Good morning, Redding.

Each December, Fran and Dick Wilkinson host a festive Red Kettle drive on Barrel Court in south Redding that draws long lines of drivers to their brightly lit red barn.

Since 2010, the family-led collection for the Salvation Army has raised nearly $340,000.

The Pleasant Valley arts building, which suffered a second fire with unclear causes, faced a demolition vote Wednesday as officials probed the incident (heat from the first fire might have transferred into the attic).

California will raise its minimum wage on Jan.

1, with rates for most hourly workers increasing from $16.50 to $16.90 and exempt employee salaries rising to $70,304; fast-food staff will keep earning a $20 minimum.

Members of the Rural Northern California Medical Education Consortium met Wednesday at Simpson University in Redding to plan the first local medical school aimed at boosting health care and stimulating the area's economy; the project is expected to take seven to ten years.

Shasta County's opioid settlement funds provided nearly $900K to support a Shasta College program educating formerly incarcerated and drug-addicted students.

The funding offers education + vocational training to help participants rebuild their futures.

Whiskeytown Lake is increasing its water release from 250 to 275 CFS later this week to prepare for expected rainfall next week, according to the Bureau of Reclamation + officials say the change will help manage lake levels and tributary flow.

Attorney Leesa Webster launched California CPS Defense, a new statewide consultation service designed to help families understand and navigate the Child Protective Services system.

The service offers legal guidance, online booking, and educational resources — empowering parents, caregivers, and relatives with real-time support.

Redding officials approved fines up to $80,000 for the former Bert & Ernie’s owner and set demolition to begin on Dec.

27. Local business owners cite ongoing safety and business concerns from the long-vacant property (which experienced a second fire in seven months).

The Redding Area Bus Authority & Viva Downtown have partnered to offer safe late-night rides for partygoers.

Running Monday-Saturday from 6:20 to 9:30 p.m., riders can book trips via the RABA & ShastaConnect App or by phone for $2 fares and may also use Uber ride vouchers after 6 p.m.

The Redding Police Community Work Program cleared homeless camps off Lake Boulevard on Dec.

17, removing over 11,000 lbs of debris from areas near St. Marks, Canby Road, North Court, Oasis, Buenaventura, Westside and the east end of Cypress Avenue; camp occupants received 48 hours notice.

The California Circuit Finals Rodeo will be held from Dec.

29 to 31 at the Tehama District Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. Organizers report that safety measures are in place to protect horses amid equine virus concerns, and no cases have been confirmed in the state.

New Year's Eve Bash

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Win-River Event Center — General Admission $65, VIP $300 — Celebrate the New Year with comedy, live music, dancing, and a buffet.