The Redding Dragstrip is hosting a race for very powerful drag cars with skinnier-than-average tires, which makes for interesting and challenging racing. Also racing will be the street legal cars. Allowing street racers to run their cars at the strip helps keep them from racing the streets, and that’s a good thing. This kind of racing is really fun to watch. First one across the line is the winner. Plus, they’ve added a grudge match between two 7 second dragsters that should be breathtaking. Gates open at 4:30 and racing starts at 6 pm. Spectators pay only $5 each, and that’s an entertainment bargain, by any measure. If you’re a fan, you’ll be there, and if you haven’t been out to the track before, this is an opportunity for an experience you just won’t get anywhere else. The people running the track have made big improvements to the facility over the last couple years. Redding’s car culture has always found it’s full realization at this track since the 60’s. It is the longest continuously operating NHRA dragstrip in the US, and maybe the world. Come check it out. Be there!
Hummingbird poses
This little guy (or gal) sat still long enough for me to get in a few shots.
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.
I caught one image as it was about to fly off, and thought that was a lucky shot.
Redding’s fire based economy
We have had economic change over the years, just like everywhere. Our area was once mining based, and then railroad based, and then logging based. Today we are more or less medical services, and retail-based. Except for the substantial part that is government-based. And a big part of that has become the fire-camp based economy.
To those who criticize the Stillwater Industrial Park, I ask: what’s your plan to provide jobs in the Northstate? The fire-camp based economy seems like a bit of a dead-end road. We’ve seen dead-end economic plans here before…
Last week of freedom for kids, back to school next week
Some teachers are going back to school this week, and the kids start next week. Summer went by fast. It always does….
There’s lots for kids to do all summer here. The Aquatic Center is a great place to spend a day. We’re lucky to have it. Redding is such an idyllic place to live if you are a kid, or just a kid at heart. Sorry about that approaching school thing, kids! (and teachers!)
When the going gets hot, the hot go to Lassen.
We are so blessed here in Redding. When it gets a bit too hot in the valley, we can head for the hills. It’s not far at all to Lassen Park, maybe an hour or so drive. Once there, you will find tourists from all over the world enjoying the scenery and volcanic splendor. We took these shots on Friday.
Live Music by DJ at the Red Lion
Talk about unclear on the concept. I had just been reading Jim Dyar’s recent article about the Hot Start to the Cascade’s season and thinking that Redding’s really developing quite a live music scene. Then this sign on Hilltop Drive took it all back. Via cell-phone camera:
I like DJ’s as much as the next person, but if the only instrument you play is an MP3 file, you might not qualify as live music. Note to tourists driving by on Hilltop: This was probably a joke, see. We’re not like that, really. No, really.
If it isn’t live music, it’s dead music.
Happy Birthday Art Hop images
The Art Hop Birthday Bash was a huge success, from all we saw. There were lots of people out and about, and so much to see and do. We went for quality over quantity, spending time at Kimberly Nicole, and also catching a set of Just Married at the Discovery Shop. The Redding scene continues to evolve…
You know it’s a mild July day in Redding when Hula dancers can perform barefoot on asphalt while the sun’s still up in the sky.
And of course every performer’s dream gig is a corner in a secondhand store, but sometimes certain things just fit comfortably in Redding, and you are compelled to go with the flow.
Yes, they are Still Married, and they offer their authentic CD’s for a mere $5. How can you go wrong on that? A perfect Art Hop birthday present.
Thanks Art Hoppers and shoppers!
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.
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.
4th of July 2009 Mt Shasta style
We went up to the city of Mt Shasta for 4th of July. While this is not ‘Really Redding,’ it is typically cooler up here and filled with Reddingites anyway, since it’s just an hour north. They have a terrific 5 mile run, and 2 mile Fun Walk. We chose the fun. So did many others…
There’s all kinds of entertainment and food along the way.
And since it’s always good to name-drop on my blog, here’s KRCR Accuweather-Ace Mike Krueger, along with the youngest Krueger.
A good time was had by all. Have a happy and safe Independence Day wherever you are!
