Redding, officially the City of Redding, is the county seat of Shasta County, California, in the northern part of the state. It lies along the Sacramento River. Interstate 5 bisects the entire city, which has a population of 89,861, from the south to north before it approaches Shasta Lake, located about 15 miles (24Â km) north of downtown Redding. Redding is the largest city in the Shasta Cascade region, and it is the fourth-largest city in the Sacramento Valley, behind Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Roseville.
Etymology
During the gold rush, the area that is now composed of Redding was called Poverty Flats. In 1868 the first land agent for the Central Pacific Railroad, a former Sacramento politician named Benjamin Bernard Redding, bought property in Poverty Flats on behalf of the railroad so that it could build a northern terminus there. In the process of building the terminus, the railroad also built a town in the same area, which they named Redding in honor of Benjamin Redding. In 1874 there was a dispute over the name by local legislatures and it was changed for a time to Reading, in order to honor Pierson B. Reading, who founded the community of Shasta, but the name was officially changed back to Redding by 1880. It has been called Redding ever since.
History
Indigenous culture
Before European settlers came to the area, it was heavily inhabited by a tribe of Native Americans called the Wintu. At their height, the Wintu had as many as 239 villages in the Shasta County area.
First settlers
Although Europeans had been to California as early as 1542, when Juan RodrÃquez Cabrillo sailed to what is now the San Diego Bay, the indigenous Indians were probably the only people to inhabit the far Northern California region until Russian fur trappers came through the area in 1815.
The first settlement in the area was established in 1844 by Pierson B. Reading, an early California pioneer who received a Rancho Buena Ventura Mexican land grant for a 26,632 acre area that is now occupied by Redding and Cottonwood, California. At the time of its establishment, it was the northernmost nonnative settlement in California.
Founding of Redding
During the gold rush, the area that is now composed of Redding was called Poverty Flats. In 1868 the first land agent for the Central Pacific Railroad, a former Sacramento politician named Benjamin Bernard Redding, bought property in Poverty Flats on behalf of the railroad so that it could build a northern terminus there. In the process of building the terminus, the railroad also built a town in the same area, which they named Redding in honor of Benjamin Redding. Redding was officially incorporated on October 4, 1887
Early 20th century
In the early twentieth century Redding's economic growth was spurred on by the significant copper and iron mineral extraction industry in the surrounding areas. However, the mining industry eventually declined, causing the economy and population to go down by nineteen twenty . It recovered by nineteen thirty though. In the thirties the economy saw a boom due to the construction of Shasta Dam nearby to the north west. The building of the dam, which was completed in nineteen forty five, caused Redding's population in to nearly double in the forties, along with spurring on the growth and development of other towns in the area.
Mid to late 20th century
Redding continued to grow steadily in the nineteen fifties due to a number of factors, including the region's growing lumber industry and tourism brought about by the newly completed dam. The constructions of Whiskeytown and Keswick dams also helped boost the economy by bring new workers to the area. Highway Interstate 5 was also built during the sixties and seventies, which added to development and tourism in the region.
Growth in Redding during the sixties and seventies was also caused by Redding officials annexing a number of surrounding county areas, including an area east of the Sacramento river made up of the unincorporated community of Enterprise. Enterprise residents voted to support the annexation primarily to acquire less expensive electricity via Redding's municipal utility, which receives power from the dam.
During the nineteen seventies, the lumber industry suffered from declines due to multiple circumstances. The decline caused a large amount of lumber mills in the area to close down and heavily impacted the Redding area. Things picked up though because of a retail and housing boom in the late nineteen eighties that continued until the mid nineteen nineties.
21st century
In 2017, the city adopted a new flag after holding a redesign contest.
Geography and climate
Location
Redding is located at 40°34′36″N 122°22′13″W (40.576606, -122.370325). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 61.2 square miles (159 km2). 59.6 square miles (154 km2) of it is land, and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) of it (2.50%) is beneath water.
Redding is located at the very northwestern end of the Central Valley, which transitions into the Cascade foothills. The city is surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and west and fertile farm land to the south. Outermost parts of the city are part of the Cascade foothills, whereas southern and central areas are in the Sacramento Valley.
The elevation in Redding is 495 feet (151Â m) on average, whereas anywhere to the north, east, or west of downtown ranges between 550 feet (170Â m) and 800 feet (240Â m) feet. Southern portions range between 400 feet (120Â m) and 500 feet (150Â m).
The Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River provides a considerable level of flood protection for Redding. The dam is capable of controlling flows up to 79,000 cubic feet (7,300 cubic meters) per second. Flow rate exceeded this threshold in both 1970 and 1974.
Soils in and around Redding are mostly of composite of clay or gravelly loam texture, with red or brown mineral horizons. They are slightly or moderately acidic in their natural state.
Subdivisions / Areas
Official
Non-Official
Mobile Home Communities
- Redwood Estates
Shopping Centers
- Cobblestone Shopping Center
- Cypress Square Shopping Center
- Mt. Shasta Mall
Ecology
There are several rare and endangered species in Redding and its immediate vicinity. The Redding Redevelopment Plan EIR notes the California State listed endangered species, slender Orcutt grass (Orcuttia tenuis), occurs in eastern Redding near the municipal airport, where vernal pools are known to exist. This endemic grass is a Federal Candidate for listing and is endangered throughout its range, confined to several populations, and seriously threatened by agriculture, overgrazing, and residential development. Vernal pools provide the preferred habitat for this plant, which the California Native Plant Society considers a rare and endangered species.
Climate
Redding has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa), with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Winter (Octoberâ€"April) provides the most precipitation of any season in Reddingâ€"the weather tends to be either rainy or foggy and at times, snow occurs. Summers are hot and dry, but rain is possible, usually with a thunderstorm. The average daily maximum temperature in July stays near 100 °F (38 °C). The highest official recorded temperature in Redding was 118 °F (48 °C) on July 20, 1988. That was recorded at the nearby Redding airport. Some people in town recorded as high as 122 °F (50 °C) that same day. Redding has an average possible sunshine of 88%, the second-highest percentage (after Yuma, Arizona) of any US city.
The city receives an average of 4.8 inches (12 cm) of snow annually. It rarely gets sleet or freezing rain. Frost occurs commonly in December through February, less often in March or November. In spring, rain is common. Tornadoes are extremely rare; flooding occurs only around the area near the Sacramento river. The coldest temperature recorded in Redding was 17 °F (âˆ'8 °C).
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Redding had a population of 89,861. The population density was 1,468.9 people per square mile (567.2/km²). The racial makeup of Redding was 77,117 (85.8%) White, 1,092 (1.2%) African American, 2,034 (2.3%) Native American, 3,034 (3.4%) Asian, 156 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 2,307 (2.6%) from other races, and 4,121 (4.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7,787 persons (8.7%).
The Census reported that 87,841 people (97.8% of the population) lived in households, 1,138 (1.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 882 (1.0%) were institutionalized.
There were 36,130 households, out of which 11,012 (30.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 16,001 (44.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4,806 (13.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,984 (5.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,570 (99.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 204 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 10,344 households (28.6%) were made up of individuals and 4,622 (12.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43. There were 22,791 families (63.1% of all households); the average family size was 2.94.
The population was spread out with 20,518 people (22.8%) under the age of 18, 9,436 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 21,725 people (24.2%) aged 25 to 44, 23,424 people (26.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 14,758 people (16.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.
There were 38,679 housing units at an average density of 632.3 per square mile (244.1/km²), of which 19,968 (55.3%) were owner-occupied, and 16,162 (44.7%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.9%. 48,179 people (53.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 39,662 people (44.1%) lived in rental housing units.
Economy
The economy in Redding is largely a service economy. Therefore, employment is spread across a wide range of service professions that include healthcare, retail, and tourism.
Top employers
According to the City's 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, these are the top employers in the city:
Government
State and federal representation
In the California State Legislature, Redding is in the 1st Senate District, represented by Republican Ted Gaines, and the 1st Assembly District, represented by Republican Brian Dahle.
In the United States House of Representatives, Redding is in California's 1st congressional district, represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa.
Municipal government
The city council is composed of Mayor Brent Weaver, Vice Mayor Kristen Schreder, along with Francie Sullivan, Julie Winter, and Adam McElvain. The city manager is Barry Tippin.
Redding is a general law city operating under the council-manager form of government.
