What's Going On in Redding, CA Area?

Chamberee A Great Event in Redding, CA

2011-02-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

What an enjoyable night at the annual Redding Chamber of Commerce Awards function, Chamberee. Held at the Win River Casino Grand Ballroom, the room was filled with community supporters to recognize the outstanding volunteers and businesses in Redding. This was the 10th Chamberee that I have attended, and this one was as enjoyable as one could ask. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Dick Green, the former and long term manager of our own Channel 7, KRCR, as the Citizen of the Year. This award was long overdue, as Dick has been a key member of our community since the 1960′s.

Also recognized were the many past recipients, along with the volunteers that have spent endless hours on behalf of the Chamber. And, these things do not just happen, and hats off to Frank Strazzarino and his entire staff at the Redding Chamber of Commerce for their great planning, aided by the very competent staff at Win River, to make this great annual event happen.

Well done, and certainly well enjoyed, by the hundreds in attendance. On to greater things, now, led by the Redding Chamber.

Anderson Cottonwood Christian Assistance Program

2010-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today I had the opportunity to visit the Anderson Cottonwood Christian Assistance program, a cooperative effort to address the needs of the Anderson and Cottonwood communities. Filled with volunteers working on food boxes, and a whole list of other projects including a "Dress and be cool" clothing program for students. Very impressive in this United Way funded agency. Thanks for the great job

www.norcalunitedway.org

ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

Shasta Symphony and Chorus to Perform

2010-12-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

For those of you that enjoy Classical Music, tonight at Shasta College, the Shasta College Community Orchestra, the Shasta Symphony, and Shasta Chorale join together under Dr. Liz Waterbury to perform the Schubert Mass This is a magnificent work, and very well performed. With noted soloists, this is a wonderful presentation. Starts tonight at 7:30 PM; tickets at the door or on the Shasta College website. Enjoy!

People of Progress in Redding...part of the United Way

2010-12-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

People of Progress…addressing community needs and part of the United WayEdit
By ronlargent Leave a Comment
Categories: Uncategorized
We are so fortunate to have so many good programs addressing the basic needs of food and housing in Redding, Shasta County, and Northern California. One of these organizations is People of Progress, under the able direction of Melinda Brown. Here is some background on this agency….one of 33 in the United Way of Northern California.

Mission Statement

To strengthen individuals, families and our community with special emphasis on issues that affect low income people.

People of Progress began in 1974 as a food co-op. The first social service program we offered was child care soon followed by a small grant for an education program to increase understanding of and usage of food stamps in three northern counties. One early program was a community farm in French Gulch which led to our two community gardens now in Redding. Our programs have evolved and expanded as we are now one of the major foodbanks and emergency assistance programs in our area. In addition to our own programs, P.O.P. has always been very active in a variety of community issues and opportunities always advocating for healthy thriving inclusive communities for everyone — not just those with comfortable incomes. We have formed collaboratives and committees that specifically and successfully addressed a number of issues resulting in successful programs or program modifications in local government and in other agencies.

OUR GOAL is to serve our community by helping to build individual and community stability and responsibility. Annually, we help over 10% of the entire population of Redding alone who need immediate emergency assistance.

For 30 years we have been devoted to providing food, clothing, shelter, transportation, prescriptions, etc. to people in need. We will serve over 14,000 people this year with over 170,000 meals, 4,000 motel shelter nights, and help over 150 households retain/obtain housing or keep their utilities on. We work closely with other organizations and agencies to link clients with additional programs and services.

We generate much of our funding from our two Thrift Stores. Two state and two federal grants provide funds to purchase food, motel vouchers and rent assistance. A Shasta County CSBG grant and a City of Redding CDBG grant provide partial operation funding for this program. We pick up food donations daily from Food 4 Less. Generous donations from individuals, businesses and churches help support our program and we’re a United Way member agency.

For additional information, you can visit their website at www.peopleofprogress.org

You can learn more about the United Way at www.norcalunitedway.org or www.liveunited.org or call us at 530-241-7521, or e-mail me at ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

Youth Violence Prevention Council and the United Way

2010-12-01T06:51:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, at the United Way hosting of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, many of the agencies that are supported by the United Way of Northern California were present to talk about their programs. One of the agencies deals with youth issues in our community, and here is some information on that agency:

Youth Violence Prevention Council
of Shasta County
The Youth Violence Prevention Council of Shasta County (YVPC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to prevent youth violence and promote a safe and healthy community. Our Youth Violence Prevention Council Executive Board is comprised of top-flight leaders from a broad cross-section of the business, law enforcement, government, faith, and education sectors of Shasta County.
History
The problem of gang and youth violence rose to national prominence in the 1980’s and found its way to Redding in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. According to the Redding Police Department, Redding had 20 violent youth gang-related felonies in 1994. This spurred a county-wide effort to rid our communities of youth gangs. Lead by aggressive law enforcement, cooperation from the schools and community-based organizations and agencies, Redding and Shasta County were able to gain the upper hand.
In response to the youth gang issues in our county, the Youth Violence Prevention Council was created in 1996 and became an integral part of the effort to rid our communities of youth gangs. The thrust of the Youth Violence Prevention Council involves the coordination of primary education on youth issues and youth advocacy, all aimed at keeping our county youth gang free and safe for all citizens, young and older alike.
More information can be obtained on their website www.yvpc.org
The YVPC is one of the 33 agencies served by the United Way of Northern California, and one of the 58 programs funded through United Way in the 8 northern counties of California. Information on the United Way can be seen at www.norcalunitedway.org or at www.liveunited.org

For local information call 530-241-7521 or e-mail ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

Youth Violence Prevention Council and the United Way

2010-12-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

Golden Umbrella in Redding, CA

2010-11-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

As part of the United Way of Northern California, Golden Umbrella addresses needs in the community, and they are focused on the needs of our Senior Community. They are doing a great job…and the following is an excerpt from their web page www.goldenumbrella.org

Health, Nutrition, and Our Daily Meals
The health of the Shasta County Senior was of prime concern to us. It was one of the problems to which the advocates gave their close attention.

We had retired registered nurses who volunteered to take blood pressures. In the Fiscal Year 77/78 they took 900 blood pressures. When the first flu shots were first available the Shasta County Health Nurses came to the Golden Umbrella and 297 shots were given.

The Golden Umbrella helped the Nutrition Program get started in Shasta County and also helped it expand. The Nutrition Program under Title VII of the Older American Act is a state funded program under the California Department on Aging. The Golden Umbrella participated in the Nutrition Program from March 1974 to January 1975 until Mercy Hospital became the grantee and sponsor.

I guess you can say Our Daily Meals started on May 17, 1970 when we had the Center Grand Opening. It expanded after the years of the Nutrition Program and had served 9,938 meals in 1978.

This was from their “history page”, and kind of gives us an idea of how they started. Today, Golden Umbrella is a major player in the north state as we address the fact that the senior population is growing each day. The United Way is proud to be associated with this fine organization serving the needs of our community.

www.norcalunitedway.org

www.liveunited.org

ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

530-241-7521

Ron Largent Assumes Position as President of United Way of Northern California

2010-11-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

The United Way of Northern California is a great organization serving 58 agencies throughout the North State. It is a privilege to be associated with this fine organization and I look forward to the challenges facing us as we address the needs of various communities.

Check us out at www.norcalunitedway.org or give me a call at 530-241-7521 or e-mail to ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

We look forward to serving….and thanks to all that have gone on before…your efforts have really paid off.

What Does The United Way Do?

2010-11-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Invest In What Matters. Results Are Measured In Changed Lives.

Today’s United Way focuses on addressing the underlying causes of community issues—why problems exist. United Way supports programs that are not just “stop gap” measures, but ultimately preventative ones that create real and lasting change by improving peoples’ lives. Social issues are not limited to any one particular city or to one kind of family—they are everywhere. That’s why United Way works throughout Northern California to help build stronger communities.See what we are all about at www.norcalunitedway.org

You can be part of this effort by calling us in Redding at 530-241-7521 or e-mailing me at ronlargent@norcalunitedway.com

Local Professor To Have Symphony Performed

2010-10-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

REDDING, Calif. – Simpson University announced today its partnership with the North State Symphony, which will be showcasing the world premiere of Dr. Dan Pinkston’s first full symphony—Symphony No. 1. The concert, Aspects of Enchantment, directed by Dr. Kyle Wiley Pickett, will also include excerpts from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Barber’s Violin Concerto.

Tickets are available now for the concert scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Laxson Theatre in Chico and Sunday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Cascade Theatre in Redding. Tickets are $20 – $48 and can be purchased at the Chico box office or by calling 898-6333 or the Redding box office or by calling 243-8877.

“I am very excited to be giving the premiere of Dan’s first symphony” said Kyle Wiley Pickett, conductor of the North State Symphony. “Dan’s music is beautiful, interesting, dramatic and very accessible. I think our audience is going to really enjoy hearing this thrilling new work, written by a composer right here in our community.”

“I purposely chose to have my first symphony be influenced by the works of 20th-century composer, Dmitri Shostakovich” said Pinkston. “His symphonies were well received and enjoyed by average, every day people and not just by the connoisseurs of the music world. My hope is that my music connects with, and appeals to, a broad range of listeners in the community. With the caliber of talent in the North State Symphony, I have no doubt Symphony No. 1 will sound amazing.”

Dr. Pinkston has won many composition awards including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers award annually from 2001 to 2010. He won the 2000 American Choral Directors Association Composition Contest and his music has been published by several publishers including Warner Bros. Music. Dr. Pinkston and his wife of 16 years, Lori, reside in Anderson with their two daughters.

For more information about the North State Symphony, visit www.northstatesymphony.org. For more information contact the Simpson University music department at 226-4507 or visit www.simpsonu.edu/musicevents.

Foothill Wins Battle with Lassen in high school football

2010-09-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Friday night Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio AM 1670 at Bill Johnson Stadium in Palo Cedro featuring Foothill High School of Palo Cedro versus Lassen of Susanville lived up to its billing….an outstanding football game between two perennial high school “powerhouses”. Previewed as a battle between the high-powered and varied formation oriented Foothill Cougars and the larger and more run oriented and defensive strengths of the Lassen Grizzlies, the game turned out to be an exhibition by both teams of very well executed offensive plays and defensive stands that made this game one that was not decided until the final 30 seconds, with Foothill winning 14-7. With the explosive running of Foothill running backs Tevin Slaton and Addison Gillam and the ever-present threat of the long pass by QB Zach Ray, it was obvious that a touchdown could come with each play. And, this was the same scenario with Lassen. Outstanding QB Richard Murphy was a constant threat both as a running back and as a very fine passer, and kept the Foothill defenders on constant alert. Murphy found that their new look spread offense was confusing the Cougars defense, and, had it not been for the very football savvy Foothill linebackers, who were literally “all over the field”, this game would have had a much different ending. What prevailed in the final moment was a show of excellent speed by Foothill runner Slaton and receiver John Choate and the passing accuracy of Ray against the very well executed option threat of Lassen’s Richard Murphy and the defensive prowess of Luke Peterson and the Lassen secondary. In the end, an outstanding game, and no doubt both of these teams, if this level of play continues, will be in the North State playoffs. Congratulations to both teams….a very well coached game performed by some outstanding young and talented football players. No one in the audience could question this, and no one left until the final “take a knee” play.

