REDDING LIFESTYLES Category
Study Concludes Walkability Adds Value To Homes
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
A recent report by Joe Cortright of Impresa, Inc concluded homes located in areas with above-average levels of walkability garner about $4,000-$34,000 more than houses with average levels of walkability. Walkablity is defined as those areas with a mix of common daily shopping and social destinations within a short distance.
Unfortunately, few, if any, Redding neighborhoods can claim above-average walkability. Retail/commercial areas were intentionally located away from residential housing due to planning decisions made decades ago. Thus, Redding has grown outward requiring more roads, infrastructure, fire stations and police officers to adequately serve our ever-expanding city limits . This growth pattern is known as urban sprawl.
Redding planners unquestionably laid out the city to be auto-centric. One must hop in the car to grocery shop, find a hardware store or visit a restaurant. Only in recent years has the planning department seen the value of allowing residential uses above commercial space. Past planning has resulted in the city core becoming a ghost town after business hours. Workers must leave downtown for one of many subdivisions that sprawl outward from the city’s core in all directions. Patronizing a business requires staying in town after work or making another vehicle trip back into town after going home. More recently, planners are open to mixing residential and commercial uses. Where feasible, living units can be added over street level commercial space. I heard, but have not confirmed, new buildings under construction downtown have residential units on the upper floor.
The study also found that a value premium for walkability was higher in areas with extensive transit systems. If you can live somewhere where having a car is optional, the walkability premium is higher. Even if you still have to use a car to get where you want to go, commute times are shorter if you live close to areas with mixed uses instead of homogeneous subdivisions with mazes of streets that discourage walking. I live in one of those neighborhoods and doubt I would visit the park I can see from my home if I had to walk the labyrinth of streets to get there. Fortunately, I have a gate in my back fence that opens across the street from the park.
The health benefits of walkingare not the main motivation of households that buy homes in areas with high walkability scores according to the study. City planners have given walking little respect when considering transportation methods. That certainly seems to be the case here in Redding. Change will be slow as long as gas prices are painless and public transportation is inconvenient. Connecting and expanding walking trails around Redding may encourage walkers and bicyclists to leave their cars in the garage. Summer and winter weather will likely be a deterrent for all but the most dedicated anti-auto crowd.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Cool Trinity Alps Camping Spot
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
Big Flat Camp Ground Trinity County
The ruggedly beautiful Trinity Alps are largely inaccessible except for those willing to strap on a pack and hike for miles and miles to reach the namesake granite peaks. One campground I frequent is situated adjacent to wilderness near the heart of the Alps. It serves as a starting point for hikers and horse packers heading to Caribou Lakes, Packers Peak, Tri-Forest Peak and Red Rock Mountain and points beyond.
Big Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Coffee Creek Road. Technically, the road continues a couple more miles to some private residences below Josephine Lake, but the campground is the last place the public can access. This campground has several unique features:
- At over 5000′ elevation, this spot offers a cool respite from summer heat common to lower elevation campgrounds
- A little known spring on a hillside below the campground offers plenty of fresh cool water for hikers and campers
- Trailheads heading north, east, west and south to wilderness areas in the Trinity and Salmon Mountains
- Cool clean swimming opportunities near the headwaters of the Salmon River just below the campground
- Best of all-camping is FREE
Horse packers help keep the campground clean and well stocked with firewood. Most campsites have a fire pit and firebox. Keep in mind campers must pack out there own garbage and pit toilets are the only facilities available.
To get there, follow Hwy 3 north from Weaverville to Coffee Creek Road, head west to the end of the road (about 15 miles). The first 5 miles or so of Coffee Creek Road is paved then the road turns to dirt and is very rough in places. 4WD is not required but a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
This is one of the best spots I’ve found for camping in the Northern California area. Contact me for additional information if you’re planning a trip!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Shasta County School Superintendent Briefs Realtors
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR BUYERS
Tom Armelino, Superintendent of Shasta County Schools, addressed Realtors recently about the state of our public schools. He presented considerable statistical information about our schools and some of the challenges ahead sparked by the state’s budget crisis.
