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By "less industrious" I mean those who are not "employed" per se; living in this area on some sort of goverment "support". It happens that this part of California has a low cost of living compared to say the coastal regions. So, low cost of living, generally mild climate, rural and mountainous, minimal law enforcement, coupled with a generous state welfare system, etc., naturally attracts a certain segment of society. Some folks want that sort of life style. As for me, and my aforementioned friends-we have different objectives.
Now, as to the "living wage" statement. My statement meant only that those folks who happen to work in that particular industry; tourism-often work only seasonally-and with lower wages. Not unlike the folks who work in retail or other service-type jobs.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion about how Mr. Obama is saving our economy from the demise of capitalism-like FDR in the 30's. The country would be a pretty boring place if we were all of the same opinion-"humble" or otherwise.
You see, in my "narrow little world" you're entitled to your views and to express them. How about in your's?
Bait? It seems like a man who labels himself Anti-Socialist and calls people he doesn’t know DeadBeats would catch a little static? I DO believe in people getting to express their opinions and was just trying to rebut some of the generalizations you made.
i.e. attracted by “minimal law enforcement”. Are you implying unemployed people come to your area so they can commitment crimes for profit? Do you smoke pot? Do you actually know this, or just echoing another generalization?
I can certainly appreciate you and your friends wanting to be successful, but if someone chooses to stay in that area and struggles to get by it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all drug dealers or have multiple children where they can qualify for meager assistance.
“Generous State Welfare System” As in what? I can’t imagine the Terminator being 50 billion dollars in the hole and wanting to house and feed people. Here in Georgia there is no; health assistance, unemployment [unless you were laid off then your former employer pays it], you only qualify for housing or food stamps if you have a number of children. It sounds as if Berkeley is raising tuition to private college levels? I doubt California is more like Sweden than Georgia, so exactly what welfare benefits are you referring to?
“Narrow Little World”? Again, too much talk radio for you. Calling a Liberal / Progressive narrow minded is like saying Military Intelligence? I’ve listened to pundits. I just don’t know of any social programs anymore or see hordes of shoeless children running around. That is not what is hurting the country in any tangible way. I do however hear weekly reports of corporations going bankrupt just after CEO’s take out new loans based on cooked books. Then they file bankruptcy while investing in their new venture in their wife’s name. Our white collar crime laws need to be massively stiffened because they affect 100s or 1000s of people’s lives in a permanent way. I’m sure you are familiar Enron and the ruined retirements. Someone having a little smack and getting 5 or 10 years is ridiculous in comparison.
Pundits want to portray things as black or white, when everyone is a shade of grey. Take me for example. I am a progressive [liberal has been redefined as immoral, slothful] fiscally conservative, tough on crime [but some shouldn’t get away with murder], gov waste needs reform, but that is different from eliminating gov. Deregulation doesn’t promote competition. It lets monopolies thrive, which is the situation we have today. There are probably lots things we agree on, but you wouldn’t think so listening to a shouting, fist shaking Rush Limbaugh.
I don’t think our President will be able to change things frankly. Too many people are easily agitated and fearful. Our country is meant to be a system of checks and balances though. Pure socialism would perhaps hurt industriousness; pure capitalism would mean the value of a life is only measured by its financial worth. We won’t live totally in either one of those worlds unless we become totalitarian.
I live in South Georgia in the heart of the Bible Belt. We are very conservative and don’t like blacks, hispanics, gays, or non-bapists. [perhaps you’d like to move here on retirement?] I am interested in California for the geography, and for diversity, open-mindedness, not because I want to usurp your government programs or sell your children drugs. I obviously should investigate closer to SF than Redding. Your input is appreciated.
My wife and I soon will become empty nesters and would like to relocate from the Plains to Northern California. We are looking for a place that combines the following:
- Great climate (warm enough to be outdoors in the winter). We are used to hot summers and do not mind them.
- Beautiful outdoor scenary
- Within 2 hours of quality fly fishing
- A solid job market
- A "village" atmosphere
- Good schools. Our kids are out of the house, but we want them to relocate and raise their families as well.
We lived in Italy and grew found of the Mediterranean climate. We want to get out of the frigid winters asap.
Any help would be appreciated.
Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga are sister towns in the East Bay that match your description pretty well. They're small, quiet towns a little inland, so they get pretty hot in the summer, but the winters are mild. You do not have to go far at all if you ever want to escape the summer heat. Lots of outdoor scenery with beautiful parks and reserves all around. I know nothing about fishing, but people go fishing all the time at the Lafayette Reservoir. I'm sure there are plenty of other places around. The job market is about as solid as the rest of the country, which doesn't say much, but it's at least better than most of California...easy access to San Francisco via the BART. Village atmosphere, for California--yes. The schools from what I understand, are some of the best in the area.
The Bay Area is a highly desirable location, so naturally it's expensive. But I imagine you are probably used to a high cost of living after living in Italy. Good luck with the search--hope you find the perfect place.
Bait? It seems like a man who labels himself Anti-Socialist and calls people he doesn’t know DeadBeats would catch a little static? I DO believe in people getting to express their opinions and was just trying to rebut some of the generalizations you made.
i.e. attracted by “minimal law enforcement”. Are you implying unemployed people come to your area so they can commitment crimes for profit? Do you smoke pot? Do you actually know this, or just echoing another generalization?
I can certainly appreciate you and your friends wanting to be successful, but if someone chooses to stay in that area and struggles to get by it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all drug dealers or have multiple children where they can qualify for meager assistance.
