Redding hires personnel director after Sheri DeMaagd's retirement
Find news from around Shasta County in May in the Redding news roundup.
Scroll down for news about Sunday hours for passport applications at some post offices, grants for groups promoting equity, state-level student achievements, workshops and events happening in the North State, new programs opening and other news.
The Redding news roundup is published each month on redding.com. Check back for new news throughout May.
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Redding hires new personnel director
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Starting in June, Redding will have a new personnel director to help staff positions and retain city workers, according to a press release sent on Tuesday by Redding Communications Manager Katie Hunter.
Shasta County native Kari Kibler will move into the position on June 12 after a 15-year career with the county, including five years as a manager in the Support Services Department. During her tenure with the county, she conducted trainings and managed labor-related tasks including recruiting and retaining staff members, according to the city.
Kibler will be responsible for making personnel-related decisions for more than 1,100 city workers the announcement said.
The previous personnel director, Sheri DeMaagd, retired early in 2023 after a long career with the city, Hunter said.
― Jessica Skropanic
KIXE and Shasta Equal Justice Coalition present short film series
Friday, May 26, 2023
PBS station KIXE and the Shasta Equal Justice Coalition will screen a short series of films called “the Bridge Builders Collective” at 6 p.m. on June 7 at the Old City Hall, 1313 South Market St. in Redding.
KIXE will present film portraits of local people leading the way for equity and belonging in the North State including Carolyn Nava of Systems Change Disability Action Center, Ted Couch of the Shasta Equal Justice Coalition, Community Organizer Eddie McAllister, and Elizabeth and Pedro Betancourt of Oliview Farms.
The PBS station will also show films from the program “Independent Lens” that shed light on changemakers and their communities. The series offers an intimate look at trailblazing leaders across the country.
A panel discussion follows the films. For more information go to www.kixe.org.
― Jessica Skropanic
Shasta Lake Animal Control offers $10 spay neuter vouchers
Friday, May 26, 2023
Shasta Lake Animal Control staff are offering Shasta Lake residents discount vouchers for spay and neuter services for their cats. Services include alteration, microchipping and basic vaccinations.
FieldHaven Feline Center in Lincoln, California provided grant money for approximately 350 cats, according to the shelter. Thus far, 93 vouchers were issued.
The co-pay is $10 per cat at Northstate Veterinary Clinic; or voucher holders can use their own veterinarian with no co-pay, and receive a $120 voucher toward the overall cost for vet services. There's a limit of four vouchers per Shasta Lake household.
To request a voucher go to the Shasta Lake Animal Shelter from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3025 Ashby Road.
― Jessica Skropanic
BLM to temporarily close Iron Mountain Road shooting range
Thursday, May 25, 2023
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to close its target shooting area along Iron Mountain Road for about 8 hours on Wednesday, June 7, while crews work in the area to prepare a fuels reduction project.
The area west of Redding will be closed to shooting from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the BLM said. Shooting will still be allowed from a half-hour after sunrise until 8 a.m., and then after 4:30 p.m., agency officials said.
“We need this short closure for safety, as our crews will be working downrange from the firing area,” said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM Redding Field Office. “Their work is an important step in our plan to improve fire resilience at the Iron Mountain shooting area.”
The BLM plans to do mapping and natural resource surveys required for developing a hazardous fuels reduction project in the area, the BLM said in a news release.
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection official said last year that fires ignited by bullet fragments in the area is not uncommon in the hot summer months. A fire started by hot bullet fragments on July 7, 2022 burned about 9 acres, Cal Fire said.
BLM spokesman Jeff Fontana said the fuels reduction planned for the area will make the shooting area more fire safe.
More information is available from the BLM Redding Field Office, 530, 224-2100.
― Damon Arthur
1,000 racing pigeons being released in Redding for Saturday contest
Thursday, May 25, 2023About 1,000 racing pigeons raised by hobbyists will be released en masse from the Redding Civic Auditorium's parking lot at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 27.The public is invited to observe the release, which is put on annually by private groups of pigeon-racing hobbyists, said Shasta Racing Pigeon Club Spokesman Scott Hepburn. "It's kind of an interesting sight," he said.
According to the American Racing Pigeon accrediting group, there are 15,000 registered lofts in the U.S. In the North State, racing pigeon enthusiasts also operate from Anderson, Red Bluff and elsewhere, said Hepburn. On Saturday, the birds are expected to circle the area near the auditorium to get their bearings before flying south to their home lofts in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, Hepburn said.
