Shelby Lyn Allen Event set for Saturday

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

REDDING - Steve and Debbie Allen announced this morning that the event to celebrate the life of Shelby Lyn Allen will be held this Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 12:00 noon. They have chosen University Preparatory School (UPREP) auditorium as the location for this event. The auditorim is located at 2700 Eureka Way in Redding. The auditorium is a special place as Shelby had performed on the stage at that location several times and was actively working on a theatrical career. This will be a time to celebrate Shelby’s life and her accomplishments. Flowers may be sent to he auditorium Friday between 10:00 am and 2:00pm or Saturday between 9:00am and 11:00am. Donations for the Shelby Lyn Allen Memorial Fund will also be accepted on Saturday. Anyone who would like to attend this event is encouraged and welcome.

Redding FireFighters Establish Fund

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

REDDING - Redding Professional Firefighters Local 1934 (RFFA) has established an account at Entree Express in Redding. “We don’t want the Allen family to have to worry about cooking every night”, said Lonnie Schrieber, President for Local 1934. Entree Express takes food orders over the phone for local restaurants and delivers it to the home. Those who would like to donate can call Entree Express at 530-224-9791 and donate using their credit card. The account for the Allens is “P24” . “We are all so busy with the holiday’s that this is a real easy way to help them (Allen’s) out in a big way through the holidays and this tragedy”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. RFFA and UPEC work together on issues that affect our employees and the community. 

UPEC Establishes Memorial Fund

REDDING - UPEC has established the “Shelby Lyn Allen Memorial Fund” at the Redding Bank of Commerce. The fund is a non profit fund established for providing education to parents and children about alcohol poisoning and how to help victims. “Society has done a good job of educating the public of drunk driving, alcohol and drugs. We think teens and their parents need to be taught about alcohol poisoning, the symptoms, and what to do when you have a victim of poisoning”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. UPEC will meet with local educators and organizations after the first of the year. Donations can be sent to Redding Bank of Commerce at 1177 Placer Street Redding, CA 96001.

UPEC Family Tragedy (updated 12-23-08/12:30am)

Monday, December 22, 2008

REDDING - Our thoughts and prayers are with Senior Labor Representative Steve Allen and his family. Additional details are available on the “Business Managers Office” site. 

Shasta BOS to Hear Recommendation (updated)

Monday, December 15, 2008

REDDING - Business Manager Chris Darker made a presentation to the Shasta County BOS on Tuesday, December 16th. Darker reported that County Administrator Larry Lees contacted him an advised that the County and the Redding City engineers will be working together to seek solutions for Court Steet Pedestrian safety.  Court Street in front of the County Administrative Center and Superior Court has been hazardous for pedestrians”, said Darker. “We have identified the hazards and suggested a remedy in the past and I am convinced now more than ever something more must be done to protect workers and the citizens they serve”, stated Darker. 

Joint Council takes on City Hall (updated)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

REDDING - The Joint Council of Redding Employee Unions (JCREU) issued letters to the Redding City Council Thursday, December 11th urging them to look at all options before cutting employees. City Manager Kurt Starman targeted fireman, police and general services employees to build the City reserve. The Joint Council believes the City should look at other area’s to cut the budget other than personnel. “It’s the same politics as usual in Redding”, said Chris Darker, Council Coordinator. “If you have to cut jobs, cut the people at the top and leave those who protect and save lives and property, and provide city services off the chopping block. Cutting the Neighborhood Police Program and cutting Firefighters makes no sense to the JCREU Council”, said Darker. 
Redding Labor Unions were called in one at a time to meet with City Manager Starman who asked union leadership if they wanted cuts to their benefits or layoffs. The JCREU called for a meeting with Staman where the leadership of every union met with Starman at the same time. Union reps asked for the entire list of cuts submitted by department heads. Starman refused stating the list would unnecessarily scare employees. Union reps also asked if they took cuts in benefits would it save them from layoffs. Starman said cuts may not be enough and even though members might agree to benefit cuts layoffs could be necessary as well. Every union stated they would not sacrifice benefits.
The JCREU called for town hall meetings to allow the public to comment on cuts in services. “I think everytime Government wants to cut services, especially police and fire, it should trigger public meetings. If we didn’t stand up together and say something about these outrages cuts, it could have been rubber stamped by the Council on Monday”, said Darker. The JCREU was formed in 2006 by 13 Redding Unions.
Redding City Council on Monday proceeded with the recommendation of the City Manager and in fact made a lesser cut to Mike Warrens budget at Turtle Bay.