Here are some of the facts he discussed:
- Ethnic distribution for Shasta County schools-78% white, 8% hispanic, 6% African American, 3% Asian, 5% other
- 13% of students have learning disabilities
- 27,267 students-13% less than just a few years ago
- 25 school districts
- School districts range in size from 9 to 5,015 pupils
- 43 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle/Junior High Schools, 8 High Schools, 13 Charter Schools, 5 Continuation Schools, 1 ROP School
- 22 private Schools with 3,342 students
- 2275 students enrolled in Charter Schools
- 21 out of 25 Shasta County School districts have declining enrollments since 2005
- 1400 home study students in the county
Reasons cited for declining enrollment incude:
- Decline in birth rate
- Welfare Reform-some forced to move to larger cities for employment
- Housing Market-soaring home costs have forced families to leave the area
The school district loses $8,000/student/year for each student that does not enroll. Despite lost revenues, Shasta County school students continue to score better on math and reading tests over the past three years. The number of students taking advanced classes has increased significantly as well.
Tom stated the Academic Performance Index (API) is the best index for comparing schools. Overall, the state index is 728. The average in Shasta County is 781. Only 2 schools in Shasta County are below 700. Only 8% of our schools had an API above 800 in 1999; now it’s 74%!
Bottom line: Our schools are outperforming the state average for the most part despite large funding cuts to the county. Good job students and teachers!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Date For Community Creek Clean-up Set
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
Ken Murray sprouted the idea of having volunteers spend a few hours each fall clearing trash from local streams that empty into the Sacramento River. The first year focused on Churn Creek from Shasta Lake City to the confluence with the Sacramento River near Anderson. The second year targeted streams in West Redding including Jenny Creek from Mary Lake to the Sacramento River and Caboose Creek. Last year volunteers returned to Churn Creek and Clover Creek in the eastern portion of Redding.
This year, October 3rd from 8am-noon, has been designated the clean-up day and the Sacramento River Trail area will be the area receiving a thorough cleaning. Local service clubs and the Coastal Commission are getting involved to clear brush between the trail and river.
Volunteers gather early in the morning at designated staging areas where they are briefed on safety, provided gloves and bags then directed to a segment of the clean-up locale. Once the area has been scoured for trash, volunteers meet at a designated spot for a complimentary lunch and swim if weather permits. Last year, The McConnell Foundation donated most of the food and beverages to feed the volunteers.
Years past have seen as many as 700 volunteers though last year it was less than 400. Anyone interested in 
participating this year should visit the following website for sign-ups and liability waivers:
My wife and I have volunteered since the program’s inception and plan to be there again this year. Consider giving something back to our wonderful community by volunteering a few hours of your time. You will feel good about your efforts and our downstream neighbors will appreciate our help prior to the arrival of winter storms.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Mary Lake Beaver Dams Rebuilt
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
Despite the mysterious deaths of at least 5 beavers since the beginning of the year that called Mary Lake home, dams have been rebuilt at the inlet and outlet of Mary Lake. Although I have not laid eyes on the beaver or beavers that survived the natural or unnatural deaths that took so many from this clan, their busy works speaks for itself.
A freak thunderstorm in early June washed out their dams but they have been replaced and continue to be reinforced as weeks go by. The beaver den on the west shore remains intact and appears to be in good repair.
No news reports from the Record-Searchlight yet on the necropsy of one of the beavers found dead in the pond in early spring. Likewise, no sightings of the teenagers seen bludgeoning water fowl and a beaver by one Mary Lake resident while walking the park trail. Another theory floated was river otters invaded the lake and killed the resident beavers. I did see an otter in the lake munching on a big fish last winter lending weight to this theory.
We may never know the who, what and why of these critters demise but it’s nice to know there is at least one or more survivors living on to the delight of Mary Lake residents!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
ACN:Pyramid Scheme or Exciting Biz Op?
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
In the past few weeks, I have been approached by two respected colleagues inviting me to attend an informational meeting about a business opportunity. When I tried to coax details from the two, they were evasive. However, I did get the company name which allowed me to do some research on the Internet.
ACN, American Communications Network, appears to be a global corporation selling communication products including phone and satellite TV services. For $499 buy in, you can then sell products and services to family, friends and clients. Why the buy in fee? According to those that have joined, it’s a necessary fee to assure you will be committed to pushing the product.
The hook is the residual income you will earn every time someone you have sold the services to makes a call or runs up their communications bill. Who wouldn’t want to make income off their friends, family and clients while they sleep? Well, not me for one.
