Today, Mo Anderson, Co-Chairman of Keller Williams Realty, spoke to over 300 agents of the Northern California-Hawaii Region of Keller Williams Realty. Agents were attending a 1 day seminar for members of the Agents Leadership Council (ACL) from each of the 33 offices in the Region.
Speaking with passion, enthusiasm, and great energy, Mo rallied the group of top 20% of agents in each office to exceed all previous goals, even in the slowed down real estate market we are currently in. All in attendance agreed this was one of the best sessions ever conducted by Mo, and all furthered agreed that the best is yet to come for the fast growing and exciting Keller Williams Realty company.
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty (ALC Member) in Redding, CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
E-mail me for details and information on Keller Williams Realty...the Company of Choice
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Kids Unlimited
What a night...Kids Unlimited final performance of the season, and what a show it was. With over 100 singers and dancers, these kids were really great, and our hats go off to the show's founder and director Dawn Hess. Kids, in grades 2 through 12, can participate in this energy packed show that has been a center of summer entertainment for 21 years in Redding. From the opening "Dancing Machine" to the final "Push It To The Limit"-Hip Hop, this show was a fantastic tribute to the hard work of the kids, the creative direction of the staff, and the wonderful support from the many parents, grandparents, and kids in attendance.
Next year will be even better, so put this great show on your calendar....you do not want to miss Kids Unlimited in Redding, CA.
thanks,
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
www.ronlargent.com
Next year will be even better, so put this great show on your calendar....you do not want to miss Kids Unlimited in Redding, CA.
thanks,
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
www.ronlargent.com
Stillwater Business Park and Recreation/Tourism
Is Stillwater Park Our Future? Should it be? What about Recreation and Tourism?
We recently read that Turtle Bay “delivers $9.6 million” to the County last year. Not bad for a Park that receives $350,000 from the City each year to attract visitors from near and far. So, how do the “experts” come up with $9.6 mil? A complicated formula, no doubt, but seems to be based on the theory that the income that Turtle Bay generates is equivalent to 233 full time jobs in the area. These jobs would then provide income that would in turn be spent on living expenses here in Redding, which would in turn generate sales tax, property taxes, and a lot of other jobs that would create income, and on and on.
OK, I’ll buy that, to a degree. However, what does this “income” really tell us? It tells me that “tourism pays”. So, why aren’t our City leaders looking at ways to increase tourism/recreation dollars? In fact, maybe the tourism/recreation “industry” would be a good fit for Shasta County? Maybe even as logical to pursue as big industry coming to Stillwater Business Park.
Since my theory of “tourism/recreation” as our major industry will be discussed, down-played, and dismissed by smarter folks, I broadened my thinking to include all of the other sources of recreation/tourism dollars that flow into the City. There is the hotel-motel tax that is paid for every room occupied. Taxes are paid by Win-River and the 3 movie complexes. From Water World to Shasta Caverns, folks pay for this recreation and part of what they pay flows in as tax income to the city. How about the gas tax that is paid to the City, a good portion of that coming from out of town “tourists”. And so it goes. We are talking some “big bucks”, and yet, what are we doing to increase this “industry” if you will?
Stillwater broke ground a few weeks ago, and there was an excitement in the air that we would start seeing new businesses announce they were coming to Redding. We are all hopeful that they will, but will they? Over the past few years, a number of the new businesses, some in manufacturing and hi-tech have come, and gone. My thought is that it could be that we are not looking at the “right business or industry for our area”. Maybe we might consider going after industry that is related to what we seem to be doing pretty well, the recreation and tourism “industry”. Think about it: boats used on our lakes and rivers are built in Oregon, and the equipment used in fishing and water sports is a big business and made someplace, but not Redding. Ski equipment for both water and snow sports are manufactured in various parts of the country, but not in Redding. Bikes for many uses are sold in a number of local stores and come from all over the world, but not from Shasta County. RV’s are sold and repaired here, but are built in Montana or Mississippi. Even swimwear and snow attire could be made here, and the list of recreation/tourism related products goes on. It might be very interesting to be able to go visit the plant where your boat was being built, or see how snowboards or skateboards are made. And, of course, when one company finds that we have a great work force, a reasonable cost of living, and an exceptional quality of life, the word will spread.
Wishful thinking or naivety? Maybe. But the fact that we have all of the uses for these various products within a short distance does make a lot of sense to a manufacturer if only from the shipping and transportation aspect. Certainly makes sense to me to seriously look into this potential industry, especially when we don’t have many others lined up at the gate to get into Stillwater Park. But, just my view.
www.ronlargent.com
We recently read that Turtle Bay “delivers $9.6 million” to the County last year. Not bad for a Park that receives $350,000 from the City each year to attract visitors from near and far. So, how do the “experts” come up with $9.6 mil? A complicated formula, no doubt, but seems to be based on the theory that the income that Turtle Bay generates is equivalent to 233 full time jobs in the area. These jobs would then provide income that would in turn be spent on living expenses here in Redding, which would in turn generate sales tax, property taxes, and a lot of other jobs that would create income, and on and on.
OK, I’ll buy that, to a degree. However, what does this “income” really tell us? It tells me that “tourism pays”. So, why aren’t our City leaders looking at ways to increase tourism/recreation dollars? In fact, maybe the tourism/recreation “industry” would be a good fit for Shasta County? Maybe even as logical to pursue as big industry coming to Stillwater Business Park.
