Del Norte County Happenings

Crescent City Harbor, Crescent City, CA

2007-05-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Crescent City Harbor in Crescent City, CA.

Harbor Virtual Tour

The Crescent City Harbor serves as a commercial fishing boat basin for Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna, Cod, and Dungeness Crab commercial fishing vessels.

The Harbor is also home to multiple fishing and non-fishing related businesses and harbor governmental offices. The Crescent City Harbor also has several pleasure boat docks.

One traditional bright spot is the port's shipyard, where Fashion Blacksmith remains a West Coast leading light at lengthening, widening or otherwise altering fishing boats.

Another: The cyclical Dungeness crab fishery aligned jackpots on its dial recently -- ringing up numbers ($17 million in landings last year, $15 million the season before) not seen in a decade.

A new kind of bright spot, a possible harbinger of a new era, is found only a hop, skip and jump east of the Harbor Commisioners office. South Beach Outfitters, a surf gear and beach gift shop, sits perched above Crescent City's gentle longboard break.

Back in 1990, that same sweet surf drew Bev and Rhynn Noll (ex-wife and son of big wave legend Greg Noll) to establish their shop, Noll Surf 'n' Skate, farther to the north downtown. In 1995, they launched the Noll Longboard Classic at the Crescent break.

The new master plan includes museums, three restaurants, a strip of retail stores the surf shop will be invited to move into, and a three-story hotel overlooking the surf break.

Crescent City/Del Norte County Market Report for April 2007

2007-05-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Crescent City/Del Norte County Market Report

Beachfront Park, Crescent City, CA

2007-04-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Beachfront Park
Crescent City, CA

Virtual Tour

Beachfront Park Offers:

Discgolf
Northcoast Marine Mammal Center
Acres of lawn for many activites including youth soccer, annual car show, 4th of July festivities and much more.
Horseshoe pits and a league
Fred Endert Municipal Swimming Pool
Crescent City Cultural Center
Kid Town Park area for children

Beachfront Park offers a covered picnic area with barbecues for year round enjoyment of the park and a covered Gazebo.

The parking lot and bay that borders the park is a popular lunch spot for County residents and for those looking for a picturesque place for a stroll, even during a storm. There is a view of Battery Point Lighthouse, B Street Pier, Crescent City Harbor in the distance and of course, the seagulls looking for their lunch.

For all things Del Norte, check out Fran's website and come visit us soon.

Electromagnetic Fields Health Risks

2007-04-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a study that links electromagnetic fields to several health issues, including childhood leukaemia, adult leukaemia, adult brain tumours, miscarriages and a form of motor neurone disease; some scientists believe there are links with more diseases. Power lines link to cancer in new alert.

I have read comments from other real estate professionals who say being in close proximity to high voltage power lines has lowered home values by as much as $30,000 to $100,000.

There was a home in my area that languished on the market for over a year because of it's close proximity to high voltage power lines and a sub-station. Even though the listing agent had documentation the power company no longer used the sub-station and plans to remove it in the future, the home still did not sell. The owner decided to take the home off the market and wait for the sub-station to be removed.

Please leave your comments on this important topic.

More Homebuyers Turn to Parents for Help

2007-04-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News April 20, 2007

With many first-time and even move-up buyers strapped for down-payment cash, an increasing number of parents are helping their grown children buy a home — and taking an equity share in return.

Typically, parents put in cash to help the buyers amass a down payment of at least 20 percent. That allows buyers to qualify for a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The equity sharers get back their initial stake plus 10 percent to 50 percent of the profits.

Generally, a written contract spells out that the home owners are responsible for mortgage payments and get the tax deduction that comes with it. The contract also specifies who pays the property taxes — often that’s a 50-50 split. In some cases, the parent’s name is on the loan. In others, it isn’t.

Economist Andrew Caplin of New York University and a number of other experts are designing standardized shared-equity mortgages that would allow outside investors to buy a piece of the equity gain. Caplin estimates that about 25 percent of first-time homebuyers could find such arrangements attractive. One thing is certain: Investors in it for the money will extract stiffer terms than mom or dad.

Source: Business Week, Christopher Farrell (04/23/07)

Foreclosure Surge in California

2007-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News April 17, 2007

A surge of foreclosures in California has some economists concerned that the fallout will be long lasting and potentially wound the whole economy. The 11,033 foreclosures in the first three months of the year represent an 800 percent increase over the same period a year earlier.

"For this rise in foreclosures to be happening in the midst of a strong labor market is truly unique and scary," says analyst Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics.

He predicts foreclosures will top out at four or five times the current level — enough, he says, to induce a recession or at least bring the economy to the precipice. Others are less pessimistic.

"The housing sector is in trouble for a considerable period," says Edward Leamer, director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast. "But the rest of the economy will muddle through.

"Source: Los Angeles Times, David Streitfeld (04/17/07)

Lunchtime in Del Norte County during a storm

2007-04-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted about the lovely sunny day and how I made good use of it by eating lunch with a friend at the ocean. I didn't have my camera with me and fully intended on going back today to take sunny pictures, but today it is pouring rain. How quickly things can change.

Today for lunch we went to the same place we went yesterday. It is equally as wonderful watching the seagulls and the harbor during a storm as it is in the sunshine. There were plenty of storm watchers there who must agree with me on this one.

We got take-out again and relaxed while the car was buffeted by the wind.

Del Norte County's weather is one of the high points in my opinion.

Have a great lunchtime!

Lunchtime in Del Norte County

2007-04-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day, at least weather wise, in Del Norte County. It's days like today that we don't want to waste the sun. We need to remind ourselves why living in such a rainy climate is so worth-it.

I called my best pal and we decided to rendezvous for lunch. We picked up some take-out and drove down to beach front park and parked in the parking lot that borders the little bay overlooking the harbor and the jetty.

While we sat and ate our lunch, several people strolled by walking their dogs and soaking in the sunshine. My friend, Susie, and I watched fishing boats come into the harbor from the ocean, pelicans and seagulls diving for their lunch and the waves rolling gently up on the shore in the protected jetty area; it was a peaceful, serene scene, and as Susie's lunch hour came to a close, I decided I wanted more.

One of the kudos of being a realtor is being able to pack-it-in and go home when you're not busy. I left early today--I would have liked to been busy, however--and hurried home to continue enjoying the sunny day.

We live in Lake Earl Manor on the shore of Lake Earl wildlife refuge which has almost 300 species of birds, along with other wildlife. The ocean is on the other side of a narrow spit of land, giving us a low ocean rumble most of the time. Today I sat on my patio and listened to the many different birds that are stopping at Lake Earl for Spring. It sounded like fine music to me and I was lulled off into a quasi sleep state that was restful and very relaxing.

Yes, we get rain; a lot of rain by most rainfall averages, but you've gotta pay to play. What we have that makes the rain worth it is the pay-off of: nature--the color green is everywhere, the ocean, a spectacularly blue sky, no smog, no traffic, emerald colored rivers, fishing, surfing, and so much more.

Come visit us and you will see what I mean.

Real Estate Market Statistics for March 2007

2007-04-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the sales statistics for Del Norte County as reported by the Crescent City Board of Realtors MLS.
As you can see there was a 33% increase in residential sales over the month of February.
We are seeing brisk sales in our office and expect this trend to continue, even with the subprime meltdown.
The majority of my buyers are baby boomers buying a 2nd home or investing in a retirement property and are moving from Southern California.
Buyers are looking for mild weather, smog-free air to breathe and no grid-lock. We have all these things in Del Norte County and more!
I expect this trend to continue despite what home sales do in the rest of the state of California as baby boomers approach retirement in greater numbers.

21 Residential listings sold, a 33% increase over February
Median - $187, Average - $156,000

No vacant land or commercial listings sold

1 multi-family listing - $330,000

Check out my website for all things Del Norte.

St. George Reef Lighthouse and the Wreck of the Brother Jonathan

2007-03-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

The St. George Reef Lighthouse
Crescent City, CA
Completed in 1891 after ten years of construction. Located on Seal Rock off the Northern California Coastline.
Cost: $700 million, it was the costliest light station ever built--and considered one of the finest .
Was in service until May 13, 1975
The lighthouse towers 150 feet tall and was constructed on top of a reef six miles off the coast.
Four lighthouse keepers were killed while on duty over the 93 years the lighthouse was in service.
The St. George Reef Lighthouse was President Andrew Johnson's response to the worst maritime disaster in California's state history, The wreck of the Brother Jonathan.
Captain Samuel De Wolf was commander of the Brother Jonathan on July 28, 1865, when the ship left San Francisco. Captain De Wolf was reported as saying the ship was overloaded and he was concerned about safety.
The ship sailed with 232 passengers and crew. On July 30th, just North of Crescent City, the ship ran into heavy seas and high winds; Captain De Wolf tried to port in Crescent City but the Brother Jonathan struck a submerged rock. Only 19 people survived, Capt. De Wolf went down with the ship.

Thanks to the Del Norte County Historical Society

Del Norte County/Crescent City Restaurant Guide - CC Diner and Ice Cream

2007-03-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

1319 Northcrest Dr.
Crescent City, CA
707-465-5858
(name recently changed from Buddy's)

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11am - 8 pm, closed on Sunday

CC Diner and Ice Cream's specialty in my opinion is their cheeseburger.

They also have:

Veggie burger
Buffalo burger
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich
Hot dogs
Polish dogs
Wraps
Fries, onion rings and chili

CC Diner and Ice Cream has 32 + flavors of Ice Cream to choose from and they make:

Milkshakes ~ Malts ~ Sundaes ~ Brownie Sundaes ~ Banana Splits ~ Ice Cream Cone ~ CC Diner and Ice Cream also has sugar free/no sugar added ice cream.

Hmm, Hmm, Good!

Mortgage Default Fear Grows - The Subprime Decline

2007-03-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

As the subprime lending market continues to deteriorate with lenders going broke in record numbers, there is a rising fear of the Alt-A market being affected by the subprime decline. (Read this for an explanation of loan categories.)

The latest concerns centre on the Alt-A market, in which consumers with slightly better credit than the weakest subprime borrowers can obtain loans with loose terms - such as no proof of income. Late payments and defaults on such loans are running at four times the historical rate.

"The delinquency numbers for the 2006 Alt-A originations are materially worse than a lot of people would have expected," said Charles Sorrentino, mortgage analyst at Merrill Lynch.

There are particular concerns about the estimated $600bn of adjustable rate mortgages – of which two-thirds are subprime – that are scheduled to reset at a higher interest rate this year. Analysts worry that higher rates will lead to more foreclosures and lower consumer spending.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said this week that late mortgage payments shot up to their highest level in more than three years and new foreclosures surged to a record high as borrowers with tarnished credit histories had trouble keeping up with their monthly payments.

There is a movement afoot in Congress to make it easier for subprime borrowers to re-structure their loans to avoid foreclosure. Christopher Whalen, a New York-based managing director for Institutional Risk Analytics, said the government has looked the other way for years as risky loans were made to consumers with shaky financial histories and interest rates were kept at historic lows, fueling speculative real estate investments.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., who chairs the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, plans to introduce a bill that would impose more restrictive mortgage guidelines, including a requirement that lenders consider the ability of a borrower to pay back an adjustable-rate loan over the entire term — not just at the beginning, when “teaser” rates are extremely low.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said in a statement Tuesday that he is “considering a number of options, including legislation” to protect consumers from abusive lending practices and help consumers who have been harmed to maintain their homes.

The subprime decline seems to have gathered legs as lenders, traders, and economists feel subprime woes will spill over into other markets; as deals start to sour and get downgraded or fall apart, the pain will spread.

I went to a training two weeks ago where the economist said this market decline and foreclosure epidemic is expected to continue through 2008.

(Information used to write this article came from MSNBC.com, FT.com and The Associated Press)

The Aleutian Goose Festival - March 29 - April 1, 2007

2007-03-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Aleutian Goose Festival

March 29 - April 1, 2007

It's that time again for the Aleutian Goose Festival. Here's your list for a complete list of links or to register.

Our birding, nature, and heritage celebration offers 80 events, workshops, and guided excursions into the wildness of our globally outstanding natural areas: Redwood National and State Parks, the Smith River National Recreation Area, Castle Rock Wildlife Refuge, Tolowa Dunes State Park, and the Lake Earl Wildlife Area, and Lake Earl Coastal Lagoon. Our offerings will tempt everyone, from the most avid birder or botanist to the generalist nature lover or history buff.

Come join us in celebrating the return of spring with tens of thousands of Aleutian Canada Geese. Watch at dawn when the birds rise from their offshore island resting place — to fill the sky with voice and wing as they move to feed in nearby mainland pastures. Down to less than 500 in the early 1970s and now numbering more than 60,000+, the Aleutian Canada Goose is an Endangered Species Act success story.

Discover the rugged beauty of California's most northwest corner, Crescent City and Del Norte County's wild redwood coast. Delight in this remote island of nature, which has a feeling of being suspended "outside of time" — for this is a place where rivers still run free, where wild salmon still spawn, and where endangered species recover, rather than disappear.

Enjoy sampling from our county birdlist of 414 species; our seventh annual festival birdlist reached 184 species.

And then discover how the complexity and diversity of species goes beyond birds. Explore why our Klamath-Siskiyou region is often called "the Galapagos of North America". Begin to experience the botanical variety that is almost unparalleled around the globe. Learn about the indigenous peoples of this region who still live on or near their original tribal lands.

Lake Earl Manor - A Wonderful Place to Live

2007-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Pictured above: Lake Earl Manor, a subdivision on the shore of Lake Earl Wildlif e Refuge, at sunrise. Lake Earl Manor is located approximately 2 miles north of Crescent City in Del Norte County. Del Norte County is the Northernmost California County that has the Pacific Ocean as it's western border.

There are three streets that make up Lake Earl Manor. Vipond Drive, which has homes built mostly in the late 50' through early 80's, China Creek, which has homes built mainly in the 90's and Lakeside Loop, made up primarily of homes built from 2000 to present. The home in the background is still under construction. (There are still a few lots available in this phase.)