The North State has a lot of very good high school football to offer, and last night all of the local teams were in action. Enterprise HS took on Antelope of Sacramento in their Homecoming Game and, under the leadership of Alex Henderson, got their offensive machine up and running thanks to the short burst running of speedy backs and the option plays of Henderson leading to a 28-14 victory. Coming off a last minute upset loss to West Valley last week, Enterprise re-established themselves as a playoff contending team, as has been the case over many years in the past. West Valley traveled to the coast to take on host Fortuna, but could not withstand the challenge there, losing 13-0. Shasta High traveled to Eureka on the coast and in an offensive shoot out, QB Clay Cavender lead the Wolves to a 48-41 victory, illustrating that they are also going to be a strong team that can go all the way into the playoffs. Local school Central Valley easily got by Oroville 36-6, and Anderson had their way with Las Plumas winning 49-15, telling us that the Anderson Cubs are on their way to re-establishing their role in the north state as a football power.

So, in the next few weeks, if you are a high school football fan…it does not get much better than what you can see here in the Redding, Shasta County, and the North State. The Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio AM 1670 will be announced early in the week, and if you are not able to make one of the games…tune in. (Note: thanks to Andreas Fuhrmann of the Record Searchlight for these great action photos…a real action photo pro)

2010-09-06T21:05:00.001-07:00

Sentinel 2010 September

Next Monday at noon we will have the first meeting of the 2010-2011 year for MOAA, at the Country Waffles Restaurant on Athens Ave near OSH Hardware, and all military officers, active, reserve, and retired are invited. MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization, and the Redding chapter is in a growing mode and recruiting members. This September meeting will feature Shasta County Historian Dottie Smith as she relates the history of our county and the Redding area.

The attached PDF is our monthly Sentinel Newsletter…one of the best information pieces prepared by Bill Nicol. This gives you an idea of what is going on in the MOAA…..and if you are, or were, an officer in any of the military branches, please join us this Monday, September 13th at Country Waffles at noon

Clay Cavender is ready for High School Game

2010-08-31T22:55:00.001-07:00

Clay Cavender is not just the starting quarterback for the Shasta High School football team, he also is the third Cavender to take snaps for the Wolves. The final Cavender brother leads the unbeaten Wolves into Friday’s High School Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio AM 1670. This will be a good game and Clay and team will be up against a good defense in the West Valley “swarm” defense.
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High School Football on Radio This Friday

2010-08-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

For all of you high school football fans…it all starts this Friday night…Football under the lights…California style. The Game of the Week will be between Shasta Hi and West Valley Hi, and it should be a good one. I have been at practices for both teams, and they are ready. Listen to us on Fox Sports Radio, AM 1670 starting at 7 PM Friday.

For questions or info on the teams or the games, e-mail me ronlargent@kw.com www.ronlargent.com

Here is the West Valley HS team that will be starting the game…a good looking team….in the Record Searchlight this morning.

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Possibly

"Color" Announcer for the High School Game of the Week

2010-08-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

I will be joining Aaron Williams of the Record Searchlight (formerly Sports Editor) on Fox Sports Radio in Redding, CA to broadcast the high school “Game of the Week”. It all starts next week, and I will be doing the “color” portion of the broadcast, which is pretty much everything other than the play calling, which Aaron will do. So, in preparation for knowing a little about each of the teams that we will be covering over the 10 game schedule, I have been visiting each of the team practices….and have visited, although briefly, Shasta High, Enterprise High, and today, Central Valley High. One thing is becoming very obvious…we are in for a good season. These kids are working hard, and looking as if they are really enjoying it, although it has been almost a hundred degrees each day, and some excellent teaching and coaching is going on. All 3 of the head coaches are class guys; are in it for the kids; and are doing a great deal of “teaching’ during the practices. It is very impressive, and we, here in the North State, are very fortunate to have this caliber of quality coaches, and people, working with our high school kids.

So, we are in for a good season…and I am looking forward to doing my part to bring high school sports into the homes of the North State residents….it is AM 1670, KNRO, Fox Sports Radio…and it all starts next Friday, Sept 3rd at 7 PM. Hope you can join us for exciting high school football.

www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@yahoo.com

My Letter to the Editor

2010-08-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

In the Editorial earlier this week, the Editor made some comments about City Councilman and current Mayor, Patrick Jones…and this is my reply:

As I read your editorial “Million Dollar Lanterns” a couple of points became clear to me. At the risk of not endorsing one candidate or another, the fact the Patrick Jones is asking the “hard questions” as a current city council member is admirable. And, even though the circumstances for the funding of the Lanterns may not be exactly as was stated by Mr. Jones, the fact of the matter is the City has had been involved in some rather extensive funding of similar projects over the past few years, and these expenditures are seldom questioned by Council. If the staff wants to spend it, it is approved, has been the impression, right or wrong. From man hole covers to Hilltop palm trees, as income from fees and taxes flowed in, it was spent. Like the federal government, if you do not spend what is given to you in a fiscal year, next year that agency will get less to spend.

Things are going to have to change, if we are going to survive in tough economic times, and we have a few years left. Property taxes will be going down, thanks to Prop 13 and follow on Prop 8. Fact. Income to the county will be less, and the flow down income to the City will be less. Fact. If income is not there, expenses will have to be cut. Fact. And, the City Council, whomever it is, is going to be facing this reduction in expenses head on. Some things will have to go…and hopefully it will not be jobs. But streets need to be fixed; the Redding infrastructure is getting old and repairs will have to be made; and the increasing pensions already approved will have to be paid…so how can we even spend a relatively little on “Lanterns” when these hard decisions on funding for the basics of our city government responsibilities must be made.

So, I commend Mr. Jones for making his opinion heard, and I challenge the incoming City Council to heed the warning…the revenue that we have had for a number of years will not be there in the next few years, so look long and hard at the “future lanterns” that will proposed for our beautiful city. Can we afford it…the never ending question?

www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com

Redding California Commercial Real Estate...Problems?

2010-08-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

This week we got the word…three of our major shopping and retail centers are going to be either auctioned off for foreclosure, or are scheduled to be foreclosed on shortly. All three centers have, or had, great tenants…and then the market took the nose-dive.

The former Gottschalk center on Hilltop Drive is scheduled for auction on August 20th; the partially filled center on Hilltop that is home to Trader Joe’s is going into foreclosure; and the new complex on Hilltop housing, among other tenants, Chuck E Cheese…is scheduled for foreclosure, or at least that is what we are being told.

In each of these situations, we are told the existing tenants will be able to continue…but in a foreclosure action, leases may become an issue. We hope not, for these are good tenants, and we are just getting real use to having a Trader Joe’s convenient to the North State.

I was asked,”why is this happening”…and no good answer….just that we are in an economic downturn and when business drops off and tenants cannot continue to pay their rents…the lenders still need to be paid. In each of these cases, the lenders, whomever they are, are probably taking pretty good hits, also…for the two newer projects had heavy financing at higher interest rates. These were built when the future of Redding, and California, and the Nation, for that matter….was in a definite growth mode. From a 10% growth to a 2% national growth, things will change dramatically.

Well, keep shopping locally, and hopefully we will not see more of this….it is about all we can do, and then hope for the best. Stay tuned.

www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com

Flags in Palo Cedro, CA

2010-05-31T09:08:00.001-07:00

Palo Cedro Flags....I am proud to be part of the Palo Cedro Post of the American Legion for their flags on display along Deschutes Road. All credit goes to Bob Wagner and the committee for a great job on this. Very impressive in our rural community. Thanks to all of the volunteers that made this happen, and check it out in beautiful Palo Cedro, as you cannot miss the flags.

Housing in Redding CA

2010-05-28T21:54:00.001-07:00

About a month ago, as part of my campaign for Shasta County Assessor Recorder, I met for my Editorial Interview with the Record Searchlight paper. As part of my prepared notes for the interview, I made it very clear that we are still in a downturn, and that County offices are going to find that the property tax revenue to the County was going to continue to go down in the next few years. Those of us in the real estate business are well aware of the fact that bank owned properties are increasing, causing home values to fall...which translates to lower comp appraisals...and lower home values.

This week, my prediction, which was treated very "unlikely" then, is coming true. The following is the essence of what was on the front page of the Record Searchlight this week:

Year-over-year home values in the greater Redding area fell for the 13th straight quarter, according to federal figures released Tuesday.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency all-transaction house price index showed that values in the region that includes Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake dropped 12.82 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same three-month period a year ago.

Values in Redding in the first quarter fell 4.1 percent compared with the previous quarter, and have plunged 16.17 percent over the last five years.

Nationally, home values fell 6.8 percent in the first quarter over the same quarter in 2009, and 1.6 percent compared with the previous quarter, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said.

The index gives estimates for 301 housing markets, tracking data from mortgages used for both home purchases and refinances. Because the source data is different, it provides a similar but distinct picture compared to that offered in the figures from MDA DataQuick.

The Kennewick-Pasco-Richland area of eastern Washington, where home values went up 2.08 percent, topped the nation in appreciation in the first quarter of 2010.

Bend, Ore., held the dubious honor as the fastest-depreciating community as values in central Oregon plummeted 23.03 percent in the first quarter. It was the second consecutive quarter Bend topped the federal index in depreciation.

Year-over-year values in Redding started falling in the first quarter of 2007, when they slipped 1.58 percent, and have declined every quarter since, according to the federal index.

The median sales price for a home in Shasta County in April was $165,000, the sixth straight monthly decline, according to MDA DataQuick.

Redding experienced its greatest annual depreciation in the federal index during the fourth quarter of 2008, when values dropped 14.62 percent.

Foreclosures will continue to put downward pressure on real estate values, Redding realtor Curt Largent said during his weekly radio program last Saturday.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's quarterly index cast the national spotlight on Redding seven years ago as the fastest-appreciating housing market in the nation. Prices in Redding during the first quarter of 2003 jumped 16.3 percent.

Year-over-year appreciation in Redding peaked during the third quarter of 2004 when the federal index reported prices jumped 26 percent.

But in a sign of how crazy the U.S. market was in 2004, Redding couldn't even crack the top 10 with that 26-percent leap. Redding was the 15th fastest-appreciating market that quarter.

Las Vegas (42 percent) ranked first in appreciation in the fall of 2004.

By contrast, values in Las Vegas dived 18.99 percent in the latest index, ranking the gambling capital as the fourth fastest depreciating market in the nation.

So, this said, we are in for a number of years of this market, exactly as I predicted. OVER ASSESSED IS OVER TAXED. Call it what you want, and this is why I am running for office.

www.largent2010.com

Gas Stations for Sale in California

2009-05-05T21:30:00.001-07:00

More Gas Stations for Sale in California

Posted May 06, 2009 at 00:26 AM

ronlargent

Gas Stations for Sale in California...

Our network has just expanded, and we now have stations available for sale from Bakersfield in the Central Valley up to the Oregon border. We have just added a very profitable station in Orland and a good store and gas operation in Red Bluff.

In addition, we will be listing three stations in the San Francisco Bay area....all doing very well.

We also have added two financial "guru's" for additional resources when it comes to financing. Even though SBA will no longer loan on just the business, and is continuing to loan on the land....we have money resources for the right buyer.

Consider being in business for yourself with a money making gas station and convenience store.

www.ronlargent.com

ronlargent@yahoo.com

redding Real Estate and Financial Conditions

2009-05-05T20:31:00.001-07:00

Market Outlook

05/04/2009

Positive economic data is helping push stocks higher this morning. Bonds have not suffered to badly as a result and are fairly close to where they closed on Friday. Construction spending rose in March as more industrial and government projects got underway. We can expect this metric to continue to rise as government infrastructure projects that were part of the most recent stimulus bill get going.

Pending Home Sales also far exceeded expectations causing more speculation that the 4 year housing decline may be coming to an end.

