City of Redding Podcast

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.org 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!

The City Council Meeting from November 21, 2023, was relatively short but was packed with great discussion and good information. 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!

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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity 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 Watkins jwatkins@cityofredding.org 530.224.6068 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, November 7, 2023, Director of Public Works 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!

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 podcast@cityofredding.orgFacebookTwitterInstagramCity of Redding website Love the podcast? The best way to spread the word is to rate and review!

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 frame a community vision and establish goals, policies, and development standards for the area. In this episode, we connect with Development Services Director Jeremy Pagan to discuss what has happened thus far and what is yet to come. We ask about the Redding Rodeo and the Civic Auditorium and how community input works. We hope after listening to this conversation, you will have a better understanding of the process and importance of a strategic riverfront-specific plan for Redding. Learn more about the Riverfront Specific Plan and provide your input 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 latest City Council recap from Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Steve and Katie give 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!

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 the Shasta EDC, sit down for a conversation addressing some of the community’s biggest questions. Part 1 is all about Public Safety, featuring Police Chief Bill Schueller and Fire Chief Jerrod Vanlandingham. Some highlights include hiring wins, retention strategies, and community cleanup efforts. To set the stage for those who haven’t watched the video, Jake and Todd will kick off the State of the City with a little background before turning it over to the Mayor with questions. You’ll hear Jake come in first, followed by Todd, and then Jake leads with the first question for the Mayor. Enjoy! Watch the video here>> 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!

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 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!

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>> 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!

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 listening, and have a great week! Watch the video here >> 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 a special meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023, Community Services Director Kim Niemer 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!

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!