“The joy of leadership comes from seeing others achieve more that they thought they were capable of.” – Simon Sinek
Meetings:
- City Council Meeting: December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
CITY MANAGER:
Miscellaneous:
- Hometown Christmas Parade December 6th, Breakfast with Santa, and Fire Department Spaghetti Feed.
- On Tuesday, Staff and I met with the Red Bluff Camber of Commerce regarding Economic Development and the role they have been contracted to perform on behalf of Tehama County.
- On Monday, I attended Corning in the Evening put on by the Corning Chamber of Commerce. This event was hosted by Better Choice Real Estate and Jemm realty.
- Next Thursday I will attend the NCCSIF Board of Directors Meeting and Strategic Planning meeting in Rocklin.
- Butte Environmental along with Army Corp of Engineers planted trees at Clark Park Friday. This is a program that comes at no cost to the City.
- The Public Works Maintenance position application period closed. We had a great response with over 60 applications. Staff interviewed 10 applicants on Thursday.
- Staff have worked diligently with Coar, the design consultant on the Recreation Center and City Plaza Project. Revised bid specifications have been completed, and they will go before the City Council on December 9th for approval and authorization to go out to bid.
- Code Enforcement remains active. Citizens can do their part by keeping properties clean and clear of debris and follow State Laws and City codes. We are seeing progress at addresses that received letters.
- With the grant from the Tehama County Arts Commission, the City was able to have the utility boxes at Edith and Solano and Solano and Toomes repainted with a fresh new look. Check them out!
CITY CLERK:
Commission Vacancies:
Airport Commission – 2 vacant positions
Library Commission – 1 vacant position
If interested, please complete an application at https://www.corning.org/documents/commission-application/ and submit it to City Clerk, Rubi Ordaz, at rordaz@corningca.gov .
All commissions meet quarterly on specified days the first week of the month in January, April, July, and October.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT:
This week, the Building Division processed seven new permit applications and completed a total of eight inspections. Recently completed projects included a new single-family residence.
Safety Spotlight: Temporary Seasonal Lighting
As the holiday season approaches, many homes and businesses install temporary lighting to decorate buildings, trees, and outdoor spaces. While festive lighting can enhance the season, improper installation or use can create electrical and fire hazards. Here are a few key reminders to keep seasonal lighting safe and code-compliant:
Use Listed and Labeled Products
Only install lights and extension cords that are UL-listed, ETL-listed, or otherwise approved. Avoid damaged cords, missing ground prongs, or frayed wiring.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ratings
Ensure lights are rated for their environment:
- Indoor-only lights should never be used outdoors.
- Outdoor-rated lights must be weather-resistant and plugged into GFCI-protected outlets.
Don’t Overload Circuits
Avoid plugging too many light strings or decorations into a single outlet or power strip. Follow manufacturer limits for how many strands can be connected end-to-end.
Secure Installation
Use appropriate clips or hangers—never nails, staples, or metal fasteners that can pierce wiring. Keep cords away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards.
Turn Off When Unattended
Always switch off seasonal lights when leaving the building or going to sleep. Timers are encouraged to reduce risk and energy use.
Temporary Means Temporary
Under code, temporary wiring is limited to 90 days. Seasonal lighting must be removed after the holiday period and may not be used as permanent lighting.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Community Event/Street Impact:
Hometown Christmas Parade: The Corning Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Hometown Christmas Parade this Saturday, December 6th beginning at the Veterans Hall at 5:30pm. The procession will go east bound on Solano Street and end at Third Street with the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Solano Street closure will begin approximately 5:00pm to prepare for the parade and will re-open once the parade has finished.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession: The Immaculate Conception Parish will host a procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, December 12th at 4:00 p.m. The walk will begin at 1995 Solano Street and conclude at 818 Solano Street. There will be no road closures for this event; the procession will take place in the eastbound lane of Solano Street, accompanied by a Police Department escort.
Water:
City Staff recently conducted an inventory of all water service lines, which is the pipe that connects your home, building, or other structure to the water main. The purpose of the inventory is to identify the material of these service lines and fittings, including the customer-owned side of the water service line.
Staff has sent out notices to residents that have service lines that have been identified as an unknown material. Staff have started field inspections on all service lines of unknown material to identify the material classification and expect this process to be completed by December 2027.
Current Projects:
City of Corning Well Project: Well Industries has been procuring material the last week and will ream the pilot hole starting next week. Construction is expected to continue through the winter, with this phase expected to be complete by the end of January.
Furnish and Install One (1) New Diesel Generator: Benchmark Electric Inc. was awarded the contract at the October 28th City Council Meeting. Staff is currently working with the Contractor to complete the required paperwork prior to commencing construction.
City of Corning Small Pool Resurfacing: Adams Pool Specialties was awarded the contract at the October 28th City Council Meeting. Staff is currently working with the Contractor to complete the required paperwork prior to commencing construction.
City of Corning Tree Service Contract: Arbor Pros, LLC has received this year’s tree pruning, removal, and stump grinding list and is currently working on scheduling their mobilization it will be in the next week or two. Residents will be notified in advance if any vehicles need to be moved for the tree work.
