Latest news with #Redding
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Redding effort to put sales tax hike on ballot gets enough signatures. What now?
A measure to raise the sales tax in the city of Redding by 1% appears headed for the ballot. City Clerk Sharlene Tipton told the Record Searchlight on Tuesday that Shasta County elections officials as of Monday had counted 9,073 signatures and found that 6,120 were valid. The citizens' group that collected the signatures and is backing the measure needed 5,816 verified signatures, which is 10% of the registered voters in Redding, to put the measure on the ballot. Tipton said elections officials still need to count about 600 more signatures. 'Once I receive a certification that the petition is sufficient, we will agendize the item for a regular (City) Council meeting to call a Special Election to occur between 88 and 103 days from the certification pursuant to Elections Code Section 1405,' Tipton said in an email. The group, Citizens for a Better Redding, wants the measure to go on the November ballot. 'I love it. I think we need it in the city. I love that it's a special tax and the money goes to where it's designated,' Dennis Morgan, a Redding realtor and spokesman for the citizens' group, said Tuesday. If the measure gets on the ballot and passes, the sale tax in Redding would go from 7.25% to 8.25%, generating an extra $30 million in annual revenue, City Manager Barry Tippin has said. Tipton said county elections officials on July 1 gave the city results from a 500-count statistical sample that showed about 70% of the signatures were valid. But Tipton and Tippin asked the county to count all 9,657 signatures submitted for the sake of transparency. Redding Vice Mayor Mike Littau expects the call for a special election to be on the council's Aug. 5 agenda. 'I am prepared to honor what the community wants,' Littau said. 'If the community wants (this on the ballot), I will honor the community.' On Monday, Morgan's group announced the Shasta Association of Realtors supports the tax hike. 'This measure is about protecting the future of our community — keeping critical services like public safety, infrastructure and emergency response strong. It ensures the dollars generated here stay here, helping our neighborhoods thrive and keeping our families safe,' Shasta Association of Realtors Board President Kasey Stewart wrote in the letter endorsing the measure. This is the third attempt to raise the sales tax in Redding to help fund quality of life issues such as public safety. This latest effort would need a simple majority to pass and it comes as the city is facing an estimated $5 million budget deficit. Revenue generated from sales tax, property taxes and other sources hasn't for years been enough to keep up with repairs and improvements to streets, buildings, parks and Redding's two airports, Tippin has told the City Council. Annual audits would be done to verify the funds are spent correctly. Too, the city council would appoint people to a citizens advisory committee to provide more oversight. What Redding's proposed sales tax will pay: Roads: 30% spent on maintenance, repairs and improvements. Redding Fire Department: 13% allocated to construction and staffing of ninth fire station, upgrades and improvements to the other fire stations, equipment, and at least 3.5% of the fire department's cut to fire mitigation efforts like fuel reduction. Redding Police Department: 12% allocated to additional staffing, equipment and facilities. Shasta County Sheriff's Office: 12% allocated to address repeat offenders and jail capacity. Browning said the money would specifically go to the new alternative custody campus proposed by Sheriff Michael Johnson. Whether the money goes to the sheriff's office would hinge on an agreement between the city and Shasta County. If no agreement is reached within two years of voter approval, this portion of the money would go to Redding police. Parks: 9% spent on construction, improvements and maintenance, including Redding Sports Park, California Soccer Park, South City Park, Caldwell Park and Panorama Park. Redding Civic Auditorium, Redding Rodeo Grounds: 6% allocated to the former, 3% to the latter. Redding Regional Airport: 5% allocated toward building an additional terminal, staffing and general operations of all airport facilities. Meanwhile, the Shasta County Elections Office is seeking volunteers, poll workers, temporary employees and election observers. 'Since we are moving toward a system that allows every citizen to personally verify the election, some of our processes will now be performed locally rather than farmed out or dependent on technology that cannot be observed. As such, we will have an increased need for workers. We will be returning to paper poll books and the poll pads have been discontinued. Computer knowledge is no longer necessary for most of the positions,' Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis said in a news release. David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He's part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding sales tax effort has signatures to trigger special election Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Inszone Insurance Services Expands Northern California Presence with Acquisition of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services, Inc.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 22, 2025-- Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly expanding national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance, is excited to announce the acquisition of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services, Inc., a highly respected agency based in Redding, California. Founded in 2002 and purchased in 2006 by Dave McFarland, McFarland Commercial Insurance Services has consistently provided specialized commercial insurance solutions with a strong focus on contractors and property referrals. Under Dave's leadership, the agency built an impressive reputation for personalized service, expertise, and trusted client relationships across California. The decision to partner with Inszone Insurance came as Dave McFarland contemplated retirement. 'Since last October I had been considering retirement, but I wanted to ensure a stable and supportive future for my employees,' said Dave McFarland. 