This coming weekend feels like the last chance to breathe for a while. Sure, there are things going on, including ArtHop in downtown and “uptown” Redding and the Redding Rodeo Association kickoff barbecue on Saturday evening at the rodeo grounds.
But things are going to start getting hectic. Next week is Redding Rodeo Week, which, as always, is packed with activities. After that come Memorial Day weekend, school graduations, the start of outdoor concert series in Shasta Lake, Redding and Anderson, the Shasta District Fair, and all the usual summertime activities. And, of course, you’re going to take a vacation, aren’t you?
So here’s to one last slow and unseasonably cool weekend before summertime overwhelms us. Maybe I should go whack the weeds.
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• Pedal to the mental … Tickets are still available for Shasta Land Trust’s combination bike race and puzzle on the Sacramento River bike path this Sunday morning, May 15. “Wonderword” puzzlemaster David Ouellet has designed some unique puzzles that riders must solve along the way to reach the finish line. In other words, you’ll get to exercise body and mind while providing a boost to the land trust. Check out the land trust’s “Wildways” events website for details.
• Horsing around Clear Creek … Four events remain on the Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve calendar this spring. At 1 p.m. this Sunday, May 15, Wintu tribe member Ted Dawson will lead a walk while identifying native plants and explaining their uses by native peoples. On May 21 at 10 a.m., Shasta College geology instructor Randy Reed will lead a two-mile tour of local geological history. On May 22 at 11 a.m., Shasta College biology instructor Morgan Hannaford will gather, and explain the roles of, underwater insects. This sounds like a great one for children. Finally, On May 29 at 9 a.m., Chris Gray will lead a walk in search of butterflies and the plants that sustain them. Another great one for kids. All events are free and start at the Horsetown parking area on Clear Creek Road, about seven miles west of Highway 273. For more information, call 241-2026.
• Heel, boy … It’s time for the annual reminder that dogs are not allowed – even on a leash – in City of Redding parks other than Benton Dog Park at the corner of Placer Street and Airpark Drive. School grounds also are generally off-limits to Fido. (Hey, I don’t make the rules.) However, the Sacramento River bike path is a perfectly acceptable place to walk the pooch, provided it is leashed. If you want to take your hound to the park, I suggest Anderson River Park, where dogs are prohibited only during Mosquito Serenade concerts. Oh, and don’t forget that City of Redding dog licenses are due July 1. You may purchase one not at City Hall, but at Haven Humane Society, 7449 Eastside Road, or Dana Park Veterinary Hospital, 1405 Bradford Way.
• The show (choir) goes on … Enterprise High School’s renowned show choir, Enterprise Starship, recently placed 8th in the FAME show choir championships in Indianapolis. Starship qualified for the event by winning first runner-up back in March at the Hollywood national qualifier. Check out the opening number from the Hollywood performance on You Tube.
• Drug-free … Shasta County residents disposed of 275 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-county medications during the April 30 drop-off day organized by law enforcement and public health officials. That total more the doubled the amount collected during the first drop-off day last September. “About 70 percent of people who abuse medications get them from a friend or family member, so it is important to handle the disposal of medications properly,” said Wendy Mills, a community educator with the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency.
Paul Shigley is senior editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and is already in line for the pancake breakfast. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley may be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
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