This picture of Lake Earl was taken from the street (Lakeside Loop) at about 8:00 in the morning on March 14, 2007.
Lake Earl Manor is made up of all stick-built homes. Manufactured homes were not allowed in this subdivision.
The schools that serve this area are Redwood School in Fort Dick (K-8), Pine Grove School, (K-6), Crescent Elk Junior High and Del Norte High School--busing is available. The airport is approximately 4 miles away, with grocery stores and servcies available just 2-3 miles south in Crescent City.
Lake Earl is a major flighway for ducks and geese (Aleutian geese are pictured here flying over my head on my morning walk). As I took my morning walk, hundreds of geese flew overhead on their morning migration to graze on the dairy fields to the north in Smith River.
Every year, Del Norte County has The Aleutian Goose Festival celebrating their beauty as well as many of the other birds that are found in Lake Earl Manor. Register for The Aleutian Goose festival and/or see events.

The changing real estate market & subprime lenders

2007-03-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a very informative article that will give you a picture of what is happening with the sub-prime market and how it might affect you in the coming months, Subprime lenders are dropping like flies.

If you find you are in a situation where you have an upside down loan (you owe more than your home is worth) and you have to sell--the exact situation that a large number of home owners are finding themselves in--read this article on the short sale, and get as informed as possible regarding your alternatives.

Because of the permissive policies of subprime lenders and their qualifiying practices over the last few years, a lot of homeowner's find--as the interest rates increase--they can no longer afford their home. The Short Sale is far more preferrable than a foreclosure as far as your credit score goes, but the smartest advice anyone can give, if you find yourself in an upside down situation and you have to sell, is consult a lawyer and tax professional who specialize in this type of transaction.

Foreclosures are up over 60% in California from this date last year and are expected to increase over the next twelve months. Keeping the equity intact in your home (don't borrow against it, you're home is not an ATM) for the coming year would help ensure that you don't put yourself in a compromised situation if the need arises to sell.

It is already becoming difficult for people with substandard credit to borrow, read - Surprise, people with bad credit don't pay their mortgage payments, limiting the number of qualified buyers, thus creating more inventory, less buyers--a traditional buyer's market.

For more info: Housing sector may be hit by "Piggyback loans" and 100% financing is alive and well, just not for subprime lenders

Continue to check in for up-to-date information on the real estate market.

Training on the Short Sale

2007-03-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

I signed up for today's training several weeks ago, thinking it was about "real estate agent tips on how to prepare for tax time throughout the year." It seems the presenter made an error and prepared for the wrong seminar.

The planned topic for today, the Short Sale (a short sale occurs when a lender agrees to write off the portion of a mortgage that's higher than the value of a home), seemed timely, however. After reading so many of the mortgage posts talking about "upside down" loans, 100% financing or "no money down" (Jeff Belonger, Karen George, Ken Cook), and driving through Sacramento this past weekend, I felt that any training on this type of listing will probably come in handy in the not-to-distant future.

We were on a mission this weekend, to pick-up our veteran son and bring him home (praise God he made it home from Iraq), to stop off in Reno and celebrate 27 years of marital bliss, and to see our family.

As we drove through the Sacramento area on I-5, we gazed at the multitude of McMansions bordering the highway for miles and miles and wondered how much further the sprawl could go.

Today's trainer started the day with some pretty frightening statistics. Suffice it to say, the foreclosure rate in Cali is up over 60% over last year, and the short sale has become a very common business practice in the major metropolitan areas that overbuilt from 2001-2005. He is an economist and shared some of the pitfalls of 100% financing, and having your loan "upside down."

I have already seen the necessity for the Short Sale in my first 12 months of real estate.

The client I had that would have been helped by a short sale was adamant about having $5000 profit after all was said and done in the sale of her home. Unfortunately, the comps did not support the asking price, which was pointed out to me several times by other agents (and I pointed out to my client), and the home did not sell after a six month listing. It did sell, however, two months later, when properly priced, but it was too late for my client. The bank recouped their money and she is no longer a home owner.

This is a sad story, but one that the trainer said is going to be more common in the coming months.

We did accomplish our mission for the weekend. We did pick-up our son and we did celebrate our anniversary. We saw Styx in concert at the Silver Legacy, which was a lot of fun, and then on a lark, we put $10 into a dollar slot and won $3,600. If only it were that easy to help our clients out of these short sale situations.

Del Norte County Real Estate Statistics - February 2007

2007-02-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

February showed an increase over January in residential listings sold, with an increase in the average and median price as well.

* 15 residential listings sold
* Median price $307,500
* Average price $352,377

* 1 land listing sold for $125,000

* No commercial or multi-family units sold.

Four of my last 6 escrows have been out-of-town purchasers looking for a slower paced lifestyle and leaving major metroplitan suburbs or cities. I definitely see that trend in my phone and floor up-calls and I believe it will continue as baby boomers retire in greater numbers.

Del Norte County/Crescent City Restaurant Guide - Bistro Garden

2007-02-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

Bistro Garden, 110 Anchor Way (in the harbor)
Crescent City, CA. Phone: 707-464-5627

Hours: Open 7 days a week
Lunch: Mon-Sat 11am-2pm.
Dinner: Mon-Sun 5pm-9pm. Sunday brunch 9am-2pm.

Price range: (dinner entree): $16.95 - $26.95

Recommended: Gorgonzola pasta with pecans - This homemade pasta is in a creamy gorgonzola sauce with green onions (not many), and pecans, served with sourdough bread & caesar salad or blackbean soup ~ $16.95
I thoroughly delighted in every bite. The gorgonzola gives the sauce a bite, but it's not overpowering. I saved about a third and had it for lunch the next day. Mmmm, good.

My spouse had Grilled salmon served with prawns and pico di gillo (the evening special) - The salmon comes grilled, topped with approx. 4 large prawns and has pico di gillo on top of that. He said it was very enjoyable, savory, cooked to perfection and he would order it again. (I didn't get the price, sorry.)

A few weeks later: We ate at Bistro Gardens tonight. I had the Gorgonzola pasta with pecans, yes again. Garry had something totally new and boy, was it fabulous.

He ordered the Baked Chicken Marinara with Gorgonzola - two half breasts baked, with marinara sauce and gorgonzola sauce over the top. I tried a bite and it made my mouth happy! So tonight my daughter and her boyfriend are coming to town and I asked Garry to barbecue steaks. He said, "No way. Let's go to Bistro, I'm getting the chicken again." Folks, that says it all.

Ambiance: We eat at Bistro Garden often and are always pleased with the presentation, ambiance, and price. We each ordered a glass of White Zinfandel (we will probably stick to Chardonnay next time), priced at $4.50 for an approximate six-ounce glass. Enjoy!!

Del Norte County/Crescent City Restaurant Guide - Ambrosia Grill

2007-02-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ambrosia Grill, Front Street, Crescent City, CA. Phone:

Serves lunch and dinner.

Price range (dinner entree): Linguine Alfredo - $10.95 - Prime Steak 14oz Rib eye, $26.95

Recommended:
Forestier Country Chicken - Twin breasts of chicken lightly sauteed w/grape tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and a hint of rosemary in a Marsala reduction served w/bacon and onion risotto and seasoned vegetables, caesar salad or blackbean soup (the blackbean soup was thick, creamy and delicious) ~ $16.95

My husband had the above entree, which was savory; he enjoyed every bite.

I had the Cedar Salmon - Pacific Salmon rubbed in Ambrosia spices and planked on seasoned cedar, topped w/bell pepper fennel relish and served w/rice pilaf and vegetables, caesar salad or blackbean soup (caesar salad was very good) ~ $17.95 (The salmon was a little undercooked, if you like Sushi you won't mind.)

We saw several people we know this particular evening (our lawyer, Garry's boss, Garry's massuese and a friend from church. Aww, small town life) and two were eating the barbecued ribs, which I will try on our next visit. One of the patron's told us he had them the last three times he's been to the restaurant.

The Parmesan Snapper came highly recommended by another couple.

Service, ambiance and price:
The service was good, the ambiance enjoyable, and the price--the food was priced comparable to other restuarants in it's class, but two, 4 ounce glasses of Chardonnay were $8 each, which is about double what we are charged at like restaurants that give you more wine per glass.

Suggestion: Take your own bottle of wine, $15 corkage charge! We will definitely eat there often.

Del Norte County/Crescent City business news

2007-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Here’s what’s going on today ~
I wandered across Northcrest Drive yesterday to the old Northridge Electric building to see what’s going on. There has been a number of local contractors coming and going for a few weeks and my curiosity finally overcame me, yes it took two weeks. So, I drove across the street, parked my car, went in and checked it out.

A New Gym ~
There is a huge room full of gym equipment with locker rooms going in this week. Yes, a new gym. All the equipment from Ramblin’ Rose was purchased and moved to this location. There will also be tanning beds, a masseuse, and some professional offices for rent; there is already a spray-on-bed-liner business.

What about the exterior?
I am trying to get the skinny on what the owner is going to do with the exterior. Hopefully beautify it in some way, but how much can you do with a steal building. Still I am hopeful that there will be one less unsightly building in Crescent City when the owner is finished. I'll continue to keep you posted on the progress of this renovation.

Del Norte County/Crescent City Restaurant Guide - Pizza King

2007-02-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

Pizza King
1348 Front Street
Crescent City, CA.
Phone: 707-464-4890

Prices: Sandwiches - $5.45 - $6.25, entree's - $7.10 (pasta) - $12.15 (ribs), Lg combo pizza - $20.30. Menu includes salad bar and desserts.

Serves lunch and dinner, has arcade games and a lounge with pool tables. Is available for club meetings and events for 20-60 people.

Ambiance~

The building was recently remodeled, is clean and pleasant. My husband and I always order the large combo pizza with a pint of beer (Mirror Pond, Steelehead, Bud and Miller on tap). The pizza has a nice amount of toppings, but not super thick and heavy so that the pizza is greasy (I don't like greasy pizza) and the ingredients are fresh. We haven't been disappointed yet!

Gasquet, California. Home to the Forks of the Smith River

2007-02-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

Gasquet, California, although small (pop. approx. 400), has some mighty attributes, chiefly, the Forks of the Smith River and Six Rivers National Forest.

Middle Fork Ranch has cabins on the Smith River with two private swimming holes for snorkeling and swimming in summer, fishing for salmon and steelhead when in season.
Patrick's Creek Lodge is a historical bed and breakfast on the shore of Patrick's Creek, another Salmon and Steelhead fishing spot.
Six River's National Forest - Check out their webpage for all this National Forest has to offer.
Ward Field Airport - Twin engine planes and smaller.
Kayaking information for the Smith River.
Hunt for Big Foot
Bear Basin Butte Botanical area - Hunt for wildflowers in season.

Gasquet has it's own elementary school, Mountain School that serves grades K-5 grade, post office and general store. The summer weather reaches into the 100's, with an occasional dusting of snow in the wintertime. Gasquet is approximately 20 miles from Crescent City up highway 199.

It has several neighborhoods and as well as homes scattered up and down the Smith River on acreage.

See what Fort Dick, California has to offer

2007-02-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

Map of Del Norte County and Ft. Dick

The tiny community of Ft. Dick is 8 miles North of Crescent City and has several distinctions.

Pacific Shores - Ft. Dick is home to Pacific Shores, a never-developed subdivision between Lake Earl Drive and the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Shores subdivided floodlands in Lake Earl decades ago, and although no homes were ever constructed, 1,500 lots were created and streets were constructed. Pacific Shores borders the Pacific with a stretch of beach called Kellogg Beach.

Kellogg Beach - Closed to gas powered vehicles within the last 12 months, Kellogg Beach is a wonderful get-away for a quiet day on the beach watching Pelican's and seagulls, laying in the dunes and watching the waves roll in. My husband and I go there about twice a week in the summertime and we are almost always the only people there the entire time. Kellogg Beach is lovely, quiet, and active with wildlife. Last summer while we were sunbathing at Kellogg Beach, thousands of butterflies flew over us coming off of the ocean and heading inland. It was magical!

Lake Earl wildlife area fluctuates; when the lagoon is high, it covers approximately 5,000 acres and is nearly 60 miles in circumference. See my previous blog entry on this wildlife area.

Pelican Bay State Prison - Located on 275 acres in Ft. Dick, California, Pelican Bay State Prison is designed to house the state's most serious criminal offenders in a secure, safe and disciplined institutional setting. The prison opened December 1989 to accommodate a need for a growing population of maximum-security inmates. PBSP has an approximate budget of $115 million and over 1400 employees.

Redwood School - Ft. Dick's local K-8, California Distinguished School and home of the Redwood Raiders.

Ft. Dick is known for having excellent grazing land and is home to several dairy's. Ft. Dick is also home to some of Del Norte County's loveliest neighborhoods.

Tall Ships Festival, Crescent City, CA May 1-6

2007-02-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

The Lady Washington and Hawaiin Chieftain will be showcased at the Coastal Redwoods Tall Ships Festival in Crescent City, CA, May 1-6, 2007. The ships will dock in and sail from Crescent City's harbor! Enchance your Tall Ships fun with vendors, booths, plein air art, musicians, performers, clowns, etc., harborside, from Friday through Sunday. Enjoy Educational tours, Public tours, Adventure Sails, Battle Sails, Sunset Dinner Cruises, and affiliated special events throughout Del Norte County and Crescent City from Tuesday to Sunday. Contact Event Organizer, Larry Lakes at llakes@ncen.org or please call the Del Norte Historical Society at 707-464-3922. Contact the Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge

2007-02-09T20:35:00.000-08:00

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge
This stretch of the California Coastline is worth the drive. Please read about the sanctuary at the link above. A few 100 feet south from this spot is a popular surfing location for local surfers. The day I took this picture, the beach was sparsely populated with people enjoying the surf and sunshine, collecting agates, driftwood, shells, walking their dogs, and in my case, sitting and enjoying the view. Pebble Beach Drive borders this stretch of ocean with many turnouts for easy parking and access. Please Register at Fran's website for further assistance with your Del Norte County real estate needs.

The Lake Earl/Tolowa Wildlife Refuge

2007-02-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Lake Earl, Lake Tolowa Wildlife Refuge area is a wetland that begs to be explored. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded here. In winter the water is alive with waterfowl, along with Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and other raptors. There are miles of hiking trails that are pristine, peaceful, and full of many different species of plants and mammals.