“Generous State Welfare System” As in what? I can’t imagine the Terminator being 50 billion dollars in the hole and wanting to house and feed people. Here in Georgia there is no; health assistance, unemployment [unless you were laid off then your former employer pays it], you only qualify for housing or food stamps if you have a number of children. It sounds as if Berkeley is raising tuition to private college levels? I doubt California is more like Sweden than Georgia, so exactly what welfare benefits are you referring to?
“Narrow Little World”? Again, too much talk radio for you. Calling a Liberal / Progressive narrow minded is like saying Military Intelligence? I’ve listened to pundits. I just don’t know of any social programs anymore or see hordes of shoeless children running around. That is not what is hurting the country in any tangible way. I do however hear weekly reports of corporations going bankrupt just after CEO’s take out new loans based on cooked books. Then they file bankruptcy while investing in their new venture in their wife’s name. Our white collar crime laws need to be massively stiffened because they affect 100s or 1000s of people’s lives in a permanent way. I’m sure you are familiar Enron and the ruined retirements. Someone having a little smack and getting 5 or 10 years is ridiculous in comparison.
Pundits want to portray things as black or white, when everyone is a shade of grey. Take me for example. I am a progressive [liberal has been redefined as immoral, slothful] fiscally conservative, tough on crime [but some shouldn’t get away with murder], gov waste needs reform, but that is different from eliminating gov. Deregulation doesn’t promote competition. It lets monopolies thrive, which is the situation we have today. There are probably lots things we agree on, but you wouldn’t think so listening to a shouting, fist shaking Rush Limbaugh.
I don’t think our President will be able to change things frankly. Too many people are easily agitated and fearful. Our country is meant to be a system of checks and balances though. Pure socialism would perhaps hurt industriousness; pure capitalism would mean the value of a life is only measured by its financial worth. We won’t live totally in either one of those worlds unless we become totalitarian.
I live in South Georgia in the heart of the Bible Belt. We are very conservative and don’t like blacks, hispanics, gays, or non-bapists. [perhaps you’d like to move here on retirement?] I am interested in California for the geography, and for diversity, open-mindedness, not because I want to usurp your government programs or sell your children drugs. I obviously should investigate closer to SF than Redding. Your input is appreciated.
Okay. First and foremost, I view this site is a forum where folks relay their experiences. In this particular case, I was expressing my opinion relative to the Redding area. Did I generalize-of course. Generalization about the characteristics of place are what this forum is about-lest folks water down and elaborate ad infinitum about even the most mundane of subjects.
I happen to have a lot of experience with this part of the world. I also regularly work with the public and, through my work, often deal with demographics and economic statistics. So, I happen to know we have a disproportionate number of folks on disability in this area. Many have in-migrated from other regions of the state. While the vast majority of those folks are legitimately disabled-there are many who've managed to slip through the cracks and effectively cheat the system.
We also have a significant problem with meth-amphetamine and marijuana plantations on public lands in the area-and the crimes they foster. These issues greatly tax law enforcement resources in rural counties-particularly in tight budget years.
I'm frankly dismayed that you've taken this particular geographic inquiry and turned it into a political debate. In the future, perhaps you can do your progressive pontificating and debating in the "Political" forum on this site-where folks seek it.
I do believe in limited government-not the expansion that I see occuring now. Hence the "anti-socialism" handle. If that bothers you-that's just too bad. Not something for which I'm about to apolgize. I'm also anti-fascist, anti-bigot, anti-snow, and anti-cheese. Maybe I'll post those in the future to excite you as well. Oh, and suggesting whether or not I smoke pot somehow qualifies me for subjective, critical thinking-is an incredible leap of logic. Please, Dr. Leary...
The Rush Limbaugh inference-terrific. Now who's generalizing? You sir-know next to nothing about me, my background, my education, my experiences. Not that its any of your business, but I find him pompous and arrogant and do not listen to his show. I also happen to be productively working while his show airs.
Before you jump to conclusions (i.e. generailze) regading our governor, his policies and his limited overall effectiveness-you should bother to familiarize yourself with quagmire that is the current state of California politics. Otherwise your ignorrance just trumps your reasonning. While you're at it-check and you'll find that much of the interior north is quite "Red" politically. So, if you're considering a move out here I'm sure you'd be much happier in a Bluer, "more-progressive" place; the Bay Area for example.
We may very well agree on a number of issues. But we'll never get to have a reasoned conversation with your confrontational approach. I see you're new to the site-perhaps you'll consider that construction criticism for your future here on the City-data forum. Perhaps not.
As far as I'm concerned, this discussion is over-oh, except that you'll likely demand the last word. So, knock yourself out if you must. Just don't expect a response.
I would like to know what this "government support" is.
Military pay or veterans benefits. Government contracts. Police and fire. Schoolteachers. Other federal, state and local government workers. Post office. Anything else?
Here are the Nor cal communites I like in order from Awesome to cool (even san fran at the bottom of the list is nice, some would argue it should be at the top but it just personal prefrence really, a city like SF is too big and crowded for me but maybe where your job is, so what works for me may not work for you)
#1 Santa Cruz County (if you can afford it)
#2 Humboldt County (great place)
#3 Trinity County (also a great place)
#4 Mendocino County (really peaceful town)
#5 Placer county (north lake tahoe is awesome)
#6 Lake County (really nice large lake town)
#7 Shasta County(nice place, low cost of living,redding is also the biggest city north of sac)
#8 San Francisco (cool place, too big for me-and huge earthquake/disaster risk)
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