City of Redding Podcast

Today, we sit down with new Community Services Director Travis Menne to discuss his background, qualifications, hopes, and plans for the department under his leadership.With over 40 million dollars in capital projects in the works - from the new bike park in Caldwell Park, Shastina Ranch Park, Panorama Park, and South City Park - to name a few, there is no shortage of work projects.  Travis talks about how his years working under the former Community Services Director helped prepare him for the role and why relationships and community partners are so important to his success.There is a lot of new and fresh energy in the City, and Travis is excited about his role in the future of the Redding Parks and Trails system in Redding.Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In this latest City Council recap from Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan provides an overview. Some of the items discussed included:Information regarding new state grants awarded to the City of ReddingTobacco RetailingEmergency Housing SitesDevelopment Services presentation on discretionary permittingPlease find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Council Meeting Video>>Read the Transcript Here >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to walk in the shoes of a police officer? Or sought to understand the intricacies of modern policing in your community? Look no further. Today we connect with Redding Police Chief Brian Barner and Lietenant Tim Renault to learn about the new Citizen Police Academy.In this course, community members will have the opportunity to dive deep into the world of law enforcement. Led by the expertise of Redding police officers and department personnel, each session will be a blend of engaging lectures, active demonstrations, and immersive hands-on activities.From understanding the day-to-day challenges faced by officers to exploring the cutting-edge techniques used in the field, the Citizen Academy is your gateway to unlocking the mysteries of law enforcement.The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to foster a stronger bond between the community and the Redding Police Department. Officers and department personnel will answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide insight into the vital functions of their department.So, whether you're a curious citizen eager to learn more or a passionate advocate for community-police relations, the Citizen Academy welcomes you to explore, engage, and empower yourself with knowledge. Learn more about the Citizen Academy >>Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

With almost 500k visits to the Redding Library each year, if you haven’t been, you're missing out. In today’s episode, we talk with Jared Tolman, Library Director for the Shasta Public Libraries, which includes the Redding, Anderson, and Burney Branches.  We cover library safety, strategic plans, and cool amenities you may not know the library offers.Jared is passionate about what libraries provide to the community, and if you haven’t been to the Redding Library recently, there are so many great things the library offers in addition to books.  They have 3d printing, augmented reality, sewing, and more. A free library card gives you access to Turtle Bay, National Parks, and guided tours.  Did we mention it’s Free?This has been a long overdue conversation, so check it out.Learn more about Shasta Public Libraries >>Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In today’s episode, we sit down with Redding Police Captain Brian Cole and Lieutenant Jonathan Sheldon to discuss their roles and responsibilities on a fully staffed Redding Police force. We’ll learn how the bike team enhances community policing by patrolling with a more personal community engagement strategy and forming key relationships with business owners. We also explore the successes and training used by the Crisis Intervention Response Team, shedding light on compassionate and effective responses to challenging situations. We’ll talk about the Neighborhood Police Unit's unique approach to fostering positive relationships with residents and neighborhoods and learn more about the community cleanup efforts by the Community Work Program. Lastly, we’ll ask about 2023 accomplishments and what RPD plans for 2024.Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 connections to Sacramento and beyond and the new Redding airport service. It’s hard not to feel optimistic about the new path RABA is on!Read the episode transcript>>Learn more about the Short-Range Transit Plan>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 zoneAnnual Financial Report Presentation Redding Riverfront Specific Plan status updatePlease find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Check out the video here>>Read the transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 touch on Placemaking and why that is such an important ingredient to the success of a vibrant and healthy community.Not to give anything away, but if you haven’t heard about the Redding Public Market, get excited. If you’ve ever been to Oxbow Market in Napa or the Ferry Plaza Building in San Francisco, you’ll know what is coming to Redding in the Summer of 2024.  In fact, the visionary behind these two renowned markets is helping shape the vision for the Redding version.We’ll also cover the plans for California Street, paid parking downtown, and a new development coming soon along the North end of Market Street.More information on K2 Development>>Read the transcript>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 Deputy Director of Public Works, to discuss how and why the community needs to start recycling their food scraps.  Besides being a state law and requirement, it’s good for the environment and keeps heavy and wet materials out of our landfills.Like any big change, residential and commercial solid waste customers are going to have to adjust to a new way of doing things, but the end result is well worth the effort. Plus, it might be possible to save a little money on your solid waste bill!Tune in here for the high-level information you need to start recycling organics now and check out the two older podcast episodes linked in the show notes for more detailed information on SB1383 and food recycling in general. Visit the SB1383 website >>SB1383 Overview Podcast #1 (May 17, 2022) >>SB1383 Overview Podcast #2 (May 10, 2023) >>Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 developmentChristian Curtis appointed as the City of Redding City Attorney At Home Shasta Action Plan updateNew Benton Field lease and operatorQuartz Hill Road subdivision updatePlease find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Check out the video here>>Read the transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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, staffing changes, community engagement, and how the City’s relationship with the County affects local citizens. We’ll also get Barry’s reflection on 2023 and what he looks forward to in 2024.Don’t miss this episode. It’s a great way to end the year.Read a transcript of the episode>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 Stand By Me and part of Willow was filmed in the area. More than being an exciting thing to talk about, the films and productions that come to our area bring economic stimulus. In fact, more than 4 million dollars were spent in our community last year alone from film and production crews.  