Price Trend: Neutral

Price Volatility: Moderate

Rates for Conforming 30 Year Fixed are 4.375% - 5.00%, FHA 30 Year Conforming is running 4.50% - 5.25% and USDA 30 Year Fixed is running 4.625% - 5.75%. Make it a great week!

Redding Real Estate and Trader Joe's

2009-05-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Redding Real Estate and Trader Joe's

Posted May 05, 2009 at 23:16 PM

ronlargent

Redding Real Estate Just Went Up in Value.....because Trader Joe's is now in Redding, CA

OK...so this might be a stretch, but in a conversation earlier today, it actually came up...for the Opening of Trader Joe's in Redding last Friday was definetly a shot in the arm for the business environment.

A huge crowd turned out at 9 AM on a cloudy and cold day...but it was a warm welcome for all. With the typical leis for all that entered, as well as delicious "sample" waffles, what more could us TJ cult members want.

Just today as I dropped in to pick up some salad, cereals, and my favorite triple ginger cookies, I thought how nice it is to do my daily shopping here at TJ's without the long drive to Chico or Sacramento.

So, yes, real estate in Redding is now more valuable, for TJ's is within a short drive from all of Redding and Shasta County.

www.ronlargent.com

ronlargent@yahoo.com

Lake College in Redding, CA

2009-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Lake College...A good job...Thanks,

Posted April 04, 2009 at 10:23 AM

ronlargent

Lake College in Redding has done a great job helping many....thanks for being part of our community...and here is to hope the new Technology Institute can carry on as Lake has...

Denver firm takes over Redding's troubled Lake College

By Scott Mobley (Contact)
Saturday, April 4, 2009

A Denver-based firm has taken over Lake College, the private vocational school whose financial troubles and possible sale have been rumored since early January.

The college closed Friday and promptly reopened as the Institute of Technology. Students arrived on the Redcliff Drive campus Friday morning to find a large banner announcing the school's new name covering the Lake College logo on the white, two-story building.

Lake College students were told Friday they will be able to complete their certificate programs at the Institute of Technology through a "teach out" program under an agreement approved by the federal Department of Education and the national Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

The Institute of Technology has its headquarters campus in Clovis with branches in Modesto and Roseville. The school seeks federal permission to open a branch in Redding at the former Lake College campus.

Jim Haga, CEO of Brightstar Education Group, the firm that owns the Institute of Technology, said there are "big plans" to expand program offerings in Redding once branch approval is granted.

Brightstar will first swap out all of Lake College's computers for new machines. Soon, crews will start remodeling the Redcliff Drive building to create 5,000 square feet more of classroom space inside, said Haga, a former Kaplan Higher Education executive.

The firm intends to hire more instructors and staff as it boosts enrollment from the current 140 students to about 250 students over the next year, he said.

Brightstar hopes eventually to add associate degree programs in criminal justice, accounting and human resources at its Redding branch. The firm also plans technician certificates in pharmacy and heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC).

The Institute of Technology has gotten state Board of Vocational Nursing permission to offer a licensed vocational nursing program at the Redding location, once the branch is approved, Haga said. Brightstar would pay for students to take their nursing boards, he said.

Richard Schofield, who was vice president at Lake College and will continue in a similar capacity at the Institute of Technology, called the Brightstar takeover a "step in the right direction."

"For a long time we had limited resources," Schofield said. "This will allow us to offer a much higher quality of education."

Lake College students are relieved they're going to be able to finish the programs they started, said Kathi Daily, student services adviser. She described the change in the college as "exactly what Redding needs."

Nursing student Rick Ortega said he initially had questions about the teach-out agreement forms students received Friday. Students have been asked to sign and return these forms within 10 days.

Ortega said he was suspicious after a long silence from campus administrators about what was happening with the college. Instructors had gone weeks without pay during the transition and no adequate explanation was given, Ortega noted.

But Ortega said he's confident the teach-out agreement with the Institute of Technology is legitimate after further conversations Friday with administrators, who were finally free to talk openly since the federal Department of Education had approved the takeover.

"It looks like maybe things really worked out," Ortega said. "Hopefully it will turn out to be a big success. I feel extremely good about it, but I'm still really upset the transparency wasn't there, especially since no sale went through."

Haga confirmed Brightstar never actually bought Lake College, although the firm tried to strike a deal with owners Jim Koenig and Gary Armitage.

Koenig, a Redding real estate investor, and Armitage, a former Santa Rosa-based financial planner, are named in multiple lawsuits claiming investor fraud. The two men also face possible indictment by the state Attorney General's Office for an alleged Ponzi scheme involving $250 million and some 2,000 mostly elderly investors.

The Redcliff Drive building was headquarters for Koenig's firm, Asset Real Estate Investment Co. (AREI), until it moved in late 2006 to a new building less than a mile away on Hemsted Drive.

Koenig owned the Red- cliff building until February, when it transferred to Lakeside Mortgage Fund LLC through a trustees deed foreclosure, according to Shasta County Assessor records.

Lakeside has been another Koenig-related corporation, and Koenig at one point earlier this decade briefly took over the firm. But Koenig has no current control of the Redcliff Drive building, Haga said.

Brightstar will lease the building from Lakeside and remodel it with that firm's permission, he said. There are no plans for Brightstar to own its Redding campus.

Brightstar made the first overture to Koenig and Armitage to buy the Lake College business, which was struggling financially. The Institute of Technology had three central valley campuses and a fourth made sense from an operations standpoint, Haga said.

Haga declined to comment on his negotiations with Koenig and Armitage or describe the deal with the federal government in detail.

"Lake closed and we partnered with the U.S. Department of Education to conduct a teach-out of their students at our expense," Haga said in an e-mail.

The Institute of Technology will keep "the majority" of Lake College instructors through the teach-out period, he said.

Lake had laid off at least three employees in a restructuring before the takeover. Those employees could apply to work at the Institute of Technology, Haga said.

But any outstanding payment obligations of Lake to its employees stay with Lake College, he said.

"Whatever happened, happened in the past," Haga said. "Lake College is closed."

Jennifer Bare, a Clinical Medical Assisting and Medical Office Administration and Billing instructor, has filed a wage claim against Lake College with the state Department of Industrial Relations for $4,137.86 in back pay owed since early January, records show.

Bare was the only Lake College employee to file a wage claim as of Thursday, said Erika Monterroza, public information officer with the state Department of Industrial Relations.

Martha West, a University of California at Davis law professor, said the Institute of Technology teach-out agreement with the federal government sounds like it's designed to protect tuition-paying students but not necessarily school employees.

"These people are just left high and dry," West said of instructors. "They have to get in line with the other creditors."

Brightstar Education Group, founded in 2004, plans to expand in California and other states with a $50 million capital investment from parent company Arlington Capital Partners, a private equity firm, according to the firm's Web site.

The three Institute of Technology campuses are ACCSCT-accredited and offer medical, business, technical, culinary and other vocational programs.

Lake College was also ACCSCT-accredited.

Reporter Scott Mobley can be reached at 225-8220 or at smobley@redding.com.

This was in the Record Searchlight today....thanks, Scott.

www.ronlargent.com

www.ronlargent@kw.com

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

2009-04-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers

Posted April 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM

ronlargent

This just came to me from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA.org)....and is worth reading if you are concerned about taxes and what is happening in California....

As a Spending Limit, Prop. 1A Does Not Cut It

March 30, 2009 Jon Coupal and Michael Reagan

Speaking before a meeting of over a thousand members of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association in 1992, former President Ronald Reagan told the audience, "We tax reformers bear our scars proudly." The recipient of the Howard Jarvis Lifetime Tax Fighter award was referring to his own effort to control spending, Proposition 1, which was rejected by voters in 1973.

Among the key elements of the Reagan limit was that spending from "proceeds of taxes" would have been limited to the then current percentage of state personal income, less .01 percent annually for 7 years and would then stabilize at that level. "I think taxpayers are fed up with big government continually digging into their pockets for more and more," Governor Reagan said at the time.

After Proposition 1 was defeated at the polls, pundits speculated that the result was due to its "complexity." And of course it didn't help that the California Teachers Association and public employee unions dug deep into their wallets to assure the defeat of a measure that would retard the growth of government.

But five years later, Sacramento's continued emphasis on spending rather than the burden this was placing on struggling taxpayers,
resulted in the overwhelming passage of Proposition 13, with enthusiastic support from Ronald Reagan -- he voiced radio spots supporting the measure -- and, one year later in 1979, the Gann Spending limit.

The Gann measure, known as the "Spirit of 13" initiative, limited government spending to the percentage change in inflation and population growth or the change in per capita personal income, whichever was lower. That the Gann limit was substantive was proven in 1987 when taxpayers received a rebate check after revenues surpassed the spending cap.

However, the success of the Gann limit proved to be its undoing. In 1990, transportation interests placed Proposition 111 on the ballot,
a gas tax increase that was accompanied by extravagant promises that it would end freeway congestion. But Prop. 111 was just one more bait and switch scheme. Because the new tax revenues would be so substantial that they would run afoul of the Gann limit, backers of
the new tax buried in the measure a reconfiguration of the way the limit was calculated. Unknown to many at the time, passage of the 111 transportation "panacea" made the Gann limit nothing more than an archaic curiosity.

Without enforced spending discipline, the state ran up a $38 billion deficit under Gov. Gray Davis, and now another $42 billion under Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Now we are being told by those who created these astounding deficits -- the governor and the majority of the Legislature -- that we must
approve their version of a "spending limit," Proposition 1A on the May 19 special election ballot, to compel them to behave responsibly. One is reminded of the serial murderer who leaves a message for police saying, "Stop me before I kill again!" While they admit that they have no control over their spending impulses the solution they offer would actually allow continued increases in spending without any connection to the taxpayer's ability to provide revenue.

Proposition 1A ties spending to income, income which can be increased under the measure through new taxes. The State Constitution already requires a balanced budget, so the only effect would be a reiterate the same requirement, one that is already being ignored with impunity. It is ironic to note that many of the same entities, who objected to Ronald Reagan's firm spending cap in 1973, including the California Teachers Association, are now backing Proposition 1A. This is a clear indication that the 1A spending limit is a phony.

So just why are the governor and most legislators pushing so hard for Proposition 1A and its ineffectual spending cap? Well, in addition to allowing them to claim that they are dealing with the spending issue, it includes a very real $16 billion tax increase. The tax increases approved in February, which will begin appropriately on April 1, are scheduled to sunset in two years. If Proposition 1A passes, the taxes will remain in effect for an additional two years, costing Californians another $16 billion according to the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office.

Gov. Schwarzenegger, we know spending limits and your Proposition 1A is no spending limit. Proposition 1A is just another grab for the taxpayer's wallet.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Michael Reagan is a political consultant and eldest son of our 40th President, Ronald Reagan.

www.ronlargent.com

ronlargent@kw.com

Fix 5 or What?

2009-04-03T20:34:00.001-07:00

Fix 5...or Call It What You Want?

Posted April 03, 2009 at 23:29 PM

ronlargent

Fix 5 or What? Our Choice.

I seldom question Silas Lyon’s editorials, but this time I do. It has to do with his editorial on a recent Sunday concerning the issue surrounding the upcoming political decision to “Fix 5” (Interstate 5), or as it is now called, SCRIP (Shasta County Regional Improvement Program). The column did not fully explain the full impact of this proposed “fee” on the average citizen of our area. I appreciate the point that we should prepare now for future traffic; that our area will continue to grow; and that I5 will continue, as now, to be the major transportation artery through Redding and Shasta County. Where I differ greatly with the Regional Transportation Agency, headed up by a CALTRANS employee, which is the major government agency behind this proposal, is that this is an “unfair tax”, call it what you want. Technically, this “Fix 5” fee, which is what this project was initially called until it became too politically sensitive, could be called an “impact fee”, but in reality it is a charge, or tax, that will be passed on to every property owner in the County, whether you live in Redding, Anderson, Burney, or the unincorporated areas of the County. We will all be taxed, if you will, even rental apartment dwellers, to help “Fix 5”.

