Redding's Christmas Tree: A Local Tradition Since 1919

This holiday favorite was originated in 1919 by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), who cut the first evergreen to be placed on display in the city from McComber Lake in Shasta County. The tree was then transported by truck to the intersection of Market and Yuba Streets in downtown Redding for its placing. The tree could be of any size if they were fully branched without missing spaces. The Christmas tree would often stay standing until after the New Year had arrive, then it was dismantled.

Each year, the tree was crowned with a beautiful neon star on the top of the tree. Then in December of 1929, the Redding Christmas tree was measured at 73 feet high, and it was donated to the PG&E by two residents from La Moine. The date of December 20th, 1929 was selected for the big party at the intersection of Market and Yuba Streets.

To help the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, a general committee was organized about 1930 which was comprised of Mayor William Menzel, Chairman; Ben Mason, and K.A. Walker. This committee would organize the upcoming Christmas tree festivities and other Christmas events. New delegates would be chosen to this committee in the future as well. In 1930, twenty-five hundred boxes were ordered to place gifts inside them for the children of Shasta and Trinity Counties in Redding, and gifts were purchased to be placed inside these boxes.

Officials selected November 28th, 1930 for the beginning of the holiday season, in which Redding stores celebrated by decorating their window displays and buildings for Christmas. Also, some stores reduced their prices as well. Stores along Market Street stayed opened later to attract as many customers as they could. Hundreds of people gathered to be present for the highlights that evening while Redding lacked a Christmas tree. It was S.G. Nelson of the McCormick-Saeltzer Company who donated the Christmas tree which he planned on cutting down with the help of W.D. Simons, Earl Lee Kelley, K.A. Walker, Dr. H.C. Erno, Ben Mason, James Holt, Mayor William Menzel, Augustas H. Gronwoldt and Lyle Sarvis. The tree was transported to Redding from La Moine by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company in one of their trucks. Later, the Christmas tree was dedicated on December 15, 1930.

Each year, new ideas were presented, and the dates were pushed back earlier, or moved forward later for the lighting of the Redding Christmas tree and other festivities to be included during this joyful event. The intersection of Market and Yuba Streets was used up until 1970 (a total of fifty-one years) according to several Shasta Historical Society members who remembered it well. The Christmas tree was relocated around that time period to the parking structure on California Street (which is now being demolished). The construction of the downtown Redding Mall is the reason why the Christmas tree was relocated there. The downtown Redding Mall was opened by August of 1972.

After forty-nine years, the Christmas tree will be back in its original location at Market and Yuba Streets on December 6, 2019 which will be dedicated that night at Winter Fest. Older residents still recall and cherish their memories of having the Christmas tree at that location. This time, a whole new generation will be able to create memories with their families and loved ones at the original site. This year also marks the one hundredth anniversary of this Christmas tradition.

- Jeremy Tuggle,

"Exploring Shasta History"

December in Ridgecrest !!

There's something special about December in Ridgecrest. The air is cool and criso, the fall colors on the trees throughout the community have given way to winter, and everything feels so peaceful. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of our community over a cup of hot cocoa or tea. So glad to call this cozy corner of Redding home!

Condo Life in December

As the calendar turns to December, our beautiful Ridgecrest community settles into the cozy rhythm ofearly winter.

It's a wonderful time to appreciate the unique advantages of condo living.

With cooler temperatures arriving, many of us turn our thoughts indoors, but there's still plenty to enjoy right outside our doors. Perhaps it's a brisk morning walk around the grounds, enjoying the quiet beauty before the winter rains set in. For those who enjoy decorating, December offers a perfect transition from fall themes to festive holiday cheer – all without worrying about raking endless leaves or cleaning gutters! Our shared walls mean efficient heating, and the close-knit nature of Ridgecrest often sees neighbors sharing warm greetings, perhaps even a cup of coffee. As we prepare for colder months, remember the ease and comfort our community offers, allowing us to fully embrace the season without the usual homeowner's outdoor chores. Let's make the most of this cozy month together!

Redding in December: Lights, Tradition, and Togetherness

December settles gently over Redding, not with the deep winters of the mountains to the north, but with a crispness in the air that signals both reflection and celebration. As the days grow shorter, the city glows brighter—literally and figuratively—reminding us why this season in the North State feels both cozy and full of life.

A Town Lit Up

From Old Shasta to Riverbend and all across the neighborhoods, lights go up in earnest by the first week of December. Drive down Cypress or Hilltop and you’ll find houses shimmering in reds, greens, silvers, and golds. Turtle Bay’s holiday displays draw families for early-evening strolls, and the Sundial Bridge—always a centerpiece—becomes a postcard scene as the fog lifts off the Sacramento River in the morning hours.

