Why Paying for Parking in Downtown Redding is a Joke: 11 Reasons to Laugh
Welcome to the world of parking woes, where the cost of finding a spot can sometimes feel like a toll road. But in the charming city of Redding, California, let's take a moment to shed light on the absurdity of charging for parking in the downtown area. In this blog, we'll be taking a lighthearted look at 11 reasons why charging for parking downtown is not only unnecessary but also a total buzzkill.
Parking should be free, just like love. And let's face it, who wouldn't want a little more love in their lives?
It's not fair to charge people for something that's out of their control. After all, it's not like anyone chose to be born in Redding or to live in downtown.
Charging for parking is like a ransom. And who wants to be held hostage by a parking meter?
Free parking is a small token of gratitude for choosing to live, work or visit Redding. And who doesn't love a little gratitude in their lives?
It's not like people have a choice but to park. The city should focus on providing enough spaces instead.
Downtown Redding is not the city's personal piggy bank. Let's not use the parking situation to make a quick buck.
Parking should be a basic human right, like air and water. And we wouldn't charge for those, would we?
People are already paying enough taxes. They shouldn't have to pay even more just to park their car.
It's not like people are parking their private jets. Most people in downtown Redding are just driving basic cars, not Lamborghinis.
Charging for parking is like a penalty for living in the city. And nobody wants to feel punished for just trying to make a living.
Parking should be a joy, not a burden. And a little bit of joy can go a long way in making people's lives a little brighter.
The Story of Redding California
Once upon a time, the area that is now known as Redding was primarily inhabited by the Wintu tribe of Native Americans. Their settlements stretched from the northwestern part of the Sacramento River down to present-day Chico. In 1844, the Rancho Buena Ventura land grant was issued to Pierson B. Reading by California Governor Manuel Micheltorena, encompassing the modern-day towns of Anderson, Cottonwood, and Redding. Despite being named after Pierson Reading, the town of Redding was actually named after Benjamin B. Redding, a land agent of the Southern Pacific Railroad who had decided to route the tracks through the area in 1872.
By the early 20th century, Redding had become a thriving settlement with a population of 600 settlers. On October 4, 1887, the town was officially incorporated as a general law city, governed by state legislative statutes and the State Constitution. The town was supported by the mineral extraction industry, primarily of copper and iron, and by 1910 the population had risen to 3,572.
However, by 1920, the mineral extraction industry declined and the population dropped to 2,962. This trend was reversed in 1930 with the construction of Shasta Dam, which brought the population back up to 4,188. By 2015, the population had grown to an estimated 91,110, according to the California Department of Finance.
Shasta Dam was built as a result of the growing need for flood control in the town of Redding. The winter rains would often cause tremendous flooding that drowned livestock, and so Judge Francis C. Carr and John McColl traveled to Washington, D.C. in the early 1930s to lobby for funding for the dam. Their efforts paid off and the Shasta Dam became the keystone of the State Water Plan's Central Valley Project. The dam took six years to build, from 1938 to 1944, and its height is taller than the Washington Monument, with spillways three times the height of Niagara Falls.
Just a few decades later, the construction of Whiskeytown Dam as part of the Trinity River Project sparked another construction boom in Redding that lasted through much of the 1960s. The dam also changed the town's recreational landscape by creating a lake with a 36-mile shoreline, which became the site of the annual Whiskeytown Regatta during Memorial Day weekend. In 1962, the people of Shasta County voted overwhelmingly in favor of Whiskeytown being developed as a National Recreation Area with full federal jurisdiction. Congressional approval took several more years, but by the summer of 1963, Whiskeytown had officially become a National Recreation Area for the residents of Northern California.
With the creation of Shasta and Whiskeytown Lakes, and the peripheral access to Mt. Shasta, Lassen Peak, and the Trinity Alps, Redding grew into a tourist hub. The arrival of the railroad, expansion of air travel, and improved communications brought people to Redding for a variety of recreational activities.
In 2004, an effort was made to increase tourism in the area with the construction of the Sundial Bridge. Designed by world-renowned architectural designer Santiago Calatrava, the Sundial Bridge was completed with the purpose of providing pedestrian access to the north and south of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The bridge casts its gnomon shadow upon a dial to the north of the bridge, which accurately marks the Summer Solstice. Today, the Sundial Bridge has not only fulfilled its purpose but has also become an iconic landmark for the City of Redding.
