Forestville,CA?

[illflem]

Been offered a job running an orchard for the University of CA near Forestville, Sonoma County. Pay and benefits are excellent, but I am concerned about this area, I was there maybe 30 years ago, it was nice then, but I know things have changed. Anyone been though there lately or live nearby with some input? I trust your guys opinion more than most others.

 

[My 6 Eats V8's Old File]

well its grown alot since my birth I can tell you that. #ad

 

[NVR FNSH]

Sonoma County is very similar to San Luis Obispo if you ask me. I live in Larkfield/Wikkiup all of 8 miles or so from bustling 'downtown' Forestville. I would have bought a house out there if I could have afforded it - that will probably be the one sticking point. One of my co-workers lives in Forestville & can't say enough good things about it. I'd say if you liked Gaviota/Santa Barbara then you will really like Forestville.

Definately come down here and check it out. We moved here from Long Beach and really like the area.

One thing - if you do move down here I want to know when you're gonna be hauling 30k behind your Ram. I'm calling in sick those days #ad


Brian

 

[illflem]

Brian, if I go for it I might be hauling more than 30k with all tools and junk I've accumulated. You'll know when I've moved in if you see deep tire tracks in the asphalt on Hwy. 116!!! Job includes 3 bedroom home with shop.

This internet is truly wonderful. I posted a resume on the WA Labor Dept. website last week and have had received email 16 job offers starting yesterday. One very intriguing offer was from Fairbanks Morse Engine Division for an overseas traveling diesel trouble shooter/ mechanic based out of Seattle, requires you get top secret security clearance. Another was to manage 45,000 acre piece of land for the Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma. Yet another was in town named Chilly, ID. Looks like there is more in today's snail mail, I'll be busy for quite awhile deciding what to do and filling out apps. - Bill



[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 05-02-2001). ]

 

[NVR FNSH]

Bill,
Make sure & come down here before you decide to turn down the job - the area is a really nice place, even if just for a short visit.

I saw on another post that you tore out your orchards - what's going up in their place? Homes?

Brian

 

[illflem]

Brian, nothing is going in. There is torn out orchard land all around me that has been for sale for two years, nobody even looks at it unless it has a view of the Columbia River or Lake Chelan. Most is zoned 20 acre minimum Ag with one home max. Land with orchard on it is worth less than bare land due to removal costs. Many owners of empty Ag land have quit paying their water bill, it is a flat rate no matter how much water you use, even zero. After three years of no payment the water district can take the land, much like what happens if you don't pay property tax. Starting next year this will start happening and land will be extremely cheap though auctions. 40% of the apple growers in WA are already bankrupt, they expect 25% more this year, in my area the numbers are much higher. This whole place is getting really depressing, the only ones that survive will cater to tourists. What will happen is that the apple producing area will move to the south in the Columbia Basin where land & water is cheap, the farms there the agri-business type with large acreages owned by banks on the east coast and whatnot. The population here is moving out, my local newspaper had about a quarter column of homes for rent last year, last time I looked there were 6 columns and the going rate was shrinking. The WA apple industry cut it's own throat by tiring to sell an inferior product and NAFTA pushed it the rest of the way. Oh well, it was good for me while it lasted, glad to be getting out now, but where to? I will check out Forestville, it is the most appealing offer thus far, just wish it wasn't in CA.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 05-02-2001). ]

 

[Cummnzpowr]

hey illflem, i live near there... . another member for the bay area bombers assoc. cool

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Greg's 1993 D250 4x2. . 5-speed. . extended cab. . longbed. . bright white. . tinted windows. . 4-inch stack through bed. . K&N air filter. . holes in air box. . Piers' "tweak inductioned fuel pump"... . PW injectors... 12CM housing... Isspro Pyro &Boost guages. . "The{smoking}Phantom"

 

[HVAC]

Illflem, come on down and join us. Besides, I want to race you #ad
Now that I have an auto I'm racing everything on the highway #ad

 

[illflem]

Come on Nowell, you know you can beat my wimpy Banks rig in reverse, but I bet I can beat you to the top of the hill pulling 30k #ad


[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 05-03-2001). ]

 

[Power Wagon]

Do christmas trees count as "agriculture"?

Time to move over there and buy up that cheap land... #ad


Turn the hillsides into forest again #ad

 

[illflem]

Believe it or not golf courses count as agriculture. Several have been built and many more are in the planning stages in my parts. A 18 hole course takes 200 acres, so a developer can build ten $500k+ homes around the edge also. Of course it takes a ton of money to do something like this. The local people can't afford to golf so it will depend on outsiders, seems to me it would be hard to make it work. Horse pasture also counts as Ag, some orchardists who have views of the water have been able to sell 20 acre blocks for hobby farms. As for Xmas trees, there is an abandoned tree farm just a 1/2 mile from me, the trees are over 75' tall, it is truly a forest.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 05-03-2001). ]