River Ranch Residents, Including Children, Demand Accountability as Court Monitors Negotiations Over Controversial Eastside Road Correctional Campus

Shasta County, CA — A status hearing on settlement negotiations in the River Ranch Neighborhood Association’s lawsuit against the City of Redding and Shasta County is scheduled in Shasta County Superior Court, Department 22, Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The case challenges the $1 lease of approximately 90-91 acres at 7251 Eastside Road for an expanding correctional complex that now includes alternative custody programs, a men’s reentry program, and potential future development of a large jail facility.

The hearing comes amid persistent and vocal opposition from River Ranch residents, who continue to question both the location and the process that led to it. Multiple children and dozens of residents have spoken publicly at both Redding City Council and Shasta County Board of Supervisors meetings, expressing fear and opposition to placing such facilities directly adjacent to their homes and neighborhoods. Their testimony has been heartfelt and clear: they do not want a correctional campus next to where they live, play, and attend school.

How can these young voices be so easily set aside?

Site Selection Questions Linger

Sheriff Michael Johnson, who remains well-liked by many political figures and residents for his overall leadership, has stated that the Eastside Road property is “very attractive” and “seems very useable.” In earlier presentations, he noted that other city-owned parcels were considered, including a 20-acre site near the Redding Sports Park on Abernathy Lane and approximately 40 acres at the old Enterprise dump/transfer station. However, no detailed public comparison, scoring, or transparent explanation has been provided for why those alternatives were discounted in favor of land immediately adjacent to an established residential neighborhood of roughly 100 homes along the Sacramento River.

Residents have repeatedly raised the Clear Creek area as a more suitable alternative — one farther from homes — yet they report receiving no substantive response addressing why it or similar sites were not seriously pursued. Many feel the decision to place the complex in their backyard was made with insufficient community input and without a full accounting of why other available parcels were rejected.

River Ranch resident speaking at Redding City Council Meeting of June 16, 2026, in opposition to the proposed correctional facility.

Project Scope Expanded Without a Clear Public Explanation

What began primarily as an expansion of the existing Alternative Custody Program (ACP) has, over time, grown to encompass a men’s community reentry program and explicit provisions for a future large-scale jail facility. Residents question why the scope expanded so significantly and why the full vision was not presented more clearly and earlier in the public process.

Particular concern centers on the potential for the facility to bring offenders from other regions of the state into Shasta County. Many ask whether it is prudent or fiscally responsible to site such a large project with that potential so close to families, especially when other locations farther from residential areas appear to have been available.

Lawsuit and Ongoing Negotiations

The River Ranch Neighborhood Association’s lawsuit alleges that the City improperly bypassed required environmental review under CEQA when approving the lease. The case has seen at least one prior status hearing, with attorneys reporting productive settlement discussions. The upcoming hearing in Department 22 will update the court on the status of those negotiations.

Despite the legal challenge and sustained public opposition — including from children — the County has already executed a $192,000 contract for architectural and engineering services. It is advancing environmental review work as part of broader budget and strategic planning efforts for the Corrections and Rehabilitation Campus.

Resident of Redding Speaking at Redding City Council Meeting of June 16, about her bad childhood experience while living in Concord near a correctional rehabilitation home.

Community Calls for Transparency and Accountability

River Ranch residents have made it clear they are prepared to hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box. With the recent primary election results shifting the Board of Supervisors — including the defeat of District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye, a project proponent— and a runoff looming in District 5 between incumbent Chris Kelstrom and challenger Mike Gallagher, the political landscape surrounding this decision continues to evolve.

Shasta Unfiltered will continue to follow the court proceedings, any public statements from incoming and current supervisors on the project’s future, and further opportunities for community input. Residents are encouraged to attend the scheduled court hearing and upcoming public meetings to ensure their voices — including those of the children who have bravely spoken out — are not ignored.

Shasta Unfiltered remains committed to transparent coverage of decisions that affect the safety, property values, and quality of life of North State families. For updates and related coverage, visit ShastaUnfiltered.com.