The story of Redding is one of growth and development, from its early days as a settlement for the Wintu tribe to its current status as a thriving tourist hub.
There's A New Mural In Downtown Redding, Have You Seen It?
Redding woke up to a new mural on Wednesday morning, June 26th, thanks to a collaboration between Redding Arts and a pair of local artists. The mural was created for The Makery, a new business on Pine Street hosting workshops, events and collaborative workspaces for local artists.
Photo by @japhethmast
Redding Arts was founded in recent years by Tyler Linahan and David McHarness to improve the city’s culture and art scene. After last year’s fires, they began working on a mural for the Cascade Theatre that would commemorate Redding’s resiliency. As that project nears completion this fall, they’ve been pairing artists with local businesses to paint additional murals across the city. (Hooray!)
The mural was painted by local abstract artists, Dawn Verhey and Cami Zea, and is being documented by photographers Japheth Mast and Seth McGaha. “When Redding Arts came and suggested these two artists, I just loved their aesthetic and what they had to offer” said The Makery’s founder Elizabeth Wright.
“We wanted to communicate an emotion, and not necessarily a subject.”
One of The Makery’s main goals is to educate the community on art and DIY crafts through workshops and events.
Photo by @japhethmast
Vibrant cities across the world, small or large, all have one thing in common: public art! Repurposing old, blank walls into beautiful displays gives the average pedestrian a piece of beauty to admire and appreciate while walking from place to place. Some have said even decreases crime in the area itself.
In an article from WIBW, a news agency from Kansas, they refer to crime statistics before and after the murals went up:
Lieutenant Joe Perry said the police department collected crime stats before and after that mural went up. In the 6 months before the mural went up, 19 crimes were reported in a 1/4 mile radius around the mural location, 7 of which were graffiti. In the 6 months after the mural went up, 16 crimes were reported in a 1/4 mile radius around the mural location, 1 of which was graffiti.
Photo by @japhethmast
Redding Arts goal isn’t to make a profit, it’s to make a difference. CultreRedding is proud to partner with them in their goal of creating vibrant spaces that beautify our downtown streets. To learn more and follow along with their projects, follow their social pages - @ReddingArts Instagram Page, ReddingArts Facebook Page
Follow the people who made this happen!
The Makery @themakeryredding
Cami Zea @zeaink
Dawn Verhey @theartofdawn
Photos by @japhethmast
ReddingArts @reddingarts
Video Production by @sethmcgahaphoto
Shop Local: Redding's Most Valuable Coupon Cards
We’ve all seen coupon books before, but this one is DIFFERENT.
Here’s how it works: Shop Local partnered with 36 local businesses in Redding. Each business agreed to put some sort of promotion on the card (ex. Madayne’s will give you HALF OFF an entree with the purchase of a drink). Locals buy those cards and can use those discounts… as many times as they want for A YEAR!
The value really does speak for itself with these cards, considering they are ONLY $25.00.
There are 3 cards in total; Eat, Play, and Thrive. All 3 cards are included in the $25 price. Some of our favorite deals on the cards are:
Buy One, Get One Free Pedego Bike Rental at The Adventure Hub (this one deal pays for the card after one use)
Buy One, Get One Free Mini Golf at Oasis Fun Center
10% off Theory Collaborative
$5 off $25 Purchase at Shameless O’Leerys
$2 off Any haircut at The Groom Room
$30 off Interior Detail OR $50 off Master Detail at Black Diamond Detail
…and so many more!
There is a limited quantity, so it’s best to act soon before they’re gone. Order Yours Today!
What We Know About The Proposed 1 Cent Tax
There’s been a lot of buzz about raising the sales tax in Redding by 1 percent.
Redding currently has the lowest sales tax in the whole state, a full 3 percent lower than parts of LA but even so, California has the highest sales tax in the U.S.
We’ve had a few conversations with people pushing the bill and here’s what they are saying. The tax increased tax will generate much of it’s revenue from tourists and people passing through on the I-5 corridor.
It will bring in an estimated $24 million in extra city budget which is currently at $295.3 million adding approximately 8 percent to the annual city revenue.
All the proceeds will go directly to the police and fire departments with the intent of helping with the homeless issue currently taking place.
