The weather was perfect. The cars were fabulous. There is not much to say about Kool April Nights that has not already been said. Just another reason why Redding is the greatest place to live ever. I took a great many shots, and here’s just a few.
Kool April Nights 2010. It’s Really Redding.
Kool April dragracing images reflect our car culture
My involvement with the Redding Dragstrip came about because the track president is a neighbor. The Dragstrip is truly a shoestring operation, mostly run on community enthusiasm since the early 1960s. Bob learned I had some web skills and volunteered me. Which is fine, really. Happy to help. The world’s oldest NHRA dragstrip is quite a unique asset for our town, and brings in loads of out of town money. The pro racers, and volunteers like retired policeman Ed Ochoa of WeLike2Race, ultimately support the Street Legal racing nights that keep local hot rods from staging unsafe clandestine races on your streets. And that’s a good thing indeed.
The strip operates on City owned property east of the airport. But Redding charges for the use, and doesn’t offer subsidies of any sort, even though we clearly subsidize other marginal tourist attractions who shall remain nameless. That’s okay, but our track is very much reliant on this one big weekend for most of its meager operating revenue, and the weather is notoriously fickle this time of year. Rain this weekend can kill their whole year. Fortunately this year, it looks very good for the races. I took some pictures and video for the track website at last year’s 2009 Kool April event, and you can click on either to view. Come on out Friday or Saturday. It’s Really Redding.
Get ready for Kool April Dragracing in 3D!
This Friday and Saturday, you can watch Kool April cars do much more than slowly drive around in circles in town. Instead witness them blowing the doors off one another at the Redding Dragstrip. Did you know that Redding has the longest continuously operating NHRA dragstrip in the world? Redding has a long history as a car town. More info at: www.ReddingDragstrip.net This year, the drags are presented in 3D at no extra cost, and with no need for any special glasses. Surround sound too. Just $15 gets you in for this amazing spectacle of Americana. Kids 6-12 are just 5 bucks, while 5 and under are FREE with entry. Just remember to bring those kids some hearing protection, ok? It’s, uh, LOUD.
Ken DeCamp Photography tonight at Turtle Bay 6-8 pm
Ken DeCamp is a local photographer who takes terrific shots of the natural beauty found in the forests around us. You can view his work this evening at Turtle Bay from 6-8 pm. You can also see examples of his work at his website http://www.kendecampphotography.com/ Well worth your time! Ken is an excellent photographer, and his work will open your eyes to our abundant local natural beauty.
These lichen images are by Skip Murphy, shot last summer on the River Trail.
Women's Event offers local networking and education
Women Making History was an event held at the Atrium in Downtown Redding on March 21.
It was an opportunity to hear speakers and meet representatives from local Women’s and Family Services, like The NorthState Chapter of California Women Lead.
Featured speaker Heather Wylie from Shasta College, with LWV member Erin Murphy, and Shasta County Assessor/Recorder Leslie Morgan.
Caedy Minoletti with Shasta Womens Refuge, and Kristen Schreder of the Redding Area League of Women Voters
Rose Worthington and Cherrel Kirkland, President of the Soroptimists International of Redding.
Christina Massey (right) represents the Martin Luther King Center’s Positively Girls Club
Susan Wilson, President of the Redding League of Women Voters stands with Erin Murphy at the poster they created for the event, Women Making History. This was just a small sampling of the groups and people at the event. All agreed it was a tremendous success!
1/2 price day at Turtle Bay
SOBs at the Ale House
The Shasta Society of Brewers had a social gathering to hoist a few pints at the Ale House in Redding last night.
Despite the photo, the place was pretty packed. So was Bleachers next door, and Bert and Ernie’s, down a half block. The parking lots were full. Redding has developed quite a bar scene there, and this was a Wednesday night, no less.
It’s Really Redding
Some photos of Crabfeed to benefit Shasta Women's Refuge
It’s a sad thing to note that we need to have a Women’s Refuge in Shasta County. But it’s good to know that since we do need it, our community supports it wholeheartedly. One of their big fundraisers is their Annual Crabfeed, held at the Anderson Fairgrounds. It’s run by volunteers, and among them is the Active 20-30 club, where Erin is a member. Here’s the club volunteers for last Saturday’s event.
There was a good turnout. Erin gets a shot with Shasta County Sherriff, Tom Bosenko.
Here’s Erin with Shasta County District Attorney, Jerry Benito.
Below, Chita and Lia from KRCR TV, along with Erin. Their table’s theme was ’80s Prom wear.
Our thanks to all the many volunteers who make this fundraising event possible! Actually, our community is frequently blessed with a strong volunteer spirit. It’s Really Redding.
Big fun at Redding Soroptimist Mardi Gras
The 38th Annual Redding Soroptimist Mardi Gras took place last Saturday night. It was a blast! Who is that masked woman?
Funds received from this fun event are used to provide scholarships to deserving young women as well as to fund other service projects of the club.
Here is Erin Murphy with Dylan Darling from the Record Searchlight celebrating a win. The real winners are the scholarship beneficiaries.
You can learn more about our Soroptimist Club at their website. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors! See you again next year!!
Fashion show pix
Took a few quick photos at the Fashion Show held yesterday at the Old City Hall to benefit the Shasta County Arts Council, and support our local clothing and jewelery designers. It was a terrific show and a lot of fun. We have some really talented local people. Here’s some quick photos:
Erin with Kimberly, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique.
It’s Really Redding.