'Having previously spoken with Jennifer Sevilla several years ago, I revisited discussions with Inszone. They quickly stood out by addressing my main concern: maintaining security and opportunities for my staff. Inszone's approach and values made them the obvious choice.' Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. 'We are honored to welcome McFarland Commercial Insurance Services to Inszone. Dave and his team have cultivated exceptional relationships in the commercial insurance space, particularly with contractors. Their specialized expertise and dedication to client service will be a welcomed support to our existing offerings and continue to strengthen our presence in Northern California.' Clients of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services can expect continued personalized attention and service, now supported by Inszone's expansive resources, access to additional insurance carriers, and enhanced operational capabilities. About Inszone Insurance Services Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone Insurance Services is a full-service insurance brokerage firm offering a wide range of property & casualty and employee benefits solutions. Inszone continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions, now serving clients through offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Washington, with additional expansion planned nationwide. For more information about Inszone Insurance Services, please visit View source version on CONTACT: Inszone Insurance Services Chris Walters – CEO 714-619-5620 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOURCE: Inszone Insurance Services Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/22/2025 02:00 PM/DISC: 07/22/2025 02:01 PM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Inszone Insurance Services Expands Northern California Presence with Acquisition of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services, Inc.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly expanding national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance, is excited to announce the acquisition of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services, Inc., a highly respected agency based in Redding, California. Founded in 2002 and purchased in 2006 by Dave McFarland, McFarland Commercial Insurance Services has consistently provided specialized commercial insurance solutions with a strong focus on contractors and property referrals. Under Dave's leadership, the agency built an impressive reputation for personalized service, expertise, and trusted client relationships across California. The decision to partner with Inszone Insurance came as Dave McFarland contemplated retirement. "Since last October I had been considering retirement, but I wanted to ensure a stable and supportive future for my employees," said Dave McFarland. "Having previously spoken with Jennifer Sevilla several years ago, I revisited discussions with Inszone. They quickly stood out by addressing my main concern: maintaining security and opportunities for my staff. Inszone's approach and values made them the obvious choice." Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. "We are honored to welcome McFarland Commercial Insurance Services to Inszone. Dave and his team have cultivated exceptional relationships in the commercial insurance space, particularly with contractors. Their specialized expertise and dedication to client service will be a welcomed support to our existing offerings and continue to strengthen our presence in Northern California." Clients of McFarland Commercial Insurance Services can expect continued personalized attention and service, now supported by Inszone's expansive resources, access to additional insurance carriers, and enhanced operational capabilities. About Inszone Insurance Services Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone Insurance Services is a full-service insurance brokerage firm offering a wide range of property & casualty and employee benefits solutions. Inszone continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions, now serving clients through offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Washington, with additional expansion planned nationwide. For more information about Inszone Insurance Services, please visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rattlesnake encounters in Redding's heat: What to do if you see or are bitten by one
Hot weather is bringing out Shasta County's shy sun-worshipping rattlesnakes, to the chagrin of humans who fear them. Native to Shasta County, the Northern Pacific rattlesnake comes out from under rocks, logs and other hidden spots to bask in Redding's heat. While they use their poisonous bite in self-defense, humans can usually avoid them. With careful human monitoring, so can their curious pets. Rattlesnakes are part of urban wildlife like skunk, opossum and raccoon, said LeeAnne Smith of Redding, a 30-year veteran with Haven Humane Society and Animal Regulation. Once displaced by human development, they may still try to survive close to their territory. At cooler times, people in the city and suburbs seldom see a rattlesnake unless they move objects in their yard or disturb one off-trail on a hike or bike. They also live on rocky cliffs, like those along the Sacramento River. The cliffs along North Hilltop Drive in Redding are "rattlesnake heaven,' Smith said. There are plenty of rodents to eat and water sources are close. But these shy snakes love hot sun, and will come out into the open almost anywhere to sunbathe in summer. People can avoid these venomous snakes, help protect pets and make their property less inviting to them. What to do if you see a rattlesnake If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay calm and back away. A misconception about rattlesnakes is they "go after" people, said Smith. The truth is they're afraid of us. Rattlesnakes are not generally aggressive toward people or pets unless provoked or threatened. They'll usually retreat if given space, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 'Most of the time, the rattle of a rattlesnake is a defensive gesture," said fish and wildlife spokesman Patrick Foy in Sacramento. "They don't want to be stepped on. They want you to go away.' But they don't always