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Redding City Council Candidates’ Q&As Address Homelessness, Rodeo Grounds, Rent Control, and More …

Redding City Council candidates, from top left: Paul Dhanuka, David Backues, Mike Littau, Erin Resner, Anthony Spengler, Mark Mezzano, Joshua Johnson and Ian Hill.

Eight Redding residents have stepped up to run for three Redding City Council positions that will be available for voters to select in Shasta County’s November election. Of those three available seats, two are for 4-year terms, and one is for a 2-year term. The two year-term arose from an unexpected vacancy after former Redding City Councilman Michael Dacquisto retired from his term early because of health issues.

A News Cafe invited the following Redding City Council candidates to participate in a pre-election Q&A: David Backues, Paul Dhanuka, Ian Hill, Joshua Johnson, Mike Littau, Mark Mezzano, Erin Resner and Anthony Spengler.

Johnson, Backues, Dhanuka, Littau and Hill are competing for the two, 4-year terms. Mezzano, Resner and Spengler are vying for the single 2-year term.

Please join me in welcoming to A News Cafe — in alphabetical order — unedited answers from the five candidates who accepted ANC’s pre-election Q&A opportunity: Backues, Dhanuka, Littau, Resner and Spengler.

Ian Hill, Joshua Johnson, and Mark Mezzano did not respond to A News Cafe’s invitation.

David Backues

David Backues

ANC: Welcome to A News Cafe. Thank you for participating in our election coverage. First, what was the moment or incident that inspired you to run for office?

David Backues: I was working on an assembly candidate’s campaign and I began attending local meetings more regularly. I noticed that the Bethel-majority council was heading in a direction contrary to where community members were asking it to go. A council that does not listen to the people needs to change and I hope to be that change to bring the power back to the people in Redding.

ANC: What is your position on the future of the Redding Rodeo Grounds, and the Riverfront Specific Plan?

DB: I participated in the small group sessions and have actively encouraged community participation in the surveys and activities surrounding it. Ultimately, I believe the report to be a waste of over $1M, but if we were going to spend the money, let’s at least make sure it accurately reflects the community’s desires for what Redding should look like. A very common theme among all participants was that the Rodeo should stay where it is. I support granting the Rodeo Association a long term lease to help them grow into that space further and look forward to seeing what they can do with it.

ANC: What are your specific plans or solutions to address Redding’s growing unhoused population?

DB: My stance on the unhoused is that we need to encourage them to reach out for services to get them back to being productive members of our community. I have a limited space here to reply, and obviously I cannot solve this in a brief answer. That being said – Chief Barner’s 3 strikes rule for illegal camping will force many of the unhoused to raise their hands and ask for help, or they will eventually leave our community. I say this with compassion, knowing how difficult their struggle is, and how easy help can be found. There are approximately 30 organizations that are waiting for the opportunity to help effect real change in these individuals lives, and I have worked with many of them. The pallet shelter programs are working, with a high success rate of individuals reintegrating in our community. I would like to see all who need it, reach a state of sobriety as their first step through increasing drug rehab opportunities that have actually proven to be effective.

ANC: Where do you stand on AB 1482, the state rent-control measure?

DB: As a Real Estate Broker in tune with our local market, we do have an issue with rising rental rates. I also do not think that rent control is the answer. I support increasing the amount of housing units available to ease the strain that renters are facing. We need to rezone some areas to allow for higher density living solutions to make it lower cost per unit to build. This would both increase supply, and making rents less expensive overall. I volunteer on the NVCSS Housing Board, and we have been diligently getting grants and funding new facilities to help many groups of people find affordable housing. We are constantly looking for additional solutions.

ANC: Please describe your community service history.

DB: This is where I truly am differentiated from my opponents. I LOVE my community. I have been President to multiple nonprofits. I have served on many boards helping guide the organizations. I also volunteer my time in my community, not just cut checks. I have logged over 1000 personal volunteer hours in the last 5 years with dozens of our local nonprofits. I mostly work with ending food scarcity for the children in our communities, but I also provide services to the unhoused, advocate for our 4 legged community members via Haven Humane and other groups, and so much more. I tried one time to list out every different organization I have worked alongside and once I got to 40, I stopped, realizing that the name dropping of organizations doesn’t matter as much as the work that is being done.

ANC: Thank you for taking time to be part of A News Cafe’s election coverage. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

DB: I just want to thank the readers for their time and consideration. You will not go wrong with me, I truly do care and I am not doing this for the money, fame, or as a stepping stone to higher offices. I want to help our community thrive and be as healthy as possible. We may not agree on everything, but you will find that I will always listen, and keep an open mind to alternative solutions. I am a Humboldt State University graduate (BA Political Science – Public Administration) along with my wife who is a local Psychologist and also a leader in the nonprofit realm, about to take on her first Nonprofit Presidency in 2025. My website backdave.com

Paul Dhanuka

Paul Dhanuka

Paul Dhanuka provided his candidate statement in addition to answering ANC’s questions.

