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.
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“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