There seems to be a general skepticism towards the city leadership but a lot of the old city council members and city leaders have been steadily replaced by new faces. Even so, it’s hard to tell exactly how much things have changed.
The complete city budget is posted on the city website here for those dedicated enough to read it.
What are your thoughts on the proposed 1 cent tax increase?
Redding To LA Flights: What Does it Cost?
After eight years, Redding finally has a nonstop flight to LA again.
The United flights will run every day departing from Redding at 6:45 am and will arrive in LAX at 8:35 am. The return flight will leave LA at 7:10 pm and land in Redding at 9:25 pm. The average cost of a roundtrip ticket is $257-600 depending on the day and duration of the trip.
Friday is the on average the cheapest day to depart. The prices increase slightly on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays but that didn’t stop passengers from fully booking the flight on its first day; March 8th.
Hopefully, this will increase traffic at local businesses and bring more revenue into our downtown. In combination with the newly remodeled Americana motel, more and more AirBnbs for travelers to stay in and new food and drink establishments for refreshments, Redding could have the most lively and bustling summer we’ve seen in years.
This direct flight is perfect for weekend getaways or business trips and will continue to bring more SoCal tourists to our Northern paradise.
Know something we don’t? Tell us here!
New Taproom Opening In Downtown Redding
More good news for those who love craft beer.
People who live and work in the downtown area will have another 5 o’clock spot to enjoy their favorite adult beverages at. Originally from Manton, CA, Cedar Crest is not only a brewery, it’s also a winery! The downtown area currently sports 3 separate breweries (Wildcard, Final Draft, and Woody’s Brewing Co.) and Cedar Crest will be the fourth. The construction has began inside their building located in the Cascade Square on the corner of Placer and California St. The taproom will be adjacent to the AVEDA salon across from the California Street Parking Garage.
Inside will be home to a new 10-barrel brew system that’ll be slinging beers like the 72 IPA and El Jefe, Cedar Crest’s Double IPA (two of our favorites).
The Grand Opening has not been announced, but we’ll release information as we receive it.
This is an exciting continuation of new business being introduced to the Downtown Redding area. Around every corner there seems to be new construction and development taking place, the majority of the projects being initiated by local businesses, not franchises. In turn that means that more money will be made and kept within our area, strengthening our local economy. I think that’s something we could all get behind.
Know about a new business moving into the area who could use some spotlight? Let us know about it!
Unsung Heroes: Redding Farmers Market
When I first moved to Redding almost 8 years ago, The Redding Farmers Market was just a handful of vendors, craft coffee, and a quick walk around the parking lot before you’d seen it all.
In more recents years the Redding Farmers Market has grown into a burgeoning marketplace with a large variety of ready-to-eat food, organic fruits and veggies, live music, craft coffee, traditional medicine and more. It has actually become a staple of my Saturday mornings in the sunnier months. The vendors now wrap around the parking lot, and it will take you more than 15 minutes to see it all.
The market is held behind City Hall off of Athens Avenue, just a block or two away from the Redding Public Library. When you get there, you’ll usually be welcome d by the sound of a local musician strumming a 6-string, the smell of crepes, and smiling faces of local farmers working hard to feed their families.
Perhaps you’re not convinced yet? It’s also a great date idea. Here’s what you do. Walk around the market and only pick specific foods you’d like to incorporate into a meal. For example, you and your hot date want to make some Pho together. Stop at one of the Thai/Lao stands and get some Thai Basil (the one with purple flowers), Thai onions, and any other greens you might be into incorporating. Grab some mushrooms from the organic mushroom guy. Keep walking, and find yourself at one of the local free range pig-farmer stands. There are a few different options for free-range, all organic beef/poultry/pork options. grab some pork belly or some chicken and keep moving. Don’t forget cilantro (that is if you don’t think it tastes like soap.) The world is your oyster at that point, go home and show that date of yours how good of a cook you are.
We’re huge believers and supporters of small business in our city. We believe it is the glue that holds a local economy together! If you live here and you haven’t spent a sunny spring morning at the Redding Farmers Market, you’re a doing a disservice to yourself! The market opens for the first time in 2019 on April 7.
Everybody's Asking: Is Chick-Fil-A Actually Coming to Redding?