Candidate Statement:

Paul Dhanuka, MD Age: 53
Occupation: Medical Doctor, Educator

Together with my wife, a dedicated cancer doctor, we have the privilege of serving thousands of patients and families in Redding for over two decades. We’ve raised our three children here and are active members of our local church. I was elected as Chief of Doctors in two local hospitals, and I currently serve as the President of the North Valley Medical Association.

Redding faces challenges: rising crime rates, prohibitive housing and insurance costs, businesses leaving; a healthcare shortage, and a fentanyl crisis. People feel left out of the decision-making process. We need a course correction.

My common-sense plan empowers police with the authority and resources to combat crime, makes it easier for businesses and jobs to stay local, lowers your local taxes and fees, and makes housing more affordable. I also will champion a local medical school and residential facility for
mental health and drug rehabilitation.

With united purpose we can make Redding great for future generations. I am honored to have the support of of former Mayor Ken Murray and former Mayor Mark Cibula.

I am committed to leading with transparency and solving problems. I ask for your vote.

ANC: Welcome to A News Cafe. Thank you for participating in our election coverage. First, what was the moment or incident that inspired you to run for office?

Paul Dhanuka: My wife, a local cancer physician, and I have raised our three children in Redding- two budding doctors and one teacher. Our community has been very kind to us and now it is time for us to give back. A lifetime of serving hundreds of thousands of patients has taught me that working together can make a difference. We can improve our quality of life! I can be a unifying voice on the council that gets things done for the people of Redding.

ANC: What is your position on the future of the Redding Rodeo Grounds, and the Riverfront Specific Plan?

PD: I support a long-term lease for Redding Rodeo.

ANC: What are your specific plans or solutions to address Redding’s growing unhoused population?

PD: We need a multi- pronged approach. We need to reduce red tape to reduce housing costs, and we need to streamline the permit process to encourage affordable housing. I also champion building a residential facility for mental health and drug rehabilitation as well as bringing a medical school to North State.

ANC: Where do you stand on AB 1482, the state rent-control measure?

PD: Our local city and county government, with the local public input, are better positioned to make these decisions.

ANC: Please describe your community service history.

PD: I served as former Chief of Medical Staff at Mercy Medical Center Redding and at Shasta Regional Medical Center Redding. Currently, I serve as the President of the North Valley Medical Association, and an Assistant Professor at the UC Davis School of Medicine and California University of Science and Medicine. I also provide medical services to our local military veterans and their families.

My family and I have been long-term supporters of many local non-profit organizations including the programs for cancer prevention, women empowerment, planetarium, and museum. Since 2018, we have sponsored “Turtle Bay for All” program that supports admission tickets for those who are unable to afford it.

I serve on the Turtle Bay Exploration Park Board of Regents, Shasta County Public Health Advisory Board, Simpson University’s Community Advisory Board, and Shasta Beloved Community. I am a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church and have served on the church council. I have served on the United Way Board’s Equity & Advocacy Committee in the past and currently I serve on the United Way’s Building Bridges Advisory Committee.

ANC: Thank you for taking time to be part of A News Cafe’s election coverage. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I will bring transparency and fairness to the city council’s decision-making, respect the public opinion, heal our divisions, and unite our community. I humbly ask for your vote and support. My website is drpauldhanuka.com

Mike Littau

Mike Littau

ANC: Welcome to A News Cafe. Thank you for participating in our election coverage. First, what was the moment or incident that inspired you to run for office?

Mike Littau: Friends and relatives have been pressing me to run for office for years. Seeing the decisions made at City Hall, I know we can do better; Redding deserves transparent leadership that is accountable to the people.

ANC: What is your position on the future of the Redding Rodeo Grounds, and the Riverfront Specific Plan?

ML: Redding Rodeo needs a long-term lease after operating here for 75 years. They provide more than $10 million to the community, and hotels, restaurants, and other businesses thrive during the Redding Rodeo. Redding Rodeo is a community asset and a piece of our history. The Riverfront Specific Plan is a difficult undertaking because the City will not have the funding to complete it. What we can readily resolve is the Redding Rodeo’s long-term lease.

ANC: What are your specific plans or solutions to address Redding’s growing unhoused population?

ML: I’ve had the opportunity to speak with local organizations working to address the unhoused population. I’m impressed by the facilities and programs available. There are plenty of beds.  Public safety and homelessness are Redding’s top concerns and priorities that must be addressed. I want to keep working with local organizations, find more transitional housing, and support programs that put people under roofs. Furthermore, we must address the need to resolve local issues such as drug use and mental health help in our community.

ANC: Where do you stand on AB 1482, the state rent-control measure?

