Eastern Plumas & Sierra Counties July 2020 Newsletter

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Courtesy of: LPettet/Royalty Free Getty Images

“You're a grand old flag You're a high-flying flag And forever in peace may you wave …”

Contents

Pg.

Portola Office & Independence Day History

2

Dickson Broker/Manager Statement

3

Sales Statistic Reports Guild Mortgage Corner Take a Hike!

What A Wonderful World July Calendar Agony Ride Event Details

4-6 7 8-9 10 11 12

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

The Dickson Realty Portola Team is always available to provide excellent and dedicated client service whether you are considering buying or selling a home. Our team of seasoned professionals, all REALTORS®, possess the most current and comprehensive market information and, combined with their knowledge and experience, they are uniquely qualified to be expert guides in your real estate venture.

Call, e-mail, visit our office, or access us on the web. We are here for you 24/7.

Office Phone: 530-832-1700 Email: portolainfo@dicksonrealty.com Web: www.Dicksonrealty.com

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2020 is on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

A History of Independence Day When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical.

By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in the bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.

On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence.

Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York—to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a nearunanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

A PERSONAL NOTE ~ Over the last several months, our nation has gone through unprecedented, difficult times, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently, the unrest around conflicts between civil rights and law enforcement across our cities and communities.

We are thankful for everyone who is navigating these challenges in a safe and peaceful way and helping to create the world we all want for ourselves and our future generations.

Our local communities and businesses have certainly been tested, but we are strong and supportive. We feel extremely blessed to be living in the Eastern Plumas and Sierra County areas where we are surrounded by beauty and by wonderful people with whom we share this blessing.

On a very positive note, we are seeing unprecedented sales occurring at this normally slow time of year. As families embrace the opportunity to work remotely, and some companies certainly are expressing the desire to work toward such a model in the future, we are seeing an unparalleled demand by buyers looking to relocate from their urban environments For Sellers, if you are looking to make a move, demand is high, and supply is low.

For Buyers, let us show you why we love the area we call home.

We have fully embraced the State and Health Department regulations and guidelines for keeping our agents and clients safe in both listing and selling property. We are ready to help you with any of your real estate needs.

With appreciation,

Lil Schaller Broker/Manager 530-550-5007

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. This month’s report shows the monthly sales statistics for May 2019 thru May 2020 for Median Sales Price, Lowest/Highest sales, Number of units sold and the Average Days on Market The sales reported are for Single Family Residential and Condo/Townhouse sales in each of the areas.

(Time share and/or shared ownership are not included in the statistics presented.)

The data source is the Plumas Multiple Listing Service with data pulled on June 19, 2020

MAY 2019

$

258,000 $

115,000 $

420,000

5

112

June

$

265,000 $

62,500 $

325,000

6

143

July

$

114,000 $

55,000 $

300,000

5

136

August

$

160,000 $

108,000 $

395,000

7

218

September

$

185,000 $

140,000 $

208,000

3

93

$300,000

October

$

234,000 $

169,000 $

325,000

5

106

$200,000

November

$

270,250 $

144,500 $

443,000

4

112

December

$

155,000 $

45,000 $

236,700

7

178

January

$

165,000 $

150,000 $

285,000

5

143

February

$

73,200 $

55,000 $

328,000

5

214

March

$

200,000 $

150,000 $

265,000

3

88

April

$

169,950 $

66,500 $

238,500

6

134

MAY 2020

$

155,000 $

28,000 $

260,000

5

156

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

MAY 2019

$

315,000 $

217,000 $

575,000

5

181

June

$

354,500 $

260,000 $

600,000

12

130

July

$

255,000 $

48,000 $

742,000

10

125

August

$

289,250 $

180,000 $

610,000

8

99

September

$

273,000 $

125,000 $

380,000

5

130

October

$

269,500 $

210,000 $

789,000

14

131

November

$

311,500 $

243,500 $

535,000

6

72

December

$

253,500 $

45,000 $

378,000

8

148

January

$

270,000 $

270,000 $

270,000

1

305

February

$

318,000 $

265,000 $

675,000

7

216

March

$

275,000 $

220,000 $

335,000

3

137

April

$

250,000 $

66,000 $

319,000

5

95

MAY 2020

$

272,000 $

210,000 $

580,000

3

291

20 19

20 20

Ap ri l M

AY

AY M

GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $-

20 20

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

Ap ri l

HIGHEST SALE

20 19

LOWEST SALE

$-

AY

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

$100,000

M

GRAEAGLEBLAIRSDEN

PORTOLA MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND

AY

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

M

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

ne Ju l Au y g Se pt us t em b Oc e r to be No r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