It’s the question that has collectively plagued minds since the Mt. Shasta Mall began it’s new construction months ago: Will Chick-Fil-A actually be inhabiting the corner lot on Hilltop and Dana Drive?
*shakes Magic 8-ball furiously* Answer: Outlook good.
A lot have heard the collective rumbling that the deal was possibly on the the fritz. The City of Redding, while heading in the right direction, hasn’t always been a shining beacon of freedom for new businesses. Personally, we think that the City is headed in a very business friendly direction, with many new faces in leadership. Many were disappointed when Buffalo Wild Wings was promised and then clawed back after the deal fell apart. Although people tend to blame the city for that it was actually a result of construction being stopped after it was revealed that Sports Authority had a clause in its lease that stated a restaurant can't be closer than 300 feet from its front door… and then Sports Authority closed. Whomp whomp.
Yet, in more current ‘chicken’ news, we spoke to a source within Chick-Fil-a that has confirmed the spot on the corner of Dana and Hilltop Drive. A friend to Cultre Redding was an employee at a Chick-Fil-a in Southern California. Her manager, who still works there, sent the confirmation we’ve all been wishing for. Unfortunately, we could not obtain permission to share the screenshot [of an internal email] that confirmed the forward movement on the project. We’ve been told that there is a green light, but there are still real-estate processes in play.
Now the question on everyone’s mind is, how much traffic can the corner of Dana and Hilltop handle? We’re hoping their incredibly speedy service will keep us from road rage.
This is definitely good news for our stomachs, and probably bad news for our wallets. But who cares, nuggets! Am I right?!
Downtown Construction: What's Coming Next for Redding?
Have you noticed the amount of construction downtown has drastically increased? Maybe you’ve walked through the downtown promenade and seen the gaping hole in the center of it. Well, that’s because there is roughly $200 million flowing into Redding to improve our downtown area.
A variety of businesses and industries have shown interest in our downtown area and we’ll be seeing the fruit of their labor soon. Here is a list of some cool things that are coming to our city:
K2 Properties | Modern Affordable Apartments and Restaurants
The Market Street Promenade area has long been somewhat of a confusing element of downtown Redding. Long ago, Market Street ran all the way through the promenade. Unfortunately foot-traffic never picked up and businesses suffered from it. In an effort to revitalize the heart of our downtown area, K2 Properties has begun developing a 4-story mixed-use complex. In city meetings, it’s been mentioned that the complex would be affordable for someone who works full-time at Starbucks. Good news to our coffeeshop brethren!
From the City of Redding ‘Downtown Redding, Specific Plan Update”:
The City of Redding was awarded a $20 million grant to redevelop the Dicker’s building, which closed in 1992 and is located on the Market Street Promenade. The Dicker’s building will dedicate its entire frontage on three sides back to City as part of grant project. Partial re-opening of Market Street, Butte Street, and Yuba Street through the Market Street Promenade will also be funded by this grant.
Images provided by The City of Redding Facebook Page
California Street Labs | Pop-Ups, Beer, Connecting Entrepreneurs
Located a couple of blocks north of the California St Parking Garage is the new California Street Labs. It’s described as ‘a place for community members to come together to test ideas and actions that build a vibrant downtown and a great city.’ A few of us have made it down there and found it to be a smaller, but inviting scene. We’re unsure if there are plans to further develop the space. The project was financed and led by The McConnell Foundation, Redding’s well known philanthropical arm. Formerly known as The Green Door Project, its goal is to:
Rendering by Russell Studio
“…Work with the community to activate the warehouse with pop-up retail, bike rentals, creative play, art installations and nightlife. Imagine all of the above occurring on a temporary rotation bringing a variety of new activities to experience downtown. The Green Door Project [California Street Labs] will give people an opportunity to experience a sampling of what is possible in a vibrant downtown.” - The McConnell Foundation
1701 Pine Street: Currently under review
via Google Maps
Developer: BV Holdings LLC
Partner: Vicky Keller
3 story building with restaurant/bars & residential apartments
1st story will be the restaurant and apartment services
2-3 story will house 16 apartments with 6,212 sq. ft. on each floor
18,394 sq. ft. total
Rumor: Each apartment will be about $800-850
Fact sheet: https://www.cityofredding.org/home/showdocument?id=17767
Exterior plan: https://www.cityofredding.org/home/showdocument?id=17771