Lake Earl, A Beautiful Place to Live - There is only one neighborhood in Del Norte County that borders the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge and I live in that neighborhood. The street is aptly named Lakeside Loop and is a wonderful place to live. I can hear the ocean from my home most of the time. You can see by the picture that a narrow spit of land keeps Lake Earl from the Pacific Ocean; when the lake gets too full from winter rains, it breeches itself, causing changes in the species-rich ecosystem.

What a fabulous morning walk - I walk around the "Loop," the street I live on that borders a small section of the 5,000-acre refuge area, most mornings. I see many different types of birds on every walk. Yesterday, my husband and I walked across the street and out onto the wetland (that sometimes is under water). There were ducks swimming around, birds chirping, the roar of the ocean in the background, and we notice a tree that's roots had rotted and had fallen over. There at the top of the tree was a raptor. It rose up with mighty wings spread, and flew away.

Recreation - Hiking, hunting, bird watching, rowing (no motor boats), biking, and laying in the sun are some of the types of recreation that can be enjoyed at Lake Earl and Tolowa Wildlife Refuge.

When you come to Del Norte County, I encourage you to visit the largest wetlands in the U.S. outside of Alaska.

Call or email me with questions about Lake Earl, Lake Tolowa, or Crescent City/Del Norte County in general. Email: fgatti@mingtreerealestate.com, website address: Fran’s website, my cell phone: 707-218-8162.

Happy Superbowl Sunday

2007-02-04T00:34:00.000-08:00

My first date with my husband, Garry, was at a pro sporting event, a Raiders game back in 1979 when they were HOT. Jim Plunkett was QB'ing that game and I believe they lost, but oh, what fun. It was my first ever pro sporting event and a total blast. I quickly became a Raider fan so that Garry would marry me.

The Silver and Black let me down
Oakland (2-14, 0-8 away) regular season record '06
We were faithful fans for many years, but when Al Davis passed up Matt Leinert in the NFL draft in April 2006, I threw in the towel. Their pick, Michael Huff, was the final straw that broke my back.

Garry's a Raider faithful
My husband, not one to bail when times get tough is still believing in a miracle. As for me, I became a Peyton Manning fan several years ago, but in earnest at the end of last season. I argued with Garry that Peyton would take the Colts all the way this year, while he insisted it would be New Orleans and San Diego. O ye of little faith in Peyton. Who's laughing now?!

I hope you all enjoy watching Peyton bring it on home. Have a wonderful Superbowl Sunday. I'll be in the office from 10-4; give me a call if you need anything. At 4:00 straight up, I'll be scurrying home to watch the game on our 60" TV with no company to distract us (this is serious business in the Gatti household). I will be writing a "see I told you so" congratulatory blog for the Colts tomorrow evening after the game.

Is your interior paint hurting your home selling efforts?

2007-01-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

Interior paint, although easy to change, may be hurting your home selling efforts. Do-it-yourselfers may scoff at this remark, but with home prices necessitating two incomes, many would-be purchasers do not have the time, money or inclination to change the paint or anything else for that matter.

In our spare time, my husband and I buy "fixer" homes to resell. We make improvements with an eye for what an average buyer may find appealing. Our last home had every interior wall painted in Linen (off-white). I thought it looked like a hospital, stark and sterile, but we sold for close to asking price and in less than two months. I vowed the home we were building at the time would not suffer the same colorless fate.

Our quick sale prompted my color study
I didn't equate our quick sale with wall color, but since then, I have been observing my clients and colleagues responses to different interior colors and I have noticed a trend, interior color matters to a lot of people.

A case in point, I was showing a great listing as far as value was concerned, very consistent neighborhood of well cared for homes, close to a lake, large lot, etc, but the interior was painted in vibrant blue and green with navy blue carpets and it remained on the market for months during our peak home selling season.

Buyers don't want to hear how easy it is to change paint color
I showed this home many times, commenting to each prospective buyer that paint is the easiest and most affordable of changes to make to a home. This statement went in and out both ears of my clients as they commented on the dark walls. I eventually sold the listing to an investor who had the interior painted off-white post haste.

Another heads up to the effect of color came in listening to the comments of my colleagues during our Board of Realtors caravans previewing new listings. When we enter a home with dark or vibrantly colored walls, it's more about what you don't hear, comments on how much they like the home, that their client's would find the home interesting or lovely, etc.

I am the first to admit that interior wall color, when done tastefully with the proper accessories, may help the sale of a home. If not done right, the wrong color paint can hurt your chances of receiving a timely offer at a good price.

We built our new home with resale in mind. Unfortunately I didn't start my unofficial color study until after I painted the interior. We are repainting every wall with a more subtle color; my husband is appreciative that I fill his time. You may want to do the same if your home has vibrant or dark colors and has not sold in a timely manner.

Gasoline costs

2007-01-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

I received an email from a client with a recent Triplicate article attached. The article stated Del Norte County has the distinction of having the highest gas prices in the country. The client asked in the email what the prices were like in Brookings, OR.

I saw the article and didn't even give it a second thought because we have had that distinction most of the time I have lived in Crescent City, 17 years. In the beginning, it was difficult getting used to our prices, that's for sure, but I feel the positive aspects of where I live mitigate the spendy gas.

The most important consideration for me is, there is no traffic in Del Norte County. I save A LOT of time because of that, and probably gas as well. The second thing I love about where I live and the reason I can overlook the gas price is the natural beauty and NO SMOG! I have in Sacramento and before that the Bay Area so I know about smog.

Our prices on food and other essential items seem to be about the same as elsewhere, but our housing costs are much lower than the rest of California and much of Oregon, so we save in that regard as well. I guess we all have to balance what's more important to us when considering a move, and make our decision accordingly.

Give me a call for all your Del Norte County real estate needs.

Thanks,

Fran

Real Estate Statistics

2007-01-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

I was surprised yesterday when a client told me he's talked to people who are buying for 20% under the asking price, so I did a little investigating today. The average selling price out of the 73 homes that have closed escrow since 10/1/06 were 5% below asking price, 17% of the homes that closed were at asking price and five homes did close for more than 15% off the asking price.

The decline in prices seems to have stabilized and the inventory that is on the market is shrinking (from 300 in August to 227 as of today).

If you are waiting to buy, you may want to reconsider that strategy and purchase soon before inventory shrinks more and prices rise do to supply and demand, unless you are willing to wait until next fall for a possible slow down.

For more information, links, and what's going on in Del Norte County, please check out my website at http://www.dncrealestate.com.

State Statistics for California:
Calif. median home price - November 06: $555,290 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region November 06:Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,083,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region November 06:High Desert $332,340 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Third Quarter 06:24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 1/18:30-yr. fixed: 6.23%; Fees/points: 0.4%15-yr. fixed: 5.98%; Fees/points: 0.4%1-yr. adjustable: 5.51%; Fees/points: 0.5%(Source: Freddie Mac)

Have a wonderful weekend and call me when you’re ready to purchase (707-218-8162).

Fran Gatti

Surfing 101: What you need to know to get started

2007-01-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Surfing is incomparable to other outdoor sports. You simply get your foot in the water and leave life's worries and stresses behind as the white water wipes you clean.
"You leave all the nonsense behind that's plaguing you," said longtime surfer Gary Mumm, 58, of Crescent City. "You just lose stuff, look at the water and on those nice, clear days, you can see all kinds of (sealife)."
Often one of the hardest parts of surfing for first-timers is catching that first wave, but with a little coaching and paddle speed, riding Del Norte County beaches' waves can be an addictive treat.
Whether starting on a long board or boogie board, local surf shop owners stress wave etiquette and say South Beach is the safest, most surfer-friendly in the area.
"It's sandy, not rocky and easy to get to," said South Beach Outfitters co-owner Joni Baugh. "Most of the other beaches are a lot more dramatic, with harder climbs (and) are rockier."
Brad Dodson , who grew up surfing in Crescent City and recently moved to Arcata, said South Beach is amazing. "There aren't many places where you can drive down to the ocean and be home in five minutes," he said.
One of the first steps before paddling out is to practice "popping up," said Bev Noll, co-owner of Rhyn Noll Surf and Skate. "You have to come to a standing position in one swoop so you're not teetering on your knees or in a crouching position."
This can be done in your living room, on the sand or atop one's car, but it's a key element, as "you have to be able to pop up," Noll said.
And be sure to strap the leash to your back foot, she said.
When going int to the water, remember to paddle straight into the wave, "Like a boat," Baugh said, and steer clear of other surfers. "That way nobody gets hurt," she said.
Once out in the water--and, "you don't need to go that far out," Baugh said--wait for a wave and some white water to pick you up and paddle as fast as possible.
"You have to be going the speed of the wave," Baugh said , and once caught, be sure to place yourself in the board's middle otherwise the ride won't last very long.
She recommends big boards for first-timers. "The bigger the board, the easier it is--the longer, the wider, the thicker the better."
And even if your upper body strength is lacking, those muscles will develop with practice.
"Your paddling strength (and) your back and leg muscles will come the longer you do surf," Noll said.
Even if you're a female, "you're going to be able to propel your body as much as a guy would." she said.
women may take longer to build to that "really strong" point, Noll said, because they don't have the same muscle structure, "but you can develop it to accommodate what you want of that surfing experience."
And ocean conditions right now--actually most of the year--afford more surf than the summer provides, Noll said.
"The summer is notoriously flatter, " she said. Even so, sometimes "it's just the luck of the draw."
But unlike popular surf regions like Hawaii and Southern California, Northern California's water temperature hardly reaches above 55 degrees, Noll said. So wrap yourself in a wetsuit and keep those toes warm with booties.
Dodson said there's no better time to learn than now, as surfing is "a great adventure and pretty cheap for a starter.
"You're participating in nature," Dodson said. "You're definitely not conquering it or one with it, but are part of it when you're up and riding."

Surfing Etiquette

The rider has the right-of-way: The paddler must stay out of the way, when possible paddle wide, well away from breaking waves and riding surfers
Hold onto your board: A loose board can injure someone or ding others' boards. If you know you can't handle it, let anyone paddling behind you know of the danger. On the other hand, don't paddle right behind someone.
Crowds: this isn't a huge problem in Del Norte, but even so, don't be a kook. Follow the guidelines above and you're starting on the right foot. In a crowd, be aware of who has been waiting their turn patiently. Don't be a wave hog. Check out the amount of waves, amount of surfers and the mood of the crowd. How critical are the waves? Sometimes everyone will take turns, other times it's dog-eat-dog, and only the more aggressive surfers make it to the peak of the right-of-way. During such times, seek a less crowded spot.

Five things that you will need

Wetsuit: Only children go in the ocean without one. To rent for a day at either surf shop in Crescent City, expect to pay $10. Can be expensive to buy, rent until you know you're hooked.
Surfboard: For beginners "the longer, the wider, the thicker, the better," To rent for a day at either surf shop expect to pay $18. Can be very expensive to purchase new, check local sources for used options.
Gloves: Some like 'em, some don't, but they can keep your digits from turning an unnatural shade of red. Expect to pay anywhere from nothing to $8 to rent.
Hood: In the winter and even in the summer a hood can add some warmth. Some rental wetsuits come with built in hoods or rent for about $5.
Booties: A necessity. Don't get in the water without them. Expect to pay $4-8 to rent.

Surf lessons also can be found for a fee. Check with the local surf shops for more information.

Places to surf

South Beach: Beginning to moderate. A good place to start, consistent waves.
Whalers island: For experienced surfers only. Breaks only when the swell is large.
Pebble Beach: Moderate difficulty. Waves here tend to be more intense.
Garth's Beach: Beginner to moderate. Some rocks to navigate but waves brake at a consistent location.

Stargazing in Del Norte County

2007-01-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

The sky is the limit for stargazing in Del Norte County.Illustration by Bryant Anderson/The Daily Triplicate

www.triplicate.com

Stargazing doesn't take an astronomy degree, you don't have to be fully versed on the constellations and you need not own a telescope to appreciate the night sky's wonders.
"The fun thing is the stars are the same all the time," said Paul Domanchuk, president of Astronomers of Humboldt. "You can learn the constellations when you're 7 and know them at 70."
The catch is, however, to move away from the coastline, get away from the lights and climb high in altitude – which makes many areas in Del Norte County impeccable for stargazing.
"The skies are usually clearer, and you don't have to deal with the fog — you're trying to get away from the twinkle line," said Jon Pedicino, an astronomy professor at College of the Redwoods in Eureka.
And right now is the perfect time, Domanchuk said, as "these cool, clear nights are the best for seeing things, if you don't freeze to death."
Though the sun doesn't shine for as long as during the summer months, that works in stargazers' favor, especially if the moon's not out, as the sky will be dark and if weather permits, clear.
Learning the basic constellations is fairly simple, Domanchuk said, and once you know those, "You notice things that are different throughout the year."
For one, the stars rise and set just like the sun and moon, so they're constantly rotating.
And new stars and planets are always forming, Domanchuk said, most notably below and to the left of the belt of Orion — one of the best-known and easily seen constellations.
To see those that are forming, however, a pair of binoculars or telescope are recommended for optimal viewing.
With binoculars on-hand — "as long as they're steady" — you can also see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn, Domanchuk said.
Also, "Look for some shooting stars, look for satellites, see the Orion constellation — those are all nice things for the wintertime," Pedicino said.
And meteors. On any given night, you can see 10 to 15 meteors in an hour, or one every five minutes, Pedicino said.
"And the neat thing about that is they're little grains of dust, little grains of sand" moving 40,000 miles an hour, burning the atmosphere, he said.
The best meteor showers are in August and December, but there's almost one each month, Pedicino said.
Satellites — military ones move from the north to south and communication satellites move east to west — are always abound.
The best time to catch one is right around sunset and dawn, Pedicino said. Though they look like stars, it's easy to detect them, as they move across the sky as fast as a plane.
"There's no way to hide them — they show up against the background of the stars," he said.
In Del Norte, the view of the western hemisphere is ideal, but move away from the ocean because "when you're looking at things low on the horizon, you're looking at a large amount of atmosphere," Pedicino said.
Just "get a little altitude — the skies are usually clearer and you don't have to deal with the fog," he said.
•••••
What to look for in the night sky
•New moon: Friday at 2 a.m. Really sharp observers under excellent conditions may be able to catch the razor thin crescent, but Saturday is much more likely.
•Moon-Venus: Saturday just after dusk, the thin crescent moon slips by Venus in the western dusk just after sunset. Look quickly, because both Venus and the moon set shortly after the sun. The moon appears slightly above and to the left of Venus, with increasing separation the farther west you are.
•Mars: Mars rises about 90 minutes before the sun and is a small target in telescopes.
•Jupiter: Jupiter rises about two hours before the sun, not far from the star Antares. Although low in the sky, it offers a nice telescopic sight, complete with satellites, for early risers.
•Venus: During the second half of January, Venus dominates the west-southwest shortly after sunset.
•Mercury: In the last few days of January, you may be able to catch Mercury in the western twilight after sunset. Start looking maybe 10 minutes after sunset.
•Moon-Saturn: Feb 2 at 9 p.m. The moon passes less than a degree to the north of Saturn in Leo. This occurs before moonrise in most locations.
SOURCE: Space.com

Development Co. to buy beach front Health Clinic

2007-01-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Del Norte Healthcare District plans to sell the A Street Clinic to an El Dorado Hills, CA based development company. The District Board agreed to negotiate with Development Consultants Inc. who had the highest bid. Firm President, Randy Baugh will meet with city planners to talk about options for the property.

