No Butts About Smoke-Free Beaches

It can be smoking hot at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area beaches during the summertime. But when the next beach season arrives, there may not be any actual smoking.

National Park Service officials are considering banning smoking at Whiskeytown’s four recreation…

The Good Ol’ Days At Shasta Speedway

Last Sunday’s sunny weather reminded me that, back in the good ol’ days, Shasta Speedway began its season on the first full weekend in March with an open competition stock car race. The feature event was run on Sunday afternoon,…

And The Oscar Goes To … The Cascade!

Over the top. That’s the only way to describe the Academy Awards party scheduled this Sunday, March 7, at Redding’s Cascade Theatre.

We’re talking limousines and red carpet, outlandish outfits, flowing champagne, a big-screen simulcast and awards for just about anything.…

40 Years Old And Running Stronger Than Ever

You think nothing lasts anymore? If you’re talking about electric appliances, I agree. But some things seem to keep ticking. For example, the NorCal John Frank Memorial footrace celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday, March 6, at Lake Redding Park.

All…

At Your Service

Thanks for stepping up to the Take-Out Window, where I’ll be dishing out big portions of local news, community event previews and useful information, spiced with the occasional thought-provoking comment.

As some of you diehard visitors to A News Café might…

Changes on the Horizon - More to Come

It’s been a while since we chatted. Get yourself a beverage, pull up a chair and put your feet up while we catch up.

At the start of the new year I told about some upcoming changes on anewscafe.com’s horizon - literally.…

You Can Do This: Whiskeytown Relays

The annual Whiskeytown Relays is both a competitive event and a big outdoor party. The serious runners race very hard, while other folks don goofy costumes, go for a leisurely jaunt and catch up with friends.

About 80 four-person teams are…

You Can Do This: Marathons

There is nothing like signing up for a marathon to motivate a runner.

That’s what I concluded while about a dozen of us carpooled to Shasta Dam on a recent Saturday morning. Other than the pull of a marathon, would could…

Whiskeytown Trail Day - Hooray!

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has the most extensive nonmotorized trail system in our region, and it’s about to get even better. First, though, the National Park Service needs your assistance.

Saturday, August 8, is “volunteer trail day” at Whiskeytown. Hardy individuals…

You Can Do This: Sunset Through the Trees

The Sunset Through the Trees running series is one of my favorite annual outdoor events. This year’s version kicks off on Tuesday, July 28, with 4.3-mile and 2-mile runs on the Sacramento River bike path.

Runners in the series hit the…