Lewiston, California (Redding, Eureka, Winters: income, living, legally)

[skye91]

I might be moving to Lewiston, California. Anybody know anything about it????

[EscapeCalifornia]

A better question would be, "Do you know anything about it?"

[skye91]

Yes - but I'm interested to hear what others who already live there or near there think about it.

[Jaybee]

I don't live in Trinity County, but about and hours drive away-near enough to know a small bit about Lewiston.

First of all, its quite small, maybe 500 people, unincorporated and isolated. The nearest community of any size is Weaverville, with maybe 3000 folks-probably 20 miles away.

Redding (pop. 90,000) is probably about a 3/4 hour drive east, and not an easy one, over Buckhorn Summit and down Hwy 299. Eureka and the coast are about 2 hours west. Winters will bring some cold temps, rain and snow. Summers will be hot and dry.

Its on the Trinity River of course and adjacent to two lakes. I've driven thru a couple of times. Seems to be a mix (uncomfortable or not) of old hippies, non-conformists, retired folks, cash croppers, miners, loggers and former loggers, crystal rubbers, tweekers, and the occasional starving artist types. They used to have a really raucous celebration that included a raft trip down the river. Might have been the July 4th celebration. But I think they may have cancelled the official sponsorship due to an accident.

The setting is beautiful. History abounds-with the Trinity Gold Rush of the 1870's and the dam building era of the mid 1960's. Recreation is unlimited, with the river, Trinity Alps, Trinity and Lewiston Lakes, National Forests, etc. But its a tough place to make a living. Not many jobs, and the few available generally don't pay a living wage. Thus the need to supplement income to survive. Some do it legally, with pensions or other stipends, others thru less honorable means.

A few years ago a federal "controlled burn" wasn't and nearly wiped the community off the map. The dedicated folks who rebuilt there have shown a lot of character.

There must be a reason you are considering Lewiston. If you can deal with Rural, mountainous, remote and quiet, can self-entertain, and appreciate an interestingly diverse population, this could be a good fit for you.

Of course this is all merely my opinion. It'll be interesting to hear what the locals have to say about their community.