The minimum price for the property is 1.25 million. The property is prime, ocean front real estate, next to the newly completed Hampton Inn.

Is a Starbucks coming to Del Norte?

2007-01-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

I have heard rumors that we are indeed getting a Starbucks in Del Norte County and the most reliable rumor mongers say it will be in the lot in the Home Depot parking lot bordering Hwy 101, or the lot directly across from Home Depot on the other side of Cooper Street (where the toilet sign used to be).

Either way, I'm sure most Del Norters are happy to hear this news.

Spaniard first explorer to set eyes on Del Norte County

2007-01-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

Native Americans and their ancestors lived for thousands of years in what is now known as Del Norte County. But the end of their domination began in 1542, when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed north toward the future Del Norte shoreline.
Leaving from the port of Navidad in June 1542, Cabrillo's two ships--the San Salvador and Victoria reached Point Reyes by year's end. With the winter waters turning rough, Cabrillo ordered his ships to turn around. But Cabrillo died in January 1543 on the Channel Islands.
His chief first pilot, Bartolome Ferrelo, took command and turned the ships back north up the coast of what was then called "Alta California."
But in February a storm struck. The following morning, the sailors sighted Cape Pinos and bore to the northwest with the winds. Two days later when the winds died, the navigator determined they were at 43 degrees north latitude.
Several ensuing days of storms, however, threatened to sink the ships. Gales swept sea water onto their decks, and the ships became separated. The two vessels worked their way south, though, finally meeting at Cedros Island on March 26.
Historians originally believed the Cabrillo expedition never sailed farther north than Cape Mendocino, more than 150 miles from Del Norte County.
But a re-examination of the ships' logs said the ships probably got as far north as the mouth of the Rogue River in southern Oregon. If so, the two craft and their sailors saw the Del Norte County shoreline in late February and early March 1543.
It is unlikely they ever made landfall, however, let alone saw much more than rugged coast and hillsides. Another 30-plus years would pass before that would occur among European expeditions.

City may clear way for taller buildings in harbor district

2007-01-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

The harbor district soon may be graced with tall buildings that are home to people and businesses with parking beneath them.
When Crescent City councilors meet today, a proposal taking the first step allowing such a change will come before them.
At issue is a zone change. Sent to council by the city Planning Commission on Thursday, the proposal seeks to modify the height limit in the Commercial Manufacturing District from 45 feet to 70 feet.
"The Coastal Commission if OK with it," said Will Caplinger, city planner. "We want a demonstration project to show that we can comply with the FEMA regs for height."
The proposal builds on a matter commissioners approved Dec. 14, which recommends that condominium uses in a mixed-use development at 270 Hwy 101, be allowed through a permitting process. That's the site at the highway's "S" curve, which was once home to several iterations of a seafood company.
Further investigation of the site found that the property was probably fouled by petroleum or other hazardous substances because an auto service business used to be there. An underground fuel tank may still remain. The latest recommendation was built off the December decision for several reasons:

The structure remaining is dilapidated and must be torn down.
The area is in a Special Flood Hazard Area--a Federal Emergency Management Agency designation that has its own regulations, which means the lowest floor of any replacement that's built has to be at least 17 feet above the site's grade. Because the space between the floor and the ground can't be enclosed, any structure essentially would be raised on pilings.
To build in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements, development costs at the 45-feet height limit that's now in effect would be prohibitive.

Since the nearby area founded by Front and Third Streets and A and K Streets allows building up to 70 feet high, planning commissioners want the 270 Hwy 101 site to do so as well.

Tsunami, fire close curtain on old theater

2007-01-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Dave Gray ~ Footprints column
The Mecca Theatre opened on July 4, 1928. It was a reinforced concrete structure located on the corner of Third and H streets. it was built by Joseph Bernhardt Endert and his son Bernhardt Chester Endert at a cost of $75,000.
It was a very elegant theater in the Art Decco style. As a "touch of class" the Enderts used the English spelling of theatre in the marquis.
It was a legitimate theater as well as a moving picture theater. Many famous people played there. The theater was built just at the end of the silent screen era and "talkies" were soon being produced and replacing the silent movies.
The Enderts realized that they would have to update the theater to accommodate the new movies. They installed the sound system made by Western Electric, which was considered the most advanced and best sound equipment for the reproduction of the sound track from talking pictures. The equipment was also the most expensive.
On April 23, 1931 the Mecca Theatre ushered in the era "talkies" in DN County with the showing of the film "Honey," which starred Nancy Carroll. It was a huge success and many of the residents of Del Norte County and Curry County saw the movie during its week long run.
The merchants and business people of Crescent City were so impressed that they took out individual ads in the Crescent City American to congratulate the Enderts for their progressive action. The ads took up 12 pages of print.

Disaster!

Joseph B. Endert died in 1935. Chester continued to run the Mecca Theatre until 1944 when he sold it to E.L. Boles. The theater was later sold to Judge H.H. Buchanan of Lake Tahoe.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963, a devastating fire struck the Mecca Theatre. It was about 3:30 am when police officer Charles Ward saw smoke pouring from the building. Within minutes, the fire department was on the scene. The firemen battled the blaze for four hours before finally extinguishing the last embers.
The entire northwest interior was completely destroyed, and water and smoke damage to the rest of the interior was rated as total.
The firemen were able to prevent the blaze from spreading into the blue Star Gas Company office located in the northwest corner of the building, but water damage to the office was extensive.
Judge Buchanan arrived in Crescent City the next day to assess the damage. The damage appeared so extensive that a complete reconstruction and refurnishing of the theater was necessary.
Judge Buchanan said that structural engineers would have to evalutate the building to determine what needed to be done to restore the theater. He said he would restore the theater as quickly as possible.

The End

In March 1964, a series of tsunami waves devastated downtown Crescent City. The Mecca Theatre was further damaged. When the redevelopment plan for the city was completed, the Mecca Theatre was designated to be razed. After 35 years of providing theater and movies to the people of Del Norte County a wrecking ball obliterated the theater.

Secret Beach-one of Del Norte's hidden wonderlands

2007-01-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Some of the most fruitful entertainment in Del Norte County doesn't cost a nickel--well, maybe just a little gas in the guzzler and a bit of wear and tear on the shoes.

Enderts Beach, just two miles south of Crescent City and 2.3 miles down Enderts Beach Road, is part of Redwood National and State Parks' 37 miles of shoreline. And it's one of two beaches in the county known for its wealth of tidepools and resident creatures. The beach is also one of the area's best kept secrets.

"It's a very peaceful location," said Debbie Savage, Redwood National and State Parks north district supervisor. "It feels rather isolated when you're down there, and there are many days when you can be the only person there."

After parking at the end of Enderts Beach Road and taking the half-mile hike down part of old Hwy. 101 to the sand, there are two options--to explore the northern beach or the southern side.

"Enderts Beach is a wonderful place to go at low tide, but I'd encourage people to go north rather than south," Savage said. "The south side is generally not a really safe place to go."
tidepools are dispersed both ways, but if you're in an adventurous mood and the tide is low, the south side is a nature lover's treat.

Tips for exploring
And if that's the chosen destination, Savage recommends a few precautionary steps to keep oneself and fellow nature enthusiasts safe. "People are not aware of the power of the ocean even on a calm, beautiful day," she advised.

Wear study shoes, such as sneakers - Avoid wearing flip flops or no shoes at all. And be prepared to get wet, Savage said, as there's a creek to cross to reach the tidepools near the cavernous region.
Be aware of your footing - I wouldn't walk on any wet rocks below the water line," Savage said. "Those rocks are covered with barnacles and muscles that can be very sharp, so if you fall you could cut yourself."
Respect the sea life - "You need to walk very gently there, so you're not trampling the tidepool creatures," Savage said.
Never turn your back on the ocean - "It could be a beautiful day (but) it doesn't matter," Savage said. "If you're not watching the ocean, a rogue wave could come in and you don't have much of a chance of escaping back if a large wave sweeps you off shore."
Keep kids and dogs above the high tide line - It's easy for them to get too close to the water and swept out to sea. Keep them in sight and up high.

What you'll find - Once you're prepared for a tromp through the sand, across the creek, over the rocks and through the tight cave, "you'll be surprised by the variety of organisms living down there," Savage said.

Common animal creatures include the black oystercatcher, giant green anemone, black chiton, opalescent nudibranch, hermit crabs, leather star, red sea urchin, purple shore crab, achre sea star, scuplin (a small fish) and acorn barnacles.

Organisms living in and around the tidepools include, marine algae, barnacles and mussels, which cover most rock surfaces.

As observing the animals' and organisms' environments is nearly impossible without stepping on them, savage urges visitors to tread lightly.

If you're not up for a climb over rocks and through small spots, the view of the Franciscan sandstone cliffs just above the beach is worth the short hike.

"Those are bits of the old shoreline that's left behind," Savage said.

Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks make up these unstable sandstone cliffs, she said. and the seastacks that can be seen from Enderts Beach aren't fallen rocks, but leftover materials from erosion.

"As wave energy eroded the sandstone and mudstone, the stronger rocks--made of durable greenstone and chert--were left standing," Savage said. And though plenty of gorgeous shells and rocks reside along the shore, it's illegal to collect any, as the area is a marine sanctuary.

"It's illegal to collect anything down there." Savage said, "except for photographs and memories."

Does lake's name stem from legend?

2007-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

As Crescent City celebrates its 150th birthday, Del Norters also are acknowledging that their history stretches back much further.
One aspect of that history is a legend concerning the small body of water now called Dead Lake.
Located at the north end of Riverside Drive, east of Del Norte County Airport property, modern settlers who named the lake may have drawn from the Tolowa.
"How and why did people come up with Dead Lake as the name" puzzles Loren Bommelyn, Tolowa linguist, tribal council member and local school teacher.
Bommelyn has a theory. He referenced the legend of "'Ii~-le'-sti~, the story of the sea serpent who lives in bodies of water.
The serpent's name and stories about him can be spoken only in winter, the time when his relatives, the snakes, are asleep. The name means "to the east he lies."
"'Ii~-le'-st~ governs all bodies of water and you must respect him," Bommelyn said.
The legend is part of the Tolowa cosmology, the stories that tell how the tribe came into existence.
'Ii~-le'-sti~ wears upon his head the longest dentalia, a shell, that exists. The Tolowa historically used dentalia, as currency. Thus it has value.
One of the 14-15 inches thick and 25-feet long serpent's homes lies inside a huge hollow log laying partially in Lake Earl.
"On good days you could see him sunning himself on it," said Bommelyn.
Tolowa men historically would go out on the lake to earn dentalia. They would go in a respectful state, hoping 'Ii~-le'-sti~ would have pity for them and help them. The men paddle a boat into the lake.
If 'Ii~-le'-sti~ acknowledged their intentions and respect, he would raise his head, and the man would remove the serpent's dentalia. If they had trained correctly, they would have the money.
"Men have drowned, but their bodies have unexplainedly ended up in Big Lagoon," Bommelyn said.
The bodies of others who have died in Smith River would show up in Lake Earl.
Versions of the legend are published in "Indian Lore of the Northern California Coast" by Warburton and Endert. Other references are in "The Tolowa and their Southwest Region Kin" and "Yurok Myths," by Al Krober.

In Focus: Smith River Steelhead

2007-01-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
Published: January 12, 2007

By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer, picture by Bryant Anderson

The fish are cooperating nicely – that's the word from guide service businessmen who take fishermen out to stalk the wily steelhead on Smith River.
Right now the steelhead are at the peak of their run. The season started at the first of December and ends in March.
"It's been a great season, I've been out every day," said Mike Coopman of Coopman's Guide Service. "This season's been as good as any."
Mick Thomas, owner of Lunker Fish Trips Bait and Tackle, estimates that from each fish caught during the steelhead season, $300 comes to Del Norte County.
That's the ripple effect fishermen from other areas generate when they book a fishing trip, get a motel and spend a few days having a good time.
Neither the county nor the Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce tracks the monetary value of the steelhead season, so we'll rely on first-hand fishermen's experience for this story.
Nonetheless, the county has a modern gold mine it can profit from during good fishing years — a large recreational fishery that can generate "lot of revenue" when the fish are plentiful, as they are this year.
Visualize a moderate number of guide boats on the river during a slower day, up to a small flotilla when things are truly hot.
Now visualize the amount of money fishermen on those boats pay to come here, to stay in motels and show themselves a good time.
Guides run from three to five up to 10 boats per day. Multiply that by the 12-15 local guide services and factor in the extra 25-30 non-Del Norte County guides who come in to work the season here.
Not only is Del Norte blessed with its fishery, Coopman pointed out that the Smith River is "extra busy" this year.
"We have the only game in the area," he said. "The other rivers have been blown out."
Unlike the Rogue and Chetco rivers in Oregon or the Trinity to the south, the Smith River has very little sediment and isn't prone to the muddiness heavy precipitation stirs up in the others.
Not only does the area boast the only river, not only are the fish frisky this year — they're big.
Averaging 8-12 pounds, the good news doesn't stop there. Guides report some fish as heavy as 17 and 20 feet.
Last month Alex Green, 14, probably caught the fish of his life — a trophy steelhead — by casting from the bank.
The hefty fish topped the scales at 26 pounds when it was weighed on official state scales at a grocery store in Hiouchi.
"That's 1 pound 4 ounces off the state record," Thomas said.
Added Coopman, "It's a very special fish."
Coopman said that he tries to promote catch and release fishing, although he doesn't tell his customers not to keep the fish they land.
Guides say the bulk of their customers come from Central and Southern California, sometimes from Reno, Nev., Washington state and Boston, Mass.
Some have hosted clients from as far away as Germany and Paris, France.
"The steelheader is an endless person," Coopman said. "He'll go to any lengths to catch the fish."
•••••
Steelhead savvy
Local steelhead guides offered these tips for landing the trophy fish:
•What's on the line? Anglers are having some success with yarn and puff ball rigs. The contraption is also called a driftball or a fish pill.
•Which kind and when? The idea behind driftball rigs is for them to be decorative. Fishermen who shared tips suggest using bright colored yarn (orange or pink) and puffballs when the water is murky, but switching to duller colors (green or blue) after it clears.
•Fish lips: The hardest part of fishing for steelhead is learning to distinguish how they bite. The key is to tell the stealth bite apart from your rig bumping on the streambed.

