Richard “Dick” Dickerson was an integral part of Shasta County. A north state resident for 28 years, Dickerson was a former Redding mayor, Shasta County Supervisor and the California Assemblyman. He was someone who got involved, and was committed to making Shasta County a better, safer place.
Richard “Dick” Dickerson
Dickerson died in 2014, but he hasn’t been forgotten. Recently California State Assemblyman Brian Dahle authored ACR (Assembly Concurrent Resolution) 53, which dedicated the bridge section of Highway 44 crossing the Sacramento River to Dickerson. The highway section from East Street to Victor Avenue will be designated as the Richard “Dick” Dickerson Memorial Highway.
Serving on several transportation boards, Dickerson was chair of the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA) while Highway 44 was being redone. He also supported other local projects, including the Cypress Bridge and Dana to Downtown.
The idea of honoring Dickerson came from the Assemblyman, said his District Director Bruce Ross.
A real fan of Dickerson, the two knew each other while they were both County Supervisors. Dahle was a Lassen County Supervisor for 16 years. Dickerson was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, then was elected to a 4 year term.
The resolution, which doesn’t require approval by the Governor, was adopted by both houses of the bicameral legislature.
The SRTA approached the California Transportation Foundation with a request to be the vehicle for the donations. A 501C3, the Foundation collects donations that make such signage possible. They also help families of fallen / injured workers.
The state of California doesn’t pay for these types of signs.
Because there’s no other place in the state for people to make donations for special road signs, the Foundation does this for other groups donations around the state.
“You have to be active in the transportation community” to qualify for this kind of honor, said Sarah West, Executive Director of the California Transportation Foundation.
Dan Little, Executive Director of the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency thought the bridge over the Sacramento River would be an appropriate place to honor Dickerson.
The California Transportation Foundation approved and established the Richard “Dick” Dickerson Memorial Signage Fund.
At the time of his death, Dickerson served on the Board of Directors of the Shasta County Youth Violence Prevention Council, as well as other capacities over a ten year period.
“After he left public service, he continued his work with Youth Violence Prevention Council of Shasta County because of his strong commitment to the youth of Shasta County,” said Susan Morris Wilson, Executive Director of YVPC. “He was a person who gave back to his community with all his heart.”
The cost of this project is around $7,000, approximately half of which has already been raised.
“People have been very generous in the community,” said Ross. As have Dickerson’s former colleagues.
Checks can be made out to the California Transportation Fund with “Dickerson Sign” in the memo line. They should be mailed to CTF, 581 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864.
Donations can be made online with a credit card at www.transportationfoundation.
All donations are tax deductible.
“(Dickerson) had such an impact on local transportation here in Shasta County,” said Dan Little, Executive Director of SRTA. “We know seeing his name along Highway 44 would have made him very proud.”
