City of Redding Podcast

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, and real-life examples of the wildfire mitigation plan in action with independent auditor Jeremy Cawn and REU program Supervisor Shawn Avery. We’ll hear exactly what REU has done in our community and how it is already helping to mitigate fire risk. While wildfires can’t ever be truly prevented, being fire-ready can dramatically improve the outcomes. Jeremy confirms that REU is not only meeting the statutory regulations required by the state of California but is exceeding them. So, while residents should still be working on their own defensible space and fire safety habits at home, REU, Redding Fire, and other city departments are hard at work in our public spaces, which might help you sleep just a little easier at night. View the Wildfire Mitigation Plan>> Episode 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, September 5, 2023, Public Works Director Chuck Aukland gives a quick overview of the items discussed, including: 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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 the City of Redding. His job is to educate the public on fire safety and how to keep your home and family safe this season. It might surprise you, but most of the fires each year are small and confined to just a few acres. If one of these fires happens close to your house, precautions you take to harden your home could make all the difference. Most of us are worried about the big wildfires that make the headlines each year, but it's the small backyard fires that you have the most control over through good defensible space practices. You’ve likely heard these tips before, but if you need extra motivation to make some fire-safe changes this weekend, this episode is for you. CA State Fire Marshal Low Cost Retrofit Building Materials List>> Episode 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 today’s episode, we are talking about all things parks with Assistant Community Services Director Joey Forseth-Deshais. His team of parks professionals oversees the operation and maintenance of all of Redding’s 52 city parks, various other City Facilities, including City Hall, and nearly 24,000 street trees AND street median landscaping. Much of this work happens early in the morning and out of the public eye. In fact, Joey and his team work hard to ensure any maintenance issues that come up, are taken care of long before the public begins using the parks each day. This level of work requires certifications of all kinds. They have playground specialists, certified arborists, and chemical and pest specialists, to name a few. It’s easy to take our beautiful park spaces for granted, but if you have any experience maintaining your own landscaping around your house, you understand what a huge undertaking it is to maintain nearly 645 acres of parkland in Redding. So maybe take a walk in a park while you listen to this episode. It might give you a whole new appreciation for Redding Parks. More info on Redding's Parks>> 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, July 18, 2023, Steve and Katie give a quick overview of the items that were discussed, including: 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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

Today we talk with Travis Menne, community services project manager, about the robust trail system in Redding and some recent additions that are well worth a visit. Some of these trails are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts who like a little dirt under their shoes or bike tires, while others are paved for smooth transportation connections in Redding. Either way, the City of Redding and key community partners are working hard to continue to build a world-class trail system. For today’s conversation, we focus on a few notable new trail additions, but there are more exciting projects on the horizon. Also, side note, trails can be very expensive and difficult to construct. Travis, along with City staff and countless volunteers, help plan, fund, and maintain the trail system we love today. Next time you’re out enjoying one of these resources, take a minute to appreciate the community effort it takes to make these happen. More Redding Trail Info>> Redding Trail Alliance>> Trailforks>> Healthy Shasta Community Walk Guides>> 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 episode, we talk with Deputy Fire Chief Jay Sumerlin about two new programs the Fire Department has launched to help our community in an emergency. CERT, the community emergency response team, is a FEMA-backed volunteer-based program for community members to learn key skills and techniques for use in an emergency. First aid, light rescue, wound care, and fire suppression are all part of the curriculum to turn everyday citizens into the neighbor you want to know most. Community Connect is a new online portal that allows YOU to share critical information about your family, your pets, and your home with firefighters in an emergency. This is a secure system, shared only with fire professionals, that gives them critical information when responding to your home. This optional program helps firefighters with the information they wouldn’t otherwise know - like fuse box locations, water shut-off valves, and if members of your family have any mobility issues. Both of these programs are completely free and are designed to make our community safer. Both are linked in the show notes below if you want more information or would like to sign up. Learn more about Community Connect>> Learn more about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)>> 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 20, 2023, Steve and Katie give a quick overview of the items that were discussed, including: For more information on these topics and more, please find additional resources below. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> 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!

