We are putting a site together for it now you can visit it here

If you live in Redding, CA. and are a customer of The City Of Redding Utilities, then this information may be helpful to you.  The following is from the 2009 Rate Increase Page of REU website

Recent news that REU recommends the City Council consider an electric rate increase of 7.84%, has generated some questions, concerns and some misinformation in our community. It is important that we remember our Utility’s history and understand the industry’s challenges, to gain a better understanding of our electric energy future.

REU claims that their power is considerably less expensive than PG&E and is up and running 99.991% of the time, ranking REU among the State’s most reliable utilities.

REU also claims that they have, through rebates, “injected $9.5 Million into the local economy and reducing peak demand by nearly 12 megawatts”.

REU is seeking a 7.84% rate increase in 2009, while many utilities in the State are seeking double digit increases.

REU’s rates, on average, have increased a nominal 2.2% annually
since 1996

Read more at the REU website Facts About YOUR Electric Utility

Get ready for a great time

The Fair will be Saturday and Sunday, and the actual Ducky Derby gets on the way Sunday Sept. 28 at 3pm, that’s when the annual duck race begins.  proceeds from this fantastic event go to supporting the Rotary Foundation Against Substance Abuse.

Here are a few photos of some of the many vendor booths that were offering everything from fish prints, to stone jewelry, pottery and glass, for sale.

Many food vendors were at the event as well, great food like Burrito Bandito and others were available to satisfy any hungry appetite.

Live music and dancing is part of the atmosphere at the Fair. Young and old alike can have a great time.

Buy a ticket for $5.00 and get a chance to win some great prizes like:

• An Extreme Remodel $25,000 Value
• SF Giants Dream Weekend 4 box seats plus many extras $1,000 Value
• Whitewater Rafting Trip for 4
• Flyfishing trip for 4

City Of Redding

Does it seem as though there is road construction going on everywhere in Redding?

If you said yes, then you would be correct! There are multiple road improvements going on throughout the city. Here are just a few of the projects, which I chose to highlight on this blog:

Palm Trees Line The Drive

Hilltop Drive, for instance, is getting a much needed facelift.

According to the City Project Status Report for August 2008, the

Hilltop Hotel Business

Improvement District

(HHBID)

The formation of a Business Improvement District to

work in partnership with the City of Redding to

beautify the Hilltop Drive corridor by under grounding

overhead lines and landscaping street medians.

Redevelopment/

REU/Transportation

and Engineering

Conduit has been installed and grading done for

sidewalks on the west side of Hilltop Drive. The

concrete contractor has begun new sidewalk work and

landscape installation is progressing.

What that means is that the city is working in partnership with Business Owners to beautify and improve the Hilltop Drive Hotel area, and the work is progressing.

In my opinion, the palm trees add a “California” look to the area and upgrade the appearance of economic prosperity, within that area of Hilltop Drive.

The Cypress Ave Bridge.

It seems like the construction on the Cypress Ave. Bridge has been going on for ever.  The endless gridlock and closures have been extremely trying and inconvenient for motorists, as well as business in the area.

The plans for the new bridge of the future, will be well worth the inconveniences which we are putting up with now.  According to the city of Redding bridge replacement project,  This project will replace the two existing Cypress Avenue bridges with a new six-lane bridge, consistent with the rest of the Cypress corridor.
The existing bridges were built in 1948 and 1968, and do not meet current traffic capacity,
pedestrian width, foundation scour, or seismic requirements.  The project limits will extend from the west side of the Athens intersection to the east side of the Hartnell intersection, and include the re-configuration of the Park Marina/Parkview intersection.

Here are two artists renderings of what the new bridge will look like, From the CYPRESS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT FACT SHEET:

One Shot of the new Cypress Ave. Bridge

Another shot of the proposed Cypress Ave. Bridge

The city of Redding is becoming a better city every day. We continue to grow, prosper and shine as one of Northern Californias premier cities.  A special word of appreciation goes out to all of the citizens and employees of Redding who work together to make our fine city, one of the jewels in California’s crown.

Get out and enjoy some of the fine parks that we are lucky to have here in Redding.  Enterprise community Park is just one of the many great, clean, parks which we are able to enjoy thanks to fantastic city employees like Dennis Meza (Green Shirt) and Steve Martin (Not the famous comedian)

This year, there will be a poker run, the music of Sound Addiction, a tri-tip barbecue, a beer garden and numerous contests.

Sunset Fizz

Among this year’s prize categories for the show are the Mayor’s Choice, Fireman’s Choice, Ladies’ Choice,

Crown Motors’ Best Ford, a number of age groups and

Best in Show for both motorcycles and cars.

A good time was had by all

More information is available by calling Sierra Printing at 347-7468
or Logo USA at 347-9178.
Attendance is free to the public, vehicle registration is $20.

Jerry Coopers 65 Pro Street was one of the finest vehicles at the show

See more photos from the show here

Today in Redding CA. like everywhere else in the USA, is Patriot Day.

Redding Color Guard

In the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year, designated in memory of the nearly three thousand who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks. Most Americans refer to the day as “Nine-Eleven (9/11),” “September 11th,” “Nine-one-one,” or some variation thereof.

U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001. It requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.” President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (as Public Law 107-89). It is a discretionary day of remembrance.

Redding,CA Flag

Initially, the day was called the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims Of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

On September 4, 2002, President Bush used his authority created by the resolution and proclaimed September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. He has continued to make similar declarations every year since.

On this day, the President directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff and displayed from individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time) marking the first plane crash on September 11, 2001.

Some countries have also shared Patriot Day with the U.S. as well.

We have chosen to post this local video and some photos of the Redding Patriot Day Celebration.

Redding Color Guard

Below is the video and further below is the 2002 Proclamation by President George W. Bush.

Patriot Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania — with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded endure.

Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of country.

We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who gave their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and else-where with valor and skill. Together with our coalition partners, they have achieved success.

Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like to be loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others. They have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in their communities, and volunteered their time to aid those in need. This spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to changing America one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of acts of decency and kindness.

Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to designate September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH

McDonalds 801 E. Cypress Ave. Redding, CA Photo by Frank Milella

Was a Redding McDonalds Hit by a Meteor?……..

No but it sure looked like it was.

A Redding McDonalds at 801 E. Cypress Ave, is, apparently undergoing an extensive remodel.  When driving by the restaurant today, Sept. 08, 2008,   I noticed a crowd of people watching a work crew, behind a chain link fence surrounding the work site.  The crew was demolishing the building which once stood open for business, serving some of my favorites like Big Macs and all sorts of delicious breakfast sandwiches, but now it was being torn down and taken away board by board, and piece by piece.

When I contacted the McDonalds corporate office to ask about specifics like, if and when will this restaurant reopen, I was told that they had no information to give me, but they would have the owner give me a call and he could answer any questions which I had.

As of the time of posting this article, I have not heard anything from anyone. If I do hear anything I will post it here.

Here is information if you wish to contact the corporate office of McDonalds to find out for yourself.

UPDATE>>>>>>>>>

I received a phone call from this McDonalds owner, and was told that the store will be rebuilt from the ground up and a reopen date is scheduled for December 15, 2008.