This includes revenue for local businesses, hotels, and services, which stimulate the local economy. Many of the catering crews, extras, production help, and hospitality are local, too. Much of this directly results from Sabrina and the Film Commission's efforts to draw talent and crews to the greater Redding Area.  If you are an aspiring actor, filmmaker, or artist, be sure you are connected with Sabrina and the local Film Commission.While most of the community won’t see or experience a film set in Redding, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t here and filming. The film commission acts as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community development year-round. Sabrina works hard behind the scenes to make sure Redding is a desirable location and is bringing a little bit of Hollywood up north.Learn more about Upstate CA Film Commission >>Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 serviceThe new Mayor and Vice Mayor selectedRedding Electric Utility Rate IncreasesHousing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) updatePlease find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Check out the video here>>Read the transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 an overview of the Mission, what services it offers to the community, and how it works with other local organizations and non-profits to ensure that everyone in our community has access to food and resources if they need it. He also talks about the Holiday giving programs they have going from now until the end of the year to help those in need in our community during the Holiday season.  The Good News Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization, and Justin is clear about that in the first part of the podcast. While the City of Redding has no faith affiliation, it does work alongside the Good News Rescue Mission in housing efforts and other community programs like the Coats for Kids Winter Clothes drive. So, if you’re considering volunteering your time or donating items this holiday season, the Mission has several great opportunities you won’t want to miss. And while generosity abounds during the Holiday season, the Mission operates all year round. They’ll take donations of goods, food, and volunteers any time of the year.  Learn more about the Good News Rescue Mission >>Listen to the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 through some of the classic details that have made this a favorite tradition for local families and tourists alike -  one million holiday garden lights, hot beverages, holiday music, food and fire pits, holiday cheer and more. What’s not to love?So, if you already have your tickets for this year, get excited.  And if you don’t have tickets yet, don’t wait! This festive, one-of-a-kind event sells out every year.Get tickets at TurtleBay.orgRead the episode transcript>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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, find out where $8 Million dollars of Encampment Resolution Grant Funding will go in our community. After much discussion, some items will move forward, and some will come back for review at a later council meeting. Listen to find out more!Please find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Check out the video here>>Read the transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 most fire-prone day of the year and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Annually, an average of 128,000 fires in December resulted in 415 deaths across the US. Christmas Eve and Day rank 2nd and 3rd for the most fire-prone day of the year, with twice the daily average of reported fires.The holidays are the time of year when families cook more often, have more guests, light more candles and fires, hang holiday lights, and celebrate with cocktails that can impair judgment and our sense of caution.In this episode, we speak with Erick Mattson, Battalion Chief, and Sarah Roth, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Redding Fire Department, for a few Holiday Horror stories and important safety reminders that will help keep you and your family safe this season.Read the episode transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 and set the record straight on water quality in Redding.While it’s true that a reportable amount of PFAS chemicals were detected in Enterprise Well #3 in Redding earlier this year, there’s additional important information to provide the right context.  For instance, Josh explains that a recent study found almost 17,000 more traces of these chemicals in chocolate cake frosting than in the Enterprise Well. In fact, these chemicals are found just about everywhere - unfortunately.  Josh breaks down the stringent testing standards they adhere to, explains why the City of Redding has some of the cleanest water in the State, and tells us that, yes, he drinks tap water from his office - incidentally, not far from where the Enterprise Well sits - without a second thought.While we don’t want to understate the concern of detecting potentially harmful chemicals in our water supply, Josh and the Water Utility Division are confident that our water is safe to drink.Read the City of Redding Water Consumer Confidence Report 2022>>Read the transcript of the episode >>Questions?  Don't hesitate to contact Josh directly:Josh Watkinsjwatkins@cityofredding.org530.224.6068Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 IncreasesRedding Rodeo Grounds Lease ExtentionHousing and Homelessness Incentive Program fundingRedding Electric Utility Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) UpdatePlease find additional resources below for more information on these topics.Council Meeting Agenda>>Check out the video here>>Read the transcript here>>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 knowledge and training.Chief Barner talks about his perspective on law enforcement in the Redding Community, what he thinks of Redding safety in general, and how he plans to address local quality of life issues.  He talks about the local jail space mental health support for law enforcement, the rollout of body-worn cameras, and his plans for the future.His close connection to the community and the years of work alongside former Chief Schueller means that most of his goals aim to keep the good work going - from a fully staffed police force to new technology solutions - the community shouldn’t expect a slowdown anytime soon. It’s full steam ahead for RPD.Read the transcript >>Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team Email us at podcast@cityofredding.org Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Visit the City of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!