I looked up ACN on http://www.ripoffreport.com/ and wasn’t excited about what I saw. First, their is the three minute video done by a SoCal TV station investigative reporter that talked to current and ex members of this company. The interview he did with ACN’s attorney was particularly telling. Click here to watch:
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/investigative/ACN_Good_Opportunity_or_Pyramid_Scheme_20091129
Google ACN and you will get a mix of information from ACN, members and others calling it nothing more than a multilevel marketing scheme. I suggest before you write a check, do some research and decide for yourself if ACN is a legitimate way to make thousands upon thousands per month or if this is a scam that will soon run out of steam and implode when no new recruits pay the piper.
I would also recommend reviewing some of the posts on Ripoffreports.com concerning what happens if you terminate your phone service early. It could cost you a whole lot more than the sign up fee!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALSGMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Earth Day Arrives April 22nd
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
The first official Earth Day was celebrated on the March equinox by the United Nations in 1969. Another Earth Day was started the following year by US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. April 22 is the date Earth Day is celebrated every year during spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Senator Nelson used the day to have a “teach in” to focus on the impact of population growth. The grassroots effort coincided with a strong push towards “Zero Population Growth”.
UN Secretary-General U Thant supported this global initiative and on Feb. 26, 1971 signed a proclamation worth noting that said:
May there only be peaceful and cheerful Earth Days to come for our beautiful Spaceship Earth as it continues to spin and circle in frigid space with its warm and fragile cargo of animate life.
Today, Earth Day is a celebration of political support for an environmental agenda. Senator Nelson was inspired by a visit to Santa Barbara after the horrific oil spill in 1969. He went back to Washington and passed a bill designating April 22nd as a national day to celebrate the earth. Today, millions of people celebrate Earth Day or Earth Week worldwide.
Many colleges and government agencies have developed programs to engage citizens in environmental projects in their communities during Earth Day or Earth Week. The California State Parks Foundation has developed a Earth day Restoration and Cleanup Program.
Click here for more information: http://www.calparks.org/programs/earth-day
My wife and I have become involved with Redding’s Adopt-A-Park Program and help keep one park clean year round. The city has found many sponsors since starting the program 2 1/2 years ago but there are still parks and trails in need of adoption. 15 of the 33 parks in the program still need a sponsor. They include:
- Minder Park and Trail in the Edgewood neighborhood
- Alta Mesa/ Western Oaks Park in Enterprise
- Clover Creek Park/ Hawn Park near Starview Estates
- Creekside Park in South Redding
- Ridgeview Park in West Redding
- Vista Ridge Park in North Redding
Of the 12 trails up for adoption, only two remain available:
- Old 99 Trail
- Palatine Trail
A new trail will be available for adoption once the Sacramento River Trail is extended to the Hwy 44/Hilltop Drive area.
Visit the Redding Community Services department at the following link for details:
http://www.ci.redding.ca.us/CommunityServices/adopt.html
Make Earth Day Earth Year by adopting and caring for a small slice of this beautiful place we call home!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Turtle Bay Looking For Friends
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
Some locals bash Turtle Bay for being a financial burden to the city. Perhaps that is why a campaign has been launched for the silent majority to show their support for this local museum. It could also be a way for Turtle Bay to build a list of possible prospects for future membership. In any case, Turtle Bay would like advocates to sign up for free to “demonstrate that large numbers of people in this community care about the continued operation and public funding of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.”
They would like the public to voice their support and encourage their friends to do the same. They also are encouraging supporters to write letters to the editor, talk to local elected officials and spread the word about positive experiences they have had at Turtle Bay.
I have noticed several Redding.com commenters consistently bashing Turtle Bay, The Sundial Bridge, Big League Dreams and City Hall every opportunity they get. They claim these new additions to the city are unneeded and expensive amenities that drain the city’s budget. The city has maintained these venues bring additional revenues to local businesses which eventually trickle back into the city’s coffers from tax revenues. Locals and tourists end up indirectly funding these cultural additions built during the years Mike Warren was city manager.
