Thursday, March 31, 2011

United Way of Northern California
We are going to be interviewing for an Events Coordinator for our 2011 Special Events. Please pass the word and if you have any prospects call me at 241-7521, and thanks, Ron

www.norcalunitedway.org
ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Zoning is the Issue in Redding, CA B&B Case

Zoning is the Issue in Redding, CA B&B Case. (edit/delete)

Earlier today I had the opportunity to hear the argument on whether or not a Bed and Breakfast should be allowed in a very nice residential area of Redding. The applicant, which happens to be a family that is associated with a local church that has an extensive national and international following, wants to make their home available to folks that come to the church for various seminars and meetings. The issue is not really the church, but what will happen to the general neighborhood if the B&B is allowed....so it is becoming a city zoning issue, and my guess is that a zoning change may be in the works if this occupancy is allowed.

Having served on the Redding Planning Commission for about 2 years, one of the issues that we were constantly concerned about was consistency in decision making. This had been a problem in the past as the rapid growth occurred over the past few years in Redding and Shasta County, so every decision involved consistency in zoning matters.

Now we have this situation. Currently in Redding, group homes are allowed in residential neighborhoods, as are B&B's. For the most part, both of these living accommodations are very low key, with relatively little, if any, unusual traffic. Parking never seems to be a problem, except for occasional visitors at the group homes. The B&B's are small, and maybe an extra car or two is about all that happens. With this proposed B&B, 3 rooms will be offered, and all 3 will have cars, so parking, and traffic becomes an issue in this quiet neighborhood. Neighbors are starting to make a case that this utilization will "change the nature of the neighborhood", and they have a point. If this is allowed, then another B&B could pop up around the corner, and so it goes. This decision will definitely set a pattern and a precedent for other neighborhoods, for from here on, the decisions will be based on subjective factors, not the law or objective rules and regulations.

So now the decision goes to the Redding Planning Commission and they will be forced to make a decision. If it is approved, then no doubt the residents will take it to the City Council, and if it is passed there, then probably a lawsuit will follow for violations of the neighborhood CC&R's, which are covenants setting out standards and guidelines for the neighborhood.

Not alot of options...other than to look at the zoning...and maybe a change is in order, for this situation could be repeated over and over as Redding grows and changes in the years to come. My vote is that a change in zoning is needed. Consistency in decision making is critical to good growth.

Zoning is the Issue in Redding, CA B&B Case

Zoning is the Issue in Redding, CA B&B Case. (edit/delete)

Earlier today I had the opportunity to hear the argument on whether or not a Bed and Breakfast should be allowed in a very nice residential area of Redding. The applicant, which happens to be a family that is associated with a local church that has an extensive national and international following, wants to make their home available to folks that come to the church for various seminars and meetings. The issue is not really the church, but what will happen to the general neighborhood if the B&B is allowed....so it is becoming a city zoning issue, and my guess is that a zoning change may be in the works if this occupancy is allowed.

Having served on the Redding Planning Commission for about 2 years, one of the issues that we were constantly concerned about was consistency in decision making. This had been a problem in the past as the rapid growth occurred over the past few years in Redding and Shasta County, so every decision involved consistency in zoning matters.

Now we have this situation. Currently in Redding, group homes are allowed in residential neighborhoods, as are B&B's. For the most part, both of these living accommodations are very low key, with relatively little, if any, unusual traffic. Parking never seems to be a problem, except for occasional visitors at the group homes. The B&B's are small, and maybe an extra car or two is about all that happens. With this proposed B&B, 3 rooms will be offered, and all 3 will have cars, so parking, and traffic becomes an issue in this quiet neighborhood. Neighbors are starting to make a case that this utilization will "change the nature of the neighborhood", and they have a point. If this is allowed, then another B&B could pop up around the corner, and so it goes. This decision will definitely set a pattern and a precedent for other neighborhoods, for from here on, the decisions will be based on subjective factors, not the law or objective rules and regulations.

So now the decision goes to the Redding Planning Commission and they will be forced to make a decision. If it is approved, then no doubt the residents will take it to the City Council, and if it is passed there, then probably a lawsuit will follow for violations of the neighborhood CC&R's, which are covenants setting out standards and guidelines for the neighborhood.

Not alot of options...other than to look at the zoning...and maybe a change is in order, for this situation could be repeated over and over as Redding grows and changes in the years to come. My vote is that a change in zoning is needed. Consistency in decision making is critical to good growth.

Lessons for Life from Mike Ferrier

Mike Ferrier is a good friend and sends me his "Lessons for Life"....here it is...


I don't have a big appetite for it, but there are times in life where you have to "eat crow". For you younger people that means having to admit you were wrong and taking an action to apologize or rectify the situation. Winston Churchill once said, "Eating words has never given me indigestion." He also said, "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." When you are wrong, admit it openly to the right person and get it behind you. It may not feel good when you do it, but it will be behind both of you and you can move forward without it getting in the way.

This week's post is a little late due to a wonderful trip to Southern California for friends, family, clients and education. While driving, I saw a truck loaded with lemons, a very sour and puckery fruit. Then thought of how many thousands of times those little yellow jewels will spice up a glass of water or lend their joy to a nice piece of fish or lobster. There are lemons in life. Take them in little slices and let them spice things up rather than saving them up and running into a whole truckload at once.

How about some crow with lemon and capers.