Toomes Ave Waterline Project: Lamb Unlimited Inc. will be starting construction on Toomes Avenue next week.
Drainage Ditches:
The Conservation Camp Crew Members are continuing the annual cleaning of the Cities drainage ditches. They will clear brush and debris from the local streambeds of both Jewett and Burch creeks and the Blackburn Moon Drain.
Leaf Pick Up:
Public Works Staff will continue its annual fall leaf collection as time allows. City residents are advised to keep leaf piles under four feet high, away from gutters, bicycle lanes, and storm drain inlets. Residents are also asked not to park on top of, or too close to leaf piles as the loader operator will not be able to pick them up safely. Residents should ensure piles contain only leaves, with no branches, pruning’s, bags, or trash.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
Visit our new Recreation website at www.corning.org to register for upcoming classes and events!
Need help with registration?
Email us at corningrecprogram@corningca.gov or call us at (530) 900-2160, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Special events happening this week:
Breakfast with Santa is this Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, with two seating times available at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Tickets are $10 per plate and include a pancake breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes, along with a Hot Chocolate Bar and coffee for adults. Families can also enjoy Christmas crafts, write letters to Santa, and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Register online at www.corning.org or call us to reserve your spot.
The Hometown Christmas Parade will take place this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Solano Street. Keep an eye out for our Jr. Cardettes, Ballet Folklorico dancers, and the Corning Dance Crew, who will all be proudly representing Corning Recreation in this year’s parade. Afterward, everyone is invited to gather in front of City Hall for the annual Christmas tree lighting, followed by a festive Christmas carol performance by the CUSH Choir, Maywood Middle School, and the Jr. Cardettes.
Corning Youth Basketball will hold a Skills and Drills session for all players this Sunday, December 7th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each participant will complete a series of drills, which should take about five minutes, and may leave once their turn is finished. Team assignments and game schedules will be shared the following week. In-person registrations will also be available on the 7th for anyone who would like to sign up. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. We look forward to a great season!
Classes in session:
- Aerobics class – Tue & Thur | 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM | Ages 13 years and up
- Ballet Folklorico – Tuesdays & Fridays | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Ages 4-14
- Cheerleading – Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |Ages 6 and up
- Corning Dance Crew – Tuesdays | 4 PM – 5 PM | Ages 3-12
- High Intensity Interval Training class | Tue & Wed | 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM & 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM| Ages 15 +
- Jiu Jitsu – Mon/Wed/Fri | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM for Ages 5 – 13 & 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM ages 14 and up
- Karate – Tue & Thur | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM |Ages 7 and up
- Photography class starts | 5 PM – 6 PM | Ages 12 and up
- Ballet – Mondays | 5- 5:50 PM for Ages 2-5 and up 6 – 6:50PM for Ages 6-12
- Tumbling – Thursdays | 5- 6 PM for Ages 2-5
- Christmas Crafts Workshop – Mondays | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM |Ages 5 and up
- Corning Youth Basketball- Season starts in January games are on Saturdays | Times TBD | for Grades K -8th
Stay tuned…we have more classes/events coming VERY soon!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest info!
Thank you for your continued support of Corning Recreation. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting upcoming events.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Staff continue to work on the Housing Element requirements. Staff have made some updates to the Planning page.
Staff is preparing to create a new ordinance regarding accessory building setbacks.
Miranda from Butte Environmental along with Army Corp of Engineers will be planting the remaining trees at Clark Park Friday Dec. 5th.
The utility box art has been completed; updated utility boxes can be found at Taco Bell and at Toomes and Solano.
Updates on Code Enforcement:
1518 Marin St – The City received court approval to move forward with demolition, Walberg will begin asbestos removal and staff is working on having the van removed.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Patrol:
In addition to responding to 111 calls for service, there were 123 officer-initiated incidents, including 76 traffic stops, and a total of 21 officer reports were taken. Officers made 11 misdemeanor arrests, (2 of which were juveniles), 2 felony arrests, (one of which was a juvenile), issued 10 misdemeanor citations, and 1 infraction, during the period of November 26, 2025, through December 2, 2025.
Dispatch:
During the period of November 26, 2025, through December 2, 2025, our Dispatch Center received 211 inbound calls for service and made 89 outbound calls. In addition, they responded to 25 incoming 911 calls. All calls were answered within 10 seconds of their ring time.
Training:
Detective McIntyre and Officer Barry attended the California Narcotic Officers’ Association 61st Annual Training Institute & Law Enforcement Exposition in San Diego.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Corning Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) Call Volume:
The Corning Volunteer Fire Department responded to 22 calls for service last week, they were: 19 medicals, 1 fire, 1 traffic collision and 1 public service.
Message from the Chief:
Winter is a likely time for structure fires-please check your smoke detectors and clean your chimneys and flues.
The CVFD will be hosting a spaghetti dinner, before, during and after the parade. We will be serving from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Cost is $10.00 per plate.