Since my theory of “tourism/recreation” as our major industry will be discussed, down-played, and dismissed by smarter folks, I broadened my thinking to include all of the other sources of recreation/tourism dollars that flow into the City. There is the hotel-motel tax that is paid for every room occupied. Taxes are paid by Win-River and the 3 movie complexes. From Water World to Shasta Caverns, folks pay for this recreation and part of what they pay flows in as tax income to the city. How about the gas tax that is paid to the City, a good portion of that coming from out of town “tourists”. And so it goes. We are talking some “big bucks”, and yet, what are we doing to increase this “industry” if you will?
Stillwater broke ground a few weeks ago, and there was an excitement in the air that we would start seeing new businesses announce they were coming to Redding. We are all hopeful that they will, but will they? Over the past few years, a number of the new businesses, some in manufacturing and hi-tech have come, and gone. My thought is that it could be that we are not looking at the “right business or industry for our area”. Maybe we might consider going after industry that is related to what we seem to be doing pretty well, the recreation and tourism “industry”. Think about it: boats used on our lakes and rivers are built in Oregon, and the equipment used in fishing and water sports is a big business and made someplace, but not Redding. Ski equipment for both water and snow sports are manufactured in various parts of the country, but not in Redding. Bikes for many uses are sold in a number of local stores and come from all over the world, but not from Shasta County. RV’s are sold and repaired here, but are built in Montana or Mississippi. Even swimwear and snow attire could be made here, and the list of recreation/tourism related products goes on. It might be very interesting to be able to go visit the plant where your boat was being built, or see how snowboards or skateboards are made. And, of course, when one company finds that we have a great work force, a reasonable cost of living, and an exceptional quality of life, the word will spread.
Wishful thinking or naivety? Maybe. But the fact that we have all of the uses for these various products within a short distance does make a lot of sense to a manufacturer if only from the shipping and transportation aspect. Certainly makes sense to me to seriously look into this potential industry, especially when we don’t have many others lined up at the gate to get into Stillwater Park. But, just my view.
www.ronlargent.com
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Dan Walters of the Sacramento Bee in Redding, CA
The State of the State, of sorts!
Last week about 80 of us gathered to hear one of the most enlightening speakers in California, Dan Walters. Dan has been a journalist for more than 40 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. At one point in his career, at age 22, he was the nation's youngest daily newspaper editor.Dan joined The Sacramento Union's Capitol bureau in 1975, just as Jerry Brown began his governorship, and later became the Union's Capitol bureau chief. In 1981, Mr. Walters began writing the state's only daily newspaper column devoted to California political, economic and social events and in 1984, he and the column moved to The Sacramento Bee. He has written more than 6,000 columns about California and its politics and his column now appears in more than 50 California newspapers. He has written about California and its politics for a number of other publications, including The Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor. In 1986, his book, "The New California: Facing the 21st Century," was published in its first edition. He is the founding editor of the "California Political Almanac," the co-author of a book on lobbying entitled "The Third House: Lobbyists, Money and Power in Sacramento," and is a frequent guest on national television news shows.
He came to Redding to give our group, Shasta Voices, his views on where California has been over the past 40 years, and where we are now headed economically, socially, and culturally. A most interesting time, as he gave us a “walk through time” from the 1960’s through today. In case we have forgotten what California, and Redding, was like “back then”, here are some of his points.
Traditionally, California was primarily an agricultural and manufacturing state. Santa Clara County was a leading producer of various crops, located right in the middle of what is now Silicon Valley. Fishing played a big part in the state economy from Eureka to Santa Barbara and Ventura County. Logging was a big part of the north state and the Sierra’s, including Redding. Large auto manufacturing areas, like Ford in Fremont and GM in Southern California employed thousands, and the Oakland Shipyard was one of the largest in the nation. Fontana had the largest steel plant on the west coast, and airplanes were built from San Diego to the Bay area. After Korea and Vietnam, the nature of the California economy started to change. Oil fields closed, tire plants in the Central Valley relocated out of state, and chemical plants shut their doors due to environmental concerns. California had some tough years in the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s.
To fill this economic void, and address the changing nature of the state, cities and counties, and the State, reacted by encouraging a “new economy’, and companies like Hewlett Packard, Intel, and Apple Computer emerged, joined by a whole new kind of “industry” called Healthcare. Almost overnight, where there were factories and orchards, we saw housing developments, with all of the trades and services involved with this industry, along with a new group of employees called immigrants. They came from all over to the land of opportunities, bringing with them their culture and traditions, and California started absorbing these folks at a record pace. Jobs were created and the economy was rapidly changing. Overnight, biotech and hi-tech companies sprang up, like Gentech in Vacaville and Google and Yahoo in Mountain View. What had been referred to as “Kansas on the West Coast” was quickly becoming the largest “melting pot in the world”, with population groups like Russians moving to Sacramento and Vietnamese to Orange County. This changing culture caused California to change its education strategy, for languages almost unheard of 10 years before were now being taught in the schools. Change would be, and is, the future of California. like it or not.
Today, California needs to create 250,000 jobs a year, just to keep pace with the growth. Every aspect of our lives, from water to transportation, to land use to healthcare is now an “issue” for the State. How the State deals with change, such as the graying of the baby boomers”, will affect each of us. Every service we receive, from good highways to good healthcare will be a ballot item, and each of us must realize that now, as in the 1800’s, California is still the “destination of choice” for many. The Gold Rush is still with us. Are we ready, is the question. Stay tuned.
