This is the question in Redding these days….so here is the latest on the City Council decisions from the Redding Record Searchlight…..

Redding will have to find room in its eviscerated general fund for $1 million more in higher pension costs through 2012.

The city devoted $9.4 million, or about 14 percent, of its general fund to pay for California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) pensions this year, said Steve Strong, finance director.

The general fund covers salaries and benefits for police, firefighters, planners, engineers, accountants, clerks and secretaries, among other workers.

The city has cut more than $13 million from its general fund since 2008 to bring spending in line with steeply declining tax and fee revenues spawned by the ongoing recession.

CalPERS rate increases will add $250,000 in pension costs to the general fund next year, Strong said.

Public safety pensions – the most generous and expensive of the several CalPERS formulae the city uses – account for most of that increase, Strong said.

Climbing pension rates are projected to cost the general fund $800,000 more in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, Strong said. CalPERS actuaries will produce definite rates for 2012 next year.

City Manager Kurt Starman said the city has not identified any specific funds to cover the higher CalPERS rates.

A $250,000 cost increase is not huge in the context of the city’s $68 million general fund, Starman said. But the $800,000 increase projected for 2012 will be much harder to absorb, given the budget cuts the city has already made, he said.

“We will have to deal with that (the CalPERS rate increase) along with other issues that will change for good or bad over the next couple years,” Starman said. “Things change all the time. Unfortunately, over the last 18 months things have had a tendency to change for the bad.”

The steeper climb projected for the 2012 rates reflects the unprecedented investment losses CalPERS suffered in the 2008 financial meltdown, spokesman Ed Fong said.

CalPERS relies on the agencies contracting for retirement benefits – and ultimately the taxpayers – to keep its pensions whole when investments falter.

But instead of asking agencies to make up all of the 2008 losses in a single year, CalPERS will spread those losses over three years of rate increases, Fong said.

Those increases could be smaller than projected should CalPERS investments strongly recover over the next couple of years, Fong said.

CalPERS rates for Redding police and firefighters will climb from 29.483 percent of base salary this year to 30.229 percent next year and to a projected 32.1 percent in 2011-2012, said Strong, the finance director.

The city also pays the required 9 percent employee contribution for its police officers and firefighters. So public safety pensions in 2012 will actually cost 41.1 percent of an employee’s base salary.

Those are some of the highest CalPERS public safety rates for the city on records dating back to the early 1970s, documents show.

But the projected 2012 rates are still short of the 2005 peak, when public safety pensions cost the city 45.5 percent of an employee’s base salary, including the employee contribution pickup.

On the other hand, CalPERS rates (excluding the employee pickup) for public safety were zero from 1999 to 2002, when Redding approved the more generous 3 percent at 50 formula. Pension rates also shot up around that time as CalPERS investments took a hit after the dot-com crash.

CalPERS rates for Redding’s non-public safety workers will go from 13.491 percent this year to 13.794 percent next year, Strong said. CalPERS rates for non-pubic safety or so-called miscellaneous workers will go to a projected 15.4 percent in 2012.

These rates for miscellaneous employees are the highest Redding has faced since the mid-1980s, documents show. But they are short of the 1980 peak, when miscellaneous rates hit 18.523 percent.

Redding also picks up the 7 percent employee contribution for miscellaneous workers. That means the city’s pension payments next year really will be 20.794 percent of a miscellaneous worker’s base salary.

Redding started picking up the employee share of CalPERS in the early 1980s, when the city and its employees stopped paying into Social Security.

The city and its unions negotiated the CalPERS contribution pickups in exchange for larger raises over the years, documents show.

A narrow City Council majority earlier this fall voted to explore the idea of asking voters to pass a ballot measure requiring city workers to pay all or most of their employee pension contribution.

The ballot measure could go before voters in June, should the council give final approval.

But city officials may defer to a statewide measure that would limit benefits for new employees and require them to pay at least a portion of their pension contributions

More info can be seen at   www.redding.com

Are you looking to get away from it all! Well here is the perfect home that offers just that. This private , secluded A-frame home has a spectacular views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding areas. There is an open floor plan with one bedroom downstairs, one bedroom upstairs and a loft. The wrap around porch is a great place to relax and take in the views.  Included is a detached two car garage. Call for an appointment to view this one of a kind retreat today!

2 Bedroom + Loft

2 Bath 

Priced at $218,950

For more information on this home or any other home that you may have seen call Jean Hall at (530) 224-6782 or e-mail her at jeanhall@repgmac.com 

Thank you for visiting my web site!
DRE#006654241

Sunday, December 6th from 1pm to 4pm

Holiday Open House at the Lonetown Farm Museum.

2009 Christmas at the Cascade – A Review

 The Cascade Christmas Show, the 6^th annual production by James Santos’ Redding Dance Project exceeded all of our expectations. This show was, again, outstanding in every respect. If you have not seen the show this year, you still have this next weekend, and if you have never seen a Redding Dance Project Christmas presentation, you are in for a great holiday treat.

