Re: So you want to buy a home in Calipornia.....
Here in San Mateo County......
A major blue county.
<br /><br />On the other hand Bob.<br />Here in the North Central Valley special interests<br />(The Nature Conservancy) bought huge tracts of private river-front property. Almost all of it was in orchards and other Ag uses. After they bought it they ripped up all the orchards and replanted it all in native flora. Then they sold it to the USFWS(United States Fish and <br />Wildlife Service), some was also donated.<br />
http://www.sacramentoriver.org/ <br />The USFWS did ecological and archeology studies and determined the exact classification of the land.<br /> Keep in mind it is a huge chunk of land, 200 miles of river and a combination of 58,000+ acres of public land.<br /><br />Here is where my story differs from yours.<br />All of this land lies with-in red counties, Shasta, Tehama (my own), Butte, Glenn and Colusa. As you might imagine there was considerable grumbling from the residents of these counties. "No stinkin' tree hugger group is gonna keep me off the river!!" The citizens became very involved in planning and consideration. The USFWS held many informative and intent meetings. Input was strongly encouraged. Their intent was totally upfront and it was obvious local input was an overwhelming consideration in their plans.<br />It all became final when proposal B of their plan was adopted a couple months ago. Roughly from my notes when I attended the meetings;<br />
Approximately 6% of the total lands were sensitive and/or critical habitat and is closed to all activities. Leaving 94% of the lands open for public use. A generous 62% of the total lands are open to hunting!! The net effect of this colossal land grab left the public with far greater access and use of what once was private lands!! <br />
http://www.sacramentoriver.org/access_site.php <br /><br />Gotta tell you Bob, with the Sacramento River and boat ramp as well as the newly opened <br />Rio Vista unit 3 miles down the road from me, has opened great potential and opportunities.<br />
http://www.sacramentoriver.org/sac_river_atlas.php?extent=58 <br />Not only for my own quality of life but for the local and surrouding communities as well. Essentially a positive for the entire region.The trend has been in all the above communities that growth and extraordinary increases of property prices that is measured in weeks rather than years.<br /><br />Yeah Bob, the San Francisco area is an outstanding place to visit. But it's important for all those who haven't a clue about the true vastness of California to realize.<br />The Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Area are overwhelmingly heavy liberal (blue) and are able to dictate politically what the vast remainder of the state does. <br />However, not on the local level and it's a completely different game.<br />It's true Bob lives in Calipornia (his name). Land of 4 hour daily commutes, extremely liberal mouseketeers and true blue politicians to mommy them.<br />But I live in another state, Northern California, red necks and politics, and still the land of milk and honey.
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http://www.sacramentoriver.org/sac_river_gallery.php?zoom=true&photo=21
