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Lifestyle


Uncensored US News: A Fresh Look at American Media
In today’s media landscape, finding truly uncensored news can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many outlets filtering stories through political lenses or corporate interests, it’s no wonder people crave alternative perspectives. I’ve spent considerable time exploring how uncensored news analysis in the US operates, especially for those who want to examine issues in greater depth than the headlines.

Rex Ballard
13 hours ago4 min read


Reclaiming the Third Space - Restoring Mental Wellbeing - Opinion
The Epoch Times recently published an interesting opinion piece "Reclaiming the Third Space" that explores the concept of three distinct "places" in daily life. It draws from sociologist Ray Oldenburg's framework, and argues that clear separation between these spaces is essential for brain and emotional health through varied stimuli that regulate stress, foster belonging, and support flexible identities.

Rex Ballard
2 days ago5 min read


VITTLES FAMILY RESTAURANT – It's Always Good – Especially Breakfast
With a hankering for that “Good Ole American Breakfast", maybe the kind that would bring a smile to the face of any hard-working lumberjack, my husband and I jumped on the I-5 freeway in Redding and headed south from our home near downtown Redding.
Our destination was the VITTLES FAMILY RESTAURANT located in Anderson, CA, at
2385 North Street, just off I-5.
We had read that a previous reviewer had remarked that Vittles Family Restaurant was “always good….especially breakf
Cheryl & Jerry Sanchez
2 days ago2 min read


Frontier Senior Center in Anderson--Fundraiser March 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Situated in the welcoming community of Anderson, California, the Frontier Senior Center stands as a testament to collective determination and compassion, serving over 5,000 seniors in southern Shasta County since its opening in November 1996. This vital hub provides nutrition programs, social activities, health counseling, and a sense of community, all born from a simple yet urgent need voiced by local elders back in 1992.

Rex Ballard
3 days ago3 min read


There's More to Burney Than Burney Falls
Nestled in the heart of Northern California's intermountain region, the town of Burney offers visitors a gateway to some of the state's most stunning natural landscapes. While McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and its iconic 129-foot waterfall often steal the spotlight, there's far more to discover in this rugged corner of Shasta County. To uncover the full story, head to the Burney Chamber of Commerce at BurneyChamber.com

Rex Ballard
3 days ago4 min read


Pet of the Week: Princess's Playful Puppies – Ready for Their Forever Homes!
These six fluffy bundles of joy are part of a litter of nine born to the incredible mama dog Princess, who gave birth right at the shelter. Volunteer Cheri was there for every single birth and has been their devoted "second mama" ever since—providing round-the-clock care, love, and guidance as they've grown into energetic, unique little characters.
Princess, a resilient girl, initially welcomed 10 puppies, though the litter faced some heartbreaking challenges early on. These

Kari Chilson
4 days ago2 min read


BLACK BEAR DINER: Quality And Service Still Exist In Redding!
My husband, Jerry, and I gave up our crowded Southern California lifestyle in 2000 after passing through the pleasant small towns of Yreka, Mount Shasta, and Weed in Northern California. We were returning from a trip to Portland, Oregon, to visit relatives. The contrast with living in the North State versus So-Cal felt good. The lifestyle was compelling, and we returned in a few months and bought a house on a golf course with a full view of Mount Shasta (and not many people!
Cheryl Sanchez
6 days ago3 min read


Kool April Nites 2026 Kicks Off Planning With Anderson Chamber Greeters at Gaia Hotel
Hey, everybody—especially you classic car enthusiasts from throughout the western USA—now is the time to set your calendars for Kool April Nites' 10-day celebration, April 17–26, 2026, that Redding, California, is famous for... and rightly so! A few Anderson Chamber Greeters
If you were fortunate enough to be at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson, California, on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, you were front and center to hear Kool April Nites president Ryan Dorosz address doze

Jerry Sanchez, Sr.
7 days ago2 min read


Leadership: The Catalyst for Organizational Achievement
Leadership is the art of guiding individuals toward a shared vision, sometimes under duress or resistance, to achieve extraordinary outcomes. The premise that organizations only accomplish great things through sound leadership holds true across epochs, as effective leaders provide direction, inspire commitment, and coordinate efforts amid chaos.

Rex Ballard
Feb 56 min read


Pet of the Week: Urgent Plea to Save Three Loving Pups at Shasta Lake Animal Shelter
The City of Shasta Lake Animal Shelter is beyond capacity and facing tough decisions. Three sweet, healthy, young dogs—Mocha, Gucci, and Conan—were originally scheduled for euthanasia this Thursday due to overcrowding. Thanks to a generous angelic sponsor, they've been given a short extension!