To name the highlights, start with the entire cast. Precision dancing and creative choreography is seen in every one of the fourteen (14) scenes. The full company routines are exciting, fast paced, and beautifully presented, with costuming, under the superb leadership of Cindy Sumsion, surpassing all that one might ever expect to see on Broadway, or even Las Vegas. The strong women’s group dance presentations are full of energy, and the final “kick” number reminds you of the famous Rockettes, and their world-renown Christmas shows in New York City.

This year, James has introduced a large Toyland segment, and with the addition of the very accomplished Student Cast, both young and old in the full house audience were so impressed with the various children’s characters that this scene became one of the favorite offerings. From the opening Christmastime in the City to the concluding A Victorian Christmas and The Nativity, this 2009 presentation could fit right in to any show running in Las Vegas, Branson, or even off-Broadway. This is Redding area talent at its best.

Shows like Cascade Christmas just “do not happen”. Thanks to the many dance schools, each of the area high schools and their strong music and theater arts programs, and the seemingly endless hours of preparation, rehearsals, and  behind-the-scenes efforts to make the scenes a reality,  Cascade Christmas is  becoming “the Christmas tradition” for Redding and the North State. This show, in the magnificent Cascade Theater in downtown Redding, is a truly outstanding presentation. You still have time to get tickets, but they are going fast. You do not want to miss this show, and thanks, James, for making this happen. You can get tickets and info at   www.cascadetheater.org

Ron Largent

November 30, 2009

• November 27th (6 pm), Ridgefield Town Hall on Main Street
• November 29th (4:30-6 pm), Grove Street Plaza at 14 Grove Street in Darien, 203-655-3600
• December 2nd (6:45-7:40), Norwalk City Hall, Click here for program
• December 2nd (4:30 – 5:30 pm), Stew Leonard’s in Danbury (99 Federal Road)
• December 4th (5:30-6:00 pm), Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk (100 Westport Ave)
• December 4th (6:15 pm), Fairfield Town Hall Green
• December 4th (4:30 pm), Trumbull Town Hall Green after Trumbull HS Concert Choir performance at the Trumbull Public Library
• December 5th (5 – 7 pm), Bridgeport’s McLevy Green on 999 Broad Street, 203-576-7201, www.infobridgeport.com
• December 6th (4:30 pm), Landmark Square in Stamford, 203-348-5285, www.stamford-downtown.com
• December 8th (3:45 – 4:30 pm), Greenwich Town Hall
• December 9th (3:20 – 4:40 pm), Redding Town Green, 203-938-2551, parking along one side of Rte 107, extending to RES, Town Office parking lots, Christ Church parking lot, schedule of events

Other holiday events can be found at www.visitconnecticut.com.

Happy Holidays!

Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference executive director Nadine Bailey said Palin will kick off the weeklong timber industry gathering Feb. 8 in Redding.

http://urlet.com/splitting.machine

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2326286.html?mi_rss=Latest%20News

Word wakker, Heer, waarom slaapt u? Ontwaak! Verstoot ons niet voor eeuwig. Waarom verbergt u uw gelaat, waarom vergeet u onze ellende, onze nood? Onze ziel ligt neergebogen in het stof, ons lichaam vastgekleefd aan de aarde. Sta op, kom ons te hulp, verlos ons, omwille van uw trouw. (Psalm 44:24-27)

Boven deze 44e psalm staat dat het een kunstig lied is van de Korachieten. Het gaat om een zgn. maskil – een kunstzinnig gevormd gedicht waarin wijsheid wordt doorgegeven.

Als je deze psalm leest, wordt duidelijk dat de schrijver zich in benauwde omstandigheden bevindt. De vijanden van Gods volk hebben toegeslagen en het lijkt erop dat God niets aan hun ellende doet. Het is alsof Hij slaapt.

Het idee van een slapende God doet mij denken aan een gebeurtenis waarover we in de evangeliën lezen: de storm op het meer. Ook daar zijn de omstandigheden levensbedreigend, maar Jezus ligt midden in de storm te slapen. De leerlingen roepen het uit in hun nood: “Heer, red ons toch, we vergaan!” Maar hier is het Jezus die een waaromvraag stelt: “Waarom hebben jullie zo weinig moed, kleingelovigen?” (Matteus 8:23-26)

Zou er een verborgen wijsheid in deze geschiedenis te vinden zijn? En zou Psalm 44 op dezelfde wijze een geloofsles willen doorgeven? Ik denk het wel…

De angst en zorg van Jezus’ leerlingen is later in hun leven in alle hevigheid teruggekeerd wanneer hun Heer gekruisigd en begraven is. Dit lijkt het einde van het verhaal: Jezus rust in vrede. Maar buiten, in de hoofden en harten van zijn treurende vrienden, gaat de storm wild tekeer. De vijanden hebben gewonnen, de strijd lijkt beslecht.