Mike Ferrier

Lou Tice and the Pacific Institute

Lou Tice and the Pacific Institute.
Posted on March 26, 2011 by Ron Largent

Some years ago I became involved with the Pacific Institute, owned and led by Lou Tice. Ever since then I have subscribed to his weekly motivational articles, and the following is one I got yesterday. It really applies to our work in the non-profit field, as it does to business in general. Please read on:

What are you afraid of? It doesn’t matter whether it’s speaking in public or snakes, if you really want to conquer it, you can.

Let’s talk for a few moments about fear. Fear can be either a valuable ally or a vicious enemy. It can keep you safe and prevent you from taking dangerous chances, but it can also stop you from taking the risks you must take if you are to grow and change for the better.

It’s important to understand that fear itself can’t hurt you. Fear is simply a negative rehearsal of the future. You imagine yourself in a certain situation, and you foresee painful results. Now, your imagination is so powerful, that when you see yourself in this painful situation, it produces a response in your body that says, “Stop!” And sometimes, that’s the appropriate thing to do.

But sometimes, what you really need to do is go forward, especially when you are working toward a goal that is important to you.

A good technique that will help you go beyond fear is to deliberately and repeatedly imagine yourself calmly moving past it. Then, see the positive results clearly and vividly. If you can stay focused on the beneficial aspects and really feel the good feelings that go with it, you’ll be creating a positive rehearsal of the future that will outweigh and overrule your fear. And you will be growing stronger and more capable at the same time.

Lou Tice

The Pacific Institute

www.thepacificinstitute.com

Lou Tice and the Pacific Institute

Lou Tice and the Pacific Institute.
Posted on March 26, 2011 by Ron Largent

Some years ago I became involved with the Pacific Institute, owned and led by Lou Tice. Ever since then I have subscribed to his weekly motivational articles, and the following is one I got yesterday. It really applies to our work in the non-profit field, as it does to business in general. Please read on:

What are you afraid of? It doesn’t matter whether it’s speaking in public or snakes, if you really want to conquer it, you can.

Let’s talk for a few moments about fear. Fear can be either a valuable ally or a vicious enemy. It can keep you safe and prevent you from taking dangerous chances, but it can also stop you from taking the risks you must take if you are to grow and change for the better.

It’s important to understand that fear itself can’t hurt you. Fear is simply a negative rehearsal of the future. You imagine yourself in a certain situation, and you foresee painful results. Now, your imagination is so powerful, that when you see yourself in this painful situation, it produces a response in your body that says, “Stop!” And sometimes, that’s the appropriate thing to do.

But sometimes, what you really need to do is go forward, especially when you are working toward a goal that is important to you.

A good technique that will help you go beyond fear is to deliberately and repeatedly imagine yourself calmly moving past it. Then, see the positive results clearly and vividly. If you can stay focused on the beneficial aspects and really feel the good feelings that go with it, you’ll be creating a positive rehearsal of the future that will outweigh and overrule your fear. And you will be growing stronger and more capable at the same time.

Lou Tice

The Pacific Institute

www.thepacificinstitute.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Plumas Rural Services

Yesterday I had the opportunity to travel to Plumas County in Northern California and had a chance to visit the Plumas Rural Services, our United Way of Northern California in Quincy, CA. This is a phenomenal agency doing some wonderful work in the rural mountain areas of north eastern California. They have a full menu of programs, and to see them in action on the web, please take a look at them at

http://plumasruralservices.org/

This is a great program…another example of how the United Way of Northern California is working where it matters.

ronlargent@norcalunitedway.org

www.norcalunitedway.org

Lou Tice and the Pacific Institute

Over the years, I have enjoyed reading Lou Tice encouragements…this is a good one, and appropriate for today…

What would it take to make you happy?

Now, I know some of you think that if you only had this or that particular thing or a certain amount of money, you’d be happy. Others believe that if you were only in love with someone wonderful who loved you back, then you would be happy. And there are still others who believe that if a miracle would occur and cure you or someone you love of an illness, that would make you happy.

But I want to tell you something. Happiness is a choice you make, not something that does or doesn’t happen to you. You can choose to be happy right now, no matter what you have or don’t have.

The first step toward finding your own happiness is gratitude. If you develop and heighten your powers of appreciation by focusing on the beauty in your life instead of the imperfections, you will be halfway there.

I guarantee that you will see an abundance of beauty in your life, regardless of your surroundings or circumstances, if only you will look for it. Once you can see it, appreciate it! And not just intellectually. Let it give you real joy.

You see, the time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. And the reasons to be happy are all around you. So what are you waiting for? Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Military Officers Association of America in Redding, CA

The local chapter of the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) will be having their monthly meeting on Monday, March 14, 2011 at noon at the Country Waffles Restaurant on Athens Ave in Redding.
MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization, and is open to all active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired, and former members of the Uniformed Services of the United States.
The featured speaker for the March meeting will be KRCR TV, Ch 7 Weather reporter, Chita Johnson. She will be giving a presentation on weather forecasting and other weather related subjects.
Guests are invited.
For further information, please call Ron Largent at 530-241-7521.

Military Officers Association of America in Redding, CA

The local chapter of the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) will be having their monthly meeting on Monday, March 14, 2011 at noon at the Country Waffles Restaurant on Athens Ave in Redding.
MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization, and is open to all active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired, and former members of the Uniformed Services of the United States.
The featured speaker for the March meeting will be KRCR TV, Ch 7 Weather reporter, Chita Johnson. She will be giving a presentation on weather forecasting and other weather related subjects.
Guests are invited.
For further information, please call Ron Largent at 530-241-7521.