Battery Point once a location of Native American Internment

2007-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Hilary Corrigan ~ Triplicate staff writer

The site that would host the Battery Point lighthouse off Crescent City's shore also once marked the site of a Native American internment.
The small spot housed more than 250 Native Americans for part of that year, according to an 1856 issue of The Herald newspaper.
"The Indians in our vicinity have been induced to gather on the Island in our bay for the better protection during the difficulties which were in anticipation from the Indians farther up the coast; some of them have the positive assurances of the Whites that they will be returned to their old rancherias as soon as the hostile ones should be subdued--nevertheless measures for their permanent removal have been discussed," the newspaper article states.
But living on the rocky area without shelter was probably not a voluntary step, said Loren Bommelyn, a Tolowa linguist, tribal council member and a teacher for the Del Norte County School District.
"I can't imagine that it would be done by choice," Bommelyn said.
The move came as reports and rumors of battles between the Native Americans and white settlers to the north.
Settlers in the Crescent City area probably moved the Tolowa people there from sites through the region as wars with Native Americans on the Rogue River ended, Bommelyn said. Settlers may have feared that the Tolowa, who had been forced to give up their weapons, would join their other members further north in the battles.In his research and accounts from tribal elders, Bommelyn has heard reports of Tolowa being shot and killed while trying to leave the rock. Other reports detail efforts by young Tolowa men who swam from the back of the rock to escape
Food shortages and lack of shelter contributed to the harsh conditions.
"It must have been pretty tough," he said.
The newspaper report goes on to offer a public relations spin for the effort.
"We may expect to have Indians through this country for years yet to come, and it is of some importance to leave the impression on the minds of the savages, that the people of Crescent city, though prompt to punish the guilty ones, have always dealt generously with the inoffensive Indians," the newspaper states.

Snow dusts Crescent City at dawn

2007-01-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

Published: January 11, 2007

Special to The Daily Triplicate/Dawn Messer

A rare snow fall dusted Crescent City shortly after sunrise today, making for a number of beautiful scenes, including this one caught by city resident Dawn Messer at Pebble Beach.

A dusting of snow greeted Crescent City residents shortly after dawn today.
Most of the snow evaporated within an hour as temperatures rose about freezing. Less than an inch accumulated, the National Weather Service in Eureka reported.
With the snowfall so light, no weather-related accidents were reported in the area.
Snow had fallen at elevations above 500 feet Wednesday, including at Vista Point south of the city. Cold temperatures through the night, however, caused what normally would be winter rain to freeze and fall as snow at elevations below 500 feet along the shoreline.

The dusting marked the first snowfall in Crescent City since March.

The weather service predicts a "slight chance" of snow again in Crescent City this evening. Lows are expected to be in the 20s with a possibility of rain. The weather service has issued a frost advisory for the shoreline.

While temperatures will remain cool and fall below freezing through the weekend, snow is unlikely. Clear skies with possible fog patches are forecast through Sunday.

Evidence supports Tolowa's long history

2007-01-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Triplicate staff

Native American beliefs that Yurok and Tolowa people have lived in Del Norte County for all time get at least some backing from local archeological data.

Archeologists have determined that a site at Point St. George dates back about 2,300 years. That makes the Tolowa spot the oldest documented spot on Del Norte County coast, said Adrian Whitaker, a graduate student at the University of California at Davis who has studied the region.

Another site, though, vies for that record.

A spot excavated in 2003 in Hiouchi near the campgrounds at Jedediah Smith State Park show that Tolowa lived there about 7,000 years ago, said Jim Wheeler, a ranger and interpreter at Redwood National and State Parks.

"That pushes the archeological dates back in the county several thousand years," Wheeler said.

The old settlement also proves that the Tolowa lived year-round at the inland spot, not just on the coast.

Those coastal settlements may give only the latest information, anyway, Wheeler said, noting the changes to the Pacific Ocean shoreline--where older sites may have washed away.

Vistors Bureau begins developing strategy

2007-01-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

With a new chairman at the helm and a marketing communications group in town gathering information, the Visitors Bureau is developing a program to bring tourists to Del Norte County and entice them to stay awhile.

Jim Strong, CEO of Sutter Coast Hospital, is the new visitors board chairman. Motivo of San Mateo is developing a marketing campaign for the area, and is aided by Ripple Effects Interactive, which will handle the Internet component of the effort.

"We want to refine and put into effect a program to market Del Norte to increase tourism and be a destination vacation spot," Strong said.

To do that he said the group will begin a program whose principal focus is using the Web for event promotion and data gathering to track peoples' interest in vacationing here.

Adrienne Parker, the president of Motivo Marketing, spent Sunday and Monday--her second trip to the area--gathering information to develop a marketing stategy.

"We plan to develop a campaign to increase awareness and get more heads on beds," she said.

The Internet, and radio and print advertising are the tools of the trade, but that doesn't tell the whole story.

She and Patrick Nace of Ripple Effects Interactive have their sights set on interactive marketing: accepting feedback from people who visit the Website, then following through with information specific to their interests.

They will track users' interests, along with their own progress during the first year.

Including other Web site links geared to users' interests is possible and Internet searchers for users and"Flash" presentations are likely--in short, as much information as creative people can string together to capture potential visitors' interests and woo them on poking around the county is the goal.

"We want to create an emotional experience," Parker said. "We are trying to insprie them."

Eventually the visitors bureau and Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce will cross market to give the effort an extra punch.

"There's been a lot of focused marketing, but we've never had a cohesive effort to market the whole area," said Kelly Schellong, visitors bureau secretary.

Added Chamber President Chris Howard, "We've had bed taxes since 1964, but it's taken 42 years to come up with a budget and a plan. I see the culmination for the effort to set-up a visitors bureau and board."

Strong noted that one focus of the new group's effort is to show that future years can grow from the work that's about to be done.

"The goal is to get a return on our investment," he said.

As the gorup collects data on overight stays in the county, Ropple Effects Interactive will track the number of Web site visits, lenght of time vistors spend on the site and the information they're accessing there.

School Districts Goals for 2007

2007-01-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

"Whatever it takes" to get students to achieve grade-level reading, math and others: Implementing new classes that prepare students for standardized tests will hopefully help this happen, adminstrators say.
Recruit, hire and retain outstanding, highly qualified teachers, staff and administrators: By attending and representing the district at career fairs, administrators hope this can be achieved.
Improve communication with staff and community via all media: Especially the district's webite, as it's about five years outdated and could be more user-friendly.
Improve and increase career technical education and links to post-high school options: By providing guidance counselors during the middle school years and vocational education classes at the high-school level, more students will be likely to find and be prepared for jobs after graduation.

Fire Chars Feed Store

2007-01-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

Published: January 9, 2007 www.triplicate.com
By Nicholas Grube ~ Triplicate Staff Writer

The cedar Parkway Feed sign is all that remains after an early morning fire destroyed a Crescent City landmark on Sunday. The blaze, which started between 2 and 2:30 a.m., began in the hay storage area and moved eastward until it consumed everything, including the pets.

"There's just such total destruction," said Crescent City Volunteer Fire Department and Crescent Fire Protection District Chief Steve Wakefield. The cause of the fire has not been determined and could be anything, even spontaneous combustion, Wakefield said, adding, "We just haven't narrowed it down yet."

The only animal to survive the fire was a blue and gold macaw named Taz Marie, which co-owner Dewey Crager saved by kicking down the back door and entering the flaming building. Police and fire officials stopped Crager from re-entering the burning store to save any of the other animals because it was too dangerous. Inside, more than 70 birds, 1,000 fish and various other animals, including turtles, rabbits and rodents, were lost.

"Everything else you can redo," Parkway Feed co-owner Diana O'Dell said. "It's just a shame the animals had to suffer."

But even amid ashes and the destruction, O'Dell and Crager said they will eventually rebuild.
"We can't quit." O'Dell said with tears in her eyes. "We just can't quit."

The business will be up and running soon. It will move across the parking lot into a wood-paneled building, the original site of Parkway Feed.

"Give us a couple more days and we'll have the core feed," O'Dell said.
And the same sign will continue to greet customers of Parkway Feed.

Warrior boys and girls basketball

2007-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Warrior boys (9-6) win at Ferndale. A last-second shot wins the game, 40-38.

Del Norte girls (4-7) fall to Enterprise High at tournament, 43-23.

Airport earns federal grant

2007-01-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

Airport numbers topped the needed 10,000 mark ensuring the Del Norte County Airport will receive grant money from the FAA.

The goal is to reach 20,000-25,000 so the airport can expand. Legislation has been introduced by Congressmen Mike Thompson and peter DeFazio that would set the airport up to receive the federal funds it needs to pay for airport improvements without raising matching funds.

DNACA - Grammy award winning group to perform

2007-01-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Grammy award winners BeauFoleil referred to as the "best Cajun band in the world" by "A Prairie Home Companion," will perform at 7:30 pm Tuesday in Crescent Elk Auditorium. $18 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, tickets are available at Del Norte Office Supply in Crescent City, Mory's in Brookings, and at the door of 994 G St. beginning at 6:45 pm the night of the show.

This is the fourth performance of DNACA's 24th season.

National and State Parks news

2007-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

National and State Parks implement new pass system that will make visiting Del Norte nature areas easier. "America the Beautiful--National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass," replaces the National Parks, Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access passports.

This should streamline the system, however, you can still use your old passes.

The new system offers a single federal pass to park patrons. It also offers a free pass to volunteers who have given more than 500 hours of service to the park systems. Passes cover admission for everyone in a vehicle. In walk-in sites, the pass covers the pass holder and three other adults. Children younger than 16 pay nothing.

There are four options:

An annual cost of $80
A $10 lifetime senior pass for US citizens 62 and older
Free lifetime pass for permanently disabled citizens
Free volunteer pass as it applies to volunteer time donated

Boat flips, angler missing

2007-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

Rescue teams search for man thrown into Smith River after anchor slips.

By Bill Choy ~ Triplicate staff writer

Law enforcement officials continued to search the Smith River late Friday evening, hoping to find a Crescent City man swept down the river in the Hiouchi area that afternoon.

Del Norte County Sheriff's Department Commander Bill Steven said search crews planned to be out at 7:00 am this morning in hopes of finding Chester Bolen, 39.

This includes a Coast Guard helicopter from Eureka, and a sheriff's boat and personal watercraft.

Steven expressed hope that Bolen could still be alive, perhaps clutching onto branches in the river, or on the shoreline, suffering from hypothermia and too weak to get help.

"I wouldn't be surprised to find Chester alive, but a lot is going against him, but we're optimistic," he said.

Bolen and Steven Restad, 39, of Eugene, were enjoying the day fishing in a drift boat on the Smith River, between Jedediah Smith State Park and the Hiouchi Bridge.

The day turned treacherous when the boat's anchor ended up being knocked into the water between 3:30 pm and 4 pm, Steven said.

The anchor became hung-up and started to drag the small boat under the water, dropping Bolen and Restad into the cold, swift river.

Neither man had on any flotation devices, Steven said.

Restad was able to swim to shore and was assisted by people at the shoreline. Authorities were contacted a short time later. Restad told authorities the last time he saw Bolen, he was trying to stay afloat, but was being pushed down the river by the swift current.

A Coast Guard helicopter, a California Highway patrol plane, sheriff's officials and members of the department's search and rescue team, the Smith River, Hiouchi and Fort Dick fire departments, a sheriff's boat, the CHP, California Fish and Game, and Redwood National and State Park officials helped in the search for Bolen, Steven said.

Dive team members from the sheriff's department were also at the scene on stand-by.

By nightfall, there was no sign of the missing man. But the darkness did not keep searchers from looking for Bolen, as they continued to scan the river and surrounding shoreline--lighting the area--looking for any trace of Bolen.

Debris from the boat was discovered floating in the river, Steven said.

He said it was fortunate Restad could swim ashore, despite wearing heavy clothing while battling the swift current and the extremely cold river water.

It's vital to always carry flotation devices on a boat, Steven said. He said it makes sense to carry flotation devices "when you're in swift, cold water on a cold January day."

But it also makes sense "on a warm July day," as well, Steven said.

Follow-up: Bolen was found in the river on January 19th, dogs assisted in finding his body.

Monthly Sales Statistics - December '06

2007-01-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Home sales rose in December making it the second place for highest median prices in 2006. Retirees wanting to get out of "grid-lock" and the heat are fueling demand for Del Norte properties. Del Norte's mild weather is also a contributing factor.