ML: I have worries about affordable housing in our neighborhood. Many landlords have been urged to automatically increase the rent to the maximum amount each year in order to keep up with future trends. This has increased the cost of rent, making it impossible for many struggling families to afford. Encouraging landlords to continually raise rents is not good for our community. This may also provide less incentive for investors to purchase property to rent, limiting available housing.

ANC: Please describe your community service history.

ML: I have owned a business for almost 25 years with a staff of 10. My business handles 10% of the Redding population and is growing. I have served on boards with UPrep School, Simpson University Alumni Association, California Soccer Park, Shasta Regional Soccer Association, and Redding Youth Soccer Association. Over the almost 30 years I have lived in Redding, I have worked and been involved with many local charities.

ANC: Thank you for taking time to be part of A News Cafe’s election coverage. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

ML: I’ve lived in Redding for the past 30 years.  I remember when it was safe to ride our bikes, walk the trails, and have fun while feeling safe.  I believe we can get back to how many of us remember Redding.  I’m not a candidate who has lived here for only 2, 4 or 6 years.  I’m a candidate who understands Redding, a person people can trust with many years of experience in business and community involvement.  People know me as a person who solves problems, as I’m involved in crises each and every day.  I’m a person that gets things done.

My website is votemikelittau.com . I would appreciate your support and humbly ask for your vote!

Erin Resner

Erin Resner

Erin Resner provided her candidate statement in addition to answering ANC’s questions.

Candidate Statement:

Erin Resner
Redding City Council – 2 year term
Occupation: Small Business Owner

I grew up on a ranch in Redding, raised by hard-working parents who knew early mornings feeding horses and late nights mucking stalls would instill in me the importance of a strong work ethic and family values.

Returning to my hometown after college was an easy choice and together with my husband, Chris, we started our family that now includes four children: Beckett, Rally, Maven, and Renzo. Twenty years ago, we opened our first local Dutch Bros. Coffee where I learned the financial and operational aspects of business, focusing on profit and loss analysis and future projections. We now have nearly three hundred employees and I still love a budget plan.

In 2018, I was elected to the Redding City Council and appointed Mayor in 2020. My tenure included successfully advocating for the Crisis Intervention Response Team  development and supporting funding for park rangers and fully staffed fire engines. I am actively involved in our community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth, Treasurer of the Children’s Legacy Center board, and member of The Women’s Fund.

I am committed to responsible growth, preserving our small-town charm and fighting for financial stability so Redding remains a thriving community.

ANC: Welcome to A News Cafe. Thank you for participating in our election coverage. First, what was the moment or incident that inspired you to run for office?

Erin Resner: When Councilmember Michael Dacquisto announced his decision to step down due to personal health matters, I felt compelled to act. His departure, coupled with Mayor Audette’s run-off for the district assembly seat, meant only one experienced councilmember might remain. I knew I could contribute by bringing my budget expertise and seeing through initiatives from my previous term, like the riverfront specific plan, that still needs finalized and implemented. I felt a responsibility to see those projects through. This wasn’t and isn’t about stepping back into politics- it has always been about about stepping up for my community, to help Redding continue moving forward, and to ensure the progress we’ve made isn’t lost. That’s why I’m running again- for the chance to finish what I started and to serve this community I love.

ANC: What is your position on the future of the Redding Rodeo Grounds, and the Riverfront Specific Plan?

ER: I’m excited to continue the work we started. The rodeo is integral to Redding’s identity, and I oppose anything that doesn’t honor that tradition. The Riverfront Specific Plan has incredible potential, and I’m eager to move forward with a vision that preserves our culture while planning for future growth.

ANC: What are your specific plans or solutions to address Redding’s growing unhoused population?

ER: I’m encouraged by the collaborative efforts among agencies like RPD, Good News Rescue Mission, Hill Country, and others. We know that it often takes up to eight interactions to build the trust necessary for individuals to engage with services, and these partnerships are critical for making those connections and offering consistent support.

RPD’s recent takeover of the bus program is a significant step forward. It allows us to assist individuals who may feel stranded by providing bus passes to help them return to their support systems. I’d like to see increased donations to this program, as it offers a direct and impactful solution for those looking to reconnect with family or other resources.

Looking ahead, I’m committed to keeping the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) a priority during budget discussions. The CIRT team’s work, alongside daily interactions in encampments from partners like the Rescue Mission and Hill Country, is essential in bridging gaps and providing immediate, on-the-ground support.

One important area for improvement is reducing barriers to entry at shelters, particularly by allowing individuals to bring their pets, which often serve as their only source of stability and companionship. By removing obstacles like these, we can help more people access the services they need and feel safe doing so.

While homelessness may be a complex issue that can’t be solved overnight, I believe these steps — fostering trust, strengthening partnerships, and removing barriers –are key to making meaningful progress in our community.

