City of Redding Podcast

In this episode, we catch up with Community Services Director Travis Menne to learn what happened with the Redding Sports Park, formerly Big League Dreams. Just for a little history, the last time we spoke with Travis, the City had not decided what to do with the facility. The City Council has since decided to have the City reopen and run the facility short-term to get leagues and tournaments back in play and keep this vital resource open to community members. City staff hit the ground running and familiarized themselves with the facilities, and create a plan quickly. The facility officially opened as Redding Sports Park on October 2, 2024, and things are going well so far. Travis talks about the return of tournaments, the revival of beloved programs like roller hockey and youth baseball, and ambitious plans for new sand volleyball courts. The topic of the Redding Sports Park will go back to City Council in January for an update and direction on how to move forward. Whether you’re a local athlete or just curious about the park, this episode is packed with updates and a glimpse at what’s to come. Don’t miss it! Learn more about the Redding Sports Park >> Listen to Part 1 of the conversation >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In our November 2024 monthly update, we dive into everything happening in Redding this season! We cover the start of burn season and what it means for residents, the kick-off to the holiday festivities, tips on supporting our amazing local businesses, and the return of Operation Blue Santa to bring holiday cheer to families in need. Tune in for all this and a few exciting surprises you won’t want to miss! Read the transcript here>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

The condition of the roads around Redding is always a hot topic, so we brought in the expert to give us the latest info and some interesting facts about why things are the way they are in Redding. Today, Michael Webb, Director of Public Works, discusses the effort, strategy, and foresight toward maintaining and improving 60 square miles of roadway in Redding. This is a lot of road. By comparison, Chico is 30 square miles but gets the same state funding for roads. This is based on the gas tax measured by population size—not the amount of roadway. Michael hopes to raise Redding’s general road conditions from a Pavement Condition Index of 50 to over 80 - a goal that will take many years and more funding. For now, maintaining the pavement and condition of Redding’s roads is a balancing act between fixing those in dire need and maintaining those most used by the community. Between grant funding, smart planning, and key budget decisions, he hopes to improve the state of the roads in Redding little by little. One thing is certain: the size of a city like Redding presents some big challenges. Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Family Sports are a big deal in Redding, and there are a few notable facilities that offer places for kids and adults to recreate. Today, we talk with Kenny Breedlove from the California Soccer Park, the director of one of those facilities. There has been a lot of recent news about the facility next door to the soccer park, formally known as Big League Dreams, now called Redding Sports Park. While this conversation isn’t about that facility, its challenges sometimes overshadow the great things happening at the California Soccer Park. Kenny is new to the role of Director at the California Soccer Park. He has a lot of great ideas and energy for bringing an already premier facility to the next level. He’s launching a restaurant at the park with a top Redding Chef, is focused on expanding offerings in addition to soccer, and is looking for new ways for families to get outside, get off their screens, and have fun. While you may have visited the soccer park a thousand times, or you may have never set foot there, Kenny is cooking up ways for all Redding families to enjoy NFL-quality turf, top-notch food, and activities for all ages. There’s never been a better time to visit. Learn more about the CA Soccer Park >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