Waar God in Psalm 44 lijkt te zwijgen, stelt Jezus in Matteus 8 luid en duidelijk zijn waaromvragen: “Waarom hebben jullie zo weinig moed, kleingelovigen?” Op eenzelfde bestraffende toon spreekt Hij zijn leerlingen toe nadat Hij uit de dood was opgestaan en in hun midden verscheen: “Waarom zijn jullie zo ontzet en waarom zijn jullie ten prooi aan twijfel?” (Lucas 24:38)

Denk je dat God slaapt en loop je vertwijfeld rond met waaromvragen? Heb je die waaromvragen al aan God gesteld? En: heb je ook de waaromvragen van Jezus gehoord?

Vader, we begrijpen soms niet dat U zo afwezig en stil lijkt. Toch vatten we moed en blijven wij in onze nood op U vertrouwen.

Overdenking geschreven voor boekje Psalmen 2 Go (verschijnt komend voorjaar) en Preek door de week van de Meerkerk.

Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin says she’s back on Twitter. 

Palin took to the social networking site earlier this year, tweeting about state government, national politics, and everything in between. When she quit as Alaska’s governor in July, she promised to keep her fans updated through tweets. But that didn’t happen, and Palin instead posted regular updates on her Facebook page, which has nearly 1 million followers. In a Facebook posting Monday announcing more dates on her book tour, Palin said she’ll provide Twitter updates from the tour. Her Twitter feed is SarahPalinUSA. 

Her book, “Going Rogue,” will be published Nov. 17. Her tour starts the next day in Grand Rapids, Mich. There are 13 stops planned before Thanksgiving, including three Florida visits Nov. 24 in Jacksonville, The Villages, and Orlando.

So, if you are a “twitterer” on Twitter…check this out. It will be interesting to see how many followers she has, and gets, on Twitter. If you are not a Twitter…check Sarah out at Facebook. Social networking is just incredible.

A few weeks ago, I was invited, in that I am a candidate for the Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010, to take a look at the Hatchet Mountain Wind Project located on Hatchet Mountain just 7 miles west of Burney in Eastern Shasta County.  Hat Creek Construction Company, a huge construction company in Burney and one of the largest in the North State, and a key player in the entire project, was just starting ground work on the project, so my timing was good.

My briefing was almost mind-boggling, when the long range economic impact and the obvious huge source of alternative energy was explained, for although I had heard of the project, I had no idea of the overall effect to the entire north state of this project.  

California’s Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern) had closed financing and begun construction of its  Hatchet Ridge wind project, the first large-scale wind project to begin construction this year in California. 

The project, developed by Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES Americas), is located on a portion of Hatchet Mountain and  is expected to reach commercial operation before the end of 2010.

Here are some of the numbers that go with the project. Hatchet Ridge will generate power equivalent to the amount of energy needed to serve nearly 44,000 California homes annually. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will purchase the power, including the renewable attributes, under a 15-year power purchase agreement.

In addition to providing clean, renewable energy for Californians, Hatchet Ridge will create approximately 100-200 construction jobs over the next year and six to eight permanent jobs during operations. There will also be an economic ripple effect in the area from the purchases of goods and services for the wind farm and increased business for service industries.

From an income from the projct point of view, Hatchet Ridge will invest $5 million in the local community over the life of the project through the Shasta County General Fund, the Shasta Regional Community Foundation, and the Burney Foundation Regional Education Fund as well as by paying substantial local taxes. A huge win-win for all.

Pattern selected a unique six-bank club to provide a debt facility to fund the project costs during construction, which converts to a term financing facility upon commercial operation. The lenders include Natixis, UBOC, LBBW, Calyon, SocGen and WestLB, all major international firms, needed for a project of this size.

RES America Construction, Inc. will construct the project, which will consist of 44 Siemens 2.3 MW turbines. The Siemens SWT-2.3-93 wind turbine is a proven technology with more than 2,000 operating worldwide and is well-regarded throughout the industry. This will be one of their major projects both in California and the nation.

I read the following from the CEO of the major company making the project happen, and it kind of says it all:

“We are pleased to close financing and commence construction on the Hatchet Ridge Wind Farm. We are very excited about starting construction of our first project only four months after forming Pattern Energy,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy. “This project is the result of years of dedication and collaboration with RES Americas, Siemens, PG&E, local government, project property-owners, and the community. We are very appreciative for the local support we received that helped make this project a reality.”

No question, the project is impressive. The Shasta Couny Planning Commission recommended approval in October 2008, and after many months of study, with both proponents and opponents represented, the project moved forward. In many respects, with this project being one of the largest economic development projects in the history of Shasta County, this renewable energy project may literally be “the wave of the future”, in the form of wind. To all that have been part of this project, congratulations…and economic benefit to the people of Shasta County will be long-lasting.

Maybe this should be titled “Another Stupid Redding City Employee” Or “Another City of Redding Employee that can’t drive” The list can go on and on………

In keeping with my posting of  “City of Redding employees take easy way out” AND the popular “Lazy  Employees Plague our cities” I am continuing the posts with this  latest gem involving another City of Redding Employee.

Durr

While  at the Main Redding Post Office, I spot this guy who parks in the largest spot available  (space is about 1-1/2 the size of a regular space) to pickup mail for the city, no problem with that.     Here is the rub…….