Join the friends of Turtle Bay if you are so inclined. Here’s the link: http://www.turtlebay.org/
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Spring Has Sprung For This Toxic One
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
It was known as Rhus diversilobum when I took dendrology in college but was later reclassified as Toxicodendron diversolobum aka poison oak. This time of year it leafs out with deep reddish purple leaves that occasionally attracts unwary pickers that find its colorful foliage alluring. Over the years, I’ve heard stories from friends about cars on the side of the road cutting bundles for display in vases at home. Yikes!
Poison oak is plentiful in the Northstate. I have had rashes so severe that I was out of school for two weeks during the second grade. I had a scar on my arm that took two years to fade away. My friends and I were rolling in piles of leaves not knowing it was poison oak. Years later as a Boy Scout I learned how to identify the plant-Leaves of three, let it be! I now know what it looks like in all its variations including the dormant leafless state. The leaves are easily confused with blackberry bushes. However, the berry bushes have thorns not found on poison ivy. Identifying and avoiding the plant is the best prevention. If exposed, a quick wash with Technu usually lessens the outbreak. Here are some interesting facts about poison oak:
- A billionth of a gram can cause a rash
- 1/4 ounce of urushiol is enough to infect everyone on earth
- 500 people could itch from the amount covering a pin head
- Urushiol, the active ingredient that causes rashes, can stay active for five years on any surface
- Sensitivity can develop at any time
Workers Compensation covers poison oak outbreaks in many states including California.
Here are some common myths about poison oak:
- The rash is contagious-Not!
- You can catch poison oak by just being near plants-No, you must touch it to be exposed to Urushiol
- Leaves of three, let them be-true for poison oak and ivy but not sumac (7-13 leaves/branch)
- Breaking blisters can spread rash-Nope, although you could get an infection
- I’m immune to its effects-90% are allergic and first time sufferers may not see a rash for 7-10 days
Poison oak is common in the Redding area and surrounding foothills to about 4000′. It likes areas where the soil has been disturbed. Road banks are preferred habitat for this noxious plant. Wear protective clothing when visiting areas known to have poison oak plants. Pets can spread the oil from their fur to others that have not wandered into contact with the actual plant.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Redding Chamber Manager Briefs Realtors, Compliments Missy
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
Frank Stazzarino,Jr., President of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, brought Realtors up to
date on the business climate here in Redding. The Chamber represents 1200 members and 14,000 individuals that work at these businesses. Unlike other Chambers, Redding Chamber of Commerce does not accept donations from any public agencies.
The Chamber’s mission is to promote and protect businesses. My father worked as a chamber manager in Yakima, Alhambra and Burbank during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s so I can relate to Frank’s endeavours. They organize social events that feature local businesses and work to fight taxes and fees that burden business owners. If businesses are profitable, the community benefits as those dollars circulate through local economy because of the multiplier effect.
The Internet has changed how businesses operate today. Businesses must adjust to the fact consumers can buy many products and services online. Of course, he would prefer area residents shop locally.
He mentioned the political hot water the Chamber, Builders Exchange and Board of Realtors got into a few years back when these business groups funded a thorough audit of the city’s finances. The end result was Dr. Fratus spotlighted, among other things, the need to address health insurance and retirement benefits before they spiraled out of control. The recent economic downturn, and new GASB accounting rules, have forced the city council to take a long hard look at these perks. The Fratus study was years ahead of its time in its revelations. If tax revenues hadn’t dropped off dramatically, I believe the city would still be turning a blind eye to these future financial liabilities.
Speaking of politics, Frank is impressed with the newest addition to the city council. Missy McArthur has spent a considerable amount of time meeting with business leaders to learn the problems they are facing and soliciting ideas for potential solutions. The election also allowed businesses to ask important questions about city finances, policies and impacts on the local business climate.
Positive projects on the horizon include the $211 million Shasta County courthouse, delayed but forthcoming Veterans Home and oh so popular Trader Joe’s (opening May 1). He also pointed out the recent completion of the mall roof removal downtown and the discussions about possibly retrofitting an existing building for the police station. He also commented on the strong sense of volunteerism that exists in our community compared to other places he has lived and worked.
He closed by encouraging members to study the ballot measures that will attempt to address the dire state budget problems. He also suggested attendees consider observing a city council meeting. He said you can even watch the city council meetings online while resting comfortably in your pajamas at home, whenever you want! OK, I’m starting to feel guilty!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
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