Ron Largent
July 20, 2008
Last week about 80 of us gathered to hear one of the most enlightening speakers in California, Dan Walters. Dan has been a journalist for more than 40 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. At one point in his career, at age 22, he was the nation's youngest daily newspaper editor.Dan joined The Sacramento Union's Capitol bureau in 1975, just as Jerry Brown began his governorship, and later became the Union's Capitol bureau chief. In 1981, Mr. Walters began writing the state's only daily newspaper column devoted to California political, economic and social events and in 1984, he and the column moved to The Sacramento Bee. He has written more than 6,000 columns about California and its politics and his column now appears in more than 50 California newspapers. He has written about California and its politics for a number of other publications, including The Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor. In 1986, his book, "The New California: Facing the 21st Century," was published in its first edition. He is the founding editor of the "California Political Almanac," the co-author of a book on lobbying entitled "The Third House: Lobbyists, Money and Power in Sacramento," and is a frequent guest on national television news shows.
He came to Redding to give our group, Shasta Voices, his views on where California has been over the past 40 years, and where we are now headed economically, socially, and culturally. A most interesting time, as he gave us a “walk through time” from the 1960’s through today. In case we have forgotten what California, and Redding, was like “back then”, here are some of his points.
Traditionally, California was primarily an agricultural and manufacturing state. Santa Clara County was a leading producer of various crops, located right in the middle of what is now Silicon Valley. Fishing played a big part in the state economy from Eureka to Santa Barbara and Ventura County. Logging was a big part of the north state and the Sierra’s, including Redding. Large auto manufacturing areas, like Ford in Fremont and GM in Southern California employed thousands, and the Oakland Shipyard was one of the largest in the nation. Fontana had the largest steel plant on the west coast, and airplanes were built from San Diego to the Bay area. After Korea and Vietnam, the nature of the California economy started to change. Oil fields closed, tire plants in the Central Valley relocated out of state, and chemical plants shut their doors due to environmental concerns. California had some tough years in the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s.
To fill this economic void, and address the changing nature of the state, cities and counties, and the State, reacted by encouraging a “new economy’, and companies like Hewlett Packard, Intel, and Apple Computer emerged, joined by a whole new kind of “industry” called Healthcare. Almost overnight, where there were factories and orchards, we saw housing developments, with all of the trades and services involved with this industry, along with a new group of employees called immigrants. They came from all over to the land of opportunities, bringing with them their culture and traditions, and California started absorbing these folks at a record pace. Jobs were created and the economy was rapidly changing. Overnight, biotech and hi-tech companies sprang up, like Gentech in Vacaville and Google and Yahoo in Mountain View. What had been referred to as “Kansas on the West Coast” was quickly becoming the largest “melting pot in the world”, with population groups like Russians moving to Sacramento and Vietnamese to Orange County. This changing culture caused California to change its education strategy, for languages almost unheard of 10 years before were now being taught in the schools. Change would be, and is, the future of California. like it or not.
Today, California needs to create 250,000 jobs a year, just to keep pace with the growth. Every aspect of our lives, from water to transportation, to land use to healthcare is now an “issue” for the State. How the State deals with change, such as the graying of the baby boomers”, will affect each of us. Every service we receive, from good highways to good healthcare will be a ballot item, and each of us must realize that now, as in the 1800’s, California is still the “destination of choice” for many. The Gold Rush is still with us. Are we ready, is the question. Stay tuned.
Ron Largent
July 20, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
President Bush in Redding,CA--What A Day!
Yes, he showed up....The President, George W. Bush....in person. What an exciting day for our little town in the far north state of California. Touching down at the Redding Airprt just after 2 PM, thousands were there to greet him, but unfortanately the tight schedule did not allow for much interaction with the public. All of the state and local politicians stood behind the President as he addressed firefightters and took a good look at the Fire Attack base. Then, after a helicopter tour over the burned areas, he returned to the Airport to honor Boy Scouts active in clearing the Pacific Trail.
At 4:30 PM...off they went as Air Force One headed north out of the airport then turning to the east and south and right over my home in Palo Cedro. What a sight, and what a day.
A first for Redding in that this was the first seated President to visit Redding since John Kennedy when he dedicated Whiskeytown Dam in the early '60's.
Best wishes to all,
Ron Largent The Largent Team Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Connection to the Redding area and the North State
At 4:30 PM...off they went as Air Force One headed north out of the airport then turning to the east and south and right over my home in Palo Cedro. What a sight, and what a day.
A first for Redding in that this was the first seated President to visit Redding since John Kennedy when he dedicated Whiskeytown Dam in the early '60's.
Best wishes to all,
Ron Largent The Largent Team Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Connection to the Redding area and the North State
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Commercial Property in Redding and Northern California
If you are looking for a client that wants to get into the "Convenience Store" business, give me a call. I currently have a number listed, but through cooperating brokers have access to stores from Sacramento, CA north to Oregon.
Stores range from great Interstate locations with branded gas to "off the road" stores both with and without gas.
Inside sales range from$25,000/month to $100,000/month...and gas is similar, depending upon the location.
Prices range from $395,000 without real property to in excess of $2 million with real estate.
So, e-mail me for details, photos, proformas, etc.
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty Redding CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding Area and the
Stores range from great Interstate locations with branded gas to "off the road" stores both with and without gas.