HIGHEST SALE

ne Ju l Au y g Se pt us t em b Oc e r to be No r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

LOWEST SALE

Ju

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

Ju

PORTOLA

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

250,000 $

360,000

2

212

299,000 $

299,000 $

299,000

1

100

August

$

319,000 $

319,000 $

319,000

1

273

September

$

260,000 $

200,000 $

360,000

3

131

October

$

-

-

0

0

November

$

167,500 $

167,500 $

1

382

December

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

January

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

February

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

March

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

April

$

254,500 $

204,000 $

2

114

MAY 2020

$

-

-

0

0

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

1

41

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES

$

$

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

$

167,500

305,000

$

LOWEST SALE

-

HIGHEST SALE

$200,000 $100,000 $-

$

June

$

-

0

0

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES

July

$

330,000 $

330,000 $

330,000

1

140

MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND

August

$

530,000 $

385,000 $

675,000

2

107

September

$

562,000 $

399,000 $

725,000

2

98

October

$

569,000 $

569,000 $

569,000

1

85

November

$

581,250 $

462,500 $

700,000

2

469

December

$

750,000 $

750,000 $

750,000

2

283

January

$

-

-

0

0

February

$

425,000 $

425,000 $

425,000

1

519

March

$

339,000 $

339,000 $

339,000

1

29

April

$

-

-

0

0

MAY 2020

$

562,000 $

1

119

$

$

562,000 $

-

562,000

Whitehawk, Grizzly, Gold Mountain

$800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $-

M

$

-

AY

$

20 19 Ju ne Ju l Au y gu Se st pt em b Oc e r to be No r ve m be De r ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

$

-

535,000

$300,000

MAY 2019

$

535,000 $

$400,000

M

535,000 $

-

LOYALTON MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND

Ap ri l

305,000 $

$

20 20

$

July

AY

June

M

51

Ap ri l

2

20 20

298,000

AY

236,000 $

l Au y gu st b Oc e r to be No r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

267,000 $

te m

$

Se p

MAY 2019

ne

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

Ju

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

20 19

HIGHEST SALE

Ju

LOWEST SALE

AY

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

M

LOYALTON

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

MAY 2019

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

June

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

July

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

August

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

September

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

$600,000

October

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

$400,000

November

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

December

$

685,000 $

1

142

January

$

-

0

0

February

$

325,000 $

325,000 $

325,000

1

198

March

$

550,000 $

550,000 $

550,000

1

261

April

$

-

-

MAY 2020

$

479,000 $

20 20

Ap ri l

AY

20 19

M

-

l Au y gu st b Oc e r to be No r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