The “unfair aspect” of this tax has a number of arguments: (1) I5 is not used only by Shasta County residents. In fact, depending on which study you read, as much as 65% of both north and southbound I5 traffic comes from outside our county. Just look at the trucks, from Wal-Mart to UPS to JB Hunt that travel from Sacramento and the Bay Area into Oregon and other points north and east; (2) The tax will be imposed on all new homes and new commercial buildings disproportionally. Homes will have one fee, depending on what area they are in, and a commercial building will a have a different fee schedule, depending on the nature of the business. Restaurant property, for example, will be taxed differently than office buildings. This “tax” is not equally fair to all property owners; (3) The tax is not imposed equally on users. A resident that lives in West Redding that works downtown that uses Highway 44 to get to the Mall may not even use I5 during a normal week. Yet a resident that lives in Cottonwood and works in Redding uses I5 daily. Both will be taxed the same. The only tax that is equally imposed on the use of all roads is the gas tax, and this tax is currently in place. And, (4) the gas tax can be used to “Fix 5”. Gas taxes were imposed for various purposes at the state and national level, including the maintenance of the Interstate road system, and for 50 plus years the tax has worked, through good and bad economic times, and it will continue to work, If you drive, you pay. If you use public transportation, it pays and you pay in the cost of the ticket. All users of our transportation systems are treated fairly, whether you like the cost of riding BART or not. We pay enough in gas taxes now, but this is still fairer than the proposed “Fix 5 Tax”. There are already fees in place to pay our fair share of highway maintenance. We do not need more taxes. End of story.

In summary, there are still many, many unanswered questions that need to be asked by our elected officials and Council persons. On April 28, 2009, at 4 PM, at the Redding City Hall Chambers, this tax will be challenged, If you want to be heard to help regulate new and increased “taxes”, here is your chance. See you there.

Ron Largent

www.ronlargent.com

ronlargent@kw.com

Fix 5 or What?

2009-04-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

Fix 5...or Call It What You Want?

Posted April 03, 2009 at 23:29 PM

ronlargent

Fix 5 or What? Our Choice.

Ron Largent

www.ronlargent.com

ronlargent@kw.com

Turtle Bay in Redding, CA...the Place to Be.

2009-04-03T19:13:00.001-07:00

Turtle Bay in Redding, CA ... A Place to See

Posted April 03, 2009 at 22:04 PM

ronlargent

Calling all Artists!

Join us for:
Ceramics class with Rosie Orwig
Saturday, April 11 & 25 10 a.m. - Noon
Enjoy learning about various ceramic artists while creating a ceramic creation using the coil or slab method. Rosie will guide you through the various techniques of texture, design and clay etching during the first class and glazing will take place during the second. Completed pieces will be available for pick up at the Visitor Center (April 30 - May 3).

For Age 9-adult.
$40 Members $55 Non-members
JSS classroom in Visitor Center

For reservations or more information call 242-3108

Foothill High School in Redding area going to Nationals

2009-03-20T06:21:00.001-07:00

How About Foothill High School..Wow!

Posted March 20, 2009 at 09:08 AM

ronlargent

Our own Foothill High School in Palo Cedro is off to the Nationals...this was in the local paper, the Record Searchlight today...read on, please...

Science bowl competitors work on team chemistry

By Rob Rogers (Contact)
Friday, March 20, 2009

PALO CEDRO - The Foothill High School students traveling to Washington, D.C., for the National Science Bowl have one goal.

"Do better than Chico did last year," said senior Nick Rossow.

The same Foothill team competing this year lost in regional competition to the Chico High School team last year. The Foothill students watched Chico's progress at the nationals last year, where they finished second to last, the Foothill team said.

They all hope to do better than that when they compete at the nation's capital next month.

Foothill beat 10 schools and 24 teams to win the Regional Science Bowl in Redding on March 7 and will travel next to Washington, D.C., on April 30 to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl.

They'll compete against 66 other teams; the top 16 finishers will win $1,000 each, to be given to their high schools' science departments.

Foothill's win at regionals was hard fought.

"We answered ... roughly 125 questions," said Zane Silver, a senior.

The competition is set up like a game show. Two teams sit across from each other at a table and are given questions by a moderator. Questions cover everything from physics to chemistry to trigonometry. Team members quickly work out the solution, and the first to ring the buzzer with the correct answer wins the round.

Looking back, the members of the team admitted they may have gone into the competition a little overconfident.

"We went in totally unprepared last year and came out third," Rossow said. "We went into this year pretty cocky."

"Maybe a little too cocky," said teammate Nick Cerami, a senior.

They lost one of their first rounds during the morning competition but still had a good enough record to advance to the afternoon playoffs. There, they narrowly beat the Chico High School team in the semifinals - a match that went into triple overtime.

Then they moved on to face Shasta High for the championship.

"That team had already lost one round in playoffs and had to beat us twice to win the title," said Matt Fowler, the team's coach and a science teacher at Foothill.

As the finals began, Shasta High won the first round, making it anyone's game.

"The final round was a nail-biter, with our team winning the title by just one question," Fowler said.

The five team members, Rossow, Cerami, Silver, Brett Hodge and Coulter Knapp - the team's lone junior - plan to continue studying science after high school, each hoping to make a career of it. Most of them hope to become engineers.

"I think everyone here plans on pursuing science of some kind," Silver said.

Rob Rogers can be reached at 225-8217 or at rrogers@redding.com.

Traffic Cameras--Good or Bad?

2009-03-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Redding Traffic Cameras

Posted March 20, 2009 at 00:27 AM

ronlargent

Grand jury:says....

Redding should add more red lightcameras...

.a good reason to live in Redding, CA

By Ryan Sabalow
Originally published 11:59 a.m., March 19, 2009
Updated 11:59 a.m., March 19, 2009

Redding's traffic cameras

• Cypress Avenue and Churn Creek Road

• Cypress Avenue and Bechelli Lane

• Lake Boulevard and Market Street

• Pine and Tehama streets

• Shasta and Market street

In spite of national reports casting doubt about the effectiveness of red-light cameras, the Shasta County Grand Jury recommends that the city of Redding add them to intersections “at every opportunity.”

In its latest report released today, the grand jury touted the use of the cameras as a “phenomenal law enforcement tool” that reduced collisions by 48 percent in the first half of 2008 at the intersections at which they were installed.

Wrecks citywide were down by 21 percent over the same period, the jurors wrote.

“Redding Police Department traffic experts postulate that a primary cause of the dramatic improvements of traffic safety is the presence of red light cameras,” the jurors wrote.

In spite of concerns to the contrary, there’s also been no evidence the cameras increased rear-end collisions at camera-equipped intersections, the jurors wrote.

But the jurors also noted that the cameras didn’t seem to reduce collisions citywide during 2007, the camera’s first year of operation.

The jury also found that costs to taxpayers are negligible, but the cameras so far have generated no revenue for the city.

Taxpayers pay less than $30,000 each year to pay for part-time officers who review the cameras’ videos and photos, shot when a motorist triggers the camera’s in-ground motion sensors.

The $325 fine generated each time a motorist is caught running a light pays for the rest of the program.

In 2007 and 2008, all of the $116,000 the city collected in fines went to Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Redflex Traffic Systems, the company that operates and installs the cameras, the jury found.

Under the city’s contract with Redflex, the company will pay Redflex up to $200,516 in fees before the city can collect any cash.

In recent months, the cameras have drawn national attention as studies have cast doubt on the cameras’ effectiveness while the companies that operate them rake in cash.

Although national studies show fewer T-bone crashes at lights with cameras and fewer drivers running red lights, the number of rear-end crashes increased.

Meanwhile, companies like Redflex expect increased revenue for years to come, while cities around the nation install them them to bolster their revenue streams.

Redflex alone saw after-tax profits of $10.6 million in fiscal year 2008, up from $7.3 million the year before.

Aaron Quinn, spokesman for the Wisconsin-based National Motorists Association, said that there are cheaper safety alternatives to red-light cameras, including lengthening yellow-light times.

“We say, the red-light camera wouldn’t have stopped anyone from getting hit,” Quinn told The Associated Press. “Once (a city) sees one city getting it miles away, and that first city makes a bunch of money, they want to do it, too. It’s like a virus.”

Reporter Ryan Sabalow can be reached at 225-8344 or rsabalow@redding.com...the Redding Record Searchlight

Trader Joe's in Redding -- Finally

2009-03-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's to Redding-Finally!

Posted March 10, 2009 at 01:15 AM

ronlargent

I had the occassion to drive by the new Trader Joe's on Hilltop early Monday....and there they were...lined up for job apps. So finally it looks as if the famous TJ's will be in Redding. If you haven't shopped at TJ's, and you like unusual foods and a great variety, you will love the place. These stores are just fun to go into...if only for an energy bar. In Redding, we are going to be very fortunate to have both TJ's and Orchard Nutrition, which is also a great store, and is locally owned. Here is what David Benda of the Record Searchlight said about the "job opportunities"

Updated: Early morning throng converges on Trader Joe's for applications

By David Benda (Contact)
Originally published 03:51 p.m., March 9, 2009
Updated 03:51 p.m., March 9, 2009

Photo by Andreas Fuhrmann / Record Searchlight

Jon Newland, 17, of Redding, fills out an application at Trader Joe's in Redding on Monday morning. People started arriving at 5 a.m., roughly four hours before the store was to hand out applications.

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Hoping to land a job at the new Trader Joe’s in Redding, job-seekers started arriving at 5 a.m. today — four hours before the specialty grocer was scheduled to start handing out applications.

By 8 a.m., dozens were lined up in front of the Browning Street store, which will open May 1, and the parking lot in the Kohl’s center was starting to fill up.

“I want to have a job that is more of a future,” said 22-year-old Redding resident Jared King, as he sat in his car in the chilly pre-dawn air.

King, who works for a care home in the area, was filling out an application as he spoke. He said he got the application during a recent visit to the Trader Joe’s in Chico.

Company spokeswoman Alison Mochizuki said approximately 1,200 applications had been handed out as of 3 p.m. today. People can pick up applications through Friday. Trader Joe's expects to have everybody hired by the end of this month, Mochizuki said.

Gaylynn Robinson, 51, has been out of work since March of last year, when she quit her accounting job in Oregon to move to Shasta County. Robinson said she and her husband returned to Shasta County to be closer to family.

Despite her qualifications, Robinson said it’s been difficult landing work, adding that she’s either over-qualified or under-qualified. Robinson’s unemployment will run out in May.

“Maybe I can get an accounting job or even a cashier,” said Robinson, who lives in Anderson.

Although getting a job at Trader Joe’s isn’t a first-come, first-served prospect, most in line today said they got up early to show the company they have the initiative.

“Maybe they will hire the guy who was here at 5 a.m., as opposed to the guy who got here at noon,” Daniel Peyton, 22, said.

Peyton works part-time at Round Table Pizza in Redding.

“That’s why I’m here. I’m getting less than 10 hours a week,” the Redding resident said of his pizza job. “My goal is to have a job with more hours than I’m getting.”