Inside sales range from$25,000/month to $100,000/month...and gas is similar, depending upon the location.
Prices range from $395,000 without real property to in excess of $2 million with real estate.
So, e-mail me for details, photos, proformas, etc.
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty Redding CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding Area and the
Commercial Property in Redding and Northern California
If you are looking for a client that wants to get into the "Convenience Store" business, give me a call. I currently have a number listed, but through cooperating brokers have access to stores from Sacramento, CA north to Oregon.
Stores range from great Interstate locations with branded gas to "off the road" stores both with and without gas.
Inside sales range from$25,000/month to $100,000/month...and gas is similar, depending upon the location.
Prices range from $395,000 without real property to in excess of $2 million with real estate.
So, e-mail me for details, photos, proformas, etc.
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty Redding CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding Area and the
Stores range from great Interstate locations with branded gas to "off the road" stores both with and without gas.
Inside sales range from$25,000/month to $100,000/month...and gas is similar, depending upon the location.
Prices range from $395,000 without real property to in excess of $2 million with real estate.
So, e-mail me for details, photos, proformas, etc.
Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty Redding CA
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding Area and the
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Turtle Bay Brings $9 million to Redding CA Economy
Earlier this week, Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA announced that last year the Park brought over $9 million dollars into the Redding economy. Althought the formula was complex, the reality is dollars did flow into Redding as a result of the Turtle Bay Park and ifs fine exhibitions, museum, and Paul Bunyan Camp for children, young and old.
Maybe Tourism should become the #1 industry in Redding, is now the talk. With a nice variety of both economy and upscale hotels, plenty of restaurants, and being so close to both the major lakes in the north state, Whiskeytown Lake and Shasta Lake...why not?
Stay tuned.
Ron Largent, the Largent Team at Keller Williams Realty
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Maybe Tourism should become the #1 industry in Redding, is now the talk. With a nice variety of both economy and upscale hotels, plenty of restaurants, and being so close to both the major lakes in the north state, Whiskeytown Lake and Shasta Lake...why not?
Stay tuned.
Ron Largent, the Largent Team at Keller Williams Realty
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
President Bush to Visit Redding CA this Thursday
President Bush will be in Redding, CA to see the fires and the damage they have caused this Thursday. The C-17 carrying the helicopters arrived yesterday, along with some support equipment, and the City is preparing for this first visit by President Bush.
In addition to the fires, the President is expected to visit Lake Shasta to get a first hand look at the Martin Mars Water Bomber, a water plane that is used to fight the big fires.
Thanks,
Ron Largent
www.ronlargent.com
ronlargent@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the North State
In addition to the fires, the President is expected to visit Lake Shasta to get a first hand look at the Martin Mars Water Bomber, a water plane that is used to fight the big fires.
Thanks,
Ron Largent
www.ronlargent.com
ronlargent@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the North State
Monday, July 14, 2008
Dan Walters of Sacramento Bee to Speak in Redding, CA
Dan Walters, a syndicated columist and Sacramento Bee reporter-columnist, will be speaking at the Shasta Voices 1st Annual Meeting this Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Shasta Builders Exchange in Redding, CA. Shasta Voices, a 600 member community group concerned with growth and development in the greater Redding area, is hosting this special event, and all members of the community are invited. E-mail me for info and tickets.
Dan Walters is one of the most knowledgeable writers that covers the State political scene, and combines the serious "business of the State" with humor and candid opinions. He is an under demand speaker for he "calls it as he sees it", which can bother many political figures.
This Thursday at 3 PM.....Hope to see you.
Ron Largent The Largent Team www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection in the Redding Area
Dan Walters is one of the most knowledgeable writers that covers the State political scene, and combines the serious "business of the State" with humor and candid opinions. He is an under demand speaker for he "calls it as he sees it", which can bother many political figures.
This Thursday at 3 PM.....Hope to see you.
Ron Largent The Largent Team www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection in the Redding Area
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Dancing With The Stars in Redding, CA
Only in Redding…..A Night For Dancing
What a great night it was at the Cascade Theater in downtown Redding when literally all of the “Stars” came out for the 2nd Annual “Dancing with the Stars-Shasta County Style”. This evening of sheer pleasure benefiting both the YMCA and the Shasta Women’s Refuge got the full house crowd into the night from the very beginning. Last year’s winners, the unbelievable Kathy Babcock and Star DJ Patrick Johnson danced an energy filled swing that thrilled all, and this was just the beginning. With Emcees Christy Largent and John Truitt bringing a high level of enthusiasm to usually mundane introductions, we met the dancers. Stars Chita Johnson from KRCR-TV, DJ Don Burton, Win River’s Tracy Edwards, City of Redding Manager Kurt Starman, County Supervisor Les Baugh, and our own newspaperwoman turned web page dynamo, Doni Greenberg. An exciting and beautiful beginning to a “Night to Remember”.
The Waltz competition showed creativity and originality by all of the couples, and after a short video on what each dance team did in their preparation rehearsals, we got to see the real thing, and were they ever good. The judges, radio personality Linda Regan, public radio host Valerie Ing-Miller, and popular DJ Patrick John, found that each couple had their very distinct style and personality, and the voting was very close for each couple. The audience was taken in by the twirls and the twists, and of course the gorgeous gowns and tuxedos made this competition one of beauty and class. Final dance partners Don Burton and Julie Correia brought the first half to a close with their very impressive individually choreographed ballroom dance style waltz, and the large and energetic crowd went wild. What a night!
