Councilmember Tenessa Audette Mountain Top Media is inviting the public to hear about the budget challenges facing the City of Redding. Councilmember Tenessa Audette spent months last year reviewing budget reports, staff documents, and audits. During city council meetings, then-Mayor Jack Munns repeatedly interrupted her and limited her ability to question staff about how budget figures were derived. Under subsequent Mayor Mike Littau, she was also not permitted to fully pres

Hiring freeze already in effect as Circle 6 efficiency study continues; layoffs expected once findings are released. William Tarbox, who served as Redding City Manager from February until his death on July 19, 2026. Information circulating since the sudden death of Redding City Manager William Tarbox suggests budget shortfalls are significantly more severe than public statements have conveyed. Tarbox died July 19 of cardiac arrest at age 56, only five months after starting th

Spencer James Confectioners in downtown Redding served as ground zero on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for the official launch of first-term Redding City Councilman Tenessa Audette’s re-election campaign. Despite the 100+ degrees heat, dozens of Audette’s supporters cozied up in the boutique-ly cozy surroundings to hear her welcoming remarks, which included the following: “One of the first things I learned is that good government doesn’t happen by accident. It requires prepara

Redding City Councilmember and former Mayor Tenessa Audette formally kicked off her campaign for another four-year term on August 4, 2026. In a video titled “Tenessa Is Ready for Four More Years,” produced by contributor Robert Exter, Audette outlined her record of service and asked residents to join her in continuing work on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and responsive local government. More information is available at VoteTenessa.com. “I believe Redding needs experi

In a stunning reversal that validates months of public outrage and investigative reporting, Redding’s new City Manager, William Tarbox, has officially paused the Redding Electric Utility’s (REU) proposed 18% cumulative rate increase and canceled the March 17 public hearing.

At the Redding City Council’s regular meeting, Redding Electric Utility (REU) Director Nicholas Zettel presented on the proposed multi-year rate increases. He noted that the two public workshops held on February 26 had low attendance. Zettel recommended postponing the vote until the next council meeting on March 17 to allow for additional workshops at varied times and locations. Councilmember Tenessa Audette was the only member actively pushing back on the rate hikes.

On December 3, 2025, the Redding City Council convened to appoint new leaders following the conclusion of Mayor Jack Munns's one-year term. In a 4-1 vote, council member Mike Littau, a local insurance agent, was selected as the new mayor. Dr. Paul Dhanuka was named vice mayor, and Aaron Resner was appointed mayor pro tempore. The process, which extended over 45 minutes, devolved into heated arguments about the proper method for selecting the mayor.

Tensions flair up as Redding City Mayor Jack Munns Won't Allow Council Member Audette to Use Her PointPoint Presentation to Address Issues with the City Finance Director's Response to Her Budget Findings Report

On March 13, during a budget workshop, Council Member Tenessa Audette noticed shifting claims about a budget gap—first $4M, then $8M. City Manager Barry Tippin insisted cuts could only come from police or fire. Audette raised questions about cash balances and inconsistent figures but got no clear answers, and was later prevented from asking questions when the budget passed 4–1.