Parks and recreation
Museums and public art
- Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay
- Sculpture park at City Hall
- Calatrava Sculpture
Architecture
- Sundial Bridge
- Cascade Theatre
- Carnegie Library
- Hotel Lorenz
- Pilgrim Congregational Church
Venues
- Redding Civic Auditorium
- Cascade Theatre
- Riverfront Amphitheater
- Old City Hall
Performing arts
- Riverfront Playhouse
- Redding Improv Players
Education
Higher education
Public
- Shasta College
Private
- Simpson University
- National University
- Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
High schools
Public
- Shasta High School
- Enterprise High School
- Foothill High School
- Pioneer High School
Secondary
- Freedom High School
- University Preparatory School
- North State Independence High School
- Redding Christian High School
- Liberty Christian High School
Charter Schools
- Monarch Learning Center
- Stellar Charter School
- Academy of Personalized Learning
- Redding School of the Arts
- Rocky Point Charter School
- Shasta Charter Academy
Other Schools
- Redding Adventist Academy
- Bethel Christian School
Trade Schools
- Redding Institute of Technology
- Shasta School of Cosmetology
Non-academic learning
- Code IT
- Build IT
- Bethel School of Supernatural Ministries
- Shasta County Public Library
Media
- Redding Record Searchlight
- After Five
Broadcast
Television
Radio
FM radio
AM radio
Transportation
Major highways
- Interstate 5 runs through the east central portion of this city.
- CA 299, formerly U.S. 299, runs through the western, central, and northeastern parts of the city.
- CA 44 runs through the middle and eastern part of town. Its western terminus is at Market Street (California 273) in downtown Redding.
- CA 273, was formerly the Interstate 5 Business Route, and also formerly the U.S. 99, directly through the city.
Rail and bus transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Redding, operating its Coast Starlight daily in both directions between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California VA Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Oakland, California; San Jose, California; Santa Barbara, California and all Intermediate station stops. Amtrak California also provides Thruway Motorcoach service to Stockton or Sacramento for connections to the San Joaquins, which serve the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles area via bus connections.
Redding provides a city bus transportation system called RABA (Redding Area Bus Authority). RABA provides routes throughout the city of Redding and also provides transportation throughout Redding's suburbs. Transportation is also available by Sage Stage to Alturas and Trinity Transit to Weaverville. Redding is also served by the intercity bus companies Greyhound and Fronteras del Norte.
Air transportation
Air Transportation for the Redding area is provided by two general aviation airports. Redding Municipal Airport, located south of Redding, has four scheduled flights from SkyWest (United Express). The smaller Benton Airpark is located on the western side of Redding. First Class Shuttle also offers shuttle service from the Oxford Suites hotel on Hilltop Dr. to the Sacramento International Airport seven days a week.
Notable people
This is an alphabetical list of notable people who were born/raised/worked in, lived in, or whose identity was significantly influenced by Redding, as well as music groups that were founded in the area.
Actors and entertainment industry
- Ashley Parker Angel â€" recording artist and reality show actor
- David de Berry â€" theater composer and actor
- Kathleen Kennedy â€" film producer
- Shane Drake â€" music video director
- Rich Eisen â€" sportscaster
Authors
- Matthew Kennedy â€" author
Business leaders and entrepreneurs
- Kevin Rose â€" Internet entrepreneur
- Wright brothers - successfully flew worlds first plane
Musicians and bands
- Duffy Bishop, electric blues singer and songwriter
- Brian Johnson â€" musician, pastor, president Bethel Music
- Randy Miller â€" drummer of the Myriad
- Roy Rogers â€" guitarist
Athletes
- Rick Bosetti â€" professional baseball player
- Mel Hein â€" football player, 1938 MVP, NFL Hall of Fame inductee
- Eddie Machen â€" heavyweight boxer
- Buck Martinez â€" professional MLB player, manager, broadcaster
- Matt Nichols â€" player in Canadian Football League
- Ryan O'Callaghan â€" NFL football player
- Megan Rapinoe â€" professional soccer player, Olympic gold medalist
- Ricky Ray â€" football player in the Canadian Football League
- Lynne Roberts - college basketball coach
- D. J. Seeley â€" basketball player in Israeli Premier League and Euroleague
- Jason Sehorn â€" former NFL player
Politicians, civil servants and activists
- Raymond Jacobs â€" soldier, said to be in photo of first flag raised on Iwo Jima
- Brian Sandoval â€" current governor of Nevada
Other people
- Ruggles brothers â€" stagecoach robbers
- Sam Butcher - Artist, Precious Moments
See also
References
External links
- Official website
- Images of Redding from the Eastman's Originals Collection, Special Collections Dept., University of California, Davis.
- "Redding, California". C-SPAN Cities Tour. May 2017.Â