Act Two started off with a very well performed Ballroom Dance Exhibition danced and choreographed by area couples that could be considered “professional dancers”. They were perfect in their movements, timing, and style as they danced a variety of dances including the tango, bolero, cha-cha, fox trot, and swing. This was a foretaste of more excitement to come as the evening turned to Disco dancing. Chita Johnson, looking considerably different than when she is giving us weather reports on Channel 7, got this segment off to a huge roar, which is just what she got with her fast and furious disco routine. With her long blond hair, her bright colored outfit, and her sheer energy and excitement, all that could be said at the conclusion of her dance was “Wow, what a dance”!
As with the national TV show, the audience picks the winners, and Shasta Style was no different. The competition was very close and Tracy Edwards and Matt Armstrong took home the 1st place honors. Tracy’s stunning outfit along with her obvious hard work paid off for her in the disco competition and their victory was well deserved.
“Only in Redding’ was a comment I heard as we exited, and yes, that is so true. Only in Redding could we have such a great show with all local talent. Only in Redding where most in the audience knew a number of the dancers so it became a big “family night of fun and excitement”. Only in Redding where we fill the Cascade to cheer on our own “Stars” to benefit the needy along with the youth in our community. Only in Redding where the “Stars” are really the folks we see, work with, and socialize with on a daily basis. Only in Redding do we have “Dancing with the Stars-Shasta Style”, and I am making my reservation for next year now. No way will I miss this great entertainment event.
Ron Largent
July 13, 2008.
What a great night it was at the Cascade Theater in downtown Redding when literally all of the “Stars” came out for the 2nd Annual “Dancing with the Stars-Shasta County Style”. This evening of sheer pleasure benefiting both the YMCA and the Shasta Women’s Refuge got the full house crowd into the night from the very beginning. Last year’s winners, the unbelievable Kathy Babcock and Star DJ Patrick Johnson danced an energy filled swing that thrilled all, and this was just the beginning. With Emcees Christy Largent and John Truitt bringing a high level of enthusiasm to usually mundane introductions, we met the dancers. Stars Chita Johnson from KRCR-TV, DJ Don Burton, Win River’s Tracy Edwards, City of Redding Manager Kurt Starman, County Supervisor Les Baugh, and our own newspaperwoman turned web page dynamo, Doni Greenberg. An exciting and beautiful beginning to a “Night to Remember”.
The Waltz competition showed creativity and originality by all of the couples, and after a short video on what each dance team did in their preparation rehearsals, we got to see the real thing, and were they ever good. The judges, radio personality Linda Regan, public radio host Valerie Ing-Miller, and popular DJ Patrick John, found that each couple had their very distinct style and personality, and the voting was very close for each couple. The audience was taken in by the twirls and the twists, and of course the gorgeous gowns and tuxedos made this competition one of beauty and class. Final dance partners Don Burton and Julie Correia brought the first half to a close with their very impressive individually choreographed ballroom dance style waltz, and the large and energetic crowd went wild. What a night!
Act Two started off with a very well performed Ballroom Dance Exhibition danced and choreographed by area couples that could be considered “professional dancers”. They were perfect in their movements, timing, and style as they danced a variety of dances including the tango, bolero, cha-cha, fox trot, and swing. This was a foretaste of more excitement to come as the evening turned to Disco dancing. Chita Johnson, looking considerably different than when she is giving us weather reports on Channel 7, got this segment off to a huge roar, which is just what she got with her fast and furious disco routine. With her long blond hair, her bright colored outfit, and her sheer energy and excitement, all that could be said at the conclusion of her dance was “Wow, what a dance”!
As with the national TV show, the audience picks the winners, and Shasta Style was no different. The competition was very close and Tracy Edwards and Matt Armstrong took home the 1st place honors. Tracy’s stunning outfit along with her obvious hard work paid off for her in the disco competition and their victory was well deserved.
“Only in Redding’ was a comment I heard as we exited, and yes, that is so true. Only in Redding could we have such a great show with all local talent. Only in Redding where most in the audience knew a number of the dancers so it became a big “family night of fun and excitement”. Only in Redding where we fill the Cascade to cheer on our own “Stars” to benefit the needy along with the youth in our community. Only in Redding where the “Stars” are really the folks we see, work with, and socialize with on a daily basis. Only in Redding do we have “Dancing with the Stars-Shasta Style”, and I am making my reservation for next year now. No way will I miss this great entertainment event.
Ron Largent
July 13, 2008.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
My Day at the Fires with the Salvation Army
A Day with the Salvation Army at the Fire
My day started later, but Major Wayne Wetter, the officer in charge of the Redding Corps of the Salvation Army was up and out of his home at 6 AM. First to the office to be sure that the supply of food and other emergency items were coming in to the Corps HQ, and then he was off to the Incident Command Post (ICP) briefing at the Anderson Fair Grounds. The incident, as we all know now, is the 3 week old fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity Mountains just west of Redding. Split up into a number of fires, the two big ones in our area are the Motion Fire north of Highway 299 just NW of Redding and the Moon fire, due west of Redding in the rural area of Igo and Ono. While at the briefing, he was told that a couple of large vans were needed to haul valuable art and historical items from Old Shasta, and within a few minutes he had arranged to have them driven from the Corps warehouse on Airport Road to Old Shasta, just ahead of one of the first calls for the closing of Highway 299.