20 residential properties sold
Median price $285,000
Average price $285,500
4 land properties sold
Median price $145,000
Average price $112,500
4 commercial properties sold
Median price $330,000
Average price $297,250
1 Multi-family $189,900

Yurok Tribe, library, Warriors, Oceanside land, little league, pen & ink classes

2006-12-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yurok Tribe looking for new executive director.
Del Norte County Library District to host a logo contest in the community as a way to spark public interest and catch attention as the library celebrates its 100th birthday in 2007.
Del Norte Healthcare District to review offers on its A street Clinic that is for sale. It is a 1 acre, oceanside parcel w/9,000 sq.ft. building. The price: $1.25 million.
Warriors boys basketball lose two in a row at Redding tournament.
Pen and Ink Classes beginning Jan. 6 through the end of March at the Del Norte Senior Center
Little League sign-ups at Social Services, Jan. 6

High school basketball and wrestling report

2006-12-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

Del Norte girls basketball go 2-1 at Mt. Shasta tournament. The Warriors (4-5), defeated Weed 60-34, lost to Mt. Shasta 60-51, defeated Etna 46-41.
Del Norte boys basketball rolls at Rotary Warrior Classic, go 4-0. The Warriors (7-3) earned a 63-53 victory over Yreka, 63-42 over Brookings-Harbor, 68-33 against Yreka, and crushed Hoopa 76-42.
Del Norte Wrestlers finished 7th out of 44 teams at Liberty Tournament in the Bay Area.

Crab catch below expectations - 12/18/06

2006-12-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

The first catch of crab was hauled into Crescent City Harbor on Monday, 12/18. The numbers don't come anywhere near last year's record season. The first-day catch was 25% of last year's first-day catch.

The fleet of 120 boats hauled in 11.5 million pounds of crab worth $18 million last year--the third highest on record for our harbor.

Buyers are paying $1.60 a pound, but fishermen expect that price to rise do to supply and demand.

Crescent City Council Meeting 12/18/06

2006-12-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

Crescent City Council approved a state mandated water management plan that municipalities need for any growth or grants.
The Council also approved a request to help fund the Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation an extra $60,000 to repair Seagull Villa. This is the first time the city has partnered with a group to issue bonds and grant money.
The Council also approved a parking variance that lets Rumiano Cheese and TAB and Associates use about 3,200 sq. ft. of parking area at Crescent Elk Middle School.
Considered installing speakers on downtown light poles to play Christmas music.

Rural Human Services offerings

2006-12-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

Rural Human Services is operating Santa's Workshop for it's fifth straight year. Gifts are donated from area residents who buy the requested items listed on tags that decorate Christmas trees to local stores. Workers and prisoners from Pelican Bay State Prison donate time and boys from the Bar-O-Boys Ranch assemble bikes. The operation will deliver Christmas gifts to about 270 families just before the holiday.

Santa's workshop is one of the 36 services that RHS offers in Del Norte County. It started 22 years ago, addressing such needs as hunger, homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence and illiteracy in the region. RHS distributes food each month, helps senior citizens, and those with disabilities clean their homes, pay bills and run errands, hosts a vocational training program for young people and adults, completes environmental restoration projects, runs a farmer's market in the summer and sends crews to repair damage caused by bad weather.

For more information or to volunteer, call 707-464-7441. For the workforce center, call 707-464-8347.

Warriors football squad honored with several awards

2006-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

A memorable football season was rewarded Friday for several varsity Warriors.

White Stars - Vernon Clower, Chad Freeman, Cody Hoffman, Sherman Norton, Ryan Rook, Trevor Rook, Saxon Schultz and Dusty Thomas.

Honorable Mention White Stars - Phillip Bailey, Luis Berber, Ross Bertolini, Brennon Charlton, Matt Maltbie, and Roger McCovey

The Warrior's (10-2), were undefeated in conference play and won two playoff games going the furthest of any team in Del Norte football history.

Community Assistance Network (CAN) looking for volunteers

2006-12-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

CAN started more than a decade ago when area churches noticed there was a need due to the weakening of Del Norte County's timber and fishing industries.

CAN now offers food, two child abuse prevention programs, jobs, workforce training, four community gardens, along with nutritional education sessions, bible study groups and prayer meetings.

CAN needs volunteers, mentor's, and coat's, especially large ones with hoods, for their annual coat drive. To donate to CAN or to volunteer, call 707-464-9190.

New gym may open next year

2006-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

A new gym may open in Spring on Wilson Ave. Del Norte Health & Fitness would take up 6,100 sq. ft. of a warehouse. Plans call for weight machines, an aerobics area, tanning facility, a spa and massages.

Schools may lose $1.4 million; funds paid for salaried, facilities

2006-12-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Some of the money that goes toward Del Norte County Unified teachers' salaries will be lost--a casualty of Congress' failure to renew the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act.

The act, which passed in 2000, amounted to about $1.4 million annually to local schools, or 3% of the district's general fund, said Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Rodney Jahn.

About 30% of teachers' salaries are paid with these monies, Jahn said, and in light of the bill's failure, ongoing raise negotiations may be affected.

"This makes a big difference," he said.

School board member Bob Berkowitz calls the failure a "huge setback" and said he hopes the lost funds only impacts one year--2007-2008.

"We're all extremely disappointed," he said. "It means we have to work a lot harder next year."

In past years the funds have helped fund facility improvements, including improvements to the track course, scoreboard and bleachers at Del Norte High School.

"Luckily we're not using all of it for our operating expenses, " Jahn said. "We've weaned ourselves a little bit from ongoing expenses."

College of the Redwoods--Del Norte received about 8.5% of the schools' share of the $1.4 million in revenue sent to Del Norte County last year, Jahn said.

Berkowitz described the money as "vital" to non-academic programs and said that without the money, "many of the programs we've enjoyed for so long will be in jeopardy."

Del Norte boys basketball win by 34

2006-12-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Bill Choy ~ Triplicate sports editor

A 34-point win after two loses can do wonders for a team's confidence.

Tuesday night, the Del Norte boys basketball squad rolled to a 76-42 win over Hoopa at the Rotary Warrior Classic, the first home game of the young season.

Del Norte (4-3), was coming off two loses at a tournament in Yreka.

"It makes a big difference when you shoot well," head coach Blaine Lopez said. "It makes the game a whole lot easier."

Instead of playing without a spark, as Lopez felt his team did the past two games, Del Norte played with a lot of energy, hustle and teamwork.

Lopez was pleased how his starters were able to take a big lead early and how his bench contributed substantially to the victory.

"It was a complete team effort," he said.

Hoopa had no answer for Del Norte, who were able to dominate from the start and never trailed in the game.

Michael Daniels led all Del Norte Warrior scorers with 15, including three three-pointers. Scott Redmond and Saxon Schultz each scored 10.

Del Norte next plays Yreka at 8:30 pm Thursday. They conclude the tournament with games against Yreka and Brookings/Harbor (OR).

While Lopez was glad with the end result, he said more work still needs to be done and the team needs to remain sharp and focused.

In junior varsity action, Del Norte defeated Hoopa 58-30.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Youth Center requires careful planning

2006-12-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Creating a youth center in Crescent City will require more than conducting surveys, holding meetings and gathering community feedback.

It will take a critical look back to learn from the mistakes of failed center's and an equally scrutinizing look at successful youth venues in the area.

That appeared to be the consensus at a Tuesday meeting at Rural Human Services held to elicit comments, ideas and questions from interested parties. A healthy turnout of city, county and school officials turned out, along with local parents, RHS staff and youth advocates.

"We're certainly going to push this until someone tells us to stop pushing," said Larry Lakes, RHS director.

Tuesday's meeting is the first in a series intended to pin down a location and to determine the center's program content and governing structure.

Though no on spoke out against the idea, several people had concerns regarding a youth center's viability.

"This youth center has been promised for a along, long time," said Kandi Hussey, a parent who has a 1-year-old boy and grew up in Crescent City. "Is this really going to go somewhere?"

Liz Freeman said studies have been done before, centers have opened and closed their doors and kids are still without a safe place to hang out.

"We've done all this before--centers have run but not continued here," she said. "I'm very supportive of this (but) I hope they realize some of the failures in the past,"

Freeman said the failures of centers in the past can be attributed to faulty governance structures, which she wants to avoid this time around.

And though the concept has backing from the area's youth--81% of nearly 1,000 polled students said they'd like a youth center--some are worried that momentum may fade as time goes by.

"Our kids are watching us, they see what we do," said Matthew Hurley, youth ministries director for Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church. "They're probably waiting for something to happen.

"We might start losing support from the teens later down the road."

Lakes said the next meeting will be held in early January, though a date hasn't been set.

He has until March to turn study results into the county, which through a community development block grant, is funding the youth survey and subsequent meetings.

"Our goal is to collect as much community input as possible to present to the county," he said.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

High School Basketball and Cheer teams

2006-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Warrior girls basketball defeated Etna at the Mt. Shasta tournament. The Warrior girls (3-4), won the contest 46-41.

Warrior boys basketball crushed the Yreka Miners 68-33.

The Tsunami All-Starz competitive cheer teams earned a third-place trophy Nov. 18 in Sacramento competition, and on Dec. 9, the Senior Coed and Youth Coed teams competed in Portland, OR with both earning second-place trophies.

Harrington House helps battered women get back on the right path

2006-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Harrington House on Harding Avenue is considered a safe place to stay by former and current residents. Residents range from homeless abuse victims to professional women who need refuge.

Harrington House' door is always open. The Crescent City nonprofit has been open since 1981. The new shelter opened two years ago, is a 9,000-square-foot home with kitchen, dining room, living room, patio and play areas for children, with eight bedrooms with 28 beds.

Some of the services offered are rides to appointments and job interviews, counselors and legal advocates, help with the restraining order process and assistance in planning a victims next step, and access to county and state services for health or drug abuse treatment.

The shelter needs more volunteers at the separate business office, more public workshops, such as nutritional classes and crafts sessions, more parties and events and of course donations are always welcome. Items needed are clothes and household items, non-perishable food, bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, appliances, dishes, shampoo and other toiletries as well as money.

The shelter is planning to offer more services in the coming year. Donations can be made atHarrington House on the corner of Harding and El Dorado Streets, preferably on Wed's and Thurs between 9am and 5 pm. For more information, call 465-3013.

New Charter School approved

2006-12-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

A new Charter school received the go ahead with the condition it enrolls at least 45 students. Uncharted Shores Academy will be a K-8 school developed by teacher Margie Rouge. It will be home-based in the beginning, branching out to site-based in time.

For information contact Margie Rouge through Del Norte County Unified School District, 707-464-6141.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Teachers rally for pay raise

2006-12-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Teachers arguing that the Del Norte County School District can afford to pay them more called for a philosophy change Thursday afternoon, when more than 150 educators rallied at the district offices.

"(The district) needs to realize what's more important--people in the classroom with children who are directly impacting the lives of young people or a healthy bank account and grandiose plans for new programs," said Mike Mealue, Del Norte Teachers Association president.

Deputy Superintendent Rodney Jahn said he didn't feel comfortable commenting, "based on the current status of negotiations with DNTA."

When asked to respond to teachers' concerns over salary raises, Jahn said, "In order to respond, it would sound like I'm negotiating in the paper."

Mealue said based on additional funds the district received this year and has put away--in extra average daily attendance funds from the state and a higher-than-average required reserve fund--the district's financial status wouldn't be hurt by giving teachers raises.

"It's our argument that the district can afford to continue with the class size reduction and give us additional compensation and not jeopardize the health and wealth of the school district," Mealue said.

He also said that though the district likely won't receive the approximately $1.2 million in Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act funds, it isn't the only pot that can be pulled from.

"Salaries can come from many sources," Mealue said.

"Teachers want to get a percent of the (ADA fund) increase--that's where we'd like to see the money for salaries come from."

Teachers received a 6% non-retroactive pay raise for the 2005-2006 year, which took effect in February. Before that raise, however, they went nearly four years without pay raises.

And the raise teachers received in February cost the district 3% in reality, say teachers' association members, as only five months remained in the fiscal year. Teachers were also given a $500 check to compensate for those months without a raise.

"So 6% over what is in effect five years doesn't keep up with the cost of living," Mealue said.

More negotiations between the school district and teachers' union will take place Monday, Mealue said.

"I believe DNTA is being reasonable in negotiations at this point--the money is there to give teachers an increase in salary, what we need is a change in philosophy," he said.

Marine Mammal Center - Some seals don't need saving

2006-12-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center receives calls from would-be rescuers who find baby seals on beaches, take them to their bathtubs and report their saves.

Most likely, the seals' mothers had only temporarily stepped out to hunt.

This year, the center will produce signs and brochures with tips on finding and reporting stranded animals.

If you spot a seal or animal that appears stranded, sick or abandoned on the beach, don't approach it.

Call the Northcoast marine Mammal Center at 465-6265.

Rescuers will monitor the animal for 24 hours, then transport it to the facility, if needed.

To volunteer or donate, call the center or visit www.northcoastmmc.org.

The gift shop is open from noon to 4 pm daily at the Beachfront Park facility.

Failed Federal Bill will cost county

2006-12-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.triplicate.com/

By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

Road projects planned for 2008 and onward in Del Norte County may be scaled back, a result of a failed federal bill.

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 was not renewed by Congress before it adjourned for the year.

This translates to a loss of $2.6 million to the county--$1.2 million which would have gone to the county roads department.

The loss will "hurt bad," for a long time unless support is remustered this spring, said Ernie Perry, director of the county's community services department.

"Our road maintenance as it is in Del Norte County won't improve because we'll have less money to re-pave streets," Perry said. "Projects paid for by this year's budget will be finished, but after that..."

The current fiscal year's projects won't be affected, Perry said.

Ongoing work on Lake Earl Road and a portion of Northcrest Drive won't be affected, Perry said.

A related resurfacing project, Northcrest Drive between Washington Boulevard and U.S. Highway 101, however, won't be paid for or completed unless circumstances change.

"We also won't have any matching funds for our other projects, which will put more pressure on the local transportation commission," Perry said, noting that a used dump truck was bought this year for the county with some of those funds.

Even though the situation seems bleak, a campaign to rile support for a renewed effort in next year's Congress is already underway. Perry didn't rule out a meeting some time in April.

He feels that the defeat was a backlash related to the broad support base that got this year's effort as far as it went.

