The population of Paradise before the fire was around 26,000. Fewer than 4,000 homes have been rebuilt since the fire. Only roughly 450 businesses have come back to Paradise. Before November of 2018 there were over 12,000 homes and 1,500 businesses.

On the night of the fire Pastor Doug, in Magalia, held his phone out the back of the church and took a picture of the approaching flames. Several people from the church tried to evacuate hours before but the traffic backed up to nearly a standstill. Retreating back to the safety of the church they awaited the next morning. I have spoken to Doug many times about that night and I have no words to explain it to you and honestly neither does Doug.

Millions and millions of dollars were poured into the effort of fighting the fire and dealing with the aftermath. It can be said that arguably it is one of the most costly manmade disasters in the world.

While the fire was unfolding in our backyard it was apparent that there were needs to be met. So I write this email to all of you who backstopped High-Hand in our collective effort to make a difference. For me, the one thing that remains above all, is how powerful all of you were during this time. You selflessly gave, volunteered, supported, and time after time, again and again you rose to the occasion.

We asked for blankets and sleeping bags, you provided.

We asked for milk that was going to be distributed to the different non profits in Chico that housed fire victims, you provided.

We needed refrigeration to store food and open up a kitchen to feed the masses. Jim from Produce Express provided a non-operational refrigerated truck and towed it up for Pastor Doug.

Next came a food hall

Tony from Celebrations provided a tent and the warmth of heaters so that home cooked meals could be provided.

We met so many incredible people

A military veteran named Joe

Luke and Colton

And then there was Rene

Your donations provided semi truckloads of hay to Cowboy 911 to feed the animals still alive on the mountain.

You filled this barn up in Oroville, time after time for distribution.

You created a hay and pet food distribution point at Pastor Doug’s church, outside the same door Doug took the picture on that horrifying night. I can assure you your efforts went straight to the heart of the problem.

Cars were purchased

Cars were repaired

Cars were donated

Your kindness allowed us to meet the needs right were people were at.

The Gentleman Behind the Curtain

There was another tragedy unfolding behind all those who lost their lives and were displaced from the fire. My daughter and I identified him as the man behind the curtain. We got to know him. He was offered everything and took nothing. Every time I saw him, I carried my tomato bag. My tomato bag never left my side, I carried it everywhere. The bag held countless gift cards and all the things I needed to hand out to solve different types of needs. I carried it in and out of my truck, from my truck into my house. When at work, I carried it from office to office and place to place. That bag is where I kept your donations, your kindness, and your love. That is what we handed out together.

This gentleman was offered numerous times items from that bag. He never took a single thing. My daughter and I got to know him and we sat with him and talk one day. He evacuated the fire to the shelter. He said that he was trying to get a hold to his medical provider so he could try and schedule a procedure he needed for his heart. He never asked for money or a single tangible item. The only thing he asked for was for a cell phone to make some phone calls to get back on track for his procedure. That is the one item that you were able to provide him. Perhaps out of all the people I met and all the people that you helped, this man made the biggest impact on me. Sadly and unfortunately he was a victim of collateral damage. I am told that he passed away having not been able to connect up for his procedure. I pray and hope that information is wrong. The sad part about the fire is not just about the victims, but the many people who atrophied in the days after the fire. Will you please take a moment to listen to the man behind the curtain.

Miracles Beyond Tragedy

Natures amazing response

I wish you could have witnessed this family’s new beginnings.

It was hard to say goodbye to new found friends at the airport.

I wish you could have met Alysa.

Your kindness provided funds to build 10 tiny homes. This amazing woman took this project on at an abandoned car lot in Oroville.

Welcome Home Luke and Colton

A Powerful Image

Five years later this image has a huge impact on me. My daughter Tara was with me as we came across it on the way up the hill to deliver supplies. We stayed at this home site for almost an hour. The stocking was hung and in an eerie way it struck a cord of peacefulness. We walked around gently in the ashes. You could almost see the life that lived here. It was completely humbling to stand there.

In the coming days do me a favor. As we head into the holiday season think about the people around you. Hug somebody. Care for somebody. Smile at a stranger. Reach out and do something. Make a difference. Put others above yourself. Simply care. Ask yourself a question, do you really need it or does somebody else need it more? Ask yourself a question, what would Love do now?

