Shasta DSA Supports UPEC on Court Street Safety

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

REDDING - Shasta Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Jon Ruiz reported that his Association voted to support UPEC in our stand for better safety for employees and the public who cross Court Street.  On December 15, 2008, Business Manager Chris Darker spoke to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors about the danger to County employees and the general public crossing Court Street. “I am convinced more than ever that somethig needs to be done”, said Darker. On the evening before Darker appeared before the Board, a five year old boy crossing Court Street with other adults was hit by a car. Just a week prior, two Shasta County employees were hit at Court and Tehama Streets resulting in fatal injuries to one and critical injuries to the other. While Darker was speaking to the Board, Redding Police Traffic Units were busy writing tickets on Court Street in front of the Court House resulting in nearly 40 tickets ibeing issued in a matter of a few hours over two days.
“We have brought this issue to County Administrative staff before and because the cost ($80,000.00) nothing was done”, said Darker. Darker asked the Board to direct County Administration to work with the City of Redding to improve crossing conditions and called for a lighted crosswalk and overhead amber lights. The City is still looking into the problem but sounds reluctant to spend the money.
Business Manager Darker is asking for interested and affected employees to attend a short meeting at the UPEC Union Hall on Monday, January 12th at 5:30pm to discuss the issue and organize support for better safety on Court Street.