ANC: Where do you stand on AB 1482, the state rent-control measure?

ER: I don’t believe rent control addresses the root of our housing crisis. Policies like AB-1482 are a continuance of poor legislation and short sided regulations from the state which continues to drive up the cost of building in California.

ANC: Please describe your community service history.

ER: Community service has been a part of my life from a young age, growing up in Redding and attending St. Joseph’s, where my family instilled in me the importance of giving back. Once my husband, Chris, and I were married, we worked hard to build a stable business that would allow us to give back. I became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in dependency court, one of the most special volunteer roles I’ve held. I’ve always believed one person has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I wanted to be that person.

From there, my commitment to serving the community deepened. I am former Chair of The Women’s Fund, helping provide grants to organizations that support women and children. I currently serve as a founding cabinet member and treasurer of the Children’s Legacy Center Board, which protects at-risk youth, and have been honored to be part of the transition as we proceed with the acquisition of One Safe Place. I recently joined the Building Bridges Advisory Committee to help tackle some of our city’s most pressing challenges with grace, wisdom, and a spirit of unity. 

ANC: Thank you for taking time to be part of A News Cafe‘s election coverage. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

ER: I have always believed true leadership starts with quiet, consistent service. Throughout my life, I’ve chosen to give back to this community in ways that may not always be visible- whether through volunteer work, financial contribution, or simply being there for people who need help. I do this because I’m proud of where I’m from. Redding is a place where, when challenges arise, we come together and stand shoulder to shoulder, no matter our differences.

What I want more than anything is for us to reclaim that spirit. To be known again for our generosity, our resilience, and the way we care for each other. We are a strong, rural community built on shared values and the willingness to show up for one another. I want to serve Redding with the same dedication and heart this city has shown me, and I hope that in November, I’ll have the chance to continue that service. Together, I believe we can build a future that honors our past while embracing what’s possible.

My website is erinresner.com.

Anthony Spengler

Anthony Spengler

ANC: Welcome to A News Cafe. Thank you for participating in our election coverage. First, what was the moment or incident that inspired you to run for office?

Anthony Spengler: Thank you for having me. When I was a teenager, I had the idea to leave California altogether and never return. After visiting towns out of my area and out of state, I found that every town has its own problems, its own issues. Instead of running from what I didn’t like, I chose to try to fix the issues. Fast forward to 2024, and the opportunity to run for a city council position presented itself to me. I chose this opportunity to finally step into the political area.

ANC: What is your position on the future of the Redding Rodeo Grounds, and the Riverfront Specific Plan?

AS: I support the Redding Rodeo Grounds in their desire for a long-term lease and no relocation. The Rodeo Grounds have been a huge attraction for Redding, bringing people from all over California and beyond to our city. So economically, it’s a great boon. As for culture, Redding Rodeo Grounds have been a staple in Redding since 1948. The rodeo is an icon of what Redding is. As for the Riverfront Specific Plan, it sounds like an ambitious and fruitful plan if Redding can properly fund it. At this time, I don’t see Redding being able to afford this huge undertaking anytime soon. I believe there are better things to spend our effort and limited revenue on.

ANC: What are your specific plans or solutions to address Redding’s growing unhoused population?

AS: Redding has been making large advances in affordable housing, but that isn’t all the unhoused population needs. We need Permanent Supportive Housing, not just affordable housing. The unhoused need more than just a home, they need all the wrap-around services as well. The unhoused need all the assistance at once, not just one at a time. Not just affordable housing, or a cot to sleep on at the mission.

ANC: Where do you stand on AB 1482, the state rent-control measure?

AS: I am in full support of the measure.

ANC: Please describe your community service history.

AS: I have been a member of the Active 20-30 Club #143 since 2023 and a member of the Anderson Mt. Lassen Grange #148. I have been cleaning up trash and debris on local trails since 2021. I have also been working with Redding Recreation on their Adopt-A-Spot program to clean South Bonnyview road since 2023.

ANC: Thank you for taking time to be part of A News Cafe’s election coverage. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

AS: We are all in this community together. To make our community better, and to achieve what we desire, we must work together. Everyone must have a voice in these decisions as well, so I request everyone to spread the word and encourage others to vote. Too many people in Redding feel like their vote doesn’t matter, and that’s simply not true for local elections.

For more information, here is my Facebook campaign page.

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Doni Chamberlain

Independent online journalist Doni Chamberlain founded A News Cafe in 2007 with her son, Joe Domke. Chamberlain holds a Bachelor's Degree in journalism from CSU, Chico. She's an award-winning newspaper opinion columnist, feature and food writer recognized by the Associated Press, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and E.W. Scripps. She's been featured and quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Washington Post, L.A. Times, Slate, Bloomberg News and on CNN, KQED and KPFA. She lives in Redding, California.

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