Getting By in Red Bluff
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9/7/2008
Red Bluff is a lovely town - just read the signs! They say "A Great Place to Live". (I reserve the right to discount that this is true when the temperature is over 110!) My family and I have been here 24 years, which at one time qualified us as newcomers and to some, still does. We feel it's home. Our life has not been champagne and caviar since we've been here. There were times we eked out an existence - and I know some who still do. Jobs are not sparse in Red Bluff, but they are not plentiful. At least, not those that make a decent living. But we do have some higher-paying industries - several State offices, the WalMart Distribution Center and several mills. If you are willing to work hard or develop a skill set, one can do reasonably well.
I know a young family who has chosen for Mom to stay at home. The husband works in groceries - they do struggle with things like insurance and don't have a lot of luxuries - at times, they even want for the basics - but with family around and by being very resourceful, they are able to live in an older, but lovely apartment in a great location and get by. Not the best, I suppose, but they feel there is lots to compensate for that. They live next to the Sacramento River, are able to easily drive to Chico to see friends, and find lots to do to entertain themselves without having to pay a lot or go far.
As for us, we are in our late 50's and have a relatively new home on acreage. We are struggling with payments for most everything. Our income looks good on paper, but our national economy has eroded so much of what we make. Our utilites have risen precipitously and that is the worst offender. I believe we are able to get by as well as we are because of where we live. We have a variety of grocery stores from Raley's to Grocery Outlet, where one can buy just about everything, including gourmet items at a greatly reduced rate. The Dollar Tree helps as well - and, of course, Wal Mart. And, never understimate, nor ignore a great Thrift Store, and we do have several.
I feel the problems we may be having here in Red Bluff are not due to our economy, but to the national situation, particularly the rising price of gas. Living is a small town provides a feeling of insulation from the larger, crazier, more competitive world. Everyone (and I speak of real people) is struggling these days at one level or another. It is comforting to be in a place where that is accepted and acknowledged, and where we have resources to help. There are always back-up resources for all of us in town and we know that - Gleaners, a food closet, the churches. It's a community that acknowledges its residents and cares.
If only the temperature were cooler!!!! :)
Carolann | Red Bluff, CA