Word that the niche grocer would be taking applications has been circulating for weeks. Many job-seekers came to the Redding store last Monday, only be told Trader Joe’s wouldn’t start taking applications until today.

Finally TJ's is here!

Thanks for reading...... www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com

dale Gonyea in Redding, CA on Tuesday

2009-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

At the age of five, Dale Gonyea got up very early one morning and, without a single lesson, spontaneously began playing the piano. His parents were astonished because they did not have a piano. They decided he needed therapy or music lessons. Therapy was expensive. They bought a piano and a career was born.

At ten, Dale saw the movie West Side Story and was furious he hadn't written it. He is a University of Michigan music graduate who now uses the piano as the springboard for his unique humor. It has brought him worldwide acclaim. Named "Classic Comedian of the Year" by a Manhattan radio station, Gonyea is also an Emmy winner, a Clio nominee, and his song-spoof, "I Need Your Help, Barry Manilow" was Grammy-nominated for Comedy Record of the Year. His song, "Has Anybody Seen My Heart?" was featured in the HBO Movie The Girl Gets Moe starring Tony Danza.

He has also written numerous songs for Disney, including the Sport Goofy anthem, "You Can Always Be Number One" and the Genie's song, "Nothing in the World Quite like a Friend" for The Return of Jafar, the sequel to Aladdin. Aside from national jingles, his songs have been performed by Rosie O'Donnell, Kaye Ballard, Ray Stevens, among others and his Cher parody was featured in the hit show Catskills on Broadway.

The Los Angeles Times proclaimed him "heir to the piano-comedy throne" during the run of his solo theater piece, A Twelve O'clock Guy in a Nine O'clock Town. During his subsequent theater piece, An American in Pasadena, thousands were inspired to pull up stakes and move to Pasadena.

Television appearances include Evening at the Improv, HBO Young Comedians, TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes, Paramount Comedy Theater, and as a special musical reporter on Entertainment Tonight.

Among the highlights of his career, he spent an amazing year living in England, performing and writing for a satirical British television show entitled, "etc".

He shared the bill with Dick Shawn at the Pasadena Playhouse and has opened for Crystal Gayle, Glen Campbell, and Andy Williams among others. Recently, he has been touring the U.S. with Broadway on Ice starring Dorothy Hamill. Live appearances have ranged from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas to Trump Castle in Atlantic City to Town Hall in Manhattan.

In his spare time, he ponders life's weightier issues, such as "What makes the sky blue?" "Where does infinity end?" and "What did Ernest Hemingway?"

Foreclosures in Redding, CA

2009-01-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

Quail Ridge Subdivision…..1414 Setter, off of Spaniel, off of Whistling, off of Churn Creek opposite Little Country Church. 4 BR, 2 Bath, 1500 sq ft, great cul-de-sac lot with huge backyard,,,,,$186,000…sold 18 months ago in the high $200’s. OPEN SATURDAY 11-2 pm

Quail Ridge Subdivison….737 Mallard, off of Grouse, off of Browning, near Winco Store…3BR 2 Bath, 1375 sq ft, built in 1994..offered at $184,000. See me at Setter and I can get you into Mallard.

Woodhaven area off of Victor south of Hartnell. 1685 Canter Ct. 4 BR. 2 Bath, 1722 Sq Ft. Great cul-de-sac lot…sold 2 years ago for $344,000….now at $225,000. Victor south from Hartnell to Vega, west to Canterbury, south to Canter, right turn to the home. OPEN SATURDAY 2-4 pm….SUNDAY 1-3 pm.

Cottonwood..almost 10 acres, 3 BR, 2 Bath, 1250 sq ft on 9.7 acres….perfect for livestock on rolling hills. Unbelievable at $174,900. SHOWN BY APPROINTMENT, but vacant, so call me to see it or drive by. Gas Point west 8 miles to left on Shane to 3403 Shane Lane.

Just REDUCED to $110,000 in Enterprise....3/2 1000 sq ft...Bank REPO.

www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com

Hooray for Redding CA Police

2009-01-31T08:14:00.001-08:00

This was in the Record Searchlight paper today...and too good to miss. See www.redding.com for news..

Robbery suspect quickly caught

By Dylan Darling (Contact)
Saturday, January 31, 2009

Photo Gallery

North Valley Bank robbery

Police officers detain a bank robbery suspect this afternoon along Interstate 5 while witnesses identify him. View gallery »

Enlarge photos | View thumbnails

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A bank robbery suspect apparently took a wrong turn and then got caught in traffic before being caught by police Friday afternoon near a freeway interchange.

Police identified the man as Robert Todd Bruce, 48, of Reno, who was booked into Shasta County jail on suspicion of armed robbery.

A second person in the getaway car, Joseph Anthony Tagliamonti, 46, of Phoenix, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and four counts of forgery, Redding police Sgt. Dean Stainberg said.

The robbery occurred just before 2:30 p.m. at the North Valley Bank branch on East Cypress Avenue in Redding. The suspects' car was spotted going west on East Cypress Avenue by a Redding police investigator and officers stopped the car within about 10 minutes of the robbery.

All northbound lanes of Interstate 5 were blocked temporarily when the suspects' car was stopped near Highway 44.

Duane Langshaw, who was riding his motorbike on Wall Street, was a witness to the getaway. He saw a man sprinting from the bank with a blue bag wearing an auburn wig and a green hat.

"He came running with a hat and a wig on," Langshaw said.

He said the man got into a green car with Nevada plates parked on Wall Street and sped away, but, surprisingly, turned east onto East Cypress Avenue - away from the freeway.

The lone gunman who held up the bank was described as about 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with shaggy dark hair, dark glasses and a hat.

"He approached a teller, displayed a handgun and demanded money," said Sgt. Koby Heston of the Redding Police Department.

Heston said the teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and the robber escaped eastbound on East Cypress Avenue in a green car.

But he must have changed direction. Minutes later, the police investigator spotted him near the freeway entrance.

Police arrested the suspect and a passenger in the car after patrol cars pulled them over. The suspect did not resist arrest, and witnesses from the bank were brought to identify the man on the freeway.

"We recovered the handgun and the money," Heston said.

Police later said the firearm was a pellet gun. They also found the suspect's disguise and a demand note.

Sande Blalock, North Valley Bank's marketing director, said she didn't have any details on the robbery but said the bank's employees responded as they were trained to do.

The branch was closed Friday afternoon while police conducted their investigation, she said. Blalock expected the branch to reopen today.

Reporter Dylan

We have moved, and we are having a Party.

2009-01-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

Click here to download a PDF invitation to our grand opening January 22, 2009!

About Redding...the best kept secret

2009-01-07T06:19:00.001-08:00

About Redding

Redding California is nestled at the end of the Sacramento Valley. This hidden California jewel offers immense recreation, living and business opportunities. Located within the city limits is the famous Sundial Bridge , Turtle Bay Museum and the newly renovated Cascade Theatre. Redding is bisected by the world class fly fishing Sacramento River and is close to hiking, camping and boating at Lassen National Park, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and the renowned Shasta Lake Redding is the regional center of Northern California for health and legal services, retail shopping and employment. Located at I-5 and highways 299 and 44, Redding is the hub for all of Shasta County and the gateway to the Trinity Alps and Cascade Recreation areas. Nearby Shasta Lake provides fishing, boating, camping and houseboat rental opportunities.

There are two major hospitals in Redding, Mercy Medical Center and Shasta Regional Medical Center. There are also 15 convalescent hospitals, 32 assisted living facilities and a veteran's outpatient clinic. Redding is also home to a large medical community of Physicians, Dentists and walk-in clinics.

Redding has great schools. There are three major high schools, six middle schools, 46 elementary schools, 4 charter schools, and 30 private schools in Redding. Redding also has five colleges and universities: National University, a four year, private university, Shasta College, a public community college, CSU Chico at Shasta College University Center, Simpson University, a four-year Christian college, Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, a four-year Christian college.

There are many great community events held in Redding each year, Kool April Nites, The Redding Rodeo and famous Asphalt Cowboy's Pancake Breakfast, The Rodeo Parade, The Trade Club's Lighted Christmas Parade and summer favorite Marketfest. The Exchange Club's Air Show is held bi-annually.

Plan your trip to the Redding area in advance with the help of our Redding Area Accommodations Directory. This comprehensive directory includes links and listings to local Bed and Breakfast Inns, motels and hotels. Looking for a great restaurant while you are in Redding? Visit our complete list of restaurants.

See hundreds of Redding, California, and surrounding area Businesses Online, conveniently organized by category and easy to use, helping you to find virtually every business online in the greater Redding CA area and throughout Northern California.

What is Wrong with This Picture?

