Sidewalk marker project underway for Red Bluff’s historic Chinatown district

By George Johnston | gjohnston@redbluffdailynews.com | Red Bluff Daily News

PUBLISHED: September 19, 2024 at 3:30 AM PDT

RED BLUFF—The City Council gave the green light on Tuesday for a sidewalk marker project. According to those associated with the project, these markers will provide historical context to the area where Red Bluff’s Chinatown stood.

Helen & Joe Chew Foundation

Concept art for the proposed sidewalk markers. (Contributed)

The markers will be placed along Rio, Walnut, and Hickory Streets. Community Development Director Beth Lindauer shared that the 11 sidewalk markers will depict the various elements of Red Bluff’s disparate Chinatown area.

Jessica Chew of the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation said this project aims to provide significant public benefit by educating local school students and the community about the rich history of Red Bluff through easily accessible, informative markers. She wrote to the council asking them to waive the fees associated with the use permit application for installing the markers.

“Unfortunately, the fees currently charged by the City of Red Bluff are prohibited under the terms of our grant, which restricts the use of funds for essential government services, including planning costs,” she said. “The project budget does not allow for additional expenses, and without this waiver, we will be unable to proceed with this valuable educational endeavor.”

The Technical Advisory Committee has reviewed the proposed project and issued conditional approval. According to city staff, if the use permit fees are waived, then $1,696 in fees would not be collected to pay for the application processing.

The council voted 5-0 to waive the fees.