I joined Major Wetter at 12 noon and along with a photographer from the Record Searchlight, we headed for Igo, with a load of water bottles, food, and some medical supplies in the back of our van. Arriving at the “Road Closed” blockade at Placer and South Fork Road, the on-duty CHP officer told us of some local folks asking about food and water, along with some nearby residents that were packed into their van there at the roadblock. We, in turn, got out and told all that were in that area that we had set up an eating place and rest center at the nearby Igo Church, and that all were welcome to come there for food, water, cots, and just a place to get out of the heat and smoke. The disabled folks in the parked van immediately took us up on our offer and followed us to the Church.
The Church multi-family hall, which was actually opened and stocked on Thursday, was a “safe haven in the fire area”. Maps put up on the walls by Cal Fire gave all a good indication of exactly where the fire was, where it was headed, and where it had burned. Many in the hall could tell us exactly how close the fire was to their homes, what they left behind, and how much they appreciated the firefighters fighting these giant fires.
Word got to us that there were some folks that had not evacuated that needed water and food, so off we went to try to get to their homes. Some of these folks just wanted to “stick it out”, and in one home that we aided, they had previously prepared their property with plenty of hoses, and large open areas between the trees and the buildings. But, they could not get in or out, for once they left their place, they would not be allowed back in. With their many animals, the choice to stay was easy for them. This is a tough call for Cal Fire, for, in this case, they were probably OK, but for others, such as those on Zogg Mine Road, the fire could easily overtake them and their property.
We then got the word that some folks in Ono were stranded, so off we went. The Ono Store, which is almost the “city hall” for this remote and rural community, was the meeting place at that time, and we ran into Sheriff Tom Bosenko and the Cal Fire Public Information people. Apparently a number of folks in this area had been complaining about their “evacuation situation”, and wanted to see the Sheriff. Tom, a personal friend of mine, did a super job of explaining the “why’s” of evacuation, and, although not all would agree with him, it was clear that his driving interest was for the safety of both life and property. We took a list from the store of “needed items” that they had run out of (bread, milk, baby food, etc), in that the store owners could not leave, and we would get it back to them in the late afternoon.
We headed back to Redding and the Corps HQ; the Major checked in with the ICP to see if we were needed at the Motion Fire; then we started filling the van with supplies to go back out to the Igo Church and the Ono Store. The Major got home at 9 PM. What a day, and it would start over again Saturday morning.
Some observations: (1) The Cal Fire Team is very well organized, and keeps hourly progress reports available on all of the fires. (2) The Road Closures are necessary, although very inconvenient for many, for the fire and other emergency vehicles, such as PG&E crews, need to have open roads to do their jobs.(3) The general attitude of both those folks that have been evacuated and those from the community that are just helping is just wonderful. There are some that are very upset with having to leave their homes, which is understandable, but then a much larger group that is just thankful that the fire did not get them. And lastly the overall feeling that when a disaster strikes, like these fires, the real spirit of helping others comes through “loud and clear”. “A Caring People” clearly shows, and I was so proud to be part of these folks lives at this difficult time.
Ron Largent
July 12, 2008
Redding, CA
Salvation Army Advisory Board President
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
My day started later, but Major Wayne Wetter, the officer in charge of the Redding Corps of the Salvation Army was up and out of his home at 6 AM. First to the office to be sure that the supply of food and other emergency items were coming in to the Corps HQ, and then he was off to the Incident Command Post (ICP) briefing at the Anderson Fair Grounds. The incident, as we all know now, is the 3 week old fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity Mountains just west of Redding. Split up into a number of fires, the two big ones in our area are the Motion Fire north of Highway 299 just NW of Redding and the Moon fire, due west of Redding in the rural area of Igo and Ono. While at the briefing, he was told that a couple of large vans were needed to haul valuable art and historical items from Old Shasta, and within a few minutes he had arranged to have them driven from the Corps warehouse on Airport Road to Old Shasta, just ahead of one of the first calls for the closing of Highway 299.
I joined Major Wetter at 12 noon and along with a photographer from the Record Searchlight, we headed for Igo, with a load of water bottles, food, and some medical supplies in the back of our van. Arriving at the “Road Closed” blockade at Placer and South Fork Road, the on-duty CHP officer told us of some local folks asking about food and water, along with some nearby residents that were packed into their van there at the roadblock. We, in turn, got out and told all that were in that area that we had set up an eating place and rest center at the nearby Igo Church, and that all were welcome to come there for food, water, cots, and just a place to get out of the heat and smoke. The disabled folks in the parked van immediately took us up on our offer and followed us to the Church.
The Church multi-family hall, which was actually opened and stocked on Thursday, was a “safe haven in the fire area”. Maps put up on the walls by Cal Fire gave all a good indication of exactly where the fire was, where it was headed, and where it had burned. Many in the hall could tell us exactly how close the fire was to their homes, what they left behind, and how much they appreciated the firefighters fighting these giant fires.
Word got to us that there were some folks that had not evacuated that needed water and food, so off we went to try to get to their homes. Some of these folks just wanted to “stick it out”, and in one home that we aided, they had previously prepared their property with plenty of hoses, and large open areas between the trees and the buildings. But, they could not get in or out, for once they left their place, they would not be allowed back in. With their many animals, the choice to stay was easy for them. This is a tough call for Cal Fire, for, in this case, they were probably OK, but for others, such as those on Zogg Mine Road, the fire could easily overtake them and their property.