It is not the fact that he backs into a space on a one way parking lot, (he needed to have the back of his truck handy to put his mail into lol)

This moron, parks in the “Big Space” and still takes part of  another parking space that someone could have used.  OK Granted that he is not too far into the adjoining space but why be in it at all?  Why does he need to take another space that someone could have used?  Now whoever decides to try and park in it, has to stick out into the line of traffic because they can’t pull all the way in…  This guy was driving a small city truck and could easily fit in a regular space, however being too lazy to either correct his parking or walk three more steps, he not only takes the “Big Space, but he blocks another space as well.

I don't care I can do what ever I want I is a city employee

I thought I would post a few pictures of the way he parked… Oh and by the way, if you haven’t figured it out already, I will be posting more and more Redding city employees stupid and arrogant screw ups, Blunders, and violations, while they are being paid by our tax dollars.  If you can’t drive, get off the road and leave us good drivers alone and safe from your inabilities and carelessness.

While planning this year’s ‘Christmas’ show at the Riverfront Playhouse, which is a murder mystery set in a winery, Bonnie Thompson suggested to directors Bill and Lisa Collins that they have some local wineries do a little wine tasting with the audience at each show.  This idea was met with great enthusiasm not only by the Riverfront Playhouse Board of Directors, but by the wineries and restaurants themselves, with almost 100% participation from those that were contacted!  Even the wine glasses were generously donated by Greg Butler of the Shasta Cascade Viticulture Association!

"Dead to the Last Drop" cast on location at MATSON VINEYARDS Photo by Mack Davis

The wine tasting will take place during the 45 minute period prior to the start of the play on Friday and Saturday night performances.  The doors open at 6:45pm and the play starts at 7:30pm.  There is no extra charge for the pre-show wine tasting, and the festive setting will make this a great way to get into the mood of the evening!

The play itself is called “Dead to the Last Drop, or, Cheers to the Holidays” and is set at the fictitious winery called “Sangue Scuro” which means “Dark Blood” in Italian.  The winery is owned by the Davino brothers Gino and Vito (Wade Riggs and Jorge Arguello), who are throwing a welcome-home/holiday party for Vito’s daughter Angelina who has just arrived home from college.  The guests attending the celebration are Madonna Pescacelli Pepperonni Calzone (Victoria Graham) who is the daughter of Godfather Calzone, cork-maker and billionaire Corky Tannin (Dan Kupsky), blonde bombshell Anny Greensprings (Savannah Harter), the third Davino brother – Dino (Wade Riggs) and the staff includes sommelier  Andre Bordeaux (Ian Dalziel), and piano player Julio Gallo ( Bill Ruess).  Each of these colorful characters are implicated in several murders that take place during the evening, and the audience is invited to try their hand at solving the mystery, with prizes awarded to those who identify the most clues.

An original musical comedy mystery, first produced in 1997 as a dinner-theater presentation, this production marks its transformation into a traditional theater piece that is slated for publication early in 2010.  It’s not every day you get to be in on the premier production of a play – the actors you see performing will be those listed in the front of the published play as the individuals who first created the roles for stage!  So come share in the wine, merriment and mystery of this special event!

Here is the schedule of special guest wineries and restaurants and the nights they will be featured at the Riverfront Playhouse:

Saturday, November 21, Vintners Cellar Custom Winery

Friday, November 27-Indian Peak Vineyards

Saturday, November 28-Burnsini Vineyards

Friday, December 4-Mt. Tehama Winery

Saturday, December 5-Alpen Cellars

Friday, December 11-New Clairvaux Winery

Saturday, December 12-Tapas Downtown

Thursday, December 17-One Maple Winery

Friday, December 18-Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant

Saturday, December 19-Matson VineyardsShowtimes:
Friday – Saturday: 7:30 pm (doors open 6:45 pm)
Sunday Matinees: 2:00 pm (doors open 1:15 pm)Ticket Prices:
Opening/Closing Night: $20
Evening/Matinee Performances: $15Tickets available at the door or in advance at:
Graphic Emporium
1525 Pine Street
Redding, CA 96001
For reservations by phone -  (530) 241-4278For more information call The Riverfront Playhouse at (530) 221-1028 or visit us on the web at
www.riverfrontplayhouse.netRIVERFRONTPLAYHOUSE
Redding’s Community Theatre Since 1981Riverfront Playhouse · 1620 E. Cypress Ave · Redding, CA 96002

 

Thursday night, a few months ago,  we were privileged to hear Gianna Jessen speak at the CareNet Pregnancy Banquet….what a great job she did. Here is a little bit on “who she is….:

In 1980, I had the opportunity to get to know Joe Gibbs, just a great man,  when he was coach of the Washington Redskins. Through one of his assistants, Wayne Sevier, whom I knew before I moved to Redding, I met Joe…then we attended church together and our kids went to school together. Although our careers parted, I have continued to watch him and his accomplishments, most recently in the NASCAR circles. His recent book “Game Plan for Life” is a good one, and this is one of the sections on “Room to be Human”. I found it of particular interest and wanted to share it on the blog. Here it is:

We definitely live in a celebrity culture. How many industries—from sports talk to memorabilia sales—are manufactured on the backs of a culture that can’t get enough scoop or goods on today’s headline makers? We know they’re just people, but somehow we’re willing to let them be larger-than-life. It’s in our cultural DNA. 

