THE
Ridge
Business Journal
Your resource for what ’s happening on the Ridge!
Connecting the Ridge Business Community
www.paradisechamber.com
A Section - RBJ13 - Winter 2024
Alert! Local vacant land property scams URGENT: Rising Vacant Land Property Scams – Protect Yourself from Fraud! By Aubrey Pruis Association Executive/CEO, Paradise Association of Realtors
T
here is a growing Vacant Land Property Scam that is now affecting property owners in our community, particularly those who own vacant land or recently inherited property. Scammers impersonate legitimate owners, putting both sellers and buyers at risk. These fraudsters are targeting properties that are unencumbered, or that recently had a name change on the title, often linked to heirs inheriting property. It’s crucial to be aware of the
warning signs and take steps to protect yourself.
How the scam works: Scammers use publicly available property records to identify vacant landowners and homeowners alike, focusing on those who have recently inherited land. They then impersonate the owner listed on the title and try to sell the property without the actual owner’s knowledge. Fraudsters typically forge documents, falsify identification, and push for quick, under-the-radar sales, causing unsuspecting buyers and real landowners to lose money and face legal complications.
Red Flags to watch For: 1. Unsolicited Offers: If you or your family has recently inherited a property, be cautious if you receive unexpected offers to buy or inquiries about selling. Scammers are specifically targeting properties with recent ownership changes. 2. Pressure for a Quick Sale: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act fast to avoid missing out on a deal. Be wary of anyone pushing for an immediate sale or asking to bypass standard procedures
SCAM, continues on page A-20
Lighted Truck Parade — a Ridge tradition not to be missed, featuring local businesses with their trucks all dressed up for the holidays.
Truck Parade of Lights and Canned Food Drive
TOP reports progress on eliminating two rebuilding barriers
By M.A. “Shell” Morley Office Manager, DADCO Construction
By Ron Lassonde Mayor, Town of Paradise
DADCO Construction is once again proud to host the much-loved annual Lighted Truck Parade on Saturday, December 7. This festive tradition brings the community together for a dazzling display of holiday spirit, with trucks adorned in lights parading up and down the Skyway. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m., departing from Thomas Ace Hardware and traveling down Pearson Road to Skyway heading north to the Paradise Shopping Center. Spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy the parade twice as the trucks make their way back to Thomas Ace Hardware, along the same route. For everyone’s safety, parade watchers are encouraged to watch from designated areas along the parade route. Before and after the parade, families can enjoy the many holiday festivities at Terry Ashe Park. Enjoy a night of lights, laughter, and community spirit! Truck contestants are invited to stage their decorated vehicle at Ace Hardware starting at 4:30 p.m. Judging begins at 5:00 p.m. with trophies awarded before the parade starts- listen for the bullhorn calling drivers. The entrance fee for parade vehicles is non-perishable food, benefiting local families for the holidays.
The Town of Paradise (TOP) continues to take significant strides to enhance fire resilience through two critical paths: the Category 4 Tree Removal Program and an improved weed abatement process.
FEMA approves private property tree removal funding After a four-year delay, the Category 4 (Private Property) Tree Removal Program has finally been approved for funding by FEMA. This program, which focuses on removing hazardous trees from private properties enrolled since 2022, is a crucial step in reducing fire hazards and removing barriers to rebuilding. Over 500 properties are enrolled in the program, with about 10,000 trees marked for removal. Property owners who enrolled in the program will be contacted soon to begin the next steps for tree removal which will begin within the next two months, following site specific environmental review.
Weed abatement at 92% compliance In parallel, the Town has made considerable advancements in its weed abatement efforts. This year,
the Town’s fire prevention team has been bolstered by three new FEMA grant-funded fire prevention staff members, significantly improving compliance with defensible space regulations. As a result, the Town has achieved a 92% compliance rate—the highest in the last three years. This improvement is due in part to increased community outreach, allowing the fire prevention team to visit properties and directly discuss defensible space requirements with residents. Recognizing the challenges posed by non-compliant property owners, the Paradise Town Council has taken a proactive approach to streamline the weed abatement process. The Council prioritized addressing properties adjacent to standing homes, which not only present fire hazards but also affect the insurability of nearby homes. As a result, 396 priority properties with overgrown vegetation have been identified and declared a public nuisance. The new abatement process allows the Town to address non-compliant properties more quickly, often within a few months—a significant improvement over previous years. This swift action is vital for reducing fire risk and ensuring that Paradise continues its recovery journey with enhanced safety and resilience. Together, the Category 4 Tree Removal Program and enhanced weed abatement efforts represent vital components in the Town’s ongoing commitment to building a safer, more resilient future.
The Nutcracker, a classic holiday ballet performs By Trudi Angel Founder/Northern California Ballet A timeless holiday classic, based on a fantastical story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Northern California Ballet’s timeless rendition of The Nutcracker is returning to the Ridge this year at the Paradise Performing Arts Center. Audiences are invited to share the magic this holiday season! Whether you’re seeing it again or for the first time, the Nutcracker will capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. Follow Clara as she embarks on a journey filled with colorful characters, breathtaking costumes, and majestic scenery. From the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. On Sunday, December 15, there will be a Change of Directorship Gala with a light buffet in the lobby
NCB, continues on page A-15
PARADE, continues on page A-6
PHS needs your vote to win a multi-million-dollar prize! By Sheila Craft Executive Assistant to Superintendent, Tom Taylor
Photo by Amber Thompson Photography The Nutcracker 2023 dancers, Elizabeth Anzelone and Joshua Webb as Snow Queen and King.
Paradise High School (PHS) is a finalist among 15 schools competing for a multi-million-dollar prize! Currently holding first place, they need community support to secure the win. T-Mobile launched the Friday Night 5G Lights Competition, selecting PHS from over 1,700 entries nationwide based on need and potential impact. The 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire and the world’s most expensive natural disaster, claimed 85 lives and displaced countless families. Paradise High’s football team, leading the season before the fire, had to end their season. A year later, the team rallied for an unforgettable victory, bringing hundreds of community members, families, and students back home to witness resilience, strength, and pride at its best. Paradise High remains a
PRIZE, continues on page A-15