2008-12-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Redding Makes National News Headlines....and is this ever RIDICULOUS?
OK, so I am reading the USA Today while on vacation on Monday and there in bold California state news it is: "Redding: 85 year old disabled man is the target of Shasta County Environmental Health for Selling Fruitcakes to supplement his social security income". Using an obsolete law, our county "watchdogs" are at it again, spending taxpayers money and wasting a huge amount of time and energy to prevent an elderly, but creative, 85 year old senior citizen from doing something that hurts absolutely no one, namely selling homemade fruitcakes at Christmas to friends, neighbors, and even strangers, without a permit. So big deal. He has been doing this for a number of years and who is complaining? Who has gotten sick? Who is begrudging the "ol fella" a few extra bucks. Well, guess who? It is our ever present not-enough-to-do county employees that, in fact, apparently do not have enough to do to protect our environmental health standards that they have to go out and find this guy. A number of things really bother me about this story, thus this blog.
1. How far do you take this "obsolete law?" Does this say that every "bake sale" conducted by children and youth groups, from the scouts to the local church, can no longer "sell their goods in front of WalMart?" If so, then consistency is demanded, so guess who will be doing this policing and who will pay for this use of county employee time? County employees paid by you and me.
2. How do you determine if the kitchen facility that our elderly gentleman is using to bake the fruitcake is not up to the "standards" required by the Health Department? As we all know, these standards are to a degree subjective, in that all of us have eaten in restaurants that are barely above "filthy and disgusting". When was the last time one of us went into a restaurant restroom that was repulsive, only to read the small scratched over sign "employees wash hands" (expected to do so in the grimy smelly sink)?
3. Not too many years ago, various Farmers Markets sold a whole assortment of various foods, both cooked and raw, and even non-organic that was grown with various fertilizers. In many areas, this has gone on for years, and in many areas still is going on. From breads and cakes to soups and even salads, visitors could go from booth to booth to both sample and buy "home cooked goodies"....all done without any kind of "permitting". Have we ever heard of a disease like Cholera or Hepatitus being contacted at a local Farmers Market? In fact, do you ever hear of someone getting "food poisoning" at a Market? We do hear this said of restaurants that are inspected by the County and "permitted", don't we?
4. Lastly, in the interest of time and space, what really makes this ridiculous is the time, energy, and expense that this kind of activity on the part of our rather highly paid County employees is costing us. Especially when this same department supposedly has such a heavy workload that they cannot get to "approving a septic system plan" for a new home for weeks; cannot do an inspection of a foul smelling and looking well water complaint fin Anderson for days; or cannot review the plans for a lot line adjustment for weeks. This is the department that frequently puts you into voice mail only to call back in 2 or 3 days. Where are their priorities might be a logical question. From this incident, it must be to chase down a handicapped 85 year old fella to check out his "fruitcake". Well, good luck at budget time, as the economy slows and job cutbacks will come.
Again, I ask, what is wrong with this picture? And, it is a shame that this is what gets national news, when we have so much going for us that is never noted, like the quality of life, the tourism, the natural beauty, and the great things that are happening by caring folks on a daily basis. And, I will be criticized by the County leadership that we must have laws, even if they are obsolete, for this brings order to our society. My answer to this is simple....we had plenty of laws to control big business and banking 2 years ago, and look where we are today. I rest my case, and have a good day. Redding Makes National News Headlines....and is this ever RIDICULOUS?
OK, so I am reading the USA Today while on vacation on Monday and there in bold California state news it is: "Redding: 85 year old disabled man is the target of Shasta County Environmental Health for Selling Fruitcakes to supplement his social security income". Using an obsolete law, our county "watchdogs" are at it again, spending taxpayers money and wasting a huge amount of time and energy to prevent an elderly, but creative, 85 year old senior citizen from doing something that hurts absolutely no one, namely selling homemade fruitcakes at Christmas to friends, neighbors, and even strangers, without a permit. So big deal. He has been doing this for a number of years and who is complaining? Who has gotten sick? Who is begrudging the "ol fella" a few extra bucks. Well, guess who? It is our ever present not-enough-to-do county employees that, in fact, apparently do not have enough to do to protect our environmental health standards that they have to go out and find this guy. A number of things really bother me about this story, thus this blog.
1. How far do you take this "obsolete law?" Does this say that every "bake sale" conducted by children and youth groups, from the scouts to the local church, can no longer "sell their goods in front of WalMart?" If so, then consistency is demanded, so guess who will be doing this policing and who will pay for this use of county employee time? County employees paid by you and me.
2. How do you determine if the kitchen facility that our elderly gentleman is using to bake the fruitcake is not up to the "standards" required by the Health Department? As we all know, these standards are to a degree subjective, in that all of us have eaten in restaurants that are barely above "filthy and disgusting". When was the last time one of us went into a restaurant restroom that was repulsive, only to read the small scratched over sign "employees wash hands" (expected to do so in the grimy smelly sink)?
3. Not too many years ago, various Farmers Markets sold a whole assortment of various foods, both cooked and raw, and even non-organic that was grown with various fertilizers. In many areas, this has gone on for years, and in many areas still is going on. From breads and cakes to soups and even salads, visitors could go from booth to booth to both sample and buy "home cooked goodies"....all done without any kind of "permitting". Have we ever heard of a disease like Cholera or Hepatitus being contacted at a local Farmers Market? In fact, do you ever hear of someone getting "food poisoning" at a Market? We do hear this said of restaurants that are inspected by the County and "permitted", don't we?
4. Lastly, in the interest of time and space, what really makes this ridiculous is the time, energy, and expense that this kind of activity on the part of our rather highly paid County employees is costing us. Especially when this same department supposedly has such a heavy workload that they cannot get to "approving a septic system plan" for a new home for weeks; cannot do an inspection of a foul smelling and looking well water complaint fin Anderson for days; or cannot review the plans for a lot line adjustment for weeks. This is the department that frequently puts you into voice mail only to call back in 2 or 3 days. Where are their priorities might be a logical question. From this incident, it must be to chase down a handicapped 85 year old fella to check out his "fruitcake". Well, good luck at budget time, as the economy slows and job cutbacks will come.
Again, I ask, what is wrong with this picture? And, it is a shame that this is what gets national news, when we have so much going for us that is never noted, like the quality of life, the tourism, the natural beauty, and the great things that are happening by caring folks on a daily basis. And, I will be criticized by the County leadership that we must have laws, even if they are obsolete, for this brings order to our society. My answer to this is simple....we had plenty of laws to control big business and banking 2 years ago, and look where we are today. I rest my case, and have a good day.

Adam Christing...a great event..

2008-12-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

Adam Christing....a Great Church Event!

Posted December 07, 2008 at 23:30 PM

ronlargent

We just had Adam Christing at our Church Celebration Event and he was great. If you need a good, clean, funny, and audience interactive comedian-magician...this is your guy. Here is the story on him:

Adam Christing - Interactive Entertainer

As one of the world’s premiere interactive entertainers, Adam Christing has amused, mystified, and delighted more than 3,000 separate audiences across North America.

Hailed as a “meeting planner’s dream”, Adam has become a favorite guest performer, emcee, and after-dinner entertainer for hundreds of the top companies and organizations in the world, including Toyota, Microsoft, Stanford University and scores of others.

Adam became a member of the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at the age of 17. Since then he has been featured on more than 100 radio and TV shows, including Fox News, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News. He’s also been in national magazines and newspapers, including USA Today, FORTUNE, The Chicago Sun Times, The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Adam has been ranked among the top 5 after-dinner speakers in America. Success magazine highlighted him as “one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in America. Business and media expert Michael Levine noted Adam’s truly unique mix of leadership, humor, and creative communication, calling him “one of the most engaging and entertaining presenters in America today.” Adam has a knack for “getting everybody laughing” together no matter how large or small the audience.

Adam is the author of Comedy Comes Clean: A Hilarious Collection of Jokes, Quotes and One-Liners published by Random House, Three Rivers Press. Adam earned a degree in public speaking from Biola University and has been named to Biola’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

Adam is the CEO of Creek Park Pictures, whose vision is “Engaging Ideas On Screen”.

Look for Adam’s first feature film Change Your Life! Adam is the co-writer and co-director of this hilarious “mockumentary” about the wacky world of multi-level marketing, starring Tony Plana of Ugly Betty fame. Adam’s movie will be released in 2008.

Adam is also the writer and director of A Mormon President: Joseph Smith and the Mormon Quest for the White House, a documentary that is currently in post-production.

Adam lives in Southern California with his wife and 4 children.

Lest We Forget

2008-12-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Lest We Forget...a Great Article

Posted December 06, 2008 at 10:37 AM

ronlargent

This was in the Record Searchlight and is a great article...Lest we Forget.

A dying tradition for veterans

7 in Shasta County remain who served during Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor

By Jim Schultz (Contact)
Saturday, December 6, 2008

Photo Gallery

Local veterans

Mike Sotak, 86, is a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association in Redding and served in the U.S Navy from 1940-46. He was on the USS Maryland during the Pearl Harbor attack. View gallery »

Their ranks are thinning with each passing year. But survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are gathering at 9 a.m. Sunday outside the Shasta County Courthouse in Redding to remember the 67th anniversary of that “day of infamy."

“I figure if we get five, we will be lucky," said 86-year-old Mike Sotak of Happy Valley, who served on the USS Maryland at Pearl Harbor during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack.

Once 67 members strong, today Shasta County’s Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 28 has seven active members left. “It’s a time in history that’s passing very quickly," said Don Crandell of Redding, the chapter’s secretary and the son of a Pearl Harbor survivor.

It’s been estimated that 18,000 to 20,000 veterans survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. And although it’s not known how many of them are still alive, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association has a nationwide active membership of about 5,000, about 800 fewer than it had only a few years ago.

Crandell, whose father was captain of the USS Gamble at Pearl Harbor, was an eighthgrader living with his family in a beach house on Oahu when he saw the Japanese planes fly over on their way to attack Battleship Row 67 years ago Sunday.

Crandell, who’s 80 himself and attempted a few years ago to begin a local chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors with little success, says that the days of the Pearl Harbor survivors chapter also may soon be numbered because of its declining membership.

“When it gets down to six we’re supposed to lose our charter," he said. Crandell, who helped to organize the ceremony, says it should be a simple and relatively short affair.

“I can’t imagine there are going to be many people there," because it falls on a Sunday morning, he said. The ceremony will feature a Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guard, a rifle salute, a bugler, and a few prayers and short speeches.

Then, of course, there will be those men who were present during a crucial turning point in world history.

The chapter’s president, Hank Reynolds of Red Bluff, who served on the USS Detroit, will miss Sunday’s ceremony because he is attending the national Pearl Harbor Survivors Association’s reunion in Fredericksburg, Texas.

But those local chapter members expected to attend are Sotak, Van Harrison of Redding, who served on the USS Tennessee; Melvin Fisher of Jones Valley, who served on the USS Whitney; Richard Lamb of Redding, who served on the USS Curtis; Robert McCullough of Red Bluff, who served on the USS Medusa; and Wayne Stamper of Redding, who served on the USS St. Louis. Crandell is the master of ceremonies.

Shasta vs. Enterprise Basketball WOW !

2008-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Shasta vs Enterprise....Great Basketball

Posted December 06, 2008 at 09:47 AM

ronlargent

Last night we got to see a great game of fast and exciting basketball....and I wanted to share the coverage story from the Record Searchlight with you, for it says it all. What a fun night of high school basketball. It doesn't get any better than what we saw on Friday night at the Harlan Carter HS Basketball Invitational.

Wolves beat Hornets, try for first Harlan Carter title since 1999

By John Ryan (Contact)
Saturday, December 6, 2008

The Wolves beat the Hornets at their own game.

In a frenetic-paced contest not for basketball purists, in a back-and-forth tilt stamped "instant classic" - the Shasta High School boys basketball team ignited at home with two minutes to play and burned rival Enterprise 56-54. The win puts the Wolves in the Harlan Carter Invitational championship against Pleasant Valley at 6:30 p.m. today.

They got there by outrunning the notoriously aggressive Enterprise defense, matching the Hornets' stamina and speed with a 12-man Shasta rotation.

And the final two minutes played out like a gem.

The Wolves outscored the Hornets 10-3 over the final 1:50 to fill a 51-46 deficit. Most of the 1:50 rolled off unabated as Enterprise ran out of timeouts with 80 seconds left and the Wolves sat on theirs.

"I thought we were where we needed to be," Shasta coach Bill Callaway said.

Besides, he didn't want to let the Hornets recompose.

"If we didn't break and get something we really got stagnant," Callaway said, praising Enterprise's half-court defense. "We didn't move very well on offense. Some of that's lack of practice time, but they just stuffed us in the half-court game so we didn't want to slow anything down."

Nick Preston owned five of Shasta's final 10 points and scored a game-high 11, counting a big 3-pointer to cut Enterprise's lead to 51-49 and a layup off a steal by Evan Taylor to extend Shasta's lead to 54-51.

The Wolves took the lead on Matt Wayda's go-ahead 3-pointer - his lone score of the game - to make it 52-51 Shasta with 56 seconds left. Enterprise set up the score when it flubbed an inbound pass.

Wayda's crowd-raising 3-pointer set off a chain of events in rapid fire.

Taylor snagged a loose ball and pitched it to Preston to put Shasta up three. Enterprise broke down the sideline and hit Nyjel Buchanan with a long pass. Buchanan dropped a game-tying 3.

Shasta came back up court and Tony Moore drove the lane for two with less than 20 seconds left.

Enterprise responded with a decent look by sophomore Cody Fisher in the corner that found iron.

Ball game.

"I think coming back against a little bit of a deficit is a big thing right there and maybe shows a little bit of what we're capable of doing," Callaway said.

And the two-platoon hockey shift gave the Hornets all they could handle. Shasta ran Enterprise to to the point where it would physically and mentaly lax, then Callaway sent in a new line of guys.

"We want to play like we did the last minute there," Callaway said. "With a sense of passion and urgency that everything is on the line. If we're going to play 12 guys lets get after it and make things happen."

Jovon Cunningham helped keep the Hornets in it early with his clutch 3-point shooting. Cunningham hit four-of-six downtown attempts in the second half.

"Usually I just slide to wherever the open lane is," Cunningham said. "You can feel it. It's all in the rhythm. I'd say after my third three I could feel it."

He scored 15 points, Buchanan added 15 and Anthony Williams scored 13. Shasta's Tony Moore scored 10. Brett LaHorgue added eight.