The racing pigeons are identified by a leg band that uses radio-frequency identification to record each bird's arrival time home and determine a winner. Most of the birds will fly without stopping at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, Hepburn said.
— Michele Chandler
Market Street, Benton Drive intersection will be under traffic control
Monday, May 22, 2023
A portion of the Benton Drive and Market Street intersection will close for 12 hours this week while Pacific Gas and Electric makes upgrades, Redding Public Works Department announced.
Traffic controls will be in place from 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 to 7 a.m. Friday, May 26, according to Kyle Jones at the city's engineering division. Only work crews and emergency service vehicles will be allowed access during that time, he said.
Jones asked that motorists be careful driving in the area at the bottom of Miracle Mile on North Market Street, and if possible to avoid it, while work is going on.
― Jessica Skropanic
PG&E plans power outage in Shingletown and Manton
Monday, May 22, 2023
Pacific Gas and Electric announced it will shut off power for seven hours to almost 4,000 PG&E customers in and around Manton and Shingletown.
The power outage will start at 10 p.m. Friday, May 26 and last until about 5 a.m. Saturday, May 27, the utility announced.
The purpose of the outage is to allow crews to safely perform maintenance checks and and upgrades at the Volta substation near Manton, according to PG&E.
The company said it sent letters and automated calls to customers impacted by the outage.
“We have arranged to keep this planned power outage as short as possible and to occur at a time that we hope will cause only a minimal inconvenience to customers,” said Jim Monninger, regional senior manager of the utility's North Valley Division, in a press release on Monday.
For more information about planned outages go to pge.com/news.
― Jessica Skropanic
Post offices offer passport appointments on Sundays
Friday, May 19, 2023
During special appointments, postal clerks can provide passport information and accept passport applications, the postal service announced on Friday. Applications are available at post office branches. Applicants should bring photo identification and proof of citizenship. Staff can take passport photos for an added fee.
Branches with Sunday appointments are 2323 Churn Creek Road in Redding and 141 W. 5th St. in Chico.
— Jessica Skropanic
Up to $10,000 available to groups promoting equity in Northern California
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Organizers of the North State Equity Fund announced Wednesday they are taking applications for grants from grassroots organizations that promote racial and social equity in Northern California.
The fund offers up to $100,000 in grant money for projects that foster collaboration and innovation while addressing racial justice and healing, according to a press release issued by United Way of Northern California. The fund gives up to $10,000 per organization selected for its general operations and other needs.
The North State Equity Fund is a collaborative effort by United Way, the McConnell Foundation and the S.H. Cowell Foundation.
Money is granted to organizations and groups based in Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties. Previous recipients can apply if they collaborate with a new organization.
To apply, create an account through norcalunited.co/grants and submit a letter of interest. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on May 31. Selected organizations are interviewed via Zoom.
Fund officials will notify winners by July 31.
For more information call 530-241-7521 or go to www.norcalunitedway.org.
― Jessica Skropanic
Annual Shasta County veterans memorial service slated for May 30
Thursday, May 18, 2023
The 30th annual Shasta County veterans memorial service is slated to start at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 at the Veterans Memorial Grove on the Redding Civic Auditorium grounds at 700 Auditorium Drive.
Anyone is welcome to attend this service honoring those who lost their lives serving in the United States military. A complimentary lunch will be served following the ceremony.
People or groups can arrange to place a wreath during the service can contact the Shasta County Veterans affiliated council at 530-357-3380.
― Jessica Skropanic
Anderson High School students rank in top ten in state agronomy contest
Thursday, May 18, 2023
A team of Anderson High School agriculture science students won first place in the agronomy contest at the California FFA State Finals competition, held May 6 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Each team member was in the top 10 finishers. Ricardo Guzman-Miranda earned the high individual award. Madison Fore earned second high individual. LaNae Fackrell third high individual, and Owen Gerring placing ninth high individual.
May marked the first time Anderson High School made it to the FFA state championship, according to agriculture instructor Jamie Lynn.
The agronomy contest tested students’ knowledge of weeds, legumes, miscellaneous crops, insects, crop disorders and seeds. To compete, students must learn to identify more than 250 specimens.
Competitors also judge and place crop seeds and alfalfa based on current market standards, defending their decisions; and were scored on their speaking ability, terminology and reasoning.