According to CDC data, drowning is the leading cause of death in children, and almost 4,000 drownings happen yearly in the US. In today's episode, we talk with Jenny Moore, Recreation Supervisor and Manager of the Redding Aquatic Center, about swim safety, swim lessons, and what every family should know while they enjoy the water this Summer. She also touches on the lifeguard program at the Redding Aquatic Center and how they take extra steps every year to make sure their staff is highly trained and ready for emergencies. If you think swim lessons are just for kids, think again. Adults of all kinds take classes to build endurance, refine stroke techniques, and help gain confidence in the water. If you haven’t already enrolled yourself or your kids in swim lessons, this might be the summer to start. Get more information about the Redding Aquatic Center>> Episode Transcription>> 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 sit down with special guest Don Bader, Area Manager for Shasta Dam - US Bureau of Reclamation, to learn the ins and outs of the Shasta Dam, including its history, water rights, water levels, and why so much water is sent to other parts of California. Shasta Dam is the second largest Dam in California, and it might be the most underrated too. Built right after the Hoover Dam, Shasta doesn’t always get the limelight but it carries more than its weight when it comes to electricity generation, recreational opportunities, flood protection, and statewide water distribution. Don possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in dam operations and reservoir management. Today, we have the opportunity to delve into his expertise and talk about the incredible impact the Shasta Dam has on the surrounding region and the entire state. If you’ve ever had questions about Shasta Dam or taken it for granted, you are not alone. Tune in to this dam discussion to be inspired, educated, and captivated by this awe-inspiring feat of human ingenuity right in our backyard. Read the transcript>> More information on Shasta Dam>> 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, Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan is back to give us the final decision on Short Term Rentals! Here are some other items that were discussed: For more information on these topics and more, please find additional resources below. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> 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 episode of the City of Redding podcast we connect again with Water Utilities Manager Josh Watkins to discuss how our water supply looks for this summer. With the wet winter we’ve had, we have moved from mandatory to voluntary water conservation, but it is still important to save water wherever possible. He also gives some fun details on Redding’s water sources, just how many miles of pipe are in the City, and how he and his team ensure the water stays clean and always on. Some key water projects are coming up to help address aging infrastructure, including the use of new technology to help in water utility efforts. Redding is fortunate to have access to multiple water sources and to have a small but mighty team managing those efforts to keep your tap water flowing. 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 today’s episode, we talk with Assistant City Manager Steve Bade about housing in the City of Redding. We’ll cover what our current vacancy rate is and what that means in terms of housing availability. We also talk about income-eligible housing, housing for the unsheltered in our community, and Short Term Rentals' effect on our housing stock. So are we in a housing crisis in Redding? Steve Bade doesn’t think so, but there is no single solution to address all the different housing needs in the community. Between the economy and the cost of construction, things are not getting any easier. But he has reason to be hopeful, and we think you will too. Redding is working on housing solutions from multiple angles, and while results won’t appear overnight, things are moving in a positive direction. Learn more about Housing in Redding>> Read the episode 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!

If you visited any larger city, you know public transportation is a big part of life for millions of Americans. Here in Redding, life without a car is a challenge.- but that could change in the next few years. Enter John Andoh, the new General Transit manager for the Redding Area Bus Authority. He comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the transit industry in several municipalities. He has big plans for what public transportation can look like in our area and acknowledges that the system today has some inefficiencies. Cities are diversifying their transportation options, and John wants to look at what's possible in Redding. Think small car share options, mobile pay, on-demand RABA service, and more. His passion for technology and innovation is evident. So you may never have experienced RABA, but big changes might have you rethinking your use of public transit in Redding. And if you do, be on the lookout for John. He makes it a point to take RABA everywhere he can, including to work every day. RabaRide.com >> Read the episode 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, Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan updates us on what was discussed, including: For more information on these topics and more, please find additional resources below. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> Episode 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!

Did you know that nearly 40% of food in America is wasted? Food is best if used - period! With careful planning and better food recycling resources, our community can help address hunger and protect the environment simultaneously. Enter Senate Bill 1383, a law recently passed in California requiring businesses and residents to compost or recycle food waste, including wasted food from the refrigerator, expired items, and table scraps. Locally, this bill will help support those with food insecurities in our community while maintaining valuable space in the local landfill and reducing the release of harmful gasses into the environment. What does this mean for Redding residents? Public Works Supervisor Jeff Hansen updates us on the SB1383 rollout already in place with food-generating businesses here in Redding. The residential rollout is slated for the end of summer, and Jeff shares how this change will impact local trash services. In case you need a refresher on SB1383, Katie and Steve reshare their conversation with Deputy Director of Public Works Paul Clemens from last year to better understand what SB1383 means in the larger trash industry and how it will impact Redding. Learn more about SB1383 Here>> Read theTranscript>> 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!

Another short council meeting and short recap this week! Katie and Steve recap the Council Meeting from Tuesday, May 2nd in this episode including: Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> Episode 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!

A short council meeting and an extra short recap this week! An update on the Panorama Park project was the big item of the night along with a few items regarding property for a future Firehouse and a fee-to-trust application from the Redding Rancheria. Listen as Kim Niemer, Community Services Director, provides a recap of the April 18th Redding City Council Meeting. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> Episode 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 are hoping you stick with us through an update on the General Plan. Now before we lose anyone, the General Plan is 20-year planning document that has a massive impact on the future of our City. And community involvement plays a key role in how the plan is put together. Steve and I joke all the time that our podcast topics aren’t always super interesting to most people, but believe me, you’ll want to understand what this document does - and doesn’t - do so you have a better understanding of how the City makes decisions. In today’s episode, we talk with Kent Manuel and Jeremy Pagan about what might change in this General Plan, and why you should care. After all, 20 years is a long time and, while nothing is set in stone, the General Plan is a guiding document that will be referenced long into the future. Fun fact, Kent oversaw the general plan development for Redding 20 years ago, so this isn’t his first Rodeo. He has a wealth of knowledge and can speak to what has been done in previous plans and what's new in this version. We don’t expect you to take notes, but you should know what the General Plan is and how to get involved if you feel so inclined. To take the community survey visit: cityofredding.org/generalplan Read a transcript of the episode 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 the latest City Council recap, Steve and Katie give a brief rundown on what was discussed, including: Please find additional resources below for more information on these topics. Council Meeting Agenda>> Check out the video here>> Episode 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!