Your support, love, kindness, and compassion that you showed during the Paradise fire made an impact on more people than you will ever know. We at High-Hand can not thank you enough for being our backstop and going on this journey with us.

With heartwarming gratitude,

Scott

I think it is easier to build a dream than to live it. I don’t know your take on that but thats mine. For the last 20 years we have been doing just that, building a dream. The events of the last few years have not stopped us from the journey.

Let me get you caught up. I am not going to come pick up poop in your yard and you certainly don’t want me organizing your pantry. I would just eat the candy you forgot you had. Here’s what has been going on at High-Hand for the last 30 months.

The Cafe

We toyed around with opening up for dinners, as in the past. But then a lightbulb went on. More about that later. So, as always, the cafe is serving great ingredients prepared well and served with a smile. Click here to join us for weekday lunch and weekend brunch.

The Nursery

The nursery is home to some of the most unique Japanese Maples, plants, and flowers grown in our own green houses. Waiting for a table at the cafe? Take a walk through the greenhouse and just breathe.

The Sheds

Don’t stop at the nursery, our 110 year old fruit packing shed is rich with history and truly a unique experience.

The Olive Oil and my Amazing Mother

Stop by and say hello to Connie. Taste the best olive oil and balsamic’s in the region. Connie loves her job. If you can’t make it in to meet Connie, she will box it up and mail it off to you. Order here.

The Art Gallery

Take a moment to step inside a world of amazing creativity. The Art Gallery is host to over 40+ local artists. Take some time, relax, and walk around. Introduce yourself to Allie.

Leo Eleven Designs

Next to The Art Gallery, say hello to Kelly. Creative handcrafted jewelry. Ask Kelly to the create something special for you.

High-Hand Mercantile

We travel all over trying to find unique gifts. The mercantile is an example of building a dream. Stop in and create your own handcrafted bath salts. Next time you’re looking for that unique gift, stop in and say hello to Tracy. Introduce yourself. She would love to meet you.

Berco Redwood

Since 1987 Berco Redwood has been one of the regions premier family owned businesses. If you ever get the chance to meet Tim, just start talking about wood. His passion about redwood makes him light up like a kid. We are excited to offer their unique redwood products, yes things are still made with wood thanks to Berco.

The Truck

Our original fruit truck is now a stage for Curbside Concerts. We were sitting outside one afternoon and thought to ourselves “this is a great place to sit on a summer evening.” Join us this Thursday May 25th as we kick off our Curbside Concerts on The Truck. Join Nathan North from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, great fun! Nathan North Music

The Stage

Live entertainment comes to High-Hand! Check our entertainment calendar at Highhand.com for all our upcoming shows. Join Dennis Johnson this Saturday May 27th 6:00 to 9:00pm live on High-Hand Stage. This concert is free. The Stage will be hosting live music every weekend. Enjoy light bites and great beer while listening to good music. Click here to see the slide guitar master’s website.

The Brewery

The brewery was our lightbulb moment, you could say. For the last 30 months we have been adding to our dream, live entertainment, connected to a great space to relax and enjoy friends. The brewery offers 12 unique beers and delicious handcrafted cocktails. Did I mention great food? Check us out, we would be thrilled to have you. Open for dinner and drinks 3:00 to 9:00pm Wednesday through Saturday and 3:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday.

The Cat

Don’t worry about Petunia, she is living comfortably in her new Tillandsia home. If you want to buy an air plant you will have to go through her.

Maple Rock

They say that the measure of a garden is in the degree for which it haunts you after you have left it. While we haven’t opened up Maple Rock since 2019. The gardens are doing wonderful. We hope to open the gardens back up next year for our Mother’s Day weekend event.

Lets recap

• The cafe great food prepared well
  Walk the greenhouse and the nursery and breathe.
• My mom is doing great, visit the olive oil store and say hello.
• While you’re at it don’t forget to say hello to Petunia, Allie, Tracy, and Kelly.
• Stop by Berco and get introduced to the world of redwood.
• This Thursday May 25th, come kick off Curbside Concerts with Nathan North, so much fun.
• Dennis Johnson takes The Stage this Saturday May 27th 6:00 to 9:00pm. Come check out the new sound system. Great beer and free music.
• And finally don’t forget to step into the brewery, we know you’ll enjoy it.

We finally made it. We have taken a journey through the cafe and the nursery. We have visited all of the shops in the shed. We have met Connie, Allie, Tracy, Kelly, Tim, and checked in on the cat. I say its time for a beer.

