California: Just have to leave it behind

The CoeurVoice issue of Jan. 16-20 contained an article authored by the above addressee — "Dear Californians (Moving to Coeur d’Alene)" and prompted this reply.

The increasing number of people fleeing "The People’s Republik of Kalifornia" is long-noted by me … a former "Kalifornian" myself. I am not against this increase of new people seeking to find a better life here in North Idaho, but must offer a caution which the article doesn’t contain.

By way of example: When I relocated, I realized that development would see formerly open land being occupied. Houses/homes need space to locate. OK, but some of the people who come here seem to not understand the conservative attitude I found (and adopted — wholeheartedly some 20 years ago this coming July), and feel the need to offer my view (and I think that of many "locals") to this situation. The following summarizes how I feel and want to say to them.

I bought a 5-acre parcel in Hidden Valley (west of Rathdrum) and began to settle down. I had a tractor with a problem and didn't know who I could find to help me solve it. A neighbor gave me a name of a local resident who could and I contacted him. He came over and helped by fixing things. I was very impressed by his willingness to help someone — especially a complete stranger. I took this as a sign of a friendly community — which I wanted to find by leaving the place where I was born and lived for nearly 68 years.

We began a conversation and I told him of my recent arrival and hoped I could "fit in" to the local community. He said: "Do you know how to do that up here?" I answered: "No, how may I do that?" He replied: "If you really want to be welcomed — Leave California the H– down there!"

I immediately replied: "Reverend, you're preaching to the choir!" We got along famously from then on.

I'd like this impressed on all the residents and those who might want to move here.

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Milton D. Nelson is a Rathdrum resident.