Kari Chilson
Feb 33 min read


Groundhog Day: Fun, Folklore, and a Dash of Hollywood Magic
Every February 2, Americans eagerly await the weather prediction of a furry rodent. Groundhog Day blends ancient folklore, quirky tradition, and pure fun as Punxsutawney Phil emerges to forecast spring—or six more weeks of winter.

Elisa Ballard
Jan 313 min read


Doggie Dash 5K Fun Run Set for Saturday, March 28, 2026 - at Lake Redding Park Gazebo & Pavilion, Redding, CA
The Haven Humane Society is having its Doggie Dash 5K Fun Run and Community Fair fundraising event at the Lake Redding Pavilion, 56 Quartz Hill Rd., Redding, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28th. The run starts at 10 a.m. and preregistration is advised to take advantage of early registration discounts. This is a family- and dog-friendly event and costumes are encouraged! Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed pups and the fastest runners.

Elisa Ballard
Jan 281 min read


Pet of the Week: TOBO – The Big, Lovable Chocolate Lab!
Say hello to TOBO, this week's irresistible featured pet from CATZ and DOGZ of The North State Inc in Cottonwood, CA! This handsome 2-year-old Pedigree Chocolate Labrador Retriever is a large, well-behaved hunk of pure love with a rich brown coat, soulful eyes, and an endlessly eager-to-please personality.
TOBO is playful, curious, affectionate, funny, and smart — the quintessential Lab who thrives on attention and activity. He's been receiving daily dedicated training since

Kari Chilson
Jan 262 min read


Sweeties Cafe & Catering - Restaurant Review
Sweetie's Cafe has been a beloved local fixture just outside downtown Redding for years. This family-owned and operated spot is tucked away at 3105 S. Market Street in Redding, California.

Rex Ballard
Jan 253 min read


How an Ancient Catastrophe Sculpted Shasta Valley
Imagine embarking on a road trip from your home in the Bay Area, heading north along Interstate 5. The journey begins with the familiar hum of urban California fading into the rearview mirror as you climb into the Sierra Nevada foothills.But then, as you crest a subtle rise north of the mountain—perhaps around Weed or edging toward Montague—the scenery shifts dramatically. The tight, forested confines give way to an immense, open expanse. Rolling hills stretch out like a rump

Rex Ballard
Jan 213 min read


New China Restaurant - Review
New China Restaurant at 3669 Eureka Way scores a great review from out food critic.

Rex Ballard
Jan 193 min read


She is Fearless - March 21, 2026 Event
In the quiet hills of Northern California, where the Sacramento River winds through Redding like a lifeline, Nora McNeill has spent half a century ushering new lives into the world. With gentle hands and an unshakeable faith, Nora a licensed midwife (RN, LM) has attended over a thousand births, turning what could be moments of fear into triumphs of empowerment. As she has completed her 50th year in midwifery. An exciting and inspiring documentary about her life is in the wor

Rex Ballard
Jan 163 min read


Tehama County's Animal Rescue Hero: Karen Hansen's Heart of Gold
Karen Hansen moved from the Bay Area to Northern California in the early 1990s. She was shocked to discover widespread animal neglect and abuse in the area. Unable to turn away, she stepped up, volunteering at local animal shelters and becoming the first in Tehama County to start a "Pet of the Week" feature to highlight adoptable pets and raise awareness of the many animals in need of adoption.

Kari Chilson
Jan 154 min read


U.S. Revamps the Food Pyramid: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Unveils Bold Changes in 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines
On January 7, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. This marks a dramatic overhaul of federal nutrition policy, reviving the iconic food pyramid format—absent since 2011—and shifting focus toward "real, whole, nutrient-dense foods. The United States is amid a health emergency. This crisis is the result of poor policy choices; i

Elisa Ballard
Jan 94 min read


California Wants Your Property
As California baby boomers enter their retirement and end-of-life years, a seismic shift is underway in the state's real estate landscape. Proposition 19, passed in 2020 and effective for intergenerational transfers since Feb 16, 2021, has dramatically restricted the ability of families to pass down homes without massive property tax hikes. What was once a generous exclusion allowing parents to transfer low property tax bases to children—preserving family legacies for generat

Rex Ballard
Jan 17 min read
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