But even those who impress us with their skill and swagger—the ones who are among the best at what they do—miss a lot of reads in the course of a game. They foul a lot of balls into the stands. They push a lot of shots wide of the fairway. Success is a matter of consistent skill and effort, but nowhere near perfection. There’s never been a superstar who didn’t know how it felt to pace the sidelines, frustrated with his play. 

If you’re in one of those funks where you’re down on yourself for making an unwise decision at work, or underestimating how long something would take, or guessing wrong on a snap judgment call, maybe this would be a good day to cut yourself some slack. Nobody gets everything right, and God understands that about us. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13–14).

 Be fair with yourself today. Don’t let a little pop-out keep you from swinging for the fences.

So true, as we go through the daily trials and tribulations of work and life…thanks Joe.

OK Everyone has heard the old computer joke  that goes something like this:
Compaq is considering changing the command “Press Any Key” to “Press Return Key” because of the flood of calls asking where the “Any” key is.

Some locals here in Redding, CA. will be familiar with two, of many, media outlets who could benefit from  a bit of  helpful criticism.

One Television news channel had a young Man? who has the most exaggerated “Gay” sounding voice with a bad lisp I believe he is gone now and replaced with another San Francisco native who is not quite as bad.   This man? made it almost impossible for me to watch, or even listen to this channel because of his sickening voice and ugly face, I mean come on this guy? is on television?  He has the face made for radio and the voice made for the spokesman for Gay Pride Parade weekly!

The Local Television news channels, here in Redding, are getting better all the time.  If anyone from channel 7 news reads this, please let KQMS news radio  know who does your website….. They REALLY need the help.

Speaking of KQMS News Radio:

I am sure Redding locals are familiar with KQMS Radio 1400 AM.   Have you seen their crappy website?  (http://www.kqms.com/) Who designed this piece of internet pollution?   Most of it does not even work, it is off-center so, apparently,  a faded background image of tiled flags can be seen? it is full of advertisement banners all of different sizes,  It has a fixed width, for what resolution, I have no idea,  and it looks like an autistic

You need to see it to believe it

blind 5-year-old typing with his elbows, tried to build it.   Furthermore  the  photos of the  syndicated show personalities must be at least 10 years old. Ever hear of updating???
Good Grief people if you insist on keeping  a bunch of hillbillies running the station, at least get a decent website.  How many times do you need to have dead air for 5 minutes at a time at night before you hire someone who does not fall asleep while they are supposed to be running the station overnight?  While sleeping so sound, they can’t answer the phone so someone can tell them….HEY!!! You have Dead Air!!   There are countless voice over ad mistakes and multiple commercials that run on top of each other so you get “Stereo Gibberish”   The station manager must be on a continuous high.

Great spot for a Visitor Counter

Now, on to one employee, in particular, named  Erin Meyers.  This girl, Erin, has the most depressing and drawn out boring way of  reading the news reports, I have ever heard.  She reports in a way reminiscent of past day Communist news reporters.  There is no emotion in her monotone voice.  What a depressing way of reading the news.  I have heard her speak and interact on air, other than reading the news, and it is not that much better.   Who does the hiring there? and Why???  Are you all related? or do you just work really cheap?

Have you people ever heard of answering your emails?  I am sure that you have plenty of time as it is obvious that you do not have to prepare yourselves for anything you do there.  It all seems like “Off the cuff” and really bad improvisation.  Erin, quit talking over the show intros…  You drag out K……….Q………….M…………S   wayyyyyy too long and go over.

Other than that, the syndicated shows you do air, are pretty good.

Have a nice day!

Dust blows across the driveway as grading operations prepare the building site.

Work began in October to clear and level a site for a new home designed by Skillful Means for a young family on a homestead site just around the corner from Shasta Historic State Park.  The permits  have been approved for this strawbale home and construction will begin soon.  The home will feature earth plaster, a complete grid-intertie PV system,  and ground-source geoexchange heating system.  The building will use no air conditioning.

Grading the building pad in Old Shasta

Redding is portrayed as a Tory town in my brother Sam is dead but town records contain very few references to the Loyalists of Redding during the Revolutionary period. They most certainly existed, and prior to the war openly disapproved of opposing the British Government, stating “a firm dependence on the Mother Country is essential to our political safety and happiness.”

Many, if not all, of Redding’s Tories were Anglican Church members. Anglicans were in a difficult position, their choice of religion was tied closely to the crown of England and a split from England left them with an uncertain future. Congregationalists did not have these ties, so for them it was a matter of right or wrong…did they agreed with the actions of England’s leaders or disagree.