$

$-

Se p

-

$200,000

AY

$

685,000

$800,000

M

685,000 $

BECKWOURTH MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND

te m

HIGHEST SALE

ne

LOWEST SALE

Ju

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

Ju

BECKWOURTH

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

October

$

370,000 $

370,000 $

370,000

1

122

November

$

350,000 $

350,000 $

350,000

1

67

December

$

215,000 $

215,000 $

215,000

1

43

January

$

229,000 $

229,000 $

229,000

1

50

February

$

-

-

March

$

180,000 $

180,000 $

April

$

-

$

-

$

MAY 2020

$

-

$

-

$

$400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $-

LOWEST SALE

Se p

0

0

1

211

-

0

0

-

0

0

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

180,000

HIGHEST SALE

M

-

MAY 2019

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

June

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

July

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

August

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

$600,000

September

$

200,000 $

200,000 $

200,000

1

54

$400,000

October

$

439,000 $

439,000 $

439,000

1

193

$200,000

November

$

-

-

0

0

December

$

549,000 $

549,000 $

1

243

January

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

February

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

March

$

-

$

-

$

-

0

0

April

$

445,850 $

291,700 $

600,000

2

331

MAY 2020

$

345,000 $

345,000 $

345,000

1

274

$-

M

Se p

549,000

20 19

-

AY

$

M

$

CLIO MEDIAN SALES PRICE TREND

ne

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

$

Ju

CLIO

$

20 20

$

September

20 20

August

CHILCOOT MEDIAN SALES PRICE

Ap ri l

67

AY

1

Ap ri l

370,000

AY

370,000 $

b Oc e r to be r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

370,000 $

No

$

b Oc e r to be r ve m De ber ce m be r Ja nu ar y Fe br ua ry M ar ch

July

No

112

us t

1

Au g

400,000

te m

0

400,000 $

us t

0

400,000 $

Au g

-

$

te m

$

June

ly

MAY 2019

ne

-

AVG. DAYS ON MARKET

Ju

$

RESIDENTIAL SOLD

ly

-

223

M

$

HIGHEST SALE

0

1

Ju

LOWEST SALE

479,000

0

Ju

479,000 $

-

20 19

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

$

AY

CHILCOOT

$

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Guild Mortgage Corner Is 20% Needed For a Down Payment to Purchase a Home?

If you’re in the market for a home you’ve likely heard that you need to save twenty percent for a down payment before you can buy. While there are advantages to a larger down payment, it’s a myth that twenty percent is a requirement. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of putting twenty percent down, as well as smart saving strategies from industry experts.

Pros of a larger down payment • Lower monthly payments. One of the most significant advantages of a larger down payment is that you’ll start out with a smaller loan balance, which can contribute to making your monthly payments lower • No private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you buy a house with 20% down or more, you will likely avoid monthly PMI, which can add to your monthly housing costs.

• Better interest rates. Since a larger down payment reduces risk, you might qualify for a lower interest rate.

Cons of putting twenty percent or more down § More time spent waiting to buy. Is your goal to buy a home in the next few years but your biggest obstacle is a large down payment? When you weigh the costs of buying over renting, it may be financially advantageous to buy now instead of waiting until you’ve saved more for an up-front payment. § You might be left with no financial cushion. Another disadvantage of a more substantial down payment is the potential of depleting your emergency savings fund. § No cash on hand for maintenance. All homes require some level of ongoing upkeep. The larger the down payment, the fewer resources you may have available for inevitable repairs or maintenance.

How to save for a down payment ü Contact The Rice Team to figure out how how much of a mortgage you can qualify for and how much you’ll need to save. ü Open a new savings account that’s only for your down payment and sign up for an automatic savings plan. ü Trim those quiet, unnecessary expenses. Cost-cutting measures could include cutting your gym membership, packing your lunch, and adjusting your thermostat. ü We believe that the best way to save is to have a plan and stick to it. Set up a budget, so you’re in control, not your money.

Regardless of the size of your down payment, it’s essential that you choose a loan that is best tailored to your needs.

If you have any questions regarding loan limits, refinancing or purchasing a home, please feel free to reach out to The Rice Team.

11050 Pioneer Trail Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161 Phone: (530) 582-9991 Fax: (530) 582-9995.

Web:wwwTheRiceTeam.com

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Outdoor Recreation There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of Plumas County than by exploring it first-hand and on foot. Whether you take a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, you'll experience the magnificence of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges along an extensive system of hiking trails. Here's a look at some of the most accessible ones: Dogs are welcome (leash preferred) on all National Forest hiking trails. Within Plumas-Eureka State Park, dogs are only allowed on the Grass Lake trail, and dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park, although they are welcome in the parking lots, roads and road shoulders, campgrounds and picnic areas.

About 80 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) stretch across Plumas County, with elevations ranging from 2,400 to 7,000 feet. This famous west coast trail, open to foot and horseback traffic only, encompasses a total of 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. The Plumas County section can be accessed six miles west of Chester, at Belden in the Feather River Canyon, at Bucks Summit on Bucks Lake Road, off Big Creek Road near Bucks Lake, along the Quincy/La Porte Road, and in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. The communities of Chester and Quincy both welcome PCT hikers. Due to changes in the trail each year, the exact half-way point varies slightly, but is near Highway 36 just west of Chester.

The Almanor Basin offers a myriad of hiking opportunities, including the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail that follows the west shore of the lake. The Almanor area also is close to some magnificent hikes within Lassen Volcanic National Park and the nearby Caribou Wilderness Area.

Collins Pines Lumber Company has a short walk off the PCT on the north side of Highway 36 called Park 40 which offers a self-guided interpretive trail.

The Feather River Canyon affords hikers the opportunity to hike near one of the most beautiful waterways in the state, as well as to marvel at many of man's engineering feats.

In the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, one trail follows the lake while another takes hikers to remote mountain lakes higher up.