Reporter John Ryan can be reached at 225-8263 or at jryan@redding.com.

Housing Slips in Redding, CA

2008-11-27T21:10:00.001-08:00

David Benda at the Record Searchlight kind of wrote it all....you can see the full article at the following site:

http://www.redding.com/news/2008/nov/26/area-housing-market-slips-prices-drop-14-over-past/

Redding’s housing market sizzled five years ago when it topped a government index as the fastest-appreciating area in the nation. It was the dawn of an unprecedented real estate run-up that exhausted itself in early 2006. Today, Redding is one of the 40 fastest-declining markets in the same government index. Plenty of other California cities share the same fate. Home values in Redding slid 14.07 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the same three months a year ago, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) all-transaction House Price Index. Prices in Redding — which includes Anderson, Shasta Lake and unincorporated Shasta County — in the third quarter declined 6.63 percent from the second quarter of this year. Over a five-year period, values in Redding have increased 31.14 percent. Redding ranked 256 in the index, which surveyed 292 metropolitan areas

Sarah Palin is still a Winner

2008-11-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Oprah wants her, and so do Letterman and Leno. Fresh from her political defeat, Sarah Palin is juggling offers to write books, appear in films and sit on dozens of interview couches at a rate that would be astonishing for most Hollywood stars, let alone a first-term governor.

Sarah Palin continues to attract huge media interest despite her failed bid to become vice president.

The failed Republican vice presidential candidate crunched state budget numbers this week in her 17th-floor office as tumbling oil prices hit Alaska's revenues. Meanwhile, her staff fielded television requests seeking the 44-year-old for late-night banter and Sunday morning Washington policy.

Agents, including those from the William Morris Agency, have come knocking. There's even been an offer to host a TV show.

"Tomorrow, Gov. Palin could do an interview with any news media on the planet," said her spokesman, Bill McAllister. "Tomorrow, she could probably sign any one of a dozen book deals. She could start talking to people about a documentary or a movie on her life. That's the level we are at here."

"Barbara Walters called me. George Stephanopoulos called me," McAllister said. "I've had multiple conversations with producers for Oprah, Letterman, Leno and 'The Daily Show.' "

Asked whether Winfrey was pursuing Palin for a sit-down, Michelle McIntyre, a spokeswoman for Winfrey's Chicago-based Harpo Productions Inc., said she was "unable to confirm any future plans" for the show.

Palin may have emerged from the campaign politically wounded, with questions about her preparedness for higher office and reports of an expensive wardrobe, but she's returned to Alaska with an expanded, if unofficial, title: international celebrity.

Sen. John McCain plucked Palin out of relative obscurity in late August and put her on the national Republican ticket. Now, she has to decide how and where to spend her time, which could have implications for her political future and her bank account, with possible land mines of legal and ethical rules.

Don't Miss

Palin is considering about 800 requests for appearances from December through 2009, with 75 percent coming from out of state. A year ago, just a sprinkle of requests came from beyond Alaska's borders. They range from invitations to speak at the Chief Executives' Club of Boston, Massachusetts, and to attend a 5-year-old's birthday party, from a prayer breakfast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to a business conference in Britain.

Michael Steele, the former Maryland lieutenant governor who wants to be the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, is seeking face time.

She has invitations to make appearances in 20 foreign countries, typically with all expenses paid, McAllister said. She has more than 200 requests for media interviews, again from around the globe. Watch whether Palin has plans for 2012 »

"She has to pace herself," suggested veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman. "She wants a career made in a Crock-Pot, not a microwave."

In her two months on the national stage, Palin energized the Republican base but turned off moderates and independents, according to some surveys. Flubbed answers in national television interviews raised questions about her competence. She was embarrassed by the disclosure that the RNC spent at least $150,000 for designer clothing, accessories and beauty services for her and her family.

The right book or movie deal could help Palin reintroduce herself to the nation, on terms she could dictate. Watch Palin says she's ready to help Obama »

Although books and movie deals could be worth millions of dollars, it's not clear whether Palin would be able to legally earn it. State rules say she cannot accept outside employment for compensation. But there appears to be little in the way of precedent left by former governors to judge if book deals or lucrative speaking appearances amount to "employment."

Palin has sent unmistakable signals that she is open to running for president in 2012, but to advance her political ambitions, she must stay in the public eye in the lower 48 states.

As with any celebrity, there is the risk of overexposure. At the same time, she'll be under pressure to attend to governing her home state, which is thousands of miles from the rest of the nation.

"She has to deal with the perception that she bobbled her debut," said Claremont McKenna College political scientist John Pitney. "She needs to stay home for a while. If she wants a future in national politics, her No. 1 job is doing a good job as governor."

Shasta College Wins Bowl Game

2008-11-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

SAN MATEO - The Shasta Knights football team won a thrilling Bulldog Bowl today with a final score of 33-31 over the Monterey Peninsula Lobos.

As time was running out, Shasta's Zack Gibbins intercepted a Hail Mary pass to end the game.

Shasta's Blake Arrowsmith caught an 8-yard TD pass from Will Camy with 33.9 seconds left to put the Knights up 33-31. Brandon Boyd missed the PAT.

Shasta had the ball at 2nd-and-goal from Monterey's 8-yard line with 40.1 seconds left in the game.

Monterey Peninsula came back 31-27 with 1:50 left in the fourth quarter of the bowl game at the College of San Mateo campus. Lobos quarterback Brian Reader scored on a 1-yard QB sneak.

Shasta's Ryan Krueger scored on a 46-yard TD run with 5:45 left to play. Blake Arrowsmith missed the extra-point.

With 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Shasta safety Casey Robertson snuffed out a Monterey Peninsula drive by making a diving interception.

With :07 left in the third quarter, Shasta's Brandon Baldwin scored on a 29-yard TD run. Blake Arrowsmith's extra-point was good.

The Knights scored a touchdown with 4:41 left in the third quarter when Arrowsmith caught a 50-yard TD pass from Will Camy. The Knights went for two points and Camy hit Brandon Baldwin in the flat for the 2-point conversion.

The Lobos had gone up 24-6 with 5:23 left in the third quarter after a 31-yard field goal by Monterey's Chris Pinto.

Shasta got on the board after taking the opening drive of the second half in for a score. Ryan Krueger scored on a 2-yard TD run on a toss sweep left. Arrowsmith missed the extra-point attempt.

But the Lobos came back and scored on the kick return. Zachkary Heager scored on the 87-yard kickoff return for with 11:52 left in the third quarter

Monterey Peninsula scored its second touchdown with 29 seconds left in the second quarter. Lobos quarterback Brian Reader threw an 85-yard TD pass to Heager on a great out-and-up play.

Reader pump-faked an out route and Shasta corner Robert Lee bit. Heager then got behind the Knights secondary, got it at the 40 and ran it in.

Halftime statistics for Shasta: Brandon Baldwin has run 11 times for 60 yards. Will Camy is 8-of-10 passing for 50 yards. Blake Arrowsmith has six catches for 28 yards.

For Monterey Peninsula: Ian Hesse has 12 rushes for 66 yards and a score. Quarterback Reader is 10-of-19 for 160 yards and a touchdown pass.

Shasta wasn't able to do much offensively in the first half. Although midway through the second quarter, Shasta's Baldwin reeled off runs of 16 and 25 yards on back-to-back plays, putting the Knights on Monterey's 40-yard line. The Lobos called a timeout with 7:30 left in the second quarter.

Earlier, Monterey running back Hesse ran 31 yards off left tackle for a touchdown with 8 minutes left in the first quarter. Chris Pinto made the PAT kick.

The Knights will return home this evening, probably sometime after 9 p.m.

Buy a Convenience Store in Northern California

2008-11-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

Buy a Convenience Store in Northern California.....Just Listed

We now have 11 Convenience Stores with Gas Stations listed in the Northern California area. Cities include Redding, Anderson, Red Bluff, and Chico, CA.

Stores range from a Chevron on leased ground in great location in Redding for $300,000 to a branded and unbranded station that can be sold together in Redding, CA for $3,500,000.

Stores have both good inside sales and good gas volume, and a number of the stores have a liquor license to go along with a beer and wine license.

Brands include Shell, Chevron, 76, Valero, Beacon, in addition to the unbranded stations.

Various locations and sizes.

E-mail for details, financials, and photos to ronlargent@kw.com

This is the time to buy a Convenience-Mini Mart store, for people are buying gas, buying fast food items, and continuing to make the Convenience Store business one of the best profit businesses in the US.

Business in Redding, CA

2008-11-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Is there any project that's generated so much anticipation while spurring more conspiracy theories than Trader Joe's?

There's enough material here for an Oliver Stone movie.

Of course, Trader Joe's doesn't help by being so reluctant to elaborate every time we report a delay for the Redding store's scheduled opening.

Trader Joe's will open Feb. 1. That was the word in August from the developer who's building the store near the corner of Hilltop Drive and Browning Street.

But a friend told me last week that she was told by a Trader Joe's employee in Chico that the Redding store won't open until at least the summer.

There's a problem with the parking, the TJ worker said.

Parking? The shopping center was OK'd by the Redding Planning Commission in January 2007. The use permit addressed parking.

For the record, this isn't the first time employees at other TJ stores have fanned flames of doubt.

Earlier this year, the buzz was employees were telling folks up here who made the pilgrimage south for their TJ fix that the Redding store was delayed because it was having trouble obtaining its wine and beer license. Never mind that Trader Joe's had already received approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department when this rumor started circulating.

Alas, neither Trader Joe's nor the developer returned my calls last week.

Competition is good

I've lived in Redding for nearly 20 years. Ever since I can remember, the beef has been that there are no decent sports bars in this town.

Now, in the span of two months, two new sports bars have opened here.

In September, Johnny's on California Street downtown was the first out of the gate.

On Wednesday, Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill opened across town on Hilltop Drive, two doors north of Subway. Owner Tyree Bolton started work on converting the former Chuck E Cheese's building into a sports bar more than a year ago.

Bleachers is open daily until midnight and serves lunch and dinner. In addition to some 30 televisions, the bar has video games and pool tables.

Let the games begin.

Zillow alert

The bane of some in the industry, Zillow.com last week released its home value report for the third quarter.

Values in Redding, which encompasses Anderson and Shasta Lake, declined 4.2 percent year-over-year to a Zillow Home Value index of $259,832. That's compared to a nationwide decline of 9.7 percent to a value of $202,966.

Nearly 65 percent of the homes in our area lost value over the past year. That's a veritable real estate boom compared to what's happening in Merced, where values fell 32 percent and 99 percent of all homes have depreciated over the past 12 months.

Coming back to Redding, homes in Shasta Lake have been hit hardest, according to Zillow. Values there dropped 6 percent from the second quarter to the third quarter, and 21 percent compared to a year ago.

Zillow has its detractors, including real estate agents and appraisers, but the site contends its methodology eliminates the bias present in median sale prices. That's because it looks at values for all homes in a region, not just the ones sold.

More Thai food

Racha Noodle is expanding across town.

The popular Thai restaurant in south Redding is opening a second location on Dana Drive.

They will call it 5 Thais Tasty Thai Food and it's in the Metro Anderson Tri Center inside the former The Cool Breeze Yogurt Cafe, which closed earlier this year after more than 15 years in business.

The 5 Thais of Racha Noodle won't give an opening date, only saying the new location is coming soon.

Shasta High School Football

2008-11-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

History is for books.

The 2008 Shasta High School football is bent on writing its own chapter and leaving its own legacy.

The second-seeded Wolves reached their first Northern Section title game in 20 years with a 41-19 win over No. 2 Lassen on Friday at Thompson Field.

