McHale Sign Co. workers prepare the sign for transport to the drag strip. (photo courtesy Redding Drag Strip)
Gene’s Hamburgers has been a part of Redding’s car culture since about forever, so it was no surprise that the drive-in’s demise earlier this year hit hot-rodders pretty hard.
Gene Nash opened the hamburger stand in 1954, back when a burger would set you back 19 cents. Nash’s son, Mike, took over in 1980 and Gene’s became the go-to hangout for owners and fans of hot rods, classics and cruisers. During the week of Kool April Nites, the joint looked like it had been lifted straight from the “American Graffiti” movie set.
Back in early February, though, it looked like nothing more than a vacant lot. Gene’s was gone. Mike Nash retired in 2012 and sold the restaurant and the subsequent owners just couldn’t seem to make a go of it. The doors were closed for good last summer. The building was razed and all that was left standing was the iconic neon sign.
Caleb Hurst, an Enterprise High School student and vice-president of the school’s car club, wasn’t about to let Gene’s memories fade away. With the use of social media, Hurst put out word that there would be an impromptu memorial car show on the Gene’s site.
The automotive celebration of life, which drew about 100 cars, also raised about $750 for a project hatched by Caleb and his Enterprise High classmate, Austin Bramson, to have the Gene’s sign relocated to the Redding Drag Strip.
“It just started as a Facebook post and kind of blew up from there,” said Shirlene Bramson, Austin’s mother and the manager of the drag strip. Work has been underway to restore the sign and get it installed at the drag strip’s concession stand in time for the Kool April Nites drag races April 27-28.
The 29th annual Kool April Nites car show is Saturday, April 28. The fun begins April 21. Photo by Jon Lewis
The Redding Drag Strip will not just be preserving the historic sign: Geneburgers will be on the menu at the snack shack, Bramson said. To add to the authenticity, Mike Nash and his son Micah (of “Micah-Burger” fame) recently visited the drag strip to share the family recipes and train the concessions crew.
Caleb and Austin will be happy to talk about cars, the drag strip, its Junior Dragster program and anything else during the Enterprise High School Automotive Club’s Kool April Nites show ‘n’ shine from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 27, in the school parking lot. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be available for purchase with proceeds benefitting Enterprise High students.
Awards will be offered for Best of Show, Auto Club’s Choice, Teacher’s Choice, Administrator’s Choice and Support Staff’s Choice. All trophies are made by EHS wood shop students. For sponsorship and registration information, call 962-0875.
Get a break on your energy bill
The Redding Electric Utility has streamlined its Residential Energy Discount Program, making it easier for eligible ratepayers to save as much as $408 a year on their energy bills.
Eligible customers receive a $10 discount on the monthly Network Access Charge and a 35 percent savings on the first 450 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity used each month. To qualify, a family of four must have an annual gross income of $37,080 or less (that’s 60 percent of the Shasta County median family income).
For more information and an application, visit www.cityofredding.org/assistance or call the city’s Housing Division at 225-4578.
Doggie etiquette reminder
Redding’s parks division reminds dog owners that a few bad apples can spoil a barrel full of nice recreational opportunities for both dogs and their humans:
The opportunity to run and play with other dogs in a securely fenced environment is a valuable tool in their social development. Unfortunately, not every dog park is filled with responsible owners, and as in most things, a few unmannerly people can ruin the whole experience for most.
Make sure you’re not one of those humans by following these basic etiquette tips for bark parks:
•Dogs must be Controllable at All Times
•Immunized Dogs Only
•Bring a Healthy Dog
•Clean Up After Your Dog
•Do Not Bring Children to a Dog Park
•No Female Dogs in Heat
•Do Not Bring Too Many Dogs
•Do Not Bring Animals That Are Not Dogs
•Be Responsible For Your Dog’s Behavior
•Follow All Posted Rules
In addition to the Benton Dog Park, dogs are allowed off leash in the following Open Space areas: Turtle Bay East (north end of North Bechelli Lane), Henderson (behind the former Raley’s on Hartnell), Kapusta (behind Jolly Giant Flea Mart) and Riverland (off of Riverland Drive, south of Knighton Road).
