JONATHAN KIRSHNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Stories: Northern Neighbors

From affluent subdivisions to the working poor in apartment complexes, a common thread ties the residents of the Redding, Calif., area. The neighborhoods reflect the pride many take in their homes, the importance given to family life, and a sense of community goodwill.

From affluent subdivisions to the working poor in apartment complexes, a common thread ties the residents of the Redding, Calif., area. The neighborhoods reflect the pride many take in their homes, the importance given to family life, and a sense of community goodwill. Nichole Potterton, 4, trails Mr. Tibbs, the cat, throught her grandmother's Creekside Drive front yard.
   
Jesse Stowell, 89, looks over an old photo of Anderson. Sunlight illuminates a spot in the photograph where Stowell and his wife, Genevieve, 87, sit in the back yard of their Howard Street home.
   
The Dodd family residence plays host to a birthday party and social gathering.
     
  
Frances and Harry Bleile, both 78, have been growing pumpkins in their backyard since 1977. "We try to grow some nice big ones for the grandchildren," Harry Bleile said.
   
Tyler Thomas, 5, gets a kiss goodbye from his mother, Niki Thomas, before boarding the bus to school.
   
Jose Villaruel, 14, a freshman at Anderson High School, waits for a command from his teacher during band practice.
     
  
Neighbors get together for a Friday night party at John and Donna Pratt's house along the 10th fairway after a round of golf. "If you can't make a friend after living in Gold Hills, then there is something definately wrong with you," said neighbor Tom Christo.
   
  
Jeff Mitchell, a 15-year employee of Sierra Pacific Industries, helps carry a 32-foot bandsaw. With about 130 employees at its mill, Sierra Pacific is one of the city's biggest employers.
     
  
   
For 33 years, Mary Ann and Richard Barreau have served up coffee, food and conversation at the Snack Shack.
   
Residents of the Wright Residential Care Facility rest after breakfast in the home's sun-warmed living room.
     
  
A sunny Sunday brings out residents of Sunset Drive, the first street in the 55-year-old subdivision. In it's earlier years residents referred to the development as Snob Hill, Sawdust Row or Pill Hill, in reference to the various professionals who resided there.
   
Kirsten Perkins, 9, is the center of attention as she receives an ice cream pop from her neighbor Brenda Calhoon, left, and her mom, Claudia Perkins, in the Westwood Village Apartments.