Kari Chilson

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — A 49-year-old man from Oakland drowned Saturday afternoon while swimming in Shasta Lake, prompting a multi-agency search and recovery effort over the busy holiday weekend. According to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the Boating Safety Unit (BSU) responded to a report of a possible drowning around 12:56 p.m. on July 4 near the shore of Old Man Campground, close to the Gooseneck and Beehive Campgrounds. Witnesses reported that Antonio Fernandez had...

Vice Mayor Dr. Paul Dhanuka held the latest “First Mondays” community gathering on Monday evening, July 6, at Redding City Hall. While the monthly forum opened with broader local concerns — including park maintenance, public safety, and homelessness services — the majority of the roughly two-hour meeting focused on strong resident opposition to a proposed county correctional and reentry facility in the River Ranch area near the Sacramento River.

Nova is a beautiful 6-month-old Doberman Pinscher mix with a heart full of love and a personality that’s impossible to resist! This smart, eager-to-please girl already knows sit, lay down, and shake. She’s highly treat-motivated and loves having a job to do — making her the perfect active companion for someone ready to continue her training and include her in everyday adventures. Whether it’s hikes, fetch sessions, or just cuddling on the couch, Nova is happiest when she’s right by your side....

COTTONWOOD, Calif. — A 68-year-old Cottonwood man has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say he shot and killed his 71-year-old sister and set a neighboring structure on fire on Thursday evening. According to a press release from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 3300 block of Shane Lane around 5:46 p.m. on July 3, 2026, following reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they located a deceased adult female inside the residence who had...

Updated 7/4/2026,11:38 am Redding, Calif. — On Wednesday afternoon at the Red Lion Hotel, the New California State movement convened a legislative hearing focused on alleged election fraud and irregularities across California, with extensive testimony centering on Shasta County. Panel members, including state senators and assemblypersons from the movement, joined residents in sharing observations, data analyses, and proposed reforms. The event opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance,...

Today marks the Semiquincentennial — 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The centerpiece national celebration is the Salute to America on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featuring military flyovers, performances, presidential remarks, and the largest fireworks display in American history. Salute to America Celebration & Fireworks (National Mall, Washington, D.C.) Location: Washington Monument Grounds / National Mall. Schedule highlights (all times ET): Daytime activities...

The City of Anderson is rolling out the red, white, and blue for a memorable community celebration as America marks its 250th birthday. On Friday, July 3, 2026, residents and visitors are invited to North Street for a patriotic parade kicking off at 9:00 a.m. Organizers are calling on the entire community to take part in this historic event, which promises to be filled with patriotism, creativity, and hometown pride. Whether you’re part of a local business, community group, sports team, club,...

Eureka, CA — June 29, 2026 Humboldt County Sheriff William Hansel delivered a detailed update Monday on the ongoing criminal investigation into Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, highlighting the discovery of mass graves containing dozens of dogs and the alleged violation of agreements made with shelters, rescues, and individuals who surrendered animals. According to the Sheriff, Miranda’s Rescue marketed itself as a sanctuary where animals could either be adopted into loving homes...

Say hello to Saber, a stunning 2-year-old tabby boy currently available for adoption through Catz and Dogz of the North State Rescue in Cottonwood, California. Saber stands out with his extra toes—he’s polydactyl on all four paws, giving him those adorable “mitten” feet that make him extra special. He sports a beautiful dark stripe running down his back and an unusual tail that’s not quite full-length but not a bobtail either. This charming combo makes him one of the most distinctive cats...

A once-celebrated Northern California animal sanctuary that operated for nearly three decades is now at the center of a sprawling multi-agency criminal investigation into allegations of animal cruelty, fraud, conspiracy, and theft. Miranda’s Rescue, a self-described “no-kill” facility in Fortuna, has come under intense scrutiny after investigators uncovered dozens of animal remains on the property, with hundreds more dogs unaccounted for.

A fundraising dinner and live auction is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026, to support The Legal Fund to Restore 2nd Amendment Rights & Open Carry in California. The event will take place at the Anderson VFW Hall (3210 W Center St., Anderson). Event Details - Mixer: 4:00 PM – No host bar - Dinner: 6:00 PM – BBQ provided by Jon Knight & Patriots - Speaker: Mark Baird, central figure in the ongoing legal efforts - Tickets: $40 per person or $250 for a table of 8 - Tickets available at...

Red Bluff / Los Molinos, CA — In a vibrant celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown will once again bring the Dragon to the Tehama County Independence Day Parade. For the first time in 118 years, the community is reviving this cherished tradition as part of the nationwide “Lions Dance Across America” initiative. On Independence Day, lion and dragon dance teams will march in the parade, honoring both Asian American heritage and the shared history that...

