Redding is the county seat of Shasta County, California, USA, located on the Sacramento River and on Interstate 5 south of Shasta Lake. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 80,865.
Geography and geologyRedding is located at (40.576606, -122.370325)GR1. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 154.4 km² (59.6 mi²). 151.4 km² (58.4 mi²) of it is land and 3.1 km² (1.2 mi²) of it (2.01%) is beneath water.
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 per second. However, flows larger than 79,000 cubic feet per second occurred in both 1970 and 1974, exceeding the capacity of Shasta Dam.[1]
EcologyThere 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 as a rare and endangered species. An ecology park at Turtle Bay in Redding has been created to allow study of native flora and fauna of the local area.[2]
DemographicsAs of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 80,865 people, 32,103 households, and 20,995 families residing in the city. The population density was 534.3/km² (1,383.8/mi²). There were 33,802 housing units at an average density of 223.3/km² (578.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.70% White, 1.05% African American, 2.23% Native American, 2.95% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 3.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.43% of the population.
There were 32,103 households out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was above age 64. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,194, and the median income for a family was $41,164. Males had a median income of $35,985 versus $24,652 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,207. 15.6% of the population and 11.3% of families were below the poverty line. 21.2% of those under the age of 18, and 7.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
According to the 2006 report by the State of California, Department of Finance, the population of Redding is estimated to be 89,973 as of January 1, 2006.[3] The same report lists the annual percentage change population estimate at 0.9%.
Places of InterestsIn 2004, the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay was completed. The dramatic pedestrian span was designed by noted Spanish architect-engineer-artist Santiago Calatrava and links the north and south campuses of the 200 acre (809,000 m²) Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
The historic Cascade Theatre [1] which opened in 1935 has been restored and now operates as a multi use performance Arts center. The theatre is a shining example of Art Deco architecture of the period. It was listed on the California Register of Historic Resources on November 5, 1999 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 17, 2002. The Cascade Theatre was also the recipient of Art Deco Society of California Preservation Award on March 18, 2000.
Redding is the largest city in the northern Sacramento Valley and the largest city on the 470-mile stretch of Interstate 5 between Sacramento, California and Eugene, Oregon. Both Redding and its neighbor to the south, Red Bluff, are popular with tourists who use the cities as bases to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Shasta, and other natural attractions.
Redding is served by the Redding Municipal Airport and has two major hospitals.
EducationThere are 6 middle schools, 46 elementary schools, and 30 private schools in Redding. Redding has eight high schools including
Redding also has four small colleges:
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.
TriviaThe town of Redding is featured in the RPG Fallout 2.
The city is mentioned as being the site of a large earthquake in the 2004 television miniseries 10.5.
Notable peopleNotable 'Reddingites', who were born in or lived in Redding, include:
Palo Cedro (pop. 4,000), Bella Vista (pop. 1218), Millville (pop. 610), Shingletown (pop. 2,222), Oak Run (pop. 1,160), Whitmore (pop. 593), and Round Mountain (pop. 1,222)
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