John Andoh to discuss the Short-Range Transit Plan.  What is it, exactly, and why is it essential for RABA’s future success?  John will answer these questions and update us on some exciting plans for RABA, including new electric buses, an on-demand shuttle service, and an enhanced mobile app, to name a few.  We also discuss future c...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan provides an overview. Some of the items discussed included: Discussion on creating a Downtown Redding entertainment zone Annual Financial Report Presentation  Redding Riverfront Specific Plan status update Please find additional resources below for more information on these topics. Council...

Are you curious about what’s happening with the open retail space in downtown Redding? Well, we have good news for you! Today we connect with Erin Ross, Communications and Asset ambassador for K2 Development Companies, to fill us in on all the good things coming to Downtown.  She will give an overview of what K2 is and why they are passionate about improving the Redding Community. She’ll also touc...

Organics recycling and Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383) have been discussed on the podcast before, but the food waste recycling program has now officially begun!  After months of preparation, equipment purchases, and legal requirements, the Solid Waste Division is ready to receive food scraps and other organic materials in your green bins. In today’s episode, we bring back Paul Clemens, Public Works Depu...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Assistant City Manager Steve Bade provides an overview. Some of the items discussed included: Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program Award Recipient Agreements  Redding Regional Airport property development Christian Curtis appointed as the City of Redding City Attorney  At Home Shasta Action Plan update New Benton Field lease...

In this episode, we sit down with City Manager Barry Tippin for an insightful review of 2023 to better understand the challenges and growth the city has experienced. Barry discusses the changes, planning efforts, and technological upgrades implemented over the past year and unpacks the highlights and complexities that come with a city government organization.  We’ll ask about the city budget, staf...

We’re really excited about today’s topic because we interview Sabrina Jurisich, the Upstate California Film Commissioner for our local area. Many community members don’t know that Redding hosts dozens of production companies for various movies, commercials, and independent films. Sabrina lists some famous and not-so-famous examples. For all you 80’s movie enthusiasts, the famous bridge scene from...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, December 5, 2023, Steve and Katie connect with Redding Electric Utility Director Nick Zettel for an electric rate update and also  give a quick overview of the items discussed, including: City of Redding Attorney Barry DeWalt honored for years of service The new Mayor and Vice Mayor selected Redding Electric Utility Rate Increases Housing and Homeles...

Have you ever wondered what the Good News Rescue Mission is and how it provides for the Redding community?  If you think they are all about helping the homeless - they are! But they also help many others in our community who may be living paycheck to paycheck and need a helping hand. In this episode, we talk with Justin Wandro, Director of Development at the Good News Rescue Mission. Justin gives...

It’s that time of year again, Redding! The Garden of Lights event at Turtle Bay Arboretum is OPEN now and celebrating its 4th year with some old favorites and some bright, shiny, and new exhibits for the whole family. Lindsay Myers, Turtle Bay CEO, and Seth McGaha, Marketing Director, join us to discuss the details of the fun changes and new photo opportunities to expect. They’ll also walk us thro...

The City Council Meeting from November 21, 2023, was relatively short but was packed with great discussion and good information.  Public Works Director Chuck Aukland and Community Services Director Kim Niemer, retiring in 2023, were thanked for their years of dedication and service to the community. Appointments and Reappointments were made to the Community Development Advisory Committee. Lastly,...

The holiday season is upon us, and while we are all excited for family and tasty holiday food, it is also a well-known fact in the Redding Fire Department that there will be a house fire in Redding on at least one - if not all of the major holidays. According to FEMA, roughly 2,300 residential fires were reported annually in the US on Thanksgiving day between 2017 and 2019, making Thanksgiving the...

This episode was specifically recorded to address a water quality issue that recently came to light in a Record Searchlight article that could cause unnecessary concern for community members. The article indicated the presence of PFAS or “forever chemicals” in Redding drinking water.  We wanted to speak directly with Josh Watkins, Water Utility Manager for the City of Redding, about the article an...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Director of Public Works Chuck Aukland gives a quick overview of the items discussed, including: Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Utility Rate Increases Redding Rodeo Grounds Lease Extention Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program funding Redding Electric Utility Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) Update Please find additional reso...

In case you haven’t heard, Redding has a new Police Chief in town.  Chief Brian Barner has been with the Redding Police Department for nearly 27 years and worked alongside former Chief Bill Schueller before being officially promoted to Chief in October 2023.  He was unanimously selected by two different interview panels based on his work experience, dedication to the community, and overall knowled...

In April 2023, the Redding City Council began a community-led process to update the Riverfront Specific Plan. The purpose of this project is to reintroduce the city and community to the river by creating a long-term vision for 380 acres of land along the Sacramento River.  The Specific Plan document, which will be developed based on significant community engagement and discussion, will ultimately...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Steve and Katie give a quick overview of the items discussed, including: New Police Chief Brian Barner  Caldwell Park expansion update Vaping among teenagers Choose Redding Lodging marketing update Please find additional resources below for more information on these topics. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>...

Welcome to the State of the City 2023 - Keeping a Balance Audio Edition! The State of the City is a joint effort with the Mayor and the Redding Chamber of Commerce to provide an annual recap of some of the City’s biggest projects and accomplishments. In this four-part series, Mayor Michael Dacquisto, Jake Mangas, President and CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, and Todd Jones, President of th...

Welcome back to the State of the City 2023 - Keeping a Balance Audio Edition!  Part 2 is all about Redding Utilities and Infrastructure, featuring Public Works Director Chuck Aukland and Redding Electric Director Nick Zettel. Some highlights include how REU is saving customers over $4M per year and how the City plans to address aging infrastructure. Enjoy! Watch the video here>> Read the tra...

Welcome back to the State of the City 2023 - Keeping a Balance Audio Edition!  Part 3 is all about Parks, Recreation, and Trails with Community Services Director Kim Niemer. Some highlights include the Salt Creek Heights playground and trail system, changes coming to the Redding Library, and the construction of the new Shastina Ranch park. Watch the video here>> Read the transcript>> C...

Part 4 is all about Development and progress in Redding, including Redding Airport growth, Economic development downtown, and what’s going on with the riverfront-specific plan with Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan and Assistant City Manager Steve Bade. As mentioned, this is an audio version of the State of the City. If you want to watch the full video, please click below.  Thanks for lis...

In this latest City Council recap from a special meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023, Community Services Director Kim Niemer gives a quick overview of the items discussed, including: Labor Contracts with Fire and Police  An Indoor Court Facility Study State Water Board Legislation that could affect our area A contract amendment on new city software for Financial and HR management. Please find addit...

As residents of Redding, we've seen firsthand the devastation that wildfires can bring - not to mention the wildfires that are currently active across the country.   The recent audit of Redding Electric Utility's Wildfire Mitigation Plan proves that our city has taken proactive steps to enhance our community's safety. So, with that said, now it’s time to unpack the numbers, acronyms...

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Public Works Director Chuck Aukland gives a quick overview of the items discussed, including: Ten million dollar grant for Community Resilience Center in Panorama Park Firefighter FEMA grant Update on Redding's Downtown Park Plaza Continuation of $40k signing bonus for Redding Police Downtown Parking update six months in Publi...

It’s fire season in Redding, and we all know what that means... It’s time to take extra precautions while doing yard work, road-tripping, and even grilling!  It also means that if you’re behind on your home ignition zone prep because of an extra long and wet winter, now is the perfect time to get it under control. Today we bring back to the podcast Camber Dietrich, Fire Prevention Specialist with...