The confusion of the Tories/Loyalists is explained by Tim Meeker in Chapter 2,

“Ever since I could remember, all my life in fact, there had been discussions and arguments and debates about whether we ought to obey His Majesty’s government or whether we should rebel. What kept confusing me about it was that the argument didn’t have two sides the way an argument should, but about six sides.”

It should be noted that many Anglicans were angered by the actions of England’s leaders, but felt a Rebellious split from England was excessive and a diplomatic approach to the issues was in the best interest of all colonists involved.

Redding’s Tories referred to themselves as the Redding Loyalist Association. The Redding Loyalist Association was led by the son of John Beach, Lazarus. In February of 1775, they and other Tories living in Fairfield County published an article in a New York publication proclaiming their loyalty to the King.

The Redding Loyalist’s “resolutions” sent to James Rivington’s Gazetteer, the government organ (paper) in New York City, proclaiming their allegiance to the Crown of England is as follows:

“Mr. Rivington: In the present critical situation of public affairs, we, the subscribers, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the town of Reading and the adjoining parts in the County of Fairfield, and Colony of Connecticut, think it is necessary (through the columns of your paper) to assure the public that we are open enemies to any change in the present happy Constitution, and highly disapprove of all measures in any degree calculated to promote confusion and disorder; for which purpose and in order to avoid the general censure, incurred by a great part of this colony from the mode of conduct here adopted for the purpose of opposing the British Government, we have entered into the following resolves and agreements, viz:

1st Resolved, that while we enjoy the privileges and immunities of the British Constitution we will render all due obedience to his most Gracious Majesty King George the Third, and that a firm dependence on the Mother Country is essential to our political safety and happiness.

2nd Resolved, that the privileges and immunities of this Constitution are yet (in a good degree) continued to all his Majesty’s American subjects, except those who, we conceive, have justly forfeited their rights thereto.

3rd Resolved, that we supposed the Continental Congress was constituted for the purpose of restoring harmony between Great Britain and her colonies and removing the displeasure of his Majesty toward his American subjects, whereas on the contrary some of their resolutions appear to us immediately calculated to widen the present unhappy breach, counteract the first principles of civil society, and in a great degree abridge the privileges of their constituents.

4th Resolved, that notwithstanding we will in all circumstances conduct with prudence and moderation, we consider it an indispensable duty we owe to our King and Constitution, our Country and posterity, to defend, maintain and preserve at the risk of our lives and properties the prerogatives of the Crown, and the privileges of the subject from all attacks by any rebellious body of men, any Committees of Inspection, Correspondence, etc…

This document was signed by 141 Freeholders and Inhabitants of the town of Reading and the adjoining parts in the County of Fairfield but the signers were not revealed by the publisher, James Rivington.

Patriots’ Reaction

Historian Charles Burr Todd wrote: “The effect of this document on the Patriots of Redding was like that of a red flag on a bull. They at once set to work to discover its signers and presently made public in a circular the entire list so far as they belonged to Redding. It was given out by the Committee of Observation under this preamble:”

“Whereas, there was a certain number of resolves published- and whereas said Resolves are injurious to the rights of this Colony, and breath a spirit of enmity and opposition to the rights and liberties of all America and are in direct opposition to the Association of the Continental Congress: and notwithstanding said resolutions were come into with a seeming view to secure the said signers some extraordinary privileges and immunities, yet either through negligence in the printer or upon design of the subscribers, said signed names are not made public – and now if there be any advantage in adopting those principles we are willing they should be entitled there to; and for which end and for the more effectual carrying into execution and Association we have taken some pains and by the assistance of him who carried said resolves to said Printer we have obtained the whole of said names. But as we mean not to publish the names except those who belong to said Reading(Redding).

The Committee of Observation added: “There are only 42 Freeholders in the above number. There are several minors, etc. that make the above number of 74 that belong to said Reading, and we hereby hold them up to the public as “adversaries” to the Association of said Congress.”

“Signed by the order of the Committee of Observation for said town of Reading.
Ebenezer Couch, Chairman.”

The entire list of Redding Loyalists was published by the Committee of Observation for all to see, publicly exposing the signers and placing them in great danger among their Patriotic neighbors. Not all of those who had signed were ardent adherents to the British cause, and the “pressure” applied by the Patriots in publishing the names of the signers caused some to realign themselves with the Patriot cause. Those remaining adamantly against the War of Independence fled to the safety of the British lines, while the majority simply fell silent opting for their trusted and beloved church leader, Rev. John Beach’s policy of passive resistance in the Revolutionary period.

The Loyalists of Redding, Revolutionary Period

In 1775, a number of loyalists in town signed what was essentially a neutrality agreement, saying they would not bear arms on the side of the British and would not discourage enlistment in the American army. Rev. John Beach was one of these signers and perhaps it was concessions such as this agreement that allowed the Anglican community to survive in Redding, while other Anglican parishes in Connecticut dwindled and the ministers of some of them went either into exile or were jailed.

