Good morning, Redding.

Today, a long line of cars is expected at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning for a free holiday meals drive-thru organized by the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation — which plans to distribute 1,700 meals.

The Redding Garden of Lights Display is competing for a spot in USA Today's Ten Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights—organizers ask residents to vote to support the effort.

This contest could boost the display's profile in the national contest.

United Way of Northern California is giving $100 gift cards to residents to help buy food after the federal shutdown paused SNAP benefits.

Funded by the Sierra Health Foundation’s Emergency Food4All program, the group has helped nearly 4,000 households—working with local partners to ease food shortages.

Today, the annual RABA Salute to Veterans Donation Drive runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plumas Bank, Anderson, Burney Library and 4305 Shasta Dam Boulevard to raise funds that support veteran transportation—while the KQMS Morning Show broadcasts live from the Plumas Bank on Hilltop Drive near the Mount Shasta Mall.

Fabric Mass Timber is planning to build California's first large-scale mass timber factory in Redding— the facility will convert wildfire fuel into building materials and generate over 100 good-paying jobs.

Whiskeytown Environmental School’s overnight camp remains closed after the Carr Fire heavily damaged the site — community leaders have raised nearly $6 million and are working to raise $7.5 million to rebuild the camp with updated facilities, though the overnight program will not resume until late 2027 or early 2028. The daytime programs reopened in 2021 while planning and permitting continue to restore the beloved educational camp.

The California Department of Education released the 2025 School Dashboard that shows a record high 87.5% graduation rate and a drop in chronic absenteeism to 17.1% for transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade students statewide—more graduates are also ready for college and jobs at 51.7%. The report highlights that Chico Unified has over 90% graduation while Redding's Shasta Union High School District saw an almost 8% increase in college and career preparation.

City officials announced that westbound traffic on Hartnell Avenue at the Churn Creek Road intersection will face intermittent control from November 17 through November 28 due to gas utility maintenance—work is set from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists are urged to drive carefully while emergency vehicles keep access open.

Shasta County hired Hope Seth to lead a five-year plan that asks residents how to spend nearly 75 to 80 million dollars in extra funds.

Community meetings will begin November 18 with one in Redding on November 20 and a survey open until November 30 to gather public views.

A state commission on hate will meet in Redding next Wednesday the 19th at 6:00 p.m. at Enterprise High School to discuss rising racial tensions+ local groups like the Shasta Equal Justice Coalition, the Shasta County Indian Education Consortium, and United Way of Northern California will make presentations.

Shasta Regional Medical Center earned its fourth-consecutive A Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, making it the only hospital in Redding to get the honor.

The recognition showed the hospital’s strong focus on safe and quality care through dedicated teamwork by its staff.

Shasta Regional Medical Center earned its fourth consecutive 'A' grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group—making it the only hospital in Redding with a top rating.

The hospital said its dedicated team works hard to keep patients safe as ratings are updated twice a year.

California Chocolate Expo 2025

12-5 p.m. — Red Lion Hotel Redding — $15 general admission, free for children 8 & under — A sweet celebration of craft chocolate featuring top chocolatiers and artisan vendors.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets from $38.75 — Experience the enchanting Nutcracker ballet with an international cast and exquisite holiday decor.

Shasta College Symphonic Band Concert

3-5 p.m. — Shasta College Theatre — $5 — Experience a dynamic performance of symphonic music featuring talented student and community musicians.

Sugar Plum Tea

11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Redding City Ballet — Ticket sales close November 19 — Enjoy an elegant high tea with live performances of The Nutcracker and a special visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Fall River Line Dancing Lessons

6-7:30 p.m. — Fall River Brewing Co. Brewery — Free entry — Grab a pint and learn some country line dancing with no partner required.

Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets starting at $59.75 — Experience the relatable humor of Jo Koy, a top stand-up comedian inspired by his colorful family.

STOMP Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets starting at $59.25 — Experience the explosive and innovative rhythms of STOMP in an unforgettable indoor show.

Jingle Bell Fun Run

4-5 p.m. — Sundial Bridge — $30-$35 for adults, $20-$25 for children — Kick off the holiday season with a festive 2-mile run/walk adorned with jingle bells.

John Crist: Jokes for Humans

7-8:30 p.m. — Redding Civic Auditorium — Tickets starting at $37.25 — Enjoy a night of laughter with one of today's fastest-rising stand-up comedians.

The Nutcracker Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Cascade Theatre, Redding, CA — Ticket prices vary — Experience Tchaikovsky’s enchanting holiday classic with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and a whimsical cast.