rattle before they strike, Smith said. While they grow a rattle per year as they age, baby rattlesnakes are venomous as soon as they hatch. You may not get a warning sound. For a list of things people can do to avoid rattlesnakes while they're outdoors go to the California Poison Control System rattlesnake web page at Want to hear how a rattlesnake's rattle sounds from the safety of your home? Go to How to keep rattlesnakes away from your home One way to avoid rattlesnakes is to make your property less attractive to them. Smith suggests people inspect and clear debris from their property where they plan to turn over soil. Remove anything that could attract the snakes' prey — rats and other rodents — as well as the snakes. Feed pets indoors and move bird feeders away from the house. For tips on making your home less inviting to rattlesnakes, the CDFW recommends people visit the California Herps rattlesnake information page at What to do if you get bitten by a rattlesnake Rattlesnake bites are uncommon, according to California Poison Control's Assistant Medical Director Cyrus Rangan. Statewide, about 300 bites are reported to poison control annually. If a rattlesnake does bite you, get immediate medical attention, according to poison control. Stay calm and keep the bite area elevated. Don't run. Don't ice, cut into or constrict the bite area. Don't try to suck out the venom. Are you allowed to kill a rattlesnake in California? While rattlesnakes are beneficial to the environment — eating mice and other rodents — if they settle under or next to your house they could bite curious children or pets. According to the CDFW, it's legal in most cases to kill most species of rattlesnakes in California, as long as it's to protect life and property. When killing them, remember they do feel pain. Kill then quickly for your own safety and to be as humane as possible, said Patrick Foy at the CDFW. Most people hit them very hard on the head with the back of a shovel. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding's Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Rattlesnake encounters on hot Redding days. Here's what to do Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Green Fire grows 1,000 acres on Lake Shasta's Pit River arm in Shasta-Trinity forest
Firefighters continue to battle the fast-moving Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest wilderness northeast of Redding, roughly 8 miles west of Montgomery Creek. Fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, the fire grew to 11,643 acres by 8 a.m. Monday — up from 10,334 on Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It remained 5% contained Monday morning after it spread up against the Pit River over the weekend. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. Smoke from the Green Fire boosted air pollution levels over Redding and other parts of Shasta County. Pollution reached levels considered very unhealthy to any person's health around midnight Monday, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow pollution count web page, then dropped to moderate levels. The good news was that heavy smoke is cooling the air into the high 90s over the fire during the day, firefighters reported. A heat advisory remains in effect Monday in Redding and throughout the North State. Temperatures in parts of the Sacramento Valley could reach 110 degrees after a scorching weekend already dried out air and vegetation in the North State. Here's how far the Green Fire burned over the weekend, Operations Section Chief Gino DeGraffenreid said in an update. The eastern edge of the fire spread to the top of the ridge next to Rip Gut Creek. It's also burning in the creek area in the northern part of the ridge. The Green Fire continues spreading south toward the Pit River. The river is the primary means of containing the fire's southern flank, DeGraffenreid said. The northern flank reached the Smith Creek drainage, an area south of containment lines. Pushed by morning winds, the Green Fire is spreading west toward Brock Mountain Road. The northwest section of the road is serving as the primary containment on that side of the fire, DeGraffenreid said. Boaters are being told to avoid parts of Shasta Lake where two super scoopers are gathering water to mount air attacks over the fire. The forest service is using the specialized aircraft to scoop water from the lake and drop it on the blaze. Those planes need a mile of open water to refill their tanks. Recreational boaters must steer clear so they don't block firefighting operations and keep air crews safe. Besides super scoopers, the forest service and other fire suppression agencies are using nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers and 96 engines, the forest service said Monday. A total of 1,402 people are battling the Green Fire, including 27 firefighter crews. Of those 27, 18 are hotshot crews — teams of experienced firefighters with specialized knowledge regarding fire suppression in rugged wilderness. The forest service also has five field ambulances positioned throughout the area, and four suppressionboats along the Pit River. Emergency watercraft helped rescue a firefighter with a heat-related illness over the weekend and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service reported. That heat advisory for Redding and most of Northern California ends at 11 p.m. on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. While the weather will remain dry, temperatures in Redding and throughout the North State are expected to cool down into the double digits starting Tuesday night, according to forecasters. That could slow the Green Fire down and allow firefighters to build containment, the weather service said. Yes, an evacuation order remained in place Monday for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can gather at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area is still under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Two other zones remained under evacuation warnings on Monday: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The burn area is closed and off limits to the public, the forest service said. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding's Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Green Fire spreads to 11,600 acres. Smoke pollution soars over Redding