We then got the word that some folks in Ono were stranded, so off we went. The Ono Store, which is almost the “city hall” for this remote and rural community, was the meeting place at that time, and we ran into Sheriff Tom Bosenko and the Cal Fire Public Information people. Apparently a number of folks in this area had been complaining about their “evacuation situation”, and wanted to see the Sheriff. Tom, a personal friend of mine, did a super job of explaining the “why’s” of evacuation, and, although not all would agree with him, it was clear that his driving interest was for the safety of both life and property. We took a list from the store of “needed items” that they had run out of (bread, milk, baby food, etc), in that the store owners could not leave, and we would get it back to them in the late afternoon.
We headed back to Redding and the Corps HQ; the Major checked in with the ICP to see if we were needed at the Motion Fire; then we started filling the van with supplies to go back out to the Igo Church and the Ono Store. The Major got home at 9 PM. What a day, and it would start over again Saturday morning.
Some observations: (1) The Cal Fire Team is very well organized, and keeps hourly progress reports available on all of the fires. (2) The Road Closures are necessary, although very inconvenient for many, for the fire and other emergency vehicles, such as PG&E crews, need to have open roads to do their jobs.(3) The general attitude of both those folks that have been evacuated and those from the community that are just helping is just wonderful. There are some that are very upset with having to leave their homes, which is understandable, but then a much larger group that is just thankful that the fire did not get them. And lastly the overall feeling that when a disaster strikes, like these fires, the real spirit of helping others comes through “loud and clear”. “A Caring People” clearly shows, and I was so proud to be part of these folks lives at this difficult time.
Ron Largent
July 12, 2008
Redding, CA
Salvation Army Advisory Board President
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
A day with the Salvation Army at the Moon Fire
It started at 6 AM for Major Wayne Wetter of the Redding Salvation Army.....it ended at 10 PM at night....
From checking on food supplies at the Corps office at 6...he was off to the Incident Command Post morning briefing, only to find out that Cal Fire needed additional vehicles to remove the artifacts from the Shasta Historical Park in Old Shasta, CA. Within minutes, the large semi from the Salvation Army was on the scene....being loaded with valuables from years past, many actual items from the great gold rush that overran this area in the 1800's.
Back to the Corps office to meet with the newspaper photographer who wanted to go with the Major to see the "actual situation" in the Moon fire area of Igo and Ono, 2 isolated areas just 15 miles west of Redding and in the foothills of the Trinities.
This is how it started at noon...and for the next 4 hours....one story after another, which I will relate in subsequent blogs as time allows, for I went along to see for myself The Salvation Army in action.
Best wishes,
Ron Largent, Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding CA area....
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
From checking on food supplies at the Corps office at 6...he was off to the Incident Command Post morning briefing, only to find out that Cal Fire needed additional vehicles to remove the artifacts from the Shasta Historical Park in Old Shasta, CA. Within minutes, the large semi from the Salvation Army was on the scene....being loaded with valuables from years past, many actual items from the great gold rush that overran this area in the 1800's.
Back to the Corps office to meet with the newspaper photographer who wanted to go with the Major to see the "actual situation" in the Moon fire area of Igo and Ono, 2 isolated areas just 15 miles west of Redding and in the foothills of the Trinities.
This is how it started at noon...and for the next 4 hours....one story after another, which I will relate in subsequent blogs as time allows, for I went along to see for myself The Salvation Army in action.
Best wishes,
Ron Largent, Keller Williams Realty in Redding, CA
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the Redding CA area....
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Friday, July 4, 2008
Fire Center in Shasta County
So What’s Involved in Fighting Fires?
Last Thursday morning I was going to a business meeting which happened to be next door to the Shasta Fairgrounds in Anderson. As I approached the area, I was met with more fire trucks and fire vehicles than I had ever seen in one place, and it dawned on me, “this is the base for the firefighting”, duh!
As soon as my meeting was over, the “little boy in me”, plus my curiosity took over, and I had to find out more about these fire trucks and what was going on at the ICP (Incident Command Post). For the next 30 minutes I was given an informal briefing on what is involved in fighting these massive fires that have been burning for two weeks. I came away overwhelmed.
First, the entire effort is like a military operation. The ICP in Fusaro Hall is turned into a bustling action center with the walls filled with maps and charts and the 50 tables lining the big room staffed by black and tan uniformed Cal Fire personnel scanning reports and more maps, joined by other fire folks from various fire departments, all supported by the Sheriff’s department from the effected areas. With communication devices (radios and phones) going off and the general atmosphere of both tension and excitement very much present, it became obvious very quickly that this entire effort was extremely well organized and that all of the components involved in the fire fighting were working together in the most professional and cooperative ways possible.
So what are the components that make up an operation like this, called the Shasta and Trinity Lightning Incident? Well, it starts with CAL FIRE, the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States. CDF - CAL FIRE Firefighters answer the call more than 300,000 times a year. CAL FIRE Firefighters make up the fire department for 30 of our 58 counties in California and more than 100 local communities. It serves as the incident command (ICP) during many of California’s most serious disasters. CAL FIRE Firefighters respond to many various types and forms of calls ranging from structural fires, to auto accidents, to earthquakes, to floods, to the spilling of hazardous materials, to every conceivable disaster.