"This bill got a lot of support, but that support was broad-based," he said. "That resulted in many riders being tacked on to the bill."

Although Perry admitted his comment was close to "dangerous territory," he said the riders are what killed the bill.

Webster's defines a "rider" as: "an additional clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a distinct object."

U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) has a different take on what went wrong.

He feels that in the end, "overwhelming opposition" from the National Chambers of Commerce and Independent General contractors took the measure down.

"We had one side of the house, and my job was to get the Ways and Means Committee on board," Thompson said. "Then the Republican side abandoned it because of the opposition from the National Chamber and General Contractors."

Thompson said the contractors' group was likely annoyed because of "a creative way" found to create funding.

"As of last year the General Contractors had to pay taxes on their government contract (effective in 2010)," Thompson said. "We accelerated the collection to be effective next year, and we suspect they didn't want to to do that, although they've been taking government money via the contracts."

While the lack of cash will hurt locally, Perry added that it "will be devastating in Mississippi, North Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin and a school in the Black Hills, S.D."

That's because the bills before the House and Senate were intended to provide money to states per the terms of a contract the United States entered into in 1908 to help keep large tracts of forest land out of the hands of private owners.

"We got our park when they were still funding our schools and roads," Perry said.

The contract provided instead that the lands--many of which ultimately became national parks--would generate money for schools and other state uses.

"It's hard for an urban Congressman to under to understand that this is a contract entered into at the turn of the century," Perry said. "The U.S. Congress is not living up to its end of the bargain."

When Congress resumes work on the measure next year, Thompson said he and others will, "Come back and start again."

Thompson, along with Oregon's Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Greg Walden, (R-OR) authored the recently unfunded bill.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act

Since the act was passed in 2000, Del Norte County has received $13 million
Last year, Del Norte County received $2.6 million
County schools will lose $1.4 million this year due to the Bill's failure
County roads will lose $1.2 million in funding this year

Crab shop to open in harbor, Tall Ship Festival and more...

2006-12-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Hilary Corrigan ~ Triplicate staff writer

Bill Bradshaw plans to open Lucy's Crab Shack at the Crescent City Harbor.

Bradshaw, a Crescent City native, bought the business from Monty and Lucy Gonsalves last week.

At a Tuesday night harbor district meeting, commissioners gave preliminary approval for him to run the business at the harbor. They also formed a committee to review Bradshaw's lease application.

The lease would include a nearby boat slip so he could easily unload crabs from his vessel, the 40-foot "Swan."

Bradsahw plans to sell live and cooked crabs. He also plans to offer live and fish fillets soon.
Lucy's Crab Shack would stay open daily from 10am to dark.

Also at the Tuesday meeting, harbor commissioners formed a committee to plan for the proposed tall ship festival in May.

The weekend will feature music, vendors, sailing tours, battle re-enactments, educational programs and outdoor art displays.

It centers on visits by the 112 foot, square-rigged Lady Washington brig and the Hawaiin Chieftain, a 103-foot square top-sail ketch. Both ships come from Grays Harbor Historical Seaport authority in Aberdeen, Wash.

Organizer Scott Potter aims to place stages, vendor booths and the art show at the harbor. Potter expects 20,000 people during the event strectching over the first few days of May.
Also at the meeting, harbor commissioners reviewed an ongoing argument with several hoist companies over lease renewals.

The companies refused to sign leases after the harbor proposed charging them a poundage fee for each pound of seafood that they buy. Harbor officials expect to collect up to $90,000 in annual income.

But hoist company representatives have complained that the money would not fund necessary maintenance projects.

Pacific Choice Seafoods, Nor Cal Seafoods, Carvalho Fisheries, Caito Fisheries and Alber Seafoods have not yet signed leases and harbor officials have threatened evictions.
"They need to sign the lease or we'll begin to act like a landlord," said harbormaster Richard Young.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

City seeks changes in business group

2006-12-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Hilary Corrigan ~ Triplicate staff writer

Crescent City could revamp its downtown business improvement district.

City manager Eli Naffah met with leaders of the civic group Tuesday to consider options. Those include enforcing fee collections, revoking business licenses of owners who fail to pay and replacing the downtown business improvement district with a new merchants' group that could include businesses on U.S. Hwy 101.

Among other downtown projects, the business improvement district plants flowers, helps run annual events and hosts the holiday parade and tree lighting.

The group formed in 1993 by a city law that calls for it to grow into a non-profit and manage its affairs from fees that city staff collect.

Group members have complained of a lack of city effort in collecting that money and in helping to plan events.

"If the BID wants to continue, we definitely need a better way to do this," said city Councilwoman Kelly Schellong, noting some business owners who want to join but have not been billed. "That is definitely something that needs to be addressed."

City ordinances fail to specify collections measures and penalties.

"The real problem here is really billing," Naffah said, asking group members to draft suggestions for City Council to review.

Business improvement district members also plan to reach more business owners in the downtown boundaries by drafting newsletters and distributing information on the group, its projects, event dates and meeting schedules.

But not all find the effort worthwhile.

Matt Kime, who works at Custom Dezign Graphics, said that the fee comes without business owners' permission.

Kime also noted empty, high-rent storefronts that line the downtown district's streets and questioned the group's organization and lack of a budget after operating for more than a decade.
"And you still haven't gotten your funding worked out in 13 years?" he asked. "In 13 years, what's BID actually done for the community?"

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Crabbers will wait out storm

2006-12-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Though test results show Dungeness crab along the West Coast are full and a price settlement has been reached, fishermen agreed Friday afternoon to hold off setting gear until the weather clears up.

"We have some weather coming and we want to make it an even playing filed for all the boats that were involved in the price negotiations," said Rick Shepherd, a commericial crab fisherman who sits on the Del Norte Fishermen's Marketing Association.

Crab anglers and processors agreed to $1.60 a pound Nov. 30, provided that this week's test at all ports from Fort Bragg to West Port, Wash., were of legal meat-to-shell ratio limits.

Another meeting with all ports is scheduled for Monday morning, Shepherd said, and a decision to either go or stay will hopefully be reached.

"This is gonna be a tough one," he said. "The only reason we're not fishing is because of bad weather." Rain is expected to last until at least Tuesday, when the National Weather Service predicts a "chance of showers." "We'd like to see some better weather so the smaller boats as well as the larger boats can start the season," Shepherd said.

Negotations began with fishermen asking $1.85 a pound, which processors countered with $1.40.

Shepherd remains optimistic that the bad weather will clear up soon and that crab will soon be available.

"I'm sure it will be next week some time," he said.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Warrior's volleyball players garner six awards

2006-12-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Junior setter Deja Hartwick received co-league Most Valuable Player

Kelsy Hintz and Lauren Godla received Big 5 Conference All-League White Stars

Rebecca Cink, Jaclyn Hadfield and Tabitha Hillman received honorable mention All-League white Stars

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Students endorse youth center idea

2006-12-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Karen wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Watching movies at the local cinema and hanging out at the bowling alley loses its luster after awhile, local teens say.

"That's pretty much all there is to do," Crescent Elk Middle School eighth-grader Hannah Seaton said.

The prospect of something different, however, has created much enthusiasm and excitement among area teens.

That idea is a Crescent City youth center, the topic of a Tuesday public meeting at Rural Human Services, where community feedback and ideas will be welcomed.

Crescent Elk eighth-grader Ani Maire thinks the concept is excellent. "It gives kids a chance to be creative, get help with their homework and stay out of trouble," the 13 year old said.
Over the summer, Rural Human Services conducted a feasibility study to gauge community interest in such a center. The study found most kids would like to see a center formed.
Of the 946 area students who responded, 82 percent said they'd like to see some sort of youth center available.

"It'd just be a lot of fun for teens, to go out and see their friends and make new friends," Maire said.

Seaton said she'd like to see activities available on Friday nights, such as dances that are open to all youth regardless of grade level.

"I think the old K-Mart building would have made an awesome youth center," she said.
The effort to create a youth center began last year when Del Norte County gave the non-profit agency a community development block grant to fund the study, RHS director Larry Lakes said.
"We as an agency understand a lot of the critical needs the youth have," he said. "We see the possiblitiy of a teen center in Del Norte county as being very good for the youth in the county.
After a series of meetings and once survey results are compiled from area businesses and individuals, Lakes said a final study will be turned into the county, with location, organizational structure and activity recommendations.

Until then, Marie will continue attending a youth group and Friday Night Live twice a week after school. "If there were really shy people, it gives them a chance to make new friends," she said.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Home sales in November by the numbers

2006-12-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Homes on the market:233
Most expensive home sold in November was $700,000
Least expensive home sold in November was $121,000
Average price of homes sold in November was $303,146
Median price for homes sold in November was $280,900
Homes sold in November sat on the market an average of 219 days before selling

Source: Crescent City Board of Realtors

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Warrior's Football magical season ends

2006-12-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Del Norte High School football team's season ended in a disappointing 58-0 loss to Novato High in the Bay Area Saturday afternoon in third round playoff action of the North Coast Section 2A League.

Del Norte (10-2), went further in the North Coast Section playoffs of any team in school history. The Warriors won the Big 5 Conference crown by going undefeated in league play.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Buying prices rise, home sales fall

2006-12-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.triplicate.com/
By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Del Norte County's median home sales price took a leap last month, pushing it just behind February's record level and out of a three-month slump.

The median home price of single-family homes and manufactured homes on land in November jumped to $280,900, one of the first sales hikes since August, when the median price sat at $270,000, according to the Crescent City Board of Realtors.

This figure puts November's sales just behind February's, when home sales reached a high for the year of $299,000.

This surge likely is due to a couple of high-priced home sales and more single-family homes sold than munufactured on land, said Mike Nolan, a real estate agent with Re/Max Coastal Redwoods.

Of the 13 homes sold, three were manufactured on land while the remaining were single-family homes, he said.

The most expensive home sold for $700,000--a four-bedroom, three-bathroom ocean view home on 5.58 acres in Smith River, with an initial asking price of $800,000.

The least expensive home sold for $121,000. It was a tear-down manufactured home that sits on 1.56 acres just north of Crescent City on Downing Avenue.

The market seems to be slowly improving, despite a real estate down-swing that's being felt nationwide, Nolan said.

"It feels there's more activity," he said. "My feeling is the market is nearly at the end of our Depression."

The number of homes sold last month, however, hasn't kept pace with the price boom. Only 13 sold in November, compared to 22 in October. But 13 is more than twice the amount that sold a year ago, when only six sold.

And the average time homes sat on the market before selling last month averages 219 days, or just more than seven months.

Though Nolan considers this time frame steep, it's not too much worse than the nation.
"That's a pretty high number, but I think they're all experiencing the same increase in time on the market, just maybe not as big a number as us," he said.

For those trying to sell their homes, Nolan advises maintaining realistic expectations, when pricing one's home.

"Don't overprice it and obviously do the best you can to make the home show the best it will," he said. "There's only one first impression."

And for those hopeful to land a place, right now is an "excellent" time to get the best buys, as interest rates are lower than typical, Nolan said.

"Lenders are competing for the business with less deals out there--use that to your advantage," he said.

And though Del Norte's prices haven't returned to their all-time high of $310,000 in November 2005, the demand to live next to the redwoods and ocean is alive.

"There's still the demand for the best place in the world to live, they just gotta find out about it," Nolan said.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Airport will qualify for grant

2006-12-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

Airport officials are breathing a collective sigh of relief to see their passenger boarding numbers at the end of November. More than 1,000 people boarded outbound flights, pushing the airport's annual passenger boarding number over the magic 10,000 mark that's needed to qualify the facility for a $1 million grant from Federal Aviation Administration coffers.

With its 1,110 outbound passengers in November, the airport has had two consecutive months that hit the four-figure mark. The figure is 187 passengers higher than November 2005's 923 statistic. Dan Brattain, Airport Board chairman, called the statistics "a bit of good news." "Hopefully the community is starting to see the benefit of using the airport," he said.

The increase also is seen as an affirmation that the decision to halve the number of Crescent City-Sacramento flights and double those from Crescent City to San Fransicso at summer's end was the right thing to do.

"You can start to see as the schedule changed in October, the enplanements start to move up," Brattain said. The airport wants to rev its passenger boarding numbers as high as 25,000 per year in hope of convincing the aviation administration that it can support larger aircraft and additional flights.

With only one carrier serving the Del Norte and Curry counties, ticket prices tend to be higher in Crescent City than Arcata or Medford, OR, though passengers driving to those locations pay for the road trip and parking fees.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Murry makes all academic team in PAC 10

2006-11-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.triplicate.com/
Triplicate staff

Del Norte High graduate Kristin Murray has made the 2006 Pacific-10 Conference Women's Volleyball All Academic team.

Murray, a junior, is an out-side hitter on the Oregon State volleyball team and made the Pac-10 All Academic first team. A second team selection in 2005, Murray is majoring in business administration.

To be eligible for selection, a student athlete must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and be either a starter or significant contributor.

Warrior's head to 3rd round of NCS, class 2A play-offs

2006-11-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

The Warriors head to Novato for round three of NCS Class 2A Play-offs this Saturday at 1:30 pm. The winner of that game moves on to the championship game in Oakland on Dec. 9.

Last Friday, the Warriors defeated Marin Catholic 14-13. While leading for most of the game, Marin Catholic scored with only six seconds left. Going for the win, they were intercepted, which preserved the victory.

On November 18, the Warriors beat Analy High 10-8.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

In Focus: Broadband on the Northcoast

2006-11-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Cornelia de Bruin ~ Triplicate staff writer

As local efforts reach out to attract more business and community leaders meet regularly to attract and retain physicians, one major obstacle blocks the path of progress: the lack of full broadband capability in the county. That may soon change, however.

Even before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an Oct. 24 executive order promoting high-speed Internet access for the entire state, Tri-Agency Economic Development Authority had taken action.

Kim Schmidt, economic development project director of Tri-Agency, had already obtained Caltrans funds for a study that's now in its second phase of work, scheduled to finish in June.
When asked how much the lack of more broadband access locally hurts Del Norte County, Schmidt called the effect "significant." "GTE stops in Humboldt County," said county supervisor David Finigan. "Our provider (Verizon) comes down from Oregon. There is some capacity, but there's not enough capacity."