Many families mark their calendars for the Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay, where winding paths lead through illuminated forests, glowing sculptures, and warm cider stands. It’s become an annual tradition for thousands—part date night, part family adventure, and part pure winter magic.

Cold Mornings, Clear Days

December in Redding brings frosty mornings, the kind that paint rooftops in a temporary shimmer before giving way to wide blue skies. Visitors are often surprised at how mild the afternoons can feel—perfect for a hike through the Sacramento River Trail, a walk around Whiskeytown Lake, or a quick trip to Shasta Dam to watch the last of the fall colors fade into winter.

For many locals, this is the season when the city feels alive in a quieter, more intentional way. The pace slows. Coffee shops fill. Conversations linger. And the community feels more connected than ever.

Holiday Events & Local Flavor

Community events anchor December in Redding. Schools present winter concerts; churches hold candlelight services; small businesses downtown host late-night shopping, warm drinks included.

The Redding Fire Festival, winter craft fairs, and neighborhood pancake breakfasts all make their rounds.

At the Redding Civic Auditorium, families gather for annual performances—everything from Christmas programs to touring holiday shows—turning an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Restaurants roll out their seasonal menus, too: peppermint mochas, hearty soups, and the kind of comfort food that tastes especially good when the temperature dips below fifty.

A Season of Service

December inspires generosity throughout the city. Toy drives, food distributions, coat collections, and volunteer projects are everywhere, and the people of Redding show up in full force. It’s part of what defines life here—neighbors caring for neighbors, year after year.

Organizations like the Salvation Army, One SAFE Place, and local churches rely on volunteers and donations this time of year, and the community never disappoints. Many families make service part of their own holiday traditions, teaching kids the importance of giving back.

Looking Ahead

As the month winds down and New Year’s approaches, Redding embraces both gratitude and anticipation. With the mountains dusted in snow and the valley wrapped in gentle winter light, the season reminds us how fortunate we are to call this place home.

December in Redding isn’t just a collection of events—it’s a feeling. A glow. A sense of togetherness that warms even the coldest mornings.

Here’s to a bright, joyful, connected winter season in our North State community.

Please send ideas or questions to us at editor@ridgecrest.life.

"The Ridgeline Telegraph" - Info from the Property Manager

Hello, Residents!

Of the many things your association assessment pays for, insurance is one of the most important. Association governing documents and state law require the association board to purchase adequate insurance as part of a comprehensive risk-management program.

Our association has two types of commercial insurance coverage—property and liability.

Property insurance covers loss or damage to any common structures or physical property caused by fire, flood, storms or other natural events. As an owner at Ridgecrest, you are responsible for the first $25,000 of any damage to the structure, regardless of fault. This includes interior damage. If the repairs total more than that, an additional claim to the Association’s insurance is filed. Let’s give you two examples:

You have a kitchen fire on your stove. The flames damaged the stove, microwave and some cabinets. The smoke damage affected the rest of the kitchen, the HVAC ducting, the furniture, the appliances etc. Cost to repair $70,000. The owner’s insurance only paid the deductible ($25,000) and the HOA insurance paid the rest- even though no damage occurred outside the interior of the unit. Even though the HOA had no fault.

On the other hand…

Let’s say you have a shingle on the roof fly off in a windstorm. The roof leaks into your unit, damaging the floors and sheet rock. The HOA will repair the roof, and the owner is responsible for the first $25,000 in damages regardless of fault. Damages to your unit in excess of $25,000 would be turned into the HOA insurance carrier.

Liability insurance covers losses that would result if someone took legal action against the association for an injury, financial loss or other type of damage. For example, one important type of liability insurance, called Directors’ and Officers’ insurance, covers volunteers like board and committee members so they’re not jeopardizing their personal assets to serve the association.

The association’s insurance does not cover owners or residents, their homes or belongings. Each member should have his or her own insurance policy. If you need information about homeowners insurance, talk to a licensed insurance agent who specializes in homeowners associations. Or you may want to talk to the association’s insurance provider; this person will know exactly where the association’s master policy coverage ends and where yours should begin. This prevents you from over or under insuring yourself.

Agent: Steve Buchanan Insurance – 530.812.0748

We're Here for You

We are proud to serve this community and are here to help. If you have a non-emergency maintenance request, the most efficient method is to email our office, at monica@hignell.com. Or you can submit a work order in the Appfolio portal and include photos too.

For any after-hours plumbing or heating emergencies, please call the emergency line at 530-241-3500 after hours, listen to the recording when it says, "If this is an after-hours HOA emergency, please press 2." Then our answering service takes the call and will address the emergency and pass it to a manager to resolve.

We wish you all a safe, warm, and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

- Monica Gale, Property Manager,

Call for more detailed information. - (530) 241-3500 x 501

Welcome to the Ridgecrest LIFE Newsletter! ------------ DECEMBER, 2025