Sacramento enjoys the government stimulus

Mask We spent a few days in Sacramento. Not by choice, but on matters pertaining to real estate training. The visit to the city was enlightening. The same traffic, the same lack of parking, the hustle. Although housing was a large part of Sacramento industry, the downturn hasn’t impacted them as much as it has our town, with many looking to realty agencies similar to carlile realty & lending to help with their housing issue. Obviously, a larger part of their economy is based on government spending. And spending is up. A lot. Just few hours south, Sacramento has a much different feel than Redding.
SacramentoRosettaStoneComing from Redding, another thing noticable is how many languages are spoken there. At a shopping mall, I heard Russian, Chinese, and Spanish, often combined with English. A language mashup. Emblematic of the Sacramento culture, this mall cart sells language training by Rosetta Stone. Not a business model that might ‘translate’ to Redding, or so I think. I set up the shot while the cart vendor looked the other way, but he got that creepy “somebody is looking at me” feeling, and turned his head to look as I hit the shutter.
HelpWantedAs though to drive the point home, a woman approached me in the mall and asked if was looking for work. I was bit taken aback. “No?” she went on, “Well do you know anyone who is?” Well yeah. I do. About a quarter of Redding, by my estimation.

RABA – Redding's local mass transit system

RABARABA is the Redding Area Bus Authority. They are the only local mass transit system in the greater Redding area. They also contract with a bus service to Burney. They operate 6 days a week about 12 hours a day. They have stops about ¼ mile apart on the 14 routes. As of this publication the base fare is $1.50 and children under 6 are free. There are a number of monthly passes available. They currently serve about 50,000 people a month. You are encouraged to learn more about our local transit system at their website:

http://rabaride.com/index.html

We are lucky to have this system in our town. Redding is a difficult place to get around in without a car. RABA offers a GREEN alternative to automobile ownership. Hopefully they can expand to Palo Cedro and perhaps Shingletown, or even Weaverville someday. Thanks RABA!
RABA2

Shasta SOB website is up and running

I’ve been helping the local Society of Brewers set up their website. It’s up and running, so set your bookmarks and RSS feeds. No doubt it will gaining momentum quickly. Click on the image to go there, or type http://www.ShastaSOB.org
www.redhothomes.info/Gallery/Blogpix10/ShastaSOB.jpg

Redding's got talent

In my individual circle of life, there’s no shortage of this particular talent. But this person felt compelled to announce on the back of their car that it’s their only talent. Well, it pays to specialize, one supposes. As seen in a Redding parking lot.
Bumper sticker about sarcasm
Really Redding

Don't insult me with money

This gentleman was waving his sign on Churn Creek Road yesterday. He is a tilesetter apparently.
Redding man looks for work
His sign says:
NO CHARITY HERE. Don’t insult me with money, but respect me with a job offer.

    Its a Pride Thing

. Thank You. (916) 912 3619 Tilebiters@aol.com Honk for Support.
Redding man looks for work
Considering how hot it was outside, and the fact that he’s wearing overalls, I’m thinking he’s a hard worker. I wish I had a job for him. Perhaps you do?
Redding man looks for work

Hummingbird poses

This little guy (or gal) sat still long enough for me to get in a few shots.
Humingbird  spotted in Redding CA
It saw me, but didn’t seem to care much. They seem to me to have quite complex behavior, especially considering how small they are, and how small their brains must be, they seem proportionally brilliant.
Humingbird  spotted in Redding CA
I caught one image as it was about to fly off, and thought that was a lucky shot.
Humingbird  spotted in Redding CA

Summer thunderstorm over Trinity County

Rivers in Redding
We took in dinner at Rivers and watched the lightning show from the patio.
Rivers in Redding
I wish I had my tripod, and some way to capture the lightning on camera. It was really spectacular. It wasn’t your typical Redding August evening view.
Rivers in Redding
Dinner was good too.

Attention: You’ve been Flocked

Flocked

Spotted this flock of pink plastic in a neighbor’s yard this morning. Apparently their arrival could mark just about any occasion, or even be a fundraiser. There’s a link to the You’ve Been Flocked website HERE.
Flocked2
Of course it was most apparent that these birds were deliberately ignoring the directional sign.

Much Prayer Needed for President Obama’s Safety

I spotted this car yesterday with this big sign taped on it. Not something you see everyday. Certainly, the sentiment was thought provoking. As we sat at the light in front of Trader Joe’s, I snapped this from my cell phone camera. The sign is a bit hard to read here, but is plain enough in person. As we waited for the light to change, I wondered why the driver felt so compelled.
ObamaSafety

Every president is endangered. Obama more so than others, for reasons we don’t need to go into here. I see in the news today, the Obamas are in Europe. On reflection, I find I share the driver’s unexpected concern, and extend my prayers to members of his security team as well. It’s a shame this is so, but it can’t be ignored. Godspeed Geo Metro driver, and know your prayers are echoed.