News of Modoc County troubles on KQED Radio

I just finished listening to this recorded broadcast story covering Modoc County's troubled financial situation, and the role the failing hospital has played. Have a listen:



From the perspective of a potential California Pines property owner I'm starting to wonder if anyone would be in any position to say anything to anyone about building whatever at California Pines. Who's kidding who? If the county government is falling apart and the California Pines Property Owners' Association is so obviously absent, then who is there to red tag any structure, especially a tiny house on wheels?

But then again, if the county government and economics is falling apart then who would want to live there? Oh right... independent-types that like living in places without a lot of oversight and interference from the authorities. Sounds more and more perfect everyday!

In all seriousness, I hope they pull it together for the sake of people that live there now. Unfortunately it doesn't sound at all like a problem throwing money at will fix. You see if the major local employer is the hospital, and there's not enough money coming into this business to keep it running, then there's nothing that can keep the doors open but downsizing. The whole situation sounds like a terrible catch-22.

It also sounds like the real solution for saving the county infrastructure will be found by increasing the tax base, which means attracting more people to the area. Since the main thing Modoc has going for it is offering considerably more freedom than other counties, maybe they should run with that.

In other words remove roadblocks and make the place famous as a haven for those looking to build simple small sustainable homesteads.

Start by tearing down barrier organizations like the California Pines Property Owner's Association and begin moving those 15,000+ lots, selling them to people looking for freedom and a place to build small low-impact homes. Empower them to build like crazy as long as they are using sustainable low-cost and low-tech solutions. This will also attract folks who want to build more contemporary homes. Then watch the tax base begin to move back up.

Make is so Modoc! :-)