Redding Tories that chose not to heed the warnings and yield to the Patriots were fined and imprisoned. Minutes of the Connecticut’s Governor and Council of Safety reveal the price paid by those parties:

“Lazarus Beach, Andrew Fairchild, Nathan Lee, Enos Lee, and Able Burr of Reading, in the county of Fairfield, being Tory convicts and sent by order of law to be confined in the town of Mansfield to prevent any mischievous practices of theirs, having made their escape and being taken up and remanded back to his Honor the Governor and this Council, to be dealt with.”

“Resolved, and ordered by the Governor and his Council aforesaid, that the said Lazarus Beach (etc…) be committed to the keeper of the goal in Windham, within said prison to be safely kept until they come out thence by due order of the General Assembly, or the Governor and his Council of Safety, and that they pay cost of their being apprehended and being remanded, etc…, allowed to be 25 pounds, 3 shillings. Mittimus granted Jan. 28, 1777.”

On Feb. 10, 1777, Beach, Burr, and Fairchild were ordered to “return to Mansfield and there abide under the direction of the Committee of Inspection of that town, while Enos and Nathan Lee were permitted to return home on their giving bonds for their good behavior.”

Though he headed efforts to protect the safety of his church societies, one agreement Rev. John Beach refused to comply with was the omission of the King’s prayer in his church services. This position brought upon him the active persecution of radical Patriots like the Sons of Liberty. In February of 1778, the Justices and Selectmen of Redding informed Rev. Beach that “in order that we may have peace and quietness at home” it was in his best interest to omit the prayer:

“Redding, Feb. 12th, 1778

Dear Sir: We have no disposition to restrain or limit you or others in matters of conscience. But understanding that you, in your Public Worship, still continue to pray that the King of Great Britain may be strengthened to vanquish and overcome all his enemies, which manner of praying must be thought to be a great insult upon the Laws, Authority, and People of this State, as you and others can but know that the King of England has put the People of these United States from under his protection, Declared the Rebels, and is now at open war with said States, and consequently we are his enemies.

Likewise you must have understood that the American States have declared themselves independent of any Foreign Power – Now Sir, in order that we may have peace and quietness at home among ourselves, we desire that for the future you would omit praying in Public that King George the third or any other foreign Prince, or Power, may vanquish, etc… the People of this Land.

Your compliance herewith may prevent you trouble.

We are, Rev. Sir, with due Respect, your obedient humble servants.

To the Revd. John Beach.

Lemuel Sanford, William Hawley – Justices

Hezekiah Sanford, Seth Sanford, Thaddeus Benedict, John Grey, William Heron – Selectmen of Redding”

Mr. Beach, however, continued to read the prayers for the King vowing that he would “do his duty, preach, and pray for the King till the rebels cut out his tongue.”

Rev. John Beach, as a result, wasn’t safe inside or outside of his churches. The Rev. Beach served not only Redding, but many of the surrounding towns as well. And it seems there’s a story of rebels bursting into his services and threatening his life in every one. The Redding version is as follows:

“A squad of soldiers (hired, it is said, by Squire Stephen Betts for a gallon of French brandy to shoot Mr. Beach), gathered outside the open door of the church, and from one of them a bullet was fired which lodged in the ribs of the sounding board, a foot or more above the head of the venerable preacher.

As the congregation sprang to their feet in unfeigned consternation to rush from the church, he quieted them by saying: “don’t be alarmed, brethren. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” and then proceeded with his discourses as if nothing had happened.”

The Rev. John Beach died in March of 1782, well before the peace treaty of September, 1783, but not as a result of a Rebel sword or bullet, simply old age. In many recorded histories, he is credited for maintaining a more tranquil community than others in Connecticut.

Redding Tories: Issac Drew, Ephraim DeForest, John, Joseph and Peter Lyon, and Daniel Read, were among those whose land was confiscated by the State courts. Many others were fined for refusing to perform military duty but as a whole the Loyalists of Redding were a less tortured one – before, during and after the Revolution in comparison to others in the state, where recriminations against British sympathizers took the form of wholesale jailing and even murder. Lazarus Beach, most certainly a thorn in the patriot’s side in the early stages of the conflict, eventually fell into rank and remained in Redding after the Revolution serving as selectman from 1788-1789. Proof that extreme measures were not taken against the Loyalists of Redding unless the person had actually gone over to the enemy to take up arms or screen themselves under the protection of the Ministerial Army.

The McConnell Foundation, a dynamic community leader in the past and a continuing model for  future leadership for Redding, CA, was the location for the Providence International Business Symposium. Under the leadership of Robert ”Bud” Hancock, a group of 60 local business and non-profit organization leaders gathered to hear a distinguished line up of speakers talk on subjects ranging from technology of the future to current energy saving and environment friendly power generating stations. Speakers included Rick Sbrocca, CEO of Spiritus Solutions, a technology products and services company headquartered in Redding; Rick Anderson, People Data Services of Redding, a company specializing in bringing practical technology to Native Indian tribes throughout the states; Dr. Greg Brooks of Omro, Wisconsin, a nationally recognized expert on anterior support products; John Wises, CEO of Zenius Solutions, dealing with cell phone technology and the credit card industry; Glenn Zane, CEO of Continental Resource Solutions, who is developing a wood products power plant in Blue Lake, CA, and Jeff Testerman, a management consultant based in Oregon dealing with small business start up and development.