The Redding Civic Auditorium, built in 1970, is a unique venue that caters to concert-goers, trade show attendees, banquets, and much more. Flex seating allows the capacity to change based on the size or style of the event. Even though it serves many entertainment functions in our community, the Civic sometimes doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Today we talk with Julie Dyar, General Manager of the Redding Civic Auditorium, and while she admits that the design of the building is polarizing, she believes the foresight in the flex seating capacity is just one of the elements that has made the venue last as long as it has in our community. We’ll also find out what it takes to book a show, what makes Redding a good market, and how ticket prices are calculated. She’ll also dispel a few longstanding myths about who runs and owns the Civic. There are a ton of exciting acts hitting the Redding Civic Auditorium soon—including the biggest outdoor stage ever to grace the Civic this fall. With more to come in the next year, there has never been a better time to check out all the great shows coming to our area. Learn more about the Redding Civic >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Today we talk to Dan Burden, a Blue Zones Fellow and International Walkability expert. Dan has built a career by helping cities reshape downtown districts and neighborhoods to make them more walkable and bikeable. His efforts are more than just a passion for accessible spaces - these changes increase economic vitality. In fact, 79% of those looking to buy a home say they want to buy in a walkable area. However, only a small percentage of cities meet that target. For many decades, the US has focused on car-centered travel, which has dramatically shaped the way we live. Shifting focus to walkable spaces has been shown to increase the local economy, overall sense of well-being and happiness, and perhaps most notably, the area's safety. So can Redding become a more walkable city? Dan thinks so and will host a Walking Audit in August to show Redding residents how small changes can make a big impact. If Alaska and Yuma, Arizona can have walkable spaces, Redding can too. Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Big League Dreams Sports Park in Redding officially closed its doors on July 24, and the City of Redding is working to determine the best next steps. At a special City Council meeting held on July 29th, the Redding City Council asked City staff for more information on what it would cost to run the facility both in the short- and long term in an effort to keep the current leagues in play. One thing is for sure: This facility is well-loved by many in the community, and there was a packed house in the city council chambers to prove it. However, there is no doubt that BLD needs some TLC. One estimate was nearly 8 million dollars in needed repairs and improvements. Today, we connect with Community Services director Travis Menne about the facility's history and future plans and asked just a few of the dozens of community questions posed online and at the special city council meeting. Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Today we connect with Captain Chris Smyrnos of the Redding Police Department about the new RPD Strategic Plan. This strategic plan represents a comprehensive and focus-centered approach to public safety, community engagement, and crime prevention in Redding. It outlines the department's goals and priorities for the coming years and reflects a commitment to transparency, innovation, and collaboration. This plan not only helps RPD track and measure goals and outcomes but also lets the community know where they will focus their efforts in the next three years. The overall result will help the department reflect on challenges and successes over time to better serve the community. In this episode, we'll explore the key components of the strategic plan, what it means for the residents of Redding, and how it aims to enhance the safety and quality of life for everyone in our community. We'll also discuss the process of developing this plan and the role that community input played in shaping its priorities. View the Strategic Plan >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Maintaining the city's sewer system requires a lot of work, but if the city staff is doing the job correctly, you shouldn’t even realize the work is being done. Today, we speak with Kevin Garner, Public Works Supervisor for the Wastewater Division, about the work his team does every day to ensure our sewer system is flowing properly. Part of this important work entails inspecting manholes and sewer access points that are considered remote and hard to reach. Since every square inch of pipe could pose a problem for the system as a whole, tracking down and inspecting every one of these is critical. Sewer systems do a dirty job no one wants to think about. But we hope you’ll take a minute to listen to this episode and learn about what the City of Redding Wastewater Division does to ensure you don’t have to worry about it. In fact, your local Wastewater team has been recognized as one of the best in the state. Learn more about the Wastewater Division >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In case you missed it, City of Redding Utilities launches a new online bill pay system and the Freedom Festival gears up for one of the largest fireworks displays in the State. This and more news from the week of July 1st, 2024. Read the transcript>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Today, we connect with Shannon Phillips, the Chief Operating Officer of the McConnell Foundation, which is dedicated to enriching the community through philanthropy and innovative projects. We’ll learn about the McConnell Foundation and explore its impact on our city. From its origins to its ongoing initiatives, we'll uncover why the McConnell Foundation is important to the Redding community. We'll also discuss one of Redding's architectural marvels—the Sundial Bridge. Designed by the renowned Santiago Calatrava, this iconic structure is more than just a pedestrian bridge; it symbolizes innovation and sustainability. Its bold and beautiful design draws visitors and locals alike year-round. After 30 years with the McConnell Foundation, Shannon is the perfect person to explain the foundation’s history and mission and the little-known stories of how the Sundial Bridge came to Redding. Learn more about the McConnell Foundation >> Sundial Bridge 20 Year Celebration >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity 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, June 18, 2024: Please 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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In case you missed it, BANDALOOP returns to the Sundial Bridge for the 20-year celebration, and the Battle of the Badges blood drive is back. This and more from the week of June 10, 2024. Read the Transcript here>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity 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, June 4, 2024: Please 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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In case you missed it, RABA offers free bus rides this summer, and the 31st annual Shasta County Veterans Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 30 at the Redding Civic Auditorium. This and more news from the week of May 20, 2024. Read the transcript here>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In August 2023, the Redding Police Department officially launched body-worn cameras in Redding. Nearly a year later, Chief Barner joins us to discuss the program's successes, learning curves, and challenges. During a recent update to the Redding City Council, Chief Barner highlighted an example of how body camera footage provides transparency to what previously has been a subjective topic. We’ll let you hear the audio of this particular traffic stop to demonstrate how recordings can protect both community members and police officers, depending on the incident. He also discusses the recent incident with an officer-involved shooting that took place on Cypress Avenue and how body-worn camera footage was used in that investigation and public records request. The overall takeaway of the program thus far has been enhanced officer safety, improved community relations, and a more transparent system for officers and community members. Read the transcript >> Listen to the "Redding Police and Body Cameras: Let's Talk Details" episode from 2.9.23 >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In case you missed it, the City of Redding is offering free compost, Redding Recreation Junior Lifeguards are gearing up for the Summer, Jr. Giants Baseball still has open spots and Rodeo Week kicks off in Redding. This and more news from the week of May 13, 2024. Read the transcript here>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity 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, May 7, 2024: Please 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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

In case you missed it, RABA offers free transportation for Shasta County Jurors and now is a great time to book Summer Travel with the Redding Airport. Plus, there are great events happening this weekend, including First Fridays Downtown, a new Art Hunger show, and a book sale at the Redding Library. This and more in this week's news recap for the week of April 29, 2024. Read the transcript here>> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Today, we're venturing into the often-overlooked but vitally important realm of city code enforcement. In every city, there's a team dedicated to maintaining the standards that keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and vibrant. And in Redding, that responsibility falls into the capable hands of the Code Enforcement Division. We connect with Seth and Amanda from the Code Enforcement Division to learn about how and why this department is vital to the city. From tackling property maintenance issues to navigating complex zoning regulations, Redding's Code Enforcement Division is on the front lines, ensuring that our community remains a place we're proud to call home. So, whether you're a resident curious about the process or simply interested in a behind-the-scenes look at how Code Enforcement keeps our city running smoothly, this episode is for you. Learn more about Code Enforcement >> Read the transcript >> Contact the City of Redding Podcast Team podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!