Redding, CA — On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Great State of New California will conduct a legislative hearing focused on election and voter fraud in California state elections. The public event will take place at the Red Lion Inn, located at 1830 Hilltop Dr., Redding, California 96002. The public is invited to come and speak about election concerns and input. Organized by We the People of New California, the hearing aims to examine issues surrounding election...

Shasta County continues to stand at the forefront of efforts to restore local control over elections and strengthen election integrity in California. On June 2, 2026, voters in the county overwhelmingly approved Measure B, a charter amendment designed to implement common-sense reforms, including voter ID requirements, hand counting of ballots, single-day in-person voting, and other measures aimed at enhancing security and transparency. The measure passed with more than 55% of the vote,...

Supervisor Chris Kelstrom’s statement was not just misleading — it was a deliberate and cynical attempt to shift blame onto the very citizens and voters he is supposed to represent. Kelstrom whined that this is the “fifth lawsuit” and that proponents keep wanting taxpayers to fund their defense. What he deliberately omitted is that the Board and County Counsel Joseph Larmour started this legal war — and their original justification has now been completely exposed as false.

Photo Courtesy of Friends of Shasta Lake Animal Shelter This energetic and affectionate shepherd mix is ready to bring nonstop fun and loyalty to his forever family! Blitz is a handsome 2–4-year-old shepherd mix currently available for adoption at the City of Shasta Lake Animal Shelter. He’s a true ball fanatic (times ten!) who lives for chasing tennis balls and splashing in the water. If you’re looking for an active adventure buddy who lights up at the sight of a pool or a game of fetch,...

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) delivered a stern warning to governors nationwide on June 17, 2026, signaling an unprecedented federal push to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in unemployment insurance (UI) programs. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, joined by Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, put all 50 states and U.S. territories on notice: states that fail to implement robust anti-fraud measures risk losing federal administrative funding — a step never taken before in the...

The City of Redding invites the entire community to celebrate Independence Day at the treasured Freedom Festival, set for Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Redding Civic Auditorium grounds (700 Auditorium Drive). This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of food, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display — one of the largest in California. Recent changes in the management of the Redding Civic Auditorium will not affect this beloved annual tradition. The Freedom Festival will...

Hi everyone! This week’s featured pets are a very special trio who deserve the absolute best. Their owner is going through major life changes in Redding, including a move that unfortunately means they can no longer keep them. It’s heartbreaking, but they’re determined to find the right homes where these guys will be cherished. Meet Duke. Duke is a 7–8-year-old Lab/Pitbull mix, currently about 75 lbs, on a healthy diet and getting daily walks to drop those last 10 pounds. He’s a big, silly,...

Shasta County voters took a clear stand for electoral integrity in the June 2, 2026, primary election, approving Measure B with an unofficial majority of approximately 55%. The citizen-initiated charter amendment would bring greater transparency and security to local elections by requiring government-issued photo ID, single-day in-person voting with limited absentee exceptions, precinct-level hand counting, and locally controlled voter rolls maintained on a secure, air-gapped system. The full...

Castro was last seen on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, around 6 p.m., when he left the 19000 block of Lower Salt Creek Road in Lakehead to go kayaking. He did not return home, prompting family members to report him missing the following day. On Wednesday, June 3, deputies located Castro’s vehicle at the Lower Salt Creek Boat Launch. Later that morning, members of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Boating Safety Unit found an unoccupied kayak partially submerged in the Salt Creek Inlet. A paddle and

Winnie is an adorable 6-month-old retriever mix who arrived at the shelter as a stray through no fault of her own. She’s a happy, playful puppy who’s already showing off some great manners!

Laura Hobbs, a Shasta County elections office analyst and dedicated election-integrity advocate, has stepped forward as a whistleblower in a sharply worded email sent Sunday, June 7, 2026, to county supervisors, elections officials, and government leaders. In the message — accompanied by her signed declarations under penalty of perjury — Hobbs details harassment, threats of arrest, and what she calls election interference while attempting to complete official duties and speak out at a rare...

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across the nation are marking the milestone with events that blend tradition, reflection, and forward-looking spirit. In Shasta Lake, California, the Shasta Lake Chamber of Commerce is leading one of the region’s signature contributions: Freedom 250, a celebration set for July 3–4, 2026, at Shasta Dam and the surrounding shores of Shasta Lake. Shasta Dam - Credit wikipedia.com Honoring 250 Years with Reverence and...