Finigan said that both Brookings, OR and Crescent City/Del Norte County businesses face the same built-in problems; the broadband lines that are here don't contain "the extra loop" that creates a redundant system.

What that means in non-geek English is that if one broadband line goes down, another can take over its transmission--seamlessly.

Consider the effect of the missing loop in light of telemedicine. If a medical procedure in a remote area such as this county were in progress when a line to experts advising the rural staff on how to proceed went down, local doctors would be on their own.

Schwarzenegger used as a backdrop the Pediatric Telehealth Colloquium in San Francisco, held three days after he issued his executive order on broadband, to highlight the critical role that telecommunications plays in health care delivery.

"It's keeping us from going forward," said local businessman and former chamber president Jay Freeman of the lack in broadband. "We can't do true telemedicine here... we're not on a level playing field with the rest of the world."

The chamber, he added, doesn't receive many calls from businesses that other areas court. Those that compete on a national scale, are small and clean, and those that offer higher wages. "We're behind the eight ball," Freeman said. "We can't work independently, we need to transcend the government lines."

He refered to Del Norte County and Curry County working together to solve a common problem. "From an economic development standpoint, it's really critical," Schmidt said.
Although the lack of additional broadband capability hampers many areas of this community, its effects are not equal.

Both emergency responders and educational facilities have access to other systems to shore up their own capabilities. In the case of the sheriff's department, the state's OASIS sytem enables officers to communicate with each other.

That wasn't possible during the June 2005 Cascadia earthquake and subsequent evacuation, when phone and cell phone systems became instantly jammed.

"They're built to 7 percent capacity," said Sheriff Dean Wilson. "They expect to handle calls from 7 percent of customers at any one time."

Educational facilities have extra broadband capabilities they're able to purchase through the federal E-Rate program, a program that provides money only to them.

"We focus more on the high school because it's our biggest `school," said Jan Moorehouse, superintendent of Del Norte County Unified School System. "I believe our ability is through microwave via Humbold State University, but we don't have what other school systems have."
Humbold State President Rollin Richmond said the school is always "only a backhoe stroke saway" from losing its conncetion--an inconvenience for students, but potential bankruptcy for a small, rural business.

Crab season on standbye

2006-11-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com
By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

Dungeness crab anglers along the Northern California coast refused to take buyers $1.40 a pound offer Monday as the season's opening day rapidly approaches. After a morning conference call with ports along the Northern California, Washington and Oregon coast, all decided to hold off putting commercial pots in the water, said Rick Shepherd, a local crab fisherman who sits on the Del Norte Fishermen's Marketing Association board of directors.
Dungeness crab are in poor shape and not ready for the market, buyers and fishermen say. Commercial pots can be placed in the ocean at 8 am today in preparation for the Friday season opener, but likely will remain aboard boats and stacked in the Crescent City Harbor parking lot until an agreement is reached.

Shepherd, who went into negotiations with $1.85 a pound in mind, said taking the cost of fuel and bait into account, $1.40 simply isn't enough. "We need a higher price to fish for," he said. "We'll just continue to negotiate."

The strike, which fishermen say is far from unusual, means a delay in pay and a sense of anxiousness. But many crab fishermen don't necessarily want to go out just yet, particularly after hearing stories of underdeveloped, soft crab being pulled from sport pots during this past opening weekend, though the latest official meat-to-shell ratios show Crescent City crab at 27.7 percent.

"I'm all for striking if the quality of the crab is (bad)," said Herman Hartman of the "Searay." "It's bad business to fish on bad crab."

Frank Ridgeway Jr., said if a settlement was reached and bad crab were caught then sold to buyers, a price drop would be inevitable. "We're going for $1.60 or we're not going," said Ridgeway of the "Triple Star." "The crab are not in shape, they're not ready."

But this comes as no surprise to the 23-year-old who's been crabbing since 16. "It's like this every year, we never start on time," he said. "Nothing is different."

Rodney DeWolf of the "Seaquest" said the $1.40 offer is ridiculous. "I think we deserve at least $1.70," he said. But Pacific Choice Seafood, the largest crab processor on the West Coast, isn't exactly thrilled with the prospect of buying poor quality crab.

"For us it's more 'Let's wait and let the crabs grow up,'" said Pacific Choice General Manager Rick Harris. "I think everyone understands the quality of the crab is the biggest concern."
He noted that $1.40 is more than last year's $1.35 initial offering. And after coming off two statewide record catch seasons and having a solid industry in place, ensuring the crustaceans are in impeccable condition would be a smart move for both fishermen and buyers.

"It's the right thing to do--you don't pick green strawberries," Harris said. It doesn't take much low quality product to ruin (the industry)."

A strong fishermen front is the only thing on their side, Hartman said. "You have to stand united or fall together," he said.

Drill Team performs at 49er game

2006-11-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.triplicate.com/
November 17, 2006

The Del Norte High drill team will have quite a good view of Sunday's San Francisco 49ers game. They are one of several schools performing and the only school not from the Bay Area. At the game, the 49ers are retiring the jersey of legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice.

Terri Colton, Del Norte High drill team coach, said her squad of 19 girls are excited to perform. "It's a huge event," she said. "It's a big honor to participate. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportuinity for them."

This is the 12th year the drill team has performed at a 49ers game.

Warriors pumped for play-offs with Analy Tigers

2006-11-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.triplicate.com/
November 17, 2006
By Bill Choy - Triplicate Sports Editor

Playoff time is here and the Del Norte High Warriors can't wait to start what they hope turns out to be a long run in the postseason.

The Warriors (8-1) have the added benefit of playing at home Saturday evening when they face a familiar playoff opponent - Analy High of Sebastopol, which brings a 5-5 record into the contest.

The Warriors defeated the Tigers 37-33 in last year's first-round playoff matchup in Crescent City.

"We know what each other has to offer," Del Norte head coach Lewis Nova said.

Del Norte is the third seed in the North Coast Section Class 2A football playoffs. Starting quarterback Chad Freeman said practices have gone well this week and the team is anxious to get back on the field for the first time in two weeks. "We just have to keep up our momentum," he said. "We're ready to play."

On Nov. 4, the Warriors defeated McKinleyville 34-6 to polish off an undefeated Big 5 sason, but they stayed home last week with a bye.

"It's another level. It's a step up," Freeman said about playoff football. "We have to execute every play we can and try not to have any bad mess-ups. Those can cost you the game."
Nova said a key part of the Warriors' game plan is to try to contain the Tigers' explosive passing game and to put pressure on the quarterback. On offense, Nova said his squad needs to mix it up, finding a good balance of both throwing and running plays. Ball control and time management are crucial, he said.

Nova said he was happy with his team's seed and the chance to play at home, although a higher seed would had been nice to have. "We love playing at home," Nova said. "Our fans are very vocal. Having the home field advantage is a big plus." He added that it helps to take an opponent out of their "comfort zone."

Dusty Thomas, who plays both offense and defense said the team knows the Tigers are going to come out and try to make-up for last year's loss. "It's a big game," he said. "I think they got something to prove, but we're ready. Everyone's fired up...We are ready to stop anything they got."

To Nova, his team is confident and believes in its ability to win football games. "We're not going into the playoffs shaking in our boots," he said. "We have been here before and we expect to play well."

Analy head coach Chip Castleberry said his squad is excited and ready to play in Crescent City versus the Warriors. The trip, in a way, is like a bowl game for his squad, he said. While his team may be an underdog, Castleberry believes they are going into the game confident in their abilities. "We'll show up and do what we can do," he said.

It's vital for his team to show more consistency on both offense and defense. There have been games this season where the Tigers score 40 points, and the next game, can only muster 12 points and give up more than 40 points to the other team. "It's been kind of a roller coaster season," Castleberry said.

Saturday's game is set to start at 7pm at Mike Whalen Field.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Tsunami Timeline - November 2006

2006-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

Timeline of events
Wednesday

3:41 am - Undersea earthquake off the Kuril Islands, registering 8.1 t0 8.3 on the Richter scale, occurs.

4:50 am - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration alerts Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services of a potential tsunami.

10:44 am - NOAA calls the county to report that a .5 to 1 meter wave is expected to hit Crescent City Harbor at 11:38 am. County OES deploys local law enforcement, Coast Guard and Yurok tribe to beaches to notify fishermen, beachcombers they should leave because a 3-foot wave is on its way.

11:30 am - County OES head Allen Windograv keeps watch on Whalers Island through binoculars.

11:40 am - A small 6-inch wave strikes the Crescent City shoreline.

12:30 pm - Windograv leaves Whalers Island to attend already scheduled OES meeting.
2 pm - A five-foot tsunami slams into Crescent City harbor, destroying G and H dock and damaging F dock.

2:40 pm - Windograv's meeting breaks abruptly after a call comes in notifying members that a 5-foot tsunami had entered Crescent City Harbor.

Quake causes classic Tsunami

2006-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

The Daily Triplicate ~ www.triplicate.com

Surge smashes harbor
Published: November 15, 2006

By Karen Wilkinson ~ Triplicate staff writer

A series of small tidal surges slammed into the Crescent City Harbor Wednesday afternoon, destroying two docks, taking chunks out of another and damaging at least 10 boats. "It was like a river going through here a little while ago," said fisherman Jeff Ruth of the Orca. "I've never seen the tide surge like that ever."

A magnitude 8.1 undersea earthquake that struck Japan's coastline at 3:14 a.m. Pacific time created tidal surges that starting hitting the Crescent City Harbor just before noon.
Fisherman Victor Reneau said the first surge measured about 8 inches, an estimation he recorded because "we were all standing around curious."

Harbormaster Richard Young said he thought the harbor was in the clear after the initial surge, which he'd been warned of earlier in the day. But some time after 1 p.m. he noticed the water quickly running in and out of the harbor from his harbor office. "We thought, ‘Gee, look at that, it's the tidal wave,'" Young said jokingly.

Shortly thereafter, he saw that H dock had broken in half, so he jumped up and helped secure a floating boat. Young said H and G docks were completely destroyed and F dock was "severely damaged."

Though it's still too early to give an exact figure, Young said replacement costs of the docks could range from $400,000 to $600,000 range.

Other reports estimated the damage as high as $700,000.

"We're going to have a lot of work to do," he said. "So it's going to be very expensive." On top of the damaged docks, between 10 and 15 boats were damaged and 10 had to be resecured. The rate and speed that the waters rushed did more damage than the size of the surges, Young said. "It didn't even look like a wave — the water was just raising and falling rapidly," he said. "It was the rate of change rather than the magnitude of change."

Fisherman John Hale said the surge came in quietly, without warning. "It was just a little wave, then all of a sudden (stuff) started falling apart," he said.

Lori Dengler, chairwoman of the Humboldt State University geology department, said the largest surge measured five feet. "And it occurred at low tide, which was nice — very polite of it so far," she said. "The Crescent City Harbor is just the right size and shape to get excited when tsunamis come."

More than just the harbor got excited by the damage the surges inflicted. Local residents flocked to the harbor just after the dock damage occurred, flying through the parking lot in cars while onlookers snapped photos and took video recordings. Others stood around relaying messages to friends and family via cell phone.

Lester Cramer, who owns a boat but parks it out of the water, agreed that the surge was eerie.
"I've lived here for 39 years, and this is the first time I've seen anything like that," he said.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Permit rules become more of an issue

2006-11-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Daily Triplicate ~ www.triplicate.com

Triplicate staff

Increasing local land value and demand for home sites is bringing new focus to the Less Than Three Acres Permit process.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection/Humboldt-Del Norte wants property owners to be aware of the permits, especially since ignoring them can result in civil action or fines.

The permit is needed for people removing Coast redwood, Douglas-fir, grand fir or Sitka spruce trees. That's because the land growing such spieces is generally considered timberland, regardless of how it is zoned.

The permit applies to parcels smaller than three acres. It can be used only once per ownership and must be prepared by a registered professional forester.

Thanks for checking in,

Fran

Home prices dive as year winds down

2006-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

www.triplicate.com

By Karen Wilkinson, Triplicate staff writer

Home prices in Del Norte County appear to be on a steady descent, a trend local real estate agents attribute to the year winding down. The median home price of single-family homes and manufactured homes on land fell for the second month in a row in October, from a summer high of $270,000 in August to $239,000 last month, according to the Crescent City Board of Realtors.

This is up from last October, however, when the median price dropped to $220,000 and the most expensive home sold nearly broke the million dollar mark--at $987,000. The 4,200 square-foot Smith River home with an ocean and river view was on the market 146 days before selling. Mary Messal of Bayside Realty described the Indian Road home's view as, "Probably one of the best in Del Norte County."

The least expensive house, a 1,078 square-foot manufactured on land home, sold for $122,000. The two bedroom, one bath Klamath home was originally listed for $132,000.

The holiday shopping season seems to be keeping prospective home buyers away from the real estate market, Messal said. "It usually slows down a little as we get into the holiday season--people are shopping," she said.

Dan Phillips of Ming Tree Real estate agreed, pointing out that buyers may be holding out until the New Year. "It makes their tax situation much simpler," he said, adding that the commercial and land market have remained steady. "We've got a lot of shoppers, though not many closings," Phillips said.

The number of homes sold last month, however, has improved despite waning prices. Twenty-two sold in October compared to just 14 in September and 17 in August. Only 15 homes sold in October 2005. Because there are so many homes on the market--237 as of Monday afternoon--those that are selling have motivated sellers, Mike Nolan of Century 21-Hamilton Realtors said. "They're accepting prices they may not have accepted in August," Nolan said.
Seller's who haven't dropped their asking prices are still sitting on the market, an indication of what's not working, he said.

But Phillips foresees a rosier next couple of months, as properties in escrow are set to close in December and January. And demand certainly doesn't seem to be a problem, he said, as locals are looking around for bigger property and in some cases, better property. "My phone has been busy this morning," Phillips said.

Messal encourages buyers to first get prequalified for a loan--then go shopping. "There's a lot more on the market now in terms of competition," she said. "So make sure (the home is) priced right, because things are selling."

And patience, Phillips said, is a prerequisite. "Patience is probably the big thing they need to have," he said. "If sellers are going to come down on their price, they're going to want to have time to contemplate that."