The Indian Valley area has self-guided nature walks pleasant for families and seniors, including the Round Valley Lake Nature Walk near Greenville and the short hike to spectacular Indian Falls. Indian Falls is about nine miles south of Greenville on Highway 89. It is worth a quick stop to walk to the fall. See why this was a special place for the Maidu Indians. Intermediate hiking trails are located off the road to Antelope Lake, including a trail between Antelope and Taylor Lakes. And be sure to check out the trails around the beautiful Heart K Ranch in Genesee Valley.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. The Lakes Basin Recreation Area in the southeastern part of the county near Graeagle has hundreds of great hiking trails, including a loop trail that leads past nine mountain lakes.

Ambitious hikers can climb to the top of the Sierra Buttes, Mt. Elwell or Eureka Peak, while others may prefer a less strenuous stroll to Madora Lake, located within Plumas Eureka State Park. Click on the map for full-size version.

The Lake Davis Recreation Area, north of Portola has a 5.1 mile hiking trail along the east shore of the lake that accesses the campgrounds, and another four miles was added last year.

Before you set out, click on the image to the right to download a copy of the Plumas County Hiking Guide, which offers more detail on the most popular hikes, including the trail length, difficulty and approximate hiking times. The guide is also available at local visitor information centers Two locally-authored guidebooks on area hiking trails also are available for sale at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy and several other locations throughout the county.

For detailed information and maps on all of the available trails in the area, call the Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050 or the Lassen National Forest (530) 258-2141. If you're going on one of the more remote trails, it's best to bring along a compass and a forest service map. For topo maps and further information on specific hikes in Plumas County check out wildernet.com. For information about trail restoration contact Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

…and I think to myself, what a wonderful world!

Beautiful photos courtesy The Sierra Booster Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

JULY 2020 SUN

MON 29

TUES 30

WED 31

THUR 01

FRI 02

SAT 03

04

Independence Day

06

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

38th Annual Agony Ride 26

In general, larkspurs denote love, affection, and ardent attachment. While pink larkspurs represent fickleness, white ones denote happiness, and purple flowers mean first love. These flowers symbolize levity, lightness, pure heart, sweet disposition, desire for laughter

27

28

29

30

38th Annual Agony Ride

31

01

07

08

International Day of Friendship

02

03

04

05

06

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places particular emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

On July 30, we step back and get thankful for those relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace, happiness, and unity. The UN encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate those friendships that we keep close to us. Many events focus on reconciliation, bridging understanding and consensus, and finding comfort in those that feel like home.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE JULY 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

2020 AGONY RIDE - IT'S HAPPENING! 5/6/2020 Around the world, Covid-19 is highlighting fragility and need in society, and not just with medical and economic systems. Social disruption, family chaos, and emotional fallout are evident too, and underneath all lies a gaping spiritual need. For 50 years, Christian Encounter Ranch has been devoted to addressing these very issues. You can help us do this by signing up for the Agony Ride today.

Despite the unknowns of the coming months, we will still be hosting the 38th annual Agony Ride at the end of July. We plan to ride in the Sierra Valley as usual. If gatherings that size are prohibited, we have contingency plans, such as subdividing into smaller groups. Even if tight restrictions are in place, you can still participate: our team of tech volunteers is creating a whole set of fantastic new tools that allow a virtual option. On July 24-25, you can ride wherever you are, anywhere in the world.

Due to quarantining, this year we're more aware of our hunger for caring and authentic community than normal. The camaraderie of the Agony and the demonstration of Christ's sacrificial love that takes place in that valley cannot be replaced. If our gathering is limited, there will be loss.

But the virtual option will result in new joys and opportunities. It allows people unable to travel to participate--maybe for the first time. It creates new opportunities to recruit friends in other locations.

It gives people with tight work schedules the ability to ride too. The Agony will still happen, life-saving money will still be raised, and you can be part of it.

The purpose for the ride stays exactly the same: overcoming the cycles of brokenness, one story at a time. If anything, the lapse in societal structure makes the Ranch program for struggling youth more strategic and necessary than ever, and the economic downturn puts our scholarship fund squarely in the spotlight. We are so grateful for our Agony riders, who allow us to give scholarships to 100% of the young people who come to us for healing and a fresh start.

Sign up today to be part of a worthy cause: saving lives and giving hope. In the meantime, build your immune system and strengthen your lungs by going on a bicycle ride today!

For more details, check out the FAQs on AgonyRide.org. We will keep you posted as restrictions change and plans in line with state and local guidance develop.

Your partner in this good work, Nate Boyd Executive Director Christian Encounter Ministries Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700