I realize its been awhile since you have heard from us. We are excited for you to come and experience the changes at High-Hand for yourself.

See you at High-Hand,

-Scott

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS?

For the last 11 months we have been busy. High-Hand Nursery is still “nursery-ing.” Nursery-ing may not be a word but as far as I am concerned it is and yes we are still growing plants.

The cafe is still “cafe-ing” and serving great fresh food.

Which brings us to the fruit sheds. The flower market is beautiful as always and the shed is full of pottery.

The art gallery, featuring the best local artists is amazing.

My mother, who I have tried to fire several times, only because I feel she should finally retire for the third time, refuses to leave the olive oil store. Sue and mom continue to pour the best aged balsamic’s and single varietal olive oils that the world has to offer.

Adjacent to the art gallery is Kelly at Leo Eleven Designs, handcrafted and unique jewelry. I am not trying to put Kelly on the spot, but if you want something custom stop by and see her.

At the far end of the shed is Magic Sun Solar. Back in the day it was Brandon and his team that installed solar on the roof of High-Hand. It was not an easy project retrofitting a 110 year old building to bring it into the modern age. They executed flawlessly. Ten years later it is working just as well as the first day we flipped the switch.

We are thrilled to have in the sheds one of Sacramento’s premier family owned businesses, Berco Redwood & Berry Lumber. Visit their design center, they are an amazing lumber company with amazing people.

After 11 months of silence the big announcement.
Join us Saturday October 15th for the
Grand Opening Celebration of the
Mercantile at High-Hand
5:00pm-8:00pm

One Last Thing

“ish.” Personally I think it’s a word. The word “ish” gives me a little space, an excuse to be delayed or held-up. To be honest the brewery has not necessarily been held up by construction delays or suppliers as the rest of the world has.

In the context of the word “ish,” as it relates to the brewery, it equates to passion. Passion has held us up. The same passion we put into great ingredients prepared well in the cafe, our olive oil and balsamic, and the plants that we grow at High-Hand, is the same passion that is building High-Hand Brewing Company. It is passion that has delayed the brewery, not settling for mediocrity. It is passion that drives the family of shops and businesses at High-Hand.

Join us Saturday October 15th, 5:00-8:00pm in the High-Hand fruit sheds for the grand opening of the Mercantile at High-Hand.

Enjoy 10 percent off at High-Hand Flower Market and on all pottery. Meet the artists at High-Hand Art Gallery, my mom and Sue, and Kelly too.

Come experience the passion at High-Hand.

See you at High-Hand,

Scott

This time of year, when it comes to my yard, the only good thing that comes from all the leaves and mess is the satisfaction of being done with a chore. We can’t control mother nature and her sense of humor, the redepositing leaves after a satisfactory conquest. It is bad enough that mother nature causes messes but at High-Hand we create our own too.

CELEBRATING THE 28TH PLACER ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR THIS WEEKEND AT HIGH-HAND ART GALLERY

While it is always a great time to visit the art gallery, this weekend is special. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — November 12th, 13th, and 14th, is a great time to check out the art gallery.

• Friday, Greg Perkins will be playing guitar from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
• Saturday, visit High-Hand Nursery for Art in the Garden. Greg will be playing if you missed him on Friday. come check him out on Saturday.
• Sunday, 12:00pm to 2:00pm join us for a free concert. Auburn Symphony Woodwind Quartet from 12:00-2:00. Greg Perkins from 2:30 to 4:30pm.

While Mother nature plays her games outside, did you know that High-Hand now has fresh flowers for the inside!

Would you like a fresh bouquet delivered to your table while dining at the High-Hand Cafe? You can do that. While making a reservation, a fresh bouquet can be purchased. How fun is that?

Brace yourself (it’s a real bummer)! We have made a collective decision to not host our annual tree lighting this year. The decision to not do the tree lighting and Christmas dinners was a hard one. The consensus was that due to limited staffing, we could not bring the tree lighting to you in a way that we could be proud of. We look forward to next year and all things normal.

With all the remodeling — our new brewery, the flower market, we could not forget about Petunia’s kitchen and master bedroom.

With new counter tops, dishware, and a handbag mattress Petunia is thrilled.

We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend at High-Hand.

-Scott

PS. Love the rain.