Reviews & Comments
Etna, CA
Peaceful valley at risk -
5/10/2007 Etna is a precious and productive little town in Scott valley that may begin to suffer from attack of the eco infiltration. Highly dependent on water for hay production and other crops, the valley watched helplessly as "environmentalists" cut off water to farms in neighboring Kalamath valley. When water was court ordered to be reinstated it was too late for many ranchers and farmers.
Independent and non judgemental, Etna raises fine, fair minded citizens who respect each other and have a healthy work ethic. The two local restaurants serve man size portions of politically incorrect delicious food. Schools are broke but kids take pride in education and survival skills.
Real estate is reasonable again after soaring in 06. Four season climate with light snow, some ground fog, lush mild springs and toasty summer days with afternoon thunderstorms. Scott valley is ringed by mountains. Indian reservation nearby is referred to as the "res".
Very Norman Rockwell but endangered by outside interests.
California, CA
San Francisco, City of extemes -
5/10/2007 Very beautiful, entertaining city by the bay. Extemely tolerant and extremely intolerant. Gays and dogs are coddled and encouraged. Kids, family and the military are 2nd class citizens being phased out as city politics becomes more progressive. Local politicians alarmingly distant, arrogant and socialist. Fabulous food, spectacular setting peppered with prostitutes and homeless. Neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Italian north beach and the financial district transport you into another dimension. Steep, undulating and colorful Russian and Telegraph hill are impossibly charming. The tenderloin is drugs, crime and homeless headquarters. Real estate continues to soar towards 1K a square foot as the rest of the country tanks. Wonderfully mild but dramatic weather. Surrounded by ocean and bay with constant marine activity. Exciting and engaging, the city needs more moderation to thrive and survive.
San Jose, CA
casual comfortable and costly -
1/2/2007We moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco and were both pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised. Perfect climate but power and water companies overcharge. Traffic much worse in other bay area locations. Any attire acceptable anywhere including mall teen girls in pajamas & slippers. Hispanic numbers have increased greatly and no longer make an effort to speak English. My favorite waiter suddenly reverted to Spanish speaking. Very safe streets and alert cops. Spectacular countyside on back roads from Almaden Valley south to Gilroy. 40 minutes to the Pacific ocean and Santa Cruz or Monterey.