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.)

Subdivisions in Modoc County are not the postage stamp sized lots with cookie cutter houses that you might imagine. Thoms Creek Estates is a lovely area with 20 acre home sites.

Thoms Creek Estates, like other "subdivisions" in Modoc County was created in the 1960s. What makes Thoms Creek Estates different from others is that size of the sites. 20 Acres is large compared to 1-5 acres which is more typical.

Thoms Creek Estates is divided into Thoms Creek Estates I and Thoms Creek Estates II.

Thoms Creek I has 56 parcels and Thoms Creek II has 81 parcels. Both areas are quite nice.

Thoms Creek I originally had a property owners association and some time ago that association was discontinued. The good news is that you don't have any property owners fees, but bad news, there also isn't any road maintenance in that area. The roads and quite rough and it can be difficult to access those properties in the winter months.

Thoms Creek II has an active property owners association. Dues for 2008 were $30 per lot for the year. Pretty reasonable when you take into account the size of the parcels.

Many parcels in Thoms Creek II have fabulous views. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Shasta from many of them.

Prices have remained reasonable for these properties. Thoms Creek I properties have been listing and selling from about $40,000-$50,000 per home site. Thoms Creek II properties have been listing and selling from about $55,000-$65,000 per home site depending upon how much development may be on the property (well, septic, power, etc.)

Elevation in Thoms Creek II is about 5,000 ft above sea level, so you will get more snow in that area. Elevations in Thoms Creek I are somewhere around 4,800 ft or lower.

You'll see many owners have horses, cows, chickens, etc. You can have a small barnyard of your favorite farm animals if you'd like. But, don't overdo it - too many will place a burden on your property.

If you're in the area and would like to see available properties in Thoms Creek Estates, give me a call. I'll be happy to assist you.