"We've all heard the history about Shasta not being able to come up big in the big game," said Richard Stevenson, who had a monster game with a fumble-recovery touchdown. "We know the history. We want to write our future."

The Wolves penned another chapter in the 2008 annals with a 35-point second-half outburst that put away the Grizzlies and earned Shasta a trip to The Ridge at 7 p.m. Wednesday to take on top-seeded Paradise in the Division I section title game.

Shasta's offense sputtered in the first half as four starters sat and starting safety Stephen Somers watched in street clothes.

Somers was injured in an after-practice auto accident that led to stitches in his head and 24 minutes on the sidelines for his cohorts.

"It served as a wake-up call," coach Aaron Gingery said of Somers' injuries and the punishments.

The Wolves gave up a 66-yard touchdown burst to Darren Lee midway through the second quarter that put the Grizzlies up 7-6 at intermission.

But the Wolves, with their cadre of starters back, came out of the locker room and made up for lost time.

"These are an experienced bunch of guys," Gingery said. "I didn't need to yell at them. I drew up a couple of plays, but they did most of the talking."

Shasta held Lassen to a three-and-out before ripping off a three-play, 44-yard touchdown drive.

The Grizzlies would score on their next possession — an 11-play, 70-yard drive that chewed up nearly five minutes — to go up 13-12.

It would be the last time Lassen would see the lead.

The Wolves blitzed the Grizzlies for 21 points in roughly the same time as the final Lassen scoring drive.

Shasta used trickery with a Brooks Beaudette to Matt McCartin to Nick Preston double pass for a 44-yard strike to go up 20-13.

The Wolves then got a huge play from Jordan Tucker, who pounced on an 8-iron lob kickoff at the 20-yard line.

Evan Taylor carried the ball twice, scoring on a 4-yard run to lengthen Shasta's lead to 27-13.

After another Lassen three-and-out, the Wolves got the ball on their 33 and marched 67 yards in seven plays, capped by Taylor's untouched, 48-yard off-tackle scamper.

It gave Shasta a 34-13 lead just into the fourth quarter.

Taylor had 276 yards on 22 carries to move within 30 yards of Jim Tomasin's all-time Shasta rushing mark of 3,115.

With Lassen in a hurry-up offense, the Grizzlies were able to march down the field and looked primed to at least make it a game.

Lassen drove from its 28 to the Shasta 12 in six plays and were about to punch it in when quarterback Quinton Perry fumbled the snap.

Linebacker Richard Stevenson pounced on it for his second fumble recovery of the game and iced the Lassen threat.

Stevenson, a junior who said he wanted step up and take the leadership mantle in Somers' absence, also found the end zone for the Wolves' first touchdown.

"Stephen is our leader," Stevenson said. "Someone had to step into that role.

"I wanted to be that person."

In the first quarter, Taylor ran off-tackle from the 5, but fumbled at the 3.

Stevenson, also an offensive lineman, picked up the ball before twisting and turning into the end zone.

"You can just say 55 was at the right place at the right time," Stevenson said. "I knew once I picked up the ball, I was going to carry two or three people across the line if I had to."

The Wolves now must head to Paradise to exorcise the past — both distant and recent.

This season, Paradise handed Shasta one of its two losses — a 27-19 Oct. 31 loss in Paradise.

The Bobcats haven't lost to Shasta this century.

Compound that with Shasta's title berth drought and the Wolves have a chance to vanquish quite a few ghosts Wednesday.

"I've been here seven years," Gingery said. "We all know the history, but these guys are trying to leave their own mark.

"We expect them to rise to the occasion."

Unemployment in Redding, CA

2008-11-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

When John Nogle was laid off three months ago from his position at the Shasta County Opportunity Center, he knew it would be difficult to find another job.

In that respect, the Shasta Lake resident hasn't been disappointed.

"I'd tell people looking for a job to take whatever's out there - it's slim pickings," Nogle said one recent weekday morning at the Smart Business Resource Center in downtown Redding. "Even if it's a minimum-wage job, it's better than nothing."

Nogle's hardly alone.

Unemployment in Shasta County in October jumped to a 15-year high as continued declines in the construction sector helped spark the increase. Construction jobs in the county last month totaled 3,700, a 21 percent drop from the 4,700 who were employed in the trade in October 2007, the state reported Friday.

Shasta's jobless rate in October was 10 percent, up from 9.5 percent in September and 7 percent from a year ago. Last month's unemployment rate tied October 1994 and was the highest since October 1993, when it reached 10.7 percent.

In Shasta County, there were 8,900 unemployed in October, up from 8,300 in September, and nearly 3,000 more people without jobs in October 2007. The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in Shasta County last month was 2,469, up from 2,039 a year ago.

California's unemployment rate jumped to 8.2 percent in October, the highest rate in 14 years, just as a state fund that pays unemployment benefits was about to run out of money.

State officials are preparing to ask the federal government to step in with a loan on Dec. 1 so they can continue paying jobless benefits to California's now more than 1.5 million unemployed, nearly a third of whom have lost their jobs in the last year.

Shasta County saw year-over-year job gains in farming, manufacturing, local government, and educational and health services.

For Nogle, who's divorced with three school-aged children, job hunting has been mentally exhausting. But he doesn't have time to dwell on his bad luck.

Nogle's rent is $510 a month and he lives on $800 a month in unemployment benefits. He makes about two trips a week to the Smart Center, which has a database of job openings across the state and also helps job-seekers with resumes, cover letters and interview tips.

"It's been pretty hard. I will go to the Salvation Army to get canned goods and make sure we have food on the table," said Nogle, who made $9 an hour at the county before state budget cuts eliminated his job. "I want welfare to be the last resort."

Nogle's 13-year-old son helps out when he can by doing odd jobs like mowing neighbors' lawns.

"I won't let anything get me down - with kids you can't," Nogle said. "I told my oldest that just because you're down right now, doesn't mean it's the end of the world."

Nogle has applied for a temporary position at Sierra Pacific Industries in Anderson. He might find out Tuesday whether he gets the job.

For Sylvia Partridge, who quit her medical assistant job in Medford, Ore., and moved here to be closer to her family, finding job listings aren't difficult. But it's tough landing an interview when as many as 30 people apply for one job.

"It's very competitive," Partridge said while searching for work at the Smart Center.

Partridge applies for about two jobs a week. She's discovered that hourly wages in Shasta County are below what she made in Medford, Ore.

"I left making $13.41 (an hour) and most of the jobs I've applied for are 10 to 12 dollars an hour," said Partridge, who rents a home in Anderson.

Partridge's husband, who works in retail loss prevention, still lives in Medford. The couple's house is for sale but Partridge's husband won't move until she finds a job.

Meantime, she lives with her two children.

"I haven't applied for unemployment. I'm getting by, so it's OK," Partridge said. "I watch what I spend. There's no eating out; we do what we need to do."

Business in Redding..the Winners

2008-11-21T20:12:00.001-08:00

The Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce honored the best in customer service with its annual Hall of Excellence awards.

Two businesses and an individual walked away with top honors Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn.

Redding Veterinary Clinic on Westside Road won first place for service. The business is owned and operated by Dr. Gerald Bond, who has five full-time employees. Bond's dedication to animals is illustrated by the time he donates to the Shasta Wildlife Refuge.

The veterinarian business was established in 1942 by Dr. C.J. Ferreira and his wife, Dorothy.

Penguin Paddlers won first place for retail business. Penguin Paddlers, which sells kayaks and accessories, is owned by Garth Schmeck and is at 3330 Railroad Ave. in Redding.

Schmeck's customers are a dedicated band of paddlers who meet weekly for paddle excursions and travel monthly on outdoor adventures.

Recently, Penguin Paddlers staged the great penguin migration, meeting at the old store and walking 200 yards north to the new location, each customer carrying a piece of equipment.

Individually, handyman Erin Johnson of Erin Johnson Handyman Service won top honors.

Johnson has made a habit of fixing just about anything since his arrival in Redding.

This year, 24 shoppers visited 156 nominees - 96 in the individual category and 61 businesses - over a four-week period.

Fishing in the North State

2008-11-21T20:09:00.001-08:00

Without help, almost two-thirds of the state's native salmon, steelhead and trout could be gone within a century.

That includes seven fish swimming in north state waters, according to a report released this week by California Trout, a San Francisco-based fish and watershed advocacy group.

"They are all in serious danger of extinction," said Peter Moyle, a University of California at Davis ecology professor who wrote the 350-page report.

In danger of extinction in the north state are redband trout on the McCloud River; coho and spring chinook salmon on the Klamath River; and winter, spring and late-fall run chinook, as well as the Central Valley steelhead, on the Sacramento River.

They're endangered by the changes people have made to rivers and the land surrounding them, such as dams and logging, Moyle said.

"Every place has its own different reasons," he said, "but it all deals with how we treat the land and the water."

All of the fish facing possible extinction are indicator species that give warning of problems in the health of their streams, said Curtis Knight, Mount Shasta area manager for California Trout.

"These fish are telling us that something is wrong with those systems," Knight said.

In two of the past three years, he said, only about 50 fish of each species have made it back to the Shasta and Scott rivers, which feed into the Klamath River in Siskiyou County.

"These guys are hanging on by a thread," Knight said.

And there is precedent of extinction in the north state, with the bull trout - which was only found on the McCloud River - declared extinct in 1997.

But there are many habitat-restoration projects around the north state that are under way to help the ailing fish, Knight and Moyle said.

Those include the massive restoration of the Klamath River that would take place after the removal of four hydroelectric dams that block salmon from spawning habitat. Earlier this month, leaders from California and Oregon, the federal government and the dams' owner, Portland-based Pacific Power, announced an agreement in principle to remove the dams by 2020.

Along with restoration work, the California Trout report called for the state to hire more game wardens to enforce laws that protect watersheds and overhaul management of the state's hatcheries.

State scientists who study the north state fish deferred comment on the report to a spokeswoman in Sacramento - Jordan Traverson - who in turn released a typed statement from state Department of Fish and Game Director Donald Koch.

It read:

"We look forward to reading the 100-plus-page report 'SOS: California's Native Fish Crisis,' released by California Trout today. We thank California Trout for their dedication to California's native fish species. We appreciate their support and look forward to engaging them and other stakeholders in finding solutions to further our efforts to conserve the state's valuable fish and wildlife resources."

Life In America...What Happened on This Date?

2008-11-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday, Nov. 21, the 326th day of 2008. There are 40 days left in the year.

On this day in:

1908

J.A. Johnson and father B. Johnson visited Redding on a trip from Olinda. The Johnsons owned a large tract of land near Olinda, which they were selling in small parcels for colonization purposes.

1958

Redding police received vandalism reports from three owners of airships parked at Benton Airpark. Nothing had been stolen, but a radio antenna on one was cut and door locks were sprung on all the planes.

1983

A battle cry had sounded against the north state's marijuana growers. One of the area's most notorious growers was "Dangerous Dan," who supposedly stood 6-foot-11 and weighed between 240 and 290 pounds. When authorities closed in on his camp, he got away, again.

1998

Country singer Merle Haggard played host and mentor to Palo Cedro Cub Scout Pack 85, Den 1, whose members wanted to spend the day fishing. Haggard gave the boys permission to fish on his Palo Cedro property, but they got more than fish. Haggard first gave the boys some lessons on the finer points of angling, then sent them out with personal fishing guide Mike Martin.

Fishing in Northern California

2008-11-21T19:54:00.001-08:00

Fishing In The North State

Posted November 21, 2008 at 22:51 PM