The team will represent the state at the National FFA agronomy contest in November in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Approximately 200 students enrolled in the school’s agriculture program last year, the school said.
― Jessica Skropanic
Shasta District Fair entry deadline approaching. Shasta College graduation coming
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Entries for the 2023 Shasta District Fair close May 19 for all categories except: agriculture, horticulture and floraculture.
Organizers said late entries or those sent by mail will not be accepted.
Entries can be made on the Shasta District Fair and Event Center's website, www.ShastaDistrictFairandEventCenter.com. Click on the "Fair" tab at the top, then click "Enter Your Stuff." Before applying, please read all general, state and local rules.People without internet access can come to the fair office, 1890 Briggs St. in Anderson, where a computer and assistance staff are available.
For more information, call the fair office at 530-378-6789.
― Michele Chandler
Shasta College sets commencement ceremony date
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Shasta College will hold its 73rd Commencement ceremony on May 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Shasta College Memorial Stadium.
This year’s commencement speaker is Dr. Lizette Navarette, Ed.D., who has served as the college's interim deputy chancellor since November 2022.
A first-generation college graduate, Navarette earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from UC Riverside, has a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne and a Doctorate in Education from UC Davis.
Navarette joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2020 and also oversees the Office of Institutional Supports and Success.
Shasta College Student Senate President, Joran Jones, will present the class and Superintendent/President, Dr. Joe Wyse, will give the welcoming address.
There are 1196 applications for Associate Degrees, 606 applications for certificates, 380 transfer degree graduates, 363 Honors graduates and 12 Bachelor of Science graduates.
― Michele Chandler
Calfire opens new training center
Tuesday, May 9, 2023The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in partnership with Shasta College, has opened Training Center North, the state agency's third training center, in Redding. Training and instruction for Fire Control academies will be conducted at the new center.
Cal Fire also operates two other training centers, in Ione and Riverside.Upon completion of HFEO and RBC in June, the CAL FIRE Training Center will continue five simultaneous Fire Control Academies over the three locations and is on pace to train 1500 Fire Control students in 2023.Thursday, May 4, 2023
The Shasta County Department of Resource Management will host a free one-day waste tire collection event for Shasta County residents on May 13 from 9–2 p.m. the City of Shasta Lake at the corner of Ashby Road and Shasta Gateway Drive.
At the event:
― Michele Chandler
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Walmart stores offering free health checks
Walmart stores in Redding and Chico will offer free health health checks on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People who attend can get a free glucose test and cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure screenings.
Stores will also offer vaccinations including those for COVID-19, flu, RSV, tetanus, shingles, hepatitis, HPV and others at their pharmacies. Costs for vaccinations vary, and people should bring their health insurance information.
― Jessica Skropanic
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Shasta County testing the ALERT FM emergency alert system in May
Tests of the ALERT FM emergency alert system will be held in Shasta County throughout May, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday. The ALERT FM device receives mass notifications via FM radio signals in times of crisis or emergency.
Starting May 4 at 7:30 p.m., ALERT FM will test the system by sending a message to those who have a device. Additional tests will occur every Thursday at the same time throughout the month of May.Anyone having technical issues can call Alert FM at 866-869-5180.
There are still a limited number of ALERT FM devices available at no cost to qualifying members of the public, the Sheriff’s Office said. Those who qualify must be age 60 or older, be disabled, have limited cell or internet service or live in areas at high risk for Public Safety Power Shut Offs.
Devices can be picked up at the following locations:• The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office City of Shasta Lake Station, 4488 Red Bluff Street, Shasta Lake• The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Burney Station, 20509 Shasta Street, Burney• By appointment through the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services location by calling 530-245-6000.Additional information on and purchases of the battery-powered device can be found at: https://www.alertfm.com/store. For more information, contact Tim Mapes, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, at 530-245-6149.
― Michele Chandler
Redding city bus service provider hosts workshop, seeks feedback
Monday, May 1, 2023
The Redding Area Bus Authority will host a public workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 8 at the Redding City Council chambers.
Attendees can learn about services under consideration and how they could impact the community, and provide input on alternatives, according to a RABA announcement issued Monday. RABA staff will use feedback to help create the transit service's five-year plan, including capital, fare and marketing recommendations.
For an online recording, go to rabaride.com a few days after the meeting.
To read about RABA's short-term plan and other projects, go to bit.ly/44h5Xhp.
― Jessica Skropanic
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding hires new personnel director, Kari Kibler