In addition to the formal presentations, a special award was given to local long time business man and founder of Guiton Pools, Dick Guiton. The award was presented by current Redding City Councilman Dick Dickerson, and recognized Dick  Guiton for his many years of service to Redding and Shasta County.

Thanks to the McConnell Foundation for the beautiful meeting location at their Lema Ranch headquarters, and to all at Providence International for making this symposium happen. It was a most interesting and informative afternoon, and I felt privileged to be invited and able to attend.

Ron Largent   Candidate for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010      www.largent2010.com

A very informative and enjoyable evening was held Wednesday at the Cottonwood, CA Town Hall Meeting, hosted by Supervisor Les Baugh. Les, and the Community Committee, chaired by Mary O’Keefe, the Director of the Community Center, had an excellent line up of panelists to deal with many issues and items of interest facing the residents of the South County of  Shasta County. The panel included Shasta County Admin Officer Larry Lees, Sheriff Tom Bosenko, County DA Jerry Benito, County Resources Director Russ Mull, County Public Works Director Pat Minturn, Dan LIttle and Phil Baker from CALTRANS, and Cottonwood Fire Chief Jim Flaherty.

The topics ranged from public safety to subdivisions, from downtown traffic to developments in the planning stage, and from Gas Point Road congestion to expanding the lanes on Interstate 5 into Redding. In addition to the “purely local” concerns, the panel addressed more far reaching questions, such as the status of the local and state economy and how that situation will impact Shasta County. Discussion was held on current public works projects for the south county, and many expressed interest in more parks in this section of the county.

The audience of 150 were encouraged to write down their questions and Supervisor Baugh received them and distributed each question to the panel member that was involved in that issue. And, Baugh also had a number of questions addressed to him that he handled very well.

I was there to ask some questions and observe, for as a candidate for the County Assessor-Recorder office in 2010, I think it is crucial that I become as aware of community concerns and issues as I possibly can. What I found in this Town Hall was a very interested and informed group of citizens that all want to make Cottonwood one of the very best rural residential areas in which to live. Their issues and questions were well presented and received.

This is democracy in action, and it was very encouraging, for even in these difficult economic times, citizens want to do their part to “make things better” knowing that the economy will turn around and when it does, they want to be prepared for the future by planning and considering future issues now.

 Hats off to the organizers; to Supervisor Les Baugh; and to all of the participants, for together they all made it a great night. If the various Teaparty organizations want to see how “citizens participate in local government”, just take a look at Cottonwood, CA….a small ranching and farming community in Northern California where the quality of life is about “as good as it can get”….and where the “citizens have a voice and are heard”.

I sure am glad I went to the meeting…well worth it, and a refreshing moment in a busy week.

Ron Largent – Candidate for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder     www.largent2010.com

Pictures from Palo Cedro Riders Halloween Horse Shows.

Ready, Steady, Go! Otis Redding Special Pt. 1

Ready, Steady, Go! Otis Redding Special Pt. 2

RSG! Otis Redding Special (1966) – [Part 2 of 2]

Ready, Steady, Go! Otis Redding Special Pt. 3

Ready, Steady, Go! Otis Redding Special Pt. 4

Otis Redding–My Girl

Otis Redding & The Pinetoppers – Fat Girl

Otis Redding – Pain in my heart

Can’t Turn You Loose – Otis Redding

Otis Redding – Hard To Handle

Otis Redding – Try A Little Tenderness

Otis Redding live – Satisfaction

These Arms Of Mine Otis Redding (***Lyrics Included***) .:oldies:.

Otis Redding – Glory of Love

Otis Redding ~ Love Man

Otis Redding (live) @ Monterey, 1967. Part 1 of 3

Otis Redding live @ Monterey, Part 2 of 3

Otis Redding live @ Monterey, Part 3 of 3

OTIS REDDING UNDER THE BOARDWALK #34

Otis Redding-Sitting on the dock of the bay

“Sitting in the morning sun, I’ll be sitting when the evening comes”- Otis Redding

Background Articles and Videos

Otis Redding

“…Otis Ray Redding, Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American soul singer. Often called the “King of Soul”, he is renowned for an ability to convey strong emotion through his voice.^[1][2] According to the website of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (where he was inducted in 1989), Redding’s name is “synonymous with the term soul, music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm and blues into a form of funky, secular testifying.”^[3] In addition, rock critic Jon Landau said in 1967 that ‘”Otis Redding is rock & roll”.^[4] Redding died in a plane crash at the age of 26, one month before his biggest hit, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, was released….”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otis_Redding

Otis Redding

http://www.otisredding.com/

Otis Redding

“…

Otis Redding – Love Man (Teaching Dirty Dancing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46F3rJek_WE

Otis Redding – These arms of mine (Road House)

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