Alturas, CA

It's that time of year again. The ranchers bring their cattle down from the high country for the winter.

This annual tradition happens down Pencil Road in Modoc Recreational Estates. Now, if I still lived in San Jose, California, I would have been extraordinarily annoyed by this process. But I noticed that I simply didn't mind. I wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere.

I enjoyed the pretty, sunny day and while moving at about 3 miles per hour down that stretch of road -- about 3 miles distant ahead of us yet -- I marveled at the herding dogs that kept the cattle moving -- any how they aggressively worked the ones that didn't want to go in the right direction. I wondered what the riders were talking about. I thought how pleasant it would be to be out riding at a leisurely pace this morning.

Of course, ranching isn't always this idyllic. I suspect that the work is pretty hard at times. But this morning, it looked like a very good life.

One of the challenges in moving to Alturas is making sure that you have all of your necessary services set up -- and who in the world do you call. Here are some numbers that should help you:

Utilities:

Electric Power -

There are 2 service providers in Modoc County for electricity.

1. Pacific Power and Light (an Oregon company) serves Alturas and other in town locations. 800-715-9238, 877-548-3768 or 888-221-7070
2. Surprise Valley Electric (an energy coop) serves the areas that PP&L does not serve. 866-843-2667

Propane: Contact Bethel's 530-233-2134

Kerosene: Ed Staub & Sons 530-233-2610

Telephone Service: Frontier 800-921-8101

Internet: you have several choices

1. Frontier (dial-up and DSL) - both services available in most areas 800-921-8101
2. Hughes Net (satellite) - anywhere you've got reception 866-293-8945
3. HDO - High Desert Online (dial-up and wireless): wireless in city of Alturas 530-233-4000
4. Charter Communications (cable) in town only 866-731-5420

Television:

1. DirecTV -- Phillips Appliance in Alturas can set up your service. Call 530-233-5705
2. Dish Network -- www.dishnetwork.com
3. Charter Communications 866-731-5420

Water/Sewer Service in Alturas 530-233-2052

Trash Collection in Alturas and surrounding areas Alturas Disposal 530-233-2373

Modoc Joint Unified School District: 530-233-7201

Real Estate Services: Of course you'll call Property Connections Realty Inc. at 530-640-2411

As with other subdivisions in Modoc County, Castle Rock Estates was created in the 1960s.

At this time there are 86 home sites in Castle Rock Estates. The area is pretty and the homes in the area are above average in quality and tend to be well maintained.

As a neighborhood, Castle Rock Estates is very stable. Homes and lots rarely become available in this area. Neighbors really look out for one another. One day when I was marking a lot for sale (by the way, it sold shortly afterward) a neighbor decided to check to see what was going on and make sure that I was allowed to be there.

That's how folks look after each other in the area. Lots range from 1-2 acres -- a couple are a bit larger. One road is paved, Juniper Tree (also known as Grande). All others are graveled roads. Certain lots will have access to public sewer and water through the Cal Pines Services District. If you are interested in a particular parcel, we'll need to ask if they will extend the lines to that parcel.

The goods news is that the roads are county maintained and there is no association in the area. That means no annual dues. However, in this subdivision, being part of the Cal Pines Services District, there will be some assessments for the fire department.

The area has CC&Rs but they mostly reflect Modoc County Building Code requirements and fire safety issues, like, a home must be a minimum of 500 sf., clearing of weeds and debris around a home to minimize fire hazards, etc. No one will tell you what color your house can be.

If you're interested in buying property in this subdivision, give me a call. I'll be happy to assist you.

If you're in Alturas and want a breakfast burrito, soup and sandwich, a latte, some freshly baked bread or cookies, be sure to stop in at Main Street Coffee and Baker Buddies.

Terri runs Main Street Coffee - Terri is camera shy and wouldn't let me take her picture. Her coffee shop is quaint and comfortable. You'll also find neat items to browse through and buy while you're waiting for your order.

Glenda is the head baker lady in charge of Baker Buddies. If you're craving freshly baked breads and cookies that make your mouth water you need to stop in. Glenda wasn't feeling photogenic today either - so the only way you'll see what she looks like is to stop in. But, be sure to get there early, you can see by early afternoon she's low on goodies.

I've always found friendly, happy and smiling faces at Main Street Coffee and Baker Buddies - but if you point a camera at either Terri or Glenda, they'll probably head for the hills (it's ok, I don't like my photo taken either.)

There is one movie theater in Modoc County and it's located in Alturas on Main Street.

Feature films are brought in each week. The theater runs those films on Friday and Satruday night and at a reduced price matinee on Sunday at 3:00 pm.

Jamal is the Niles Theater manager -- be sure to say hello when you see him.

Jolene will greet you at the ticket counter -- tell her Evelyn sent you in.

There are many friendly volunteers working at the Niles Theater. They are already with a smile and a friendly Hello !

The Niles is a neat old building with the charm and character of an old movie theater.

When you're in town for the weekend, take in a movie. It's a nice way to spend a Friday or Saturday night or a Sunday afternoon.