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 Public Hearing on Proposed Redding Electric Utility Rate Adjustments Canceled & Press Conference Hosted by Redding City Manager William Tarbox
The City of Redding canceled the public hearing on proposed Redding Electric Utility (REU) rate adjustments that had been scheduled for the Tuesday, March 17, 2026 City Council meeting. The item will return to the Council at a future meeting, with the date yet to be determined.
The City has determined that additional time is still needed to further review utility operations and evaluate potential efficiencies before bringing a rate adjustment proposal back to the Council. The City of Redding is committed to fully assessing operations, processes, and potential cost-saving measures to ensure that when any rate adjustments return for Council consideration, staff can demonstrate that every effort has been made to operate at the highest levels of efficiency and keep costs as low as possible.
“We’ve heard from the community, and City staff take these comments seriously,” said City Manager William Tarbox. “This additional time allows us to carefully review our operations, including examining operational efficiencies, personnel allocations, and other cost-saving opportunities, to ensure we’ve explored every possible option to increase efficiency so that when a proposal returns, we know we’ve done everything we can to protect our ratepayers.”
While the public hearing has been canceled for now, utility staff note that the financial pressures facing the electric utility remain.
“Like many industries, electric utilities are experiencing increasing cost pressures, particularly around power supply and State and Federal regulatory requirements,” said REU Director Nick Zettel. “The best way to serve our community right now is to take additional time to assess any potential internal cost-saving measures to ensure we are trimming wherever and however possible to keep costs for our community as low as we can.”
The City held a public press conference on Friday, March 13, in the Redding City Council Chambers, where City and REU staff were available to answer questions about the proposed rate adjustments, utility operations, and potential City-wide efficiency measures.
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 The City of Redding Introduces a Temporary Entertainment Zone for Kool April Nites Cruise on Friday, April 24
The City of Redding will introduce a temporary Entertainment Zone on Hilltop Drive during the Kool April Nites Cruise taking place on Friday, April 24, 2026, following the unanimous approval and adoption of an updated ordinance by the Redding City Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The temporary zone will allow adults 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating, licensed establishments and enjoy them within a clearly designated area during the event. The initiative is intended to enhance the experience of one of the community’s largest annual gatherings while supporting local businesses along the Hilltop Drive corridor.
City leaders say the concept builds on the success of the existing downtown Entertainment Zone.
“The Downtown Entertainment Zone has been a successful venture for Downtown Redding and something the City can expand thoughtfully to other events,” said Mayor Mike Littau. “A temporary Entertainment Zone on Hilltop during one of the largest events of the year is a good way to expand the benefits so the public and businesses can enjoy the experience together.”
Unlike the Downtown Entertainment Zone, which operates year-round, the Hilltop Entertainment Zone will be temporary and limited only to the evening of the Kool April Nites Cruise event, during a designated time period.
Alcohol will only be available under the Entertainment Zone rules during the Kool April Nites Cruise on Hilltop from 6:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M
City officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The temporary zone will operate under strict guidelines to ensure responsible participation and a safe environment for attendees, businesses, and drivers along the cruise route.
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 A Full-Scale Emergency Training Exercise Known as the Triennial Exercise Will Be Conducted at the Redding Regional Airport on Friday, March 27
The Redding Regional Airport will be conducting a Mass-Casualty Incident (MCI) training exercise, known as the Triennial Exercise on Friday, March 27, in coordination with local public safety agencies. Preparations will begin on Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26, and will include the staging of equipment and the presence of fire and law enforcement personnel.
Members of the public should not be alarmed if they see emergency personnel, equipment, or smoke in the vicinity of the airport during this time, as these activities are part of the planned mock emergency exercise.
“This training exercise is an opportunity to ensure airport staff, airport contributors, and local first responders are trained for a mass-casualty event like a plane crash at the Redding Regional Airport,” says Andrew Solsvig, Redding Airport Manager. “We hope to never have to put this kind of training to use, but it's important that everyone involved knows their role in an emergency and that we can identify any response issues in a controlled space rather than during a critical incident.”
The exercise is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) every three years for commercial service airports. While the training will largely take place in a discreet location on the US Forest Service’s ramp at the far northern portion of the airfield, away from the main terminal, passengers may notice activity from the tarmac or the air.
This training exercise is NOT open to the public.
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Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at Redding City Hall Extended Through Thursday, April 2, Due to High Demand
Due to strong community response, the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC), currently operating at Redding City Hall, will extend its hours to better assist residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations impacted by the recent flooding associated with the 2025 Late December Storm. At this time, the center has been extended through Thursday, April 2nd.
“At times like this, access to clear information and direct assistance can make a real difference for families and businesses trying to recover,” said Jason Gibilisco, Management Assistant for the City Manager. “We’re glad to see so many people taking advantage of these resources, and we’re grateful to the SBA for extending their availability to support our community.”
SBA customer service representatives are available to answer questions about disaster loan programs, explain eligibility requirements, and assist applicants in completing their loan applications.
Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may also be scheduled in advance. The DLOC will be open in a conference room at Redding City Hall, Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., except the final day of operation, Thursday, April 2, which will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The specific meeting room at City Hall may vary based on availability. Visitors are encouraged to check the posted schedule upon arrival for that day’s meeting location.
Residents and businesses impacted by flooding are encouraged to visit the center to learn more about available disaster assistance and begin the recovery process.
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 The Redding Fire Department Shares An Important Reminder About Clearing Vegetation Ahead of Fire Season
Spring cleaning isn’t just about beautification. It’s about safety, too. If you’re doing some spring cleaning in your yard this week, don’t forget to clear away any overgrown vegetation or other debris from your address.
Having your address clearly visible from the road helps ensure first responders can identify your home or business in an emergency. It’s a simple step that can make a big impact.
Ready to clear that vegetation before the start of fire season? Redding Fire Department burn permits are still valid through April.
Please abide by all open burning regulations and make sure it's a designated burn day before you get started.
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 Is a Flight Between Redding & San Diego a Possibility? The Answers to Some of the Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Redding Regional Airport
Ever wondered why flights out of Redding sometimes cost more than Sacramento, or how new destinations are added to our airport?
On the latest City of Redding Podcast, Steve and Katie sit down with Andrew Solsvig, Manager of the Redding Regional Airport to answer some of the biggest questions the community asks about flying local:
- How do airlines decide which routes to offer?
- Why do ticket prices vary between airports?
- What are the benefits of flying out of Redding?
- Could a direct flight to San Diego be in Redding's future?
If you’ve ever been stuck between the decision to drive to Sacramento or fly out of Redding, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how your hometown airport works.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
March 27
Triennial Exercise @ Redding Regional Airport
March 31
Redding City Council Meeting @ 6 pm
April 2
Final Day of Disaster Loan Outreach Center
April 14
Redding City Council Meeting @ 6 pm
April 24
Temporary Entertainment Zone for the Kool April Nites Cruise
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THE CITY OF REDDING | 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001 |
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