There are a total of 1840 Cal Fire personnel assigned to this “incident”. They function in everything from the ICP to the crews directly working the fire. Almost all of these folks come from outside our area, some from as far away as the San Diego and Washington State, and for the duration of the fire, the fairgrounds becomes their “home away from home”. Many of the personnel stay in tents scattered around the fairgrounds, with many others staying in local hotels. If you wonder why we have had some “no vacancies” at local hotels recently, this is part of the answer. Each morning and evening, private contract services provide complete meals, and then each firefighter is given a bag lunch, which has to hold them until they return for dinner, sometimes as late as 8 PM at night. Those in the hotels patronize local facilities, such as restaurants and stores, as time allows, so we see them in various locations around town in the evenings or when they are on break. Days off are not part of the job description during the Incident. The number of vehicles, along with the fuel used, which is purchased locally, changes from day to day as the situation demands, but as of this week, 225 fire engines, 54 water tenders, 56 dozers, 9 helicopters, 4 fixed wing planes, and 20 hand crews are involved in the Incident. In addition, National Guard helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, along with a Army National Guard bulldozer team are all assisting in the effort. At least 20 local, state, national and private agencies are part of this operation. The cost of the entire effort is huge, as is the entire undertaking… an understatement.
Well, needless to say, I was impressed. Up until now, I would hear and read about firefighting efforts, and how homes were saved; how fire crews would start one fire to stop another; and how the planes would assist the ground crews. Now I appreciate so much the organization and planning that goes into the effort that we see happening right in our area to protect our land and our lives. Thanks to all that are involved. We owe you a big one!
Ron Largent
Last Thursday morning I was going to a business meeting which happened to be next door to the Shasta Fairgrounds in Anderson. As I approached the area, I was met with more fire trucks and fire vehicles than I had ever seen in one place, and it dawned on me, “this is the base for the firefighting”, duh!
As soon as my meeting was over, the “little boy in me”, plus my curiosity took over, and I had to find out more about these fire trucks and what was going on at the ICP (Incident Command Post). For the next 30 minutes I was given an informal briefing on what is involved in fighting these massive fires that have been burning for two weeks. I came away overwhelmed.
First, the entire effort is like a military operation. The ICP in Fusaro Hall is turned into a bustling action center with the walls filled with maps and charts and the 50 tables lining the big room staffed by black and tan uniformed Cal Fire personnel scanning reports and more maps, joined by other fire folks from various fire departments, all supported by the Sheriff’s department from the effected areas. With communication devices (radios and phones) going off and the general atmosphere of both tension and excitement very much present, it became obvious very quickly that this entire effort was extremely well organized and that all of the components involved in the fire fighting were working together in the most professional and cooperative ways possible.
So what are the components that make up an operation like this, called the Shasta and Trinity Lightning Incident? Well, it starts with CAL FIRE, the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States. CDF - CAL FIRE Firefighters answer the call more than 300,000 times a year. CAL FIRE Firefighters make up the fire department for 30 of our 58 counties in California and more than 100 local communities. It serves as the incident command (ICP) during many of California’s most serious disasters. CAL FIRE Firefighters respond to many various types and forms of calls ranging from structural fires, to auto accidents, to earthquakes, to floods, to the spilling of hazardous materials, to every conceivable disaster.
There are a total of 1840 Cal Fire personnel assigned to this “incident”. They function in everything from the ICP to the crews directly working the fire. Almost all of these folks come from outside our area, some from as far away as the San Diego and Washington State, and for the duration of the fire, the fairgrounds becomes their “home away from home”. Many of the personnel stay in tents scattered around the fairgrounds, with many others staying in local hotels. If you wonder why we have had some “no vacancies” at local hotels recently, this is part of the answer. Each morning and evening, private contract services provide complete meals, and then each firefighter is given a bag lunch, which has to hold them until they return for dinner, sometimes as late as 8 PM at night. Those in the hotels patronize local facilities, such as restaurants and stores, as time allows, so we see them in various locations around town in the evenings or when they are on break. Days off are not part of the job description during the Incident. The number of vehicles, along with the fuel used, which is purchased locally, changes from day to day as the situation demands, but as of this week, 225 fire engines, 54 water tenders, 56 dozers, 9 helicopters, 4 fixed wing planes, and 20 hand crews are involved in the Incident. In addition, National Guard helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, along with a Army National Guard bulldozer team are all assisting in the effort. At least 20 local, state, national and private agencies are part of this operation. The cost of the entire effort is huge, as is the entire undertaking… an understatement.
Well, needless to say, I was impressed. Up until now, I would hear and read about firefighting efforts, and how homes were saved; how fire crews would start one fire to stop another; and how the planes would assist the ground crews. Now I appreciate so much the organization and planning that goes into the effort that we see happening right in our area to protect our land and our lives. Thanks to all that are involved. We owe you a big one!
Ron Largent
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
4th of July Freedom Festival Cancelled
If you haven't heard, the 4th of July celebration in Redding, CA...one of the highlights of the year in that it is usually a huge 30 minute show funded by the McConnell Foundation, has been cancelled due to the fire danger and the still smoky skies in Northern California.
Word is that it will be rescheduled in August.
But, in the meantime, best wishes for a Happy 4th whereever you are.
Ron Largent
The Largent Team
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the North State
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
Word is that it will be rescheduled in August.
But, in the meantime, best wishes for a Happy 4th whereever you are.
Ron Largent
The Largent Team
Your Commercial Real Estate Connection to the North State
www.ronlargent.com ronlargent@kw.com
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